Rod Patents (Class 188/67)
  • Patent number: 11946324
    Abstract: The present invention addresses to a system for supporting the tension load of the riser, this component with the primary function of supporting the risers, where the riser support mechanism is an integral part of the upper cone, thus eliminating the need to install slips by the shallow dive, and, also avoiding that the locking mechanism is an integral part of the Top Termination of the Riser (L). There is a minimal number of moving parts, which favors the maintainability of the system. In addition, if maintenance is required, the size and weight of the components are compatible with diving operations. For pull-in operations, it is anticipated that the slips will return to their working position only by the action of the force of gravity. In the case of pull-out, the concept of automated slip retraction mechanism was developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Petróbras Brasileiro S. A.—Petrobras
    Inventors: Claudio Violante Ferreira, Bruno Pinho Dos Reis, Flavio Barroso De Mello
  • Patent number: 11939845
    Abstract: A rotatable plate is configured to be coupled to a rotary table of a rig floor. The rotatable plate defines a central passage through which a tubular can be passed. Multiple arms each have a first end rotably coupled to the rotatable plate. The arms are hinged such that a distal end of the arms, away from the rotatable plate, are configured to move towards or away from the passage. Each of arms extends away from the rotatable plate towards the passage. The arms are biased away from the passage. Rollers are rotably coupled to one of the distal ends of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Amer Hamoud Al Harthi
  • Patent number: 11884488
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an article conveying system and an article conveying method. The article conveying system comprises: at least two first conveying channels configured to be arranged horizontally on a building; at least one second conveying channel configured to be arranged vertically on the building; a conveyer configured to move on the first conveying channels and the second conveying channel to convey an article to different positions of the building; and transfer device arranged between the first conveying channels and the second conveying channel, to transfer the article and/or the conveyer from the first conveying channels to the second conveying channel or from the second conveying channel to the first conveying channels. The present disclosure can save physical strength and time of delivery persons and consignees, effectively achieve transfer of the article and/or the conveyer between the first conveying channels and the second conveying channel, and improve the conveying efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: BEIJING JINGDONG QIANSHI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hongtao Li
  • Patent number: 11839294
    Abstract: A mobile workstation can include a head unit assembly. A worksurface can be coupled to the head unit assembly and configured to translate with respect to the head unit assembly between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A glide can be rotatably coupled to the head unit assembly and engaged with the worksurface. The glide can include a latch configured to translate with respect to a glide body of the glide. The mobile workstation can include a worksurface opening mechanism having a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration. The worksurface opening mechanism can include a latch release handle moveably coupled to the head unit assembly. Movement of the latch release handle can transition the worksurface opening mechanism between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. A release assembly can selectively engage with the first latch. A lift system can bias the worksurface away from the head unit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Kottman, Michael Anthony Apolloni, John Kenneth Blomstrom
  • Patent number: 11822226
    Abstract: An electromagnetic braking assembly for maintaining an actuator shaft in position, and methods for utilizing the same, are provided. The actuator shaft may include an object, e.g., an imaging lens, which is movable in accordance with movement of the shaft. The braking assembly may include a braking coil to which electricity may be applied to produce a magnetic field, a braking magnet capable of changing position as it interacts with the magnetic field, and a braking spring coupled with the magnet such that the spring changes position as the magnet changes position. When the braking spring is in one position, the spring exerts pressure on the actuator shaft substantially preventing the shaft from engaging in linear movement and thus maintaining the shaft in position. When the actuator shaft is in another position, the braking spring does not exert pressure on the shaft permitting the shaft to engage in linear movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Datalogic USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Mistkawi
  • Patent number: 11767901
    Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission case provided with an internal gear an inner wall thereof and a multistage planetary gear mechanism housed in the transmission case. Each stage of the multistage planetary gear mechanism includes a retainer, a sun gear and a plurality of planetary gears mounted on the retainer. The plurality of the planetary gears in the last planetary gear stage of the multistage planetary gear mechanism includes four planetary gears annularly arranged between the corresponding sun gear and the inner gear in an uneven manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: JOHNSON MEDTECH (HK) LIMITED
    Inventors: Yuefu Zhu, Hua Hu, Xiaowen Xian
  • Patent number: 11454070
    Abstract: A rotational power slips system includes a static base comprising at least one circular opening; a rotating ring disposed within the static base and including a circular outer surface interfacing with the static base; at least one slips wedge disposed within the rotating ring and including a radially inner grip surface for gripping at least one component of a drilling string; and at least one wedge actuator disposed on the rotating ring and rotatably coupled to both the rotating ring and the slips wedge, thereby causing the slips wedge to move while the component of a drilling string is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Amjad Alshaarawi, Haytham H. Alhamed, Meshari M. Alshalan, Abdulwahab Al-Johar, Mohammad Saud Al-Badran, Chinthaka P. Gooneratne
  • Patent number: 11414006
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for use on a ratchet assembly includes a ratchet assembly including a ratchet body, a ratchet axle, ratchet gears, and a ratchet handle, wherein the ratchet handle moves between a locked position and a released position; an aperture for receiving a drain plug; and a pin that extends through a throughhole in the ratchet body, wherein, when the handle is in the released position, the pin extends through the throughhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Nicholas Deplaris
  • Patent number: 11359695
    Abstract: Universal cable attachments for securing a cable in a secured position utilize a pair of counter-rotating lobes or one lobe and a counter surface to clamp against the cable. The lobes are configured such that they can accept a variety of cable diameters, thus eliminating the need for the provision of multiple sizes of unique cable attachments in certain applications. The lobes are configured such that they provide little or no resistance to a cable being inserted in an insertion direction and such that they lock against the cable when the cable is pulled in the opposite direction. The lobes may have eccentrically oriented tapered channels to accomplish the clamping function The lobes may include a plurality of differently sized plates to accomplish the clamping function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: ComScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
    Inventors: Thierry Janssens, Kurt Cornelissen, Ronnie Rosa Georges Liefsoens
  • Patent number: 11255392
    Abstract: A torque bar manufactured by an additive manufacturing process is provided. The torque bar may include a torque bar body made of more than one metallic material. The torque bar may also include a geometry that comprises one or more voids and one or more webs, as well as a varied geometry in the direction of a longitudinal axis. The torque bars can exhibit characteristics, such as vibration damping, tuned stiffness, and tuned bending resistance in order to enhance dynamic stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: John Swank, Todd Rook
  • Patent number: 11186211
    Abstract: An armrest includes a cable to be connected to a seat-side cable arranged on a seat, and a body member that is mountable on the seat and includes a routing section therein in which the cable is arranged. The cable includes an arranged portion that is arranged in the routing section and a connecting operation section that extends outside the routing section when being connected to the seat-side cable. The connecting operation section is arranged in the routing section when the body member is mounted on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., SUMITOMO RIKO COMPANY LIMITED, TOKAI CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamamoto, Makoto Higashikozono, Kaho Hayashi, Hideki Oshima, Takahiko Endo, Keiji Makino, Jun Jin, Takemasa Okumura
  • Patent number: 11162318
    Abstract: A tool catcher system that includes a housing. The housing defines a bore that receives a tool. The tool catcher system includes a plurality of ring segments that move radially inward and radially outward to selectively couple to and uncouple from the tool. A spring plate supports the plurality of ring segments. An actuator plate couples to the spring plate. A plurality of shafts couple the actuator plate to the spring plate. An actuator system moves the actuator plate and the spring plate in a first direction to release the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ian McDaniel, Jesse Garcia, Jeffrey Lambert, Nathaniel Pettibone, Ross Stevenson, Kody Carrillo
  • Patent number: 11156038
    Abstract: A device for extending the useable life of a split bowl by reducing wear of the thru bore of the split bowl during drilling operations. A replaceable wear bushing with a wear indicator is inserted in the thru bore of the two halves of the split bowl. The wear indicator may be a groove formed in an inner diameter of the wear bushing. The wear bushing may be inserted in a bushing groove formed in an inner diameter of the thru bore of the two halves of the split bowl. A retainer plate may be used to retain the wear bushing in the bushing groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy S. Granger, Lawrence E. Childress, II
  • Patent number: 11136839
    Abstract: A bit breaker for coupling a drill bit to a drilling string includes a base defining a central opening and a wrench portion extending upward from the base. The wrench portion has two opposing lateral sides and an end wall that define an open interior that receives a shank of a drill bit. The open interior and the central opening are in alignment. A handle is coupled with the base and is movable between a storage position in which a top of the handle is positioned below a top surface of the wrench portion and a toting position in which the handle extends upward with the top of the handle positioned above the top surface. A gate is movably positioned between a retaining position in which the gate encloses the open interior of the wrench portion and an access position that provides lateral access to the open interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Ulterra Drilling Technologies, L.P.
    Inventors: Beau St. Pierre, Dennis Dison
  • Patent number: 11125055
    Abstract: An improved external trap apparatus 570 and a method for safely controlling drilling tool string components during oil field drilling operations includes a collar clamp 72 affixed to a drilling tool string lubricator 80 and configured with laterally spaced first and second vertical rails 120, 122 depending therefrom. Lubricator 80 also carries a lubricator clamp assembly 572 which is affixed to Lubricator 80 with inward clamping surfaces defining a non-circular or slightly elliptical central bore 574. Laterally spaced first and second vertical rails 120, 122 are configured to support a reinforced catcher plate assembly 164 carrying a tool-end receiving funnel receptacle 202 and first and second energy absorbing crush cylinders 160, 162. When the drill string 82 is raised or withdrawn from the well 28, the funnel receptacle 202 can be rotated into coaxial alignment to catch the drill string's end or downhole tool, in the event of an inadvertent loss of control of the drill string 82.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Hernandez
  • Patent number: 11071377
    Abstract: A height adjustable platform can include a work surface, a lock rod, and can include a brake assembly. The brake assembly can be sized and shaped to receive the lock rod. The brake assembly can be adapted to couple with the work surface. The brake assembly can be adapted to selectively translate with respect to the lock rod. The brake assembly can include a first torsion spring having a first inner portion and can include a second torsion spring having a second inner portion. The first inner portion and the second inner portion can be sized and shaped to receive the lock rod. The first inner portion can selectively engage with the lock rod. The second inner portion can selectively engage with the lock rod. The brake assembly can include a locked configuration, an unlocked configuration, and can include a safety configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Christopher Lindblad, Jeffrey Randall Mensing, Thiem Chan Duong Wong, Mark Alan Kottman, Michael Anthony Apolloni, David James Prince, George Charles Willard Runger
  • Patent number: 10975639
    Abstract: An automated pipe tripping apparatus includes an outer frame and an inner frame. The inner frame includes a tripping slips and iron roughneck. The automated pipe tripping apparatus may, in concert with an elevator and drawworks, trip in a tubular string in a continuous motion. The tripping slips and iron roughneck, along with the inner frame, may travel vertically within the outer frame. The weight of the tubular string is transferred between the tripping slips and the elevator. The iron roughneck may make up or break out threaded connections between tubular segments, the upper tubular segment supported by the elevator and the lower by the tripping slips. An automated pipe handling apparatus may remove or supply sections of pipe from or to the elevator. A control system may control both the automated pipe tripping apparatus and the elevator and drawworks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Ensco Services Limited
    Inventor: Rick Pilgrim
  • Patent number: 10968591
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pile guide comprising a base frame and a guide member for guiding a pile as it is driven into a substrate, the guide member comprising a plurality of guide parts that are movable between an operative position for supporting the pile and an inoperative position. The pile guide comprises a mechanism that couples the guide parts such that movement of a guide part towards the operative position results in movement of at least one other guide part towards the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: IHC IQIP UK LTD.
    Inventor: David Howel Gunter
  • Patent number: 10968708
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting drill string components from a wellbore, the lifting apparatus comprising: upper and lower support elements, each of the support elements having a central aperture passing therethrough; a lifting arrangement which is operable to vary the distance between the upper and lower support elements between a first, relatively short distance and a second, relatively long distance; and selective gripping arrangements held or supported by the upper and lower support elements, respectively, each selective gripping arrangement being operable to apply a gripping force to the exterior of a substantially tubular element passing through the central apertures of the upper and lower support elements, wherein the selective gripping arrangements may be activated or deactivated independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: McGarian TDC Limited
    Inventors: Bruce McGarian, Wayne Biart
  • Patent number: 10948061
    Abstract: A lockup clutch for a torque converter is provided. The lockup clutch includes a piston including a first wedge surface and a support supporting the piston. The piston is axially slidable along the support in a first axial direction to cause engagement of the lockup clutch. The lockup clutch also includes a wedge including a second wedge surface. The wedge is axially movable along the support. The first wedge surface is arranged and configured with respect to the second wedge surface such that contact between the first wedge surface and the second wedge surface limits axial movement of the piston in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction. A torque converter and a method of forming a lockup clutch are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Matthew Smith
  • Patent number: 10934790
    Abstract: A gripping device is adapted for handling equipment with a drill string, wherein an annular actuator housing includes a hydraulically activated, rotatable cam disc which is arranged to displace a number of locking slides from a first position, in which the locking slides are retracted into the actuator housing, and a second position, in which the locking slides are in engagement with the drill string extending through a center opening in the gripping device, by abutting against a shoulder of a tool joint in the drill string. The gripping device is connected to a hydraulic supply and return for the actuation of the cam disc via a hydraulic coupler in a connection port on the actuator housing. Alternatively pressurizing and ventilating two adjacent actuation volumes in the cam disc brings about rotation of the cam disc within a sector of the cam disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Electrical Subsea & Drilling AS
    Inventor: Egil Eriksen
  • Patent number: 10920849
    Abstract: Provided is a damping member which can be easily mounted to a rolling guide device already in use, can avoid an increase in size of the rolling guide device, and can easily enhance a damping force in an axial direction exerted by the rolling guide device. The damping member is applied to the rolling guide device in which a moving block is assembled to a track rail through intermediation of a plurality of rolling elements, is provided to the track rail in series with the moving block, and includes: a friction member which includes a sliding contact pad in contact with at least the track rail; and a fixing holder, which includes a holding portion configured to cover the friction member so as to press the sliding contact pad against the track rail, and is configured to couple the friction member to the moving block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: THK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keisuke Nakakubo, Junichi Washida, Tetsuya Fukumoto, Noriaki Chikamoto, Tadashi Nakano
  • Patent number: 10874442
    Abstract: Multi-mode torque drivers employing inner surfaces compatible with pedicle screw guide wires, and related systems and methods are disclosed. A spinal column includes vertebrae in an articulating structure protecting a spinal cord. Medical intervention may involve limiting the relative motion between vertebrae by fusing vertebrae together with mechanical assemblies, including pedicle screws attached to the vertebrae. A multi-mode torque driver may be used to form the pedicle screw attachments with vertebrae. By including a passageway for a guide wire along an output rotational axis of a pedicle screw torque driver, pedicle screws may be inserted into a vertebra along a desired trajectory previously defined using the guide wire. In this manner, pedicle screws may be inserted into vertebrae precisely and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Power T Handle, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin S. Cahill
  • Patent number: 10864992
    Abstract: A transformable seat assembly includes a seat support structure and a back support structure connected to the seat support structure with a hinge defining an axis of rotation. An actuator assembly includes a cylinder and a piston positioned within the cylinder, wherein the cylinder is secured to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure and the piston is secured to other of the one of the back support structure or the seat support structure. Additionally a blocking member is positioned within and adjustable along the cylinder. With blocking member in a first position, piston is limited to travel to a first limit position and the back support structure to a first reclined position. With the blocking member in a second position, piston is limited to travel to a second limit position and back support structure is permitted to rotate to second reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John G. Schultz, Haftom Y. Dessalegn
  • Patent number: 10851609
    Abstract: An emergency casing slip hanger assembly that is adapted to be installed in a wellhead through a blowout preventer includes a slip bowl that is adapted to be releasably coupled to and supported by a slip bowl protector during installation of the slip hanger assembly in the wellhead through a blowout preventer, the slip bowl being further adapted to be positioned around a casing in the wellhead and landed on a support shoulder of the wellhead. A plurality of slips are adapted to engage with and support the casing, and a plurality of first shear pins releasably couple the plurality of slips to the slip bowl, wherein the plurality of first shear pins are adapted to be sheared by a pressure thrust load that is imposed on the slip bowl protector so as to drop the plurality of slips into contact with an outside surface of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Kauffmann, George B. Haining
  • Patent number: 10801275
    Abstract: An elevator system that supports a tubular member includes an elevator movable between a first elevator position and a second elevator position. A mechanical signal mechanism is coupled to the elevator. A valve is coupled to the mechanical signal mechanism. The mechanical signal mechanism is configured to transmit a mechanical signal by a mechanical control cable to move the valve into a valve position to send a valve signal that the elevator is in the second elevator position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventors: Arno Gruess, Frederik Stoldt
  • Patent number: 10773362
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a pivotable clamp or vise. For example, the vise may clamp or secure a workpiece at a suitable position and/or orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Howard
  • Patent number: 10766561
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a brake operating member, and a first operating member. The base member comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a grip portion. The brake operating member is movably coupled to the base member to operate a brake device. The first operating member is coupled to the base member movably between a rest position and an operated position to move a mechanical control cable relative to the base member. The first operating member is movable relative to the base member between the rest position and the operated position without mechanically positioning the mechanical control cable relative to the base member during a movement of the first operating member occurring between the rest position and the operated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Etsuyoshi Watarai
  • Patent number: 10767437
    Abstract: Methods and systems for retaining bonnets on blowout preventers. In one embodiment, a blowout preventer includes a hollow body, a ram disposed in a ram cavity of the hollow body, and a bonnet coupled to the hollow body. The bonnet is fastened to the hollow body with threaded fasteners, which include a threaded shaft and a threaded nut. The shaft and the nut include mating interrupted threads with threaded portions and longitudinal unthreaded portions that can be rotationally aligned so that threaded portions of each of the shaft and the nut are aligned with unthreaded portions of the other of the shaft and the nut to allow the threaded shaft to be received within the threaded nut and the threaded nut to then be rotated with respect to the threaded shaft to cause the threaded portions of the threaded nut to engage the threaded portions of the threaded shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Shimonek, Charles Gibbs
  • Patent number: 10759484
    Abstract: A height adjustment assembly for a bicycle saddle includes an inner tube with a saddle clamp on the top thereof. A retractable device is located in the inner tube and is fixed to the saddle clamp. The inner tube is movably inserted into an outer tube. A control device is located in the outer tube and includes a top part, a block and an operation unit. The top part is fixed to the retractable device and the switch of the retractable device extends through the top part and activates an operation unit received in the block. The operation unit is activated by a cable so as to move the switch of the retractable device to adjust the height of the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: KALLOY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chao-Hu Chen
  • Patent number: 10710357
    Abstract: A clamping assembly for a component associated with an engine is illustrated. The clamping assembly includes a first support member and a second support member. The second support member is pivotally coupled to the first support member via a pivot point. The first and second support members define an internal space therebetween for receiving a portion of the component. The clamping assembly includes a first insert adapted to contact an inner surface of the first support member, and a second insert adapted to contact an inner surface of the second support member. The first and second inserts are also adapted to contact the portion of the component. The clamping assembly also includes a recess provided within the second insert. The recess is adapted to contact and align with a corresponding projection of the portion of the component. The clamping assembly further includes a handle extending from the first support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan A. Melvin
  • Patent number: 10704632
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a transmission clutch assembly having a drum, a brake band, a smart material band and an electrical circuit. The brake band substantially encircles the drum and includes first and second ends, a high friction inner surface, and a low friction outer surface. The smart material band includes a beginning end and a terminating end wherein the beginning end of the smart material band is coupled to the second end of the brake band while the terminating end of the smart material band is coupled to the first end of the brake band. The electrical circuit transfers an electrical current to the smart material band. The smart material band contracts when the electrical current is applied to the smart material band thereby drawing the first and second ends of the brake band closer and contracting the brake hand against the drum to restrict drum movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 10690156
    Abstract: A locking device for fixing a sliding element is disclosed. The locking device employs a cylindrical membrane surrounding a sliding rod element, where both the membrane and the rod are enclosed within a housing. The rod slides freely relative to the membrane until an oil pressure is increased within the oil chamber, the oil chamber being enclosed by the membrane. The pressure within the oil chamber causes the membrane to temporarily deform and press against the rod, thus fixing the rod in a particular position. When the oil pressure is lowered below a threshold value, the membrane returns to its original shape and the rod continues to freely slide within the apparatus. The membrane is very thin yet capable of repeatable use. The membrane spans continuously along the entire portion of the rod within the fixing region of the device, thus creating a precise and powerful fixing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: APIS COR ENGINEERING, LLC
    Inventor: Viktor Skundrik
  • Patent number: 10647227
    Abstract: The present invention is a linear mechanical lock of the type used in vehicle seating. The linear mechanical lock uses a housing, rod, sleeve, bushings, release lever, clutch springs, and return spring. The present invention is an improved precision linear mechanical lock device using a two-piece clamshell housing. The two-piece clamshell housing has formed projections that locate and align the bushings within the housing. The two-piece clamshell housing has additional design features improving manufacturability, cost and reliability such as lanced tabs to align the internal components, lanced bumps to act as a return spring perch, cable mounts, and an extruded mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Porter Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Poulos, Richard T. Oliver
  • Patent number: 10633939
    Abstract: A drilling apparatus (1) is for use on a rotary drilling rig with a top drive which enables circulation and rotation of a drill string (3) to continue uninterrupted during the making of drill string connections. It has a snubber gripping mechanism (10, 9) to enable tool joints (2, 3) to be supported and gripped with a reduced pressure chamber (5) volume and snubbing force, during tool joint connections. The gripping mechanism has gripping pads (14) arranged to move radially by relative rotation of a drive cylinder (34) causing a tapered surface (36) of the drive cylinder (34) to press against or release the pad (14). A guide cylinder (30) supports and guides the pads (14) and collets (13) for retaining a drill string at an upset shoulder (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Laurence John Ayling
  • Patent number: 10604048
    Abstract: An electronically-activated support positioning system for a passenger seat can include a sensor capable of detecting a tactile input from a passenger and sending a signal, optionally through a controller, to a lock actuator coupled to a lockable hydraulic spring to either lock or unlock the lockable hydraulic spring. The lockable hydraulic spring can control movement of a support of the passenger seat, such as reclining of a seatback. In an example, when tactile input is detected, the lock actuator can unlock the lockable hydraulic spring, allowing an attached seatback to be adjusted. When tactile input is no longer detected, the lock actuator can lock the lockable hydraulic spring, securing the seatback from adjustment. The sensor can be sufficiently small to fit within the confines of an armrest. The sensor can be a microswitch positioned to detect deflection of a tab formed in the wall of the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventors: Merardo Vela, Patricia Luevano
  • Patent number: 10527066
    Abstract: In one aspect there is provided an apparatus to transmit hydraulic force to a snubbing unit's traveling slip assembly. The apparatus comprises a first hydraulic power source having a hydraulic connection to the traveling slip assembly, a hydraulic power source actuator to actuate the hydraulic power source to cause it to transmit hydraulic force to or from the traveling slip assembly. Rotation isolation means are provided to rotationally isolate the hydraulic power source actuator from the first hydraulic power source, and to transfers axial and radial loads between the hydraulic power source actuator 65 and the first hydraulic power source. The first hydraulic power source is mounted to the traveling slip assembly so as to co-rotate therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Nathan Smith
  • Patent number: 10487597
    Abstract: An elevator for use in handling a tubular includes a first body part coupled to a second body part and at least two slips coupled to each of the first and second body parts. One or more of the slips includes an engagement member for coupling with a mating member of the first body part or the second body part, wherein at least 25% of the engagement member is coupled with the mating member when the slip is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Igor Stankovic
  • Patent number: 10480263
    Abstract: The method of using friction dogs for the skewed force amplifying gripping engagement of a circular member including positively prepositioning the friction dog in a predetermined position on a force wedging angled surface before the engagement with the circular member and the freedom to move along a skewed surface after the engagement to allow the force amplifying wedging action to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: REEL POWER LICENSING CORP.
    Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
  • Patent number: 10464179
    Abstract: Embodiments of a quill stop are disclosed. The quill stop can move between an open and closed position. The quill stop has a left and a right securing member, a locking element, a right arm, a left arm, and a left arm spring. The right arm can actuate the locking element out of engagement with a locking projection so that the right securing member and the left securing member can move relative to each other and allow a rod to be inserted between them. The locking element prevents unwanted actuation of the quill stop during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Rodger Gabriel Marchisset
  • Patent number: 10450812
    Abstract: A handler for drill rods, a drill rod support thereof, a method of operation for the handler, and a drill rig employing the handler and the drill rod support is provided. The drill rod support includes a socket configured to receive a portion of a length of a drill rod, and a clamping device disposed within the socket and movable between clamping and release positions with respect to the drill rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
    Inventors: Jacob Van Der Loos, William Howard, Robert Frith, Patrick Meehan, Sean Laird, Tim Renton
  • Patent number: 10385631
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling vessel comprising a drilling tower and a tubular string support structure for supporting a tubular string in the firing line of the drilling tower. The tubular string support structure has two parallel rails and two carts supported by those rails. Both carts have a hanger body with a central passage for supporting a tubular, and each cart can be moved between a central support position for supporting a tubular in the firing line, and a secondary position adjacent the central support position. When both carts are located in their secondary position, the carts are located on opposite sides of the firing line, such that between the carts there is a passage for passing through large objects along the firing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning, Pieter Dirk Melis Van Duivendijk
  • Patent number: 10361528
    Abstract: A method of making a connector assembly includes attaching two stamped housing sections together to form a connector housing having a housing groove with a groove bottom and two side walls and providing the connector housings with a spring used as a mechanical connector and/or as an electrical connector for numerous applications and across numerous industries. The groove geometries can easily be altered using different stamping dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Farshid Dilmaghanian, Peter J. Balsells, Majid Ghasiri, Derek Changsrivong
  • Patent number: 10352113
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular product clamp for clamping a tubular product, such as a drilling pipe, and to thus support for example a string of drilling pipes. The product clamp has a ring frame and three or more clamping devices mounted along the inside of that ring frame and around a central product passage. According to the invention each clamping device comprises a base part and a clamp part and two load transfer rollers carried by a trolley frame. The trolley frame positions the base part, the clamp part and the load transfer rollers relative to each other. The base part and clamp part define between them a track, along which the load transfer rollers roll when the clamp part is moved relative to the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Pieter Dirk Melis Van Duivendijk, Theodorus Cornelis Joanes Maria Stijnman
  • Patent number: 10240647
    Abstract: An adjustable friction brake assembly may adjust a variable amount of frictional force required to translate or rotate a shaft, rather than merely locking or unlocking the shaft. The brake assembly includes a housing for internally receiving the shaft, the external portion of the housing including external threading leading into circumferentially spaced fingers extending axially and oriented radially inward to engage the shaft. The brake assembly includes a rotatable adjuster having an internally threaded throughbore for engaging the housing and directing the fingers radially inward to engage the shaft, thereby increasing the required frictional force. For example, by rotating the adjuster clockwise, the required force can be increased; similarly, by rotating the adjuster counterclockwise, the required force can be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: John Iossifidis
  • Patent number: 10196063
    Abstract: Vehicles, systems, and methods for shifting a manual transmission into neutral during autonomous braking are provided. An exemplary system for shifting a vehicle into neutral during autonomous braking includes a manual transmission for transferring power from an engine to a differential using gears manually selected by a gear selector. Also, the system includes an actuator mounted to the vehicle and to the gear selector. Further, the system includes a controller coupled to the actuator and configured to direct the actuator to force the gear selector into neutral during an autonomous braking event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chad T. Zagorski, Michael G. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 10189496
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket assembly, a lower jacket assembly, a telescope drive assembly, and a telescope drive lock assembly. The upper jacket assembly is at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly. The telescope drive assembly includes a telescope actuator and an extension member. The telescope drive lock assembly is operatively connected to the extension member. The telescope drive lock assembly is configured to facilitate movement of the upper jacket assembly away from the retracted position while an advanced driver assist system is active and the upper jacket assembly is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd M. King, Thomas M. Finney, Edward A. Cana
  • Patent number: 10161174
    Abstract: A vehicle has a sliding door fitted with a rotatable brake member to apply a braking force to the sliding door when the vehicle is on a slope. The brake member is automatically rotated about a pivot axis X-X by a moveable member forming part of an actuator when the vehicle is resting on a slope into a position in which a braking force is applied to the sliding door by the interaction of the brake member with an elongate track in the form of a sliding door support track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Whitehurst, Brian Westgarth, Rob Swann, Ian Patterson
  • Patent number: 10150148
    Abstract: A bar unloading apparatus of the revolver type, comprising: —a longitudinal rotor (10) divided into at least three longitudinal stretches (11, 12, 13) integral with one another and adapted to rotate about a longitudinal rotation axis, on the outer longitudinal surfaces of which there is provided a plurality of longitudinal channels, extending on the at least three stretches over the whole longitudinal extension of the rotor (10) and parallel to said longitudinal axis, to receive respective longitudinal bars, —and at least one braking device for braking the longitudinal bars entering in at least one of the longitudinal channels, wherein the at least one braking device is integrated in at least one first stretch (12) of said at least three longitudinal stretches (11, 12, 13), is rotationally fixed to the longitudinal rotor (10) and is provided with braking elements (1) in each of said longitudinal channels so that said at least one braking device can rotate together with the longitudinal rotor (10) and brake th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.P.A.
    Inventors: Fausto Menosso, Flavio Della Rossa
  • Patent number: RE47771
    Abstract: A lock assembly of a blowout preventer is provided. The blowout preventer includes a ram assembly slidably positionable in the channel and engageable with a tubular. The ram assembly includes a ram block, a ram cylinder, and a ram shaft. The lock assembly includes a lock cylinder and a lock piston. The lock cylinder is operatively connectable to the ram cylinder. The ram shaft has an end slidably extendable into a lock cavity of the lock cylinder. The lock piston is slidably positionable in the lock cylinder and separates the lock cavity into a lock and a closing chamber. The lock piston has a ram surface engageable with the end when the lock piston is in a locked position, and a ram hole therethrough to receive the end when the lock piston is in an unlocked position whereby the ram block is selectively lockable about the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Jahnke