Patents Represented by Attorney Van Dyke, Gardner, Linn & Burkhart, LLP
  • Patent number: 7507141
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a coupling for use in securing a strap to a garment, for example on a bra or bikini, the coupling comprising a slideway adapted to be secured to the body of the garment, and a slider connectable to the strap, the slider being shaped and dimensioned for sliding engagement with the slideway, the slider also preferably being operable to be releasably secured at any position along the slideway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Embrace Limited
    Inventors: Bernie Ward, Marese Hickey
  • Patent number: 7507438
    Abstract: A system for coating a substrate surface with a diffuser coating includes an ultrasonic vibrating device, a supply device and a low pressure air source. The supply device supplies a liquid coating material or precursor solution to the ultrasonic vibrating device. The ultrasonic vibrating device is operable to vibrate to atomize the coating material and to discharge airborne particles at a discharge end of the ultrasonic vibrating device. The low pressure air source generates low pressure air flow generally proximate to the discharge end to guide at least some of the airborne particles onto the substrate surface. The ultrasonic vibrating device may be at a coating chamber and the substrate may be positionable within the coating chamber. A conveyor may be operable to convey substrates through the coating chamber, whereby the coating particles are guided onto the substrate surface as the substrate moves through the coating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Mondher Cherif, Brian M. Tallon, Eugene L. Halsey, IV
  • Patent number: 7505835
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying a three-dimensional image of airspace includes a series of translucent, horizontal “pavers” that lie like stepping stones marking the selected flight path. In addition, the display includes a series of vertical rectangles—called “wickets”—which bracket the selected flight path. One or more of the wickets may include a graphical representation of the direction of the aircraft should be flying through the wicket. The system accommodates changes in course by generating a new flight path when instructed to do so. The new flight path is created in a way that assures continuous guidance for the pilot and sufficient time for the pilot to adjust to the new course. The display can include a compass rose which indicates the aircraft's present heading and direction of flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford S. Brust, Gary Evans
  • Patent number: 7504602
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspended control device (20) which is suspended by means of a control line (1, 24) connected to a unit to be controlled (21). Said suspended control device is especially a control switch or a suspended push-button switch for controlling hoisting equipment, the control line (1, 24) comprising electrical lines (2) for transmitting control signals, and a traction relief element (22) which is supported at the top, on the unit (21), and used to absorb weight and tractive forces. The aim of the invention is to provide a suspended control device (20) whereby the length of the control line (1, 24) can be easily changed. To this end, a storage element for receiving and releasing a defined length of the electrical lines (2) is provided behind the region wherein the traction relief element (22) is supported, seen in the direction of the unit (21) from the suspended control device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Röhr, Udo Gersemsky, Wolfgang Krebs, Anton Münzebrock, Rüdiger Ostholt, Giuliano Persico, Erik Appel, Oliver Ullrich, Burkhard Hasenack, Holger Freitag, Jürgen Heun
  • Patent number: 7503263
    Abstract: A device for suspending a rail, such as a travel rail of an overhead conveyor or a hoisting machine, from a traversing gear or supporting structure includes a tension element secured by one end to the rail. A bolt passes through the tension element and is received by a fixing device that is secured to the rail. The tension element is at least partly recessed in the fixing device in the direction of suspension. In order to provide a secure device that has a long service life and a low structural height, the tension element is fastened to the bolt by a ball-shaped joint, such as a pivoting bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Birkigt, Michael Buike, Klaus Enners, Stefan Fitzler, Udo Gersemsky, Ingo Grassmann, Sven Müller, Klaus Nerger, Stefan Steinberg, Rüdiger Ostholt
  • Patent number: 7497303
    Abstract: A method for setting the parameters of electronic motor controls of hoisting equipment with a control mechanism (10) for the hoisting equipment with at least one hoisting switch (5), one lowering switch (6) and one emergency shutoff switch (4) and with a display (8) in which the following steps are preformed:(i) starting of the parameter setup mode,(ii) automatic, sequential run-through and display of all parameters,(iii) binary selection of a displayed parameter, if so desired,(iv) changing of the setting of the selected parameter, if so desired,(v) saving of the changes,(vi) termination of the parameter setup mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Giorgio Maccioni, Holger Freitag
  • Patent number: 7494231
    Abstract: A vehicular signal mirror includes a reflective mirror element comprising a mirror reflector on a light-transmitting substrate. The visible light reflectance is at least about 40% for visible light incident upon the front side of the reflective mirror element. A turn signal light display and/or a blind-spot indicator light display is disposed to the rear of the reflective mirror element and configured so that the light emitted by the light display passes through the reflective mirror element to be viewed by a viewer viewing from the front of the reflective mirror element. The light display exhibits, when electrically powered and when operated in the vehicle during day time driving conditions, a display luminance of at least about 30 foot lamberts as measured with the light display placed behind, and emitting light through, the reflective mirror element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Hamid Habibi, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Mingtang Zhao, Craig A. Dornan
  • Patent number: 7491011
    Abstract: A wheeled screeding apparatus includes a vibrating member adjustably mounted at an end of a frame portion of a wheeled support, with the vibrating member at least partially supporting the end of the frame portion. The vibrating member is generally vertically adjustable relative to the frame portion to adjust a level of the vibrating member relative to the wheeled support. A level control is operable to automatically adjust the vibrating member relative to the frame portion in response to an output of a level sensor, with the level control automatically adjusting the vibrating member relative to the frame portion to substantially maintain the frame portion at a desired orientation relative to horizontal as the screeding device is moved over and through the uncured concrete in a screeding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Somero Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Quenzi, Russ E. Stein, Mark A. Pietila, Carl B. Kieranen, Philip D Halonen, Howard E. Hohmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7492281
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly that is mountable at an exterior side of a vehicle and has an inboard portion that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the mirror assembly is mounted at the exterior side of the vehicle. A blind spot indicator is disposed at the inboard portion of the mirror casing of the mirror assembly. The blind spot indicator comprises at least one illumination source for indicating to the driver a detected presence of an object alongside of and/or rearward of the vehicle. The indicator may comprise a unitary indicator module that is mountable at the inboard portion of the mirror assembly. The indicator module includes an illumination source and circuitry and is connectable to an electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, James A. Ruse, Craig Kendall
  • Patent number: 7490944
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly, a casing having a reflective element, a compass sensor and a control. The compass sensor is disposed within the mirror casing and has a first magnetoresponsive sensing element and a second magnetoresponsive sensing element. The control receives a first signal indicative of a magnetic field sensed by the first magnetoresponsive sensing element and a second signal indicative of a magnetic field sensed by the second magnetoresponsive sensing element. The control determines that the casing is adjusted by an occupant of the vehicle in response to a change in the first and second signals being indicative of an abrupt movement of the casing about the mounting structure by an occupant of the vehicle. The control is operable to enter a rapid compensating mode to compensate for the mirror adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney K. Blank, Kenneth Schierbeek, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 7488080
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes a variable reflectance reflective element, which includes an electrochromic medium, a first information display positioned to the rear of the variable reflectance reflective element, and a second information display. The mirror assembly further includes a single control for adjusting the luminous intensity of the first information display and the second information display and at least one light sensor, with the output of the control being generated responsive to a light level sensed by the at least one light sensor. In addition, the luminous intensity of the first information display and of the second information display increases responsive to the output of the control to compensate for any decrease in transmission of the electrochromic medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy G Skiver, Joseph P McCaw, John T Uken, Jonathan E DeLine, Niall R Lynam
  • Patent number: 7490007
    Abstract: A video mirror system for a vehicle comprises an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element that has a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle and that has a rear portion that is generally opposite the front portion. The reflective element comprises a transflective mirror reflector that preferably is at least about 15 percent transmitting to visible light incident at the rear portion of the reflective element, and that preferably is at least about 60 percent reflective to visible light incident at the front portion. A video display screen is disposed to the rear of the reflective element and emits light when actuated that passes through the reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Taylor, Kevin C. McCarthy, Niall R. Lynam, Kenneth Schofield
  • Patent number: 7484909
    Abstract: A lightweight manhole cover assembly includes a cover and a base, with the cover including an inner surface having a plurality of ribs extending therefrom. The base includes an inner surface having a plurality of receptacles extending therefrom. The receptacles of the base have a layout that corresponds to the ribs of the cover, such that the ribs are adapted to be inserted into the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: GMI Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Brady, Aidan R. Brady
  • Patent number: 7480149
    Abstract: An accessory module is mountable to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield and includes a mounting element securable to an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle, and an accessory support having a base portion attachable to the mounting element. The accessory support includes an accessory holding element configured to hold an accessory, at least one circuitry holding element configured to hold a printed circuit board at the accessory support, and an electrical connector for electrically connecting the printed circuit board and the accessory to an electrical source of the vehicle. The base portion, the accessory holding element and the circuitry holding element are integrally molded together so that the accessory support comprises a unitarily molded accessory support. The accessory module includes a cover portion attachable to the accessory support to substantially encompass the accessory and the printed circuit board within the accessory module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua L. DeWard, Steven L. Brown, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 7473016
    Abstract: A lighted post includes a stanchion and a light assembly. The light assembly includes a body, with a light emitting surface, and a light source that is coupled to the body. The light assembly is adapted for coupling to a power source for powering the light source. When powered light from the light source is directed into the body and is directed from the body through the light emitting surface. The light assembly is mounted to the stanchion, with the body being located in a light transmitting opening provided in the stanchion, such that the light emitting surface faces outwardly from the stanchion to thereby direct light outwardly from the stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Leader Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Flaherty, Matthew A. Gray, Michael P. Coffey
  • Patent number: 7472971
    Abstract: A media center for housing audio-video equipment and displaying a video display includes a cabinet for housing electronic components, a display panel or column, and an adjustable attachment. The display panel defines a cavity for routing wires of the electronic components. The cabinet is movably attached to the display panel via the adjustable attachment, and is movable relative to the display panel between a use position, where the rear portion of the cabinet is substantially abutted against the display panel, and a service position, where the rear portion of the cabinet is at least partially spaced from the display panel for accessing the wires of the electronic components. The display panel may be supported on a channel member that defines a routing cavity therealong for routing wires of the electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Nucraft Furniture Company
    Inventors: Valerie L Schmieder, Robert J Bockheim, Christopher A Pike, Phillip A Jones, Michael Fedrigo, Robert J Surman, Daniel J Bockheim
  • Patent number: 7472439
    Abstract: The patient support with a head end and a foot end comprises a lying surface supported by a frame system. It also comprises a pair of head end siderails, a pair of foot end siderails, a headboard, a footboard, a power system and a communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Stryker Canadian Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Lemire, Jean-Paul Dionne, Nadine Trepanier, Luc Landry, Nicolas Cantin, Marco Morin
  • Patent number: 7474963
    Abstract: A navigational mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror having a reflective element. A display, optionally a video display, is disposed to the rear of the reflective element and emits light when actuated that passes through the reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle viewing a front portion of the reflective mirror element. A user input comprising a destination address is provided from a driver of the vehicle when the vehicle is at an initial geographic location. The display displays driving instructions that provide instructions to the destination address. The driving instructions are viewable by a person viewing the front portion of the reflective element. A particular instruction of the driving instructions is preferably displayed when it is appropriate to display the particular instruction to the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Taylor, Kevin C. McCarthy, Niall R. Lynam, Kenneth Schofield
  • Patent number: 7471438
    Abstract: A reflective element assembly includes a transparent substrate having forward and rearward surfaces. A transflective reflector is disposed at a surface of the substrate and the transflective reflector includes at least one thin film layer. A display element is disposed behind the substrate and is operable to emit display information that passes through the transflective reflector and the substrate for viewing by a person viewing the forward surface. Light incident on the forward surface of the substrate and passing through the substrate to be incident on the transflective reflector may exhibit a substantially non-spectrally selective reflectant characteristic as viewed by a person viewing the forward surface of the substrate. The transflective reflector may include a plurality of thin film layers, wherein the refractive indices and physical thicknesses of the individual layers may be selected to limit a tinting effect and/or a color interference effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Desaraju Varaprasad, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: D586689
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: A & K Landscape Retail Limited
    Inventor: Kyle Gallagher