Patents Issued in January 16, 2007
  • Patent number: 7162897
    Abstract: A manual clothes-washing device made up of a handle, which is fastened to a washing body, a sheath and a splash cone. The washing body is a generally concave disc with a plurality of apertures connected to a generally cylindrical tube that extends from a central portion of the disc to a tube end threaded for connection with the handle. The sheath is placed over the washing body and connected to the handle. A splash cone attachment fits over the second end of the sheath. Clothes are washed by alternatively plunging and lifting a portion of the device in a mixture of clothes and liquid to suspend the soil from the clothes within the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Jonathan Ball
  • Patent number: 7162898
    Abstract: A security device is provided for a cargo container having doors hinged on vertical axis, which are locked by vertical stanchions. The locking device includes a housing and a hook. The hook has a pair of vertically spaced claws, which are placed around a stanchion in straddling relation to a pair of parallel brackets to which the stanchion operating lever is pivotally connected. The housing of the locking device has a cross bar which confronts the pivot brackets, thereby preventing rotation of the stanchion when the housing and hook are coupled by a puck lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Roy E. Gogel
  • Patent number: 7162899
    Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables extend through both a fastener and a base of the locking member and are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like structure. The fastener is releasably snap-fitted into the base of the locking member and secured therein by a magnetically attractable tine. The ratchet mechanism includes a housing containing a spool and a locking pawl. A bottom wall encloses a portion of the housing and includes a rotatable central portion having a key receiving recess for unlocking the spool from the pawl. The housing has a rotatable top wall portion which includes a flip-up handle for rotating the top wall portion and the internal ratchet to tighten the cable about an article. An alarm system is contained in the housing of the ratchet mechanism and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. An LED located within the housing provides a visual indication that the alarm system is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio, Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7162900
    Abstract: A master key includes a key base having a key handle, a fixing seat and a sleeve, all of which are connected to each other integrally. The fixing seat has a plurality of angularly spaced apart spring holes having respective key springs. A key tube includes a large cross-section tube section inserted into the sleeve, and a small cross-section tube section fixed to the fixing seat. The large tube section includes a plurality of angularly spaced apart long and short grooves. The long grooves are aligned with the respective spring holes to receive slide pieces, and the short grooves have respective shoulder faces. A tubular lock to be used with the master key is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Miz Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Francisco Lu
  • Patent number: 7162901
    Abstract: A lock cylinder is provided and includes an outer cylinder having a bore, an inner cylinder rotatably disposed within the bore, and a pin assembly disposed within the inner and outer cylinders. The pin assembly is operable to selectively lock the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder. The pin assembly includes an upper shear cylinder positionable relative to the outer cylinder and a lower shear cylinder positionable relative to the inner cylinder. The upper and lower shear cylinders are movable to define a first shear line therebetween. In addition, the pin assembly includes an upper pin slidable within the upper shear cylinder and a lower pin slidable within the lower shear cylinder, whereby the upper and lower pins define a second shear line therebetween. The lock cylinder is positionable from a locked position to an unlocked position when the first shear line is aligned with the second shear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Alston E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7162902
    Abstract: This invention relates to steel wires and steel cords used as a reinforcement for rubber articles such as pneumatic tire, industrial belt and the like, particularly steel wires and steel cords having an excellent adhesion property to rubber, in which an amount of phosphorus included as an oxide in a surface layer region from a brass plated surface applied to a circumferential face of a wire up to a depth of 5 nm in a radial direction of the wire is controlled to not more than 1.5 atomic %, whereby an excellent adhesion property between steel cord and coating rubber can be provided even when an adhesion promoter conventionally added in a coating rubber composition for the steel cord is reduced or is not added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuzo Oosawa, Tadasi Honna, Hisakatsu Hara
  • Patent number: 7162903
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a drive shaft (11) for a vehicle, the drive shaft (11) having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. There is provided a drive arrangement for coupling to the first end of the drive shaft and applying a rotatory force to the drive shaft (11). A second end support arrangement rotationally supports the drive shaft (11) at its second end. Also, a transaxial drive (35) for applying a transverse force in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft (11). The transaxial drive includes a transaxially displaceable roller arrangement for communicating with an outer surface of the drive shaft (11) in a region thereof intermediate of the drive arrangement and the support arrangement, via which the transverse force is applied. The transverse force has a magnitude sufficient to cause bending of the drive shaft (11) in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof as the drive shaft is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Veri-Tek International Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Juranitch, Robert D. Olschefski
  • Patent number: 7162904
    Abstract: A method for producing a bung for a metal cask that does not require a conventional collar and seal, and that simplifies the operations for forming the bung. The method disclosed in the present application includes the following steps. First, a prestamping operation creates a preforming dome in the wall of the cask such that a cuvett is formed. Second, an approximately cylindrical shaft is formed by stamping and thus puncturing the wall of the cask at the location of the bung. Third, the protruding edge of the shaft is folded down the to form an external rolled edge. Fourth, encircling the shaft with a rigid ring constituted by at least two annular sections such that the metal does not tear during the formation of the threads. Finally, the method of the present invention includes the step of implementing a roller threading head to form internal threads in the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Gallay S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Carayon, Lucien Brun
  • Patent number: 7162905
    Abstract: A pressure die having a base portion with an entrance block and an exit block attached thereto. The entrance block and exit block each have a groove adapted to receive the pipe. The curvilinear geometry of the groove of the exit block is constant so that the exit block is symmetrical and can be attached to the base portion in either a first position or a second position in which the exit block is rotated 180 degrees. The exit block is mounted onto the base portion at an angle so that the entrance portion of the exit block is lower in elevation than the exit portion of the exit block. The angle allows for a smooth transition from clearance to compression between the pipe and surface of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: McKay Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Briggs
  • Patent number: 7162906
    Abstract: A method for removing from a carrier a carrier part with a housing arranged thereon, wherein prior to performing the separating operation a notched line is arranged in the carrier on at least one side of the carrier along at least a part of the length of a separating edge to be arranged. The invention also relates to a carrier part with a housing arranged thereon, which carrier part contains openings on the side of the carrier remote from the housing which are filled with encapsulating material, manufactured with the present method. The invention moreover relates to an apparatus for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Fico B.V.
    Inventors: Adrianus Wilhelmus Van Dalen, Henri Joseph Van Egmond
  • Patent number: 7162907
    Abstract: A punch tool for punching orifice that has wall surfaces extending at an angle relative to a generally planar surface of a workpiece. The punch tool of the preferred embodiments is provided with configurations that, at the very least, increase the life of the tool, reduce damages to the workpiece during punching in the formation of the angled orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: J. Michael Joseph, Sam Gruber
  • Patent number: 7162908
    Abstract: The invention deals with the field of bending presses, and, more precisely, deals with a device for handling the upper table moving along guiding pillars and carrying the punch. For every table guiding pillar, the device provides for a main lever (10) hinged in a point that is substantially axial with its related guiding pillar and whose driving arm (10a) is hinged to means sliding along a rod hinged to the upper table. The lever resisting arm (10b), whose length is approximately 8–10 cm shorter that the driving arm length, rotates a crank (12) connected through an eccentric (13) or a connection rod to a connecting rod (14) that transmits the translating motion to the upper table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Schiavi Macchine Industriali S.p.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Manini
  • Patent number: 7162909
    Abstract: A compound indenter for a wire connector pin, the pin having an axial length and an opening at an end thereof for receiving a wire having an exposed portion and an insulation covered portion, the opening being sized to receive both the exposed portion and a length of the insulation covered portion comprises a first indenter having a plurality of indenting elements for engaging the pin in an axial location overlaying the exposed portion of the wire inserted in the pin and a second indenter having a plurality of indenting elements for engaging the pin in an axial location overlaying the insulation covered portion of the wire inserted in the pin. The apparatus advances the indenting elements of each of the first and second indenters generally concurrently for compressing respective sections of the pin into engagement with the exposed wire portion and the insulation covered portions of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Daniels Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Kelly, Amos A. Moo-Young
  • Patent number: 7162910
    Abstract: A hybrid metal forming system includes a die cavity defined by a first die and a second die and a press adapted to apply a static pressure over the first die to deform a workpiece against the second die. The hybrid forming system also includes a dynamic loading system coupled to and positioned between, the press and the die cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wenwu Zhang, David Peter Mika
  • Patent number: 7162911
    Abstract: Electrical characteristics of a semiconductor acceleration sensor containing a switched capacitor filter (15) are tested while the semiconductor acceleration sensor (1, 30, 50, 70, 90) is vibrated to apply a predetermined acceleration to the semiconductor acceleration sensor (1, 30, 50, 70, 90). The vibration frequency is fixed to a low frequency (for example, 50 Hz) at which the acceleration can be stably applied, and the characteristic of LPF is varied to plural kinds by a signal from an external testing apparatus (2, 40, 60, 80, 95). A sensor signal is received under each of the plural filter characteristics, and if these are within a predetermined specific range, the semiconductor acceleration sensor (1, 30, 50, 70, 90) is judged to be normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kouji Hattori
  • Patent number: 7162912
    Abstract: The clipping diodes used to limit voltage during medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging operation are used during calibration operation for measuring amplitude and phase differences. The amplitude and phase measurements using clipping diodes as the calibration node may operate at any frequency, including frequencies less than 20 megahertz as well as frequencies above 20 megahertz. By using the diodes already present, a smaller or more compact calibration system may be provided. More simplistic integration may also result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dermot P. McCartan, John D. Marshall
  • Patent number: 7162913
    Abstract: A method of evaluating restitution characteristics of a golf club head, a system for evaluating the restitution characteristics and a golf club, are provided in which a coefficient of restitution of a golf club head is inferred and obtained without disassembling the golf club by removing the golf club head away from a shaft and the coefficient of restitution may extremely easily be obtained for a short period of time. At first, an external force to a striking face of the golf club head is imparted to perform impact vibration. A response signal of the striking face under the impact vibration is acquired to obtain a resonant frequency of the striking face. A coefficient of restitution is calculated from the resonant frequency when the golf ball is struck by the striking face, whereby restitution characteristics of the golf club head are inferred and evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Saegusa, Kazunori Ono
  • Patent number: 7162914
    Abstract: In a method for testing the functional reliability of a fuel-tank venting valve which is provided in a tank system of a motor vehicle in particular, is connected to an intake manifold and is triggerable by a control unit, a pressure source is provided for testing the tank system for leaks by using excess pressure or a vacuum, and the test of the functional reliability of the fuel-tank venting valve is performed on the basis of at least one performance quantity of the pressure source. In order to achieve a short diagnostic time and a high degree of diagnostic certainty, the fuel-tank venting valve is triggered to open or close, and a certain change in pressure is implemented. The at least one performance quantity of the pressure source is detected, and a properly opening and closing fuel-tank venting valve is determined from the performance quantity thus detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Streib, Dieter Lederer, Karl-Bernhard Lederle
  • Patent number: 7162915
    Abstract: The viscometer provides a viscosity value (X?) which represents the viscosity of a fluid flowing in a pipe connected thereto. It comprises a vibratory transducer with at least one flow tube for conducting the fluid, which communicates with the pipe. Driven by an excitation assembly, the flow tube is vibrated so that friction forces are produced in the fluid. The viscometer further includes meter electronics which feed an excitation current (iexc) into the excitation assembly. By means of the meter electronics, a first internal intermediate value (X1) is formed, which corresponds with the excitation current (iexc) and thus represents the friction forces acting in the fluid. According to the invention, a second internal intermediate value (X2), representing inhomogeneities in the fluid, is generated in the meter electronics, which then determine the viscosity value (X?) using the two intermediate values (X1, X2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Drahm, Alfred Rieder
  • Patent number: 7162916
    Abstract: Individual cylinder output deviations from a normal operating engine cylinder are detected via an analysis of crank shaft speed fluctuations. In the detection phase, the engine is operated at a steady state low idle condition, and engine speed data is collected over a plurality of engine cycles. This data is then averaged, filtered and compared to expected engine speed data. A substantial deviation from the expected speed data in the region of crank shaft angles associated with an individual cylinder during its power stroke adjacent its top dead center position indicates a power level deviation in that cylinder. The magnitude of the power level deviation can then be assessed through a similar procedure where engine speed data is collected, averaged, filtered and compared to expected engine speed data when the engine is operating in a steady state rated condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Masoud K. Zavarehi, Yang Liu, Conrad G. Grembowicz
  • Patent number: 7162917
    Abstract: A device for removing excess air pressure from a valve stem of a tire of a vehicle having a body with a cavity, an intake port for forming a fluid-tight seal with, extracting compressed air through the valve stem, located near the input end of the body, and conveying the air to the cavity; a control mechanism for selecting a desired magnitude of air pressure; a pressure-measuring mechanism for determining the magnitude of air pressure in the cavity; a display mechanism for displaying the selected magnitude of air pressure; and a release mechanism with a release valve and an exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Shaun D. Lopez
  • Patent number: 7162918
    Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole method and apparatus using a flexural mechanical resonator, for example, a tuning fork to provide real-time direct measurements and estimates of the viscosity, density and dielectric constant of formation fluid or filtrate in a hydrocarbon producing well. The present invention additionally provides a method and apparatus for monitoring cleanup from a leveling off of viscosity or density over time, measuring or estimating bubble point for formation fluid, measuring or estimating dew point for formation fluid, and determining the onset of asphaltene precipitation. The present invention also provides for intercalibration of plural pressure gauges used to determine a pressure differential downhole. A hard or inorganic coating is placed on the flexural mechanical resonator (such as a tuning fork) to reduce the effects of abrasion from sand particles suspended in the flowing fluid in which the flexural mechanical resonator is immersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Arnold Walkow, Paul Bergren, Peter W. Reittinger
  • Patent number: 7162919
    Abstract: Blast pressure gauges and methods for detecting blast pressure during a blast test. The gauges operate independently of power sources, are portable, and are used in harsh environments including test ranges. Each embodiment is constructed to detect blast pressures as required in the circumstances of a particular blast test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Rex N. Randolph
  • Patent number: 7162920
    Abstract: Devices are previously known for determining at least one parameter of a medium flowing in a conduit, in particular for determining the air mass flow in the intake section of an internal combustion engine, having a conduit part and a sensor device that has a bypass part. In order to avoid a flow detachment at the side walls of the bypass part, it is provided that a flow vane, running at least approximately parallel to a side wall, provided with a separation opening, of the bypass part, be provided in a conduit part behind a separation opening, seen in the main flow direction, and that the conduit part be provided, in the area of the bypass part, with at least one projection that protrudes from an inner wall of the conduit part towards the bypass part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Konzelmann, Christoph Gmelin
  • Patent number: 7162921
    Abstract: A device for measuring the volume flow or other substance properties of a gas, whose direction of flow can reverse. The arrangement contains a specially designed Y-piece, which is used for branching into direction-dependent flow paths and can be used at the same time for the measurement. Such devices can be preferably used in the area of mechanical respiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Henning Gerder, Artur Kuo
  • Patent number: 7162922
    Abstract: A non-invasive method for measuring the level of filling material in a vessel and for detecting the presence of the filling material in the vessel at a predetermined set point level is based on monitoring the oscillation of the vessel's outside wall that follows an impact load applied to the external surface of the vessel's wall. The method may employ short range level measurement and long range level measurement procedures. The short-range level measurement utilizes the macro-dynamic properties of the oscillating space in the vicinity of the center of the impact. The long-range level measurement utilizes the properties of the transverse elastic waves propagating along the vessel's wall after the impact. The value of the measured level may be determined by a joint evaluation of the output of the short range level measurement procedure and the output of the long range level measurement procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: David I. Freger, Alexander M. Raykhman
  • Patent number: 7162923
    Abstract: An improved evaporation pan assembly having at least three float assemblies attached to the outer side wall of a circular shaped evaporation pan located in 120 degrees increments. An anchor assembly is included having a steel pole driven into the bed sediment. An open ring guide or a hollow, open-ended tube is attached to one of the three float assemblies and is intended to slip over the driven pole extending out of the water. Using this design, the floating evaporation pan may move freely around the anchor assembly due to wind, changes in stage, currents, etc., but still will maintain the pan in a level position upon the water body surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventors: Jason Robert Masoner, Scott Clemens Christenson
  • Patent number: 7162924
    Abstract: A method for analyzing cavitation in a component includes establishing an energy level associated with a system condition associated with the component and analyzing cavitation in response to said energy level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Chandra Ramamoorthy, Arthur Milkowski, Gregory B. Moebs, Priyatosh Barman
  • Patent number: 7162925
    Abstract: An absolute or relative pressure sensor formed of a monolithic plastic body (2) includes a carrier body (3) and a membrane (4). A printed circuit including wire strain gauges and comprised of a polymer paste is disposed on the membrane (4). The membrane (4) is shaped so as to be very soft affording high pressure sensitivity, while the circuit includes electric terminals (7) which may be embedded in the monolithic body (2) during manufacture to eliminate subsequent mounting of these terminals in simplifying production and reducing cost. By connecting the membrane (4) to an element embedded in the monolithic body (2), membrane elasticity may be adjusted to provide the pressure sensor with a desired sensitivity for a specific application. The embedded element is preferably formed as a core of the membrane which is completely surrounded by the plastic monolithic body (2) using a vacuum container (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Metallux AG
    Inventor: Frank Dietrich
  • Patent number: 7162926
    Abstract: A pressure capsule embedded in a pacemaker lead to monitor intracardiac chamber pressure is described. This pressure monitor capsule provides highly accurate pressure readings while insuring a high integrity seal against bodily fluids and tissue growth. The capsule is intended to be embedded into a pacemaker cardiac lead or a catheter with the distal (Tip) isolation diaphragm sensing pressure, coupling the pressure through an air column to a protected sensing MEMS device and providing a secure fluid seal to the lead walls. The proximal (Back) end of the capsule provides the electrical interface through the lead to the pacemaker pulse generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Kavlico Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Guziak, David Tory
  • Patent number: 7162927
    Abstract: The invention provides pressure sensors for use in wet environments. A pressure sensor package according to the invention has a housing having a pair of cavities separated by a wall member. Sequentially contained within one cavity is a conductive elastomeric seal pad, a pressure sensor and an elastomeric media seal. A pressure cap is attached to the housing such that the pressure cap and the housing together form a hermetic seal. The pressure cap has a port for admitting a gas under pressure into the first cavity. A signal amplifier is positioned within the second cavity and a cover encloses the signal amplifier within the second cavity. An electrical connector through the wall member forms an electrical connection between the pressure sensor and the signal amplifier. A lead frame extends through the housing and forms electrical connections with the pressure sensor and the signal amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thirumani A. Selvan, Gururaj U. Shenoy, Saravanan Sadasivan, Raghavendra Muniraju
  • Patent number: 7162928
    Abstract: An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device includes a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to the translating device and a controller. The sensor has first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors. The conductors have a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance. The capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the sensor changing as a result of either conductor or the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the sensor. The capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with either conductor. The controller receives a signal from the sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, and controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Shank, Todd R. Newman, John M. Washeleski
  • Patent number: 7162929
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for evaluating an adhesive layer such as a tack coat. In one embodiment, a portable apparatus is provided to test a tack coat layer prior to applying an overlay. The portable apparatus includes a tripod configuration placed on a surface, a plate conformed to the surface by a load and a torque wrench-applying a pull-off force to test the strength of the surface. In other embodiments, a portable apparatus is provided to test a tack coat layer prior to applying an overlay, where the portable apparatus does not include support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Vivek Tandon
  • Patent number: 7162930
    Abstract: There are provided an ultrasonic transducer that performs transmission and/or reception of an ultrasonic wave, and a propagation medium portion that forms a propagation path of the ultrasonic wave. A density and an acoustic velocity of the propagation medium portion, and a density and a sound velocity of a fluid that fills a circumjacent space are appropriately set, and a propagation loss of the ultrasonic wave into the fluid is reduced to almost zero by refracting the ultrasonic wave at an appropriate angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Hashimoto, Hidetomo Nagahara, Masaaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7162931
    Abstract: The apparatus includes at least one heat exchanger secured on an inline measuring device. Temperature-control fluid flows through a heat exchanger, at least at times during operation, for the purpose of transporting heat. The apparatus additionally includes securement structure for the, especially releasable, fixing of the heat exchanger externally on the inline measuring device. The heat exchanger has an inner wall especially a trough- or dish-shaped inner wall, contacting the inline measuring device externally at least partially flushly, as well as an outer wall fixed to the inner wall. The outer wall is connected with the inner wall via a connecting seam running along an edge region and sealing against escape of the temperature-control fluid, and via a plurality of, especially point, or ring, shaped, inner connection locations, which are arranged spaced from one another in an inner region at least partially enclosed by the edge connection seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Thiérry Moser, Roland Unterseh, Michael Fuchs, Patrick Oudoire
  • Patent number: 7162932
    Abstract: In a method for determining the radial modulus of elasticity of paper or a corresponding web-like material that can be reeled or wound on a reel, the connection between the force and deflection of a material arranged in layers is measured. The measurements of force and deflection necessary for calculating the radial modulus of elasticity are performed on a reel of paper or corresponding material outside the reeling or winding position by loading the reel with a press member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Marko Jorkama
  • Patent number: 7162933
    Abstract: A gas sample and conditioning device for sampling gas in a storage or transport device and conditioning the gas to avoid dew point dropout of the gas. A chamber for regulating the temperature and the pressure of the gas is provided with external A.C. or D.C. power using the leads of existing heat tracing cables to avoid the need for additional power sources to power the temperature and pressure regulating devices within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Valtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth O Thompson, Walter F. Gerhold
  • Patent number: 7162934
    Abstract: In a shifting system (2) for a vehicle transmission which comprises a shifting shaft (6), at least one gear change hub (18) is movably placed in a transmission housing (4) upon the shifting shaft (6). The shifting shaft (6) has at least one shifting pin (30) which with the shifting shaft (6) is rotatable around an axis of rotation (12) and which with the shifting shaft (6) is movable along the axis of rotation (12). Depending on the position of rotation of the shifting shaft (6), the shifting shaft (6) moves with the shifting pin (30) the gear change hub (18). The shifting pin (30), which upon shifting moves the selected gear change hub (18), is placed outside the gear change hub (18) and engages in a bracket (46) connected with the gear change hub (18) and projects from the gear change hub (18). On the outer surface, the gear change hub (18) has one slot (34) in which a locking device (36, 38, 42) is slidingly placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Andrew Fanning, Peter Hartig, Martin Būrkle
  • Patent number: 7162935
    Abstract: A crankshaft coupling structure used in an engine and coupled between a piston and a crankshaft to enhance the output torque of the engine is disclosed to include connector pivoted to the crankshaft, the connector having a radially extended and smoothly arched sliding slot, and a coupling rod member, the coupling rod member having a top end pivoted to the piston and a bottom end pivotally mounted with a roller assembly coupled to the sliding slot of the connector and movable between two distal ends of the sliding slot upon reciprocating motion of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Siegfried Meyer
  • Patent number: 7162936
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission (2) includes a transmission housing (4), a clutch bell housing (6), and lines (20, 22, 36, 38) for a liquid cooling medium and is connected at a junction point to a vehicle engine (26). In the area of the junction point two, first coupling flanges (16, 18) are provided on the clutch bell housing (6), and two second coupling flanges (30, 32) are provided on the vehicle engine (6), which flanges can be joined for the purpose of transferring the cooling medium between the vehicle engine (26) and the vehicle transmission (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Ludger Ronge
  • Patent number: 7162937
    Abstract: A positioning device for a two-way ratchet tool includes a switch assembly, a lid, a ratchet, a detent and a wrench body. The switch assembly comprises a switch and a stud to be inserted in a through slot of the lid. The stud is provided with an engaging block to link the detent. The ratchet comprises a through hole therein and gear teeth around its outer periphery. The detent is formed with gear teeth. The ratchet and the detent are accommodated in the wrench body. A first elastic element is provided in the wrench body to engage with the detent so that the gear teeth of the detent mesh with the gear teeth of the ratchet. A second elastic element is provided in the wrench body to engage with the switch of the switch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Heng-Jian Weng
  • Patent number: 7162938
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachment that fits onto the head of a wrench to magnetically hold a nut. The attachment has a magnetized surface and a side surface to friction fit onto a wrench. Fit is further improved by magnetizing the side surface. By holding the nut, the attachment allows for operation of a wrench in restrictive spaces where manual holding of the nut would be impossible or impracticable. Making side surfaces of the attachment out of plastic allows the attachment to adapt to different sizes of wrench heads. A hole in the attachment allows a bolt to pass through the attachment as it passes through the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Peters
  • Patent number: 7162939
    Abstract: Related to a tamperproof screw to which a conventional general screwdriver cannot couple so that screw tightening is prevented reliably, to a screwdriver bit that can be simply and quickly coupled to the screw and can reliably prevent a come-out phenomenon during screw tightening, and to a header punch for manufacturing the tamperproof screw simply, easily and at low costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Totsu
  • Patent number: 7162940
    Abstract: Tipping papers are cut from a continuous strip of material advancing along a set feed path by a unit comprising a suction roller and a roller equipped with blades, which combine to separate the single papers from the strip at a prescribed frequency; the tension of the advancing strip is varied cyclically by diverter elements associated with the suction roller and capable of movement at intervals coinciding with the frequency of the cutting stroke between two limit positions, one located externally and the other internally of the outer surface presented by the suction roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Salvatore Rizzoli, Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Patent number: 7162941
    Abstract: A universal slicer contains a housing, a rotatably mounted revolving blade, a positioning plate which is provided with a bearing surface for a product that is to be sliced, and a mechanism regulating the width of cut by adjusting the positioning plate in relation to the revolving blade. In order to ensure that the slices are cut in a uniform manner, particularly when using universal slicers that have a simple configuration and are inexpensive to produce, the universal slicer is provided with a tensioning device, by which the positioning plate can be prestressed free from play counter to the mechanism regulating the width of cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kovacic, Jozef Skoncnik
  • Patent number: 7162942
    Abstract: A plated hallow point bullet has a metallic plating which completely encapsulates a metallic core. A core precursor is formed having a nose compartment. A metallic coating is applied to the precursor to completely encapsulate the precursor. The coated precursor is mechanically deformed without breaching the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Jack D. Dippold
  • Patent number: 7162943
    Abstract: A method and system for neutralizing mines has a vehicle carrying fluid connected to a pump and cavitation pressure vessel that creates high pressure fluid. An actuator valve modifies the flow characteristics of the high pressure fluid to be pulsating at selectively different frequencies, pressures, and flow rate. Nozzles on the vehicle jet high pressure fluid therethrough and a framework on the vehicle orients the nozzles to direct the jetted flow of high pressure fluid downward and into ground under a roadway. An abrasive and/or explosive can be added to the high pressure fluid before it reaches the nozzles. The jetted flow from the nozzles can displace ground and exert pressure to detonate and cut mines and neutralize them on and under the roadway. Cavitation can be created in the jetted flow to increase the dynamic force of the jetted flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gregory Reitmeyer, Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, Christopher Doyle
  • Patent number: 7162944
    Abstract: A linear fluid piston device not requiring a fluid valve to operate and has operating piston stroke capabilities beyond traditional vibration fluid devices. The linear fluid device features (a) a movable piston means for linear motion, (b) a feature wherein said body provides rotational movement for fluid port alignment and a pressure vessel containing an (c) end cap and (d) cavity sized to guide the movable piston. In the improvement, the moveable piston provides a method for changing the linear direction in the event the total linear piston movement has not completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Bret Allen Britz
  • Patent number: 7162945
    Abstract: A torsional rigidity control device capable of controlling a moment provided to stabilizers (1f) and (1r) against the moment based on an external moment loaded from the outside to the stabilizers (1f) and (1r), comprising a moment variable mechanism for varying the moment loaded on the stabilizers (1f) and (1r) by regulating a fluid pressure supplied from a fluid pressure source driving rotary actuators (2f) and (2r) connected to the intermediate parts or one ends of the stabilizers (1f) and (1r) or the cylinders (51f) and (51r) connected to one ends of the stabilizers (1f) and (1r), characterized in that the necessary value of the fluid pressure for driving the rotary actuators (2f) and (2r) or the cylinders (51f) and (51r) is calculated based on the value of the external moment, the value of the fluid pressure supplied to the rotary actuators (2f) and (2r) or cylinders (51f) and (51r) is compared with the necessary value of the fluid pressure, and based on the compared result, the fluid pressure is regulate
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Kayaba Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masamura Tatsuya, Hagidaira Shinichi
  • Patent number: 7162946
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic control valve having a holding valve with improved response characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Man Suk Jeon