Patents Issued in January 2, 2007
  • Patent number: 7156199
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a seat supporting member provided extending in a rearward direction from a body. The seat supporting member includes an upper seat supporting member with a seat in place and a lower seat supporting member connected to and separated in a downward direction from the upper seat supporting member. The lower seat supporting member is configured as a plate-like member in a shape to cover a region above at least an exhaust pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Takano
  • Patent number: 7156200
    Abstract: A frame for a tracked skid steer loader machine or multi-terrain loader machine is provided having a structural design that enables the loader machine to be modularly assembled using a variety of pre-assembled components, namely a lower frame assembly, an upper frame assembly and an undercarriage. The lower frame assembly includes a pair of recessed channels formed on a base portion of the lower frame assembly and extending the width of the lower frame assembly. The undercarriage includes right and left track assemblies connected by a pair of crossmembers. Each recessed channel is engagingly associated with a respective crossmember of the undercarriage, thereby allowing for the modular assembly of a loader machine when the recessed channels of the lower frame assembly are mounted over the crossmembers of the undercarriage. An upper frame assembly may be mounted on the lower frame assembly before or after the lower frame assembly is mounted onto the undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Brian R. Dershem, Reid W. Waitt
  • Patent number: 7156201
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an ultrasonic resonant rod waveguide-radiator with at least three cylindrical sections, one of which is an entrance section having a planar entrance surface and another of which is an exit section having a planar exit surface, and at least two sections having a variable cross-section. The cylindrical sections and sections of variable cross-section are arranged in alternating fashion and connected to each other acoustically rigidly. The dimensions of the cylindrical sections and the sections of variable cross-section are selected so that the gain of the waveguide-radiator is significantly greater than unity and the strain created by passage of ultrasonic waves through the waveguide-radiator is minimized, increasing the operational life of the waveguide-radiator and maximizing the amount of useful energy transmitted by the waveguide-radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Ultrasonic Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergey L. Peshkovskiy, Michael L. Friedman, Wilton A. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7156202
    Abstract: A muffler for coupling to an exhaust port of an internal combustion engine. The muffler includes a housing having an exhaust inlet configured to receive exhaust gas from the engine, at least one internal expansion chamber and an outlet opening. The muffler further includes a diffuser cover attached to the housing over the exhaust opening of the housing forming an exhaust outlet of the muffler. The diffuser cover forms a trap chamber, a restricted throat and an ejector portion. The ejector portion is configured to draw in ambient air through an air inlet to cool the exhaust gas as it passes through the exhaust outlet. The restricted throat is positioned downstream from said trap chamber and has a smaller cross-sectional area than said trap chamber so as to increases the velocity of the exhaust gas as the exhaust gas passes through the restricted throat and into the ejector portion so as to aid in drawing in ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventor: Abdul S. Assad
  • Patent number: 7156203
    Abstract: Device for evacuating persons, for example from a multi-storey building on fire, from an evacuating location to a secure location, comprising: a balloon provided to be filled with a gas lighter than air for moving the balloon between the secure location and the evacuating location; guide means connected to the balloon for guiding the balloon between the secure location and the evacuating location; and transport means connected to the balloon for transporting persons from the evacuating location to the secure location; wherein the device further comprises a cable provided to be connected between the secure location and the evacuating location and that the balloon is provided to be movably mounted on the cable between the secure location and the evacuating location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Lodewijk Vanluffelen
  • Patent number: 7156204
    Abstract: A portable workstation has an integrated container, hand truck, and easily removable ladder. Wheels or casters are provided to make the device easily portable. An integrated removable ladder is used to push and guide or steer the device. The combination yields a portable workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Gary R. Gross
  • Patent number: 7156205
    Abstract: A novel safety device for step ladders. This safety device is fabricated and positioned so as to deter, dissuade and deny the ladder user access to the unsupported top step of a step ladder while allowing the user to an aloft tool organizer for pre-loading job materials thereby eliminating the need to repeatedly climb up and down the ladder carrying materials. More people are killed doing construction work every year than in any other occupation and falls are the biggest killer of employees in the construction industry, many of these falls involve the improper use of ladders. Falls are the leading cause of death in and around the home, according to the National Safety Council, there are thousands of people die from falls around the home each year and many suffer disabling injuries many of these also involve ladders. At work or at home, these accidents invariably occur because the victims violate the basic rules of ladder safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Custom Products Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Al Lynn Wilson, Herbert Arthur Moore, Norman E Morey
  • Patent number: 7156206
    Abstract: A climbing tree stand for engaging a support is disclosed. The climbing tree stand comprises a platform member adapted to receive the placement of at least one human foot in a first position, at least one supplemental bracing member provided on the platform member and adapted to receive the placement of said at least one human foot in a second position, and at least one foot receiving member provided on the platform member and adapted to engage said at least one human foot in said first and second positions. The climbing tree stand may further comprise two pivot arms pivotally connected to the platform member for engaging the support and a flexible connector connected to the platform member for engaging the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: L. Wayne Prejean
  • Patent number: 7156207
    Abstract: A method and system for serving food. A plurality of sets of compatible food items are selected and a unique identifier is assigned to each set. The food items are placed in individual display containers. Each display container is marked with the one or more unique identifier(s) of sets which include the food item in the display container. A meal is prepared by selecting one of the unique identifiers and collecting a portion of each food item which is marked with the selected unique identifier. The collected portions are placed into a collection container, then cooked together and placed into a serving container and served as a meal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Genghis Grill Franchise Concepts, L.P.
    Inventor: Tristan M. Simon
  • Patent number: 7156208
    Abstract: A stair lift includes a lift assembly arranged to be driven along a rail. The lift assembly includes a chassis supporting a load bearing member such as a seat. The chassis is formed by a main member on which are mounted a drive assembly and a levelling assembly for maintaining the seat horizontal by altering the orientation of the chassis with respect to the rail as the lift assembly moves along the rail. One or both of the drive and levelling assemblies may be pivotally mounted on the chassis to permit rotation about a vertical axis so as to accommodate bends in the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Bison Bede Limited
    Inventor: John Peter Rickaby
  • Patent number: 7156209
    Abstract: An elevator installation includes an elevator car located in a hoistway and having a floor, and a rear wall extending upward from the floor. A counterweight is located in the hoistway adjacent to the rear wall of the elevator car. An underslung sheave assembly is located generally below the floor and preferably forms a V-shaped configuration that operatively engages the elevator car. A drive machine is mounted in the upper portion of the hoistway, and a drive sheave operatively engages the drive machine and is located above the counterweight, with the drive sheave having a front edge. A deflector sheave is also mounted in the upper part of the hoistway generally below the drive sheave and has a rear edge that vertically overlaps with the front edge of the drive sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Robert J. Koeppe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7156210
    Abstract: A control system for a motorized freight elevator landing door in which all of the doors in a single line of a hoistway are controlled with one set of proximity sensors carried on the elevator car. The sensors signal a controller that operates electric motors for opening and closing the landing door where the car has stopped. The door operating motors are two speed units and the sensors and controller are arranged to operate the motors at high speed during most of the travel in opening or closing movement and at reduced speed at the end of movement. The controller applies power to the motor for a short period after the door is fully closed or open to stall the motors and thereby dampen any rebound motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Peelle Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven P. Reynolds, Richard W. Lajeunesse, Zygmunt Dziwak, David E. Kairis
  • Patent number: 7156211
    Abstract: The invention features a system for displaying video information to passengers of an elevator in accordance with a play list defining a sequence of messages. The video information messages can include combinations of digital advertising, “real-time” general information, as well as, building-related information. The system includes an elevator display unit having a display monitor for displaying video information to the passengers, and a local server which, receives scheduling information associated with the video information over a data communication path and, in accordance with the scheduling information, generates a play list used to display at the elevator display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. DiFranza, Todd A. Newville
  • Patent number: 7156212
    Abstract: A piston (30) for a cylinder and piston unit (24) of a disc brake (10), with a novel capability of damping the vibrations induced by a braking action, comprising a body (32) and a head (34) designed to come into contact with a pad (20) to act on a braking strip (13) of a disc (12), a damping element provided between the head (34) and the body (32) of the piston (30), in which the head (34) and the body (32) comprise, respectively, a stem (62) and a recess (41) for the stem (62), forming a gap (64) for the damping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Alessandro Ciotti, Johannes Agostini, Matthias Leber
  • Patent number: 7156213
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a hydraulic stop. The hydraulic stop includes two housings connected together by a spring. At the end of the stroke of the shock absorber, the piston causes the two housings to approach each other thereby causing fluid disposed between the housings to flow through a bleed passage. The size or total area of the bleed passage will determine the amount of hydraulic damping provided by the hydraulic stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Vanspauwen
  • Patent number: 7156214
    Abstract: Vibration damper includes a cylinder filled with a damping medium in which a piston rod with a piston is guided in an axially movable manner, wherein the piston divides the cylinder into a work space on the piston rod side and a work space remote of the piston rod. A bypass connects at least one of the two work spaces with a first work chamber in a housing in which an axially movable separating piston separates the first work chamber from a second work chamber, the bypass being controlled by a switchable valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Sacha AG
    Inventors: Robert Pradel, Helmut Baalmann
  • Patent number: 7156215
    Abstract: A quick change shock absorber for providing for the quick and easy removal of a shock absorber from a fixture of an industrial machine. The quick change shock absorber provides a housing having a smooth, outer bore and a blind bore adaptable to hold a fluid. A piston is slidably disposed within the bore of the housing and is engageable with a driver for movement between an extended position, wherein the piston has a portion extending outwardly from the housing, and a retracted position, wherein the piston is disposed within the housing. The outer periphery is receivable by the fixture which has a bore for complementarily receiving the outer periphery of the housing. A rubber retaining ring seated within a recess of the housing of the shock absorber creates a level of friction between the outer periphery of the housing and the fixture that constitutes a snug fit for quick change removal and replacement of the housing from the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Enertrols, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Mitera, Robert Heideman, Ronald F. Legawiec
  • Patent number: 7156216
    Abstract: A ratcheting mechanism for a hand-held tool is provided. The mechanism includes a housing having a central opening and a pair of slots disposed on opposite sides of the opening. Each slot has an arcuate or circular end portion opposite the central opening which circumscribes an arc of greater than 180° in order to pivotally retain a generally circular stem of a pawl therein. Due to the presence of a pair of biasing members within the housing, each pawl is biased inwardly towards the central opening and into engagement with teeth located on the exterior of a gear rotatably disposed within the central opening. A cap rotatably connected to the housing over the pawls and the central opening is able to selectively disengage one of the pawls to allow the rotation of the gear within the central opening in a specified direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Gauthier Biomedical Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Gauthier
  • Patent number: 7156217
    Abstract: A motion transmitting apparatus wherein an electric motor, an engine or another prime mover rotates an axially fixed first part relative to a coaxial axially movable non-rotatable second part. The structure which serves to move the second part axially in response to clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the first part includes a follower borne by the first part and a helical spring having end convolutions affixed to the first part. The follower extends between two intermediate convolutions of the helical spring. If the apparatus is utilized in the power train of a motor vehicle, the axially movable part can serve to engage or disengage or change the extent of engagement of the friction clutch between the output element of the engine and the input element of the change-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Christoph Raber
  • Patent number: 7156218
    Abstract: A parking device for vehicles in which when an engine is brought into a halt, a clutch is disconnected and the revolution of an input shaft of a transmission cannot be controlled by frictional force of the engine, the parking device comprising a parking gear provided on the input shaft, a parking lock mechanism which selectively engages with the parking gear, a parking actuator for actuating the parking lock mechanism, a parking instruction device for instructing the parking, a speed-change actuator for shifting the transmission to each gear, and a control device. The control operates the speed-change actuator based on a signal from the parking instruction device to bring the transmission into engagement with a predetermined gear position and, thereafter, operates the parking actuator to bring the parking lock mechanism into engagement with the parking gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Yasushi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7156219
    Abstract: Installation for assembling tube components, particularly bodies (1) with shoulders, comprising the following elements arranged in succession: a linear body conveyor (4), a transfer system (7) designed to apply a change in orientation to the bodies (1) of about 90°, an assembly unit (8) for fixing the shoulders to the bodies (1), characterized in that the transfer system (7) consists of a device (9) for gripping the bodies and of a device (17) for changing the orientation of the bodies, the orientation-change device comprising a rotary conveyor (17), of the conveyor belt type, which is arranged at right angles to the direction of the linear conveyor (4), the said rotary conveyor (17) comprising a belt (18, 19) rotating about a direction that makes an angle of about 45° with the direction of the linear conveyor (4), the belt (18, 19) comprising elements (15) for grasping the bodies, the shape of which is designed so that the bodies (1) are initially grasped on one of the sides of the rotary conveyor (17), in a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Aisapack Holding S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Voigtmann, Jean-Claude Schwager, Mathieu Benoit, Didier Ferrin
  • Patent number: 7156220
    Abstract: A method for handling trays for use with an article sorter includes providing a conveying surface along a plurality of sorter units and conveying empty trays along the conveying surface. The empty trays that are being conveyed along the conveying surface are stopped with a tray stopping device that is positioned at least partially below the conveying surface and operable to project a portion of the tray stopping device above the conveying surface to engage and stop an empty tray. The stopped empty trays are moved from the conveying surface to the tray support areas in a direction generally transverse to the conveying surface. The empty trays are at least partially filled at the tray support areas, and the partially filled trays are moved from the tray support area onto the conveying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Olson, Gary P. Burns, Ricardo N. Schiesser
  • Patent number: 7156221
    Abstract: A break-away mounting system for a continuous-motion, high-speed position conveyor system is disclosed. A support cradle may be suspended from a conveyor belt such that the support cradle maintains a fixed position and orientation relative to at least one point on the conveyor belt without inducing appreciable stress on the conveyor belt, the support cradle, or the coupling between the conveyor belt and the support cradle. The mount may include a leading rotatable bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a first key attached to the conveyor belt, the rotatable bearing adapted to accommodate rotational forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt. The mount may also include a slide bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a second key attached to the conveyor belt, the slide bearing adapted to accommodate longitudinal forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Rice, Eric A. Englhardt, Robert B. Lowrance, Martin R. Elliott, Jeffrey C. Hudgens
  • Patent number: 7156222
    Abstract: A powered magazine apparatus for retaining and transporting flexible bags comprises a base conveyor, and a pair of first and second digitated conveyor belts positioned on respective opposite sides of the base conveyor. Each of the digitated conveyor belts comprises a large multiplicity of outwardly projecting fingers. Each of the bags to be retained and transported is supported at its lower extent by the base conveyor, while opposite marginal edges of each bag are supported substantially through their vertical extents by the projecting fingers of each of the first and second digitated belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Campbell Wrapper Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Schnuelle, Richard Stapp, Glenn Hayes
  • Patent number: 7156223
    Abstract: The invention includes a method and an apparatus for treating, in particular cooling, a layer of bulk material by means of a stream of gas passed through it on a grate. The grate includes a plurality of elongated planks which extend in a conveying direction and are driven in advancing and return strokes in the conveying direction in such a manner that at least two adjacent planks are moved forwardly simultaneously and are moved backwardly non-simultaneously. Since the material located on a plank which is being moved back is prevented from completely following the plank moving back by the friction generated with the material located above the adjacent planks or with the wall, the conveying effect in the conveying direction outweighs the conveying effect in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Claudius Peters Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Meyer, Thomas Staak, Archibald Wallace, Helmut Wallis
  • Patent number: 7156224
    Abstract: A circulating mechanism includes a moving member, e.g. a chain or a belt, which travels along a circulating path and is looped about at least one deflecting member for reversing a travel direction of the moving member. Disposed in a section of the circulating path is a guide assembly for guiding the moving member. A magnetic field generating device is provided for applying a magnetic force upon the moving member at least in an area of the guide assembly so as to draw the moving member against the guide assembly and thereby enhance the travel behavior of the moving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Forster, Jens Hamann, Dietmar Stoiber, Bernd Wedel
  • Patent number: 7156225
    Abstract: Compositions comprising a reactive gas and a matrix gas are disclosed, as well as articles of manufacture and methods of making the articles. The methods of manufacturing preferably employ zeolites to remove moisture from the reactive gas and from the matrix gas, and then combine the moisture reduced gases either in a container, or prior to filling a container, which has been previously vacuum-baked and passivated. The invention produces stable standard gas compositions having improved shelf-life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracey Jacksier, Robert Benesch, John Kuhn
  • Patent number: 7156226
    Abstract: A multi-compartment container for storage of food, personal and miscellaneous items. The container has a base with a bottom and a circular sidewall. Radial dividers for a plurality of generally pre-shaped individual compartments which may be integral or removable. An access opening with a closure is provided for each compartment. The center of the container defines a through aperture which may be used for support in a position of use or for receiving an accessory such as a small battery-powered light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Matthew C. Van Sickle
  • Patent number: 7156227
    Abstract: The present application relates to a system and method for mixing at least two products that includes a first container for containing at least a first product, the first container including a first opening, a first coupler, and a safety member. The system may further include a second container for containing at least a second product, the second container including a second opening, a seal closing the second opening, and a second coupler configured to engage with the first coupler. The safety member may be configured to press against the seal while the seal maintains closure of the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Patent number: 7156228
    Abstract: A rigid package of tobacco articles, having a container, in turn having an open top end closed by a hinged lid, and a collar fixed to the inside of the container to project partly outwards of the open top end; the container is substantially parallelepiped-shaped, and has two end walls, and a lateral surface which is bounded by the end walls and has two, respectively front and rear, minor lateral walls, and two major lateral walls; a hinge of the lid is located on the front minor lateral wall; the container is formed by folding a flat blank substantially in the form of an elongated rectangle; and the collar is formed by joining two separate portions, at least one of which is joined to the blank along a respective preformed fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: G. D. Societa'per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Brizzi, Marco Ghini
  • Patent number: 7156229
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for retaining a disc-shaped media. In its preferred form the device comprises a lid for a container having an interior and an exterior surface, wherein the lid may be repeatedly attached to and removed from the container, preferably by means of a compression fit, and wherein the exterior surface of the lid includes a recess within which a disc-shaped media, such as a digital media disk, may be stored. In one embodiment, the disc-shaped media is first placed within a protective envelope, which envelope is then inserted into or applied to the recess and retained therein. Various means for retaining the envelope in or on the recess are contemplated, including adhesives such as fugitive glue or double-side tape, or sealing members. In an alternate embodiment, the protective envelope is not necessary, and the disc-shaped media is inserted in or applied to the recess and held therein by the same retaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
  • Patent number: 7156230
    Abstract: A device for holding hose clamps in a predetermined position, wherein the hose clamps each have a clamping part projecting radially away from a circumference of the hose clamps and wherein the clamping part has a projection extending in the circumferential direction, has a rail having a longitudinal slot for receiving the clamping part of the hose clamps via an open end of the longitudinal slot. The longitudinal slot has an edge configured to support the projection. The rail is a tube having an inner side projecting inwardly into a corner formed between the projection and an outer end section of the clamping part adjoining the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Gyöngyösi, Michael Hauke
  • Patent number: 7156231
    Abstract: A sharps blade protection device is disclosed that adapts to currently used scalpel handles but uniquely is also usable with other existing styles of sharps including kitchen and hobby knives. This invention is adaptable over a broad range of sharps devices enabling users of many different sharps to be protected during and after use. The device is designed so that the user can easily insert and remove the sharp so that training of use is minimized if needed at all. The device is usable with a single hand, and both left handed or right handed operators are able to use all of the benefits of this device with equal ease. Device can include a member whereby it removes the tang portion of a surgical scalpel blade from the holder on the scalpel and places it onto a retention post, where it remains until the blade is safety removed from the handle by a movement of the blade guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Georgene Austria
  • Patent number: 7156232
    Abstract: A hanging file system for compact disks and other small planar objects is provided. The system includes hanging file folders that are shrunken compared to standard letter sized or legal sized hanging file folders. The hanging file folder has open sides and two permanently fixed hangers. The hangers are separated by a fixed length which is less than 11 inches. An envelope can be used in conjunction with the hanging file folders to protect each compact disk stored in the hanging file folder. Thus, several CDs in their envelopes can be accommodated in each hanging file folder without risk of scratching. An identifying tab and label can be provided for each folder. A printed insert piece can be included in each folder along with compact disks. An adapter can be used to turn a standard letter or legal filing drawer into a drawer for holding at least two rows of hanging files for CDs. Alternatively, a portable container is provided sized for carrying the shrunken hanging file folders and their CDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Sheldon Holson
  • Patent number: 7156233
    Abstract: A tamper protected printed circuit board assembly including a printed circuit board and a tamper wrap attached to the printed circuit board. The tamper wrap includes a plurality of side tabs extending from a main body portion and a plurality of corner protection flaps extending from the side tabs. The tamper wrap covers the entirety of a first surface of the printed circuit board and at least a portion of a second surface opposite the first surface of the printed circuit board. Each of the side tabs covers at least a portion of one of the side walls of the printed circuit board and each of the corner flaps is folded around and covers a respective one of the corner edges of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may have a plurality of corner sentinels mounted adjacent to the corners of a surface thereof for protecting such corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A Clark, Kjell A Heitmann, Paul G Perreault
  • Patent number: 7156234
    Abstract: The sorting apparatus receives the electromagnetic wave from a storage element of a collected toner cartridge, and specifies the recyclability of the toner cartridge based on information extracted from the received electromagnetic wave. The sorting system then sorts out the toner cartridge, in order to send the toner cartridge to a selected one of the sorting areas, based on the results of the specification of recyclability of the toner cartridge, the feed roller, and the development roller. Subsequently, the sorting system controls one of sorting units to guide the toner cartridge to the selected sorting area and registers the results of sorting into a sorting database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Ishibashi, Akira Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7156235
    Abstract: A classifier for separating coarse particles from a stream of gas and particles discharged from a vertical mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Frantisek Eisinger
  • Patent number: 7156236
    Abstract: A machine for removing articles such as debris and the like deposited on a tract of ground, comprising a wheel unit; a support frame mounted on said wheel unit, having means for advancing said machine along said tract of ground; a endless conveyor mounted on said support frame, having a plurality of tines projecting from an outer side thereof and a flight extending from a front end adjacent ground level, upwardly and inwardly to an elevated rear end; a receptacle mounted on said support frame, positioned to receive articles removed by said tines and carried upwardly and rearwardly on said conveyor and discharged into said receptacle, and having a set of tines cooperable with said conveyor tines to dislodge articles carried by said conveyor tines; and means mounted on said support frame for driving said conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Rockland, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Geraghty
  • Patent number: 7156237
    Abstract: An articles separating and supplying apparatus and method are provided by which, even in case of a size change of articles, articles of a predetermined number can be securely separated and supplied at a high speed. A transfer conveyor for transferring arrayed articles to be separated and supplied, and a separating conveyor, supported pivotably around a pivot, for receiving the articles from the transfer conveyor, are provided. A counter counts the number of articles transferred by the transfer conveyor. Upon the counter counting the predetermined number of the articles, a first stopper stops feeding-in of the articles transferred by the transfer conveyor. A second stopper is arranged to stop, at a front position of the articles of the predetermined number on the separating conveyor, feeding-out of the articles from the separating conveyor. The second stopper comprises an endless belt from which engaging members project. A stop position of the engaging members is changeable by movement of the endless belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Daisey Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Nakabayashi, Kazuhiko Goto
  • Patent number: 7156238
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting sealed packages having volumetric dimensions includes a frame having an inlet and an outlet side, conveyor means for conveying packages along a path of transport from the inlet side through said frame towards said outlet side, and first inspection means disposed adjacent to said conveyor means and pivotally connected to said frame, such that upon being contacted by a package located on said conveyor means said first inspection means are pivoted around at least a first pivoting point. The first inspection means includes first counteracting means for applying a first load on said package urging said first inspection means against said package to be tested, and means for generating a first indication of the volumetric dimensions of said package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Petrus Franciscus Elbersen
  • Patent number: 7156239
    Abstract: A filter unit for liquids undergoing freezing for a metering unit of an exhaust gas treatment unit has a housing having an outer member and a lid member. At least one filter insert is arranged in the housing. An elastically deformable casing part is provided that surrounds at least partially the filter insert. The elastically deformable casing part is a part of the lid member or of the outer member of the housing and is made of a thermoplastic synthetic material. When the liquid undergoes freezing and thawing in the filter unit, the elastically deformable casing part can compensate the volume changes caused by freezing and thawing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Klotz, Dieter Maisch
  • Patent number: 7156240
    Abstract: A filter for reducing leukocytes and platelets from an erythrocyte preparation or a whole blood preparation which is characterized by having a filter base coated with a polymer, the content of the polymer being from 0.5 to 10 mg/m2 per unit area of the total surface of the filter base, and the polymer containing 20% or less of low-molecular weight components having a molecular weight not more than ¼ of the peak top molecular weight in the gel permeation chromatogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Oishi, Morikazu Miura
  • Patent number: 7156241
    Abstract: A composite fluid separator for isolting a first liquid from a second liquid having a different specific gravity. A housing (52) encloses a separation chamber (53). An inlet port (60) delivers the composite fluid into the sump (65) of the chamber. A plurality of stacked baffles (30) is positioned between the inlet and outlet ports, composed of individual inclined separation flow plates (25). The baffles create a flow path in which the fluid flows over each of the plates as it travels upward in the separation chamber toward the outlet port (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Gary David Hanks
  • Patent number: 7156242
    Abstract: A garden tool rack includes a hollow rack body, tool holders plugged into respective plugholes in the rack body for holding garden tools, axial positioning structures adapted to stop the tool holders from axial displacement relative to the rack body, rotary positioning structures adapted to let the tool holders be biased relative to the rack body within a limited angle and then locked in position to prevent interference of loaded garden tools with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Global Industries Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Pei-Ying Lin
  • Patent number: 7156243
    Abstract: A corrugated decking is provided that has a plurality of top horizontal surfaces, a plurality of bottom surfaces, and a plurality of transition surfaces, each transition surface connecting one of the top horizontal surfaces to one of the bottom surfaces. One of the top horizontal surfaces has a plurality of apertures, the apertures having downwardly sloping flanges surrounding each aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Design Assistance Construction Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Henning, David J. Cross, Bert Y. Culpepper, Jr., Timothy G. Kircher
  • Patent number: 7156244
    Abstract: A cantilevered drawer assembly comprises a support frame assembly comprising a pair of upright members. A rotating drawer assembly comprises a drawer frame having opposed parallel side rails supported upon a pivot frame having a pair of opposed pivot wheels. A pair of circular sector-shaped pivot arms is attached to the upright members. A channel having a parabolic section and a pair of straight sections extends across each pivot arm, and receives a pivot wheel. The side rails of the drawer frame are supported by the pivot arms. A pair of flanged wheels engages an upper edge of each side rail to restrict the vertical movement of the drawer frame. Translation of the drawer frame relative to the support frame assembly is accompanied by pivoting of the pivot arms. During translation, the drawer frame remains in a horizontal plane and is held in a cantilevered configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Randall Nelsen
  • Patent number: 7156245
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with the demountable assembly of latticework jib elements comprising upper and lower chords connected to one another by means of triangulation bars. In the region of the upper chords, there is provided an assembly by shackle, tenon and a connecting shaft, with abutment and relative positioning means. In the region of the lower chords, there are provided centering pegs and a locking assembly consisting of two connections spaced apart and having clamping and locking means. This device is used for assembling the jib elements and counterjib elements of tower cranes, in particular those having a jib without a masthead and without a tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Potain
    Inventor: Michel Lissandre
  • Patent number: 7156246
    Abstract: A retractable rotating ATV mounted lift boom for an ATV rack used to lift various objects. The invention includes a horizontal base plate and angle iron attached to the ATV rack, a horizontal female receiving tube attached onto the horizontal base plate, a horizontal elongated male piece that can be inserted and removed from the horizontal female receiving tube and a rotatable vertical elongated base piece that is perpendicularly attached to the horizontal elongated male piece. There is also a first elongated piece that is pivotally attached to the vertical elongated base piece, a second elongated piece that is pivotally attached to the first elongated piece and a third elongated piece pivotally attached to the second elongated piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory F. Sherrod
  • Patent number: 7156247
    Abstract: A stopper incorporates a cylindrical body attachable to the edge of a container or bottle and a cover with a hinge. In the upper part of the body is incorporated a mouthpiece blockable by means of a neck of the cover. On the body of the stopper is a sealing strip joined by breakable points, wherein in-cuts are established for the retaining of corresponding projections in the cover in its closed position. The strip is provided with end wings that are positioned in depressions of the side surface of the cover, without projecting from this, the positioning of a shield of the cover in a depression of the upper edge of the sealing strip, as well as a number of vertical ribbings of the strip and the mouthpiece that are out of line with respect of the center of the stopper, with a displacement towards the sealing strip area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Betapack, S.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Ochoa Laburu
  • Patent number: 7156248
    Abstract: Overcap (1, 11, 12) designed to overcap a neck (80) of a bottle (8) closed by a cork (82) containing a liquid to be packaged (83, 84) includes a rolled skirt (3) and a top (2) fixed to the rolled skirt around a circular junction area (4) common to the skirt and the top. The top is formed from a first strip of material chosen to have a nature and thickness so that it can be deformed, typically by stamping between a punch and a die or by thermoforming, to form a crease-free rim around the top. The rim is formed by the peripheral part of the top axially deformed over a height H between 1 and 5 mm, and the is a rim (20,21) that extends around an arc of a circle ? varying from 45 to 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Pechiney Capsules
    Inventors: Philippe Christophe, Jacky Maugas