With Discrete Actuator Patents (Class 242/399.1)
  • Patent number: 11911994
    Abstract: A supply of single-ply, fan-folded sheet stock material includes a holder that facilitates simultaneously loading multiple plies of sheet stock material into a dunnage conversion machine for conversion into a dunnage product. The holder has inclined support surfaces and intersecting support walls that support the support surfaces in their inclined orientations. The holder has a W-shape cross-section, with inclined outer support surfaces and inclined inner support surfaces that may meet in the middle. The inner support surfaces generally are perpendicular to adjacent outer support surfaces to support a generally rectangular stack and sub-stacks of single-ply, fan-folded sheet stock material. The inclined support surfaces of the holder facilitate splitting the stack in half and supporting the two sub-stacks so that pages on top of the two stacks, connected by a center fold line, can be drawn into the conversion machine simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Robert C. Cheich, Brian H. Stewartson
  • Patent number: 11739558
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for use in the installation of wire fencing, including a frame mountable to a skid steer or tractor loader, a pair of spinning jenny support posts supporting a plurality of spinner support bars, each support bar provided to receive and support a spinning jenny dereeler. At a distal end of the frame is provided a hinged wire guide including at opposing ends an inner pair of grooved rollers and an outer pair of grooved rollers. Compartmentalized tool chests may be secured to portions of the frame as well as gate racks, to transport gates, equipment and supplies to the installation site. Guide sticks are provided, each presented with differing numbers of apertures positioned at pre-determined heights along the stick, for use in efficiently installing fencing along the fence line. A method for installing fencing along a fence line is also provided, using a portable apparatus supporting a plurality of spinning jenny dereelers, a hinged wire guide, and a guide stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: Joshua Clayton Acacio
  • Patent number: 11511958
    Abstract: A wire mesh dispenser (99) allowing for the transportation, unrolling and deployment of wire mesh (91) is described. This wire mesh dispenser (99) is light weight, low profile, easily reloadable, and capable of being utilized with one arm. The wire mesh dispenser (99) allows an individual to unroll wire mesh (91) from a wire mesh roll (90) in tight, hard to reach spaces such as corners, narrow alleyways, and high reach areas. The wire mesh dispenser (99) is especially suited for the preparation of stucco based structures in construction projects. The wire mesh dispenser (99) comprises of an upper structure (100), a lower structure (200), and a means to fasten shafts (400).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Roque B. Montano
  • Patent number: 11254549
    Abstract: A hoist is disclosed. In various embodiments, the hoist includes a torque tube defining a longitudinal axis and having a radially outer surface; a cable drum having a radially inner surface; and a bar spline disposed radially outward of the torque tube and radially inward of the cable drum and configured to transfer a torque from the torque tube to the cable drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Bejan Maghsoodi, Domenic Dezan
  • Patent number: 10793048
    Abstract: A reel handler system includes a first arm and a second arm. A first member is coupled to the first arm and a second member is coupled to the second arm. A sleeve has the members movably positioned therein. A first bracket has a first link coupled to the first arm and a second link coupled to the sleeve. The links are pivotable relative to one another. A second bracket has a third link coupled to the second arm and a fourth link coupled to the sleeve. The third and fourth links are pivotable relative to one another. The brackets are movable to increase and decrease a distance between the arms from a first configuration in which the first and third links are spaced a first distance apart from the sleeve and a second configuration in which the first and third links are spaced a second distance apart from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: DEJANA TRUCK AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT CO., INC.
    Inventors: Victor J. Varonier, Arthur K. McVaugh
  • Patent number: 10118532
    Abstract: A reel handler system includes a first arm and a second arm. A first member is coupled to the first arm and a second member is coupled to the second arm. A sleeve has the members movably positioned therein. A first bracket has a first link coupled to the first arm and a second link coupled to the sleeve. The links are pivotable relative to one another. A second bracket has a third link coupled to the second arm and a fourth link coupled to the sleeve. The third and fourth links are pivotable relative to one another. The brackets are movable to increase and decrease a distance between the arms from a first configuration in which the first and third links are spaced a first distance apart from the sleeve and a second configuration in which the first and third links are spaced a second distance apart from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: DEJANA TRUCK AND EQUIPMENT
    Inventors: Victor J. Varonier, Arthur K. McVaugh
  • Patent number: 9290357
    Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving a hose on a hose reel includes a base, a pair of opposed arms for supporting the hose reel, a tensioning assembly, and a drive assembly. Each of the arms having a reel support member near a distal end thereof, and the arms being moveable relative to one another between an engaged position wherein the arms are positioned so that the reel support members are supportingly engaged with a hub of a hose reel, and a non-engaged position wherein the arms are positioned so that the reel support members are disengaged from the hub. The drive assembly is supported by at least one of the first and second arms in a way that activation of the drive assembly causes at least one of the reel support members to rotate and thereby rotate the hose reel when the arms are in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Polypipe Handling Specialists, Inc.
    Inventors: P. Mike Mays, Trevor J. Mays, Michael K. Mays
  • Patent number: 8403249
    Abstract: Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile polyethylene turf, are provided. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of a primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as roller adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the front roller. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Textile Management Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Gordon, Ryan W. Paris, Gary L. Brock, Andrew E. Belles
  • Patent number: 8152088
    Abstract: Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile polyethylene turf, are provided. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of a primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as roller adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the front roller. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Textile Management Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Gordon, Ryan W. Paris, Gary L. Brock, Andrew E. Belles
  • Patent number: 8047464
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Peckham, Thomas E. Gay, Keith Lepine, John A. Zahoruiko, John J. Devlin, Scott Colby
  • Patent number: 7810574
    Abstract: An apparatus is shown for installing a pulling a submersible pump from a well bore where the pump is supported on a length of flexible tubing. The apparatus has a pivot frame located on a transportable base frame. A take up reel for the flexible tubing is also supported on the pivot frame by a pair of pivoting support arms. The take up reel is centered over the well bore by pivoting the reel on the support arms between a collapsed and a vertical work position. The reel can be further centered by pivoting the pivot frame in a horizontal plane relative to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Gaylen R. Stukey, Leland P. Stukey
  • Publication number: 20100147988
    Abstract: A carousel for the storage of flexible product, and a method of loading flexible product thereon, wherein said carousel comprises an open drum mounted to rotate around a vertical axis, an elevatable floor, preferably internal to said drum and lifting means for lifting and lowering said elevatable floor. Said lifting means possibly being located between a base of said carousel and said elevatable floor. Said carousel may be of the type designed for location under deck on a marine pipelaying vessel, said flexible product being flexible conduit for the transport of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Acergy Norway AS
    Inventor: John Baxter
  • Patent number: 7520463
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Lepine, Scott Colby, John A. Zahoruiko
  • Patent number: 7494087
    Abstract: A cable reel handler device, including a slide base on a vehicle having channels aligned transverse to the length of the vehicle. A pair of movable carriages provide lateral movement in the channels via hydraulic cylinders. Lifting arms mounted respectively on the carriages extend out to engage a reel, and have an extensible torsion bar shaft to maintain a fixed alignment. Hydraulic lift cylinders move the lifting arms in unison to move a reel to and from the vehicle and in position for winding and unwinding cable on the reel. Hydraulic motors rotate the reel for winding and unwinding cable. A source of hydraulic fluid is operably connected to all the hydraulic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Dejana Truck & Utility Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur K. McVaugh
  • Patent number: 7478775
    Abstract: A gimbal assembly strain relief may be used to provide management of the power cord of a power tool. The power cord extends through the gimbal assembly to permit rotation of the tool about first and second axes while providing strain relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Michael B. Hopper
  • Patent number: 7429016
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Peckham, Thomas E. Gay, Keith Lepine, John A. Zahoruiko, John J. Devlin, Scott Colby
  • Publication number: 20080121749
    Abstract: A cable reel handler device, including a slide base on a vehicle having channels aligned transverse to the length of the vehicle. A pair of movable carriages provide lateral movement in the channels via hydraulic cylinders. Lifting arms mounted respectively on the carriages extend out to engage a reel, and have an extensible torsion bar shaft to maintain a fixed alignment. Hydraulic lift cylinders move the lifting arms in unison to move a reel to and from the vehicle and in position for winding and unwinding cable on the reel. Hydraulic motors rotate the reel for winding and unwinding cable. A source of hydraulic fluid is operably connected to all the hydraulic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Arthur K. McVaugh
  • Patent number: 7150424
    Abstract: A support assembly is provided for suspending lightweight tools or other objects, such as hairdryers and the like. The assembly provides support and in particular embodiments, electrical power to the object suspended. In addition, the assembly provides management of the power cord. Embodiments of the assembly include a quick release electrical connector deployed between and configured to selectively electrically connect and disconnect the tool from a power supply and/or a gimbal assembly configured to permit rotation of the tool about first and second axes, the cord extending through the gimbal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Michael B. Hopper
  • Patent number: 6805314
    Abstract: A support assembly and method is provided for suspending lightweight tools or other objects, such as hairdryers and the like. The assembly provides support and in particular embodiments, electrical power to the object suspended. In addition, the assembly provides management of the cord. Elevation of the object may be adjusted within a predetermined range of motion. The assembly exerts an upward force on the object that varies depending upon the elevation. This variable force is calibrated to provide the object with a uniformly weightless or virtually weightless “feel” nominally throughout the range of movement. The assembly is provided with low friction and low inertia, so that an object may be rapidly and easily moved between various elevations with little effort and little drag. The amount of force exerted on the object by the assembly may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Michael B. Hopper
  • Patent number: 6575393
    Abstract: A cover reel assembly for laying down or retrieving a ground cover on the ground comprising a first frame attachable to a prime mover, the first frame having support arms to hold a cover reel rotatably, with a hydraulic pump between the prime mover and the first frame, between the first frame and support arms, or between the first frame and a second frame raise and lower the cover reel. The prime mover pushes the cover reel assembly forward to unwind a ground cover from the cover reel onto the ground, simultaneously laying cables or chains on top of the ground cover to hold the ground cover on the ground. The ground cover and cables or chains are rewound by a reverse procedure pushing the cover reel assembly forward. An alternate embodiment operates by pulling the cover reel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Forrest Hood James, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6543713
    Abstract: A wire fence roller apparatus includes a framework, a rotatable elongated drum, a pair of guide plates, and a wire guiding arrangement. The drum is mounted to a pivotal end portion of the framework for undergoing pivotal movement therewith. The drum is thus swingable with the pivotal end portion of the framework toward and away from a stationary end portion of the framework so as to dispose the drum in an operative position wherein the drum extends between and is rotatably mounted to the opposite end portions of the framework to permit winding or unwinding of wire fence about or from the drum with rotation of the drum and in an inoperative position wherein the drum is released from and angularly displaced away from the stationary end portion of the framework to permit loading and unloading of the wire fence onto and from the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Frolander, Michael R. Frolander
  • Patent number: 6502782
    Abstract: For a space-saving and cost-effective device for winding or unwinding printed products onto or off of a reel hub (3), which can be supported on a winding stand and to which at least one winding tape (10) is supplied undershot to the reel hub (3) and which can be rolled off a winding mandrel to form wound layers of printed products, the drivable reel hub (3) is permanently joined on the front to an upper column part (4) of the winding stand, which roughly vertically penetrates the winding axis (8), and is removably supported on the winding stand element (5), which is composed of the winding stand foot (12) and the lower column part (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Grapha-Holding AG
    Inventor: Albert Eugster
  • Patent number: 6494397
    Abstract: A reeling mechanism for coiled tubing, suitable for use by work in a well. The reeling mechanism comprises a reel section with coiled tubing, a reel cradle section, and means suitable for unwinding or rewinding the coiled tubing from/on the reel section when the coiled tubing is being inserted into or withdrawn from the well. The reel section with the coiled tubing has a pallet section arranged thereto and located beneath its axis of rotation. The pallet section is adapted to secure the reel section with the coiled tubing. The pallet section comprises guide elements for running along guiding parts positioned on the reel cradle section, so that the reel section with the coiled tubing and the reel cradle section may be connected in a controlled manner. The pallet section will ensure that the reel section may be transported in a stable position out to the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: JM Consult AS
    Inventor: Jens Myklebust
  • Patent number: 6481661
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for winding a cable or the like on and off a reel with a center hole, which arrangement comprises two movable, substantially vertical support arms (1), which are supported by a frame structure and the free arm ends of which are provided with spindles (2) arranged to be inserted to the center holes of the reel (3) between the support arms, when the support arms (1) are being moved towards one another, whereby the reel can be raised from the foundation by means of vertical adjustment of the support arms (1) to enable the winding. To achieve a simple structure, the spindles (2) are arranged floatably to the ends of the support arms (1) allowing the spindles (2) to move freely in different directions. As a result of the support arms moving towards one another and resting against the center hole of the reel (3), the spindles (2) are arranged to move axially with respect to the support arms (1) into a position in which the spindles (2) are locked to the support arms (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Nextrom Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Mika Lauhde
  • Publication number: 20020130210
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reel suspension for a high-pressure hose for mounting to a service vehicle. The reel suspension includes a first U-shaped frame having a reel shaft mounted thereto. The reel suspension further includes a second U-shaped frame hinged to said first U-shaped frame to form a jointed frame. In addition, the reel suspension has mounting means for making a hinged connection between the second U-shaped frame and the service vehicle, as well as means for securing the first U-shaped frame in a plurality of positions relative to said second U-shaped frame and for securing the second U-shaped frame in a plurality of positions relative to the service vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Adrianus Cornelis Schellekens
  • Patent number: 6315233
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting device for transporting a voluminous, substantially empty container (1), which transporting device has a shape and dimensions suitable for use on the public highway and is provided with a mobile main frame (12); a sub-frame (11) supported by the main frame (12); a rolling-up member (10) rotatably mounted on a lying shaft in the sub-frame (11); drive means (15) for rotating the rolling-up member (10); coupling means (13) arranged on the rolling-up member (10) for coupling the rolling-up member (10) to the container (1), and turning means (17) for turning the sub-frame (11) on a standing shaft relative to the main frame (12). The invention also relates to a container (1) which is transported with interposing of a transporting device (11, 12) according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Albers Alligator Projekten B.V.
    Inventor: Hubertus Franciscus Cornelius Maria Van Wingerden
  • Patent number: 6299094
    Abstract: A cover reel assembly for laying or retrieving a ground cover comprising a first frame attachable to a prime mover, the first frame having pivotal support arms attached rotatably to a cover reel and attached fixedly to a second frame, with a hydraulic device between the first frame and pivotal support arms to raise and lower the cover reel and second frame, the second frame being attached to a third frame having a brush/guide mechanism. The prime mover pushes the cover reel assembly forward with downward pressure from the hydraulic device on the cover reel to unwind a ground cover from the cover reel onto the ground, simultaneously laying cables from cable reels as retainers on the ground cover, with the cable reels attached to the first frame. The ground cover and cables are rewound by a reverse procedure pushing the cover reel assembly forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Forrest Hood James, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6244532
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for winding a lifting cord. The device comprises a rotatable shaft (14), a wrapping guide (22) and a winding drum (12) mounted on the rotatable shaft (14) such that the winding drum (12) rotates with the shaft (14) and is free to move axially along the shaft (14). One end of the lifting cord (24) is attached to the winding drum (12). The wrapping guide (22) is configured to engage the lifting cord (24) such that as the shaft (14) and winding drum (12) rotate, the lifting cord (24) wraps around the winding drum (12) in even turns without overlapping and forces the winding drum (12) to travel axially along the shaft (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: BTX Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly A. Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6179239
    Abstract: Driving device for rotating a cable drum (3) in a cable winding machine comprising gripping pins (2) arranged in a support frame (1) for rotatably supporting the cable drum and a driving device (4) provided with a motor, and a driving wheel (6) coupled to the motor for engagement with one flange (3a) of the drum. For drawing the end of the cable to a point (14) in the drum by means of a wire (13), a wire drum (8) rotated by the motor of the driving wheel is fastened to the driving wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Nextrom Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Gustaf Linderoth