Electric Control Patents (Class 104/38)
  • Patent number: 11898686
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for repairing a partially collapsed pipe. The method comprises fitting a mesh stent around the outside of an actuation assembly of a pipe repair apparatus, and positioning the pipe repair apparatus within a portion of the pipe, at least a part of the portion of the pipe being partially collapsed. The method also comprises causing actuation between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration such that the partially collapsed part of the pipe changes from a partially collapsed form towards a non-collapsed form. The method also comprises removing the pipe repair apparatus from the pipe and leaving the mesh stent in the portion of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Turnbull Infrastructure & Utilities Limited
    Inventor: Julian Britton
  • Patent number: 11009594
    Abstract: A vehicle sensor calibration system for self-driving vehicles can include a turntable on which a sensor system including a LIDAR sensor is positioned. A plurality of fiducial targets can be positioned around the turntable to enable calibration of the sensor system, and a control mechanism can automatically rotate the turntable when the sensor system is positioned on the turntable. The system can include one or more computing systems that receive a data log corresponding to sensor data recorded by the sensor system as the sensor system rotates on the turntable, and analyze the sensor data to determine a set of calibration parameters to calibrate the sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: UATC, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Valois, David McAllister Bradley, Adam Charles Watson, Peter Anthony Melick, Andrew Gilbert Miller
  • Patent number: 10317313
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus, system and associated method of operation that allows medium weight Class II equipment to be shock tested using a Medium Weight Shock Machine (MWSM) in a manner that adequately simulates the required shock response exhibited when subjected to underwater explosion (UNDEX), Heavyweight testing utilizing a FSP. Advantageously, such an apparatus, system and associated method allows for testing of Class II medium weight (e.g., about 500-4500 lbs.) equipment (e.g., submarine and surface vessel equipment) utilizing an MWSM instead of Heavyweight testing utilizing a Floating Shock Platform (FSP). Testing of Class II medium weight equipment in this manner significantly reduces cost of testing such equipment and increases safety associated with testing such equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Ascendant Engineering Solutions
    Inventors: Keith Eric Becker, George Gregory Mooty
  • Patent number: 10226847
    Abstract: A machining system including a base; multiple work modules arranged in an arrangement direction on the base, at least one of the multiple work modules being a processing module, which processes a work with a tool, provided with a main shaft head including a main shaft on which a tool is attached and a main shaft rotating device that rotates the main shaft; a head raising and lowering device that moves the main shaft head in a vertical direction; a head moving device that moves the main shaft head in a horizontal plane by moving it in two perpendicular directions; and a work table that holds a work; the processing module being configured so as to be pulled from the base along a path extending in an intersecting direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuya Asakawa, Kenji Mizuta, Shigefumi Suzuyama
  • Patent number: 9952317
    Abstract: A vehicle sensor calibration system can detect an SDV on a turntable surrounded by a plurality of fiducial targets, and rotate the turntable using a control mechanism to provide the sensor system of the SDV with a sensor view of the plurality of fiducial targets. The vehicle sensor calibration system can receive, over a communication link with the SDV, a data log corresponding to the sensor view from the sensor system of the SDV recorded as the SDV rotates on the turntable. Thereafter, the vehicle sensor calibration system can analyze the sensor data to determine a set of calibration parameters to calibrate the sensor system of the SDV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Valois, David McAllister Bradley, Adam Charles Watson, Peter Anthony Melick, Andrew Gilbert Miller
  • Patent number: 9910138
    Abstract: A vehicle sensor calibration system can detect an SDV on a turntable surrounded by a plurality of fiducial targets, and rotate the turntable using a control mechanism to provide the sensor system of the SDV with a sensor view of the plurality of fiducial targets. The vehicle sensor calibration system can receive, over a communication link with the SDV, a data log corresponding to the sensor view from the sensor system of the SDV recorded as the SDV rotates on the turntable. Thereafter, the vehicle sensor calibration system can analyze the sensor data to determine a set of calibration parameters to calibrate the sensor system of the SDV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Valois, David McAllister Bradley, Adam Charles Watson, Peter Anthony Melick, Andrew Gilbert Miller
  • Patent number: 7631602
    Abstract: A low profile turntable device constructed of wedge shaped sections with structural foam in between, support rollers on the bottom skin, a plurality of reversible drive motors inside a plurality of outer ramps around the exterior, and a concentric circular and perpendicular lateral band system for mounting the turntable on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: William V. Schwenker
  • Patent number: 6494664
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo loading and unloading system for rotating a vehicle in an area where there is a limited amount of space in which to maneuver. The vehicle cargo loading and unloading system includes a vehicle support platform for supporting the vehicle to be turned. The vehicle support platform includes an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge extending between the upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of rolling assemblies is provided for rotatably turning the vehicle supporting platform. Each of the rolling assemblies is movably mounted to the lower surface of the vehicle supporting platform. A supporting shaft is provided for supporting the vehicle supporting platform. The supporting shaft includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is mounted to a central point of the vehicle supporting platform. A gear is mounted to a portion of the supporting shaft and is operationally coupled to a motor used for turning the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: George A. Winter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6470807
    Abstract: A turntable and drive system for transporting parts from a first location to a second location. The turntable is mounted on a vertical shaft and has shock absorbing means located between the vertical shaft and the turntable to absorb horizontal forces on the turntable such as forklifts striking the turntable. There is a drive system that is mounted adjacent to the turntable for imparting a rotational force to the turntable. The drive system is mounted on a moveable plate that moves with the movement of the turntable so that the drive system remains in contact with the turntable at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph H. Warner
  • Patent number: 5538357
    Abstract: An elevatable automobile turn-around system for use and association with various automobiles transport structures, the apparatus comprising: a lift having an upper segment, a lower segment and a central segment therebetween, the upper and lower segments formed in a planar configuration, the central segment including a motorized device to move the upper segment vertically upward and downward, the motorized means being powerful enough to lift the weight of an automobile; and a turntable formed in a generally planar configuration with an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface having coupling devices to securely retain a vehicle thereupon, the lower portion of the turntable including motorized pivot means for rotating the upper surface up to one hundred and eighty degrees, the apparatus permitting the user to elevate and rotate a vehicle as required by the particular transport structure utilized therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Wallace E. Boswell, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5012745
    Abstract: A vehicle turn-table (10) comprises a detector (60), which has a device for calculating the position of a vehicle to be driven accurately onto a table (30), and a turning table (30) which turns in response to the calculating device of the detector. A pair of movable belts (40, 41) are provided on the table to lead the front (A, A') and the rear wheels (B, B') of the vehicle to the table, and if, when the front wheels of the vehicle are on the detector, the vehicle is out of position, the calculating device calculates a center point of the vehicle, and then computes the turning direction and range of the table from the center point. The table (30) is then caused to rotate until the wheels of the vehicle and the belts are in alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Koyo Jidoki Company Limited
    Inventor: Kyoichi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 4762218
    Abstract: In a production plant comprising a conveyor line at which each station comprises a machine table for optional reception of devices such as guiding, positioning, arresting, feed, sensor or coding devices, the machine tables, feed devices, guide devices, positioning and arresting device and coding device are constructed as mutually interchangeable modules which may be releasably coupled in desired work stations. The work stations are formed at tables comprising conveying, deflector or manual work station modules equipped with reception devices for the device modules and the coupling members for the station modules are arranged and constructed in the same manner.As a result the station module may be interchanged and it is possible to set up or change production plant with facility. The station modules are formed of substantially identical parts releasably assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Walter Sticht
  • Patent number: 4716837
    Abstract: A turntable for positioning a parked vehicle is disclosed herein having a revolving platform operably mounted on a portable base with driving mechanism interconnecting the base with the platform. Rollers movably support the platform on the base in combination with reinforced tracks. Wheel stops are incorporated into the top surface of the platform for releasably retaining the vehicle in a parked position during operation of the turntable and remote controls as well as manual controls are employed for starting and stopping the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Inventor: Alfred E. Valencia
  • Patent number: 4662282
    Abstract: A switching device for a transporting track on which a pallet travels supported on a cushion of air which includes a rotatable track having air jets to support the pallet and which is supported on an air bearing, a first linear motor for turning the air bearing, a second linear motor for driving and braking the pallet and a positioning device for accurately positioning the rotatable track in alignment with a fixed regular track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Hitachi Kiden Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ichiro Fukuwatari
  • Patent number: 4608929
    Abstract: An automobile parking and storage system permits a driver to turn an automobile any desired direction in a size restricted area. In a preferred form of the invention, the system includes a rotating assembly driven by a reversible motor along a subsurface track, an automobile-mounted transmitter which signals a receiver situated generally below the rotating assembly only when situated substantially directly over the receiver, and a controller which regulates movement of the rotating assembly through the motor in response to signals from the receiver. It is preferred that all transmitters and receivers be set to a standard frequency, to enable any automobile to be driven onto the rotating assembly and pivotted as desired in response to manipulation of a dash-mounted, remote-control switch box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Inventor: Kap Y. Park
  • Patent number: 4532869
    Abstract: A pallet conveying system comprising pallet guide rails supported on a frame, a driving shaft extending along the guide rails, motors for driving the driving shaft, a turntable mechanism disposed at the end of the pallet guide rails and having changeover rails alignable with the guide rails and a changeover driving shaft connectable to the driving shaft, a driven roller pivotally attached to the underside of a pallet and pressed against the circumference of the driving shaft with the axis of rotation thereof inclined with respect to the axis of the driving shaft, levers projecting from the front and the rear ends, respectively, of the pallet for causing the axis of rotation of the driven roller to be moved parallel to the axis of the driving shaft when the levers are retracted, and pallet stopping and positioning mechanisms each disposed at a predetermined position on the guide rails and adapted to cause the axis of rotation of the driven roller to be approximately parallel to the axis of the driving shaft an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Company
    Inventors: Hirokazu Kondo, Shigekatsu Takino
  • Patent number: 4312276
    Abstract: A turntable bearing tracks at a switching point in an amusement ride course, or other vehicular path having tracks, utilizes two linear induction motors, one for rotating the turntable and one for latching the turntable at selected rotational positions. The linear induction motors are mounted beneath the turntable and operate with an extremely high degree of reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Assignee: Walt Disney Productions
    Inventors: Stanley A. Cory, Millard G. Black, Gilbert J. Scholtz
  • Patent number: 4172422
    Abstract: A turntable, for a vehicle such as an automobile, which employs several detectors arranged to determine whether an automobile is located on the turntable in a desired position. Since the desired position depends on the size of the automobile, at least three detectors are used, one for small, one for medium, and one for large automobiles. The output of the detectors is displayed by visual indication. When an automobile is detected in a proper position, the driver may energize the turntable driving motor to rotate the turntable any desired amount, for example, 180 degrees. As the turntable approaches the angular position in which it is to stop, a cam-follower signals the approach to that position, deenergizing the motor and may apply a brake. The turntable, however, coasts to its final position where a plunger is biased into a socket to lock the turntable. Upon restarting the turntable, the plunger is removed from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Inventor: Peter B. McBride
  • Patent number: 4094252
    Abstract: A monorail track switch and method is disclosed wherein the track switch senses the approach of a train and automatically aligns itself to accommodate passage of the train. Circuits are provided to selectively deenergize a movable track section when in nonaligned position and to re-energize the track section when properly aligned. Novel structure and method is also provided for lowering the movable track section onto rollers to facilitate movement and thereafter lifting the track section into horizontal alignment with the train path. Electronic lockout circuits prevent a train from overrunning the switch when the switch is in a nonaligned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1978
    Assignee: Hendrik Pater
    Inventors: Hendrik Pater, G. Earl Torgersen, Fritz R. Brunner
  • Patent number: 4041874
    Abstract: The apparatus provides for the rotation and precise positioning of miniature train turntables so as to allow miniature locomotives and/or other miniature railroad rolling equipment to roll onto, or off of, the miniature turntable from, or to, the track to which the said apparatus has positioned the miniature turntable. Additionally, the apparatus provides electrical circuitry for the determination of the phase relationship between the miniature train turntable and the position of interest; in the case of electrically driven miniature trains, it provides circuitry for the electrical activation of the track to which the apparatus has positioned the miniature turntable; it provides circuitry for maintaining the polarity of tracks peripherally related to the miniature turntable so as to allow the movement of miniature locomotives and/or other miniature railroad rolling equipment onto, or off of, the miniature turntable from, or to, said tracks peripherally related to said turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1977
    Inventor: Clarke J. Gernon, Sr.