Patents Examined by Lesley D. Morris
  • Patent number: 8245423
    Abstract: A system for alerting medical emergency personnel to a medical history of a patient. The system has a primary identifier suitable for attachment near an entrance to a building. The primary identifier has an indicia noting that a tri-fold portfolio is present. A secondary identifier is provided suitable for placement in the building wherein the secondary identifier has the indicia and a location of the tri-fold portfolio. The tri-fold portfolio has an outer portion with a top front cover and a bottom front cover with a back hingedly attached there between. Cascading file folders are attached to an interior of the back wherein when the top front cover and the bottom front cover are folded the cascading file folders are covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Janet M. Goslee
  • Patent number: 8249789
    Abstract: Methods and valve arrangements for controlling the flow of pressurized air from a tractor to a trailer reservoir and to a trailer spring brake chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, pressurized air from a tractor is supplied from a tractor to the trailer reservoir and to the trailer spring brake in different filling modes based on a user input. In another exemplary embodiment, pressurized service air is used to charge or partially charge the trailer reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Bedix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Travis G. Ramler, Richard Conklin
  • Patent number: 8246068
    Abstract: The present invention provides a trailer to transport materials or equipment, the front tongue assembly of which converts to a highway traffic arrow board, or other preferred display, and which locks the trailer securely in place. The tongue extension frame extends through and pivots on the trailer frame and is moved to vertical by rack and pinion, or other suitable means such as hydraulic cylinder. Its upper end pivotably supports a Y-shaped tongue assembly with sign affixed opposite the towbar and hitch means. Power is applied to a gear box mounted on upper end of said tongue extension frame which turns the pivot bar 180 degrees to place the sign at the top for display and the towbar with hitch means at the bottom. Flip-down legs with extended side supports give added stability in the setup positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth L. MacDougall
  • Patent number: 8240072
    Abstract: A groove-mount fabric display system with two-part frame comprises an outer frame element, an insert frame element and one or two flexible display panels. The two-part frame is quickly assembled by inserting and deploying the insert frame element within the rigid outer frame element. The frame elements can be manufactured from flat stock materials which are relatively inexpensive to purchase and shape. The interface of the frame elements forms one or more grooves near the perimeter of the resulting two-part frame. The grooves accept mounting gaskets connected at the peripheries of each display panel. Embodiments may include one or more internally-positioned compression tubes to help maintain internal structural rigidity and the integrity of the grooves. What results is a more cost-effective, robust, three-dimensional display capable of supporting fabric display panels in tension over extended periods of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Moss, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Frey
  • Patent number: 8240422
    Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system includes a steering motor, a steering power transmitting mechanism for transmitting a rotation of the steering motor to a steering axle, a toe angle adjusting motor and a toe angle adjusting power transmitting mechanism for adjusting the toe angle upon rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor. A switching mechanism is provided which operates in such a manner that in the event of failure of the steering motor, the rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor in place of the steering motor is transmitted to the steering power transmitting mechanism to enable a wheel turning, but in the event of failure of the toe angle adjusting motor, the wheel turning is carried out only by the steering motor. A hollow motor is employed for one or both of the steering motor and the toe angle adjusting motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Yamasaki, Yoshinori Itakura, Nobuyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8244445
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle is provided for traction control. The method comprises controlling wheel slip to a first amount, the first amount independent of a driver requested output; and controlling the wheel slip to a second amount when a vehicle speed is less than a threshold for a first duration, the second amount based on the driver requested output. In this way, the driver is allowed to modify the wheel slip in a controlled way during specific traction control conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Luehrsen, Michael Glenn Fodor, Don Perlick, Daniel Dunn
  • Patent number: 8240691
    Abstract: A device that detachably mounts to the front side of a wheelchair frame, or similar vehicle, to manually lift or otherwise manipulate an occupied wheelchair up and/or down stairs. The manual wheelchair lift attachment comprises a wheelchair attachment portion and a handhold member for lifting that is connected by connecting arms. The wheelchair lift attachment apparatus may be adjustable to be configured with different sized wheelchairs. The invention also relates to a wheelchair having a permanent wheelchair frame that operably accepts a lifting mechanism apparatus. The invention also relates to a method of using the foregoing attachment and permanent configuration to transport an occupied wheelchair up and/or down stairs or otherwise maneuver the occupied wheelchair about other similar obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Safe and Secure Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley J. Rousseau
  • Patent number: 8240410
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus has a first frame and a second frame supported above the first frame and movable relative to the first frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the first frame. A wheel is movable relative to the first frame between a lowered position engaging the floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. A drive assembly is coupled to the wheel and is operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. A foot pedal is coupled to the first frame and is movable to raise and lower the wheel relative to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, John D. Vogel, Thomas M. Webster
  • Patent number: 8240418
    Abstract: A pivot-steered vehicle, in particular a pivot-steered construction vehicle or machine, is provided. The vehicle includes a front frame and a rear frame which are connected to each other via a pivot steering gear and a steering drive. The pivot steering gear has a first and a second vertical pivot axis which are arranged opposing each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle in a neutral position, the pivot steering gear being embodied in a first steering range for relative swiveling of the front frame and the rear frame about the first pivot axis and in a second steering range for relative swiveling of the front frame and the rear frame about the second pivot axis, the first and the second steering ranges being separated from each other via the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Bomag GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Ponstein
  • Patent number: 8234803
    Abstract: A reflective device for use in an electric fireplace and a fireplace incorporating the same. The reflective device includes a shaft having a first and a second end cap mounted at opposite ends. An intermediate member extends outwardly from the shaft between the first and second end caps. One or more reflecting strips extend longitudinally between the first and second end caps and are spaced a distance away from the shaft. The reflecting strips are separated from each other by longitudinal gaps and are mounted so that they angle downwardly relative to the shaft from the intermediate member toward the first and second end caps. The shaft is rotated about its longitudinal axis so that it reflects light from a light source toward one of a screen, simulated ember bed and artificial log display in the fireplace housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Heat Surge, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Gallo, David M. Baker
  • Patent number: 8239111
    Abstract: An driving assist control unit controls actuators such as a front wheel steering device, an accelerator pedal mechanism, an alarm lamp. The control units estimates permissible tire-force being capable of acting on the vehicle tire on the basis of road-surface friction coefficient and ground load of the tire, and then calculates tire-force margin by subtracting current tire-force currently acting on the tire, such as total driving force and lateral force, from the permissible tire-force. The control unit then controls steering reaction force of the front wheel steering device, reaction force of the accelerator pedal, and flashing frequency of the alarm lamp in accordance with the magnitude of the tire-force margin, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Matsuno
  • Patent number: 8235151
    Abstract: A return to neutral control mechanism for a zero turning radius mower is disclosed. The return to neutral control mechanism includes a pair of control levers pivotable between forward, neutral and reverse positions. A brake pedal is moveable between a disengaged position to an engaged position. In response to engagement of the brake pedal, a control pivot attached to each control lever moves each control lever to the neutral position. The return to neutral control mechanism may include a cam that rotates in response to engagement of the brake pedal, and a control pivot that follows the cam during engagement of the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dimitri Nunez, Franklin Patrick Lewis, Damon C. Green, Brad A. Hoffman, John W. Wall, Michael David, Curtis Ayers, Thomas G. Bartlett, William B. Lambeth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8235152
    Abstract: A tow apparatus for moving an aircraft comprising a frame, a drive member, a contact wheel configured to engage with a nosewheel tire of an aircraft, a transmission portion, a shaft engageable with a nosewheel tire of an aircraft, and a torque arm rotatably supported by the frame. The transmission portion can be configured such that the drive wheels transfer and increase a rotational force produced by the drive member to the contact wheel. The shaft can be movable between a first position and a second position relative to the contact wheel so as to bring the contact wheel into contact with the nosewheel of the aircraft. The torque arm can substantially prevent the rotation of the tow apparatus relative to the nosewheel assembly of the aircraft when the torque arm is engaged with the nosewheel assembly of the aircraft. The drive member can have a portable power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Redline Aviation, LLC
    Inventor: Linn Kastan
  • Patent number: 8235397
    Abstract: An exercise bicycle with an eccentric wheel includes a cushioning body and an elastic driving device. The cushioning body includes a front frame, a rear frame, a pivot, and a suspension. The front frame has a handlebar, a front wheel and a saddle. The rear frame has a fixed portion and an eccentric rear wheel. The pivot is disposed between the front frame and the rear frame. The suspension is connected to the front frame and the rear frame. The elastic driving device is mounted in the fixed portion of the rear frame and has two casing pipes, two springs, two upper pedals, two pedal assemblies, and a connecting board. The exercise bicycle allows a user pumping the elastic driving device up and down as horse-riding to achieve an exercising purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: David Lee
  • Patent number: 8234806
    Abstract: A ticket holding system mounted over a cooking station in view of a user of the cooking station and for holding one or more order tickets for meals being prepared and viewable by the user. The ticket holding system includes an elongated ticket holder; an elongated ticket retainer that is secured to a face surface of the elongated ticket holder and capable of releasably retaining one or more order tickets; and a pair of brackets that support the ticket holder at a position disposed over the cooking station. The pair of brackets are mounted from respective support surfaces that are spaced apart so that the brackets are spaced from each other and mount the ticket holder therebetween. The pair of brackets and ticket holder are cooperatively constructed and arranged so that the ticket holder can be both pivotal relative to the brackets and adjusted in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Raheb Stanley LLC
    Inventor: Gregory A. Raheb
  • Patent number: 8235164
    Abstract: A snowmobile includes steering handlebars; a steering column attached to the steering handlebars and extending directly downward or obliquely downward; a power steering device having a motor and attached to the steering column; a power transmission mechanism arranged to transmit at least the driving force of the motor; and a ski coupled to the power transmission mechanism to be turned by the power transmission mechanism. The power steering device includes a sensor arranged to detect the rotation of the steering column. The motor has a motor shaft tilted from both the fore and aft direction and the left and right direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okada, Koutaro Ogura
  • Patent number: 8235153
    Abstract: The motorized wheelbarrow has longitudinally extending frame members, which extend into handle portions. Resting height adjustment of the wheelbarrow is achieved with a pair of tubular legs cooperatively attached to a wheelbarrow support strut and a support strut brace. A wheel is secured proximate the front end of the wheelbarrow to mounting points on a wheel frame. An electric motor is attached to a front portion of the support frame members underneath a load rack or load bucket, depending on the barrow type. A battery is attached under the support frame proximate the motor. A drive mechanism consisting of a chain and sprocket is operably linked to a wheel sprocket and to the electric motor. A disk brake assembly having a disk rotor and caliper is disposed on the wheel and frame for engagement with the wheel and is operably engaged to a control mechanism for safe wheelbarrow stopping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth I. Robinson, Stephanie Dashiell Robinson
  • Patent number: 8234805
    Abstract: A sign fixture includes a support beam, a sign holder and at least one H-bracket. The support beam having a first end and a second end and supported by a product display structure. The sign holder supports a sign indicative of information related to a product displayed for sale. The at least one H-bracket includes a magnet to magnetically couple a first portion of the support beam to a first portion of the sign holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Dukes, Jeremy A. Clark, David H. Cheney, James W. Kostka
  • Patent number: 8230964
    Abstract: A steering device for a motor vehicle is provided. The steering device has a steering wheel, having a steering shaft and having a superposition gearing which is arranged in or on the steering wheel and which is designed to transmit a motor-driven adjusting movement to the steering shaft. In one form, at least one interface is provided which, in the presence of a defined condition, separates or limits a transmission of force between the steering shaft and the superposition gearing. The interface is for example an overload clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventor: Dieter Markfort
  • Patent number: 8230628
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for securing signs at select positions along the length of a concrete barrier is provided by forming a longitudinally extending groove within one side of the barrier and slideably positioning a bolt within the channel so that the bolt is captured within the channel for longitudinal movement relative thereto and extends through the groove and to the exterior of the barrier. The bolt extends through a sign support on the exterior of the barrier. A nut engaged with the bolt draws the sign support into secure engagement with the exterior surface of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Meadow Burke, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Recker, Raymond R. Sullivan, Bernard J. Roman