Aligner Or Center Patents (Class 29/271)
  • Patent number: 11976502
    Abstract: A striker on a lower part of a doorway of a vehicle body includes: first and second engagement parts on a metal base and fixed to the vehicle body to be apart from each other to respectively engage with a door latch device on a lower part of a door capable of closing the doorway and a dislocation prevention part adjacent the door latch device; a pair of front and rear engagement pieces on a vehicle interior side of the base respectively opposite the first and second engagement parts; a reinforcing piece between the first and second engagement pieces; and an elastic body fixed to the base by the first and second engagement pieces and the reinforcing piece. The elastic body has a convex portion that abuts against an inner panel of the door when the door is closed. The convex portion is supported by the reinforcing piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUI KINZOKU ACT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yosuke Matsuda, Tatsuya Takayama
  • Patent number: 11510792
    Abstract: Prosthesis devices can include sockets having adjustable features. In one example, a socket includes one or more panels that can move outwardly or inwardly relative to a receptacle portion of the socket. The panels can be moved by tightening a tensioning line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Click Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Mahon
  • Patent number: 11365763
    Abstract: A bearing attachment system for a pump product having a seal carrier and a cover plate. The attachment system is configured to produce a force deflection curve that provides a clamping force on a pair of tapered roller bearings such that a tight bearing endplay on the tapered roller bearings is maintained through a full range of manufacturing tolerances. The geometric shape of the cover plate and the top surface of the seal carrier provide the desired deflection characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Charlie Dvorak, Wondimagegn Diress, Pavol Baleo, Jeffrey C. Hansell
  • Patent number: 11161229
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clamping jig for tube connection with which it is possible to clamp tubes even in a small and narrow space. A clamping jig for tube connection 10 according to the present invention is a clamping jig for tube connection that clamps joint-equipped tubes 60, each tube including a protruding collar portion 63 at a position rearward of its leading end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignees: YODOGAWA HU-TECH CO., LTD., CKD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro Yamamoto, Naoyuki Oba, Katsumi Ogawa, Hiroki Iwata
  • Patent number: 11156315
    Abstract: A pre-positioner for a profiled clamp being formed in two parts with a first element and a second element, wherein the first element can be fastened to a line end and the second element can be fastened to the profiled clamp. The disclosure further relates to a connecting arrangement having such a pre-positioner. To allow a simple mounting of the pre-positioner, the first element is designed to be stirrup-shaped with a foot portion which can be secured to the line end and with a holding portion which is offset radially outwards with respect to the foot portion. The holding portion has a cutout, wherein the second element has a pin which extends in the radial direction and which can be inserted into the cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Stephen Paes, Manuel Baudoin, Erkan Kayacik, Ben Cottle
  • Patent number: 11137095
    Abstract: A method for assembly of a fitting with a pipe piece using a flange connection disposes centering elements on the fitting at a distance from one another on the circumference, and centering bolts are inserted into centering openings of the centering elements and into accommodation openings of the fitting. A collar surface of the pipe piece is aligned on alignment surfaces of the centering elements. Subsequently, a loose flange ring is aligned on the centering bolts via its passage openings. The fitting and the pipe piece, which are aligned with one another, are connected with one another by the flange ring as well as connection elements, and in this regard, the centering elements and centering bolts are removed. Also a method having a similar effect, for assembly of two pipe pieces uses a flange connection, as does a centering apparatus for assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: agru Kunststofftechnik Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Erich Gruber, Albert Lueghamer
  • Patent number: 11051840
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a handle housing. The handle housing comprises two asymmetric portions, a first portion configured to support mechanical and electrical components of the surgical instrument and a second portion comprising a removable cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Kevin L. Houser, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10850822
    Abstract: A propeller shaft includes a cylindrical outer surface having a series of external splines formed thereupon and having a series of external threads formed in the series of external splines. The series of external splines engages with a mating series of internal splines on a driven gear. The series of external threads engages with a mating series of internal threads on a nut that holds the driven gear axially in place on the propeller shaft. A shaft for a marine drive unit and a marine drive assembly are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Kass W. Sawyer, Laura K. Mueller
  • Patent number: 10433618
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing shoes is provided that includes two or more pieces of equipment used in the customization and manufacturing of shoes and an alignment fixture that may engage with each piece of equipment by way of an alignment mounting member. The alignment fixture may secure to it a portion of a shoe, such as an upper portion, wherein the shoe portion remains in a flat position, and in a fixed relationship to the alignment fixture, throughout the various processes performed by the pieces of equipment. These processes may include, for example, printing, laser, embroidery, forming, cutting, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Trisha M. Kamakeeaina, Jeremy Petty, Eric Graham, Melody Crisp
  • Patent number: 10436237
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener (10) for a non-threaded bore (50), which fastener comprises: a first member (12) with a head (18), an externally threaded shank (20) extending from the head, and an axially extending projection (22) at the opposite end (24) of the shank compared to the head; and a second at least partly deformable member (14) attached to the axially extending projection, wherein the second member comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending outer ridges (40a-d). The present invention also relates to a method of mounting a first object (46) to a second object (48) using such a fastener, and to a method of manufacturing a fastener (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: BULTEN AB
    Inventors: Philip Lejon, Fredrik Lundin, Thomas Nordlund
  • Patent number: 10406663
    Abstract: A detachment tool of the present invention is a tool for detaching a device attached to a wall portion. The detachment tool includes a member in which a first through hole and a second through hole are formed, a first screw that fixes the member to the device while inserted into the first through hole, and a second screw that pushes the wall portion while inserted into the second through hole. The first through hole is a threaded hole that screw-engages with the first screw or an unthreaded hole. The second through hole is a threaded hole that screw-engages with the second screw. According to such a configuration, the detachment tool in which operationality in detachment is good, flexible adaptation to a space can be made, and force applied in detachment is also easily managed, and a motor drive device provided with the same can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Genzo Naito, Kazuhiro Yamamoto, Minoru Kataoka
  • Patent number: 10260455
    Abstract: A module may include a receiving element in the form of a bearing frame or a covering hood for arrangement on a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. The module may further include a camshaft that is rotatably mounted on the receiving element and projects from the receiving element to hold a camshaft wheel. The module can be prefabricated for direct mounting on the cylinder head. In the prefabrication process, the camshaft may be locked against rotation by an externally accessible securing part in an angular position for acting on valves. The securing part may extend through a first aperture in the camshaft wheel and through or into a receptacle of the receiving element. After mounting the module on the cylinder head, the securing part can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA TECCENTER AG
    Inventors: Heiko Schmid, Ulrich Schatton, Hans Jürgen Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10195674
    Abstract: A jig assembly structured to facilitate attachment of a device to a door including a base having oppositely disposed first and second end segments and an open interior, including first and second open faces. The open interior and the open faces are disposed between the end segments and are cooperatively structured therewith to receive a portion of the door in an operative position therein. A clamp member is movably connected to the first end segment and is least partially disposable into said open interior in clamping relation to the door portion, when in the operative portion. The second end segment is disposed and structured to receive passage therethrough of a tool, from an exterior to and interior of the base, into engaging relation with the door portion disposed in the operative position and into an interior channel of the clamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Douglas Couvertier, II
  • Patent number: 10184262
    Abstract: An alignment tool for the alignment of a pair of vertical flanges for the connection of the longitudinal edges of adjacent segments of a cylindrical section of a wind turbine tower, comprises mounting means for connecting the alignment tool to a portion of a vertical flange of a tower segment; and a longitudinal alignment head for aligning the vertical flange with an opposing vertical flange of an adjacent tower segment. The alignment head comprises a front portion extending in a forwards direction from the mounting means, the front portion comprising a lower guiding surface adapted to abut with a top guiding edge of the opposing vertical flange or a bracket or tool mounted thereon and to guide the alignment head over the top edge of the opposing flange, bracket or tool as the vertical flanges are brought towards each other during connection of the adjacent tower segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Gunnar K. Storgaard Pedersen, Jens Torborg, Ben Møller Nielsen, Jesper Hermann Hansen
  • Patent number: 9972815
    Abstract: A battery assembly includes a plurality of cells stacked to form an array and a plurality of spacers each disposed between an adjacent pair of the cells. Each cell includes at least one terminal. Each of the spacers includes a retainer extending from an edge portion of the spacer. The retainers are configured to orient and engage a busbar for connecting the terminals of an adjacent pair of cells. The battery assembly may also include a busbar module. The busbar module may engage with the retainers to hold the busbar module to the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley Burkman, Francisco Fernandez
  • Patent number: 9694478
    Abstract: A blind bolt and tool is used for fastening a bolt through a hole in a structure when only one side of the structure is accessible. A receiver is formed on the tip end of a bolt shaft opposite from a bolt head. Internal threads are formed within the receiver proximate an outward end, and a hex socket is formed in the inward end of the receiver. External threads and a guide are formed on a tip of the tool, and the external threads mate with the internal threads in the receiver to hold the bolt during installation. A hex key on one end of the tool engages the hex socket in the receiver so that the tool may impose a torque on the bolt when a nut is being tightened on the bolt. In another embodiment, a splined tip is formed on the end of the bolt. The tip is designed to shear off when a sufficient torque is applied. Also, a shim is configured to fit between structures held together by the blind bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Allfasteners USA, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Strange, Bruce A. Carmichael
  • Patent number: 9599464
    Abstract: An alignment device to facilitate the alignment of a pulley and a sheave. The device may be used to align invention can be used in adjustable sheaves and in sheaves with multiple grooves. The device includes a laser beam generation component with a pulley contact section configured for releasable engagement with an interior surface of the groove of the pulley. The device also includes a laser beam target component with a sheave contact section configured for releasable engagement with an interior surface of the groove of the sheave. When the laser beam generation component and the laser beam target component are positioned facing one another in the pulley and sheave, respectively, the laser beam from the laser beam generation component contacts the target of the laser beam target component and wherein when the laser beam aligns with the target, the pulley and the sheave are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Brian J. Donovan
  • Patent number: 9553429
    Abstract: A method and system for installing and removing a row of cables from a cable array is provided. The method includes providing an installation tool having a first body with a plurality of arms extending from one side. The plurality of arms being configured to receive a cable connector body, the plurality of arms including at least one first projection extending from one of the plurality of arms. The installation tool is moved onto a row of cables held coupled together by a bracket, each of the cables in the row of cables having a cable connector body. The connector bodies are engaged into receptacles and the bracket is moved with the at least one first projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Eric J. McKeever, Thong N. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9527173
    Abstract: An alignment tool (100) aligns a first opening (416A) in a first member (30A) with a second opening (417A) in a second member (30D) to receive a fastener to couple the members. First (102) and second (103) lugs extend from a back plate (101). A first pin (104) is received within a first lug opening (102C) and within a third opening (408A) in the first member (30A). Similarly a second pin (108) is received within a second lug opening (103A) and within a fourth opening (409A) in the second member (30D). The third (408A) and fourth (409A) openings are proximate respective first (416A) and second (417A) openings. Reducing the distance between the back plate (100) and the first pin (104) displaces the third opening (408A) toward the back plate (100) to align the first (416A) and second (417A) openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Edwards, Cezar Cisloiu
  • Patent number: 9523382
    Abstract: A locking pin with a stud having locking means and retaining means, wherein the stud has at least two separate stud elements, one of which serves as the locking means and the other as the retaining means. The at least two stud elements are rotationally fixed and are connected releasably in axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Fairchild Fasteners Europe-Camloc GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Blancke
  • Patent number: 9506586
    Abstract: A pipe connection guide arrangement is adapted to align a first pipe section having a first flange with a second pipe section having a second flange. The arrangement includes a guide bar to be attached to the first pipe section in a manner in which the guide bar projects longitudinally beyond the first flange. Similarly, a guide funnel is to be attached to a second pipe section, wherein the guide funnel is adapted to receive and locate the guide bar to laterally align the first pipe section to the second pipe section. A stopper bar is provided on the guide bar forward of the first flange, wherein the stopper bar is adapted to abut against the guide funnel to longitudinally align the first pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: Garry Ray Van Heerden, Ian Tyndale-Biscoe
  • Patent number: 9382733
    Abstract: A jig includes a plate with at least one jig aperture which defines a jig aperture axis; a striker defined along a striker axis generally parallel to the aperture axis; and a bias member movable relative to the striker axis. A method of mounting a latch mechanism to a door of a vehicle, the door includes a multiple of latch mechanism apertures, includes mounting a jig to the latch mechanism, the jig biased with respect to the door to align a multiple of jig apertures with the multiple of latch mechanism apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Huy Kyle Duong, Jeremy Lynn Fraley
  • Patent number: 9079271
    Abstract: A device for aligning structural elements to be connected is presented. In particular, the present invention relates to providing an end of a first structural element and an end of a second structural element; providing an aligning device including a head configured to be removably secured proximate the end of the first structural element, the aligning device further including an alignment element attached to the head, the alignment element having a rotatably secured plunging body extendable from the head; extending the plunging body from the head to non-rotatably engage the second structural element; and moving the non-rotatably engaged second structural element via extension of the plunging body to align the end of the second structural element with the end of the first structural element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: PIPESNAPPER WELDING SUPPLY LLC
    Inventor: Mark Dwileski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9033326
    Abstract: An interlocking and removable tool for floral arranging, consisting of two interlocking pieces which form a sturdy grid when assembled. This grid is placed on top of a vase, jar, bowl, or other vessel used for housing arranged flowers. This grid keeps flowers in place while being arranged, without falling over, and allows the user to construct floral arrangements with ease. When the desired arrangement is complete, the interlocking components slide apart and are removed without disrupting the floral arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Adam Richard Smith
  • Publication number: 20150128396
    Abstract: A protruding portion is formed on a rear side of a side plate, namely a side surface forming guide passage. The protruding portion is intended to prevent a thrust metal from being put to the guide passage with the left and right ends being in the wrong position. Accordingly, a height of the protruding portion is smaller than a depth of the oil ditch of the thrust metal, the width of the protruding portion is smaller than the width of the oil ditch. Also, regarding to the formation position of the protruding portion, when the thrust metal is truly set to guide passage, the center of the protruding portion approximately accords with the center of the oil ditch of the thrust metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Takefumi Motomura
  • Patent number: 9015917
    Abstract: A tool is provided for moving a first clamping or gripping member toward or away from a second facing clamping or gripping member, the tool having a double threaded drive shaft coupled to opposed threaded linkage driving members for causing the threaded linkage driving members to be driven toward or away from each other. As the threaded linkage driving members move closer, the resulting angle of the links becomes steeper, thus increasing the mechanical advantage of the clamping tool, enhancing clamping forces. A beneficial result is a clamping apparatus that requires less manual energy than a traditional clamp. Another beneficial result is provided if the same amount of energy is applied to the driveshaft as in a traditional clamp, the resulting clamping force is significantly higher. If the second clamping member is adjustable, it accommodates wide variations in thickness of an object positioned between the first and second clamping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel A. Norton
  • Publication number: 20150052750
    Abstract: A method and tooling for assembling a guide vane stage that includes an inner shroud and an outer shroud that are coaxial and interconnected by radial airfoils, the method including holding plates pressed against an outer surface of the inner shroud so that the plates cover gaps formed between openings in the inner shroud and the airfoils at least in part and in a manner that is leaktight, and applying a sealing resin to the inner surface of the inner shroud so that the resin fills the gaps and so that radially inner ends of the airfoils are embedded in the resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Romain Rene Marcel Chardonnet, Patrick Gilbert Petit, Alain Martinez
  • Publication number: 20150033531
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including an installation device having a plurality of pillars which are constructed and arranged to accept a passenger airbag housing; wherein at least one sensor or switch is attached to the installation device which may physically engage at least one tab during the installation process and which may provide electronic feedback of the installation results. A number of variations may include a method including placing a passenger airbag assembly having at least one lock feature onto an instrument panel chute having at least one tab feature; placing the installation device having at least one sensor or switch attached to it onto the passenger airbag assembly; pressing down on the installation device to engage the at least one lock feature with the at least one tab feature; and wherein the at least one sensor or switch provides electronic feedback of the installation results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Kaphengst, Robert J. Scheuerman, Craig A. Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20150029646
    Abstract: A tidying device to facilitate the securing of a cable to a tidying slot of an enclosure includes a controller and a gripping module mounted to the controller. A gap is defined for receiving the cable. A pressing module is slidably mounted to the controller. An end of the cable is secured to the enclosure. The tidying device is movable relative to the enclosure to move the cable to be aligned with the tidying slot. The pressing module is slidable relative to the controller to engage the cable in the tidying slot under a control of the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: WEI-KUANG LIANG, WENG-TIANG TANG, CAN JIA, PEI-HUA ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20150018140
    Abstract: An alignment tool may be used to align a nock with respect to an arrow having vanes. The alignment tool may include a body, a connection member extending from the body, and indicating surfaces that are spaced around the outer surface of the alignment tool body at a relative angular orientation that matches the angular orientation of the arrow vanes. The connection member may be attached to the nock and then both the tool and the nock may be rotated with respect to the arrow to align the nock with respect to the arrow by aligning the indicating surfaces with respect to the vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Hunter's Manufacturing Company, Inc., d/b/a TenPoint Crossbow Technologies
    Inventors: Richard L. Bednar, Michael J. Shaffer, Jacob A. Hout, Dean Mook
  • Patent number: 8904613
    Abstract: A power structure of a hydraulic tool contains a base including an outer thread section, a first passage, a second passage, a first hole, a second hole, and a first groove; a first connecting unit including a first tap, a first adapter, a first joint, and a first check nut; a second connecting unit including a second tap, a second adapter, a second joint, and a second check nut; a cylindrical tube including a receiving space, first external screws, first internal screws, and second internal screws; a first spindle including a first path and a second groove; a second spindle including a second path, two orifices, second external screws, third internal screws, and a third groove; a retaining loop; a fitting loop; a plug; a paw unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jung-Liang Hung
  • Patent number: 8850678
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing shoes is provided that includes two or more pieces of equipment used in the customization and manufacturing of shoes and an alignment fixture that may engage with each piece of equipment by way of an alignment mounting member. The alignment fixture may secure to it a portion of a shoe, such as an upper portion, wherein the shoe portion remains in a flat position, and in a fixed relationship to the alignment fixture, throughout the various processes performed by the pieces of equipment. These processes may include, for example, printing, laser, embroidery, forming, cutting, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Melody Crisp, Eric Graham, Jeremy Petty, Trisha Kamakeeaina
  • Publication number: 20140283359
    Abstract: An alignment tool for use in aligning a manway cover with a manway body/flange includes an alignment tool plate having a plate body, a first planar surface and a plurality of plate openings each spaced from a first edge where each of the plurality of plate openings are positioned to align with a corresponding opening in the manway body/flange, a tool beam support having a distal end portion and extending a predefined distance transversely from the tool alignment plate, a cover attachment plate having at least one through-opening sized and positioned for attachment of the cover attachment plate to the manway cover, and a height adjuster extending between and connecting the tool beam support to the cover attachment plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSAL HINGE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Edward A. DePietro
  • Publication number: 20140245590
    Abstract: A system and method for guiding a motor into alignment with a transmission during assembly. The system may allow the motor to be placed into engagement with a motor mount in a first position, wherein in the first position, the position of the motor is constrained by guide structures such that the gear teeth of the drive gear and the gear teeth of a driven gear are not fully intermeshed, and a rotation axis of the drive gear is not parallel to a rotation axis of the driven gear. The motor may then be manipulated in the motor mount while constrained by the guide structures along a motion path until the gear teeth of the drive gear and the gear teeth of the driven gear are more fully intermeshed, and the rotation axis of the drive gear is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the driven gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jason Ableitner, Nathan Carlson, Tom Bakken
  • Patent number: 8819910
    Abstract: A positioning tool includes an actuating member and a rotating member rotatably attached to the actuating member. The actuating member includes a supporting lump. Two positioning pins are located on the supporting lump. The rotating member includes a rotating plate located between the two positioning pins. Three latching pins are located on the rotating plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (WuHan) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Lan Liu, Chang-Jun Li, Chao-Jie Cai, Yu-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 8793852
    Abstract: A shaft alignment hand tool for aligning a shaft is intended to align a shaft to a mating shaft. The shaft alignment hand tool has a U-shaped elongated body member comprising ten sides, a slotted void and further comprises three aligned tapped holes located on a top outer side surface for locking the alignment tool to a support surface and one tapped through hole located on a front bottom outside side surface for aligning the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: William A. Garrett, James A. Garrett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140182112
    Abstract: An alignment tool device for use in aligning a manway cover to a manway body/flange during installation of the manway cover includes a first plate with an L-shape has body with a pair of holes and a first tongue extending transversely from the plate. A second plate with an inverted-L shape has a body with a pair of holes and a second tongue extending transversely from the plate. The first plate is oriented substantially parallel to and opposing the second plate with the first tongue extending parallel to and overlapping the second tongue, where the first and second tongues extend in opposite directions. A height adjuster displaces the first plate relative to the second plate by adjustable engagement of the tongues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Edward A. DePietro
  • Patent number: 8763227
    Abstract: A rotation sensor (19) is used for detecting relative rotation between a rotatable member (11, 12) and a non-rotatable member (10) of a bearing unit. The sensor (19) is retained in a sensor carrier body (18) of plastic material and annular shape. An annular supporting insert (17) serves to mount the sensor carrier body (18) onto the non-rotatable member (10) with the sensor operatively facing an impulse ring (15) secured to a rotatable member (12) of the unit. The sensor carrier body (18) and the supporting insert (17) provide a lock and seats (18a, 18c, 18d, 18m, 18n; 17c, 17d, 17m, 17n) for releasably locking the sensor carrier body (18) to the supporting insert (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Raffaele Montagnoni, Andrea Serafini
  • Publication number: 20140165359
    Abstract: Various embodiments include alignment systems for turbines. In various particular embodiments, an apparatus for aligning an end of a transition piece (TP) with an outlet of a combustor component is disclosed. The apparatus can include: a mount configured to attach to the combustor component proximate the outlet; a hinge component pivotably connected to the mount, the hinge component having an axis of motion substantially perpendicular with a primary axis of the combustor component; a dummy transition piece (dummy TP) component fixedly attached to the hinge component for pivoting with the hinge component; and an adjustment apparatus having a first end fixedly attached to the dummy TP, and a second end with an actuatable adjustment member for modifying a position of the dummy TP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, James Robert Hollis, Wayne David Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140165403
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for assembly of a planetary gear drive, wherein the gear drive includes a ring gear, a sun gear, and a plurality of planet gears engaged with the ring gear and sun gear. The method includes mounting the planet gears within a carrier, with the planet gears freely rotatable relative to the carrier. A gear alignment tool is inserted through a bore in a front face of the carrier and is used to index the planet gears into an aligned rotational position for proper subsequent engagement with the ring gear and sun gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CNH America, LLC
    Inventors: Edmund R. Henkel, Randolph J. Pope, Scott Spencer
  • Patent number: 8752258
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for implanting a prosthesis into a heart of a mammal, such as a person. The disclosure includes a prosthesis that acts as a pressure vent between the left and right atria of the heart. The disclosure also includes a mounting tool for mounting the prosthesis onto a loading tool, the loading tool useful for loading the prosthesis onto a device for delivering the prosthesis into the patient's heart. Control devices and methods for using these devices are also disclosed. The intracardiac pressure vents disclosed allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The devices also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombi or other embolic material from entering arterial circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: DC Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Finch, Edward McNamara, Hiroatsu Sugimoto
  • Publication number: 20140157561
    Abstract: A tool for aligning fibers in a ferrule, the tool comprising a body portion having a register surface; and at least one alignment member at a certain angle from the register surface, the alignment member configured to cooperate with a corresponding alignment member of a ferrule, wherein the register surface is non-planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Sjoerd van Geffen, Antonius P.C.M. Hultermans, Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Marcellus P.J. Buijs, Paul Schneider
  • Patent number: 8713776
    Abstract: An installation tool and method are disclosed for installing a combustion liner within a combustor. The installation tool comprises a frame and a pusher block. The frame includes a substantially horizontal member and a plurality of side members. The pusher block is disposed between the side members and may be configured to push against the combustion liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John William Herbold
  • Publication number: 20140109368
    Abstract: A line up tool includes a one piece body having a main portion and a tongue portion. The tongue portion projects outwardly from the main portion defining a longitudinal axis. The main portion has at least one workpiece engaging face, a first side and a second side. A passage extends through the main portion perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from the first side to the second side, The passage is positioned and configured to receive a flexible clamping device which is used to clamp the at least one workpiece engaging face to a workpiece, The tongue has a first face, a second face, a first side and a second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Gerrithendrik HIETLAND
  • Patent number: 8677585
    Abstract: An alignment mechanism is used for assembly of a diffuser inside a pressure reducing and conditioning valve, said valve having a body, an inlet port, an outlet port, a pressure reducing section between the ports, and a diffuser in an internal cavity of the pressure reducing section. The alignment mechanism comprises at least one alignment assembly having an alignment port disposed in the valve body in the pressure reducing section. The port has a passageway passing through an outer wall of the valve, and has a removable closure member adapted to close one end of the passageway. A removable alignment rod is adapted to be inserted through the passageway in the alignment port to contact an outer surface of the diffuser when the diffuser is inserted into the internal cavity of the pressure reducing section of the valve. A method of use of the alignment assembly is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Merrill, Donald F. Foisy
  • Patent number: 8661641
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly tool for coupling a plurality of circumferentially spaced rotor blades to a rotor disc of a turbine rotor assembly, includes a base ring with an array of circumferentially spaced resilient fingers axially extending from the base ring. The resilient fingers are configured each to radially abut a blade seal, damper or other engine component against radially inner facing surfaces of platforms of the respective blades when the blades are being seated onto the disc during an assembly procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Lecuyer, Bruno Chatelois
  • Patent number: 8661637
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing a sealing plug from a bore, the sealing plug has an outer sleeve and an inner stem retained within the outer sleeve, the removal taking place after a suitable hole has been drilled part-way into the stem, the removal apparatus has a tapered punch for forcible insertion into the hole in the stem to create an interference fit between the punch and the stem and thereafter driving the stem out of the sleeve while also retaining the stem on the punch by virtue of the interference fit, and sleeve-engaging portion engagable with the sleeve after the punch has removed the stem from the sleeve, the sleeve-engaging portion and the punch being thereafter removable from the bore to remove both the sleeve and the stem from the bore while the sleeve and the stem are both retained on the appropriate parts of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Avdel UK Limited
    Inventor: Richard King
  • Publication number: 20140041176
    Abstract: An elastic cantilever beam alignment system for the precise mating of first and second components. A first elastic cantilever beam protrudes in parallel from the first component and is elastically over-constrained by two mutually spaced alignment walls of the second component. A second elastic cantilever beam is upstanding in perpendicular relation to the first component and is elastically deformed with respect to a cammed aperture of the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATION LLC
    Inventor: Steven E. Morris
  • Patent number: 8621736
    Abstract: An alignment clamp assembly is provided for aligning and holding flanged or framed ductwork while the ductwork is being joined together. The assembly includes an upper jaw having a planar end portion and a lower jaw pivotally coupled to the upper jaw. The lower jaw has a planar end surface and is pivotable to position the end portion of the upper jaw against the end surface of the lower jaw. A pin is coupled to one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. A cavity is positioned in one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw opposite the pin. The pin extends into the cavity when the end portion of the upper jaw is positioned against the end surface of the lower jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Michael L. Hall
  • Publication number: 20130333217
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods that facilitate the removal and/or reinstallation of sprinkler heads as part of performing repositioning, repair, replacement and/or the like of one or more sprinkler heads, such as pop-up sprinkler heads. One tool disclosed herein may be used to cut the ground surrounding a sprinkler head and then unscrew at least a retaining cap of the sprinkler head so as to remove the retaining cap and an inner housing from the ground. Another tool disclosed herein may be used to unscrew or otherwise rotate an outer casing of the sprinkler head so as to remove the outer casing from the ground. After any appropriate work or other tasks are performed in relation to the sprinkler head and/or irrigation line, the first and/or second tools can be used to reinstall/resecure the sprinkler head to the water line and at least partially below ground level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Keith G. Curry, Charles A. Torline, Juan M. Adan