Position Or Guide Means Patents (Class 403/13)
  • Patent number: 11971606
    Abstract: A ruggedized adjustable mounting system is described for adjustably coupling and selectively locking a component supported in a fixture of the mount in a desired orientation. In some embodiments, the mounting system includes one or more kinematic couplings that support a fixture on a base and one or more adjustable couplings that are configured to adjust a separation distance between two opposing portions of the fixture and the base to selectively pivot the fixture about one or more axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Andrew Guzman, Joseph Flaherty, Steven R. Gillmer, Kevin Edward Sullivan, Steven Augst
  • Patent number: 11686110
    Abstract: Anchoring system for formwork struts comprising a male element with a seat for joining the head of a strut and at least one pin, the seat and the pin being configured so that when in use, the pin is perpendicular to the plane containing the two struts to be anchored together, the pin having a protuberance at the end, as well as a female element comprising a bar with a flat surface, said flat surface comprising a slot perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the bar, with a width smaller than that of the protuberance and at least one portion with a width larger than that of the pin, comprising an opening for the introduction of the pin in the slot in a position, such that when in use, the opening is located in a position lower than the slot and the pin is fastened in an upper area of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Sistemas Técnicos de Encofrados, S.A
    Inventor: José Luis Ubiñana Félix
  • Patent number: 11509199
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electric submersible pumps that have two or more permanent magnet motors and more specifically to such systems wherein permanent magnet motors are aligned using phase and pole alignment marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: EXTRACT MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Lee Crane, Jose Mauricio Oviedo Gualdron
  • Patent number: 11187275
    Abstract: A device for connecting a steering column to a steering gear housing comprising a shaft (2) having an end portion (20), a clamping collar (1) comprising two arms (10, 11) arranged relative to one another in such a way as to delimit a cavity (3) able to guide the shaft (2) into a position of engagement and keep the shaft (2) in the engaged position, and means (16) for clamping the arms (10, 11) onto the shaft in the engaged position with a set torque, the cavity (3) comprising a coupling zone (4) and an entry zone (5) situated to the rear of the coupling zone in the direction of insertion and dimensioned in relation to the coupling zone (4) in such a way as to prevent the clamping means from being clamped to the set torque when the end portion is situated in the entry zone (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventors: Emmanuel Mottier, Benjamin Coudere, Olivier Coulon
  • Patent number: 11148650
    Abstract: A pneumatic brake booster having a booster housing. The booster housing has at least two thin-walled shell elements and an elastomer sealing element. The sealing element has a sealing bead, which is of encircling form radially at the outside, and at least one rolling diaphragm portion which adjoins the sealing bead. The sealing bead is sealingly clamped in a clamping space between the shell elements. The clamping space is formed by walls which are generated in the shell elements by deformation, its radial inner wall formed by a tubular, axially forwardly extending projection, which is folded at its front edge, of the second shell element. It is proposed that a bead-side rear wall of the clamping space is formed by an encircling, radially outwardly projecting collar which is formed on the second shell element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventors: Jürgen Faller, Ralf Jakobi
  • Patent number: 11135891
    Abstract: A stabilizer bushing including: a stabilizer bar; and two semi-tubular elastic half bodies each including an intermediate plate fitting of semicircular arc shape embedded therein. The elastic half bodies are bonded to an outer circumferential surface of the stabilizer bar such that two circumferential end faces thereof are mutually butted. The plate fitting is embedded in an axial direction. A notch-shaped recess is provided in a corner of axial ends of the circumferential end faces of each elastic half body. The recess extends in a radial direction of the elastic half body and opens onto an inner circumferential surface thereof, and a corner of axial ends of circumferential end portions of the plate fitting is exposed at the recess. A bottom corner of the recess extending in the radial direction of the elastic half body has a curved-concave inner surface shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RIKO COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Toru Matsushita
  • Patent number: 10967288
    Abstract: An insert-and-twist building block structure includes a connection bar and a connection terminal unit. The connection bar has an end from which a combination projection section extends and has a conic shape. The combination projection section has an external circumferential surface formed with a bead ring including multiple raised beads intermittently arranged in a ring configuration. The connection terminal unit includes a connection terminal having an end inward recessed to form a combination cavity in a conic shape. The combination cavity has an internal circumferential surface formed with a groove ring including multiple recessed grooves intermittently arranged in a ring configuration. The recessed grooves each a middle portion forming a deep trough section and two ends each forming a shallow trough section, and a depth is decreased from the deep trough section toward the shallow trough sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Fang Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 10836003
    Abstract: Provided is an insertion guide that performs accurate rotation correction between a shaft and a hole and phase correction between the shaft and hole. The shaft includes: a first guide portion at a distal end of the shaft having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the hole; a second guide portion, provided on a base end side of a first narrow cylindrical portion, and having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the hole and larger than a diameter of the first narrow cylindrical portion; and a third guide portion, provided at the distal end of the shaft, and is a recessed portion to be engaged with a protruding portion formed in the hole. The shaft being inclined with respect to the hole, is brought into contact with the hole at two points or less before the third guide portion is brought into contact with the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Haruna, Kazuhiko Fukushima, Ieyoung Kim, Satoru Sofuku, Toshitaka Nakaoji, Yasushi Horiuchi, Yusuke Saruta, Junji Takaki, Noboru Kawaguchi, Yutaka Ezaki
  • Patent number: 10611077
    Abstract: A composite reinforcing bar is formed by providing a reinforcing material supply of fiber strands ravings; a resin supply bath, and a puller for pulling the resin-impregnated reinforcing material through the resin bath. The material is wound on a holder, while the resin remains unset, rotated about its axis on a drive system so that the material is wrapped around a plurality of guides at spaced positions around the axis such that the fed length of the body is wrapped from one bar to the next to form bent portions of the body wrapped partly around each guide and straight portions between the guides. The guide surfaces are shaped by a machining, blasting or similar process to form projections and recesses which retain a roughness on the outside surface of the reinforcing bar during the curing action while supported on the surface. This arrangement can be used with an optional sand coating to prevent the sand particles from being compressed into the resin or body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Randel Brandstrom
  • Patent number: 10591253
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an adjustment mechanism for a scope comprising: a first surface and a second surface, the first surface configured to engage the second surface axially when an amount of force is applied to the first surface, the first surface also configured to transfer torque applied to it to the second surface when the first surface and the second surface are engaged, and a member adjustable to apply force to the first surface to engage the first surface and the second surface, the member being adjustable using only one or more human fingers, wherein an adjustment of the member can always be initiated using only one or more human fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Tangent Theta Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew S. Webber
  • Patent number: 10578121
    Abstract: A ceiling fan blade structure and a ceiling fan. The ceiling fan blade structure includes: at least one fan blade provided with a first inserting portion; and a mounting plate provided with a second inserting portion, and being able to be detachably connected with the fan blade through a fit between the first inserting portion and the second inserting portion. The installation of the fan blade is changed, and the connecting members used in the existing mounting method of fan blades are removed. The fan blade is provided with the first inserting portion, the mounting plate is provided with the second inserting portion, and through corresponding insertion between the first inserting portion and the second inserting portion, the fan blade may be mounted to the mounting plate rapidly. Moreover, in a mounting process of the fan blade, a mounting operation can be completed without assistance of auxiliary tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventors: Xinmin Tang, Shuisheng Lei, Yaoguang Liang
  • Patent number: 10525632
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for precision locating additively manufactured components for assembly and/or post processing manufacturing are provided for herein. In some embodiments, at least one component can be additively manufactured to include one or more kinematic features on one or more surfaces of the component. The kinematic feature(s) can be configured to engage complementary kinematic feature(s) formed in a second component so the two components can form an assembly. Alternatively, the kinematic feature(s) can be configured to engage complementary kinematic feature(s) associated with a post-processing machine such that the one or more post-processing actions can be performed on the component after the component is precisely located with respect to the machine by way of the kinematic features of the component and associated with the machine. A variety of systems and methods that utilize kinematic features are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ryan Wade Penny, Anastasios John Hart
  • Patent number: 10483054
    Abstract: A mono or bidirectional contactor device for applications involving switching of the power supply for high current and/or voltage electrical loads, of the type comprising a containing and protective casing made of synthetic plastic insulating material with a bottom wall from which there extends an actuator portion, comprising a coil and auxiliary contacts, an intermediate portion for housing fixed and movable contact poles, and an upper arc chute portion for dissipating the electric arc. Advantageously the casing is chosen so as to have a flat parallelepiped form with the bottom wall extending at 90° with respect to a side wall of the casing on the shorter side and a support plate for the contactor is connected to the outer surface of the base wall or of said side wall so as to support the casing substantially with a vertical extension from the horizontal plane or projecting from the vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Telarc S.r.l.
    Inventor: Marco Corna
  • Patent number: 10407031
    Abstract: A parked freight trailer stabilizer and restraint comprising: (a) a kingpin receiver configured to lock onto a kingpin of a parked freight trailer; (b) a jack operatively coupled to the kingpin receiver, the jack repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position; (c) a tail hold operatively coupled to the kingpin receiver, the tail hold repositionable between a stowed position and a restraining position, the tail hold configured to engage a ground mount; and, (d) a transport receiver configured to engage a transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Stabilock, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Terrance Kimener
  • Patent number: 10378199
    Abstract: A joining device (100) for precast reinforced concrete elements with a dry joint comprising a first group of joining reinforcements (10?) arranged on a first plane and in parallel with one another, each one of said joining reinforcements (10) comprising one reinforcement (1) and two threaded ends (2). The device comprises first coupling means (30) for coupling to the columns (200) arranged between the joining reinforcements (10) and perpendicular to the first plane defined by the joining reinforcements (10) and a plurality of anchoring plates (20) arranged so as to define a closed frame inside of which the joining reinforcements (10) are arranged, and where the inner space defined by the anchoring plates (20) is filled with a structural filler material (concrete, resin, composite, etc.) (50). The anchoring plates (20) comprise a plurality of holes (21), at least one for each threaded end (2), in a position that matches up with the latter, and through which the threaded ends (2) remain accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
    Inventors: Inigo Calderon Uriszar-Aldaca, Amaia Aramburu Ibarlucea, Jose Antonio Chica Paez
  • Fan
    Patent number: 10260521
    Abstract: Described is a fan assembly comprising a body comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and means for generating an air flow through the body, the body comprising a lower body section and an upper body section, the upper body section housing the means for generating the air flow and the lower body section housing a control circuit for controlling the means for generating the air flow. The fan assembly also comprises a nozzle for receiving the air flow from the body and for emitting the air flow, wherein the lower body section comprises an outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall and inner wall defining an outer cavity surrounding an inner cavity, and wherein the control circuit is located within the inner cavity surrounded by the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Liam Craig Barclay
  • Patent number: 10215054
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes sealing systems comprising a secondary seal with one or more of a knife edge seal and a discourager. The secondary seal may act to isolate an interface between an inner and outer shaft and a bearing compartment. The inner and outer shafts may be high pressure compressor and low pressure turbine shafts, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Anglin, Yuk-Kwan Yuen
  • Patent number: 10179551
    Abstract: A composite applique assembly for a vehicle interior trim piece includes a flexible receiver element and a flexible insert connected to the flexible receiver element by a sliding joint. An end of the flexible receiver element is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. An end of the flexible insert opposite to the flexible receiver element end is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. The flexible receiver element defines an internal channel configured for slidingly receiving the flexible insert therein. The flexible receiver element further defines at least a partial-length slot providing fluid communication with the internal channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Nitesh Chandrakant Jadhav, Bill Moore Sherwood, Mirza Safder Ali Baig, Bhavani Thota, Linh Doan, Tyler Glenn
  • Patent number: 10028391
    Abstract: A bussed electrical center includes an electrical-assembly and a single fastening feature. The electrical-assembly includes a lower-housing, a printed-circuit-board, an upper-housing, and electrical-devices. The lower-housing engages an outer-housing that retains electrical-connectors having a plurality of electrical-terminals. The printed-circuit-board has a plurality of corresponding-electrical-terminals configured to mate with the plurality of electrical-terminals of the electrical-connectors. The electrical-assembly defines a guide-hole that passes through the upper-housing, the printed-circuit-board, and the lower-housing, wherein the guide-hole defines a shoulder in the upper-housing. The single fastening feature consists of one first-fastener element positioned within the guide-hole that has a flange and a shank. The shank is operable to engage one second-fastener element in the outer-housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Naiki A. Reynoso Galvan, Rodrigo Villanueva Ponce, Irving Meza Ricano
  • Patent number: 9964212
    Abstract: A piston assembly includes a piston cross-member having a first end disposed opposite a second end. The piston assembly also includes a first cap disposed on the first end of the piston cross-member, and a second cap disposed on the second end of the piston cross-member. A slot is formed in the piston cross-member transverse to a length of the piston cross-member. An insert is disposed in the slot, wherein the insert is a wear article configured to contact a crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Josh Kamp, Scott W. Simpson
  • Patent number: 9879565
    Abstract: A case assembly is provided. The case assembly comprises a first flange and a spot face in the first flange. The spot face has a D-shaped perimeter. A jacking insert is disposed in the spot face and has a D-shaped geometry. A threaded cylinder extends from the jacking insert into the first flange. A jacking insert is also provided. The jacking insert comprises a flat portion having a D-shaped geometry and a cylindrical portion having an internal thread configured to interface with a bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel S. Rogers, Stephen W. Milks, Steven J. Feigleson
  • Patent number: 9847147
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an articulated manipulator capable of moving a tool such as an inspection device, a processing device, or a welding device to a desired position for inspection or repair of a defect portion in a limited place. The articulated manipulator includes a base plate, a movable unit slidably coupled on the base plate, a rotatable unit rotatably coupled on the movable unit, and a rotation unit rotatably coupled to one side of the rotatable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: DOOSAN HEAVY INDUSTRIES & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang Yong Park, Jin Gwi Byeon, Seon Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9777764
    Abstract: A transmission shaft assembly includes a carbon-fiber tube having two ends, and each end has protrusions and recesses which are located alternatively to the protrusions. Two connectors each have an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion extending axially therefrom. Multiple first engaging portions and multiple second engaging portions are located between the outer tubular portion and the inner tubular portion of each of the connectors. The two connectors are respectively connected to the two ends of the carbon-fiber tube. The first engaging portions are engaged with the recesses, and the second engaging portions are engaged with the protrusions. Adhesive is applied between the connectors and the carbon-fiber tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Hsiao-Lin Lee, Chin-Chou Lin
  • Patent number: 9643312
    Abstract: A piston supply apparatus includes a piston gripping portion and a piston supply portion. The piston supply portion includes a connecting rod gripping unit gripping the connecting rod of the piston placed in a preparation area, a guide member abutting against a skirt portion of the piston to match an axial direction of the piston with a predetermined specified direction, a moving unit moving the gripping unit from the preparation area to a supply position in air, and a pivoting unit making the gripping unit pivot such that the piston top portion of the piston in a downward state is set in an upward state. The piston supply apparatus further includes a pressing unit pressing the piston top portion of the piston made to pivot to the upward state against the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: HIRATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hisayuki Sueoka, Yasuhiko Wakatsuki
  • Patent number: 9605716
    Abstract: A propeller shaft has a first yoke having a fixing portion, a pair of first bifurcated yoke portions extending from one end portion of the fixing portion in an axial direction, and a first bearing hole formed at each first yoke portion and securing therein a first bearing that holds a cruciform shaft; a second yoke coupled to the first yoke through the cruciform shaft and secured to a predetermined member, and having a mounting flange, and a bolt insertion hole which is formed at the mounting flange and into which a bolt to secure the second yoke to the predetermined member is inserted; and a securing member securing the mounting flange of the second yoke to the predetermined member through the bolt by a fastening tool. Each first yoke portion is provided with a first concave portion that slides thereon an outer circumferential surface of the fastening tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Kyushu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ishikura, Hidekazu Aoki, Hiromichi Komai
  • Patent number: 9599279
    Abstract: Module installation assembly including a base structure having a base portion, a first and second bracket, the base portion disposed in a base plane, the first bracket extending perpendicularly from the base portion, the second bracket extending perpendicularly from the base portion, wherein the first bracket is a T-shaped member having a main portion, a pair of wing portions and a pair of recesses defined by the pair of wing portions and a segment of the main portion. Also included is a module to be mated with the base structure, the module including a first module end and a second module end, wherein the first module end includes a first pair of protrusions formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to be rotated into an interference condition with the first bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall, Paul B. Stambaugh
  • Patent number: 9568074
    Abstract: A device for transmitting motion between a motor (8, 8a) and a mobile element, comprising an epicyclic reduction gearing with a first sun wheel (2.1) and a second sun wheel (2.2), coaxial to each other and connected by transmission means to at least one first planet wheel (3.1) and a second planet wheel (3.2) respectively, which are carried coaxially to each other by a planet carrier (5) mounted to pivot eccentrically around the axis of the sun wheels, characterized in that the transmission means comprise flexible transmission elements (6a, 7a) wound respectively around the first sun wheel and the first planet wheel, and around the second sun wheel and the second planet wheel. Epicyclic reduction gearing and manipulation arm comprising such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Florian Gosselin
  • Patent number: 9521762
    Abstract: An attachment structure 1 includes: a plurality of attaching legs 5, 6, 7 projected from an outer surface of a box main body 2 as the object and overlapped with a vehicle attaching portion 3 as the subject; a washer 8 fixed to the vehicle attaching portion 3 together with one attaching leg 7 by a bolt, while being overlapped with the one attaching leg 7 at a side away from the vehicle attaching portion 3; and a cover 9 attached to the one attaching leg 7, holding the washer 8 between the cover 9 and the one attaching leg 7. The cover 9 is provided with an exposing hole 9a for exposing a first hole portion 8a provided on the washer 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Koki Sato, Fumiyoshi Ohashi, Yukinari Naganishi, Yuuji Fukuyama, Akihiro Fuseya
  • Patent number: 9502791
    Abstract: A cable splice includes a casing, a guide, and a pilot cup. The casing has a first opening and an interior cavity. The guide includes a receiving end and a shaft extending at least partially into the interior cavity. The pilot cup is integrally formed with the guide and frangibly connected to the shaft. The cable splice may also include a clamp positioned in the interior cavity and moveable between a loading position and a terminated position. A biasing member urges the clamp into the terminated position. During movement of the clamp from the loading position to the terminated position, the clamp contacts the guide causing at least a portion of the shaft to exit the interior cavity. The guide may also include a rib and a slot allowing the guide to fit in casings having different sized interior cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Seydou Diop, Paul Zelazny, John Edward Sakmar
  • Patent number: 9475199
    Abstract: A robotic manipulator arm is disclosed. The arm includes joints that are attachable and detachable in a tool-free manner via a universal mating adapter. The universal mating adapter includes a built-in electrical interface for an operative electrical connection upon mechanical coupling of the adapter portions. The universal mating adapter includes mechanisms and the ability to store and communicate parameter configurations such that the joints can be rearranged for immediate operation of the arm without further reprogramming, recompiling, or other software intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: TRACLabs, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Raven Burridge, Mars Wei Chu, Bryn Tyler Wolfe
  • Patent number: 9388838
    Abstract: An elastic retaining assembly for matable components includes a first component having a first surface. Also included is a second component having a second surface and a third surface, wherein the second component is configured to be mated with the first component. Further included is a receiving feature formed proximate an engagement side of the second component and defining a pin perimeter surface. Yet further included is an elastically deformable pin operatively coupled to, and extending away from, the first surface, wherein the elastically deformable pin is formed of an elastically deformable material to elastically deform proximate the pin perimeter surface upon contact with the receiving feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall, Joel Colombo, Toure D. Lee
  • Patent number: 9290219
    Abstract: A locomotion system for use with a robotic device is provided. The locomotion system includes a first micropillar array including at least a first micropillar, a second micropillar array including at least a second micropillar, a control circuit associated with each micropillar of the first and second micropillar arrays, and a controller operatively coupled to each control circuit. The controller is configured to selectively activate the first and second micropillars in a sequence that causes the robotic device to move in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Donald F. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 9109617
    Abstract: A self-closing clip member includes a body having first and second walls. A clamp member is integrally connected to the first wall by a living hinge allowing the clamp member to rotate from an open position into a cavity created between the first and second walls upon direct contact by a tube member, defining a clamp member locked position retaining the tube member. Multiple anti-slide features include a first tab extending from a second wall portion first end. A second tab is oppositely positioned on the second wall. The first and second tabs define cavity end extents. The second tab further extends from a shelf providing a connection between the first wall and an angled intermediate wall. A third tab extends between and is integrally connected to both the intermediate and first walls. The tabs define an anti-slide system preventing the clamp member in the locked position from moving in a direction co-axial to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventors: Tien T. Diep, Terri L. Wernert
  • Patent number: 9074625
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement of a shaft (2) is provided, with which an annular bearing sleeve (4) is applied onto the shaft (2). The bearing sleeve (4), for axial fixation, bears with at least one axial end (8, 10) on a retaining sleeve (6) applied onto the shaft (2). The retaining sleeve (6), at least at one axial end (16), has a greater wall thickness than in its axial middle region (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Grundfos Management a/s
    Inventors: Per Frost Vedsted, Brian Lundsted Poulsen, Helge Grann
  • Patent number: 9036132
    Abstract: A clamping device is constructed and arranged to clamp two parts together. The clamping device includes an aligner constructed and arranged to bring the two parts in an aligned position with respect to each other, a clamp constructed and arranged to maintain the two parts in the aligned position, a disconnect constructed and arranged to guide the two parts away from the aligned position to a disconnected position, and an actuator constructed and arranged to convert an electrical current to kinetic energy. The aligner, the clamp, and the disconnect are constructed and arranged to be driven by the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Robertus Wilhelmus Veltman, Dennis Jozef Maria Paulussen, Maarten Kees Jan Boon
  • Publication number: 20150125200
    Abstract: A housing with a self-mounting feature is provided. The housing includes a base that is configured to define a hook that cooperates with a back side of a panel and a first edge of an opening of the panel to secure the housing to a front side of the panel. The housing further includes a retainer that is operable to an un-engaged position and an engaged position. The retainer is configured to define a blocker portion that cooperates with a second edge of the opening to keep the hook adjacent to the first edge when the retainer is in the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: LEON E. GARAY, ALDO RICARDO ALVIDREZ, JESUS R. MORALES
  • Publication number: 20150109726
    Abstract: A hard disk drive mounting device for supporting hard disk drive includes a hard disk drive mounting device and two elastic arms located at lateral sides of the hard disk drive. A hard disk drive mounting device includes a bottom plate and two side plates extending upward from the bottom plate respectively. Each side plate has a plurality of positioning ribs and defines a positioning groove at a front end thereof. Each elastic arm defines a receiving space at an inner side thereof to receive the hard disk drive. An elastic clip is formed at outer side of the elastic arm and engaged with the positioning groove of the side plate. A plurality of receiving grooves is formed in the elastic arm. The positioning ribs on the side plate are engaged with the receiving grooves of the elastic arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JIUNN-HER LI
  • Publication number: 20150104239
    Abstract: A clip for both mounting and grounding photovoltaic panels is disclosed. The clip has retention tabs which interact with mounting rails to fully support photovoltaic panels during installation. The interaction allows for adjustment along the length of the mounting rails. Interlocking fingers allow the mounting clips to fit together securely. The interlocking nature of the mounting clips provides a secure fit between photovoltaic panels and requires less mounting hardware. Additionally, the interlocking nature of the mounting clips allows for security and stability of the photovoltaic panels during the mounting process, allowing a single installer to mount a number of photovoltaic panels. The use of serrated washers, or cutting edges on certain portions of the mounting clip provides grounding for the system by digging into both photovoltaic panels and mounting rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Richard F. Schaefer, David Kreutzman, Don N. Tamm
  • Publication number: 20150098748
    Abstract: In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The alignment system includes a first component including at least one corner region having an alignment member, and a second component including at least one corner region having an inner wall defining an alignment aperture. The alignment aperture is configured to receive at least a portion of the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the corner regions of the first and second components in a desired orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • Patent number: 8997329
    Abstract: A jig assembly is used to manufacture shipping crates essentially functioning to prevent damage to crate-bound material. The jig assembly includes a jig form and magnets. The jig form has a front portion, a rear portion, and a top portion extending between and connecting the front and rear portions. The front portion is parallel to the rear portion such that the front, rear, and top portions together define a board-receiving channel. The front portion has a pair of fastener-aligning slots and a pair of magnet-positioning bores for receiving and positioning the magnets. Fasteners are positioned by the slots and magnets. The board-receiving channel receives a first board of a crate assembly. The properly aligned fasteners may then be driven through the first board into a second board of the crate assembly so as to prevent damage to the crate-bound material. Certain jigging methodology is further supported by the jig assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Michael D. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20150093178
    Abstract: An elastically averaged alignment system has a first component having a first alignment member and an elastically deformable alignment element, and a second component having a second alignment member and an alignment aperture. The elastically deformable alignment element is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment aperture. The elastically deformable alignment element includes a lobular hollow tube having four lobes, with a slotted retention feature on each of two opposing lobes that extend from an outer surface of the hollow tube radially inward toward a central axis of the hollow tube. Portions of the elastically deformable alignment element when inserted into the alignment aperture elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first alignment member with the second alignment member in at least two planar orthogonal directions. Each of the slotted retention features engages with an edge of the alignment aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • Publication number: 20150093179
    Abstract: An elastically averaged alignment system includes a first component having a first alignment member and an alignment element fixedly disposed with respect to and extending outward from a surface of the first alignment member, and a second component having a second alignment member and an elastically deformable alignment aperture fixedly disposed with respect to the second alignment member. The elastically deformable alignment aperture is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage with the alignment element. The elastically deformable alignment aperture includes three or more elastically deformable alignment features. When the alignment element is inserted into the elastically deformable alignment aperture, portions of the three or more elastically deformable alignment features elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first alignment member with the second alignment member in four planar orthogonal directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • Publication number: 20150093177
    Abstract: In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The alignment system includes a first component having an alignment member, and a second component having an inner wall defining an alignment aperture. The alignment aperture is configured to receive the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. The alignment member includes at least one retention member configured to engage the second component to facilitate retaining at least a portion of the alignment member within the alignment aperture. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning and stiffening the first component and the second component in a desired orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Steven E. Morris
  • Publication number: 20150078805
    Abstract: In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component including an alignment member, the alignment member including a plurality of segments. The system also includes a second component including an inner wall defining an alignment aperture, the alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component and the second component in a desired orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Joel Colombo, Jennifer P. Lawall, Jeffrey L. Konchan, Steve J. Briggs
  • Publication number: 20150078806
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and a system for compensating for thermal expansion and contraction of rail mounted solar panel rooftop systems. In one aspect, a floating end clamp that secures a solar panel in slidable captive cooperation with a mounting rail. In another aspect, a rail splice bridges two mounting rails with a gap between the rails for thermal expansion and contraction. The rail splice includes indicia for setting the gap distance between rails based on ambient temperature at the time of installation. In another aspect, a spacing gauge includes indicia for setting the gap distance between rails based on ambient temperature at the time of installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Clifford Schrock
  • Patent number: 8979052
    Abstract: The external material clamp comprises the fixed plate fixed to the foundation of the wall of the building, the horizontal plate extending forwardly from the center of the fixed plate, the upper support plate projected upwardly from the front end of the horizontal plate to support the upper side external wall with engagement, the lower support plate supporting the upper end of the external material 50 in the lower side with engagement, and the receiving plate at least a part of which is located above the horizontal plate to contact with the external material in the upper side with receiving a part of the load thereof. With this configuration, the load of the upper side external material is shared by the lower side external material and the receiving plate of the external material clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kmew Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Uota, Kouichi Tominaga
  • Publication number: 20150016863
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus is used to secure a screen to a vending machine. The mounting apparatus includes a front plate defining an opening. The front plate includes a support piece protruding from an edge of the opening. A number of connecting members is mounted on the front plate. The support piece supports the screen thereon. The connecting members retain the screen on the front plate and align the screen with the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: YUN-LUNG CHEN
  • Patent number: 8925227
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a display backplane and an LCD device. The display backplane comprises multiple supporting brackets and a connecting slot, wherein, the connecting slot comprises a sliding slot and a protruding platform, and the protruding platform is sliding held in the sliding slot, and at least two of the brackets can rotate relatively about a first rotation axis perpendicular to the plane of the display backplane. After rotation, the display backplane formed by the brackets is smaller in volume such that it can reduce the volume occupied by the packing and shipping during transportation process of the display backplane in order to reduce the packing and shipping cost during transportation process of the display backplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yi-cheng Kuo, Yu-chun Hsiao, Chengwen Que, Pangling Zhang, Dehua Li
  • Publication number: 20140301767
    Abstract: A mechanical interface including at least one surface, a cutout on the at least one surface; and a plurality of mounting holes on the at least one surface, wherein the plurality of mounting holes are each situated on a circumferential arc bordering the cutout and centered on a center point of the cutout, and wherein each of the plurality of mounting holes is equidistant from each of the next two mounting holes on either side along the circumferential arc, and wherein each of the plurality of mounting holes is located a radial distance from the center point. In one example, the mechanical interface is for mounting an auxiliary power source adjacent to a vehicle engine. In one example, the cutout is optional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Yedidia Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140301768
    Abstract: A canalphone system may include a canalphone coupler, and four connectors carried by the canalphone coupler of which at least two of the four connectors carry an acoustical signal. The system may also include a mechanical joint that joins the canalphone coupler to a cable where the mechanical joint is assembled and disassembled by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry Harvey