Patents Issued in May 3, 2011
  • Patent number: 7934328
    Abstract: There is provided a v-plow including a first blade and a second blade. Each of the blades are pivotably connected about an axis and moveable through a range of movement. The v-plow includes a pair of wearstrips with one wearstrip coupled to each of the first and second blades. A wearstrip cylinder is coupled to at least one of the wearstrips, with the wearstrip cylinder aligned with the axis. The orientation of the first and second blades, the wearstrips, and the wearstrip cylinder minimize a gap defined between the two blades, throughout the range of movement. Each of the wearstrips include a flange coupled to each of the wearstrips and defining an angle between the flange and the wearstrip. In one embodiment one flange is coupled to the wearstrip cylinder and the other flange is closely adjacent to the wearstrip cylinder, throughout the range of movement of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert N. Gamble, II
  • Patent number: 7934329
    Abstract: An excavation control system for a machine is disclosed. The excavation control system may have a tool, at least one operator input device configured to provide manual control over movement of the tool, and a controller in communication with the at least one operator input device. The controller may be configured to receive an input related to an operator desired tool location, and determine that an operator is manually controlling movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location. The controller may be further configured to automatically assume control over movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mintah, Robert J. Price, Kevin D. King
  • Patent number: 7934330
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for hanging items, such a pictures, posters, paintings or the like on walls and other surfaces. The picture (1) shows one or more magnets contacting a fitting which is fastened to the wall by magnetic attractive material to a certain extent in the same plane as the wall. The system makes it possible to adjust the position of the picture both horizontally (16) and vertically (17). The magnet is fastened to the picture in a way which makes it possible for the picture to tilt both around a horizontal and a vertical axis in the same level as the wall and which makes it possible for the picture to equalize potentially differences in the parallelism between the wall fitting and the picture. When hanging the picture the magnet risks furthermore moving away form the picture, which results in the magnet itself, will find its way towards the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Pelle Nicolaisen
  • Patent number: 7934331
    Abstract: A system for displaying photographs is disclosed. The system includes one or more horizontal members or bars that are secured to a wall, such as a wall of a house. The horizontal members are preferably immovably secured, as by wall anchors or nails. The horizontal members preferably include a profile, such as a shaped, hollow cross-sectional area, that is configured to mount two or more vertical members. Two or more vertical members or bars are then secured to the horizontal members. The vertical members may be mounted using the profiles, channels, or grooves of the horizontal members. They may be mounted using a connection stud, a tab or a clamp, such as a spring clamp. The vertical members preferably also include continuous, vertical grooves on their sides, for placing photographs into the grooves for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Snap Gallery, LLC
    Inventor: Peter S. Zlotocha
  • Patent number: 7934332
    Abstract: A composite barrel for a firearm and method for forming by forging. The barrel includes at least two materials joined together by forging. In a preferred embodiment, at least one material is preferably lighter in weight than the other material. The barrel may include an inner tube and an outer sleeve. The inner tube defines a bore that provides a bullet path and in one embodiment may be made of steel or alloys thereof. The outer sleeve surrounds the inner tube and in some embodiments may be made of aluminum, titanium, or alloys of either thereof. The tube preferably includes an exterior surface containing recessed areas therein for receiving material displaced from the outer sleeve by the forging process. The preferred barrel forming method generally may include inserting the tube into the sleeve, striking an outer surface of the sleeve, and deforming the sleeve to force material to flow into the recessed exterior surface of the tube to bond the tube and sleeve together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Vernon R. Briggs
  • Patent number: 7934333
    Abstract: A pistol is concealed and stabilized by filling in an area below the barrel and in front of the grip with a spacer. The result is a rectangular shape similar to a wallet, which shape conceals the presence of the pistol when carried in a pocket (i.e., de-prints the pistol shape), and stabilizes the pistol in the pocket. The spacer may be attached to a trigger guard, to a portion of the pistol frame beneath the forward end of the barrel, or be integrated with the pistol grips, creating the rectangular shape. The spacer may further include a laser aiming device. In one embodiment, the spacer securely grasps a curved portion of the trigger guard and includes a contoured rear surface which is urged against a lower leading edge of the grip, thus firmly establishing a position for the device relative to the pistol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Tuz
  • Patent number: 7934334
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems for aiming devices. For example, the aiming systems can be used to aim a firearm. The aiming systems can comprise a front sight portion having a cross-section with a truncated triangle shape when viewed by an operator aiming the device. The aiming systems can further comprise a rear sight portion including a notch having a truncated triangle shape with a base, a left side, a right side, and an opening that is narrower than the base. The front sight portion is alignable relative to the notch for aiming the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventor: Timothy W. Kraft
  • Patent number: 7934335
    Abstract: Adjustment mechanisms that may be employed for making operational adjustments to sighting mechanisms such as riflescopes, telescopes, binoculars, monoculars or other types of viewing devices. One configuration being directed to a pop-up cap that is retained and remains connected to the adjustment mechanism, the pop-up cap translating between a first position (typically the closed position) where rotation of the cap does not engage the adjustment mechanism to a second (typically the extended position) where rotation of the cap engages the adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik R. Halverson
  • Patent number: 7934336
    Abstract: A tool for releasing excess air from the swim bladder of a fish. The present invention includes a puncturer situated in a housing and a push rod which extends out of the housing for pushing the puncturer out of the housing and into the swim bladder of the fish. When the tool is employed, the excess air passes through the puncturer into the housing and then out vents located in the side wall of the housing. The puncturer is spring biased to remain in the covered position until the user applies an external force to the push rod to expose the puncturer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas C. Cooksey, Christopher M. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7934337
    Abstract: A major hoop member provides for protection of a minor hoop member and contact points between the minor hoop member and net material attached to the minor hoop member. The minor hoop member is of a significantly smaller diameter than a diameter of the major hoop member and is securely retained in close, but spaced, orientation radially inward from the major hoop member. This provides for the operational passageway through the minor hoop member which objects may be netted to be nearly as large as that available utilizing just the major hoop member. This full function feature occurs while the major hoop member protects the inner hoop member, and the contact points therealong of the net material, from coming into contact with many obstructions during use of the net device to net objects. Easy removal and replacement of the minor hoop member permits replacement of existing net material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Lonnie Lambert
  • Patent number: 7934338
    Abstract: A fish detection accessory to be installed on the end of a fishing pole or which alternately can be incorporated into a fishing pole during manufacture of the pole. The unit employs a miniature dual axis accelerometer integrated circuit that can detect angular rotation of the unit relative to the earth's surface, allowing the unit to detect a fish bite based on vibration method, i.e. rotation of the pole per unit time, or on a rotation method, i.e. rotation of the pole independent of time. Bite detection sensitivity levels and alarm methods can be selected by the user using the power switch and two setting switches. The unit can also be used as a mini flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Tackobox LLC
    Inventor: Edward Hope
  • Patent number: 7934339
    Abstract: A fishing lure having a head portion with a first side and a second side. A first eye socket is positioned on the first side of the head portion and a second eye socket is positioned on the second side of the head portion. Each of the first and second eye sockets is substantially semi-spherical shape and each of said first and second eye sockets is coated with a fluorescent substance of substantially uniform application. A first eye component is fixedly secured in at least a portion of the first eye socket and a second eye component is fixedly secured in at least a portion of the second eye socket. Each of the first and second eye components comprise a transparent, substantially spherical material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Linton Lowell Richie
  • Patent number: 7934340
    Abstract: A method for the just-in-time delivery of harvested plant material and plant compounds grown in a genetically-isolated growth environment is provided. The desired crop is grown in an underground growth chamber according to a predetermined growing model in which all growing conditions are controlled. Component yield and completion time can be accurately forecast such that the harvest time of the plant material, or the completion of upstream plant extract recovery, can be accurately forecast. The use of an underground growth chamber allows for complete control over environmental factors in growth of the plant material, and also allows for the best possible protection of the growing environment against any contamination of genetic material from outside of the chamber, as well as protection of the outdoor environment against any contamination of genetic material from inside of the chamber. The method will be particularly useful in the production of plant-made pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Praire Plant Systems
    Inventor: Brent Zettl
  • Patent number: 7934341
    Abstract: A weatherstrip is provided in which a first component provides for functional sealing. A second component, formed of a different material, is interlocked to the first component. The securing structure is not visible from the exterior and allows the second component to improve the aesthetics, be color-matched with the vehicle, or have an altered geometry as needed for the particular vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Corey Knight, David Kreinbrink
  • Patent number: 7934342
    Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes first and second fixed panels and upper and lower fixed panels with an opening defined between the fixed panels. At least one track member is attached to at least one of the fixed panels. A sliding unit is slidably engagable with the track member and slidable between an open position and a closed position. The sliding unit includes a carrier component having an outer face and a flange portion extending from the outer face. A sliding panel is attached to the flange portion. The sliding panel and the fixed panels form a substantially flush outer surface. A U-shaped seal is disposed on the fixed panels adjacent to and encircling the opening. The seal engages the outer face of the carrier component when the sliding unit is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas, Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: 7934343
    Abstract: An anchor for embedment into a concrete component, has a head via which load is applied to the anchor in use and an anchoring formation provided by at least one leg extending from the head and profiled along an edge thereof so as to lock into the surrounding concrete. The profile is formed by a series of longitudinally spaced formations each of generally saw-toothed shape with a leading edge of each formation inclining towards the head such that on application of a pulling load to the head the leg will lock tighter into the concrete with increasing load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Cetram Pty Limited
    Inventors: Geoff Fletcher, Robert Urquhart Connell
  • Patent number: 7934344
    Abstract: A stairway with a finished skirt/fascia board is formed using parallel stringers and tread/riser support brackets spaced and aligned along the stringers. The brackets are temporarily and pivotally attached to stringers and the stringers are moved parallel to and relative to each other to orient the stringers for the slope of the stairway. The pivotal attachment of the brackets to one of the stringers and the unattached stringer is moved into contact with the other stringer at mating faces. The brackets are them permanently attached to the parallel stringers. The mating faces of the stringers form a finished skirt/fascia board for the stairway. Several variations in contoured faces, including tongue and groove contours, for the mating surfaces provide for a smooth and clean looking skirt/fascia board on a finished stairway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: EZ Stairs, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Truckner
  • Patent number: 7934345
    Abstract: A mortarless masonry structure comprising a plurality of regular masonry blocks and/or bricks connected to each other by a plurality of metal bars and a plurality of standard metal threaded fasteners thereby forming a post tensioned structure. Preferably, the blocks are operatively connected to each other as a structure by simple mechanical tools. Each interconnection results in a unitized post tensioned member that, when interconnected to the adjacent members, forms a comparatively higher strength structure than systems made of mortar and reinforced mortar. The method used to create this structure is a simple, waterless, mortarless interconnection process that is completed by a series of simple individual steps of fastening the blocks and bars into a strong and durable structure. Once connected the structure is strong and durable. If desired, the structure may be disassembled and the components re-used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventors: Roger F. Marsh, Patricia M. Marsh
  • Patent number: 7934346
    Abstract: Synthetic shingles are made and treated, such that upper surfaces thereof that are to be weather-exposed in the installed condition, are scuffed, abraded, or scraped in such a manner that different visual appearances occur between abraded zones and unabraded (or lesser abraded) depressions, to enhance the natural-appearing materials that the synthetic shingles are designed to resemble. The shingles and the abrading medium have motion relative to each other. The abrading medium may take on various forms, such as a roller, a brush, a pad, etc. Some portions of the upper surface of the shingle remain unabraded, preferably being those portions that are depressed relative to higher portions of the shingle. The shingle may be of a single layer construction, or a multi-layer laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Kevin MacKinnon, Douglas Harold Wylie, John K. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 7934347
    Abstract: A coupling beam, and method for constructing multi-story buildings. A coupling beam design using multiple rebar groups is provided for use in coupled shear walls in multi-story buildings. First and second sets of a first rebar group have first ends extending into adjacent sheer walls, and second ends within the coupling beam. First and second sets of a second rebar group have first ends extending into adjacent sheer walls, and second ends within the coupling beam. The first and second sets of the first group of rebar, and third and fourth sets within a second group of rebar, are provided in a configuration that ends at or near the middle of the coupling beam, providing an open or partial-X configuration of reinforcing steel. Such coupling beams may also include transverse reinforcement, such as stirrups, hoops, or cross-ties, to restrain the concrete and to provide a confined beam structure, as well as vertical reinforcement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Brienen
  • Patent number: 7934348
    Abstract: A structural truss (3) with crimp/clamp (18) wherein the truss (3) includes disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein successive segments of the struts (1) have U-shapes and inverted U-shapes at their mid-sections and apices (6) at their respective ends. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10). The crimp/clamp (18) creates dimples (19), thereby securing the chords (2) to the struts (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Melvin L. Ollman
  • Patent number: 7934349
    Abstract: A fire resistant wall includes a frame assembly utilizing tubular steel studs having at least one opening at the bottom and at the top, a stratum of fire resistant material disposed in the inter-stud space, and a trim assembly structured to protect the gaps between adjacent panels. The openings in the studs allow hot fluid within the studs to be exhausted in a remote location and cool fluid to be drawn in from another remote location. The stratum of fire resistant material disposed in the inter-stud space resists heat and flames contacting the lateral sides of the studs when the inner stratum of the firewall collapses, or when gaps appear between adjacent inner stratum panels. The trim assembly preferably includes a metal bar with a concave back surface disposed over the gap between adjacent panels and an intumescent caulk disposed at least partially within the gap. An intumescent caulk expands when exposed to heat and fills the gap between inner stratum panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Frederick W. Romig
  • Patent number: 7934350
    Abstract: A security screen comprising a frame having an outer edge which defines the outer perimeter of the frame and further having an inner edge (12) which surrounds an open portion of the frame, the outer edge of the frame being dimensioned such that in use the security screen is receivable across an opening to close the opening, a perforate sheet element (29) received in the open portion of the frame to close the open portion, the edge of the perforate sheet element being formed with a lip (31) extending from one face of the perforate sheet element, the inner edge of the frame formed with a recess (13) having an entry extending across at least a portion of the width of the inner edge, the recess extending along the inner edge, the recess having two opposed side faces (15, 16) extending from the inner edge, one side face (16) of the recess having a zone (23) located inward of the inner edge and extending laterally from the recess, the edge of the perforate sheet element received within the recess such that the lip
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: G & J Koutsoukos Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Jamie Dimitrios Elias Koutsoukos
  • Patent number: 7934351
    Abstract: A block wall or fence and methods for constructing a block wall or fence with a footing framework encased in concrete to form a footing support structure wherein the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid without first constructing the footing support framework or first enclosing the footing framework in concrete. Additionally, vertical reinforcing members located in vertical columnar cavities within blocks of the wall and/or horizontal reinforcing members located in horizontal channels within blocks of the wall form a reinforcing framework; wherein some or all of the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid before encasing the reinforcing framework and/or the footing support framework in concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Alliance Construction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Clarno
  • Patent number: 7934352
    Abstract: A backed paneling unit providing a drainage pathway for liquids that might be behind the backing portion of the paneling unit. The paneling unit facilitates the drainage of liquid from behind the panel by providing grooves that are typically connected so as to allow the drainage to occur from behind a series of adjacent installed panels. Additional grooves are provided to provide alternative drainage pathways for a liquid in the event that at least a portion of a groove is obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Exterior Portfolio, LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Mollinger, Paul R. Pelfrey
  • Patent number: 7934353
    Abstract: Panel including, in succession, a first rigid board forming the back of the panel, a first thermally insulating layer borne by the backboard, an impervious covering covering the first thermally insulating layer, a second thermally insulating layer which partially covers the impervious covering and a second rigid board covering the second thermally insulating layer, characterized in that it includes a film which covers at least part of the impervious covering which is not covered by the second thermally insulating layer, the film including at least one protective portion and at least one spew portion adjacent to the protective portion, the protective portion and the spew portion being able to be detached from the impervious covering independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Gaztransport et Technigaz
    Inventors: Jacques Dhellemmes, Nicolas Lefevre, Sophie Preato-Pavret De La Rochefordiere, Christophe Huon De Kermadec
  • Patent number: 7934354
    Abstract: A door panel that is light in weight and has sufficient strength is provided. A door panel has an outer panel, an inner panel, and a foamed material filling a space between the outer panel and the inner panel. The inner panel is formed by means of press molding so as to have an uneven surface with adhering portions and a raised portion. The adhering portions are affixed to the inner surface of the outer panel, and the space is formed between the raised portion and the outer panel. The outer panel has a thickness ranging from 1.2 to 5.0 times that of the inner panel. A hemmed portion is formed by folding the peripheral edge of the outer panel so as to curl over the peripheral edge of the inner panel and then pressing down the folded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Ryoji Uto
  • Patent number: 7934355
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically mounting substrates with medical and/or pharmaceutical and/or food-supplementing products, including at least one magazine to store blister strips rolled up on rolls or the like, each magazine having at least one holding position for the rolls, a delivery device to unroll the blister strips and deliver the unrolled blister strips to a supply position for the products provided by each roll in the magazine to be mounted, a separating device for separating product-filled blister sections from the blister strip, and a mounting head to receive, rotate and dispense the separated blister sections with the products sealed therein, the mounting head controlled by a control system to transport the separated blister sections from the supply position to a mounting position over the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: AvidiaMed GmbH
    Inventors: Nikolai Strub, Gottfried Von Bismarck, Gerhard Breu, Christoph Hammer, Roman Traber, Erich Specker
  • Patent number: 7934356
    Abstract: To quickly fill a bag with medicine containers without damaging the containers, a machine for filling a bag with medicine containers includes: a bag positioning member (4) for positioning and opening a bag (13); a first moving member (37) that reciprocates between a supply position inside the bag (13) and a waiting position outside the bag (13), the first moving member including a bottom surface portion for supporting medicine containers; a second moving member that reciprocates relative to the bag (13) and includes a guide surface (47) guiding medicine containers (11) to the bottom surface portion; and a drive-control means (59) that moves the first moving member (37) from the supply position to the waiting position while maintaining the second moving member (38) in a fixed position relative to the bag (13), thereby causing medicine containers (11) guided by the guide surface (47) to the bottom surface portion to remain in the bag (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Takayuki Fujikawa, Hidenori Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7934357
    Abstract: A sheet handling device having at least one sheet feed path therethrough from an inlet to an outlet, the sheet feed path defined by a guide for directing sheet material from the inlet to the outlet. The sheet handling device comprising a plurality of processing sections located along the sheet feed path for performing a plurality of operations on sheet material being handled by the device. The processing sections including a central accumulator section, a collation section, a sheet folding section and at least one inserter section which are collectively located within a main chamber of the sheet handling device. The accumulator section is centrally located relative to the other processing sections and employs a vertically-oriented feed path to facilitate accumulation of sheet material while minimizing the spacing/gaps between adjacent sections. Furthermore, an access doorway is disposed over the processing stations to facilitate jam clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter J. Watson
  • Patent number: 7934358
    Abstract: A method for producing a ready-to-distribute distribution assembly comprising a data carrier in a single production line is disclosed. The method includes providing a foldable cover panel having a basin for receiving a data carrier, inserting a data carrier, folding the cover panel, sealing the cover panel, and printing identification information on the cover panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Expericard AB
    Inventor: Peter Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 7934359
    Abstract: A blank for producing a package of tobacco articles; the package of tobacco articles has a group of tobacco articles wrapped in a tubular inner sheet of packing material closed axially by two end folds, and an outer package, which is formed by folding the blank, surrounds the group of tobacco articles, is parallelepiped-shaped, and has a top wall contacting a first end fold of the inner sheet of packing material, a bottom wall contacting a second end fold of the inner sheet of packing material, and a number of lateral walls; and the blank has two transverse fold lines, and a number of longitudinal fold lines defining, between the two transverse fold lines, a first panel forming part of a first minor lateral wall, a second panel forming a first major lateral wall, a third panel forming a second minor lateral wall, a fourth panel forming a second major lateral wall, and a fifth panel forming the rest of the first minor lateral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Ghini, Roberto Polloni, Stefano Negrini
  • Patent number: 7934360
    Abstract: Bagging machines may include a packing density measurement system. The packing density measurement system includes an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly includes at least one drag member adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to extend rearwardly beneath at least a portion of a bag to resist forward movement of the bagging machine. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and is adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine. The anchor assembly may be adjustable, either manually or automatically, to allow control over the anchoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Cullen
  • Patent number: 7934361
    Abstract: There is provided a packaging apparatus including a mechanism for joining a film from a film roll and a film from another film roll to each other. The packaging apparatus is capable of preventing a joint of the films from suffering a thermal sealing failure thereby increasing production efficiency. Package apparatus (10) includes film supply mechanism (10A) for joining and supplying films (1A, 1B) and packaging mechanism (10C) for producing package bags from the film. Film accumulator (10B) for guiding and holding the film in a meandering fashion is disposed between film supply mechanism (10A) and packaging mechanism (10C). Some of accumulating rollers (21) of film accumulator (10B) are movable to a predetermined position depending on the size of package bags to be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Orihiro Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Orihiro Tsuruta, Katsumi Nagai, Kazumi Nakazato
  • Patent number: 7934362
    Abstract: A packaging machine includes a clamping arrangement, composed of a series of clamps designed to grip and release a web of flexible material, and which are coupled to a belt that is advanced along a predetermined path to advance the web of flexible through the machine. The belt is made up of side-by-side belt portions that are spliced together in axially spaced locations by the clamps, to withstand the forces and stresses placed thereon as the web material is advanced. Each clamp is formed of an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member that are pivotably interconnected together, in combination with a guide member the guides movement of the belt through the machine. The belts are independently driven by operation of a pair of motors, which are synchronously operated in order to advance the opposite edges of the web material at the same rate of speed through the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: CP Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond G. Buchko, Dwayne C. Long
  • Patent number: 7934363
    Abstract: A stirrup insert for a stirrup including a bearing surface which is provided with a surface for placing a boot, and a holding area which can be detachably connected to the stirrup, where the bearing surface includes an internal part and an external part, where the internal part is surrounded by the external part at least in the z-direction, preferably, the internal part is softer than the external part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Herm, Sprenger GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Valentin Vollmecke, Heinz Baumann
  • Patent number: 7934364
    Abstract: An autonomous mass damper is positioned proximate to each reel cutting unit in a ganged configuration of such cutting units. One mass damper is preferably mounted or directly carried on each such reel cutting unit. The mass damper is free to move independently of vertical up and down movement of the reel cutting unit as the reel cutting unit travels over the ground. The mass damper is connected to the reel cutting unit by a coupler or by coupling components that allow the mass damper to move in a counter motion to vertical up and down bouncing or bobbing of the reel cutting unit. The counter motion of the mass damper lessens or damps the bouncing or bobbing of the reel cutting unit to provide a more consistent height of cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Gerald E. Goman, Robert D. Patton
  • Patent number: 7934365
    Abstract: Tines (1) attached to a supporting body (2) have a gripping element (3) and a fastening element (4). The gripping element (3) has a bar-shape design and is made from plastic. The fastening element (4), made from spring steel, has a connecting section (11) connected to the gripping device (3). Also, the fastening element (4) has a fastening section (12) that fastens to the supporting body (2). An elastically resilient spring section (13) is arranged between the fastening section (12) and connecting section (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventors: Gustav Schumacher, Friedrich-Wilhelm Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7934366
    Abstract: A wire wrapping device that includes a turntable assembly that is made up of a turntable and a driver adapted to rotate the turntable. Also, a set of payout carriers are mounted on the turntable, each payout carrier adapted to let out wire to be wrapped. A driver is adapted to turn each payout carrier relative to the turn table, the driver being user adjustable to turn each payout carrier by a selectable amount, per each complete rotation of the turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Dye, John W Swanson, Jerome J Boogaard, Dave Locke
  • Patent number: 7934367
    Abstract: A device for detecting breakage of a gas turbine engine shaft and for reducing the rotational speed of the turbine includes a rotor of a turbine or of a first stage turbine driving the shaft. The rotor has a turbine disk with a rim. A stator that the rotor rotates inside or a nozzle guide vanes assembly of the first turbine stage is provided. A temperature sensor is positioned on the stator or on the nozzle guide vanes assembly, immediately downstream of the rim. The sensor is located to sense temperature on a portion of the stator that contacts the rotor, or on a portion of the nozzle guide vanes assembly that contacts the first stage rotor, in the event of shaft breakage. An engine fuel control member connects to the sensor and can interrupt fuel supply to the engine, when the sensor emits a signal above a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Claude Marcel Mons
  • Patent number: 7934368
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ultra micro gas turbine engine which includes a wave rotor. In various embodiments, the ultra micro gas turbine engine of the present invention includes a rotating disk which has a compressor, a wave rotor and a turbine, a first stationary member which includes an inlet and a first wave rotor port end plate, a second stationary member which includes an outlet and a second wave rotor port end plate and a combustion chamber which includes a fuel inlet and an igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Norbert Müller, Florin Valcriu Iancu, Pezhman Akbari
  • Patent number: 7934369
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Teruhiko Miyake
  • Patent number: 7934370
    Abstract: When a vehicle speed V is greater than a threshold value Vref when an engine speed difference ?N between an engine speed Ne and a target engine speed Ne* is greater than a threshold value Nref and a catalyst degradation flag Fc is 1, that engine speed Ne is brought to the target engine speed Ne* while the engine is kept firing. However, when the vehicle speed V is less than the threshold value Vref, a fuel cut is executed even if the engine speed difference ?N is greater than the threshold value Nref and the catalyst degradation flag Fc is 1. The threshold value Vref is set based on a catalyst bed temperature CT so control to suppress catalyst degradation can be continued for longer the more the operating state is such that the catalyst bed temperature CT is high and degradation of the catalyst is promoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ikuo Ando, Kazuki Kunishima
  • Patent number: 7934371
    Abstract: Under the condition that a catalyst temperature Tc of a purification catalyst reaches or exceeds a preset reference temperature Tcref, when a cooling water temperature Tw of an engine is not lower than a preset reference temperature Twref, the internal combustion engine system of the invention sets a target exhaust recirculation rate EGR* based on a given rotation speed Ne of the engine and a given load factor KL and performs exhaust recirculation control to open an EGR valve at a specific angle or opening corresponding to the set target exhaust recirculation rate EGR*.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7934372
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas purification system (1) for conducting control of raising temperature of a DPF (12b) by supplying an unburned fuel to an upstream side of an oxidation catalyst to oxidize it, a minimum value (Qumin) of a first upper limit value (Qu1) acquired by subtracting a fuel injection amount (Qe) for in-cylinder combustion from a first combustible fuel amount (Qa1) limited by an air/fuel ratio, a second upper limit value (Qu2) acquired by subtracting the fuel injection amount (Qe) for in-cylinder combustion from a second combustible fuel amount (Qa2) limited by an atmospheric pressure, and a third upper limit value (Qu3), which is a third combustible fuel amount (Qa3) which can be oxidized by the oxidation catalyst limited by a catalyst temperature index temperature (Tg1, Tg2) and an engine speed (Ne) is set as an upper limit value (Qu) for the unburned fuel supply amount (Qp).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Haseyama, Takao Onodera, Yoshinobu Watanabe, Tatsuo Mashiko
  • Patent number: 7934373
    Abstract: In a control device for an internal combustion engine (E) of a vehicle comprising a particulate filter (42) installed in an exhaust passage of the engine and a loading device (63) that applies a load to the engine, the control device (9) is configured to execute a regeneration process for regenerating the particulate filter under a prescribed condition. When a vehicle is in a congested state, the temperature of the particulate filter typically drops below a threshold level for enabling a regenerating process. However, according to the present invention, the particulate filter may be regenerated even when the vehicle is in a congested state if a loading device such as an air conditioner is activated, and the temperature of the particulate filter is therefore high enough. Thereby, the particulate filter may be actively regenerated whenever possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Chiba, Hiroto Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7934374
    Abstract: A method for regenerating a particulate filter in an exhaust system of a combustion engine. The method: (a) measures, every time the combustion engine is started, a parameter representative of a condition of the combustion engine and/or of the exhaust system, (b) when the measured parameter reveals that the engine and/or the exhaust system are cold, the parameter representative of the mass of accumulated soot measured before the engine was last turned off is frozen, (c) the deviation between the frozen mass parameter and the parameter representative of the mass measured at time t is continuously determined, and (d) when the deviation has been resolved by convergence, it is added to the frozen mass parameter and the resulting corrected value is used in an ongoing regeneration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Celine Etcheverry, Fabien Godon, Eric Dufay, Adrien Pillot
  • Patent number: 7934375
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a balance pipe assembly for a vehicle exhaust system including at least a pair of exhaust pipes or pipe shaped portions, and a further pipe or pipe shaped portion extending between the exhaust pipes or pipe shaped portions so as to act as a balance pipe. The assembly further includes at least one of the exhaust pipes or pipe shaped portions including means adapted to reduce the pressure of exhaust gasses passing there through at a position downstream of the balance pipe or pipe shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Pacemaker Headers Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Michael Richter
  • Patent number: 7934376
    Abstract: An assembly for the hydraulic actuation of safety equipment includes a hydraulic pump disposed between a fluid feed line and a supply line in fluid communication with the safety equipment. A pump valve in the supply line downstream of the hydraulic pump is adjustable between open and closed positions for providing hydraulic fluid to supply line. A fluid source communicates with a bypass line in fluid communication with the supply line. A bypass valve is disposed between the fluid source and the supply line and is lockable between open and closed positions for providing other hydraulic fluid to supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Biester
  • Patent number: 7934377
    Abstract: An apparatus for easing an impact on a boom of an excavator and a method of controlling the same are disclosed, which can minimize the vibration occurring in the boom due to the impact on a boom cylinder by actively controlling an amount of hydraulic fluid being supplied to the boom cylinder when the operation of the boom cylinder is suddenly stopped due to an operator's sudden manipulation of an operation lever for a working device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Dong Soo Kim, Jae Hoon Lee, Chun Seung Lee, Jae Hong Kim, Joong Seon Joh, Eun Tae Jeung