Patents Issued in January 9, 2007
  • Patent number: 7159802
    Abstract: A fluid injection nozzle has an injection port plate, an injection port and a protruding portion. The injection port plate is to be mounted on a downstream end of a fluid injection valve so that a center axis thereof is coaxial to the fluid injection valve. The injection port penetrates the injection port plate between an inlet and an outlet. The protruding portion protrudes from an inner surface of the injection port to shift a direction of at least a part of a fluid flow passing through the injection port to flow in a circumferential direction of the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hidekazu Oomura, Yoshinori Yamashita, Yukio Tomiita, Yukio Sawada, Ryo Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 7159803
    Abstract: A method of making abrasive compositions, and more particularly, it relates to a method of making precipitated silica abrasive compositions having excellent cleaning performance and lower abrasiveness with post-reactor sizing of the abrasive particles being performed directly via wet comminution and centrifugation, optionally followed by hydraulic chamber press filtering combined with vacuum dewatering and de-agglomeration is provided. By targeting a specific particle size range, it has been determined that higher pellicle film cleaning levels may be achieved without also increasing the dentin abrasion properties of the silica products themselves. As a result, dentifrices including such classified abrasive silica products, exhibiting particularly desirable cleaning benefits, can be provided for improved tooth polishing, whitening, and the like, without deleteriously affecting the hard tooth surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: J.M. Huber Corporation
    Inventor: Yung-Hui Huang
  • Patent number: 7159804
    Abstract: Method and unit for recycling a bituminous membrane provided with at least one reinforcement, which membrane is reduced to pieces which are introduced into a recycling unit, provided with a first rotor, housed in a first stator, and where they are heated and ground, said pieces being conveyed into a chamber, delimited by an external wall of the first rotor and a recess arranged in a counter-element mounted on the stator, where they are subjected to a trituration, the pieces thus triturated then being discharged from the chamber by flowing along said external wall of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Performance Roof Systems S.A. En Abrege P.R.S.
    Inventors: Nino Macaluso, Eric Bertand
  • Patent number: 7159805
    Abstract: Methods of modifying fibers, such as glass fibers, are disclosed. The modified fibers can be used, for example, in a lead acid battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Evanite Fiber Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald D. Reher, John D. Windisch, Steven J. Russell
  • Patent number: 7159806
    Abstract: A cutting assembly for a grinder pump comprised of a rotary cutter rotatable against an opposing plate cutter. The cutting edges of the plate cutter include a plurality of V-slice cutting teeth, which create bridging spaces to pinch material which is being sucked in to ports and begin cutting along the V-slice and then for cut material to pass through and onward into the volute of the pump. The rotary cutter has a ground edge with a rake angle which shears the gathered material in cooperation with the cutting edges of the plate cutter. A grinder pump including the cutter assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen T. Ritsema
  • Patent number: 7159807
    Abstract: A granular material grinder and method of use includes a hammer mill for reducing incoming granular material into particulate material, a microgrinder for reducing the particulate matter into microground powder by particulate matter to particulate matter collisions, and a product collector to collect the microground powder portion. The granular material grinder having the feature of being operated in a closed system to facilitate efficient recovery of grain into microground powder and operable in a cooled inert gas to prevent any compound degradation due to temperature or oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Roger A. Montag
  • Patent number: 7159808
    Abstract: A combination bowl and internal rotatable tray is for a food processor having a base housing. The bowl, having an inner surface area, is removably secured to the base housing. A lid, having an inner surface area, is removably securable to the bowl to create a processing chamber between the inner surface areas of the bowl and lid in an assembled position. The tray, disposed within the processing chamber, is rotatable with respect to at least one of the lid and the bowl. The tray has a peripheral wall, a base wall, and a plurality of interior walls. The interior walls extend from the peripheral wall to create a plurality of cavities. At least a portion of the tray is accessible by a user through at least one of the lid and the bowl in order to manually rotate the tray with respect to the bowl and the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Starr
  • Patent number: 7159809
    Abstract: A waste food processor has a housing with an upper room and a lower room communicated with each other, a first grinding assembly and a second grinding assembly respectively received within the upper and lower rooms, and a cleaning assembly connected to the first grinding assembly for cleaning residues remained on the first grinding assembly to make the removed residues further processed by the second grinding assembly. Particularly, the first grinding assembly is composed of a first toothed drum and second toothed drum respectively with different sharp teeth and cutouts to make engaging gaps in different sizes so that solid residues in large sizes also can be introduced between the first and second drums for grinding. Thereby, grinding capability and efficiency of the waste food processor are significantly improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Yu-Lung Cheng
  • Patent number: 7159810
    Abstract: A food contact device including a handle member with a first end and a second end. The first end of the handle member includes a pressure enhancing structure. One or more blade elements are in direct or indirect contact with the second end of the handle member. In operation, a user grasps the handle member, effects force in a contact direction via the handle member and the pressure enhancing structure. In this manner, the blade element contacts a food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Linda M. Miller
  • Patent number: 7159811
    Abstract: A decorative member for outdoors use is adapted to be coupled to a main functional member and has a surface that is externally exposed. The decorative member includes an outer member made of a metal, the outer member having inner and outer surfaces; and at least one inner member made of a synthetic resin and being fixedly attached to the inner surface of the outer member. The decorative member is adapted to be coupled to the main function member via the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yasushi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7159812
    Abstract: A spinning reel has a reel body and a rotor. The rotor has a base pivoted to the base, a first arm pivoted to an end of the base, a second arm pivoted to the other end of the base, an arc connected between the first arm and the second arm, a guiding block disposed between the first arm and the arc, and a wheel disposed between the guiding block and the first arm. The guiding block has a cone portion connected to the arc and a base portion connected to the wheel. The cone portion has a hole into which the arc is inserted and two tip ends located at opposite sides of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Okuma Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liang-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 7159813
    Abstract: A dual bearing reel includes a reel unit having a handle and mounted on a fishing rod, a spool in which a fishing line is mounted, and a spool braking device mounted on the reel unit so as to be at least partially exchangeable with another spool braking device. The spool is rotatably mounted on the reel unit so as to be rotatable by the handle. The spool braking device includes a spool braking portion that brakes the spool according to a first predetermined braking characteristic, and a first device identification portion that indicates the first predetermined braking characteristic. The user can confirm the braking characteristic of a spool braking device when the spool braking device is exchanged with another spool braking device having a different braking characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ikuta, Ken'ichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7159814
    Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge having an opening provided on one side wall of a cartridge case, a slide door slidably supported by a guide part disposed along the one side wall, the slide door for achieving a shutting-and-opening operation of the opening. A spring member impels the slide door to the shutting direction side, and is provided with a supported part. A spring supporting part retains the supported part. The spring member is retained by the spring supporting part through the supported part and impels the slide door to the shutting direction side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouta Kitamura, Hideaki Shiga, Hidetoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7159815
    Abstract: A brake slide assembly for securing a spool inside a data storage tape cartridge housing is disclosed. The brake slide assembly includes at least one brake slide and a flexible member. The brake slide(s) include a locking wedge, a brake button end, and a riser. The locking wedge is configured to selectively engage between the spool and an interior surface of the cartridge. The brake button end is configured to slidingly couple with a brake button of the cartridge. The riser extends between the locking wedge and the brake button end. In this regard, the flexible member is coupled to the brake slide(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignees: Imation Corp., Storage Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Jerry Lee Alexander, George Phillip Rambosek, Jerome D. Brown, William Thomas Veno, William J. Vanderheyden
  • Patent number: 7159816
    Abstract: The invention relates to winding wire around a magnetic core. The invention includes forming corners on the wire that align with inside corners of the magnetic core such that the wire is more tightly wound around the magnetic core. The invention also includes pinching a portion of wire that is positioned on the internal diameter of a magnetic core when the wire is wound around the core to provide more turns of the wire around the magnetic core. A magnetic inductor made in accordance with the present invention can have increased inductance, lower temperature rise, smaller size, and exhibit less EMI noise than the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Actown Electricoil, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Sweeney, John Medema, Michael Roeber
  • Patent number: 7159817
    Abstract: An aircraft having a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) propulsion system. The aircraft includes a fuselage, the VTOL propulsion system, at least one forward thruster, a power source used for both the VTOL propulsion system and forward thruster, fore and aft wings and a plurality of spars attached to and spanning the space between the two wings. The VTOL propulsion system includes a plurality of VTOL cells (including a motor, motor controller, and propeller) attached in a spaced relation along each spar. The VTOL cells are used exclusively for vertical flight or hovering and are powered down as the aircraft develops forward flight velocity and corresponding wing lift. During forward flight the VTOL propellers are articulated to allow the aircraft to take on a low drag configuration. The present invention is suitable for use in manned or un-manned aircraft of any scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy VanderMey, Josiah VanderMey
  • Patent number: 7159818
    Abstract: A multi-spectral shield and associated inlet structure is provided for reducing the signature of an air inlet port defined within an exterior wall of an aircraft, ship, or land-based vehicle across radar and infrared wavelengths. The multi-spectral inlet shield includes a plate disposed in front of the air inlet port. The plate is sized to visibly eclipse the air inlet port, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate. The plate is supported in this position by a plate mount or splitter that extends from within the air inlet port and attaches to the plate. A support may optionally combine with the splitter to support the plate in this position. Air passes behind the plate and into the air inlet port via a channel defined around at least a portion of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Means
  • Patent number: 7159819
    Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a turboprop under an aircraft wing includes a rigid structure provided with an aft underwing box, and at least one forward rigid section. Each forward rigid section has two transverse frames at a spacing from each other. At least one forward rigid section of the rigid structure also includes at least one forward upper box connecting a top part of the two transverse frames of the forward rigid section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Stephane Machado, Jerome Cassagne, Anthony Del Blanco, Yvon Martin, Arnaud Chambreuil
  • Patent number: 7159820
    Abstract: A twin float aircraft (1) which has a retractable float (4 and 5) for each side of a fuselage (3) providing buoyancy for the aircraft during take off and landing and reduced air resistance during flight with each of the floats (4 and 5) being articulated (12 and 13) to assist streamline alignment when retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Tigerfish Aviation Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Alan John Smith, Grenfell Saxon Rudduck
  • Patent number: 7159821
    Abstract: One advantageous embodiment of the present invention is an integrated transport system (14) for moving an object (20) in an aircraft (10) between a main cabin (16) and an overhead cabin (18) via a shaft (24) in connection therebetween. This integrated transport system (14) includes a single-unit gantry-lift device (42) with an object carrier (32) for receiving the object (20). This object carrier (32) has one or more restraint members (34, 38) for securing the object (20) in the object carrier (32) and preventing the object (20) from inadvertently tipping or falling out of the object carrier (32). In this embodiment, the single-unit gantry-lift device (42) further includes a lift device (46) for moving the object carrier (32) generally along a longitudinal axis (22) of the shaft (24) and a gantry device (44) for moving the object carrier (32) generally along a first axis (26) of the overhead cabin (18) and/or a second axis (28), which is disposed generally perpendicular to the first axis (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Anthony A. Harrington, Paul M. Wojciechowski
  • Patent number: 7159822
    Abstract: Structural panels for use in manufacturing aircraft fuselages and other structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a structural panel configured in accordance with the invention includes a skin having at least one offset surface. The structural panel can further include at least first and second stiffeners. The first stiffener can have a first flange portion mated to the skin adjacent to the offset surface. The second stiffener can be spaced apart from the first stiffener and can similarly have a second flange portion mated to the skin adjacent to the offset surface. The structural panel of this embodiment can additionally include a support member mated to the first flange portion of the first stiffener, the second flange portion of the second stiffener, and the offset surface of the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kent Grantham, Thomas D. Harrison, Robert M. Kay, Michael R. Kuss, William W. Turnmire, Mark K. Venskus, Tory R. Whitcomb, Rose Christie, legal representative, Peter S. Christie, deceased
  • Patent number: 7159823
    Abstract: A rapid deployment system has an inflatable landing tube with an inflatable exit slide coupled to an aircraft. Connectors couple the landing tube to the aircraft. Flexible retarders extend inward from the inner surface of the tube for retarding gravitational descent of cargo and/or personnel from the aircraft. The tube has tubular segments, with ribs and reinforcements, forming a continuous descent tube. A spine along the tube is retractable telescopically allowing for the tube to be retracted within the aircraft. The tube is connected to exterior edges of any exit port of the aircraft. A window coaming adapter is positioned around the exterior edges and a membrane extending between sides of the adapter expands with the landing tube as the landing tube is inflated. The membrane is of multiple layers with expansion cells between adjacent layers for allowing independent expansion of the layers. The entry port has a shield behind the membrane and connected to the aircraft for protecting the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Cerberus Institute for Research and Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Paustian, Jr., David J. Forrester
  • Patent number: 7159824
    Abstract: A device for verifying the calibration of an infrared sensor includes a body configured to be placed in orbit. The body defines a spin axis and an outer surface. The outer surface has an infrared radiant intensity that is substantially independent of the viewing angle between the spin axis of the body and the infrared sensor. The device may be used for on-orbit verification of the calibration coefficients associated with each pixel of an infrared sensor, including linearity calibration and verification of the resolution capability of the sensor. The calibration coefficients may be verified over the entire sensing capability range of the infrared sensor. After a thermal model of the device is developed, the device operates passively and provides a known source of infrared radiation observable during the device's entire orbital lifetime. The device may be designed to automatically de-orbit from space after a predictable time in orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Analex Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Geyer, Russell Shea Ferring, Richard D. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7159825
    Abstract: A process and device for optimization of deflection of spoiler flaps of an aircraft in flight may, in real time, compute an incidence potential available to be consumed by the spoiler flaps without endangering the aircraft and deflect the spoiler flaps toward the instructed deployed position as a function of the incidence potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Philippe Seve
  • Patent number: 7159826
    Abstract: A universal hose clamp includes a universal hose locating mechanism, a hose coupling for connecting a hose to the hose clamp, and securing structure for securing the locating mechanism to a support structure. The universal hose clamp may be employed to secure a hose to an existing support structure or to a portable independent frame. The universal hose clamp is designed to be adaptable for use with a range of hose diameters and as such the universal hose clamp can be employed in a wide range of emergency situations. When deployed the universal hose clamp enables rotating the hose coupling in any direction and thereafter the hose coupling can be locked in that position. Therefore, with the aid of the universal hose clamp only one operator is required to control a hose device in an emergency situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Kennedys
    Inventor: Terry Bruce
  • Patent number: 7159827
    Abstract: An arm support with mouse pad including a clamp for mounting to a workstation desk, connected rotationally to a support structure. The support structure including three rotationally interconnected shafts, a mouse pad connected to the first shaft and a forearm rest connected to the third shaft. The clamp specifically designed such that the support structure can be rotated 360 degrees around a vertical axis from a using position extending from the front edge of the desk at various angles, to a storage position under the lower surface of the desk without disconnecting from the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Andrea Bombelli
  • Patent number: 7159828
    Abstract: A display panel supporting device with cushion mechanism comprising a fixed supporting column, a sliding column fitted into the supporting column and arranged to move in sliding manner relative to the fixed supporting column for adjusting the height of the display panel and a cushion mechanism installed between the fixed supporting column and the sliding column and arranged to move synchronously with the sliding column, and the cushion mechanism has the effect of increasing the friction force between the supporting column and the sliding column, and the friction force can remain unchanged even after a long period of use that can improve the function of height adjusting, and prolong the service life of the display panel supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yung-Kuo Yau, Chun-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 7159829
    Abstract: A support (10) is disclosed for use with food service equipment. The support has a tubular upper portion (11) and a tubular lower portion (12) telescopically mounted within the upper portion for adjustable vertical movement. The upper portion has a plastic support body (15) surrounded by a stainless steel support sleeve (16). A steel, externally threaded stud (17) is mounted to the support body. The lower portion includes a stainless steel, tubular foot (22) having a plastic glide (23) press fitted into its lower end and metal insert (24) mounted in its top end. The metal insert has internally threaded, central channel (25) extending completely therethrough. The insert is threaded onto the bottom end of the threaded stud for threaded vertical movement along the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Kason Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Burl Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 7159830
    Abstract: A spiral-wound tip is presented for use on a walking assistance device, a robotic arm or digit, or other device needing a slip-resistant point of contact with its environment. The tip is constructed by winding a sheet of rubber or other elastic material into a spiral plug. The plug can be mounted within a hole at the extremity of a device. Alternatively, the sheet can be wrapped around the exterior of the extremity. The lamina of the spiral-wound plug separate upon impact with an object, increasing the gripping power of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventors: Karl Dennison Frank, legal representative, Karl Frederick Frank, deceased
  • Patent number: 7159831
    Abstract: An adjusting device (3) is suitable especially for use on a stand (1) for a surgical microscope (2). The adjusting device (3) makes it possible to move the surgical microscope (2) in a plane (9) perpendicular to the optical axis (8) of the surgical microscope (2). For this purpose, a transmission is provided in the adjusting device (3) which includes a coupling plate which is operatively connected to two force-transmitting elements. When this transmission is moved, at least one of the force-transmitting elements rolls off on the coupling plate. Alternatively, this transmission can be built up as a four-point linkage chain or contain a rhombic mechanism or lever mechanism. It is also possible to configure the transmission with belt elements or to configure the same as an eccentric arrangement having two offset rotation centers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventors: Hartmut Gärtner, Gerhard Gaida, Franz Krug, Daniel Kolster, Alexander Enns
  • Patent number: 7159832
    Abstract: A medical accessory clamping system includes a table and an accessory clamp. The table has an upper surface and a lower surface, a first ridge positioned on the upper surface and a second ridge positioned on the lower surface of the table. The accessory clamp has a first clamping member and a second clamping member coupled to but separate from the first clamping member wherein the clamping members define a cavity for receiving a portion of the table. The first and second clamping members have recesses for receiving said first and second ridges of the table, respectively. A uniquely styled clamp and a table are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventor: Barry A. Easterling
  • Patent number: 7159833
    Abstract: A coupling device couples a first member and a second member to be relatively slidable and horizontally rotatable. The device is provided with the first member having a keyboard unit section and the second member having a display unit section in respectively separate boxes thereof. The coupling device includes a main body portion having a long guide hole to be attached to either of the first member or the second member in the longitudinal direction, and a movable portion to be attached to the other member of the first member and the second member. The main body includes a case body provided with a long guide groove, and a lid portion provided with a long guide hole, and the movable portion includes a head portion to be passed through the long guide hole and a guide leg portion to be fitted into the long guide groove. When the movable portion is rotatably fitted into the main body, a guide recess portion is provided next to the long guide groove for allowing the guide leg portion to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Kato
  • Patent number: 7159834
    Abstract: A stress-release mold is described for casting thermosetting compositions especially compositions designed for consumer use. At least one wall of the mold includes a stress-releasing-element characterized by having a more flexible region or regions than the remaining wall or walls of the mold and wherein the stress-releasing-element includes a region of lower curvature at least partially surrounded by a region of higher curvature. The stress-release mold greatly reduces or eliminates surface defects caused by shrinkage of thermosetting compositions as they cools. A system is also described that includes the inventive mold containing a thermosetting composition wherein the mold also serves as all or part of the package for the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Syed Husain Abbas, David John Lang
  • Patent number: 7159835
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for attaching a hole former to a mold assembly for use in the formation of cast materials such as concrete and the like. The apparatus comprises a hole former assembly attached to a bracket. The bracket is held in a stationary position by a magnet assembly that is remotely located from the hole former. The magnet assembly is comprised of a plurality of magnets encased in a metal casing. An expendable blister pack can be provided to fit on the outside of the casing to facilitate removal of the magnetic assembly from the cast member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Tru-Contour, Inc.
    Inventor: James V. Srackangast
  • Patent number: 7159836
    Abstract: A mold for molding fibrous molding media includes upper and lower mold bodies defining a mold cavity, the upper and lower mold bodies being movable relative to each other to close the mold. The upper and lower mold bodies have respective upper and lower mold surfaces for contacting the fibrous molding media positioned within the mold, and have gas flow openings configured to direct gases into contact with the fibrous molding media. The mold also includes a source of gas connected to the gas flow openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry M. Parks, Anthony L. Rockwell, Randall E. Nyhart, Larry E. Targett
  • Patent number: 7159837
    Abstract: A plug baffle device for installation in a coolant passage within a mold, the plug baffle device having its coolant-encountering blade mechanically attached to a base member, and methods for making such plug baffle device. Advantages include acceptance of greater torque and less susceptibility to damage from high torque. In certain highly preferred embodiments, the base member includes an extension portion facilitating mechanical engagement and providing other substantial advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Leslie W. Richards
  • Patent number: 7159838
    Abstract: An apparatus for squeezing pipes, comprising a first jaw having a first squeezing surface and a second jaw having a second squeezing surface. The first jaw and the second jaw are interconnected for relative displacement at proximal ends through a first shaft of the apparatus and at distal ends through a second shaft of the apparatus. The first squeezing surface and the second squeezing surface are separated by a gap adapted to receive a pipe therein. The first jaw is rotatable with respect to the first shaft and engageable with the second shaft such that the apparatus is mountable about a pipe with the pipe being positioned in the gap between the first and the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Société en Commandite Gaz Métropolitain
    Inventors: Gaétan Champagne, Louis Raymond, Marc St-Pierre
  • Patent number: 7159839
    Abstract: Booster means 11 for transmitting a force acting on a piston 10 to a valve stem 9 on amplification comprises pivotal members 25 each supported by casings 7, 8 so as to hold an outer end and an inner end thereof in contact with an outer peripheral portion of the piston 10 and a flange portion 22a formed on the valve stem 9 respectively from below and to be pivotally movable about a horizontal rod 26 positioned closer to the inner end. Metal bellows 16 are provided between an outer peripheral portion of the casing top wall 8a and the outer peripheral portion of the piston 10 for sealing off a compressed air admitting space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Tanikawa, Tadayuki Yakushijin, Tomohiro Nakata
  • Patent number: 7159840
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is provided generally including a bobbin for supporting a coil and a core located adjacent to the bobbin. An armature is movably disposed relative to the core. A plunger is coupled to the armature and movable with the armature. A seal is coupled to the plunger, with the seal movable between an open position and a closed position sealingly engaged with a valve seat. The solenoid valve further includes a plunger damper which includes a resilient feature that is configured to engage the plunger when the seal moves toward the closed position. The plunger damper may damp, or cushion, any impact between the seal and the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Young, Scott Baker
  • Patent number: 7159841
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a fuel cell operable with a quantity of fuel and a quantity of an oxidizer to produce electrical power, the fuel cell including a fuel cell body including a labyrinth system structured to permit the fuel and the oxidizer to flow therethrough; at least a first catalyst in fluid communication with the labyrinth; and at least a first microvalve operably disposed within at least a portion of the labyrinth. The microvalve utilizes a deflectable member operable upon the application of a voltage from a voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Randall Gemmen, Jimmy Thornton, Jeffrey S. Vipperman, William W. Clark
  • Patent number: 7159842
    Abstract: A magnetically-coupled actuating valve assembly. The actuating valve can be used to control the action of an actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. The valve assembly is especially well-suited to use with a damping cylinder of an electronically controlled prosthetic knee. A drive motor is coupled to and actuates a valve body portion of the assembly by means of magnetic attraction and, therefore, the valve assembly operates without the need to physically couple the drive motor to the valve body. The design of the present invention can reduce or eliminate working fluid leaks typically associated with a physical coupling. The design of the present invention may also obviate the need to submerge the drive motor in the working fluid, which typically reduces motor efficiency and may pose a fire hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The Ohio Willow Wood Company
    Inventors: Marc D. Taylor, Michael L. Haynes
  • Patent number: 7159843
    Abstract: A solenoid valve moves an armature back and forth translationally between valve open and valve closed positions without the armature having any sliding engagement with any fixed valve part. This is accomplished by supporting the armature with a spring having one periphery engaging a fixed valve surface and another periphery engaging the armature so that armature movement causes flexure of the spring, but no sliding contact. This helps prevent generation of dirt within the valve and ensures accurate armature movement to make the valve durable and reliable. Springs in both washer and cylindrical helical shapes can accomplish this, and the armatures supported by such springs can accommodate valve closing seals of different materials and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: SealTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mullally, Paul E. Welker
  • Patent number: 7159844
    Abstract: A valve having a housing with a valve seat for a two-piece flap which is rotatably mounted on a drive shaft. An annular piston seal and an adjacent cover disk are disposed between the first part and the second part of the two-piece flap so as to revolve there-around. The diameter of the cover disk is smaller than the diameter of the annular piston seal which is embodied as a metal ring that is provided with a gap. The invention also relates to the use of said valve as a gas recirculation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Gerd Bornmann, Peter Kohlen, Michael Rennen
  • Patent number: 7159845
    Abstract: A bearing module for a pintle valve including a pintle bearing, bearing spring, and two-part housing. The bearing has an axial face for sealing against an inner axial surface of the housing. The bearing diameter is less than the diameter of the housing, permitting the bearing to float radially. The housing fits into a port in the valve body and also extends over an axial surface of the body, thus forming a seal against the wall of the port and the surface of the body. The bearing spring, preferably a wave washer, is compressed within the housing as the two housing parts are assembled to form the module. In a currently preferred embodiment, the housing further comprises a coking shield extending along the surface of the pintle shaft within the valve port to reduce the tendency for coking gases to enter the bearing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bohdan M. Lyko, Joseph G. Spakowski
  • Patent number: 7159846
    Abstract: A slit valve for a semiconductor processing apparatus, for fluidly sealing a passage connecting two chambers of the apparatus, such as a substrate reaction chamber and a region outside the reaction chamber. The slit valve comprises an actuator plate movable within a slot in one wall of the passage, the actuator plate and the slot oriented generally transverse to the passage. The actuator plate has a first position in which the valve is open, permitting the transfer of a substrate through the passage. The actuator plate also has a second position in which the valve is closed, and in which the actuator plate fluidly seals the passage such that fluid cannot flow through the passage across the actuator plate. A protective cover is configured to prevent debris within the passage (e.g., broken wafers, shards, particulate contaminants, etc.) from flowing into the slot when the actuator plate occupies its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravinder Aggarwal, Jim Kusbel, Jerry Davis
  • Patent number: 7159847
    Abstract: The additional control valve device has a valve element which is guided between a gantry magnet and a trapping magnet in a reversibly movable manner in the direction of the longitudinal axis. An encircling seal is arranged on that side of the housing, in which the gantry magnet is arranged, which faces the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventor: Lothar Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7159848
    Abstract: Systems having clamping structures are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Reid Alyn Brennen
  • Patent number: 7159849
    Abstract: A novel device and method for positioning a vehicle jack in relation to a vehicle. The device uses a sensor which communicates with an indicator located at the point on the vehicle frame for proper placement of the vehicle jack, or jack point. The sensor detects the indicator's position when brought into substantial alignment and proximal range with the indicator to determine the proper position of the vehicle jack in alignment with the jack point. Upon detection of the indicator by the sensor, the display of the device provides a visual or auditory signal to the jack operator indicating location of the jack point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Neil M. Raynor
  • Patent number: 7159850
    Abstract: A pneumatic carpet stretcher includes a pneumatic actuator, a piston rod actuated by the pneumatic actuator driving a carpet gripping stretcher head towards an anchor pivotally mounted on a frame to the actuator and releasably mounted behind a tack strip on a floor to be carpeted so that the head and carpet is driven towards the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Lee Peters
  • Patent number: 7159851
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a bi-directional DC motor; a gear reducer connected to the DC motor; a pulley mounted on an output of the gear reducer; an anti-back drive brake mounted on the output of the gear reducer; a reel wound with cable; a second pulley attached to the reel wound with cable; a belt for connecting the pulley and the second pulley; a water measuring device attached to an end of the cable wound on the reel; at least one shaft encoder attached to the motor for measuring the speed and direction of the motor; a DC power source connected to the DC motor; a microprocessor control electronics module connected to the at least one shaft encoder and the DC motor; and a remote control in communication with the microprocessor control electronics module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventors: Jerry H. Ross, Eugene C. Hayes, James C. Jelinski, Joseph N. Greulich, II