Assisting Assembly Or Disassembly Patents (Class 29/407.1)
  • Publication number: 20130042452
    Abstract: A tool facilitating operable interconnection between a power take off (P.T.O.) shaft and an input shaft of a driven accessory includes a wrench for engaging the splined P.T.O. shaft and turning the shaft to rotationally align with the input shaft of cooperating structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Roy H. Noel
  • Patent number: 8365381
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting a vehicle closure member (62) on a vehicle body (40) utilizes vision sensing of a master gauge location (42) of the vehicle body, of coordination formations (48) on the vehicle body, and of opening extremities of a closure member opening of the vehicle body, and the sensing is used by a controller (34) to provide mounting of a hinge at a proper location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Utica Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Carter, Timothy J. Marx, Thomas W. French
  • Patent number: 8359731
    Abstract: A manual tool for inserting a clip (10) with elastic coupling in a seat, having a body (23) from which protrudes a pusher (32) for the clip and a sensor (34) for detecting the thrust force of the pusher. An electronic controller (24) receives a force signal from the sensor (34) and emits a signal (25, 26) reporting correct or incorrect insertion depending on the pattern of the force signal detected during the insertion of a clip. A movable gauging element is advanced during the insertion thrust of the clip to detect the correct expansion of the clip at the end of insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Atlas Copco BLM S.R.L.
    Inventor: Angelo Chiapuzzi
  • Publication number: 20130014369
    Abstract: A device for the automatic rotational orientation of a tube head (16) relative to a preferably stationary tube body (14), wherein the device has a sensor (18) for sensing a current rotated position of the tube head or tube body having a position indicator (21), the device further includes a positioning device (12, 20) which interacts with the sensor and is designed to effect a rotary movement of the tube head or of the tube body in reaction to a control signal from a control unit (22). The sensor is designed to generate a sensing signal corresponding to a rotary moment of the tube head or tube body and the control unit correlates the sensing signal with a reference signal and for generating a control signal from a characteristic value corresponding to a degree of correlation, in particular a maximum correlation or minimum correlation, for the positioning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: PACKSYS GLOBAL (SWITZERLAND) LTD.
    Inventor: Oskar Schulthess
  • Publication number: 20130001964
    Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper beam having a bumper beam surface extending along a bumper plane X and a crash box including a crash box surface extending along a crash box plane Y. One of the bumper beam and the crash box includes an alignment joint to mate the bumper beam and the crash box and dispose the surfaces in abutting and aligned relationship relative to one another for establishing a linear load path extending linearly along the planes X, Y. A method of assembling a bumper assembly includes the steps of mating the bumper beam and the crash box about the alignment joint and connecting the bumper beam and the crash box together along the alignment joint. The step of connecting the bumper beam and the crash box includes friction stir welding the bumper box and the crash box together along the alignment joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas James Freundl, Jeffery Jay Mellis
  • Patent number: 8344280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a joining head arrangement for joining components, such as studs, onto a workpiece. The joining head arrangement comprises a housing and a slide that is mounted on the housing and is movable, by means of a linear drive, in a joining direction in relation to the housing. The joining head further comprises a component holder, arranged on the slide, and operable to hold a component during a joining operation. A feed device delivers components, at a transfer location, to the component holder. The component holder is rotatable about an axis, which is aligned transversely relative to the joining direction, from a transfer position to a joining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Michael Schneider, Karl Heinz Briehl, Alexander Schug, Jochen Hain
  • Patent number: 8327543
    Abstract: A method is provided for mounting a wing of an aircraft to a fuselage of the aircraft, in which a difference between a vertical target position and a vertical actual position of a mounting point is determined. Then, on the basis of the determined difference, a readjustment of the wing is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Paul Lafon
  • Publication number: 20120298445
    Abstract: A retractable horizontal lifeline assembly includes a lifeline, a drum, and a crank. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The drum has a base and is rotatable. The first end of the lifeline is operatively connected to the drum and the intermediate portion of the lifeline is windable about and paid out from the base. The drum is operatively connected to a first anchorage structure. The second end is operatively connected to a second anchorage structure. The crank is configured and arranged to be releasably connectable to the drum and is rotatable to rotate the drum and tension the lifeline. The crank includes a tension indicator to provide indication when the tension in the lifeline has reached a predetermined level. The crank is capable of tensioning the lifeline to a level greater than the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent G. Meillet, J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Damien de Lapeyriere, Charles C. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8316523
    Abstract: A method for centering an engine structure such as a bearing housing is provided which may be used, for example, during assembly of a mid turbine frame or other engine case structure. In one aspect, the method includes using spacers with respective radial spokes which connect inner and outer portions of the case. In another aspect, centring may be provided by machining selected contacting surfaces of selected components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eric Durocher, John Pietrobon, Nicolas Grivas
  • Patent number: 8307528
    Abstract: A device, system, and method for generating low clearance slidably mated parts. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a measurement device having a non-contact micrometer capable of coincidentally indicating opposing edge data, rotational and linear air bearing slides, and a holding device. The non-contact micrometer allows for measurement of a plurality of parameters of a first part including the diameter and the difference between an edge of the first part and a reference point. The coincidental measurements are used to determine the size and geometric errors associated with the first part after suitable error elimination. In an exemplary system, a processing machine may be instructed by the measurement device to remove material from a second part so that the first part and the second part when mated together have a very low clearance tolerance level, e.g., as little as 0.00005 inches or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. DeRoche, Garry J. Emge
  • Publication number: 20120276440
    Abstract: A battery pack has a plurality of assembled batteries connected in parallel. Each of the assembled batteries has a plurality of cells connected electrically. A circulating current in each of the assembled batteries is calculated from an open circuit voltage of the assembled battery that varies according to the number of the cells connected in series, a value indicating a charge state of the assembled battery that varies according to the number of the cells connected in parallel, and an internal resistance of the assembled battery. The number of the cells connected in parallel and the number of the cells connected in series in each of the assembled batteries are numbers determined under the condition that the circulating current should not exceed an allowable current value for the assembled battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Teruo Ishishita, Yuji Nishi, Keiji Kaita, Masaru Takagi
  • Publication number: 20120266402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiper apparatus for a motor vehicle, having a wiper motor and having at least one wiper bearing in which a wiper shaft is mounted, it being possible to drive said wiper shaft by means of the wiper motor in order to operate a wiper arm which is connected to the wiper shaft, wherein the wiper bearing has a bearing pin (4) for holding a tubular support (1), it being possible for said bearing pin to be fixed to the tubular support (1) by means of a crimp, characterized in that the bearing pin (4) has an outer contour (5) which is already formed, at least in a region of overlap with the crimp, so as to correspond to an inner contour (3) of the crimped tubular support (1), before the crimp is introduced, and also to a method for producing said windscreen wiper apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Weiler, Achim Kraus, Stefan Mai, Florian Hauser
  • Patent number: 8291567
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for forming battery tray for holding cylindrical cell batteries. The method includes forming a battery try including a base support having a generally flat bottom surface and multiple adjacent cylindrical cavities are formed within the base support, using a circle packing algorithm to form the cylindrical cavities. The adjacent cavities each have at least some interstitial cylindrical riser wall structures formed with a predetermined height to hold the cylindrical cell batteries. In another embodiment, the present invention allows for packing maximum energy density per layer. This allows lifetime and power output of a battery powered device to be optimized and/or increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Timothy James Keenan, Joshua Bianchi
  • Publication number: 20120261978
    Abstract: A wheel assembly having a motor attached to a hub within the wheel assembly such that the motor powers the wheel assembly to rotate about an axle once the motor receives a predetermined amount of power. A battery system is configured to deliver power to said motor, the battery system is arranged to rotate with the wheel assembly. A sensor system within the wheel assembly that provides data to a control system related to velocity and angle of orientation of the assembly. A load transferring quick-release mechanism is also disclosed for coupling the wheel assembly to a vehicle wheel attachment frame member and a method is provided for calibrating the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Belon Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Kuan-Ying LU, Hsin-Chih CHEN, Juan Bautista BELON
  • Publication number: 20120263501
    Abstract: A housing immobilizing mechanism has a drive source that drives at a predetermined speed; a housing for holding the drive source; a number of fasteners greater than a number of predetermined fastening sites on the housing; and an immobilizing member attached to a plurality of the fasteners, the immobilizing member adapted to immobilize the housing. The immobilizing member is attached to a combination of fasteners to which the immobilizing member is attached that is not a combination in which an amplitude of vibration relative to a drive speed of the drive source is greatest, there being at least one fastener to which an immobilizing member is not attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Hiroaki TSUCHIYA
  • Publication number: 20120260902
    Abstract: An archery bow stabilizer includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an elliptical shaped cross-section. The elliptical shaped cross-section is arranged perpendicular to a length dimension of the stabilizer at a location between the proximal and distal ends. The elliptical shaped cross-section has a ratio of a maximum height dimension to a maximum width dimension that is about 0.6 or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Jas. D. Easton, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Felt, Douglas E. Denton
  • Patent number: 8286318
    Abstract: An assembling method that is high in assembly accuracy and easily performed at the actual installation site is provided. In this method, the sub base plates on the sub mounting tables are aligned with respect to a main base plate on a main mounting table at a temporary installation site, and the state thereof is maintained. Then, the main mounting table and the sub mounting tables are separated from each other to be transferred to the actual installation site, and the positioning state is restored at the actual installation site. Since a positional alignment can be performed at the temporary installation site, the work required at the actual installation site can be reduced. Furthermore, since a fine adjustment can be performed at the actual installation site, the accuracy in the positional alignment can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ulvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuzo Tanaka, Junpei Yuyama, Mitsuru Yahagi, Hirofumi Minami, Makoto Takahashi, Shinya Ito
  • Publication number: 20120249981
    Abstract: The light source device includes: a first support that supports one of a light source and a collimator lens condensing; a second support that supports the other of the light source and the collimator lens; and a fixing member that fixes the first support to the second support. The first support includes a first protruding portion that protrudes from the first support toward the second support, the first protruding portion having a through hole therethrough. The second support includes a second protruding portion that protrudes from the second support toward the first support, the second protruding portion having: a receiving portion that receives the first protruding portion; and a receiving hole. A rod portion of a locking member is inserted into the through hole and the receiving hole, and a head portion of a locking member is sealed with a sealant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeru HIROSAWA
  • Publication number: 20120250109
    Abstract: A first light intensity curve is defined as a relationship between a first light intensity and a distance from a first reading unit. The first light intensity represents intensity of light that is part of a reflected light reflected off a first irradiated subject positioned at a distance from the first reading unit and is received by a first light-receiving unit. The first light intensity curve has a first intensity value at a first distance and a second intensity value at a second distance. The first intensity value is equivalent to the second intensity value. The first distance is different from the second distance. A distance between the first reading unit and a first read position is set to the first distance. A distance between the first reading unit and a first reference member is set to the second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuya HARADA
  • Publication number: 20120240374
    Abstract: In this manufacturing method, when a plurality of planetary shaft main bodies are arranged at even intervals around a sun shaft main body, a state in which a sun threaded section is engaged with each of planetary threaded sections is referred to as a regular assembled state, and an assembly formed by a combination of the sun shaft main body and the planetary shaft main body in the regular assembled state is referred to as a first assembly. The first assembly is assembled in a state in which the relationship of the planetary shaft main body and the sun shaft main body is in correspondence with the relationship of the planetary shaft main body and the sun shaft main body in the regular assembled state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuo KINOSHITA, Masakazu KURIHARA, Hideo SAITO, Motohiro TSUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20120240447
    Abstract: The present invention provides a motorized decoy support for positioning and imparting movement to decoy bodies such as game bird decoy bodies. The decoy support includes a stake that includes a housing positioned at one end of the stake. A power-supply unit is configured to be received within the housing. A shaft for transmitting motion extends from the power-supply unit and includes a tip configured to engage a decoy body and the tip is configured to emit light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Albert H. Gurner, III
  • Publication number: 20120233833
    Abstract: A method of handlebar mount bicycle componentry alignment tool comprises the steps of aligning a plurality of bicycle components. The plurality of bicycle components comprises a front wheel or tire, a saddle, a left and right gear system, and a left and right brake system. The front wheel or tire is aligned relative to the handlebar and the saddle is also aligned relative to the handlebar. The left and right gear system and the left and right brake system also align relative to the handlebar, each other, and/or specific angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Cobi BALSER
  • Publication number: 20120222278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1; 20; 51) for assembling pre-bored (15) elements (2; 3), the elements together having a reference thickness (18) that may vary up to an actual maximum thickness (40), the device comprising a male element (4; 21; 52) comprising a shank (6; 22; 54) extending in a thread (11; 27) or swaging grooves (59), an external surface (12; 28; 60) having a height (13; 61) equal to a height (14) of the shank, chosen so as to correspond to at least the actual maximum thickness (40) of the elements to be assembled, characterized in that the external surface has a visual reference mark (16; 35; 63), located at a distance (17) of a lower limit (9; 34; 57), or extending over a distance (17) from a lower limit up to an upper limit (42A; 42B; 65) toward the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: LISI AEROSPACE
    Inventor: Florent Verdier
  • Patent number: 8256086
    Abstract: A method for producing a missile nose cone is disclosed. The method consists of manufacturing a first missile nose cone from a first lot of polymeric material and determining a first rupture value. The method further consists of manufacturing a second missile nose cone from a second lot of polymeric material and determining a second rupture value of the second missile nose cone. Both first and second lots of material are mixed into a test batch with one another based on their associated rupture values. An evaluation missile nose cone is then manufactured from the test batch and a determination is made as to whether the evaluation missile nose cone has a desired rupture value. If a desired rupture value is not obtained, then the mixing and evaluation steps are repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Shutler, Margaret Rose Manning, Paul A. Leitch, Paul E. Liggett
  • Publication number: 20120216584
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes rotary-style combination locks and associated methods of manufacture and use. In one embodiment, a lock includes a locking member movable between locked and unlocked configurations with respect to a housing and a dial having characters around the circumference that align with an indicator to enter the lock's combination. The lock can include combination discs having tabs oriented thereon that allow the lock to have a predefined combination including adjacent characters on the dial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Wordlock, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Kemppainen, Peter Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20120219255
    Abstract: An optical fiber ferrule has a plurality of guide holes therein for guiding a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers at an end of a multifiber optical fiber cable. The fibers' flat sides identify a particular rotational orientation of the fiber. Rotational alignment is achieved by urging the fibers' flat sides against a corresponding reference surface within the ferrule or within an alignment fixture. Also described is a fiber array block having a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending across an outer surface and terminating at an endface. The V-shaped grooves are shaped to guide a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers. A lid is installable across the plurality of V-shaped grooves, over fibers that have been loaded therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels
  • Patent number: 8245382
    Abstract: A method for mounting on a motor vehicle at least one transverse understructure member and a technical front panel to be mounted at a longitudinal end of a frame structural member including two transversely opposite rails and two transversely opposite portions of the frame structural member, in particular hinging members for holding the vehicle headlights. The method includes placing the technical front panel in a vertical position on the transversely opposite portions of the frame structural member, and transversely positioning the technical front panel on the portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Michael Flandin
  • Publication number: 20120206011
    Abstract: A method of designing/making an acoustic side branch resonator structured to be coupled to a standpipe of, for example, a nuclear power plant, wherein the acoustic side branch resonator includes a plurality of wire mesh elements for damping purposes. The method includes determining a resonant frequency of the standpipe, determining an active length of the acoustic side branch resonator using the resonant frequency, and determining a particular number of the wire mesh elements to be used in the acoustic side branch resonator and a pitch of each of the wire mesh elements using momentum and continuity equations of a compressible fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company
    Inventors: Gianluca Longoni, Younus Munsi, Robert C. Theuret, David R. Forsyth
  • Patent number: 8240054
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a beam suitable for providing support to, for example, an automobile body. More specifically, the present invention relates to a steel boxed I-beam structure having compound curves, formed without use of a dedicated fixture or jig. Typically, the steel boxed I-beam structure provides a strong support that can be manufactured with a minimum of effort, and without the use of heavier shop machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: CCM, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20120199713
    Abstract: An improved support bracket is provided which may include a channel having spaced top and bottom walls and a connecting wall having a first and second end. The bracket may include at least one engagement member for releasably engaging a structural member, such as shelving, and a guide to facilitate attachment of the bracket to the structural member. The connecting wall of the bracket may be bent or angled. Thus, the bracket may releasably engage at least two structural members disposed at an angle relative to each other such that the inner surface of the connecting wall is substantially flush with the outer edge of the structural members. Brackets may be made such that the connecting wall is bent or angled to different degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Harper Brent
  • Publication number: 20120189259
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides for pre-terminated fiber optic connector devices, systems, and methods for coupling in a high speed telecommunications networked environment. A multi-fiber optical cable assembly or multi-fiber interconnection module can facilitate optical coupling while preserving path polarity. In an embodiment, a 2×12/12 to 3×8/12 configuration can be employed. In another embodiment a 1×24/24 to 3×8/12 configuration can be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventor: Dennis Manes
  • Patent number: 8225508
    Abstract: A process for assembling two assemblies, for example aircraft fuselage assemblies, using multiple fastening components. The process includes drilling of holes through an overlap zone, carried out using a drilling tool which passes through an associated centering hole made in a drilling grid fixed to this overlap zone, wherein the drilling tool includes a support mandrel and an expanding ring which fits onto the mandrel along a conical contact surface. A relative movement between the expanding ring and the mandrel is applied so that, following immobilization of the ring in the associated centering hole, displacement of the mandrel supported against the overlap zone is produced, through the centering hole and towards this overlap zone, to exert a pressure on the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Houis, Gerard Cohen Bacri
  • Publication number: 20120182459
    Abstract: A lens assembling method for assembling a first lens and a second lens where the first lens has a first mark on a first surface thereof and a second mark on a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second lens has a third mark on a first surface thereof, the lens assembling method including: a first step of aligning a position of one of the first mark and second marks of the first lens with a position of the third mark of the second lens; and a second step of aligning a position of the other one of the first and second marks of the first lens with the position of the third mark of the second lens, while keeping the position alignment performed in the first step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Wada
  • Publication number: 20120175199
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle braking assembly with reduced squeal, having: a brake pad operative to apply a braking force to a brake rotor or drum, the brake pad being subject to vibration during braking; and a damper attached to the pad, configured to force a squeal reducing vibration in the brake pad, the damper including: (i) a first mass; (ii) a second mass connected to the first mass by a first shaft; and (iii) a third mass connected to the first mass by a second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Jim Chern, Ronald Alan Smith
  • Publication number: 20120167822
    Abstract: An alignment master glass for aligning a plurality of openings of a vapor deposition mask for tensioning the vapor deposition mask, the alignment master glass includes a transparent substrate, and reflective film patterns on at least one surface of the transparent substrate, the reflective film patterns being only at locations corresponding to the plurality of openings of the vapor deposition mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Sang-Shin Lee
  • Publication number: 20120161487
    Abstract: A recliner assembly for a vehicular seat of the type including a backrest hingedly connected to a seat base and capable of being reclined. The recliner assembly includes an outer gear and includes an internal teeth arranged circumferentially about an axis A. The assembly also includes an inner gear including at least one tooth engaging member selectively moveable into and out of engagement with the internal teeth of the outer gear. A retainer is attached to the outer gear in order to retain the inner gear from lateral movement along axis A. The retainer is configured for mounting to the outer gear and the inner gear is configured for mounting to at least one of a top plate and a base plate. The retainer, outer gear, and inner gears can be formed from a fine-blanked steel material and simply welded together to improve recliner strength while reducing assembly costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Hiemstra, Michael R. Bittner, Ingo Kienke, Michael J. Kapusky, Kirubaharan Albert
  • Publication number: 20120153687
    Abstract: A bed is composed of combining a wheelchair and a bed main body portion. The wheelchair has a seating bottom portion composed of bendably coupling a plurality of divided members, a chair bottom support member supporting the seating bottom portion, a chair base portion for fixing the chair bottom support member, and traveling wheels supporting the chair base portion. The bed main body portion has a bed bottom portion composed of bendably coupling a plurality of divided members, a bed bottom support member supporting the bed bottom portion, and a bed base portion for fixing this bed bottom support member. In the case where the wheelchair and the bed main body portion are combined, a support member supporting the seating bottom portion is switched from the chair bottom support member to the bed bottom support member, and the bed bottom portion and the seating bottom portion integrally perform posture change in accordance with posture change of the bed bottom support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Yohei Kume, Toshihide Ueda, Shohei Tsukada, Hideo Kawakami, Tohru Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20120141717
    Abstract: Decorative panel assemblies and associated methods for forming and installing decorative panel assemblies are provided. One or more decorative panels may be provided, and each panel may include a front surface forming one or more decorative surfaces and a back surface including an at least partially flat surface area for abutting a flat surface to which the decorative panel is applied. Additionally, as desired, a template may be provided for applying the one or more decorative panels to the flat surface, the template sized based at least in part upon the size of the one or more decorative panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Chad Alexander Overton
  • Publication number: 20120130330
    Abstract: A stacked moisture sensing device and urinary continence monitoring system are disclosed. The stacked moisture sensing device has at least a first media-sensor arrangement adjacent to a second media-sensor arrangement. In one embodiment, each of the media-sensor arrangements has a media layer with a first face, a second face and a side edge that extends between the faces wherein the media layers have differing hydrophilicities. Embedded in each media layer is a moisture sensor which can be a wired type tensor or a wireless RFD type sensor. The stacked moisture sensing device can be used in a variety of applications, such as for use in urinary continence monitoring and for use in shipping containers. In urinary continence monitoring applications, a data collection unit can be provided to acquire data from the sensors, which are located in an absorbent undergarment. Methods for locating the sensors within the absorbent undergarment are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Richard R. Wilson, Douglas R. Oudekerk, Douglas P. Wilson, Karia M. Fogel, Rebecca Neth Townsend
  • Publication number: 20120124799
    Abstract: A security system installation kit carries a coded designation of the characteristics of the components of the kit. An installer can use a wireless telephone, which is executing a scanning application, to sense or read the coded designation. The telephone can transmit the component parameters to an installation server. The server can transmit installation instructions back to the telephone. Those instructions can be visually or audibly presented to the installer facilitating the process. The installer, via the telephone and the server, can test the installed components for proper operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Addy
  • Patent number: 8171632
    Abstract: In the manufacture of integrally designed rotor wheels (BLISKs), the natural frequency of each blade is measured after forming by conventional shaping methods and the respective blade mass and its divergence from the smallest blade mass is calculated therefrom. The mass of each blade exceeding the smallest blade mass is removed by means of an etchant, so that all blades have essentially corresponding thickness, chord length, mass and natural frequency and are evenly loaded in operation. BLISKs manufactured in this way feature a long service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventors: Arnold Kuehhorn, Thomas Klauke
  • Patent number: 8171611
    Abstract: A method for implementing a component positioning device is provided and includes obtaining a component, a component measuring device and a component positioning device, the component including a component head and a component base, the component measuring device including a first arbor and a second arbor and the component positioning device including a first support device, a second support device and an adapter device, connecting the first support device and the adapter device to the component measuring device, wherein the first support device is associated with the first arbor and the adapter device is associated with the second arbor, associating the second support device with the adapter device, wherein the second support device is adjacent to and separated from the first support device by a component cavity and positioning the component within the component cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Quest Metrology Group, LLC
    Inventor: Stanley P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8151432
    Abstract: A system of splicing ends of conveyor belts is provided that enables a splice installer to install splices in an easy and fast manner. In one aspect, the system includes a base having a recess extending therealong configured to fit fastener members of conveyor belt fasteners therein so that the fastener members do not shift as the belt fasteners are attached to the belt ends. In another aspect, removable rivet guide blocks are provided which significantly reduces the weight of an alignment bar having upper plate members of the belt fasteners secured thereto. In addition, the removable guide blocks allow the installer to secure the upper plate members to the alignment bar without having to deal with the heavy weight of multiple guide blocks fixed thereto. A method of splicing belt ends is also provided which includes indexing the removable guide block along the alignment bar during for riveting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing Company
    Inventors: William J. Daniels, William R. Wawczak, Pan Yim Ng
  • Patent number: 8151465
    Abstract: A mounting system is disclosed for mounting a bearing assembly or other mechanical element to a shaft. The mounting system uses a tapered sleeve mechanism to secure the bearing assembly on the shaft. Specifically, a pressure loaded piston drives the sleeve from a pre-assembled position to an initial position. The initial position is determined by monitoring the pressure applied to the piston. Once the initial position has been reached, a linear indicator is used to measure the axial sleeve movement from the initial position to a final position. The system remains in place after the bearing is installed on the shaft and facilitates removal of the bearing assembly from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Baldor Electric Company
    Inventor: William G. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 8132316
    Abstract: A tappet clearance setting apparatus includes a screwdriver, a pneumatic portion, and a controller. The screwdriver engages the tappet screw and the pneumatic portion provides a monitored and air flow through an engine cylinder. The controller directs the screwdriver to tighten the tappet until the air flow through the cylinder is indicative of a valve opening. The controller then directs the screwdriver to reverse directions until the sensed air flow indicates that the valve has closed, which further indicates that the tappet screw is in a reference position. From the reference position, the controller directs the screwdriver to loosen the tappet a predetermined amount to establish the desired tappet clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brent Rankin, Marc McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8132801
    Abstract: A positioning and clamping apparatus clamps a panel material by moving a clamp arm to a clamping position while the panel material positioned by a locating pin is supported by a workpiece supporting face of a workpiece support. An extruding member having a plurality of extruding rods protruding from the workpiece supporting face is slidably provided in the workpiece support, and the panel material is detached from the locating pin since the extruding member causes a tip face of the extruding rods to be moved to a carry-out position by the hollow piston. The extruding member is caused to protrude by a spring force up to a standby position located between the carrying-out position and the workpiece supporting position, thereby being pushed down up to the workpiece supporting position by the panel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Miyashita, Satoshi Miyazaki, Masakazu Tezuka
  • Patent number: 8112862
    Abstract: Methods for assembling a first rotor and a second rotor having non-complementary flange openings may include providing mating elements at substantially the center on corresponding rotor flanges, coupling dowels into each of a plurality of circumferentially spaced flange openings in one rotor flange, and mating the mating elements and extending the dowels through corresponding flange openings in the other rotor flange. The rotors are then progressively drawn closer by threading a threaded collar onto each dowel while ensuring alignment between the rotor flanges. Once the flanges contact, machining the flange openings makes them complementary. Once the dowels are removed, the rotors can be coupled by a fastener in each set of complementary flange openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Richard Jon Chevrette
  • Patent number: 8112863
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing wires of at least one armour layer of a portion of flexible pipe body in an end fitting is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of bending wires of at least one armour layer away from an axis of the flexible pipe body at a predetermined location, locating each wire of the armour layer in a respective groove formed in a contact surface of at least one of an inner collar member and an outer collar member of the end fitting and urging contact surfaces of the inner collar member and the outer collar member together to thereby lock wires of the armour layer in a fixed position at said predetermined location in the end fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Wellstream International Limited
    Inventors: Tony Eccleston, George Karabelas, Zhimin Tan
  • Publication number: 20120029574
    Abstract: An implant for use in orthognathic surgery of a mandible may include a longitudinal plate member and a plurality of pre-configured guides coupled to the plate member. The longitudinal plate member is pre-bent to correspond to the post-operative shape of the mandible; and the guides are pre-configured to align the plate member with the mandible when the implant is positioned against the mandible after the mandible has been separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Andre Furrer, Timo Zillig, Frank Wilde
  • Publication number: 20120000269
    Abstract: A method for mounting a substrate of a measurement graduation and a scanning head of a position measuring system on a first machine part and a second machine part. The method including fastening a substrate of a measurement graduation and a scanning head on first and second portions, respectively, of a mounting aid. The method including adjusting a location of the first portion relative to the second portion in a first degree of freedom that differs from a measurement direction in which a relative position of the first machine part relative to the second machine part is to be measured. The method including fastening the substrate and the scanning head on the first and second machine parts, respectively, at the mounting position. The method further including removing the mounting aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pucher, Markus Kühler