During Simulated Operation Or Operating Conditions Patents (Class 29/404)
  • Patent number: 11731563
    Abstract: A magnetic latch for a lid and the bin of a container in a vehicle comprises at least one overmolded magnet detachably connected to a lid. A metal portion is magnetically attracted with the overmolded magnet. At least one overmolded magnet is connected to a bin having a magnetic attraction with the lid overmolded magnet to magnetically open and close the lid and the bin of the container. The overmold on the magnet encloses the magnet with vibration dampening material such as rubber. The metal portion may be a second at least one overmolded magnet second. The container may be a center console, glove box, ash tray, trunk, sun roof shade, cover. Spears, clips, prongs other suitable fasteners may be formed on one side of the overmold to allow insertion and attachment to a corresponding hole on the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: TERMAX COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, David Friesorger, Shawn Willis
  • Patent number: 10678965
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for simulating high-cycle fatigue of a rotating component. A first three-dimensional geometric representation of a rotating component is received, where the first three-dimensional geometric representation is indicative of the rotating component during operation. A three-dimensional fluid flow metric is computed at points of the first three-dimensional geometric representation and stored in a first data structure. A second three-dimensional geometric representation of the rotating component is received, where the second three-dimensional geometric representation is indicative of the rotating component in a still configuration. A static metric is computed at points of the second three-dimensional geometric representation and stored in a second data structure. A combined data structure is populated based on the three-dimensional fluid flow metric from the first data structure and the static metric from the second data structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Ansys, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Conover, Andrew C. Madden, Viswanathan Sundar
  • Patent number: 10400817
    Abstract: A bearing device for supporting a shaft to rotate relative to an outer hub includes: an annular outer race mountable within an interior bore of the hub, the outer race including an inwardly facing radial groove sized to receive a rounded bearing element; and an annular inner race mountable to an outwardly curved exterior surface of the shaft. The inner race includes an outwardly facing radial groove sized to receive the bearing element, the respective radial grooves of the inner and outer races together forming an annular raceway to retain the bearing element when the bearing device is assembled. The inner race further includes an axially convex surface along an innermost diameter of the inner race, the convex surface shaped to directly engage the exterior surface of the shaft when mounted thereto, such that the inner race remains in contact with the shaft while accommodating radial deflection of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Pintauro, John Karspeck, Charles Brennecke, Taylor Ritchie
  • Patent number: 10302142
    Abstract: A power tool is provided with a drive motor and a tool unit with a tool driven by the drive motor. A guide tube with telescoping section with external and internal tubes is provided, wherein the internal tube is longitudinally slidable within the external tube. A clamping device secures the internal tube relative to the external tube and has a clamping member supported rotatably relative to the internal tube and connected by a thread connection to the external tube. The clamping device is provided with a clamping ring with an opening arranged about an outer circumference of the internal tube. Compression of the clamping ring in longitudinal guide tube direction effects a size reduction of the clamping ring opening. The clamping ring has a first axial face supported relative to the external tube and a second axial face supported relative to the clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerd Densborn, Jan Föhrenbach, Benjamin Barth
  • Patent number: 10099665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing a motor vehicle from rolling away, in which the motor vehicle includes an automated manual transmission, preferably a dual-clutch transmission. In the method in which a vehicle of this type is reliably prevented from rolling away, the NEUTRAL selector lever position is engaged only when the motor vehicle is at a standstill and a motor vehicle brake has been actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Schmitt
  • Patent number: 10070892
    Abstract: Custom moldable cushions for covering medical implants fastened to a bone are provided. Such cushions inhibit irritation of the surrounding soft tissue by covering the bone-implant interface and by reducing friction caused by movement of soft tissue adjacent the implant. Such cushions may also be employed to spread and absorb forces reducing patient discomfort and risk of injury and infection associated with such implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Charles D. Hightower
  • Patent number: 9757156
    Abstract: Custom moldable cushions for covering medical implants fastened to a bone are provided. Such cushions inhibit irritation of the surrounding soft tissue by covering the bone-implant interface and by reducing friction caused by movement of soft tissue adjacent the implant. Such cushions may also be employed to spread and absorb forces reducing patient discomfort and risk of injury and infection associated with such implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Charles D. Hightower
  • Patent number: 9747889
    Abstract: A reverberant sound adding apparatus includes a noise generator configured to generate a noise, an impulse noise generator configured to generate an impulse noise comprising an impulse sequence with random time intervals, an addition noise generator configured to generate an addition noise by adding the noise to the impulse noise, an impulse response generator configured to generate a modified impulse response by multiplying the addition noise by an amplitude characteristic of an impulse response that indicates acoustic characteristics of a space, and an impulse response convolver configured to convolve an input audio signal with the modified impulse response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Futoshi Shirakihara
  • Patent number: 9657607
    Abstract: A rocker arm assembly for translating force between an intermediate member in communication with a camshaft of an internal combustion engine and a valve supported in a cylinder head of the engine. The rocker arm assembly includes a tube member and an arm. The tube member has first and second ends, a substantially cylindrical inner surface, and a tapered outer surface. The arm has a body extending between a pad for engaging the valve of the engine, and a socket for engaging the intermediate member of the engine. The body also has a tapered bore disposed between the pad and the socket. The tapered bore of the body of the arm cooperates with the tapered outer surface of the tube member so as to define a lock for constraining the arm to the tube member at a predetermined position between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: GT Technologies
    Inventor: John Edmund Brune
  • Patent number: 9636798
    Abstract: Systems and related methods are provided for maintaining a spatial relationship between a tool of the multi-axis machine (e.g., fluid jet nozzle of a fluid jet cutting machine) and a workpiece to be processed by the tool. An example system includes a contour follower apparatus having a sensor and a gimbal assembly operable with the sensor to sense a deviation between a machine focal point and a gimbal assembly focal point defined by the gimbal assembly as the gimbal assembly rides upon the surface of the workpiece during operation. The system may further include a gimbal mount assembly configured to sense a collision event of the gimbal assembly with another object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan E. Romanoff, Kenneth E. Claeys, Kirby J. Eide
  • Patent number: 9329641
    Abstract: A securing structure for securing a magnetic element in a housing of an electronic device includes a receiving portion and a limiting portion. The receiving portion is to be disposed on a housing wall of the housing, and has a receiving space for receiving the magnetic element therein and a first opening in spatial communication with the receiving space for permitting extension of the magnetic element into the receiving space. The first opening faces a plane perpendicular to the housing wall. The limiting portion is connected to the receiving portion and is operable between a limiting state, where the first limiting portion prevents the magnetic element from entering and exiting the receiving space through the first opening, and a non-limiting state, where the first limiting portion permits entering and exiting of the magnetic element into and from the receiving space through the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: WISTRON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chen-Yi Liang
  • Patent number: 9008813
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stamped part, such as a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, includes the steps of: providing an original model of the bipolar plate; and performing a compensation process on the original model, the compensation process including a two step morphing process based upon a prediction of spring back. The two step morphing process provides a compensated model of the stamped part. A compensated die face may be created based on the compensated model of the stamped part. The stamped part manufactured with the compensated die face has spring back compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Siguang Xu, Paul A. LeBlanc, Steven J. Spencer, Gerald W. Fly
  • Publication number: 20140312547
    Abstract: A handling attachment includes four vacuum cups to suction-hold a suction target surface of a workpiece and a support member which holds the vacuum cups so as to maintain a position relation among the vacuum cups. A device for positioning the vacuum cups has a base plate and four positioning jigs disposed on the base plate. The positioning jigs have, at their upper end, a dummy workpiece surface to be abutted with the vacuum cups. The dummy workpiece surface is allowed to change the position and to tilt in any direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shigeki Noda, Kazumi Itakura
  • Publication number: 20140047798
    Abstract: A method of making a blister sealing fixture which includes the selection of a card locating portion which has an annular wall which defines an annular recess closed by a removable bottom wall. A sealing insert portion having a cavity to receive a blister to be sealed is positioned on the bottom wall and is adapted to be moved to all positions within the recess. A sample or test card of the configuration of a production run to be handled by the sealing fixture is selected and to this card a sample or test blister is attached. The position of the blister on the card is determined by the user and has herein has at times been referred to as a desired position or location. This resulting positioning device is then placed over the recess with the test blister engaging the recess in the sealing insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Henry H. JENKINS
  • Publication number: 20130270010
    Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation may include a bit body having a bit axis and a direction of rotation about the bit axis; at least two blades extending azimuthally from the bit body; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the at least two blades; the plurality of cutting elements forming a cutting profile in a rotated profile view, each cutting element having a radial distance from the bit axis. At least one blade, at its formation facing surface, may include, between two radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade, a raised depth of cut feature for each cutting element on the other of the at least two blades that are at radial distances from the bit axis intermediate the radial distances from the bit axis of the radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: KJELL HAUGVALDSTAD
  • Patent number: 8505181
    Abstract: A process for redesigning a distressed component in which the distressed component is under thermal and structural loads, for improving the life of the component. The process includes obtaining the operating conditions of the machine in which the distressed component is used, finding the boundary conditions under which the distressed component operates, producing a 3-dimensional model of the distressed component with such detail that the distress levels are accurately represented on the model, subjecting the model to a series of technical analysis to predict a life for the component, reiterating the technical analysis until the levels of distress on the model accurately represent the distress that appears on the actual component, and then predicting a remaining life of the component based on the analysis, or redesigning the model and reanalyzing the model until a maximum life for the component has been found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D Brostmeyer, Andrew R Narcus
  • Patent number: 8291588
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing and controlling a butterfly valve for an internal combustion engine; the manufacturing and control method includes the steps of: establishing a maximum gaseous flow rate value which may flow through the feeding pipe when the butterfly plate is in the closing position; determining a conventional closing position at which the gaseous flow rate which flows through the feeding pipe is essentially equal to the maximum gaseous flow rate value; driving an actuator device so as not to normally pass the conventional closing position; and dimensioning the position of a catch element, so that when a rotational shaft abuts against the catch element the gaseous flow rate which flows through the feeding pipe is essentially lower than the maximum gaseous flow rate value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marcello Sciuto, Gabriele Giuliani, Mario Marconi, Alessandro Peciarolo
  • Publication number: 20120181294
    Abstract: The presently disclosed device provides a method and means for ensuring that containers of all types and sizes are vented or purged to atmospheric or environmental conditions upon the interior or exterior of the container reaching a critical temperature pressure, or humidity. Specifically, the presently disclosed invention integrates shape memory polymer (SMP) based, thermally activated fasteners into the venting systems. The result is a venting system that increases munitions safety without compromising the venting effectiveness, structural integrity, or the required bullet/fragment impact resistance requirements of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Brian Sunday, Michael Jeffrey Fisher
  • Publication number: 20120124798
    Abstract: A method of the present invention includes: a step of shimming an MRI superconducting magnet in consideration of the magnetic field atmosphere of a use place; a step of generating a rated magnetic field in the MRI superconducting magnet thus shimmed, under an environment in which the magnetic field atmosphere of the use place is realized; and a step of installing the MRI superconducting magnet in the use place after the step of generating the rated magnetic field. This reduces possibility of occurrence of quench and improves stability in the MRI superconducting magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime TANABE
  • Publication number: 20110258860
    Abstract: A cutting tool and method comprises a first lever having a first jaw at one end. A second lever is connected to the first lever at a first pivot where the second lever has a second jaw that is opposed to the first jaw. A third lever is connected to the first lever at a second pivot and connected to the second lever at a third pivot such that relative movement of the third lever relative to the first lever between an open position and a closed position defines a stroke of the tool that corresponds to movement of the hand contact points on the levers toward one another. The third pivot comprises a pin engaging a cam surface where the cam surface has a shape such that the mechanical advantage may increase and decrease through the stroke of the tool and may be variable through the stroke of the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: IRWIN INDUSTRIAL TOOL COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas M. Chervenak, David P. Engvall, Mark B. Latronico, Joseph Lutgen
  • Patent number: 6785945
    Abstract: A method for producing a beam for a travel way in a track vehicle system includes fabricating the beam at a production facility with dimensions corresponding to erected dimensions the beam will have at its construction site, or within a predetermined deviation from the erected dimensions. The beam is positioned in the position it will have in its erected state in the travel way at the construction site. Positions for connection points are measured and defined on the beam for appurtenances so that such appurtenances and functional surfaces will have a desired relative position on the beam in its erected state at the construction site. The connection points are reworked by adding or removing material as required so that upon mounting the appurtenances to the beam at the connection points, the appurtenances and functional surfaces will have the desired relative position on the beam at the construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Dieter Reichel, Theo Frisch, JĂĽrgen Feix
  • Patent number: 6783188
    Abstract: Provided is a method of fitting a tire-and-wheel assembled body to an axle, which is capable of resolving imbalance in a state of fitting an assembled body including a tire and a wheel to an axle. In this fitting method, a tire is fitted to a wheel, and then core positions of fastening holes are, or a core position of a hub hole is, adjusted in the wheel to minimize an amount of eccentricity of an assembled body including the tire and the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Kogure, Tatsuo Suzuki, Shinji Seimiya, Eiji Saito
  • Patent number: 6715206
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for quickly and accurately determining the amount of metal to be removed from the lower portion of an engine block when the engine is to be stroked, i.e. have a longer, replacement, connecting rod installed to increase the engine's cylinder displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Richardson
  • Publication number: 20030056354
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for quickly and accurately determining the amount of metal to be removed from the lower portion of an engine block when the engine is to be stroked, i.e. have a longer, replacement, connecting rod installed to increase the engine's cylinder displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Richardson
  • Patent number: 6530136
    Abstract: An apparatus substitute is carried and installed in a clean room prior to installation of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. The apparatus substitute is composed of separate assembling boxes and is provided with tentative utility connection parts having the same specifications with respect to utility connection parts of the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. Each of the utility connection parts is temporarily connected to one of a utility line via respective joint pipes. In the utility connection works or temporary connection, an apparatus installation position can be adjusted; a position or a size of a support plate of a floor can be corrected; a route of a utility line or a position can be corrected; or an inspection with respect to each utility line can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Komiyama
  • Publication number: 20020170158
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for attaching vehicle doors to a body such that the doors are attachable without further adjustment. A net body coordinate system is established for a welded vehicle frame, and upper and lower locating slots are pierced in hinge pillars of the vehicle frame relative to the net body coordinate system. An offline fixture is provided for setting upper and lower door hinges cross-car and forming a locating nubbin in the hinges relative to a door. The door is attached to the vehicle frame by engaging the locating nubbins in the door hinges with the locating slots in the vehicle hinge pillar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Savoy
  • Patent number: 6170156
    Abstract: The fatigue life of gears, for example, the gears in a sun gear-planetary gear set, is markedly improved by forming the respective gears by ordinary manufacturing practices and then running each new gear against a durable, but expendable, dummy of its counter-gear. The teeth of a dummy sun gear may be suitably hardened and used under suitable loads to minimally reshape the teeth of a plurality of newly-made pinions so that they are smoothed and better fit an intended sun gear. Similarly, the roughened teeth of a hardened or hard coated sun gear can be smoothed by running it for a few rotations against an expendable pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Leonid Charles Lev, Anita Miriam Weiner, Stephen Joel Harris
  • Patent number: 5993161
    Abstract: A method for designing a mistuned rotor with improved stability and forced response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Benjamin Shapiro
  • Patent number: 5878496
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a component on which in-service stresses are imposed by in-service loading conditions. The process generally entails fabricating the component such that residual stresses are induced in the component that substantially offset one or more primary stresses which would otherwise limit the maximum service life of the component. The residual stresses are induced by creating compressive stresses in the component that extend sufficiently beneath the working surface of the component during fabrication. In order to appropriately attain the necessary residual stresses, the process of this invention includes developing a model of the component, and then applying the in-service loading conditions to the model to determine the in-service stresses on the component. Thereafter, at least one of the in-service stresses is identified as being critical, i.e., a stress that establishes the maximum service life of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Chunghorng R. Liu, Shridhar Mittal
  • Patent number: 5768773
    Abstract: A fixture (90) is disclosed for repositioning at least one mispositioned component (28, 78) mounted via at least one deformable connector (74,76) on and extended outward from a circuit board (20). The fixture includes a base (92); means (94-116, 126-134) supported by the base for simulating a mounting geometry for the circuit board in an apparatus (10) into which the circuit board is to be installed; and camming means (118-124) supported by the base for engaging the component to deform the connector and thereby reposition the component to a desired position for installation in the apparatus. When the circuit board is placed on the means for simulating, the component engages the camming means to deform the connector and reposition the component to the desired position. A corresponding method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James Edmund Fredell, Brian Norman Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5722145
    Abstract: A quick change device is adaptable for use on a reciprocating press fin machine which continuously forms a metal sheet into sinuous or corrugated configuration by using tools associated with upper and lower opposed, metal-engaging tools, each movable toward and away from the other in a vertical forming stroke, and a first one of these tools also being movable in a variable stroke transverse to its vertical forming stroke. Wedge-shaped abutment elements and associated block elements having a wedge-shaped cavity therein adapted to receive the abutment elements, establish the length of transverse motion of the first tool. A structure is used to simulate the reciprocating press fin machine. A reader assembly digitally analyzes movement of the wedge-shaped abutment elements to set the transverse stroke length, based on the simulation provided by the structure, to allow precise alignment of the tools in the reciprocating press fin machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Robinson Fin Machines, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Haushalter, Mark F. Haushalter, Philip D. Lowe
  • Patent number: 5709020
    Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the amount of wear particulates generated by a total joint orthopaedic implant. The implant consists of two matched articulating components wherein at least one of the components is made of polymer or other material with similar physical properties. The method includes the steps of placing the total joint orthopaedic implant in a fluid bath and articulating the implant in the fluid bath for at least 1,000 cycles. The articulation may be performed in three stages. In the first, the implant is articulated under a load of substantially 0.1-500 Newtons with sliding speeds of substantially 0.01-0.5 meters per second. During a second stage the articulation takes place under a load of substantially 100-2,500 Newtons with sliding speeds of substantially 0.01-0.5 meters per second. In the third stage the articulation takes place under a load of substantially 2,500-10,000 Newtons at sliding speeds of 0.5-2.0 meters per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Pienkowski, Kwon-Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 5689072
    Abstract: A skid plate for a concrete saw has opposing ends connected by a truss, with mounting fixtures that connect opposing ends of a skid plate to the concrete saw. The mounting portions are connected to an apparatus that simulates the saw's mounting structure, and that simulates the load distribution the saw exerts on the skid plate in use. Sensors detect the force or deflection at various locations on the skid plate that occurs from the simulated load. One end of the truss and skid plate are moved relative to each other to adjust the sensor readings on the skid plate to achieve a predetermined profile that reduces raveling of a concrete surface during cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventors: Edward R. Chiuminatta, Alan R. Chiuminatta
  • Patent number: 5515590
    Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the amount of wear particulates generated by a total joint orthopaedic implant. The implant consists of two matched articulating components. The method includes the steps of placing the total joint orthopaedic implant in a fluid bath and articulating the implant in the fluid bath for at least 1,000 cycles. The articulation may be performed in three stages. In the first, the implant is articulated under a load of substantially 0.1-500 Newtons with sliding speeds of substantially 0.01-0.5 meters per second. During a second stage the articulation takes place under a load of substantially 200-2,500 Newtons with sliding speeds of substantially 0.01-0.5 meters per second. In the third stage the articulation takes place under a load of substantially 2,500-10,000 Newtons at sliding speeds of 0.5-2.0 meters per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventor: David A. Pienkowski
  • Patent number: 5465469
    Abstract: There is provided a method for measuring a sound absorption power of a theater chair with a human being seated thereon. The method includes steps of disposing a theater chair which is an object of measurement in a measuring environment; disposing a dummy sound absorber in the theater chair, the dummy sound absorber having a shape in which it is in contact with the theater chair, a sound absorption power and a chair pressing force in such a manner that the dummy sound absorber simulates a human being seated on the theater chair; causing changes in the theater chair which changes are substantially equivalent to a change in the state of the theater chair caused when a human being gets seated on the chair and a change in the sound absorption power of the theater chair caused by seating of the human being thereon; and measuring the sound absorption power of the theater chair. There is also provided a dummy sound absorber used for carrying out this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Sakai, Kawakami Fukushi
  • Patent number: 5437098
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a brake booster, a step of defining a fixed distance between a peripheral surface on a rear shell of the brake booster and an eye of a linkage member attached to a brake pedal when the movable wall is in a rest position, The wall in the brake booster is adapted to be rotated with respect to a variable surface on the rear shell which acts as a stop for the wall in the rest position. The location of the wall with respect to the variable surface establishes a desired fixed linear dimension between a peripheral surface on the rear shell and an eye on the linkage member which is attached to connecting pin the brake pedal. When the control valve is in the rest position this fixed linear dimension also defines a corresponding fixed location for the pad of the brake pedal with respect to a floor panel in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Charles B. Horner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5276957
    Abstract: Method and system are provided for the automated assembly of parts such as plastic parts into assemblies wherein assembly pallets loaded with their corresponding assemblies are stored and vertically indexed in an accumulator station to allow a previously applied material such as an adhesive to cure. Consequently, the system takes up little floor space. Entrance, dispensing and assembly stations, together with the accumulator station each has an enclosed chamber which is pressurized with an ambient at subatmospheric pressure in order to evacuate the enclosed chambers so that fumes from the adhesive utilized in securing the parts together are not allowed to escape at the stations during assembly of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Larry J. Winget
    Inventors: John F. Murphy, Larry J. Winget, Jeffrey C. Davis, Robert D. Scott
  • Patent number: 5226209
    Abstract: A composite seal ring has a porous main body and a non-porous insert molded into it. Differential rates of coolant absorption between the porous main body and non-porous insert cause the whole ring to swell into a regular pattern of distortion. In order to compensate, the seal ring, after initial machining, is pre-soaked to simulate use and deliberately cause the same kind of distortion. It is then lapped flat from its distorted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Steven F. Baker
  • Patent number: 5174008
    Abstract: To enable prescribed functional values of pressure plate units of motor vehicle friction clutches to be observed with smaller tolerances than hitherto, it is proposed that a housing-spring component initially be pre-assembled from clutch housing (1) and diaphragm spring (7) and that this component be measured together with a master pressing plate. Geometry (diameter 25 and axial height 27) which is optimum for minimum tolerances of a contact bevel 15 is calculated by means of the measured result, and a pressing plate (13) with this bevel geometry is produced. The measured spring-housing component is finally assembled together with this specially produced pressing palte 913).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs
    Inventors: Manfred Adler, Ludwig Eberlein, Dieter Kolb, Peter Eichelsberger, Alfred Meyer, Kurt Schafer, Erich Stark, Willi Trux, Erich Scheer, Hans-Joachim Rothe
  • Patent number: 5136769
    Abstract: A method of evaluating the operational characteristics of a brake booster by simulating a brake application of partially assembled brake booster components. An input force to control valve located in a hub of a shell to create an output force which is communicated through a reaction disc to an output member. An initial operational curve corresponding to an output force is compared with a reference curve to either accepted or reject the partially assembled brake booster components. If accepted, additional components are joined to the partially assembled booster to complete the assembly. If rejected, spacers based on the operational characteristics of the reaction disc and initial operational curve are located adajcent the reaction disc to modify the communication of a pressure differential developed force to the reaction disc for the now modified partially assembled brake booster components. An input force is again applied to the control valve to simulate a second brake application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Hewitt, Ted A. Engeman
  • Patent number: 4991281
    Abstract: A method for modifying an existing production line apparatus for adaptation to a new type of workpiece, when the apparatus includes a standardized general-purpose member and a special-purpose member which is exchangeable according to type of workpiece to be handled. A master apparatus is prepared which is mechanically identical with the general-purpose member. A special-purpose member is made that is compatible with a new type of workpiece. The special-purpose member is attached to the master apparatus and a trail operation is performed. Programming data from the trail operation necessary for operating the special-purpose member, and including teaching data for the general-purpose member are prepared and stored in a memory of the special purpose member. The programmed special-purpose member is then to attached to the general-purpose member and the production line apparatus having now incorporated the special-purpose member is operated according to the programming data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuzi Ikeda, Ryo Niikawa
  • Patent number: 4905366
    Abstract: A positive bearing housing seal is provided in which the stationary seal member, and possibly a reducer having the same peripheral shape of the stationary seal member, is employed for installing and aligning the stationary seal member and the rotary seal member with respect to the shaft. A flat surface of the stationary seal member is moved against a flat surface of the rotary seal member until the flat surface of the stationary seal member engages a machine wall or, if a reducer is used, a flat surface of the reducer. The shaft is then rotated to establish squareness. The stationary seal member is then removed from the shaft, reversed in the axial direction, and reinstalled such that a flexible extension thereof, including a peripheral bead, is inserted into engagement with the inner surface of an annular opening in the machine wall or an annular opening in the reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Gits Bros. Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Dale J. Warner
  • Patent number: 4870336
    Abstract: A water jet trim head simulator has the same configuration and dimensions as a cutting or trim head nozzle on a water jet apparatus for trimming workpiece scrap. The simulator is used to guide a robot arm of the apparatus into various multi-axes trim head positions during a teaching mode of operation of the controller for the apparatus. The simulator includes mounting means for connection to the robot arm. The simulator further includes tracking means including a hollow body connected to a fiber optics bundle for directing light from a source to an objective lens for focusing a spot of light on a premarked trim path point on a master workpiece to establish one of a plurality of spatial points to be taught into the controller. The simulator further includes a feeler gauge for physically positioning the simulator with respect to the workpiece to assist the alignment of the light beam to its focused point on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Ellery Nickerson
  • Patent number: 4862723
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for producing pin operators for pressure switches in which the pin operator is adjusted in length while in a pressure environment with an associated diaphragm when subjected to proof pressure for the finished switch assembly. The pressure housing is preferably the actual switch housing. A die with a recess is aligned with the diaphragm and pin. The pin blank has an opening and tapered wall thickness. When proof pressure is applied to the opposite face of the diaphragm, the diaphragm forces the pin into the die recess to form the end of the pin and shorten its length. Thereafter the pin and diaphragm combination in the pressure housing will provide a prescribed travel when the diaphragm is subjected to proof pressure. An alternative device is disclosed for forming the ends of pins where proof pressure for the particular device is less than the required forming pressure for the pin. Semi-cylindrical, truncated conical and outwardly flared pin forms are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Allen V. C. Davis
  • Patent number: 4805286
    Abstract: Alignment adjustment apparatus for holding the subsidiary frame of a vehicle suspension sub-assembly and the suspension components in the same position they would assume when attached to and supporting a vehicle body includes sensors for detecting the relative position of wheel mounting members and knuckle arms thereby permitting alignment adjustment relative to previously measured locations of attaching means on a vehicle body to which the suspension sub-assembly is to be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kuninobu Uchida, Kenji Nemoto, Kunio Nokajima, Nagatoshi Murata, Mitsuo Kaneko
  • Patent number: 4786848
    Abstract: A water jet trim head simulator has the same configuration and dimensions as a cutting or trim head nozzle on a water jet apparatus for trimming workpiece scrap. The simulator is used to guide a robot arm of the apparatus into various multi-axes trim head positions during a teaching mode of operation of the controller for the apparatus. The simulator includes mounting means for connection to the robot arm. The simulator further includes tracking means including a hollow body connected to a fiber optics bundle for directing light from a source to an objective lens for focusing a spot of light on a premarked trim path point on a master workpiece to establish one of a plurality of spatial points to be taught into the controller. The simulator further includes a feeler gauge for physically positioning the simulator with respect to the workpiece to assist the alignment of the light beam to its focused point on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Ellery Nickerson
  • Patent number: 4739546
    Abstract: A laser element assembly used in an optical disk apparatus or others is made up of a laser element for emitting a laser beam and a holder for holding the laser element, and it is required to set the traveling direction of the laser beam accurately to a desired direction when the laser element assembly is incorporated in the optical disk apparatus. In a laser element assembly according to the present invention, the laser emitting surface of the holder is made perpendicular to the traveling direction of the laser beam and is attached to the optical disk apparatus. Thus, the traveling direction of the laser beam can be accurately arranged in relation to a reference plane of the optical disk apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Hitachi Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Tachibana, Nobuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4738388
    Abstract: A lid (9;21;22;25) is welded to the front storage opening of a container base (1). To improve the stress corrosion cracking characteristics in the area of the welding seam it is proposed that during welding the lid (9;21;22;25) be kept in contact with a contact surface (5) of the container base (1) under a preset pressing force which considerably exceeds the weight of the lid. The invention is also directed to a correspondingly shaped container. The preset pressing force is preferably maintained by a threaded engagement or a shrink engagement between lid and base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Steag Kernenergie GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Bienek, Wilhelm Wick
  • Patent number: 4656711
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved method of determining a configuration or form of a piston employed for an internal combustion engine, based on investigations into and finding of a novel composite material which imparts a sufficiently high degree of smoothness to the surface of an abraded covering layer for a piston and can quickly provide a desired piston profile even for a small-sized gasoline engine, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiro Yagi, Kiyomi Sumida
  • Patent number: 4641812
    Abstract: A direct drive valve and force motor assembly including interchangeable stator assembly and method for accurately setting the magnetic spring null of the motor with respect to the servo valve hydraulic null independent of the actual motor stator assembly, whereby the motor stator assembly may be configured as an interchangeable plug-in module with interface electrical connector. This is accomplished by using a simple fixture which simulates the motor stator assembly and senses rotor magnet position. The stator simulating fixture may be used to rotatably adjust the position of the rotor casing so that the magnetic spring null corresponds to the hydraulic valve null. Both the stator simulating fixture and motor stator assembly include an index pin engageable with a stator alignment keyway in the rotor casing for maintaining the desired orientation therebetween. Also, rotor over-travel stops keyed to the rotor casing may be centered during the nulling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: Pneumo Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Vanderlaan, Stanley D. Heeres