Patents Represented by Law Firm Jacox & Meckstroth
  • Headlight for motor vehicles
    Patent number: 7568825
    Abstract: A headlight for motor vehicles comprising a light-shield mechanism having at least first and second rotary light shields for producing respectively at least first and second different light beams, wherein the shield mechanism also comprises at least one means of mechanically locating the idle position of the shield mechanism, and an actuator able to make the first and second light shields, turn in two directions of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Nicolas Louvet, Alexandre Mensales
  • Prosthetic implant and method
    Patent number: 7566346
    Abstract: An implant having a first member having a first elongated channel and a second member having a second elongated concave channel that becomes generally opposed when the first and second members are mounted to a first and second vertebra. A ball bearing is received in each of the channels to both separate and maintain a predetermined distance between the first and second member and also to facilitate movement in a plane that intersects an axis of the spinal column. The ball bearing is seated in and cooperates with the channels to permit pivotal movement about a plurality of axes. A method for replacing a disc is also shown using the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: X-spine Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Louis Kirschman
  • Control and power module for a rotating electric machine
    Patent number: 7560887
    Abstract: A control and power module for a rotating electric machine comprising a bridge of switches, a plurality of driver circuits for driving a bridge of switches, a control circuit and a plurality of communication connections between driver circuits and a control circuit. When the machine is in a rest mode, at least one connection of the plurality of communication connections is used for transmitting signals between the control circuit and the driver circuits for carrying out a function related to the rest mode of the machine, and when the machine is in the operational mode, all connections of the plurality of communication connections are used for transmitting signals between the control circuit and the driver circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Pierret, Christophe Louise
  • Lighting module for a motor vehicle light headlamp, and headlamp comprising a module of this type
    Patent number: 7543964
    Abstract: Lighting module, for a headlamp, provided to produce a cut-off beam, this module admitting an optical axis and comprising: a folder arranged so as to allow the passage of the light rays originating from a first reflector, which intersect, in orthogonal projection in the substantially vertical plane comprising an optical axis, the optical axis of a second reflector between a focus and peak of the second reflector, and to reflect the rays originating from the first reflector which would intersect the optical axis of the second reflector on the side remote from the peak relative to the focus of this second reflector, with the second reflector located below the horizontal plane passing through the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Baseball bunting target system
    Patent number: 7534177
    Abstract: A batter training and protection system is shown. A protector for protecting an infield area is provided with a plurality of indicia situated thereon or integrally formed therein to define a plurality of target areas, respectively. The indicia may comprise a plurality of material segments, a plurality of colors, patterns, graphics or the like in order to define the plurality of target areas at which a player may practice bunting a baseball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Aer-Flo Canvas Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Henning
  • Method and device for ballast management in particular for a motor vehicle headlamp
    Patent number: 7535181
    Abstract: A method for managing a gas discharge lamp in particular for a motor vehicle headlamp. The method is of the type which consists in controlling initial and nominal supply powers of the lamp by means of control signals during the operating phases of the lamp which comprise a start-up phase, an ignition phase and a steady-state phase. The method is wherein the control signals comprise command signals which are generated externally of the ballast and which force each of the supply powers to a value selected from a set of predetermined powers as a function of each of the phases. The method makes it possible for example to manage the different modes defined by the new regulations of the AFS type, and to optimize the service life of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Nicolai, Marc Duarte
  • Deck plank and method of production
    Patent number: 7533500
    Abstract: A deck plank is co-extruded from an extrusion die which receives molten plastics materials supplied from three separate plastic extruders to provide the plank with opposite sides having different colors. Preferably, the base plank is extruded from a lower cost material such as reground scrap polyvinylchloride (PVC), and thin PVC cap layers are co-extruded on opposite sides of the base plank in different colors. Opposite edges of each plank have longitudinally extending grooves for receiving hidden fasteners in the form of screws extending through short flat tie pieces or a continuous sealing tie strip projecting into the opposing grooves of adjacent planks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Deceuninck North America, LLC
    Inventors: Philip G. Morton, David A. Stammen, Todd J. Hamilton, Scott A. Ricke
  • Lighting and/or signalling apparatus for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 7527404
    Abstract: An optical module for lighting and/or signalling apparatus for a motor vehicle, the optical module comprising at least one main reflector associated with at least one light source for emitting a main light beam. The optical module includes at least one supplementary reflective zone outside the main reflector and adapted to receive some of the light which comes directly or indirectly from the light source, and to reflect it so as to create a secondary light beam in a mean direction which is different from the mean direction of the main light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Christophe Valois
  • System and method for training a football player
    Patent number: 7527568
    Abstract: A football training system and method for training a player football technique, strength and endurance. The system provides an engagement member that can be engaged and driven upward and substantially simultaneously rearward. The system includes a life-size simulator, dummy or engagement member for providing a true-to-life training experience. The system is capable of providing increased resistance to the player as the player drives the dummy and also provides a speed and power indication to the player, his or her coach or trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Shoot-A-Way, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Joseph
  • Method of determining a maximum adhesion coefficient of a tire
    Patent number: 7526951
    Abstract: A method of determining a maximum adhesion coefficient of a tire while running on ground, the method comprising the following steps: determining the maximum adhesion coefficient as being an output from a main transfer function that is independent of at least one slowly-varying parameter; and determining at least one input of the main transfer function as being an output from a transfer pre-function that depends on said slowly-varying parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: David Bertrand
  • Brassiere travel carrier protector and method
    Patent number: 7516840
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brassiere travel and storage system and method to facilitate storing a plurality of padded brassieres such that the cups of the brassieres do not degenerate and/ or become crushed during storage, such as when a person travels. A container that is capable of situating and positioning the one or a plurality of brassieres in a predetermined position, such as an angled position, so that the brassieres or at least a portion of them can be viewed for identification and selection by a user. The storage system and method is adapted to be received in a suitcase an is capable of protecting the plurality of brassieres stored therein so that they do not become crushed or deformed from storage. The container is also capable of receiving undergarments, bra straps and other items in the storage areas provided in the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: Alexis Lynn Troha, Frank Vincent Troha, Gwendolyn Leigh Troha, Leigh Adrienne Troha
  • Feed dish for animal cages
    Patent number: 7513219
    Abstract: A feed dish for use in combination with a cage. The feed dish has at least one or a plurality of protrusions or elongated members that are capable of receiving a sliding member in adjustable positions so that the feed dish can be mounted on cages comprising on cage walls having different widths, thickness or sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Louden Bros. Tool Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Louden
  • Low profile turntable assembly
    Patent number: 7510067
    Abstract: A large rectangular rotary table includes a fabricated tubular metal frame having top plates for supporting fixtures and large motor vehicle parts. A center portion of the table frame is supported by an annular turret bearing mounted on a base plate spaced above a floor plate by adjustable leveling screws. A drive unit is also supported by the base plate within the bearing and the center portion of the table frame and includes a planocentric gear reducer driven by an electric servo motor projecting above the table. A laterally projecting torque arm is mounted on the output of the gear reducer and is connected to the table frame by a sliding drive pin assembly which prevents radial loads on the gear reducer when the table is indexed. A fluid actuated table locating pin alternately engages a locating seat on each end of the table after the table is indexed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Easom Automation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald D. Kelley, John L. Vaphiadis
  • Washing nozzle for discharging a liquid cleaning or washing medium
    Patent number: 7506823
    Abstract: In a washing nozzle for use on vehicles for applying a liquid cleaning or washing medium, means are provided for acting within the nozzle on a main jet generated in the nozzle with a collision jet in order thus to modify the nozzle jet which emerges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Simone Eisele, Uwe Lasebnick
  • Optical module for a motor vehicle headlight provided with an optical deviation element
    Patent number: 7503679
    Abstract: An optical module for a motor vehicle headlight comprising a reflector having an optical axis and at least one focus, a light source placed in the vicinity of the focus to be reflected, and a transparent optical deviation element placed in front of part of the reflector and comprising a lens referred to as a “square lens”, the reflector being placed at the rear of the lens, the optical deviation element being able to provide an essentially horizontal spread of the light. The exit face of the “square lens”is tangent to a plane disposed obliquely with respect to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Vincent Godbillon
  • Wheel and tire assembly and method of dynamically measuring topological parameters of the inside surface of the pertinent portion of the tire
    Patent number: 7502124
    Abstract: The wheel and tire assembly for running on ground includes measurement means carried by the wheel for measuring topological parameters of the inside surface of a pertinent portion of the tire. These measurement means comprise lighting and viewing means for lighting and viewing a calibrated surface pattern that is subjected to the deformation of the inside surface of the pertinent portion of the tire. The viewing means are preferably of the stereovision type or of the structured light type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Muhlhoff, Marc Chabry
  • Baseball area protection system and method
    Patent number: 7494433
    Abstract: This invention relates to an integrally weighted baseball cover and system, method and apparatus for quickly delivering the cover and placing it onto an area of a baseball field, such as one or more of the infield areas, such as home base area, first base area, second base area, third base area, pitcher's mound area and/or bullpen areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: AER-FLO Canvas Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Henning
  • Motorized personal transporter
    Patent number: D587173
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Larry A. Laymaster
  • Window trim extrusion
    Patent number: D588282
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Deceuninck North America, LLC
    Inventors: Michael T. Chaney, Philip G. Morton
  • Coupler body for connecting concrete reinforcing bars
    Patent number: D588445
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Barsplice Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Holdsworth