Of Flexible Wall, Expansible Chamber Devices (e.g., Bellows) Patents (Class 29/454)
  • Patent number: 11845120
    Abstract: Bellows are devices used to compensate linear, thermal, or angular movement/expansion. In oil and gas industry bellows are used in gas lift valves as a slidable seal between two gases. Gas lift valves are used in process of oil artificial lift from wells. Bellows having very thin walls are not well suited for pressures higher than approximately 200 PSI. To withstand much higher pressures bellows are being crimped, process that compresses the bellow to shorter length which increases bellow mechanical toughness. This patent application refers to bellow crimping method that uses initially balanced internal and external pressure to crimp bellow to desired length and maintain perfect bellow elements-convolution ? geometry using custom designed crimping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventor: Zlatko Salihbegovic
  • Patent number: 11781387
    Abstract: A mud bucket system including a base structure and a bellows with a longitudinal internal cavity, the base structure attached to one end of the bellows and a retention ring attached to another end, where the vertical movement of the retention ring lengthens or shortens the longitudinal internal cavity, and a method of using the system that can include coupling a mud bucket to a rig floor, raising a retention ring of the mud bucket, thereby elongating a longitudinal internal cavity of the mud bucket such that a connection of a tubular string is positioned within the longitudinal internal cavity, and unthreading the connection while the connection is positioned within the longitudinal internal cavity, where a tubular is connected to the tubular string at the connection and unthreading the connection disconnects the tubular from the tubular string and expels a fluid from the tubular into the longitudinal internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Patterson, David Siljeg
  • Patent number: 11766088
    Abstract: An article of footwear can comprise: an upper, and a sole assembly connected to the upper to form a receptacle for a human foot, the sole assembly can comprise: a cushion comprising an exterior wall that forms an enclosure; an antenna disposed within the enclosure; and a microchip connected to the antenna. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear can comprise: positioning an electronic communication device between two plies of polymer laminate; heating the two plies of polymer laminate to form a weld area and a cushion area, wherein the electronic communication device becomes encapsulated between the two plies of polymer laminate, inflating the cushion area with a gas; and sealing the cushion area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Jacobsen, Holli Pheil, Drew McLain Skeels
  • Patent number: 11761822
    Abstract: An expansion system for temperature detection by means of thermomechanical expansion and movement has an expansion receptacle, an elongate fluid line which is connected in a fluid-conducting manner thereto, and a switching means which is mechanically operatively connected to the expansion receptacle for the purpose of actuation of a switching process of the switching means at a settable actuation point. A working fluid is contained in the expansion receptacle and in the fluid line. Furthermore, an activation material which is formed to change, upon contact with the working fluid or upon mixing with the working fluid, said working fluid with regard to its volume and/or its flowability is contained in the expansion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: E.G.O. ELEKTRO-GERAETEBAU GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Jenz, Martin Roth
  • Patent number: 11517068
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to injection molded articles as well as methods of manufacture of the same. The injection molded article is a helmet cover for a protective helmet, and more particularly a replaceable helmet cover for enhancing the aesthetic outer appearance of a helmet used in military, construction, manufacturing, and/or contact sports such as American football, baseball, lacrosse, hockey, equestrian, skiing, snowboarding, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventors: Conner Alan Preston, Barak Rigbi
  • Patent number: 11519429
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a rear gate of a baler implement includes a fluid circuit having a first portion connected to and disposed in fluid communication with a first fluid port of a hydraulic cylinder. A flow bypass assembly is disposed in the first portion of the fluid circuit. The flow bypass assembly includes a flow rate control valve selectively moveable between a first position allowing fluid communication therethrough at a first flow rate, and a second position blocking fluid communication therethrough. The flow bypass assembly further includes a bypass passageway for circulating the fluid when the flow rate control valve is closed. A flow restriction is disposed within the bypass passageway to provide a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel E. Derscheid, Austin J. Jones
  • Patent number: 10378649
    Abstract: An impact on the tips of peaks of a metal bellows on contact is reduced, and deformation of the tips of the peaks even on contact is reduced to a minimum. In a free length state of a metal bellows 10 in an early stage of incorporation without extension and contraction, valleys each turn around in a U shape in cross section, peaks each turn around in an arc shape in cross section, the peaks are each provided in a position offset with respect to the center of a pitch between valleys adjacent to the peaks on both sides, and of bellies connected to the peaks on both sides, at least bellies located on the offset side are provided with a constriction protruding inward of the metal bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Sato, Kuniaki Miyake, Tatsuhiro Arikawa
  • Patent number: 10327507
    Abstract: An article comprises a chamber that includes a barrier formed from a polymer material. The barrier has a first portion that forms a first surface of the chamber, and a second portion that forms an opposite second surface of the chamber. The barrier forms at least one interior cavity between the first portion and the second portion. The at least one interior cavity is filled with fluid retained by the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle L. Taylor, Dolores S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10216310
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a pressure-sensitive panel and a detection method thereof, a 3D touch panel and a touch display panel. The pressure-sensitive panel includes a pressure-sensitive layer. The pressure-sensitive layer includes a plurality of pressure-sensitive units, and each pressure-sensitive unit includes four resistors, a first voltage detection unit and a second voltage detection unit. The four resistors of each pressure-sensitive unit are connected with each other in sequence; two short sides of the first resistor are respectively connected with one long side of the second resistor and the fourth resistor; and two short sides of the third resistors are connected with the other long side of the second resistor and the fourth resistor. A connecting end between the first resistor and the fourth resistor is connected with a first fixed voltage end, and a connecting end between the second resistor and the third resistor is connected with a second fixed voltage end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignees: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Beijing BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaoliang Ding, Xue Dong, Xiaochuan Chen, Haisheng Wang, Yingming Liu, Wei Liu, Pengpeng Wang, Shengji Yang, Weijie Zhao, Tao Ren
  • Patent number: 10165868
    Abstract: An internal tensioning structure for use in an inflatable product fulfills the basic function of maintaining two adjacent inflatable surfaces in a desired geometric arrangement when the inflatable product is pressurized. The tensioning structure is formed by connecting a pair of plastic strips sheets via spaced-apart strands, such as strings or wires. When pulled taut, the strands provide a high tensile strength between the two opposed plastic strips. At the same time, the plastic strips facilitate a strong, long-lasting weld between the tensioning structure and the inflatable product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Intex Marketing LTD.
    Inventors: Hua Hsiang Lin, Yaw Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 9540857
    Abstract: Mechanism for controlling a device for sealingly connecting an enclosure and a container, with the enclosure comprising a door (10) and the container comprising a door (14), with the door (10) of the enclosure containing the control mechanism (D), with that comprising a male element (34) cooperating with a recess of the door (14) of the container, with this male element (34) being rotatably movable about and translatably movable along a longitudinal axis (X) and is capable of being accommodated in the recess of the door (14), of locking the two doors (10, 14) together and of unlocking the door (14) of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: GETINGE LA CALHENE
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Simon, Bernard Chavrot, Christophe Dufour
  • Patent number: 9506455
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter includes a laminated robotic actuator. The laminated robotic actuator includes a strain-limiting layer comprising a flexible, non-extensible material in the form of a sheet or thin film, a flexible inflatable layer in the form of a thin film or sheet in facing relationship with the strain-limiting layer, wherein the inflatable layer is selectively adhered to the strain-limiting layer, and wherein a portion of an un-adhered region between the strain-limiting layer and the inflatable layer defines a pressurizable channel, and at least one fluid inlet in fluid communication with the pressurizable channel. The first flexible non-extensible material has a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the second flexible elastomeric material and the flexible elastomer is non-extensible under actuation conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Aaron D. Mazzeo, Stephen A. Morin, Robert F. Shepherd, George M. Whitesides, William B. Kalb
  • Patent number: 9442033
    Abstract: A pressure difference sensor includes a measuring membrane, which is arranged between two platforms and connected pressure-tightly with the platforms, in each case, via a first insulating layer for forming pressure chambers between the platforms and the measuring membrane. The insulating layer is especially silicon oxide, wherein the pressure difference sensor further includes an electrical transducer for registering a pressure dependent deflection of the measuring membrane. The platforms have support positions, against which the measuring membrane lies at least partially in the case of overload, wherein the support positions have position dependent heights, characterized in that the support positions are formed in the first insulating layer by isotropic etching, and the particular height h of a support position, in each case, is a function of a distance from a base of the support position in the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Endress + GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Igor Getman, Rafael Teipen, Thomas Link, Peter Nommensen
  • Patent number: 9273677
    Abstract: The present invention is a universal wet/dry transfer pump having an intake hose and a t-joint. The intake hose is fluidly connected to the t-joint. A first check valve is positioned within the intake hose. A bellowed pump handle is fluidly connected to the t-joint. A separator hose is provided and fluidly connected to the t-joint. A second check valve is positioned within the t-joint. A terminal catchment vessel is fluidly connected to the separator hose. Upon pulling of the pump handle in a generally upward direction, intake pumping action is initiated drawing water and solid materials into the intake hose, opening the first check valve and closing the second check valve. Upon pushing of the pump handle in a generally downward direction, discharge pumping action is initiated, closing the first check valve and opening the second check valve transferring any water and chambered solids into the catchment vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Bradley S. Youell
  • Patent number: 9217308
    Abstract: A zonal isolation device (10; 20; 30; 300; 400; 500; 600) in the form of an active external casing packer is provided which includes a tubular section such as a casing or liner (1; 21; 31; 171; 203) arranged to be run into and secured within a larger diameter generally cylindrical structure such as an open borehole (163; 213). At least one sleeve member (3; 23; 33; 43; 173) is positioned on the exterior of the casing or liner and is sealed thereto and at least two deformable band members (201; 401, 403; 501) are provided around and are bonded to the outer circumference of the sleeve member. The sleeve member and the at least two deformable band members is/are expanded into place against the inner circumference of the open borehole by increasing the pressure within the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: META DOWNHOLE LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Wood, Fraser Louden, Stuart Berry, Andrew John Gorrara, Duncan James Trinder
  • Patent number: 9199294
    Abstract: A corrugating unit is used which presses a first corrugation into the pipe which is moved in its longitudinal direction through the corrugating device. The spacing between the wave peaks is subsequently reduced, for obtaining a second corrugation, by a clamping unit composed of two separately arranged clamping devices resting against the pipe. The pipe provided with a first corrugation is pressed continuously by the first clamping device against a fixed point realized by the second clamping device, which, in the position of operation, is arranged, in relation to the clamping device, in axial direction behind the first clamping device. Both clamping devices are removed cyclically from the pipe and are moved back into a new position in the opposite direction of the direction of movement of the pipe and, in this new position, again rest in the two different areas against the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Nico Lange, Christian Reiter, Christian Frohne, Holger Schulz, Michael Meyer
  • Patent number: 9131748
    Abstract: A bladder assembly for an article of footwear includes a main body. The main body defines a first chamber and a second chamber, and the second chamber includes a first inner surface and a second inner surface. The bladder assembly also includes a viscous fluid contained in the first or second chamber and a gas contained in the other of the first or second chamber. Furthermore, the bladder assembly includes a fabric member that is fixed to both the first and second inner surfaces. The fabric member limits movement of the first and second inner surfaces away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Dervin James
  • Publication number: 20150128355
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring or a platform. In order to facilitate rotation, slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring or platform are selectively placed in contact in order to reduce the normal friction therebetween. The slick surfaces may be provided by two (2) separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring or platform. A first cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. In order to further facilitate rotation, a second cover includes a slick surface on one side and forms part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. The levitation device creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Levitation Sciences LLC
    Inventor: William John Scarleski
  • Publication number: 20150115584
    Abstract: An exemplary vent assembly for an airbag assembly having an airbag cushion may have at least one panel attachable to the airbag cushion. The airbag cushion may be inflatable by a gas, and may define at least one opening that has a first area. The at least one opening may be configured to allow at least a portion of the gas to exit the airbag cushion. The at least one panel may be positionable over the at least one opening to partially obstruct the at least one opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Eric A. Smitterberg, Edward J. Abramoski, Jeff S. Vinton
  • Publication number: 20150108699
    Abstract: An air spring for chassis of vehicles, which is clamped with an air spring piston and an air spring cover between the chassis and vehicle body of a motor vehicle, includes an elastomeric air spring bellows which at least partially delimits a compressed air-filled working chamber and which, forming at least one rolling fold, rolls on the air spring piston. The air spring bellows is attached by clamping elements to the air spring cover and the air spring piston, including an external guide attached to the air spring bellows and spaced apart from the air spring cover and attached to the air spring bellows such that a partial piece of the air spring bellows is formed between the air spring cover and the external guide as a cardanic fold which permits deflection of the air spring bellows produced by forces acting perpendicular to the axis of the air spring bellows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jens Uwe Gleu, Holger Wehaus
  • Patent number: 8984749
    Abstract: An electrical enclosure that may house electrical equipment having a reconfigurable cable duct system with one or more movable flaps to form alternative pathways in the enclosure for routing electrical cables from connections inside the enclosure to designated areas outside the enclosure. Methods of routing electrical cables through an enclosure and of assembling a cable duct system within an enclosure are also provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiong Pan, Truett Ramsey Thompson, Bernhard Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8959745
    Abstract: In a method of producing a cuff of a sphygmomanometer having an automatic cuff winding mechanism, the cuff includes a band-shaped fluid bladder forming a cavity for inserting a user's arm therein, a shape maintenance member wound on the band-shaped fluid bladder, a band-shaped bag wound on the shape maintenance member, and a cylindrical elastic plate housed in the band-shaped bag. The method includes winding the band-shaped fluid bladder on an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical jig having approximately the same outer diameter as the cavity of the band-shaped fluid bladder, winding the shape maintenance member on an outer circumferential surface of the band-shaped fluid bladder, winding the band-shaped bag on an outer circumferential surface of the shape maintenance member, removing the cylindrical jig from the band-shaped fluid bladder, and housing the cylindrical elastic plate inside the band-shaped bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tameo Ashida
  • Patent number: 8904645
    Abstract: A method for assembling a rolling bearing by deformation of the outer ring (OR) and/or the inner ring (IR) comprising, before said step of deformation, determining the theoretical position (1?, 2?) that the two extreme rolling elements should occupy so as to allow inserting at least one supplemental rolling element (11) in said space (13), said theoretical position defining an acute application angle (?2) determining the value of forces (F1) to be applied from outside to said outer ring (OR) at three application points, one central point at said nearest or contact location of both inner an outer rings in said symmetry plane and two lateral points at an angle (2?2) equal to the double of said acute application angle with respect to said symmetry plane, verifying that the deformation of the outer ring (OR) resulting from the application of said forces remains elastic and in that case, applying said forces and inserting at least one supplemental rolling element in said space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Laurent Varnoux
  • Publication number: 20140346079
    Abstract: Inflatable packaging with self-sealing fill channels having a first boundary layer, a second boundary layer, a first valve layer and a second valve layer are disclosed. The first and second valve layers are attached together to form a valve strip that has a plurality of valves and a lengthwise air channel in fluid communication with an entrance of each of the plurality of valves. Outermost, lengthwise edges of the first and second boundary layers are attached to each other and the valve strip is positioned between the first and second boundary layers with at least a portion of the lengthwise air channel not covered by the first and second boundary layers. A plurality of cross seams are formed in the first and second boundary layers and the portion of the valve strip positioned therebetween to define a plurality of inflatable cavities such as dunnage cavities or bubble cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Larry C. Gess
  • Patent number: 8807531
    Abstract: A bellows is disposed to separate a main flow path that is opened or closed by a valve member coming into contact with or moving away from a valve seat from a driving part for driving the valve member via a rod so as to surround the rod. The bellows is formed by providing ring-shaped valley portions swelling inward of a metal pipe and ring-shaped peak portions swelling outward of the metal pipe alternately and continuously in a peripheral wall of the metal pipe in the axial direction of the metal pipe. Valley R/peak R, which is the ratio of valley R to peak R, is in the range of 1.15 to 1.70, where valley R is the radius of curvature of the valley portions in cross section, and peak R is the radius of curvature of the peak portions in cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Ikuo Kanzaka
  • Publication number: 20140116829
    Abstract: An item of luggage, comprising: a plurality of sides sufficient to define a first volumetric space, an expandable section disposed within the space between first and second opposing sides, wherein at least the first opposing side defines a boundary for the volumetric space and provides an exterior surface for the item of luggage; the expandable section having a first configuration wherein it is stored within the space and has an expandable side that is adjacent to the first opposing side, and a second configuration wherein the expandable side extends a predetermined distance from the first opposing side to define a boundary for a second volumetric space that is the same as or different from the first volumetric space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Davis
  • Publication number: 20140083288
    Abstract: A conductive coating layer 2a, 2b is formed on at least one of an inner peripheral side and an outer peripheral side of a base body 2 of bellows 1 by diffusion-bonding. Regarding the diffusion-bonding, the flat conductive coating layer 2a, 2b is layered on at least one end surface side of the plate-shaped base body 2, and these base body 2 and conductive coating layer 2a, 2b are diffusion-bonded. After forming this diffusion-bonded multilayer member into a tubular body by a drawing process, a side wall of the tubular body is formed into a bellows shape. With these processes, it is possible to obtain the bellows that has the conductive coating layer having a more uniform thickness on the base body of the bellows and has extremely good characteristics (the mechanical characteristics and the electric characteristics).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Toshinori Tatsumi, Eiichi Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20130334081
    Abstract: Embodiments of a foldable travel bag and methods to manufacture such a bag are generally described herein. The foldable travel bag generally includes a plurality of reinforcement elements, at least two of the plurality of reinforcement elements coupled to a hinge joint portion, and a flexible cover portion extending between the plurality of reinforcement elements. The flexible cover portion defines a sealable housing to store an elongate object, and is configured to contract in response to at least two of the plurality of reinforcement elements being in a folded position. The flexible cover portion is also configured to expand in response to the at least two of the plurality of reinforcement elements being in an unfolded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: John H. Loudenslager, Brian J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 8431855
    Abstract: The formation of a bellows made up of a stack of a predetermined number of ring-convolutions and having an intermediate plate supported within said stack is achieved by supplying several thin metal rings, each having inner and outer edges. A pair of these metal rings are positioned in contiguous relationship and their adjacent inside edges are welded together to form a ring-convolution. This process is repeated until a sufficient number of ring-convolutions are made to eventually make the desired bellows. Before these separate ring-convolutions are fused to each other, an intermediate plate and a support ring are made. The intermediate plate is a disc of metal that is sized smaller than the inside diameter of the rings and is secured to the support ring. The support ring is then positioned between two formed ring-convolutions in contiguous relationship and the three abutting outside edges are welded to each other to form a support plate convolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Codman Neuro Sciences Sarl
    Inventors: Philippe Margairaz, Pierre Pringalle, Jean-Sebastien Petithory
  • Patent number: 8418336
    Abstract: A system and method for repairing the damaged portion of a flow-line of a Corrugated Metal Pipe is disclosed. A containment mold is created on the interior surface of the CMP using a series of overlapping rigid sheets that are attached to the CMP along the damaged flow-line. This mold is provided with injection ports through which a hydro-insensitive expanding polymer may be injected. External pressure is applied to the rigid sheet during injection and hardening of the polymer. The result is a single monolithic structure forming a patch over the damaged CMP flow-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Bennett
  • Patent number: 8327518
    Abstract: With a method for manufacturing a bendable tube, which is preferably envisaged for an endoscopic instrument, first a tube is separated into several tube sections in a manner such that adjacent tube sections engage into one another with a positive fit in the axis direction of the tube. After the separation of the tube into several tube sections, one envisages peripherally arranging means for providing a positive fit transversely to the axis direction of the tube, on the regions of the tube sections, which are situated in engagement with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Körner
  • Publication number: 20120285781
    Abstract: Luggage with crushable, resilient portions and methods for making it are disclosed. In one embodiment, the cover of a piece of luggage is formed of a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) and has sufficient deformability so that it may be crushed and inverted into itself for storage and then resiliently returned to essentially the same shape. The luggage is preferably made by a process of vacuum forming a heated TPU sheet over a mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: MAX MIRANI INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bettua, Kiran Joseph
  • Patent number: 8240014
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a piezo actuator is disclosed. The method includes forcing a blank against a mold to form a cylindrical casing having an open end and a closed end and rotating the cylindrical casing. The method also includes urging a die having a plurality of equally spaced protrusions into a surface of the cylindrical casing to form bellows in the cylindrical casing. The method further includes positioning a piezo element within the cylindrical casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Gibson, Jinhui Sun
  • Publication number: 20120125192
    Abstract: A profiled metal strip for a diaphragm bellows is made from a strip material having at least one border which is subjected to reverse bending. Such a metal strip is wound to produce a diaphragm bellows, with abutting borders of neighboring turns being connected with one another by a material joint, such as a welding seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: WESTFALIA Metallschlauchtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: MATTHIAS WEISS, Karl-Heinz Münker, Dietmar Baumhoff, Andreas Gerhard, Karsten Schenk, Michael Henkelmann, Oliver Selter, Stefan Hauk
  • Publication number: 20120081808
    Abstract: Disclosed are a novel beam guiding bellows for laser cutting machine, and a method of manufacturing the beam guiding bellows for laser cutting machine, which no longer need a process of placing any special plates such as reflective plates, therefore enabling manufacturing in a shorter time at low costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Norio Nagai, Yoshio Nishida
  • Patent number: 8091200
    Abstract: A bulge forming method includes arranging a raw material tube inside a die having an inner surface shape, in which plural crest portions and root portions are alternately formed, and providing a rod inside the raw material tube in the axial direction of the raw material tube, and the rod has a pressurized liquid supply opening. The bulge forming method further includes providing a pair of sealing portion having the pressurized liquid supply opening therebetween, and the sealing portions seal a space between the raw material tube and the rod. The bulge forming method further includes moving the rod in the axial direction while applying compressive stress to the raw material tube in the axial direction and supplying a pressurized liquid from the pressurized liquid supply opening into the raw material tube, whereby the raw material tube is formed into the shape of the inner surface of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuo Kobayashi, Izuru Hori
  • Patent number: 8046916
    Abstract: A metallic bellows is manufactured by a first step of bulging a straight raw pipe into a primary formed body having formed on a periphery thereof a corrugated bellows section, and a second step of subjecting at least one of crest portions and trough portions of the bellows section of the primary formed body to roll machining by means of a pair of forming rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Yutaka Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitoshi Hagiwara, Tetsuaki Nakayama, Nobuyuki Yoshitoshi
  • Publication number: 20110219946
    Abstract: A brake actuator having a plurality of actuator housing portions includes a diaphragm seal partially delimiting a parking brake de-actuation chamber and retained between adjacent portions of the housing. To produce brake actuation upon depressurization of the parking brake de-actuation chamber, a push rod extends into and out of a service brake actuation chamber upon release of fluid pressure from and supply of fluid pressure to the chamber. A clip or similar element receivable over the end section of the push rod is securable on the end section to compress the diaphragm seal axially relative to the push rod against a seat carried by the push rod while permitting a radial inner edge of the diaphragm seal to remain spaced from an outer surface of the end section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC
    Inventors: Ronald S. PLANTAN, Mark J. Kromer, Brett S. Darner, Kevin Carlson
  • Publication number: 20110120459
    Abstract: A stylet for use with an endotracheal tube includes a lighting element and a malleable rod completely enclosed and sealed within an elongated flexible sheath. The elongated flexible sheath has a proximal end and a distal end; the lighting element is positioned at or near the distal end and the malleable rod is positioned from proximate to the lighting element to the proximal end of the elongated flexible sheath. The chemiluminescent lighting element includes an activator and an oxalate and may be fully enclosed in a capsule or the flexible sheath may serve as an outer wall of the lighting element. An absorbent pad, made from cotton or non-woven fiber, is at the distal end of the elongated sheath between the lighting element and a terminal seal of the elongated flexible sheath. The stylet includes one or more tactile elements and a removable protective cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: OMNIGLOW LLC
    Inventor: Patricia Ramos
  • Publication number: 20100287755
    Abstract: With a method for manufacturing a bendable tube, which is preferably envisaged for an endoscopic instrument, first a tube is separated into several tube sections in a manner such that adjacent tube sections engage into one another with a positive fit in the axis direction of the tube. After the separation of the tube into several tube sections, one envisages peripherally arranging means for providing a positive fit transversely to the axis direction of the tube, on the regions of the tube sections, which are situated in engagement with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: RICHARD WOLF GMBH
    Inventor: Eberhard KÕRNER
  • Publication number: 20100289197
    Abstract: A spring wall for securement between associated end members for forming an associated gas spring assembly includes a first wall portion that extends axially along a longitudinal axis and circumferentially thereabout. The first wall portion is formed from an unreinforced elastomeric material, and the first wall portion has a first nominal stiffness value. A second wall portion extends along the longitudinal axis and circumferentially thereabout. The second wall portion is disposed in longitudinal relation to the first wall portion and has a second nominal stiffness value that is different from the first nominal stiffness value of the first wall portion such that a non-constant stiffness profile is established along a longitudinal length of the spring wall. A gas spring and a gas spring and reservoir assembly utilizing such a spring wall as well as a method of manufacturing a gas spring are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: FIRESTONE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua R. Leonard, Pradipta N. Moulik
  • Patent number: 7735208
    Abstract: A pipe unit and a method for assembling a pipe conduit using the same are provided. The pipe unit comprises a pipe body, a first flange, a second flange, and an adjusting structure. The pipe body has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first flange and the second flange are respectively disposed on the first end and the second end. The adjusted structure is disposed between the first flange and the second flange and is for adjusting the length of the pipe unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Neng Chou, Kuo-Pang Tseng
  • Patent number: 7712202
    Abstract: A system for securing a basket containing product securely within an autoclave or retort. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is used with rotational retorts, which generally include a rotational insert for receiving product-loaded baskets, the rotational insert rotated via a drive to rotate the baskets end over end during the autoclave process, for more efficient heat transfer. The present invention contemplates an improvement for securing the baskets within the retort, to facilitate secure rotation of the baskets and their contents, and prevent shifting of the baskets within the retort during rotation. Particularly, the preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the use of one or more lift bladders sandwiched between clamping platens situated along the length of the rotational insert, the lift bladders configured to expand to lift and position the baskets into a securing position for rotation, then deflate to release the baskets after processing for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Allpax Products LLC
    Inventor: Christopher G. Greve
  • Patent number: 7685693
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for forming a die having an applicator slot for translating an applicator liquid through the die. The slot is in fluid communication with a die cavity. An expansible chamber device is disposed within the die cavity and changes volume in response to changes in fluid pressure within the expansible chamber device, which may be regulated by a means for controlling the volume of the expansible chamber device. In some embodiments, the die has a single rectangular applicator slot, and the expansible chamber device is an expandable cylindrical tube disposed within the die cavity. In other embodiments, the fluid within the expansible chamber device may be selected to be a compressible gas. In further embodiments, the fluid within the expansible chamber device may be selected to be an incompressible liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Joan M. Noyola, Scott L. Ciliske
  • Patent number: 7604259
    Abstract: A damper that provides damping to the motion caused by flow induced vibration of a bellows type expansion joint. The damper is at least partially filled with a damping medium and located at a root region of the bellows type expansion joint convolutions. The damper is manufactured in segments which have an attachment structure therebetween to facilitate retrofitting of the damper to various conduits that are experiencing or are expected to experience flow induced vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale O. Cipra
  • Publication number: 20090051089
    Abstract: A damping element shaped as a cylindrical hollow body having an end-side stop and a wall surrounding the body with annular flanges extending around the wall spaced relative to one another. The annular flanges and the wall between the annular flanges have different thicknesses. A method for producing the damping element, includes first producing a blank of the cylindrical hollow body and subsequently upsetting the body to simultaneous shorten it in the direction of the upsetting force by at least 20% of its original length. Then, the walls of the cylindrical hollow body are convexly arched between the annular flanges to form a bellows-like configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: MOLLERMINER GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Kirchner, Mark Langner
  • Patent number: 7484773
    Abstract: Self purging expansion joint can include first annular seal sleeve connecting bellows to first conduit and second annular seal sleeve connecting bellows to second conduit. Flow-restricting orifice(s) can allow a higher pressure external fluid to flow through the annular passage to purge the bellows and into the primary fluid flow passage of the expansion joint containing a lower pressure fluid. Self purging expansion joint can be utilized in a disengager vessel of a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit, for example, between primary and secondary stripping cyclones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventor: Phillip K. Niccum
  • Patent number: 7441810
    Abstract: A sewer line coupling device to facilitate attachment of a recreational vehicle sewer line to a fixed waste pipe. The coupling device comprising a main body having a second end for insertion into the waste pipe. A movable member is movable relative to the main body and a sealing sleeve is supported by the main body adjacent the second end. One end of the sealing sleeve is affixed to the main body while the other end is coupled to the movable member. When the movable member is moved in a first direction, a minimum dimension of the sealing sleeve is achieved to facilitate insertion into the waste pipe and, when the movable member is moved in an opposite direction, a maximum dimension of the sealing sleeve is achieved to facilitate formation of a seal with the waste pipe. A flange is supported by the main body between the first end and the second end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Samuel Wayne Buff
  • Publication number: 20080237286
    Abstract: Traditional structured-containers have a maximum holding capacity upon exceeding of which would allow excess articles fall out of the structured-container by way of gravitational pull. The utility of these structured-containers is thus limited. The present invention discloses an expandable container with a pair of carry-handles where a net container is coupled to a traditional structured-container to thus synergistically and substantially increase the maximum holding capacity of the traditional structured-container. The pair of carry-handles also adds carrying possibilities and conveniences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Najma Jamaludeen-Wade
  • Publication number: 20080155806
    Abstract: A metallic bellows is manufactured by a first step of bulging a straight raw pipe into a primary formed body having formed on a periphery thereof a corrugated bellows section, and a second step of subjecting at least one of crest portions and trough portions of the bellows section of the primary formed body to roll machining by means of a pair of forming rolls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Yutaka Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitoshi Hagiwara, Tetsuaki Nakayama, Nobuyuki Yoshitoshi