Patents Issued in December 13, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070283627
    Abstract: A noise dampener for a garage door opener includes a pair of resilient members, each resilient member of the pair of resilient members having first and second opposite ends. The first ends are adapted for mounting to a garage ceiling mounting bracket. The second ends are adapted for mounting to motor mounts mounted to an upper side of a motor housing of the garage door opener. The first and second ends of the resilient members are mountable to the ceiling mounting bracket and the motor mounts respectively by fastening means through apertures in the first and second ends. A vibration dampening pad is provided for mounting between the garage wall adjacent the garage door and a chain channel support extending from the motor housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Frederick John Romich
  • Publication number: 20070283628
    Abstract: When a drive shaft is in a non-drive state, a second drive rotor is in a non-engaged state with a driven rotor with respect to its own rotating direction. When the drive shaft is in a drive state, a rotating force of a first drive rotor is transmitted to the second drive rotor through an urging member. As a result, a power transmitting member revolves, and a centrifugal force arranges the power transmitting member at a second clamping position. The second drive rotor receives a reaction force from a driven rotor via the power transmitting member. As a result, the second drive rotor is relatively rotated in an opposite direction to a rotating direction of the first drive rotor with respect to the first drive rotor, against an urging force of the urging member. As a result, the first drive rotor is engaged with the driven rotor with respect to its own rotating direction. Accordingly, the clutch is stably operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIKARA GOTOU, TOMOAKI OZAKI, SATOSHI OHTA, MASAAKI SHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20070283629
    Abstract: An astragal includes an elongate member having a slide bolt receiving passageway formed therein, and a slide bolt carried by the elongate member that is moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. The astragal also includes slide bolt movement members connected to the slide bolt, a stiffener carried by the elongate member, and an elongate cover member that matingly engages the elongate member to overlie the slide bolt receiving passageway at the stiffener so that end portions of an upper wall of the elongate cover member are flush with an upper wall of the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Phipps
  • Publication number: 20070283630
    Abstract: Among other things, a mounting system is provided comprising at least one column having top and bottom ends and defining a vertical axis. Each column has internal wall portions which define at least one channel therein extending parallel to its vertical axis, an outer channel portion opening to its exterior surface, and an inner channel portion extending inwardly. Mounting brackets, each having a first detent member, are positionable within the channel, and engagable with the internal wall portions for fixing themselves against rotation. A longitudinal rail member is slidably positionable within the channel parallel to the vertical axis and has a first set of indexing means arranged along it. At least one support bracket has a main body portion and a second set of one or more indexing means thereon matable with the first set so as to releasably mount the support bracket on the column in indexed relation thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: TAYCO PANELINK LTD.
    Inventors: Dakota KASDORF, Simon STANESCU
  • Publication number: 20070283631
    Abstract: A system for dividing a workspace includes first and second vertically extending walls having a respective upper and lower edge and respective side edges. The first and second walls are arranged in parallel to partially enclose an area. A ceiling is included that extends between the first and second walls to join the upper edges of the first and second walls and at least partially cover the partially enclosed area. The resulting arch-shaped divider system may include any of a plurality of features. For example, the systems may include integrated work surfaces, seating surfaces, and/or informational areas, or may include viewing passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Grandin, James Ludwig, Brett Kincaid, John Hamilton, Mark Baloga
  • Publication number: 20070283632
    Abstract: A ring beam structure (100) for use in constructing a timber frame (101) for a building comprises a plurality of rows (100a, b, c) of timber beams (1). Each row (100a, b, c) forms a ring beam wherein at least one row comprises a floor stage and at least one further ring beam comprises a roof stage. The floor and roof stages are assembled at ground level and releasably secured together allowing the ring beam structure (100) to be lifted clear for construction of the ground floor wall structure (102b). The ring beam structure is then lowered and the floor stage attached to the ground floor wall structure (102b). The floor stage is then released and allowing the roof stage to be lifted clear off for construction of the upper wall structure (102a) on the floor stage. The roof stage can then be lowered and attached to the upper wall structure to complete assembly of the timber frame (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Kevin McInerney, Paul Miarowski, David Bishop
  • Publication number: 20070283633
    Abstract: A deployable and erectable watch tower for accommodating personnel in an upper chamber thereof is disclosed. The deployable and erectable watch tower is translocatable by haulage and includes an erectable unit; a base frame; a hydraulic actuator for erecting the erectable unit, an upper chamber of the erectable unit having transparent windows and a roof; sideways foldable legs for supporting the base frame on the ground; and ground stilts for supporting the legs on the ground. The deployable and erectable watch tower may further include armoured elements attached at least to the erectable unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Amos Klein
  • Publication number: 20070283634
    Abstract: A lifting cradle for use with a modular building system of the type in which pre-fabricated modules constructed off-site are inserted into openings in a support frame constructed on-site to produce a building according to a user's requirements. The lifting cradle has a central loading platform and two safety cages arranged on opposite sides of the platform for operatives to view and/or control installation of the module in the opening. The lifting cradle is temporarily attached to the building during installation of the module and a counterbalance mechanism is provided to maintain stability of the lifting cradle during installation. The lifting cradle may also be employed when removing modules from the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin Hourihan
  • Publication number: 20070283635
    Abstract: Provided are a seismic control bearing device capable of absorbing and/or blocking vibration energy transmitted to structures due to earthquakes, and so on, as well as actively controlling various dynamic behaviors generated from the structures with low power and without additional equipment, and a seismic control system including the same. The seismic control bearing device is installed between a ground base and a structure constructed on the ground base to reduce vibration energy applied to the structure, and includes a plurality of deposition members spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of magneto-sensitive members disposed between the deposition members and formed of a magneto-sensitive material. The properties including a stiffness coefficient and an damping coefficient of the magneto-sensitive material are varied depending on a variation of a magnetic field formed around the magneto-sensitive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jong-Seh Lee, In-Ho Hwang, Jong-Hyuk Lim
  • Publication number: 20070283636
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a loading dock seal. In one aspect it supplements an existing loading dock seal by attaching a flexible sheet vertically along vertical sides of the existing loading dock. The sheet wraps around the rear vertical edges of a truck body to seal any gaps that might exist, for example, between the opened rear door and the truck body wall caused by hinges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: DANIEL BERNACKI, BRUCE GUYER
  • Publication number: 20070283637
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods that facilitate access to space defined at least in part by a generally vertical surface. The apparatus of the present invention includes a tread and legs, each end of each leg may be efficiently inserted into appropriately sized and shaped receiving apertures within the generally vertical. The apparatus includes safety stops that assist a person to safely step onto the tread and a face of the tread on which information may be carried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: William G. O'Connor, Matthew F. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20070283638
    Abstract: A stairway system including a plurality of treads, a handrail including a fastener, and a handrail support. A fixture for joining a handrail having at least two segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Robert H. Green, James N. Trice, Richard W. Turner
  • Publication number: 20070283639
    Abstract: A vent baffle assembly provides air ventilation in a cathedral ceiling having rafter beams and roof sheathing. The vent baffle assembly includes a first vent sheet and a second vent sheet. The first vent sheet has first and second ends, first and second longitudinal ribs and a first lateral stiffener extending generally perpendicularly to the ribs. The second vent sheet includes third and fourth ends, third and fourth longitudinal ribs, and a second lateral stiffener extending perpendicularly to the ribs. The first vent sheet is positioned between adjacent rafters with the ribs oriented parallel to the rafters. The second vent sheet overlaps the first vent sheet with respective ribs interengaged to limit lateral movement of the first vent sheet relative to the second vent sheet. The first lateral stiffener engages the second lateral stiffener to limit longitudinal movement of the first vent sheet relative to the second vent sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Matt Kortuem, Palle Rye, Dave Rosten, Richard L. Partlow
  • Publication number: 20070283640
    Abstract: A sliding glass door has a pair of rollers mounted adjacent the upper corners, which rollers are cantilevered rearwardly and cooperate with a horizontally elongate L-shaped support track which spans horizontally across the door opening and across an adjacent upright wall panel to enable the door to move into an opened position wherein it overlies the adjacent wall panel. The height of the roller-track arrangement and of the structure defining such arrangement, as it extends across the upper edge of the door opening and the adjacent wall panel, is minimized to provide improved aesthetics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Vincent A. Shivak, Rupert Jakob-Bamberg, Robert E. Steeves
  • Publication number: 20070283641
    Abstract: Moisture barriers are provided on both sides of an insulating enclosure together with switched vents/valves such that the enclosure is always vented, and possibly flushed, to the cool side. The number of valves used may depend on the volume to be vented and the speed with which venting is desired. In the case of an overall building envelope, the envelope is vulnerable to the dynamic pressure of winds and gusts, and the invention provides ventilating duct manifolds for each enclosure that utilize wind pressures to inhibit moisture transport from the living quarters to the building envelope and to flush moisture from the building envelope enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Vincent Cushing
  • Publication number: 20070283642
    Abstract: A corner stud (50) has intersecting first and second walls (52, 54) that back up corner edge portions of wallboard panels (40, 42) that meet at the inside corner. The walls (52, 54) are braced by walls (64, 70) and flanges (76, 78). Wall (52) and wall (70) may be parallel to each other and to flange (76). Wall (54) and wall (64) may be parallel to each other and flange (78). The stud (50, 52, 200, 202) may have a web bent about a longitudinal axis to form web parts separated by an inside angle (a). The angle a may be an obtuse angle below one hundred eighty degrees (180°) to about two hundred seventy degrees (270°).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Matt F. Surowiecki, Tadeusz (Ted) Wrobel, Lawrence W. Gorham
  • Publication number: 20070283643
    Abstract: A floor/ceiling 10 has downwardly extending ribs (14) separated by downwardly opening channels (16). The floor/ceiling member (10) sits down on a horizontal header (32) that is on top of a building wall that extends perpendicular to the ribs (14) and the channels (16). A preformed wall panel (24) has a lower strip portion (26) that is connected to a side flange (36) on the header (32). Preformed wall panel (24) has upwardly directed peaks (28) and upwardly opening valleys (30). The peaks (28) are sized and shaped to snuggly fit within the ceiling channels (16). The valleys (30) are sized and shaped to snuggly receive the ribs (14) when the peaks (28) are in the channels (16). A continuous lower strip portion of the preformed wall panel (24) is connected to the flange (36) of the header (32), below the ribs (14). The peaks (28) extend into and block or close off the channel openings formed in and by the channel (16) above the web (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Matt F. Surowiecki
  • Publication number: 20070283644
    Abstract: A leadthrough (10) for passing conduits through a constructional component includes a clad tube (11), a base member (16) arranged at the first axial end (12) of the clad tube (11) and having a receiving space (18) for isolating means (19) and defining an opening (17), and first (14) and second (15) annular, diaphragm-shaped sealing elements provided, respectively, at the first (12) and second axial ends of the clad tube (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Marco Fischer, Thomas Monden, Markus Koegler
  • Publication number: 20070283645
    Abstract: Included are systems and methods for securing a support rail a predetermined distance above a deck. At least one embodiment of a system, among others, includes a frame portion configured to receive a support rail, the frame portion including at least one vertical support for reducing lateral movement of the received support rail and a retainer strap portion configured to reduce vertical movement of the received support rail. Other embodiments include a system connector coupled to the frame portion and the retainer strap portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Ryan
  • Publication number: 20070283646
    Abstract: A sidewall of a trailer includes a first panel having inner and outer skins and a plurality of metal posts sandwiched between the skins such that voids are formed between adjacent posts, and a second panel having inner and outer skins and a plurality of metal posts sandwiched between the skins such that voids are formed between adjacent posts. A joint is provided for joining the first panel and the second panel together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Rodney P. Ehrlich
  • Publication number: 20070283647
    Abstract: A construction panel for use with fiber reinforced concrete finish is disclosed. The panel includes a core member comprising a composite of wire trusses and foam blocks secured in a compressed shape. The core member also incorporates wire mesh strips having screed ridges for receiving and smoothing fiber reinforced concrete applied to the composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: MET-ROCK, LLC
    Inventor: William Farrell
  • Publication number: 20070283648
    Abstract: Methods and systems for decorating at least one bevel surface or other surface of a laminated flooring are described. The bevel surface can be decorated by non-transfer printing such as digital printing. The digital printer can be an ink jet printer such as a piezoelectric drop-on-demand (DOD) printer that allows a color and pattern to be placed on the bevel surface that matches the print design (décor pattern or face design) of the laminated flooring. Other devices are provided such as a device that takes a picture of or scans an image of the print design, and modifies the taken picture or the scanned image so that the edge pattern thereof matches with an edge pattern of the print design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Hao A. Chen
  • Publication number: 20070283649
    Abstract: Novel support beams useful in the construction of concrete slopes are provided. The support beams include a straight body section having a support extension attached at one or both ends of the body section. During construction of a concrete slope, the body section of a support beam maintains an angled position substantially equal to the desired angle of the concrete slope being constructed. The support beams can withstand the weight of the concrete slope during construction and can be removed and reused after the concrete has attained sufficient strength for the concrete slope to be self-supporting. Support beams can be attached in series to provide a long structure supporting the construction of larger concrete slopes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Steven Hufnagel, Dennis Carignan
  • Publication number: 20070283650
    Abstract: A kit for masonry structures includes fiber cement spacers for placement between adjacent blocks in a tier of blocks and a spacer layer of fiber cement material placed between tiers of blocks. Optionally, an adhesive is applied between the spacers and the adjacent blocks. Optionally, a grout is a applied to the face of the structure to cover the spacers and simulate the appearance of the finished brick and mortar wall. The uniform spacing between bricks and between tiers provided by the spacers simplifies the process of building a masonry structure with a professional quality appearance. Other materials for use as spacers are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Schwan
  • Publication number: 20070283651
    Abstract: An insulating construction. The construction is formed from a blank construction having a square or rectangular central portion and a side section attached to each side of the central portion. Two wing sections are attached to each of two opposing side sections. The wing sections are attachable to an adjacent side section free of a wing section. Then the blank construction is folded in a three dimensional configuration, it supported by a rod construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: George Verry
  • Publication number: 20070283652
    Abstract: Disclosed is a variable vapor barrier for moisture control of buildings comprising or formed from a material having a moisture permeance of less than 0.1 perms (grains/h·ft2·inches of Hg) at less than 50% average humidity, such as from 10 to 50% or 20 to 40%; and a moisture permeance greater than 4, or greater than 10 perms at greater than 60% average humidity, such as from 60 to 90%, or 70 to 80%. Also disclosed are articles comprising the variable vapor barrier and methods of their use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: John Chu Chen, Ashok Harakhlal Shah
  • Publication number: 20070283653
    Abstract: A roofing panel includes a carrier comprising a web with an upper surface; a plurality of water retention compartments provided in the web and depending generally downwardly from the upper surface of the web; an anchor layer overlying at least a portion of the upper surface of the web, the anchor layer having an underside surface generally bearing against the upper surface of the web; and a plurality of dimples provided in the anchor layer, each of the dimples comprising a protruding portion extending generally downwardly from the underside surface of the anchor layer, each protruding portion adapted to nest at least partially within a respective one of the water retention compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory Garner, Keith Ardron, Neil Sisler
  • Publication number: 20070283654
    Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be manipulated to form an end molding, a T-molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and/or a stair nose molding. A kit can include the joint cover assembly an a tool for forming a flooring transition from a generic element having break-away sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: PFLEIDERER SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Oliver Stanchfield, Sven Kornfalt, Roland Larsson, William Pierce, Sabad La Serna, Patrick Smith, Wayne Johnston
  • Publication number: 20070283655
    Abstract: A convertible lamp array device comprising a spine member and a first and second side panels rotatably connected to the spine member. The spine member and the first and second side panels have at least one source of light connected thereto. The first side panel and the second side panel can be rotated relative to the spine member into an open position to allow the sources of light emit light towards a target area. The first side panel and the second side panel can be rotated in a second direction relative to the spine member to arrange the device in a closed position for storage of the device. The device is free standing in the open position to allow the device to be used without any external support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen M. Tobin
  • Publication number: 20070283656
    Abstract: A fabric wall panel system includes wall panels mounted on a wall by means of a releasable hanger. Each fabric wall panel comprises a frame and a flat filler insert covered by a fabric. Each frame member has hanger engaging channel and a fabric clamp. The hanger has a flat base affixed to the wall with two forked tongues extend perpendicularly therefrom. The forked tongues engage the hanger engaging channels to hold the fabric wall panel to the wall. The fabric clamp allows the fabric to be installed or removed with the frame mounted on the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Andy W. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20070283657
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system having a plurality of elongated ceiling panels each of which has a planar web section and rail portions extending along opposite side edges of the web section, a pair of channel-shaped wall mounts mounted on the opposed walls of a room, and having an upper laterally extending flange and a lower laterally extending flange on which one end of a ceiling panel rests. The ceiling panels are held in place by Z-shaped retainer clips which snap in between the upper and lower flanges of the wall supports at locations between the ceiling panel rails. Each clip has an upper horizontal leg extending inwardly and a lower horizontal leg extending outwardly. Each of the horizontal legs bear against a surface of a web section of a ceiling panel. The horizontal legs are connected by a diagonal leg which extends from the upper horizontal leg at the wall support to the lower horizontal leg away from the wall support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Randall S. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20070283658
    Abstract: A fastening system for panels and trim having a fastening element including a reveal edge and a serpentine edge. A projection and a recess is disposed adjacent to each other on the same serpentine edge. The fastening element guides and connects adjacent panel faces into a flush horizontal alignment with each other. Panels with the fastening element on each side may be combined together in a multiple course structure. The fastening element accommodates dimensional changes in adjacent wood panels from moisture and temperature fluctuations by allowing for expansion both with the elimination of the gap in the serpentine edge expansion area and with the compression of the expansion relief aperture adjacent to the expansion bulge in the recess of the adjacent panel. An expansion relief aperture on the projection of a fastening element can receive a trim fastener for applying perimeter trim with a hidden fastener onto many structurally different panel designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Richard W. Siewert, Mark A. Gilbertson
  • Publication number: 20070283659
    Abstract: The present invention provides a truss system that can quickly and easily be field-assembled, through the interconnection of modular panels to form flat and box structural trusses. This system is intended for use across a broad spectrum of applications within the construction and home-improvement industries. At the heart of the invention is the panel composed of a metal tube or equivalent frame solidly connected at all four corners and a one piece structural web where triangular and/or arched geometric patterns are cut, stamped, or formed from sheet metal or equivalent material. The geometric patterns are often disguised within decorative patterns. The web is solidly anchored to the interior face of the frame on all sides. The assembled panel serves as a truss bay. When two or more panels are connected together in the same plane, or in multiple planes for box configurations, a structural truss is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Tony Leroy Whyte, Diana Joy Whyte
  • Publication number: 20070283660
    Abstract: A method of both permanently reinforcing and bonding, by means of a physical connection including a fabric or other arrangement of reinforcing fiber, saturated with a curing liquid resin, and building materials to create a composite assembly is disclosed. Once cured, the previously liquid resin, having surrounded the fiber and features of the surfaces of the elements being joined, combines them within a single, shared resin matrix. The resulting composite assembly incorporates a new method of providing reinforcement from within, and can be formed into any of various products or components in the light construction industry, such as window sashes, millwork, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: James Michael Blahut
  • Publication number: 20070283661
    Abstract: An engineered 2?×8? equivalent board is formed from a standard wood 2?×4? board. The 2?×4? board is bifurcated longitudinally to form opposed rails, and a longitudinal ½?×½? groove is formed centrally of the cut face of each rail. Three ½? thick OSB web pieces of predetermined length and width are cut and glued and stapled into the rail grooves. This produces a finished board dimensionally equivalent to a standard 2?×8? board that has gaps between the rails that enable conventional plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, HVAC ducting, and insulation to pass laterally through the board when used as a stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Josiah Daniels
  • Publication number: 20070283662
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated metal stud wall apparatus and system. End studs are placed non-parallel at a 45-degree angle. Abutting adjacent 45-degree walls together, with no loss in square footage can easily create corners. The walls can be made independent of building plan. As such, any 2-foot 8-foot section (or whatever length) can simply be purchased and conformed to any building plan regardless of style or shape (octagonal, hexagonal, square and the like). Each stud includes a series of slots. When the two angled studs are placed side by side, the slots align. A hole present at the end of the wall allows a rod to be placed into it. The rod includes a series of fingers that insert into the aligned slots, thereby locking the adjacent walls together. The walls can include any other number of cutouts for windows, utilities and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: David J. Rades
  • Publication number: 20070283663
    Abstract: A program for defining a support structure for a dual curved surface preferably runs on computer equipment (10) and receives a definition of the surface. The program then extracts a first curve and a second curve from the definition. The program defines at least two headers (14) matching the first curve and a plurality of ribs (16) matching the second curve. The program defines the spacing for the headers (14) and ribs (16), such that the surface is adequately supported, defines the attachment points for the ribs (16) along the headers (14), and rib angles for the attachment points. The program then generates control files for use by a machine (24) in producing the headers (14) and ribs (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: A. Zahner Company
    Inventor: L. Zahner
  • Publication number: 20070283664
    Abstract: An apparatus for application of zippers to film material 10 comprises an applicator bar 22 for presenting pre-cut lengths of zipper 26 to the film and a heated sealing bar 34 for sealing the pre-cut lengths to the film. The applicator bar, the sealing bar, feed rollers 30a, 30b and a zipper cutter 32 are mounted for movement with the film on a linear motor 14. A pneumatic cylinder 18 raised the application bar towards the film 10. The applicator bar moves in direction C to apply the zipper to the film 10 moving in direction A, then moves with the sealing bar and the film in direction B, away from the film in direction C?, back to its starting position in direction B?, then towards the film again in direction C. A further length of zipper may be fed to the applicator bar at any time after the bar has moved away from the film in direction C? and therefore during an end portion of the forward stroke of the motor, or during its return stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Murray Edward Leighton
  • Publication number: 20070283665
    Abstract: A machine arrangement includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner which comprises a machine line. This machine line incorporates apparatus which is associated with and/or comprises part of the machines for: at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping cans as they pass from a can infeed to a can discharge of the machine line and move along a path having a predetermined configuration. This apparatus minimizes operations necessary for changing from a set up suitable for modifying a can having a first set of dimensions to a set up suitable for a can having a second set of dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph SCHILL, Jeffery Shortridge, Christopher Shuey, Dennis Green
  • Publication number: 20070283666
    Abstract: A container is provided for storing a product, such as a fat containing liquid product, and includes a body defining a chamber for receiving the product; and a container closure including a sealing portion for sealing the product within the chamber. The container closure includes a member forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the container closure and the body; a nipple in fluid communication with the chamber that seals the chamber with respect to the ambient atmosphere during storage of the product in the chamber and that can be opened to dispense product from the chamber therethrough; and a needle penetrable and laser resealable portion that is penetrable by the needle for aseptically filling the chamber with the product, and that is thermally resealable by the application of laser radiation thereto to seal the product within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Benoit Adamo, John Guthy, Nathaniel Houle, Brian Tulley, Jeffrey Willley
  • Publication number: 20070283667
    Abstract: A method for sterilizing at least partly formed packages with electron beam irradiation in a packaging machine involves sterilizing each of at least two at least partially separate areas of the package by way of a respective electron beam sterilizing device, with each of the sterilizing devices being adapted to characteristics of each respective one of the two areas, and also performing a respective relative movement between the package and each of the electron beam sterilizing devices, which movements are adapted for the sterilization of each respective one of the two areas with the sterilizing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
    Inventors: Anders Kristiansson, Lars Naslund, Anders Olsson
  • Publication number: 20070283668
    Abstract: A mattress frame that occupies a small volume and can be used by a recipient without having to assemble the frame. The frame has four connected sides and is made of foam. The frame is rectangular in shape and has two longer sides and two shorter sides. The two shorter sides are folded in a U shape so that a bow-tie-shaped frame results. The bow-tie-shaped frame is rolled and packaged in a container. The frame can be rolled to form a spiral or an M-shape. A recipient of the rolled frame removes the frame from its packaging and the frame expands to its intended shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Suk Kan Oh
  • Publication number: 20070283669
    Abstract: A replaceable apparatus for carrying a pre-threaded material towards a packaging machine is disclosed. The apparatus is being connected to the machine via a suitable structure. Moreover, the apparatus is consisted of a filler appliance being a guide to the material, a separator and filling means for the filler of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Shlomo Nevo, Pinchas Stambolski
  • Publication number: 20070283670
    Abstract: A system for providing dunnage to a container for packaging an object in the container includes a void volume probe and a supply of dunnage. The void volume probe measures the void volume of the container and outputs information representative of the measured void volume. And the supply of dunnage is controllable to dispense an amount of dunnage to fill the void volume based on the information output from the void volume probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: RANPAK CORP.
    Inventors: James Harding, Richard Ratzel
  • Publication number: 20070283671
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a pressure release protection device for automatic ground cleaning vehicles, comprising an air suction pipe, an airtight cover, an air relief valve, a spring, a filter screen, a filter screen holder, a crown bar, a floating ball, and a foam isolating bucket, wherein the filter screen holder is fixed connected to the upper wall of the waste water tank, and the filter screen is fixed connected to the filter screen holder; the foam isolating bucket is connected to the filter screen holder; the floating ball is disposed inside of the foam isolating bucket and is connected to the crown bar; the crown bar is installed into the central hole of the filter screen holder, and can slide up and down with the floating of the floating ball; said airtight cover serves to cover the top of the waste water tank; the air relief valve comprises a handle part and a tubular shank part, wherein the shank part is installed into the central hole of the airtight cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Ruizhen ZHU
  • Publication number: 20070283672
    Abstract: A fan fixture includes a base having a chamber to receive a fan, the chamber of the base having two adjacent side faces formed with a slot and an air inlet respectively, a cover detachably mounted on the base to fix the fan in the chamber of the base and having a plurality of air outlets, and a filter net inserted through the slot into the chamber of the base to cover the air inlet of the base. Thus, the filter net of the fan fixture covers the air inlet of the base to provide a dustproof effect so as to prevent the dust or insects from entering the fan to protect the fan and the electronic parts contained in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Tung-Cheng Fu
  • Publication number: 20070283673
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes a feeder housing and a cutting platform attached to the feeder housing. The cutting platform includes at least one platform section, each of which includes a frame, a plurality of float arms pivotally coupled with the frame, an endless belt carried by the plurality of float arms, and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders. Each hydraulic cylinder is associated with a respective float arm and includes a rod, a piston and a fluid chamber on a side of the piston providing a passive stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Bruce Alan Coers, Paul David Marvin
  • Publication number: 20070283674
    Abstract: A tractor attachment assembly releaseably connected to a front end of a work vehicle for conditioning land. The tractor attachment assembly is multi-functional because, among other things, it is capable of clearing small trees and shrubs while being able to roll soil and place grooves into the ground for land conditioning. The tractor attachment assembly is provided with an at least one toothed plate and a sub-plate for supporting the at least one toothed plate. The sub-plate is preferably provided with a nut and bolt disengagement mechanism to release the at least one toothed plate from the sub-plate. The tractor attachment assembly is also provided with a framed connection member that is connectable to the front end of the work vehicle and positioned to support the sub-plate when the sub-plate is under stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry Watkins
  • Publication number: 20070283675
    Abstract: One or more elongate barriers are provided that are movably (in one configuration pivotably) mounted proximate the outside of a grass cutting deck. When one of the barriers encounters a foreign object in a certain manner, the barrier moves towards its “tripped” position, thus causing a corresponding change to the operating characteristic of the lawn mover, be it a termination of the cutting process, the mower drive process, or both. The barriers can be used with electric or mechanical control elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: SNAPPER, INC.
    Inventors: Frank Hancock, Stephen Price
  • Publication number: 20070283676
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing kapok scribbled by ring spinning, in which the mixed raw materials of kapok fibers and other fibers are subjected to the processes of opening and scutching, carding, drawing, roving, spinning, etc., and a device of guiding cotton sliver is provided after a carding procedure, wherein the said spinning adopts a double-short-apron drafting mode, the said carding is performed twice, and the said drawing is performed twice. The blended yarns produced according to the inventive method have the superior technical indexes in terms of the single yarn breaking tenacity, single yarn elongation at break, etc. which are better than the industrial standard of cotton berber yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Ensheng Li, Longquan Xia