ng CONTROLLING PROGRAM AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions that are executable by a computer in an information processing apparatus having a display device is provided. The computer readable instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to determine a format to display at least one setup item, which is required in order to accomplish a predetermined process, in the display device between an icon format, in which the at least one setup item is displayed in a figurative image containing a symbolic figure representing the at least one setup item, and a list format, in which the at least one setup item is displayed in a textual image containing text describing the at least one setup item. The computer readable instructions further cause the computer to control the display device to display the at least one setup item in the determined format. Full Article
ng REPRESENTATION OF OVERLAPPING VISUAL ENTITIES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Various embodiments present a combined visual entity that represents overlapping visual entities. The combined visual entity can include a primary visualization that represents one of the overlapping visual entities and annotations that represent others of the overlapping visual entities. For example, a map view can include multiple geographical entities that overlap. A primary visualization can be rendered that represents one of the multiple geographical entities. The primary visualization can be visually annotated (e.g., with symbols, letters, or other visual indicators) to indicate others of the multiple geographical entities. In some embodiments, a zoom operation can cause visual entities to be added and/or removed from the combined visual entity. Full Article
ng INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND TERMINAL, AND COMPUTER STORAGE MEDIUM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed are an information processing method and terminal. The method includes: acquiring a first operation (101); in response to the first operation, selecting a plurality of pictures from a local information base or an information base pulled and obtained by a background server, and displaying the same on a user interface of a terminal (102); acquiring a second operation (103); in response to the second operation, partitioning to-be-added first target information into a plurality of items of second target information according to a preset rule, and overlaying the plurality of items of second target information on the plurality of pictures in one batch (104); and forming complete information corresponding to the first target information by the plurality of items of second target information, the second target information being partial information in the first target information (105). Full Article
ng METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND MEDIA FOR NAVIGATING THROUGH A STREAM OF CONTENT ITEMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods, systems, and media for navigating through content are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises: receiving a first plurality of interactive stream items; causing the first plurality of interactive stream items to be presented in a first presentation mode; receiving a first user selection of an interactive stream item from at least a portion of the first plurality of interactive stream items; continuing to receive the stream of content including a second plurality of interactive stream items; determining a second presentation mode based at least in part on a content type associated with the second plurality of interactive stream items; causing the second plurality of interactive stream items to be presented in a second presentation mode; receiving a second user selection indicating that the interactive stream item is no longer selected; and causing the second plurality of interactive stream items to be presented in the first presentation mode. Full Article
ng Methods and Systems for Managing Multiple Communication Sessions from a Single On-Screen User Interface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An exemplary communication session management system concurrently presents a plurality of session icons within a single on-screen user interface, each session icon representative of a respective communication session and configured to visually indicate a session status of the respective communication session. The communication session management system further detects a user action performed by a user with respect to one of the plurality of session icons, modifies a communication session in response to the user action, and graphically indicates the modification of the session status of the communication session. Corresponding systems and methods are also described. Full Article
ng Opening apparatus for a door that has an outer panel, a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle door with such an opening apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A door (200) of a motor vehicle has an outer panel (100) and an opening apparatus. The opening apparatus has a door handle (30) and a door lock (20) with a lock barrel (10). The lock barrel (10) and the door handle (30) are arranged completely on the inner side of the outer panel (100) of the door (200). Full Article
ng Magnetically repelling lock assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lock assembly (10) including a plug (12) having a keyway (14) for inserting therein a key (16), and a movable element (18) movingly disposed in the plug (12), the movable element (18) being divided into at least two separate magnetic portions (20, 22) arranged to move relative to one another and having identical magnetic polarity, wherein the magnetic portions (20, 22) are sufficiently near one another such that one of the magnetic portions (20, 22) applies a magnetic repelling force on the other magnetic portion (20, 22). Full Article
ng Combination locks with improved code-changing features By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A combination locking arrangement includes a locking member, at least first and second tumbler discs, a dial, and a code change mechanism. When each of the tumbler discs is rotated to an unlocking orientation, the locking member is movable from a locking position to a releasing position. The dial is rotatable about a tumbler disc axis for selective rotation of the at least first and second tumbler discs. The dial includes a clutch rotationally securable in interlocking engagement with the first tumbler disc. The code change mechanism is rotatable to a code change position to separate the clutch from the first tumbler disc, such that the dial is subsequently rotatable to rotate the clutch with respect to the first tumbler disc. Full Article
ng System for securing equipment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The system for securing equipment includes a locking device attached to equipment to be secured, a plurality of fasteners, and an anchoring device. The locking device can be a U-bolt with threaded ends to attach to a backflow valve of a sprinkler system or locking bolts attached to a park bench or barbecue grill. Each fastener has a first surface with a first threaded hole in alignment with the locking device and a second surface orthogonal to the first surface with a second threaded hole aligned with anchoring device. The anchoring device can be a flat bar fixedly attached to the fasteners at one connector end and permanently mounted in place at an anchoring end. Each fastener has an L-shape, so that a first surface engages the locking device and opposing second surfaces engage the anchoring device. A concrete plug for outdoor use holds the anchoring end in place for permanency. Full Article
ng Locking insert mechanism and receiver to secure personal weapons, valuables and other items By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A personal security apparatus to house weapons, valuables, and/or items requiring concealment includes a lockable insert mechanism to securely house items and at least one receiving apparatus adapted to mount the insert mechanism into or onto various structures and a lockable access door that provides convenient, rapid access to the items contained in the personal security apparatus and further prevents access by unauthorized persons. Full Article
ng Locking lug nut system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A locking lug nut system includes a primary locking lug nut, a secondary locking lug nut, and a key. The locking lug nuts each have non-hexagonal irregular key surfaces and the key has a non-hexagonal key element engageable with the key surface of at least one of the locking lug nuts. Full Article
ng Falling latch locking device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Falling latch locking device having a first locking device casing that includes a handle, a closing element and a lock, and having a second locking device casing that includes a cut-out for receiving the closing element in the closed state, wherein the lock comprises a stop that can be moved by locking and unlocking the lock and in the locked state the stop blocks the opening of the handle. Full Article
ng Method for maintaining a door in a closed position on an over-the-road vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of preventing a first door on an over-the-road vehicle from moving from a closed position into an open position. The first door has a first latch assembly that cooperates with a second latch assembly to releasably maintain the first door in its closed position. One of the first and second latch assemblies is maintained in place by at least one fastener extended into a first opening. With the at least one fastener loosened, the first locking assembly is placed on one of: a) one of the doors; or b) the vehicle frame after which a fastener is tightened into the first opening to thereby: i) maintain one of the first and second latch assemblies in place and secure the operatively placed first locking assembly. With the first door in the closed position, a locking device can be connected to the first locking assembly and another part on the vehicle to thereby maintain the first door in the closed position. Full Article
ng Vessel locking system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vessel locking system which provides a locking cap which secures in locked engagement with a vessel releasable by mated engagement of a cap key with the locking cap. Full Article
ng Electric steering lock device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A motor cover (80) includes an edge portion (84) located outside an inner side surface of a frame cover (20) with the motor cover (80) being disposed inside a housing chamber (12), configured to push the frame cover (20) wider when the frame cover (20) is mounted onto a frame (10), and configured to be pressed by the frame cover (20) from an opened surface of the frame (10) with the frame cover (20) being mounted on the frame (10). Full Article
ng Cargo theft prevention using text messaging By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Method for monitoring a cargo container in which a transmitter is arranged on the container and periodically transmits messages to a remote site or location according to a schedule of messages. When a message is not received according to the schedule, which may be the result of tampering with the transmitter or another nefarious action involving the container, it may be considered that the container has been stolen. A rate of transmission of the messages may be modified based on a condition of the vehicle, such as the presence of a driver inside the vehicle, a distance between a driver inside the vehicle and the vehicle, the vehicle being at rest after motion of the vehicle stops, a location of the vehicle, biometric identification of a driver of the vehicle and deviation of the vehicle from an expected route, and/or based on current time and weather around the vehicle. Full Article
ng Antitheft device for the steering column of a vehicle having super-lockout provided by a rocker arm By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to an antitheft device (2) for the steering column of a vehicle, comprising: a locking portion (6) including a bolt for locking the steering column, and a mobile member (22) capable of controlling the locking-in-position of the bolt; and an access portion (4) including a latch and carrying a pivoting rocker arm (34) bearing against the mobile member (22) and against the locking portion (6). Full Article
ng Locking restraint device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A manacle configured to detain or arrest a person by placing pressure on a spring-loaded handle which closes a clamp. The clamp dynamically adjusts to the wrist size of a target individual or subject. When the clamp is open, the first end and the second end are systematically disposed on either side. When the clamp is closed around the wrist of an individual, they provide a maximum gripping force capable of detaining the individual from movement. Furthermore, the ratchet portion of the tool allows for the device to close around a wrist in an adjustable fashion, meaning the tool will automatically adjust to the circumference of an individual's wrist upon deployment. Full Article
ng Connection unit for connecting saw blade to handle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hand tool includes a handle and a holding member is connected to the front end of the handle. A first part is connected to one end of the holding member and is connected to a second part connected to the front end of the handle. The first part has a first recess defined transversely therethrough. A second recess and a third recess are respectively in one side of the first part and communicate with the first recess. The second recess is located between the first and third recesses. A control unit has two pins which are movably cooperated with the first, second and the third recesses. The second pin is connected to the first pin. When pushing the first pin toward the second pin, the first part is shifted from the second part so that a blade is inserted into or removed from the first and second parts. Full Article
ng Shaving blade unit and shaver having such a blade unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A shaving blade unit having a housing that includes a primary cap, a primary guard, an upper face, and a rear face. The shaving blade unit also includes a first primary blade located between the primary cap and the primary guard and extending at said the upper face, a first spacer stacked with the first primary blade, and a trimming blade extending at the rear face of the housing where the trimming blade is unreleasably fixed to the first spacer. Full Article
ng Ratcheting tool with angular positioning handles for cutting non-metal pipe and tubing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is an improved pipe cutting tool based upon a ratchet closure action wherein handles are pivotedly attached to allow successive movement of a cutting blade in response to the squeezing of the handles. The handles are also hingedly coupled to the cutting member to maintain the cutting member in a position perpendicular to the tubular item to be cut while allowing the operator to squeeze the handles at offset angles, up to and including a right angle cut. The hinged handles allow for offset operation without forgoing the ease of operation by the consumer or causing a large reduction in the mechanical advantage. A ratchet allows sequential advancement of a cutting member toward a tubular shaped jaw that holds the item to be cut. Full Article
ng Fingertip shaving device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fingertip mountable shaving device is provided by a flexible and breathable substrate layer including a first shaving surface, and a second adhesive surface opposite to the first shaving surface. The first shaving surface includes a plurality of rubber strips along the vertical peripheral edge and a plurality of blade assemblies affixed at predetermined locations. The blade assemblies of include a vertical stack of a plurality of rotary blades of different diameters alternately interspaced by spacers and having a hemi-spherical protective cap with a vertical stem, on the top. The second adhesive surface is coated with an adhesive suitable for temporarily mounting the device on a fingertip and is covered with a releasably connected protective peel off layer. The device can safely and closely shave hair from the face and other difficult to reach body surfaces, such as within the ear or nostrils. Full Article
ng Multiple slicing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A multiple slicing device includes a frame including a receptacle and a plurality of cutting elements, and a working portion including an activation mechanism, a cam mechanism, and a forcing member. The activation mechanism can include two handles where moving one of the handles toward the other handle collapses the forcing member via the cam mechanism, onto a food item placed in the receptacle between the forcing member and the cutting elements, to efficiently and simultaneously cut or slice the food item into multiple pieces. Full Article
ng Multi-tasking utility tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A utility tool comprising a body having a first end and a second end positioned on opposite ends of the body; a removable device; as well as a first tool and a second tool configured to be selectively coupled to each other or one of either the first end and second end of the body. Full Article
ng Handheld cable cutter with stabilizing base By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A handheld cable cutter is provided with two handles, a stationary cutting blade, and a rotatable cutting blade pivotally connected to the stationary cutting blade. One of the handles is movable such that movement of the movable handle toward and away from the other, stationary handle drives the rotatable cutting blade toward the stationary cutting blade. The stationary handle includes an enlarged, integral stabilizing base which rests upon a support surface when the movable handle is actuated to cut a cable. Full Article
ng Mohawk hair cutting guide By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hair cutting guide and method for aiding in creating/trimming a human hair into a Mohawk type hairstyle. The Mohawk guide consists of two side pieces, two adjustable spacers/connectors, and two clips. The bottom edges of the two side pieces are contoured to follow the shape of the human head from the start of the hairline to the nape of the neck. Full Article
ng Pair of garden scissors with an adjustable cutting By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pair of garden scissors with an adjustable cutting angle is provided with first and second scissor members. A positioning protrusion of the first scissor member cooperates with a positioning end of the angle-restricting member of the second scissor member to restrict the maximum cutting angle of the first scissor member, and an adjust member is able to adjust the cutting angle by adjusting the position of the angle-restricting member, so that the cutting angle can be freely adjusted within the movement range of the angle-restricting member. Full Article
ng Shaver having spaces for collecting cut-off hairs By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A shaver includes a shaving unit having e.g., three shaving elements. Each shaving element accommodates a cutter member for cutting off hairs. Each shaving element further accommodates a gear wheel which is part of a transmission for coupling a drive shaft for driving the cutter member to an output shaft of a motor of the shaver. A top side of a space where the gear wheel is located is covered by a partition, where only the drive shaft extends through this partition. Each shaving element can be individually opened by removing a top portion of the shaving element, including the cutter member, from a base portion of the shaving element where the gear wheel, the drive shaft and the partition are located. An opening system may be provided to open all the shaving elements in one action by reversal of the direction of rotation of the output shaft, for example. Full Article
ng Folding blade knife with a system for locking the blade in an unfolding position By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for locking a blade of a knife with a folding blade in an unfolded position includes a handle-forming part for a user to grasp, and a blade pivotably mounted relative to this handle-forming part. The blade pivots to adopt either an unfolded position for use, or a foldaway position for storage, wherein it is partially concealed in the handle-forming part. A first locking element on a top of the knife, cooperates with the blade and adopts a first position of locking the blade in the unfolded position and a second release position of the blade A second locking element cooperating with the first locking element, adopts a first position of locking the first locking element in the first locking position of the blade, and a second release position wherein the second locking element forces the first locking element to adopt the second release position of the blade. Full Article
ng Utility knife blades having multiple cutting portions and securing connections By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A three-sided disposable cutting blade for use within a utility knife. The cutting blade features between three and six distinct cutting portions. The cutting blade may be rotated and flipped such that each cutting portion may be presented from the utility knife as the active cutting portion. Features of the cutting blade include a wear-coat indicator which is located at or near each cutting portion and indicates when a portion has been used; grippable locations on the body of the blade to increase the grippibility of the blade when removing and handling the blade; multiple mounting-hole orientations; and mass-reducing punch-outs which reduce cutting friction of the blade against the object being cut. Full Article
ng Dustless drywall cutting tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A drywall-cutting tool comprises a rotary blade of a thin design that cuts a very small kerf resulting in a smooth cut as well as a small amount of dust. Any dust that is generated is immediately vacuumed away by an on-board vacuum system that collects the dust in a removable dust bag. Additionally, the saw is provided with an adjustable depth mechanism for the most common thicknesses of drywall. This feature allows for accurate cuts, especially in remodeling scenarios where drywall must be cut without damaging other building components behind the drywall. Full Article
ng Handheld working tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention concerns a handheld working tool comprising a motor part (10), a handle part (20) comprising a handle grip (21), and at least one first type antivibration element (30) arranged between said motor part (10) and said handle part (20), and which element (30) is adapted to isolate the handle part (20) from vibrations in the motor part (10). The working tool (1) is characterized in that it further comprises at least one second type antivibration element (40) arranged adjacent to the first type antivibration element (30). The at least one second type antivibration element (40) is adapted to, when in an active state, prevent vibrations in the motor part (10) from being transferred to the handle grip (21). The second antivibration element (40) is in the active state when the handle grip (21) is loaded during operation of the working tool (1). The working tool is further characterized in that a longitudinal axis (L1) of the second type antivibration element (40) is separated from a longitudinal axis (L2) of the first type antivibration element (30). Full Article
ng Cutting tool with variable mechanic advantage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hand-operated cutting tool includes first and second cutting members pivotally connected at a first pivot point, a lever having a longitudinal axis and pivotally connected to the first cutting member at a second pivot point, and a translatable curvilinear pivot connection between the lever and the second cutting member. Full Article
ng Cutting devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cutting device includes a cutting unit having a rotary blade, a table for placing a workpiece thereon, and a support device vertically movably supporting the cutting unit relative to the table. The cutting unit includes a blade case. The blade case covers an upper portion of the rotary blade and has a dust discharge member for discharging dust produced at a cutting region. The cutting device further includes a dust guide device disposed on at least one of an upstream side and a downstream side of the dust discharge member with respect to a flow of the dust. A position of at least a part of the dust guide device changes relative to the dust discharge member according to change of the vertical position of the cutting unit. Full Article
ng Scalpel handle having a blade shield By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A scalpel handle for holding a blade having a cutting edge includes a handle member and a blade shield for covering the blade cutting edge. The blade shield is connected to the handle member for pivotal movement relative thereto between a blade-covering condition and an out-of-the-way condition, and a movable shield latch mechanism is capable of releasably locking the blade shield in its blade-covering condition. A finger-operable actuator mechanism is mounted upon the handle member for movement between first and second conditions, and a spring is interposed between the actuator mechanism and the handle member. During a first phase of movement of the actuator mechanism from its first to its second condition, the shield latch mechanism unlocks the blade shield from its locked blade-covering condition, and during a second phase of movement, the blade shield is moved from its blade-covering condition to its out-of-the-way condition. Full Article
ng Jab saw accessory tool for an oscillating tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An accessory for a power tool, includes a mounting portion configured to mate with an oscillating drive member of a power tool. A support arm portion extends from the mounting portion in a first direction. The support arm portion includes an inner edge that faces in a second direction transverse to the first direction. A blade portion extends from the support arm generally in the second direction. The blade portion includes a trailing edge arranged facing generally toward the mounting portion and a leading edge arranged facing generally away from the mounting portion. The trailing edge and the leading edge portion meet to define a pointed tip portion. Full Article
ng Shaving blade unit and shaver having such a blade unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A shaving blade unit having a housing that includes a primary cap, a primary guard, an upper face, and a rear face. The shaving blade unit also includes a first primary blade located between the primary cap and the primary guard and extending at said the upper face, a first spacer stacked with the first primary blade, and a trimming blade extending at the rear face of the housing where the trimming blade is unreleasably fixed to the first spacer. Full Article
ng Monofilament line cutting tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A monofilament line cutting tool is formed by sandwiching a cutting blade between first and second plastic sheets which are thermally bonded to one another. A monofilament line receiving slot in the plastic sheets extends to the blade whereby monofilament line bent into a U-shape may be placed in contact with the blade cutting edge. The plastic sheets are part of spool forming plastic sheet portions which are thermally bonded to one another and shaped into a spool. The plastic sheets forming the tool are selectively pivotable about a live hinge relative to the spool. The plastic sheets can be separated from one another for forming: a sphere generally around the cutting edge; a pair of elongate barrels extending parallel along each side of the monofilament line receiving slot and adjacent the cutting edge; or, a monofilament line receiving cavity extending to the blade cutting edge. Full Article
ng Reciprocating saw dust shroud By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A dust shroud for reciprocating saws has a shroud body with bristles, a vacuum port and an attachment collar attached to the shroud body. The shroud has a slot formed through the collar and shroud body and is expandable and collapsible to fit different sizes of reciprocating saws. Full Article
ng Cutting tools By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A blade mounting device of a cutting tool includes a lock device and a blade guide. The lock device is configured to releasably lock a blade against a rod of a cutting tool. The blade guide is movable relative to the rod in an axial direction of the rod and is coupled to the lock device, so that the lock device locks and releases the blade in response to position of the blade guide in the axial direction. The blade guide has a guide recess having a bottom and capable of guiding and engaging the blade, so that the blade guide can be moved by the blade in the axial direction through engagement of the guide recess with the blade. The blade guide has a configuration other than a thin flat plate configuration. Full Article
ng Vehicle driving apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A rear wheel driving apparatus (1) includes: a first right-left communication passage (FP) through which a left reservoir (RL) and a right reservoir (RR) are communicated with each other; and a second right-left communication passage (SP) which is provided in parallel with the first right-left communication passage (FP) and through which the left reservoir (RL) and the right reservoir (RR) are communicated with each other. Thus, flowability of a liquid fluid stored in a case (11) is enhanced, and smoothing of a fluid level is enabled. Full Article
ng Oil supply device for an internal combustion engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An oil supply device for a crankcase of an internal combustion engine feeds oil from a reservoir to a main oil duct of the crankcase. A filter switching device allows a selection from a plurality of oil filter units in the flow path of the oil to be selectively connected into the oil flow path, to set a proportion of the oil filter units to active and a proportion of the oil filter units to passive. A switching unit switches between the active and passive states and opens up a pressurized oil flow path to the active oil filter unit(s) and also a drainage flow path between the passive oil filter unit(s) and a drainage duct. An evacuation device drains or evacuates oil from the drainage duct which has accumulated at the passive oil filter unit(s). Full Article
ng Integrated thermal management system and environmental control system for a gas turbine engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A gas turbine engine includes a first and second pump driven by a spool. An Air-Oil Cooler downstream of the first pump. An air-air precooler is downstream of the second pump, the air-air precooler downstream of the Air-Oil Cooler. Full Article
ng Apparatus and method for operating a gas turbine engine during windmilling By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a windmill pump driven by a spool. A first pump driven by said spool with an air-oil cooler is located downstream of the first pump. A second pump is also driven the spool with an air-air precooler located downstream of the second pump. A method of operating a gas turbine engine during a “windmilling” condition includes driving a windmill pump with a spool during a “windmilling ” condition. A lubricant is communicated to a geared architecture with the windmill pump. A first pump is driven by the spool and an air-oil cooler is located downstream of the first pump. Full Article
ng Method for metered dispensing of lubricant By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method for metered dispensing of lubricants using a lubricant dispenser comprising a reservoir chamber filled with lubricant, a gas generating unit for electrochemically generating gas, a piston acted on by the generated gas for outputting the lubricant from the reservoir chamber, and an electronic control unit for controlling the electrochemical gas generation. According to the invention, the temperature of the lubricant or the environment is measured at time intervals, and an average temperature value is derived from a plurality of measured temperature values. Using stored correction values describing the temperature-dependence of the electrochemical gas generating rate, a control parameter determining the electrochemical gas generation is set for the average temperature value, having the requirement that the gas generating rate at the average temperature value corresponds to the target value that correlates to prescribed dispensing time. Full Article
ng Accessing a valve assembly of a turbomachine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An example method of accessing a valve assembly of a turbomachine includes accessing a check valve of the valve assembly from a first position that is radially outside a flow path through the turbomachine. The method accessing a shut off valve of the valve assembly from a second position that is radially outside the flow path. The check valve and the shut off valve are configured to influence communication of lubricant along a lubricant communication path that extends between a location radially outboard the flow path and a location radially inboard the flow path. The first position is the same as the second position in some examples. Full Article
ng Crankshaft having optimized crankpin lubrication, and related engine and method for producing the lubrication system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a crankshaft comprising at least: a journal; a first crankpin; a second crankpin; a first arm connecting the first crankpin to the journal; a second arm connecting the second crankpin to the journal; a first pipe extending away from the first crank pin toward the journal and leading onto the surface of the first crankpin on the transverse median plane thereof, and substantially passing to the center of the median plane of the second arm; and a second conduit extending away from the second crankpin toward the journal and leading onto the surface of the second crankpin on the transverse median plane thereof, and substantially passing to the center of the median plane of the second arm, characterized in that the shape of the crankshaft is such that it cannot also comprise a diametric pipe within the transverse median plane of the journal fluidly adjoining the first pipe and the second pipe, and the crankshaft comprises a third non-diametric pipe within the transverse median plan of the journal fluidly connecting the first pipe and the second pipe. Full Article
ng Case with integral lubricant scavenge passage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A case comprises a radially inner case hub, a radially outer case section with an outer wall, a plurality of circumferentially distributed struts extending radially between the inner hub and the outer case section, and a lubricant scavenge passage disposed circumferentially apart from a bottom dead center (BDC) position of the case. The lubricant scavenge passage includes an inner scavenge section extending radially through a first one of the plurality of struts. Full Article
ng Lubrication system having segmented anti-backflow feature By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A tank includes a tank discharge passageway at least partially within a tank body. A segmented anti-back flow structure is mounted adjacent to the tank body and the tank discharge passageway. Full Article
ng Method for feeding grease composition for grease-feeding By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a method for feeding a grease composition for grease-feeding to bearing units comprising 35 to 85 wt. % of fluorine-based grease and 65 to 15 wt. % of fluorine-based organic solvent; the method comprising jetting the grease composition into an inner portion of a bearing unit, such as a bearing for a conveyor chain having a grease-feeding hole, so as to feed the fluorine-based grease in an amount accounting for 10 to 45 volume % of the space volume in the bearing. According to the grease-feeding method, the grease composition for grease-feeding can be effectively applied to a bearing unit having a grease-feeding hole (nipple), thereby can be sufficiently supplied to a lubrication part, and allows grease-feeding without leakage from the bearing unit. Full Article