Patents Represented by Attorney Davis Bujold & Daniels, P.L.L.C.
  • Patent number: 7354764
    Abstract: In a method for culturing cells (2), according to which cells (2) are introduced into a cell culture chamber in order to form a cellular layer, the chamber being configured inside a carrier structure (1). The shape and size of the carrier structure (1) correspond to the shape that is to be formed by the cells (2), such as an implant or a prosthesis. Nutrients and oxygen are fed to the carrier structure (1). The exterior of the carrier structure (1) is provided with a boundary membrane (4) that is impermeable to cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Bionethos Holding
    Inventor: Augustinus Bader
  • Patent number: 7353726
    Abstract: A shifting device for a transmission, in which at least one gearshift package is allocated to two non-successive gears and each of these gearshift packages is coupled with a gearshift lever. An H- or a multiple H-shifting diagram is allocated to the gearshift lever, in which the gears that can be selected within a gearshift path are allocated to different gearshift packages. The gearshift lever and the gearshift packages are connected to a conversion device with which a gearshift lever movement to take out a previous gear in a gearshift path causes this gear to be taken out in a first gearshift package. A gearshift lever movement for putting in the new gear in the same gearshift path, a second gearshift package puts in this new gear. The conversion device functions in such a way that the gearshift lever is coupled with an axially displaceable and radially pivotable shift finger shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Uwe Beer, Michael Drabek
  • Patent number: 7350971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the continuous measurement (30) of the thermal conductivity of a multifunctional fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Haute Ecole d'Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud
    Inventors: Peter Williams Egolf, Osmann Sari
  • Patent number: 7350430
    Abstract: A transmission for a motor vehicle comprising an input shaft (1), an output shaft (2) and at least one countershaft (3). The transmission comprises at least one direct gear and the parts of the transmission that are not involved in the power flow in the direct gear, are completely or partially uncoupled when the direct gear is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann
  • Patent number: 7350865
    Abstract: A chair that has movable thigh levers to permit a shifting of body weight when seated and thereby relieve spinal discomfort and pressure points experienced when seated for long periods. A lever support rocker is provided to coordinate movement of the thigh levers. Downward pressure exerted by a user's thigh to lower a first thigh activated lever causes a rocking movement of the lever support rocker which results in an upwardly movement of a second thigh activated lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Pearse
  • Patent number: 7350857
    Abstract: A case (1), such as a suitcase or trolley case, with a seat (6) is disclosed. The case has a channel (7A, 7B) provided near or along a surface (such as the rear surface 4B) of the case, and the seat is movable between a first stowed position in which the seat is held within the channel and a second seating position in which at least part of the seat lies substantially flat along the top surface (4C) of the case. The seat may be stowed within a pocket (5) along the surface of the case, with the channel being housed inside the pocket. Alternatively, the surface of the seat may also act as the case surface when the seat is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Gordon William Bishop
  • Patent number: 7350531
    Abstract: A adjustable crutch, cane or similar walking aid for assisting everyday movement for temporarily injured and even permanently handicapped persons, the crutch having telescoping crutch tubes encasing a locking gas spring crutches which can instantaneously and controllably be adjusted in length during use, thereby considerably facilitating such common physical activities as sitting down, standing up, negotiating stairs or other obstacles and other similar everyday mobile activities. The locking gas spring functions by internal gas pressure and the telescoping crutch tubes are extended as the internal gas pressure seeks to reach the lowest energy state by maximizing its internal volume. For safety purposes a disengagement mechanism is provided so that extension occurs up to a preset level dictated by the user, and can even be overridden if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Coe
  • Patent number: 7350431
    Abstract: A design for a device for the reduction of movement of the main shaft (6) in the disengaged position in a transmission with at least two countershafts in which there is an axial transfer of forces between the drive shaft (7) and the main shaft (6) which is coaxially arranged through a connection of the main shaft (6) with a part of the axial bearing (13) on the drive shaft (7). There is a device (2) which is used to load the main shaft (6) against the drive shaft (7) through a loading of the part of the axial bearing (13) connected to the main shaft (6) against other parts or against the axial bearing (4) on the drive shaft (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Stefan Renner
  • Patent number: 7350432
    Abstract: A transmission (8) for a motor vehicle (2) with a housing (26) and a shifting apparatus arranged therein and with an electromechanical transmission actuator (24) with a first electric motor (32) for exercising a selection motion of the shifting device with a second electric motor (34) for exercising a shifting motion of the shifting apparatus and with a control unit (22) for receiving sensor signals, for processing the sensor signals and for emitting control signals to the electric motors (32, 34) the axis of rotation of the first electric motor (32) and the axis of rotation of the second electric motor (34) lie parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Somschor, Frank Miehle, Norbert Sommer, Jürgen Neuenfeld, Oliver Buchhold
  • Patent number: 7344478
    Abstract: A procedure for controlling a start-up assistant control of a vehicle with a transmission, an automatically controllable clutch and at least an automatically controllable brake affecting the wheels of the vehicle, which can be activated by the driver to halt the vehicle and which with the start-up assistant control unit increases the jerking degree of the clutch on activation of a starting operating system and which at least releases the brakes. The jerk degree of the clutch, which signals the brakes to be released is selected dependent on the operating reactions of the drive train actuators, derived from the current accelerator pedal position and/or accelerator pedal adjustment speed. It can be guaranteed by considering the dead time between the issuance of a release instruction of the brakes and the actual release of the brakes along with, release of torque of the engine, the desired torque corresponds to the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Reith
  • Patent number: 7344380
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an electrical connection of sub-assemblies and modules to a current supply device, which is provided with electric contact elements and magnetic bodies. According to said method, magnetic bodies of a consumer, which is provided with electric counter-contacts, are arranged opposite the magnetic bodies of the current supply device with opposing poles. In a first step, a mechanical connection is made using an approximate guide mechanism and in a second step, electrical contact is made between the contact elements and the counter-contacts using a precise guide mechanism in an automatic manner by means of the magnetic bodies of the current supply unit and the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Magcode AG
    Inventors: Hermann Neidlein, Siegfried Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7343910
    Abstract: A method of fashioning a heater from a rock. A first step involves providing a rock having an exterior surface. A second step involves cutting the rock into at least two segments that are capable of being reassembled to reform the rock and maintained in the reassembled condition by force of gravity. A third step involves forming a interior cavity in at least one of the segments. The cavity is spaced inwardly from the exterior surface of the rock and is adapted to conceal a heat source, such as a candle, when the segments are reassembled. A fourth step involves reassembling the segments to reform the rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Philip Tocheniuk
  • Patent number: 7344475
    Abstract: A method for controlling of a drive train of a vehicle having a multi-group transmission, an output mechanism and a control apparatus for the regulation of the drive train. The multi-group transmission consists of an automatic transmission and a range group. To change the ratio of the range group the drive train is relieved of load; a shifting element of the range group is closed; a shifting element of the range group is synchronized and opened; and a ratio of the automatic transmission is so altered that a change of the ratio of the multi-group transmission is less than in a case of an individual alteration of the ratio of the range group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Christoph Pelchen, Detlef Baasch, Barbara Schmohl, Ünal Gazyakan
  • Patent number: 7341439
    Abstract: A scroll fluid machine comprises a driving shaft having an eccentric axial portion at one end; a fixed scroll having a fixed wrap; and an orbiting scroll having an orbiting wrap and rotatably mounted to the eccentric axial portion of the driving shaft. A gas introduced through an inlet on the outer circumference of the fixed scroll is compressed by a compression chamber between the fixed and orbiting wraps towards the center and discharged through an outlet close to the center. Between the eccentric axial portion and the innermost winding portion of the fixed wrap, an adiabatic expansion chamber is formed thereby cooling the compressed gas right before discharging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Anest Iwata Corporation
    Inventors: Takamitsu Nakayama, Takashi Serita
  • Patent number: 7337780
    Abstract: A cannula comprising a main body which defines an internal chamber therein. A first and second nasal prongs, respectively, communicate with the internal chamber to define first and second nasal prong passages. A mouthpiece has a gas passageway and a retainer passageway and a first end of the gas passageway communicates with the internal chamber while a second free end of the mouthpiece has a gas opening therein. A shape retaining member is received within the retainer passageway to facilitate retaining an adjusted position of an opening of the gas passageway with respect to a remainder of the cannula. A method of forming the cannula is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Salter Labs
    Inventors: James N. Curti, Peter W. Salter
  • Patent number: 7337863
    Abstract: The objective of providing a circuit arrangement for the control of at least one electric machine (1), which is suitable for also enabling operating conditions of the electric machine (1) that demand high power-peaks of short duration, is essentially achieved in that the electric machine (1) can be connected via a DC/AC converter (2) and at least one switching device (3) to at least two different electrical energy storage devices (I, II), one storage device (I) being designed as a storage device for comparatively long-lasting power demands and the other storage device (II) as a storage device for short and high power-peaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Uwe Griesmeier, Jürgen Kett
  • Patent number: 7338402
    Abstract: A device for the hydraulic control of an automatic transmission, especially a continuously variable automatic transmission. The control system comprises a forward/reverse drive unit (4), which is controlled by way of at least a first and a second shifting component (5, 6). The shifting components (5, 6) are in turn controlled via at least two valves (7, 8, 17, 18, 20, 21), which are pressurized by way of a pressurized medium pump (9). A gear selector device (15) selection is made among at least a forward gear (D), a neutral gear (N) and a reverse gear (R), wherein the selector device (15) possesses a non-mechanical connection to the transmission control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Adolf Bucher, Anton Fritzer, Tobias Pfleger
  • Patent number: 7336278
    Abstract: Control of a multi-variable process involves multi-dimensional representation of the values (Qa-Qh) of the process variables according to individual coordinate axes (Xa-Xh), and response based on sets of values for the process-variables accumulated from multiple, earlier operations of the process. An acceptable range (UL-LL) for each process variable due to the current values of the other variables is defined from the accumulated values, and the existence of an alarm condition in which the current value (Qg) of a variable lies outside the range defined for it, is detected and displayed (UC) on the relevant axis (Xg). The change of the values (Qa,Qb) of one or more of the manipulatable variables (a-c) required to rectify the alarm condition is determined iteratively, and implemented by operator or automated response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Curvaceous Software Limited
    Inventors: Robin William Brooks, John Gavin Wilson, Richard John Thorpe
  • Patent number: 7337052
    Abstract: A method for controlling and regulating a transmission brake of an automatic transmission designed as a gear reduction unit in which the rotation speed of a countershaft of the gearbox can be decelerated in an upshift such that it corresponds to the synchronized rotation speed or comes close to it up to a predetermined distance during an upshift operation. The brake gradient of the countershaft rotation speed or the gear input rotation speed as well as the gear output shaft rotation speed is taken into consideration for the control and regulation of the gearbox brake. The gradient of the gear output shaft rotation speed is analyzed to control and regulate operation of the bearbox brake to improve the upshift, operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Mario Steinborn, Rudolf Kalthoff, Volker Bachmann, Rupert Kramer
  • Patent number: 7334492
    Abstract: A shifting unit (1) for an automatic transmission, especially controlled by pressurized medium for an automobile, with multiple valves which are connected to each other through a pressure supply line (30) and a pressure reduction line (32). The chambers (16, 18) of servo cylinders (10, 12) fitted with servo actuators contain at least one shift valve each (22, 24, 26, 28). There is a pressure accumulator (36) designed in between the pressure supply line (30) and the shift valves (22, 24, 26, 28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Müller, Mario Steinborn