Patents Issued in April 16, 2024
  • Patent number: 11958133
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a method includes selecting a cemented carbide substrate from a plurality of cemented carbide substrates in a substrate inventory. Each of the plurality of cemented carbide substrates have a substantially planar top surface. The method also includes emitting a plurality of laser pulses from a laser towards at least the substantially planar top surface of the cemented carbide substrate to ablate selected regions of the cemented carbide substrate thereby forming the cemented carbide substrate into a selected shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Douglas Jones, Benjamin Michael Spencer, Brent Richard Eddy, Mark Pehrson Chapman
  • Patent number: 11958134
    Abstract: A laser system for creating patterns on clothing includes a laser source; a phased array acousto-optic deflector (AOD) configured to control the direction and intensity of the laser beam; a computer comprising software for reading input files containing pattern designs and controlling the AOD to direct the laser beam according to the pattern designs; a fabric preparation station for washing and preparing fabric before laser treatment; a post-laser wash station for removing debris from the fabric after laser treatment; and a clothing finishing station for applying finishing touches to the fabric. The AOD includes an optical element having a surface with one or more steps formed thereon; a conductive layer formed on the surface with the steps; one or more crystals secured to each step; and electrodes positioned on each surface of each crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: IntraAction Inc.
    Inventors: Khanh Le, John Lekavich, Bao Tran
  • Patent number: 11958135
    Abstract: A machining condition adjustment device adjusts laser beam machining conditions for a laser beam machining device to carry out laser beam machining of a workpiece, produces each of state variables including machining condition data, workpiece data, and plasma generation amount data and determination data including plasma generation amount determination data, and learns adjustment action for the laser beam machining conditions with respect to an amount of plasma generated in the laser beam machining of the workpiece under prescribed laser beam machining conditions, with use of the produced state variables and the produced determination data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Izumi
  • Patent number: 11958136
    Abstract: A metal assembled body including a first member formed by forging a metal material, the first member including a peripheral wall portion in which a metal flow is formed along an axial direction and an extending portion extending from the peripheral wall portion and having an opening, the peripheral wall portion and the extending portion being formed integrally, and a closing member welded to a welding surface on the extending portion to close the opening, before the closing member is welded, the extending portion being formed to expose an end portion of the metal flow at the welding surface, and a welding position of the closing member on the welding surface being set to make a width of a first region larger than a width of a region excluding the first region, the first region being a region divided by a welding site, where arrival of a gas is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akifumi Noda
  • Patent number: 11958137
    Abstract: Due to geometric discontinuities introduced by welding and joining processes, stresses or strain cannot be calculated reliably calculated using modern analytical and computer methods as result of stress or strain singularity at joint locations, which leads to severe mesh sensitivity. Design and fatigue evaluation of these structures remain empirical. This disclosure addresses mesh insensitivity of stress/strain calculations for welded structures through a cut-plane traction stress method through a novel post processing of conventional finite element computation results, as well as provides a unified fatigue evaluation procedure for fatigue design and structural life evaluation for both low-cycle and high cycle fatigue regime subjected to either proportional or non-proportional multiaxial fatigue loading, as well as a simple and reliable method for treating spot welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Pingsha Dong, Xianjun Pei, Jifa Mei
  • Patent number: 11958138
    Abstract: A joint method includes a groove formation step of removing part of a first projection and part of the second projection to form a groove region between the first projection and the second projection, a first welding step of joining a first member and a second member to each other by butt welding, and a second welding step of filling the groove region by buildup welding. The groove formation step forms a first inclined surface in the first projection facing the groove region to be gradually distant from a joint position joined with the second projection so as to be closer to an outer surface of the first projection, and forms a second inclined surface in the second projection facing the groove region to be gradually distant from the joint position joined with the first projection so as to be closer to an outer surface of the second projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Eriko Hato, Shoichi Nonomura, Naoyuki Matsumoto, Tetsurou Yamazaki, Tomohiro Sugino, Koutarou Inose
  • Patent number: 11958139
    Abstract: A flux-cored wire for gas shielded arc welding may contain, based on total mass of the wire: Fe: 78 mass % or more; TiO2: 4 mass % to 13 mass %; Mn: 1.0 mass % to 2.4 mass %; Cr: 1.0 mass % to 3.0 mass %; Mo: 0.2 mass % to 1.2 mass %; Si: 0.1 mass % to 0.8 mass %; Mg: 0.1 mass % to 1.0 mass %; fluoride (F conversion value): 0.05 mass % to 0.25 mass %; C: 0.01 mass % to 0.10 mass %; V: 0.003 mass % to 0.020 mass %; Nb: 0.003 mass % to 0.020 mass %; and B: less than 100 ppm (including 0 ppm). The contents of Mn, C, and V based on total mass of the wire may satisfy a relationship of 28×Mn/(390×C+2370×V)?0.82.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Muranishi
  • Patent number: 11958140
    Abstract: Aluminum welding alloys with improved welding performance are disclosed. The aluminum welding alloys include high loading levels of magnesium and one or more surface active elements and arc stabilizer elements. Methods of making and using the aluminum welding alloys are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: General Cable Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shenjia Zhang, Janusz Stanislaw Sekunda, Jean Bilodeau
  • Patent number: 11958141
    Abstract: Systems and methods to provide welding-type arc starting and stabilization with reduced open circuit voltage are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes: power conversion circuitry configured to convert input power to welding-type power; and control circuitry configured to: control the power conversion circuitry to output a voltage pulse at a first voltage; determine whether the power conversion circuitry outputs current during the voltage pulse; in response to determining that there is less than a threshold output current during the voltage pulse, control the power conversion circuitry to turn off an output or output a second voltage that is less than the first voltage; and in response to determining that the power conversion circuitry outputs at least the threshold output current during the voltage pulse, control the power conversion circuitry to output the welding-type power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Vogel, Michael D. Madsen
  • Patent number: 11958142
    Abstract: Systems and methods to control pulse welding are disclosed. An example welding-type system includes: power conversion circuitry configured to convert input power to welding-type power; and control circuitry configured to control the power conversion circuitry to output the welding-type power in a plurality of pulse cycles, each pulse cycle comprising a background phase, a ramp up phase, a peak phase, and a ramp down phase. Controlling the power conversion circuitry involves: during the ramp up phase of the pulse cycles, controlling the power conversion circuitry in a current-controlled mode and switching to controlling the power conversion circuitry in a voltage-controlled mode when a peak transition voltage is reached; and during the ramp down phase of the pulse cycles, controlling the power conversion circuitry in a current-controlled mode and switching to controlling the power conversion circuitry in a voltage-controlled mode when a background transition voltage is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Steven Knoener, Lucas Charles Johnson, Zach W. MacMullen, Charles Ace Tyler, Christine Dong
  • Patent number: 11958143
    Abstract: A welding control device includes an actual position determination part configured to determine an actual position of the position control target on the basis of a weld characteristic amount detected from a captured image captured so as to include at least the position control target, the welding characteristic amount including at least one of a wire position of the weld wire or an electrode position of the electrode; a target position determination part configured to determine a target position being a target of the actual position corresponding to a weld condition for welding the weld target; and a position control part configured to execute a position control of the position control target to bring the actual position to the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Hazui, Koki Tateishi, Naoki Suda, Kazuhiko Kamo, Masahiro Kimura, Yusuke Sano, Yasushi Nishijima
  • Patent number: 11958144
    Abstract: A self-adjusting wire feeder mounting assembly includes a mount fixedly connectable to a multi-axis robotic arm, and a slidable, floating adapter plate for mounting of a wire feeder thereon. The adapter plate is coupled with and slidable about the mount, and the adapter plate is moveable relative to the mount when a force is applied to the wire feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Ryan M. Lizotte, Lloyd J. Steed
  • Patent number: 11958145
    Abstract: A welding device for gas shielded arc welding includes: a portable welding robot mounted with a welding torch including a nozzle that guides jetting of shielding gas and a contact tip that performs energization on a consumable electrode; a feeding device that supplies the consumable electrode to the welding torch; a welding power source that supplies electric power to the consumable electrode via the contact tip; a gas supply source that supplies the shielding gas to be jetted from a nozzle end; and a control device that controls the portable welding robot. When the welding torch is seen from a side of jetting of the shielding gas, the contact tip is placed in an inside of an opening of the nozzle, the nozzle and the contact tip have a relatively movable structure, and an inner diameter of the nozzle end is within a range of 10-20 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignees: Kobe Steel, Ltd., KOBELCO ROBOTiX Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yashima, Masahiro Yokota, Shun Izutani, Hirofumi Kawasaki, Shinobu Toda
  • Patent number: 11958146
    Abstract: A stud for fastening an attachment element to an underlying surface is provided, having a shank that defines a fastening direction, having a sealing element for sealing off a contact zone between the shank and the underlying surface, and having a force transmission element for transmitting compressive forces from the attachment element to the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Popp, Simon Stahel, Klaus Bertsch
  • Patent number: 11958147
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a plate comprising channels in which the method includes a step of superposing the two strips, a step of welding the two strips along the weld seams, a step of blocking the zones between the weld seams on one side of the strips, a pressurization step with a compressed fluid, where the zones between the weld seams open out along another side, to expand the strips, and a step of opening the zones blocked during the blocking step. This manufacturing method enables the titanium strips to be welded together and shaped by pressurization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignees: AIRBUS SAS, AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Benoit Marguet, César Garnier, Pascal Saccona
  • Patent number: 11958148
    Abstract: The description relates to a joining head for fastening a fastening element by a die to the surface of a component with a gripper that can be linearly displaced in a first displacement direction RG and a magazine that can be linearly displaced in a second displacement direction RM. The magazine contains a plurality of fastening elements, with the first displacement direction RG running transversely to the second displacement direction RM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Eckold GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Klinge, Martin Schneider, Jens Borchers, Sebastian Hoppe
  • Patent number: 11958149
    Abstract: A fastening tool. In the fastening tool, a top part guiding matching portion engages a top part guiding portion in a sliding fit; a pressing part guiding matching portion engages a pressing part guiding portion in a sliding fit; a lever hinged to a base part; a transmission part engages a transmission part guiding slot in a sliding fit; the transmission part is driven to slide by the pressing part, and the lever is driven to rotate by the transmission part, then the top part is driven to slide out, due to a reaction force acting on the pressing part by the transmission part and the friction between the pressing part and the base part, the pressing part remains to be self-locked by friction, which can constrain the pressing part and the top part is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignees: AECC SHANGHAI COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT ENGINE MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., AECC COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT ENGINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yiting Hu, Wenxing Mu, Fei Pan, Yuqian Zhou
  • Patent number: 11958150
    Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged leading or trailing edge region of a metallic turbine blade, which has a suction-side blade wall, a pressure-side blade wall and a leading edge and a trailing edge, includes: removing the damaged leading or trailing edge region, with a cutout being formed; providing a replacement part which can be inserted in form-fitting fashion into the cutout and which restores the intended geometry of the turbine blade; inserting the replacement part in form-fitting fashion into the cutout in a predetermined insertion direction, and cohesively connecting the replacement part to the turbine blade, wherein mechanical connection of the replacement part and turbine blade using separate fastening elements is performed in addition to the cohesive connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Björn Anders, Reiner Anton, Constantin Garske, Kay Krabiell, Heiko Lammers, Ricardo Nilsson, Daniel Vöhringer, Jörg Ziege
  • Patent number: 11958151
    Abstract: A machine tool includes with a tool head frame, a tool head, and an axis unit fixed to the tool head frame which fixes the tool head in a predefinable position. A movement device for moving the tool head frame includes a machine frame and a multipod drive which has at least three drive elements. The movement device is arranged in the flux of force between the machine frame and the machine tool frame, and has at least two supporting elements which can be brought into a locked state. The multipod drive is mechanically overdetermined by the supporting elements and the drive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: PICUM MT GMBH
    Inventor: Dominik Brouwer
  • Patent number: 11958152
    Abstract: A safety system for a power miter saw comprises a support member, at least one multidirectional manipulator including a workpiece holder member moveably mounted to the support member for securing a workpiece in place, and a control box. The workpiece holder member includes a presence indicator operatively connected to the control box and configured to detect the physical presence of a saw operator's hand on the at least one multidirectional manipulator when the saw operator's hand engages the presence indicator. The control box is operatively connectable to a trigger switch of the power miter saw so that an electric motor of the power miter saw is activated only when both the presence indicator of the safety system and the trigger switch of the power miter saw are engaged by both hands of an operator of the power miter saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: MASONITE CORPORATION
    Inventors: James A. Stevens, Frank Wilhelm, Kohl L. Knopp, Robert Woods, Kurian A. Anthraper
  • Patent number: 11958153
    Abstract: In a method for operating a machine tool, a machine-specific flow resistance and a respective tool-specific flow resistance are ascertained for various tools. Tool-specific regulator parameters for regulating a pump of a coolant lubricant device are computed on the basis of the machine-specific flow resistance and the tool-specific flow resistance of the tool chucked in a tool spindle. Subsequently, the machine tool is operated using the tool-specific regulator parameters. In this way, a rapid and exact feed of coolant lubricant to the machining point of the respective chucked tool is enabled in a simple and flexible manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: MAG IAS GMBH
    Inventors: Ralph Davis, Horst Fondy, Jürgen Menze
  • Patent number: 11958154
    Abstract: A motorized hardware jig that allows for the changing and setting of drill guides in a matter of seconds without the need for any tools. The motorized jig receives a height for the panel on the face of a drawer and a center-to-center measurement for the hardware. The motorized jig automatically moves the drill guides to the desired position for drilling holes for the hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Jackie Hughes
  • Patent number: 11958155
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a handheld work apparatus having a work tool. The work apparatus defines a longitudinal plane and includes a handle having a longitudinal axis. The blocking lever is mounted so as to be pivotable about a rotational axis. The blocking lever blocks the actuating lever in a blocking or disable position and enables the actuating lever for actuation in at least one operating enable position. In the direction of view perpendicular to the longitudinal plane, the longitudinal axis of the handle and the rotational axis of the blocking lever conjointly define an angle (?). The angle (?) lies in a range of from 10° to 60°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Felix Oberhofer, Marcus Jenke, Franziska Kern, Thomas Maier, Verena Mann, Lars Bathke, Roland Mandel, Benedikt Posner
  • Patent number: 11958156
    Abstract: A workpiece transport element for placement on a transport belt and for receiving workpieces, including a bearing pin disposed on a holding element for engaging in an opening in the workpieces for support during transport, wherein the holding element includes at least two bearing pins that are movably mounted with respect to the holding element and have different diameters, wherein the bearing pins are selectively movable into a transport position or out of the transport position. The workpiece transport element can also include bearing pins including a tip, wherein, for storing shaft-like parts, a vertical guide rail including a counter-holder that is movable thereon in a longitudinal direction of the guide rail and includes a holding tip is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: BURRI Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Burri
  • Patent number: 11958157
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing. A motor is housed in the housing. A platen is driven by the motor. The housing includes a first housing part, a second housing part and a third housing part. The housing defines a battery receptacle portion configured to receive a removable battery pack which powers the motor. Each of the first housing part, the second housing part and the third housing part form part of the battery receptacle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Drake L. Fisher, Brent A. Kuehne, Christian V. Elder
  • Patent number: 11958158
    Abstract: An electric tool includes a housing; a brushless motor, housed in the housing; an output shaft configured to hold a tip tool; a switching circuit controlling the brushless motor; a circuit board; a case, accommodating the circuit board, the case is filled with a resin, wherein the resin covers at least a part of the circuit board; the housing includes a motor housing element and a cover element covering at least a part of the case. The motor housing element includes a motor housing part accommodating the brushless motor, and a fixing part, configured to fix the case to the motor housing by the fixing part abutting the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Koki Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuki Takeda, Hironori Sakai
  • Patent number: 11958159
    Abstract: A belt sander includes a grip portion, an electric motor, a first operating unit, and a second operating unit. The grip portion is configured to be gripped by an operator. The electric motor is configured to drive a sanding belt. The first operating unit is configured to perform an on-operation of the electric motor and configured to keep the on-operation. The second operating unit is configured to perform an on-operation of the electric motor. The electric motor is rotated by the on-operations of both the first operating unit and the second operating unit. The second operating unit is disposed at a position where an operation is allowed by a hand that grips the grip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pisan Petsri, Wilawan Ardwichian
  • Patent number: 11958160
    Abstract: A method for slicing a workpiece with a wire saw which includes a wire row formed by winding a fixed abrasive grain wire having abrasive grains secured to a surface thereof around multiple grooved rollers, the method including feeding a workpiece to the wire row for slicing while allowing the fixed abrasive grain wire to reciprocatively travel in an axial direction thereof, thereby slicing the workpiece at multiple positions aligned in an axial direction of the workpiece simultaneously. The method includes: supplying a coolant for workpiece slicing onto the wire row when the workpiece is sliced with the fixed abrasive grain wire; and supplying a coolant for workpiece drawing, which differs from and has a higher viscosity than the coolant for workpiece slicing, onto the wire row when the workpiece is drawn out from the wire row after the slicing of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU HANDOTAI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Kitagawa, Shiro Toyoda
  • Patent number: 11958161
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polishing apparatus having a surface-property measuring device for measuring surface properties of a polishing pad which is used to polish a substrate, such as semiconductor wafer, and a polishing system including such a polishing apparatus. The polishing apparatus includes a surface-property measuring device (30) for measuring surface properties of a polishing pad (2), a support arm (50) for supporting the surface-property measuring device (30), and a moving unit (53) coupled to the support arm (50) and configured to move the surface-property measuring device (30) from a retreat position to a measure position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Kamiki, Toru Maruyama, Yasuyuki Motoshima
  • Patent number: 11958162
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally provide polishing pads having a composite pad body and methods for forming the polishing pads. In one embodiment, the composite pad body includes one or more first features formed from a first material or a first composition of materials, and one or more second features formed from a second material or a second composition of materials, wherein the one or more first features and the one or more second features are formed by depositing a plurality of layers comprising the first material or first composition of materials and second material or second composition of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Bajaj, Kasiraman Krishnan, Mahendra C. Orilall, Daniel Redfield, Fred C. Redeker, Nag B. Patibandla, Gregory E. Menk, Jason G. Fung, Russell Edward Perry, Robert E. Davenport
  • Patent number: 11958163
    Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus which can adjust polishing profile precisely is disclosed. The substrate holding apparatus includes an elastic membrane that forms a plurality of pressure chambers for pressing a substrate, and a head body to which the elastic membrane is coupled. The elastic membrane includes a contact portion to be brought into contact with the substrate for pressing the substrate against a polishing pad, an edge circumferential wall extending upwardly from a peripheral edge of the contact portion, and a plurality of inner circumferential walls arranged radially inwardly of the edge circumferential wall and extending upwardly from the contact portion. At least two adjacent inner circumferential walls of the plurality of inner circumferential walls include slope circumferential walls inclined radially inwardly. The slope circumferential walls are inclined radially inwardly in their entirety from their lower ends to upper ends, and extend upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Osamu Nabeya, Makoto Fukushima, Keisuke Namiki, Shingo Togashi, Satoru Yamaki, Masahiko Kishimoto, Tomoko Owada
  • Patent number: 11958164
    Abstract: A two part retaining ring is described. A rigid upper portion has an annular recess along its inner diameter. An annular wearable lower portion has an inner diameter, an annular extension defined by the inner diameter and a vertical wall that is perpendicular to a surface of the second portion and opposite to the inner diameter. The annular extension fits into the annular recess of the annular first portion. A bonding material is on the vertical wall of the annular second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Van Der Veen, Steven M. Zuniga
  • Patent number: 11958165
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for shaping workpieces are described in which data representing the surface form of the workpiece is analysed to determine characteristics of curvature of the surface, and these characteristics are used to determine the size and form required for a tool to apply shaping treatment to all parts of the workpiece surface. Measurements of the actual workpiece are then compared with data relating to the required workpiece form, to determine the amount and distribution of material to be removed from the workpiece. A tool path for moving the tool over the workpiece to achieve the required shaping operation is then determined, and the tool and tool path data are provided to a shaping machine to carry out the shaping operation. The shaping tool may comprise an elastomeric body covered in a flexible cloth on which rigid pellets containing abrasive material are fixed. The specification discloses methods of manufacturing such tools, and also discloses methods for conditioning the pelleted cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Zeeko Innovations Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Beaucamp
  • Patent number: 11958166
    Abstract: An optimal timing to perform dressing on a grindstone is detected easily. A machine learning device includes: an input data acquisition unit that acquires input data including an arbitrary grinding condition for an arbitrary work material in a grinding process of an arbitrary grinding machine and grindstone information related to an arbitrary grindstone including at least a degree of necessity of dressing process indicating a degree of necessity of dressing before a grinding process is performed under the grinding condition; a label acquisition unit that acquires label data indicating the degree of necessity of dressing process of the grindstone after the grinding process is performed under the grinding condition included in the input data; and a learning unit that executes supervised learning using the input data acquired by the input data acquisition unit and the label data acquired by the label acquisition unit, and generates a learned model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichi Ozeki
  • Patent number: 11958167
    Abstract: The present invention provides a modular vise system comprised of a fixed body, a moveable body, and a fixture plate, wherein the moveable body has a wide range of motion which enables it to grab a piece of any size that will fit within the confines of the fixture plate, the moveable body being tightened from the top of the modular vise. Tightening of the modular vise from the top allows for multiple work pieces to be placed along the moving axis of the modular vise which increases workpiece density and machine efficiency. The moveable body of the modular vise may be driven mechanically, electrically, or via a fluid driven actuator such as a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Torin Gleeson
  • Patent number: 11958168
    Abstract: A tool bit for driving a fastener includes a shank including a tool coupling portion configured to be coupled to a tool, a head portion configured to engage the fastener, and a nickel coating on the head portion. The head portion is composed of powdered metal (PM) steel having carbide particles distributed uniformly throughout the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: James J. Van Essen, Michael J. Zimmermann, Smith C. Theiler, Zachary J. Geschke, Carl Dietz
  • Patent number: 11958169
    Abstract: A mechanism for reducing time-lost to tedious but necessary adjustments while using a chainsaw is disclosed, as well as methods of manufacture and use. An embodiment has a metal part fitting inside a plastic handle portion, where the two are sometimes assembled in two halves and then pressed molded or fastened together, in the form of a pull-handle positioned at the end of a starter-cord on a chainsaw. Another embodiment has the metal part containing a flat-blade screwdriver surface at one end, which matches and mates with some type of slotted adjustment fixture within the chainsaw; and where the other end has a socket wrench which matches up with an adjustment bolt within the chainsaw. Yet another embodiment has a dog-bone (socket) wrench fitting at one end, and a flat-blade at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: David Levins
  • Patent number: 11958170
    Abstract: An impact tool includes: a brushless motor; a spindle, which is rotated by the brushless motor; a hammer, which is held on the spindle; an anvil, which is impacted in a rotational direction by the hammer; a polymer housing, which houses the brushless motor; a hammer case, which is connected to the polymer housing and houses the hammer and the spindle; and a light unit, which is held on the hammer case and comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices. The maximum tightening torque of the anvil is 1,000 N·m or more and 2,500 N·m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tokuo Hirabayashi, Haruki Tejima, Kazuma Aoki, Kazunori Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 11958171
    Abstract: A screwdriver device including a handle having an elongate channel extending partially therethrough of the handle and an axial blade member having a first distal end and a second distal end being configured and disposed for sliding through the elongate channel of the handle and a locking mechanism configured and disposed for releasably locking the axial blade member at a first operable position relative to the handle wherein the first distal end is exposed and the second distal end is disposed within the handle. The screwdriver device further includes a first tool head disposed on the first distal end of the blade member and an ejection mechanism configured and disposed within the handle to constantly urge the axial blade member out of the locking mechanism from the first operable position to a second inoperable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Klein Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Jestwin E. Lee, IV, Raul Rosales, Kevin A. Ekdahl
  • Patent number: 11958172
    Abstract: A torque tool includes multiple bits, a handle, a pointer and a scale ring. Each of the bits includes a colored area. In use, the handle is connected to a selected one of the bits. The handle is operable to set multiple maximum values of torque transferable to the bit from the handle corresponding to the colored areas of the bits. The pointer is formed on the handle. The scale ring includes multiple colored areas corresponding to the colored areas of the bits. The scale ring is rotated around the handle as the handle is operated to set the maximum values of torque, thereby aligning the pointer with one of the colored areas of the scale ring corresponding to the colored area of a selected one of the bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Yi-Min Wu
  • Patent number: 11958173
    Abstract: An impact tool includes a motor, a control unit, an output shaft, a transmission mechanism, and an impact detection unit. The transmission mechanism includes an impact mechanism. The impact mechanism applies impacting force to the output shaft while performing an impact operation. The impact detection unit determines, based on at least one of an excitation current (current measured value) to be supplied to the motor or a torque current (current measured value) to be supplied to the motor, whether or not the impact operation is being performed. The control unit places a limit on an increase in the number of revolutions of the motor before the impact detection unit detects the impact operation and removes the limit on the increase in the number of revolutions of the motor when the impact detection unit detects the impact operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Ueda, Masayuki Nakahara, Takashi Kusagawa
  • Patent number: 11958174
    Abstract: A valve seat puller head assembly is comprised of seat puller head halves and springs. The seat puller head halves come together forming an opening. A pair of spring clips hold and secure the seat puller head halves together providing the outward force required to pre-position the tool (i.e., seat valve puller head assembly) in proper area for valve seat removal. In one embodiment, the valve seat puller head assembly further comprises an allthread having a tapered buttress engaged with the valve seat puller head via the opening of the valve seat puller head, eliminating thread clearance there between and greatly reducing the shear pressure at a root initiation area. In an alternative embodiment, a subzero temperature glycol solution within a portion of the valve seat puller head is circulated to “cold pull” heat from the valve seat puller head assembly and the valve seat which is in contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: John Vela
  • Patent number: 11958175
    Abstract: A handheld power tool has a monostable operating button 6 which has a stable switching position and a pressed switching position. A catch 32 which can be pivoted between a releasing position and a locking position in a pivoting direction 34 is provided, wherein the catch 32, in the locking position, stops the monostable operating button 6 in the pressed switching position. An operating knob 30 can be moved by the user in a shifting direction 31 which is perpendicular to the pivoting direction 34. The catch 32 is attached to the operating knob 30 by means of a joint 36. A slotted link 38 converts a movement of the catch 32 along the shifting direction 31 into a pivoting movement in the pivoting direction 34.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eric Filip, Jerome Jaromin, Olaf Koch
  • Patent number: 11958176
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool and a method for use thereof, where the multi-purpose tool includes a first component having a first shaft and at least one first tool affixed thereto and a second component comprising a second shaft having at least one second tool affixed thereto, the second shaft being substantially hollow and capable of slidably receiving the first shaft. The multi-purpose tool further includes a quick-securing mechanism disposed along the length of the second shaft including a dial that is rotatable relative to the second shaft and having a threaded portion affixed to the dial. The quick-securing mechanism is configured to move a pin into an extended position when the dial is rotated in a first direction, and to move the pin into a retracted position when the dial is rotated in a second direction. The pin interacts with one of at least two holes in the first shaft to secure the first shaft in either a compact or extended configuration relative to the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Andrew Zanoni
  • Patent number: 11958177
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump includes a work port, a high-flow piston, multiple high-pressure pistons, and an unloading valve. The work port couples to a fluid supply line of a hydraulic tool. The high-flow piston supplies fluid along a first flow path to the work port. The high-pressure pistons supply fluid along a second flow path to the work port. The unloading valve is fluidly coupled to the first flow path and the second flow path, and actuatable between an open state and a closed state. The unloading valve is configured to (i) permit fluid to flow from the high-flow piston to the work port in the open state, (ii) inhibit fluid from flowing from the high-flow piston to the work port in the closed state, and (iii) actuate from the open state to the closed state when a pressure of the fluid in the second flow path exceeds a threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Ballard, Timothy Radtke, Daniel Garces, Ian C. Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 11958178
    Abstract: The handle for a handheld power tool includes a grip portion which can be gripped by a user, a fastening portion by which the handle can be fastened to the handheld power tool, and an oscillation decoupling device which is designed to decouple oscillations acting on the fastening portion from the grip portion, wherein the oscillation decoupling device has a spring element with a settable spring stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ernst-Rudolf Lübkert, Adrian Steingruber
  • Patent number: 11958179
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a functional unit for a power tool, wherein the receiving apparatus can be fastened to the power tool by way of a fastening mechanism. A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for fastening a receiving apparatus of this kind to a power tool. In the fastening mechanism, a rotatable insert part can be inserted into an opening of the receiving apparatus and can be moved from an unfastened to a fastened state by this rotational movement. In the fastened state, a hook of the power tool engages with a raised portion of the insert part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Huber, John Van Taack-Trakranen
  • Patent number: 11958180
    Abstract: A rotary tool assembly includes a main body, a motor disposed in the main body, and a power source coupled to the main body. The power source being configured to provide electrical power to the motor. A rotary tool attached to the main body. The rotary tool configured to be actuated by the motor. A first bit storage area disposed on the main body. The first bit storage area being configured to receive a first bit. A second bit storage area disposed on the main body. The second bit storage area being configured to receive a second bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
    Inventors: Benjamin A Gaddis, Jesse J. Jerabek, Jacob F. Creasman, Clinton C. Thackery, Brian D. Mertel, M. Grayson Jacoway, William C. Buck, Eric K. Frazier
  • Patent number: 11958181
    Abstract: A joinery jig comprising a body and a plurality of spacers, wherein the body defines (i) a first straight slot, a second straight slot and an angled slot, wherein the angled slot connects the first straight slot to the second straight slot to define an elongate angled channel; (ii) a plurality of datum alignment elements aligned with the angled slot, wherein each datum alignment element is spaced from a reference point of the angled slot by a pre-determined distance; and (iii) at least one spacer receiving aperture; and wherein the number of spacers is equal to the number of datum alignment elements and each spacer includes a body having a dimension which is equal to the pre-determined distance defined between a respective one of the datum alignment elements and the reference point of the angled slot; and wherein each spacer includes a body portion which fits within the or one of the spacer receiving apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Scribemaster Limited
    Inventor: Colin Davey
  • Patent number: 11958182
    Abstract: A mobile body system for managing a mobile body that moves within a predetermined area includes a mobile body associated with a guest group including one or more guests, and a managing apparatus configured to manage an outer appearance of the mobile body. The managing apparatus includes an activity collector configured to collect activity information indicative of an activity of the guest within the predetermined area, and an outer appearance manager configured to change the outer appearance of the mobile body viewed by the guest based on the activity information collected by the activity collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mutsumi Kawashima, Tomoaki Miyazawa, Masato Noritake, Nobuhiro Nishikawa, Masato Kurima, Tokuyuki Nishikawa, Reiko Tomita, Takaaki Kato, Hiroyuki Tomita, Daisaku Kato