Patents Examined by J. W.
  • Patent number: 7699046
    Abstract: A handbill is rolled to form a coil that is retained within a collapsible cup as it is ejected from an elongated tube and delivered to its destination. The collapsible cup has a cylindrical wall and a bottom member at one end that does not contribute to the structural strength of the cup. A variety of bottom members are provided with each having an exposed adhesive within the cup that is encountered when the handbill is inserted within the cup. The elongated tube is connected to a controllable source of pressurized fluid that is used to eject the handbill assembly from the tube. The handbill assembly and delivery system avoids the problems of prior assemblies and systems that projected cone-shaped paper flyers through the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Armando W. Benavides
  • Patent number: 7536820
    Abstract: Disclosed are vehicle-mounted, collapsible systems for securing, supporting or resting a firearm. A representative embodiment includes a firearm rest, a vertical member and a horizontal member. The horizontal member is connectable to a vehicle hitch. The vertical member firearm rest are collapsible into a substantially parallel configuration relative to the horizontal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventors: Tony Wade, Mark Colding
  • Patent number: 7536956
    Abstract: An elongate explosive charge element (25), said explosive charge element (25) including a flexible frangible cutting sheet (26) and an explosive agent (27) said charge element (25) adapted to the penetration of a barrier structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Rapid Entry Pty Limited
    Inventors: James Sammons, Chris Murray, Scott Allman
  • Patent number: 7536821
    Abstract: A catcher, in combination with a firearm having an ejection port, for receiving and retaining expended magnetically attracted shell casings through the ejection port as the firearm is discharged. The catcher includes a hollow housing having a plurality of rigid walls, and retainers. One of the walls has an opening in communication with the ejection port when the catcher is mounted to the firearm for receiving the shell casings. A seal is attached to the housing at the opening and surrounding the opening and provides controlled release of pressurized ejection port gas from inside the housing as the firearm is discharged such that noise and flash as a result of escape of the pressurized ejection port gas is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Thomas W. Saur
  • Patent number: 7510141
    Abstract: An autonomous control method autonomously controls a small unmanned helicopter toward target values, such as a set position and velocity, by deriving model formulas well suited for the autonomous control of small unmanned helicopters, by designing an autonomous control algorithm based on the model formulas, and by calculating the autonomous control algorithm. The autonomous control system includes sensors that detect current position, attitude angle, altitude relative to the ground, and absolute azimuth of a nose of the small unmanned helicopter; a primary computational unit that calculates optimal control reference values for driving the helicopter from a target position or velocity values; a secondary computational unit that converts data collected by the sensors and the computational results as numeric values that are output by the primary computational unit into pulse signals; a ground station host computer used as the computational unit for the autonomous control system; and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignees: Hirobo Limited
    Inventors: Kenzo Nonami, Jin Ok Shin, Daigo Fujiwara, Kensaku Hazawa, Keitaro Matsusaka
  • Patent number: 7500433
    Abstract: A cartridge has a shell casing with a primer end and a projectile end. A projectile mounted in the projectile end is made of four segments held together by first and second retainer rings. In one form each segment contains shot. One form of the projectile has an air brake which is deployed as the projectile leaves the muzzle. The air brake is partially deployed or fully deployed, depending of the shredding of third and fourth retainer rings which hold the air brake. When the shredder is inserted in a barrel in a first position, the last horizontal retainer ring is shredded and the air brake is partially deployed. When the shredder blades are further positioned in the barrel, both retainer rings which hold the air brake are shredded and the air brake is fully deployed. Additional positions of the shredder ring first shred the second ring, releasing the segments, and then shred the first retainer ring, releasing the shot and other contents from the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cerberus Institute for Research and Development (Inc.)
    Inventor: David Joel Forrester
  • Patent number: 7487613
    Abstract: A cartridge loader for inserting cartridges into a gun magazine. The cartridge loader fits onto a person's thumb and more particularly fits onto the distal phalange of a person's thumb. In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge loader includes a thumb protecting member and a cartridge-pushing member. The thumb-protecting member defines interior and exterior surfaces and an interior open cavity of sufficient volume and shape to accommodate a distal phalange of a person's thumb. The cartridge-pushing member defines opposite first and second ends. The first end of the cartridge-pushing member is attached to the exterior surface of the thumb-protecting member. The second end of the cartridge-pushing member defines, at least in part, a concave surface to suit the exterior shape of a cartridge casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7481209
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a toy projectile launcher for discharging a toy projectile attached thereto that may include a housing, a hollow outer cylinder, and a compression member that may be disposed on the housing, and slidably received within the hollow outer cylinder. The compression member may include a fluid passage therethrough in fluid communication with the interior of the outer cylinder. The interior of the outer cylinder may be moveable between an uncocked position and a cocked position such that movement of the outer cylinder from the cocked position toward the uncocked position compresses air in the interior of the outer cylinder, with the compressed air being delivered to through the fluid passage to a toy projectile attached to the toy projectile launcher. The toy projectile launcher may also include a spring that may bias the outer cylinder from the cocked position toward the uncocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda M. Bligh, Raymond A. Mead, Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7403646
    Abstract: In the event of displaying only increase (or disappearance) of shadows in a difference image generated based on a display mode selected by a user, a difference image is subjected to gradient conversion so that only the luminance of the region(s) where a shadow has increased (or disappeared) differs from the luminance of other regions, and the difference image thus subjected to gradient conversion is displayed, thereby displaying the states of shadow change independently. Also, negative/positive information in a past image and a current image is extracted, and further, correlation of the diagnostic judgment reference of shadows on the difference image is input. Definition of the shadow stipulates whether the parts of the affected portion improving or deteriorating are to correspond to high concentration (high luminance level) or low concentration (low luminance level) on the difference image. This facilitates observation of changes in shadows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Sato
  • Patent number: 7380361
    Abstract: A system and method for providing increased capacity to a firearm having an actuator operably connected to a trigger assembly is disclosed. A magazine for holding a cartridge for use with the firearm includes a plurality of tubes, each tube being defined within the magazine and including an open end. The plurality of tubes being axisymmetric about a longitudinal axis of the magazine. A retainer, mounted about the open end of the tubes and being adaptive to impede release of the cartridge from the open end of the tube, being operably meshed with the actuator wherein the retainer and the actuator cooperate to permit removal of the cartridge from one of the plurality of tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Snake River Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hajjar, Warren Stockton
  • Patent number: 7354018
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin module for passengers that includes two transverse walls extending from a longitudinal cabin wall up to a longitudinal aisle, at least one of the transverse walls including a transparent portion. A longitudinal wall separates the cabin module from the aisle. At least one service module is arranged between the two transverse walls, more or less symmetrically in relation to a transverse median plane, defining with the walls of the module two contiguous personal spaces. An access is provided from the aisle to each personal space, and at least one seat is provided in each personal space, each seat having at least one configuration in which it is positioned parallel to the cabin wall. Each personal space includes elements capable of forming a bedding surface for at least one passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventor: Bruno Saint-Jalmes
  • Patent number: 7350748
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for disabling on-board pilot operation of an aircraft and transferring aircraft operation to an alternate source of control. The aircraft has an aircraft control system for controlling at least one controlled component, such as an aircraft attitude control surface or an aircraft engine throttle. The apparatus is of modular construction, and includes two control modules. A first control module has an interruptible link that passes the first control signals from the control device to the aircraft control system. This first control module has a first connecting device for (i) interrupting the link and (ii) directing said first control signals to a second control module. The second control module is adapted to be connected to (e.g. plugged into) the first control module, and has a second connecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Matos
  • Patent number: 7350750
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for aircraft airbrakes, which comprises control means of a continuous operating mode or of an incremental operating mode in nominal operation of the airbrakes and control means of an incremental operating mode in the event of breakdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Beaujard, Marc Audibert
  • Patent number: 7350329
    Abstract: A rifle scope system allows adjustment of the scope while a shooter maintains the shooting posture and the scope sight picture. The scope system comprises an adjustment system comprising an electromechanical mechanism that responds to a signal from a remote controller manipulated by the shooter without having to significantly disturb the shooting posture. The adjustment system allows the shooter to adjust the scope's point of aim to coincide with a bullet's point of impact at a target. Such adjustment can be performed either by the shooter. Alternatively, such adjustment could be performed by a processor configured to adjust the point of aim based on a ballistic parameter associated with the bullet or the shooting environment. The adjustment system allows such processor-determined adjustments to be effected in a quick manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: John Curtis Bell, Kendall Seidel
  • Patent number: 7337570
    Abstract: A camblock assembly with a camblock and a guide rod is employed in a firearm having a frame constructed of synthetic polymer material. The camblock has a front flange with flange surfaces that engage corresponding bearing surfaces of the frame to distribute forces and energy to the frame during recoil of the firearm. A shelf member is positioned at a front end of the camblock and a coiled flat wire buffer spring is positioned about the guide rod to resist movement of a reciprocating slide. A detent mechanism positioned within the camblock contacts a surface of a slide stop pin to hold the slide stop latch in place. The interior of the slide stop latch contains an elongated wire having an end that engages the frame such that the slide stop latch is biased in a down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James McGarry
  • Patent number: 7338012
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear door comprises a rigid one-piece panel (14), hinged onto the aircraft structure by arms (18). The panel (14) is installed such that it pivots on the arms (18) in order to prevent any risk of contact between the panel (14) and the wheels (40) as the door opens and closes when the landing gear is extended, and a jack (34) automatically varies the angle ? formed between these two parts, according to a predetermined kinematic law. A control system (28) automatically controls the jack (34) as a function of the jack (26) being actuated to control opening and closing of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Francois Rouyre
  • Patent number: 7337571
    Abstract: A camblock assembly with a camblock and a guide rod is employed in a firearm having a frame constructed of synthetic polymer material. The camblock has a front flange with flange surfaces that engage corresponding bearing surfaces of the frame to distribute forces and energy to the frame during recoil of the firearm. A shelf member is positioned at a front end of the camblock and a coiled flat wire buffer spring is positioned about the guide rod to resist movement of a reciprocating slide. A detent mechanism positioned within the camblock contacts a surface of a slide stop pin to hold the slide stop latch in place. The interior of the slide stop latch contains an elongated wire having an end that engages the frame such that the slide stop latch is biased in a down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James McGarry
  • Patent number: 7334760
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow control device and more particularly to reactive self-contained modular flow control device with deployable flow effectors. The present invention further relates to a method of operating the flow control device. One embodiment of the present invention includes a method of controlling air flow across a surface of an aircraft under certain flight conditions comprising the steps of sensing fluid separation from the surface by measuring the pressure on the surface; determining a standard deviation of the pressure measurements over a period of time; and deploying a flow effector in response to the standard deviation of the pressure measurements exceeding a predetermined threshold number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Lisy, Mohammed Modarreszadah, Mehul P. Patel, Jack M. DiCocco, Reed Carver, Robert N. Schmidt, Troy Prince
  • Patent number: 6322485
    Abstract: A portable abdominal exercising mat including a mat portion defined by an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel and the lower panel each have an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposed side edges. The lower edge of the upper panel and the upper edge of the lower panel are foldably coupled whereby the mat portion in an extended orientation has the opposed side edges of the upper and lower panels linearly aligned. The outer surface of the upper panel has a gaming board printed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Marrero
  • Patent number: 5228011
    Abstract: A method of and a system for remotely controlling an adjustable, electrodeless arc discharge acoustic pulse transducer for borehole and underwater operations using high-energy arc discharges to generate high power seismic and acoustic pulses capable of being easily and remotely adjusted in time duration and magnitude such that they can be customized to create waveforms of preferred shapes. The transducer has an insulating ceramic barrier which contains a biconical aperture separating two bodies of electrolyte through which the two zones of liquid make contact and electrically adjustable circuits for switching supplemental amounts of stored electrical energy into the arc discharge circuit at successively delayed time intervals to lengthen the arc discharge current pulse to create the desired waveform shape for detecting variations in the geological features of the formations being probed or for use in ocean acoustic or sonar applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Thomas E. Owen