Patents Issued in January 16, 2007
  • Patent number: 7163147
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for marking a pre-printed paper ballot which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the apparatus. If the ballot is to be machine marked, the ballot is inserted into the marking apparatus and candidate selections are presented to the voter on a touchscreen. Candidate selections entered on the touchscreen are marked on both the top and bottom sides of the ballot utilizing a dual print head to mark spaces corresponding to the selected candidates, and the ballot is returned to the voter in a form which enables the voter to visually confirm that his selections have been marked. The ballot, whether hand-marked or machine-marked, is inserted in a ballot scanning device, wherein it is tallied and deposited in a ballot box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Automark Technical Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene M. Cummings
  • Patent number: 7163148
    Abstract: A magnetic stripe card reader for reading a magnetic stripe on a card having at least one track of magnetically stored information stored thereon as a stream of encoded discrete data bits separated by bit times is disclosed. Aa magnetic head is provided for reading the magnetic pulses as the magnetic stripe is passed thereby to output a time varying analog signal. A data converter incorporated on an integrated circuit is then operable for converting the analog signal to a digital time series of digital values. A processor incorporated on the integrated circuit can ten process the digital output of the data converter and is operable to first determine potential bit boundaries and then recover timing information from the digital time series to discriminate the bit times between data bits. The value of each data bit is then determined during each bit time to provide a stream of extracted data bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Silicon Labs CP, Inc.
    Inventors: William Gene Durbin, Brent Wilson
  • Patent number: 7163149
    Abstract: An optical code reading system and method are provided for reading optical codes imprinted or displayed on, or behind, reflective surfaces. The system includes an extended light source, including one of a backlight assembly and a frontlight assembly, emitting an extended-beam light for directly illuminating an optical code, at least one image sensor for sensing light reflected by the optical code and generating signals related to at least one image of the optical code, and at least one processor for processing at least a portion of the signals, generating a decodable image corresponding to the signals, and decoding at least a portion of the decodable image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duanfeng He, Eugene B. Joseph
  • Patent number: 7163150
    Abstract: A targeting system for a portable image reader, which advantageously combines a number of functions including alignment, aiming, framing and range finding and provides a wide imaging range with an optimal field of view, is described. The targeting system projects a predetermined pattern having two or more components onto the target such that the components maintain a uniform distance between one another to bound the target and further vary in size as a function of their distance between the image reader and the target. The targeting system comprises targeting LED's, apertures positioned over the targeting LED's, and cylindrical lenses positioned over the apertures. With this arrangement, at least two vertical lines are projected onto a target such that the lines maintain a uniform distance apart from one another, but vary in length as a function of the reader distance from the target. This allows the operator to quickly position the imaging device over a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Psion Teklogix Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg R. Kricorissian, Xinjun Xie
  • Patent number: 7163151
    Abstract: A method of handling images in an image capturing device, said method including the steps of capturing an image, receiving a voice tag and matching the received voice tag with a stored voice tag, said stored voice tag having an instruction associated therewith for handling an image, and handling the image in accordance with the instruction corresponding to the received voice tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Arto Kiiskinen
  • Patent number: 7163152
    Abstract: A protective container is provided for a magnetic card, such as a gift card or credit card, which shields the enclosed card from potentially damaging magnetic fields, thereby greatly reducing the possibility that information stored on the card will be erased. A preferred embodiment container having high magnetic permeability is stamped from metal containing nickel and iron. Other embodiments of the container, which provide less protection from unwanted magnetic fields, are stamped from mild steel. The protective container may take a variety of shapes and may include an injection molded or vacuum-formed plastic insert which retains the stored card in a preferred position. A protective container preferably has a lid which provides a full surround enclosure. The lid may be of a slide-on, press-on, or hinged type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Warren R. Osborn, Bryan P. Dunford
  • Patent number: 7163153
    Abstract: A selectable, multi-purpose card comprising a plurality of features stored in a memory storage device operatively mounted on the card and a selection device for allowing a user to select a feature in a few simple steps, preferably in a single step. In one embodiment the card includes a plurality of magnetic strips positioned on the card in a manner to allow swiping each magnetic strip separately using conventional reading devices. Each magnetic strip activates a different feature of the card. In another embodiment the card includes a programmable magnetic strip, a plurality of features stored in the memory storage device mounted on the card, a plurality of buttons or contacts, and a device for programming the magnetic strip with a different card feature. The card may also include a thin, flexible display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
    Inventor: George Blossom
  • Patent number: 7163154
    Abstract: A contactless electronic IC card (10), includes a communication device (14) for communicating with a contactless electronic IC card reader (12) in accordance with the ISO 14443-4 standard, a contact type electronic IC card operating system (16) communicating by APDU command and APDU response in accordance with the ISO 7816-4 standard, and a protocol conversion interface (18) between the communication device (14) and the operating system (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventor: Romain Palmade
  • Patent number: 7163155
    Abstract: An antenna design of compact dimensions is provided by incorporating the antenna structure into an integrated circuit or small circuit module. A radiation pattern adjustment mechanism permits dynamic, real-time adjustment of the antenna pattern in response to motion, repositioning, handovers, or other changing conditions. Pursuant to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the antenna includes a plurality of substantially conductive elements embedded into or formed on the integrated circuit. At least one of the conductive elements is coupled to a radiation pattern adjustment mechanism in the form of a switching diode or relay. The antenna elements are arranged in a manner so as to provide parasitic interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alain Charles Louis Briancon, Howard E. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7163156
    Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7163157
    Abstract: An automatic compensating valve, e.g., for individual shower and tub/shower combination fixtures, has a valve body defining cold and hot water inlet flow passageways, a mixing chamber, a mixed temperate water outlet flow passageway, and an axial bore. The valve includes a plunger that defines, with other elements of the valve, a first orifice for communication of the cold water inlet with said mixing chamber and a second orifice for communication of hot water inlet with mixing chamber. The plunger is mounted within a mixing subassembly for axial movement within the bore, including in response to temperature of water within the mixing chamber to vary the ratio of flow of cold water through the first orifice to flow of hot water through the second orifice. The first orifice and the second orifice are arranged for flow of water transverse to axial movement of the plunger within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Zoltan Goncze, James C. Graves
  • Patent number: 7163158
    Abstract: A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignees: Comverge, Inc., Emerson Electric, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Rossi, Paul Michael Huddleston, Mark Lee Barton, Bradley A. Smith, Howard Ng, Carl J. Mueller, James P. Garozzo, Cecil H. Barrett, Russell Thomas House
  • Patent number: 7163159
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a metering orifice disc. The metering orifice disc includes a peripheral portion, a central portion, and an orifice. The peripheral portion is with respect to a longitudinal axis and extends parallel to a base plane. The peripheral portion bounds the central portion. The central portion includes a facet that extends parallel to a plane that is oblique with respect to the base plane. The orifice penetrates the facet and extends along an orifice axis that is oblique with respect to the plane. As such, the orientation of the orifice with respect to the longitudinal axis is defined by a combination of (1) a first relationship of the plane with respect to the base plane, and (2) a second relationship of the orifice axis with respect to the plane. A method of forming a multi-facetted dimple for the metering orifice disc is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: J. Michael Joseph
  • Patent number: 7163160
    Abstract: A spray gun head comprises a flow distribution mechanism having an annular shield member disposed around a nozzle thereof and a plurality of apertures around the flow distribution mechanism; a cap comprising a central orifice and two pairs of holes at two opposite sides thereof, such that a mouth of the nozzle is adapted to dispose in the orifice when the cap is put on the flow distribution mechanism; and a ring threadedly secured onto the flow distribution mechanism for closing a pass between the rear of the cap and the flow distribution mechanism. By utilizing this spray gun head, both air flow and air pressure leaving the flow distribution mechanism are made uniform for obtaining an excellent spray on balance and atomization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Chia Chung Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shou-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 7163161
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle for thinning of phosphine (chemical formula PH3), which is consisting in a tube-like air-inducing, a ring-like mounted split (ring split) and/or in at least one lateral mounted little tube as PH3-inducing (inducer), whereby the thickness of the split opening and/or of the opening of the little tube is maximum 1/25 of the diameter of the tube like air-inducing (inducer) and/or of the distance between the surface of an air guiding element and the inner side of the tube-like air-inducing (inducer) in the area of the PH3-entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Franziskus Horn
  • Patent number: 7163162
    Abstract: A fuel-injection valve includes a fuel-injection hole, a valve element and a valve seat for opening and closing the fuel-injection hole, a force-applying member for applying force to the valve element in a direction of motion of the valve element, and a drive unit for applying force to the valve element in the direction opposite to that of the force applied by the force-applying member; wherein a secondary oscillation system, which interacts with a primary oscillation system including the valve element and the force-applying member, is added to the primary oscillation system, and the phase angle of force applied to the primary oscillation system by the secondary oscillation system is also staggered from that of force applied to the primary oscillation system, which is other than the force applied to the primary oscillation system by the secondary oscillation system, whereby the bouncing of the valve element during opening and closing of the valve is reduced, which in turn makes it possible to achieve very acc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Tsuchiya, Tosuke Hirata, Yoshio Okamoto, Tohru Ishikawa, Noriyuki Maekawa, Yoshiyuki Tanabe, Atsushi Sekine, Yuzo Kadomukai, Makoto Yamakado, Motoyuki Abe
  • Patent number: 7163163
    Abstract: A spray nozzle system includes a spray tip having an elongated slot-shaped discharge opening for defining a flat fan spray pattern that subtends a wide angle, a cap body carrying the spray tip in fixed relation thereto and adapted to attach the spray tip to a supply fitting for tapping a supply of material to be sprayed in fixed aligned relation thereto and a flow regulating insert carried in the spray tip for connecting the spray tip to the supply of material to be sprayed and for controlling the amount of flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Hypro, LLC
    Inventor: Simon J. Waddelow
  • Patent number: 7163164
    Abstract: A grinding device including at least one motor-driven rotating shaft near the bottom of a receptacle for receiving non-metallic pieces to grind up. The shaft has teeth, which shred and grind the non-metallic pieces and which are radially arranged in rows on the periphery of the shaft. The shaft teeth cooperate with teeth of at least one fixed comb, which is attached to a receptacle and divides the receptacle into an upper part situated above the comb and a lower part located underneath the comb. The fixed comb includes an electrically conductive base brought to a specified potential. An electrically conductive surface, which is oriented toward the upper part of the receptacle, is electrically separated from the base, and is brought to a potential that is different from that of the base, in order to detect the presence of metallic pieces by the completion of the electrical circuit created thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Diaz
  • Patent number: 7163165
    Abstract: A tool for disintegrating coke has a housing attached to a drill stem in operation, at least one nozzle for cutting and one nozzle for drilling of coke, and at least one valve for closing and opening the nozzles, wherein the tool is adapted to have two different operating states and wherein the at least one valve closes off the cutting nozzles in the drilling operating state, while the drilling nozzles are closed off by the at least one valve in the cutting operating state, and wherein the housing, the valve and the nozzles are adapted so that water may flow unhindered from the drill stem through the housing and the valve and through the nozzles not closed off by the valve, wherein, the nozzles to be closed, for each chosen operating state, are closed off by the balls of a ball valve. An arrangement for operating the valve is arranged above the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ruhrpumpen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Paul, Dirk Heidemann, Maciej Bareikowski
  • Patent number: 7163166
    Abstract: A rotatable assembly for a machine includes a rotatable shaft having a longitudinal axis and a rotatable member disposed about the shaft. The rotatable assembly also includes at least one first connecting member operatively mounted to the rotatable member and to the shaft at a first location along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The rotatable assembly includes at least one second connecting member operatively mounted to the rotatable member and located at a second location spaced from the first location along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The rotatable assembly further includes a bearing operatively mounted to the shaft, wherein the second connecting member is operatively mounted to the bearing to allow the shaft to twist without permanent deformation when a concentrated load is subjected to the shaft as the rotor is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Leward Nile Smith
  • Patent number: 7163167
    Abstract: A one way clutch of a spinning reel for suppressing vibrations is arranged on a rotor that is rotatably mounted on a reel unit of the spinning reel and includes a ratchet wheel, a ratchet pawl, an urging member and a vibration absorption member. The ratchet wheel is fixed to the rotor and has ratchet teeth on an inner periphery thereof. The ratchet pawl is pivotally arranged between a mesh position in which the ratchet pawl meshes with the ratchet teeth and a mesh release position in which the ratchet pawl separates from the ratchet teeth. The urging mechanism urges the ratchet pawl at least to a mesh position side. The vibration absorption member is interposed between the ratchet wheel and the rotor. The one way clutch links the rotor and a rotatable tubular member only when the rotor rotates in the line release direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ikuta, Kei Saito
  • Patent number: 7163168
    Abstract: A spinning reel handle assembly that does not expose a male threaded section to the outside includes a handle shaft portion, a cylindrical cover member, a cylindrical screw-threaded member and a cylindrical moveable member. The cylindrical cover member is mounted on an external circumference of a tip end section of the handle shaft portion. The cylindrical cover member is configured to cover at least a portion of an external circumference of the moveable member and an entire portion of the male threaded section of the cylindrical screw-threaded member on which the cylindrical moveable member is not mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Ken'ichi Sugawara, Shingo Matsuo, Masuo Ban
  • Patent number: 7163169
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for regulating fishing line tension. The system comprises a plurality of line retainers. Each line retainer comprises a holder on which the line rests, an elongated portion, and a clip that is attached to the surface of a fishing rod proximate the handle. The line retainer may be fabricated as one seamless piece of resilient material or may comprise at least two pieces of different material. The method for regulating the free spooling of a fishing line enables a fishing enthusiast to regulate tension on the fishing line with an open bail or in the free spool position on the drag system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: ETC III LLC
    Inventors: James R. Rosseau, Robert H. Rosseau
  • Patent number: 7163170
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the movement of an elevator mechanism in a tape drive system. The mechanism of the present invention employs a tachometer to detect the magnetic decoupling of a cartridge from a cartridge reel motor. A holding torque is placed on the cartridge reel motor. A voltage or current ramp is supplied to the elevator mechanism, wherein the elevator mechanism raises and magnetically decouples the tape cartridge from the cartridge reel motor. As the coupling force is broken, the torque placed on the cartridge reel motor causes the motor to turn. The tachometer detects the magnetic decoupling of the cartridge from the cartridge reel motor by sensing the angular displacement of the motor. In response, the controller decreases the voltage or current ramp to adapt to the load reduction on the elevator mechanism, and thereby more smoothly continue the elevator motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Olin Wyman, William Joseph Vanderheyden, John Douglas Willems, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7163171
    Abstract: The present magnetic tape cartridge having a data storage medium connected to an integral cleaning tape section is designed to accommodate the length of cleaning tape in a manner that is compatible with existing tape drive systems. In particular, the hub on the supply reel in the single reel magnetic tape cartridge is dimensioned to accept the length of cleaning tape such that the radial position of the End Of Tape hole in the magnetic tape media occurs in the same position as that of existing single reel magnetic tape cartridges that are not equipped with the length of cleaning tape appended to the magnetic tape media. This enables the cleaning tape equipped magnetic tape cartridge to be compatible with existing tape drive systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventor: Vladimir Nejezchleb
  • Patent number: 7163172
    Abstract: A reel driving device includes a reel stand for driving a reel to rotate; and a latch including at least one contact portion contactable with the reel. The reel stand includes a convexed and concaved portion. The latch includes a claw portion for, when contacting the convexed and concaved portion, stopping a rotation of the convexed and concaved portion. While the reel stand rotates in a first direction, the latch moves in such a direction that the claw portion contacts the convexed and concaved portion by a rotation of the reel stand being conveyed to the at least one contact portion. While the reel stand rotates in a second direction, the latch moves in such a direction that the claw portion is separated from the convexed and concaved portion by a rotation of the reel stand being conveyed to the at least one contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Shibukawa, Koichiro Hirabayashi, Akio Konishi, Hiroshi Kurumatani
  • Patent number: 7163173
    Abstract: When an elongate film is initially wound around a core, it is wound under a low winding tension command value T1 corresponding to the length of the core. Then, after the tension is progressively increased at a predetermined rate, the elongate film is wound while its tension is gradually lowered from a high winding tension command value T3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Nakata, Takayuki Fujiwara, Matsuo Seto
  • Patent number: 7163174
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for winding a yarn package, wherein an advancing yarn is reciprocated by means of a traversing yarn guide within a traverse stroke, and deposited on the yarn package. To avoid high package edges, the traverse stroke of the traversing yarn guide is variable in its length within the width of the yarn package during the winding operation. The length variations of the traverse stroke occur during the winding cycle by a predetermined stroke modification function, which is determined from a mass distribution of the yarn on a hypothetically wound, ideal yarn package, so that it is possible to produce a predetermined package density of the yarn package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Saurer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reinhard Lieber
  • Patent number: 7163175
    Abstract: A tape guide that has textured surface over which the tape passes. The textured surface has a surface roughness exceeding the flying height of the tape above the surface. This new irregular surface topography reduces the air bearing and allows limited contact between the tape guide and the tape while minimizing tape distortion that can occur with other surface topographies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Judy Bloomquist, legal representative, Darrel R. Bloomquist, deceased
  • Patent number: 7163176
    Abstract: A 2-D correction system uses intermittent deployment of aerodynamic surfaces to control a spin or fin stabilized projectile in flight; correcting both crossrange and downrange impact errors. Intermittent surface deployment develops rotational moments, which create body lift that nudge the projectile in two-dimensions to correct the projectile in its ballistic trajectory. In low spin rate projectiles (“fin stabilized”), the rotational moment directly produces the body lift that moves the projectile. In high spin rate projectiles (“spin stabilized”), the rotational moment creates a much larger orthogonal precession that in turn produces the body lift that moves the projectile. The aerodynamic surfaces are suitably deployed over multiple partial roll cycles at precise on (deployed) and off (stowed) positions in the cycle to nudge the projectile up or down range or left or right cross range until the desired ballistic trajectory is restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Chris E. Geswender, Andrew J. Hinsdale, George A. Blaha, Richard Dryer
  • Patent number: 7163177
    Abstract: An airship ballast system includes an engine driven propeller and a cooling tube that is positioned coplanar with the propeller and outside its tip path. One end of the cooling tube is connected to receive exhaust gases from the engine while the other end is connected to a ballast tank. In operation, exhaust gases from the engine are cooled as they transit the cooling tube, and water condensed from the cooled exhaust gases is pumped to the ballast tank to maintain a ballast for the airship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Information Systems Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Boschma, Jr., Callum R. Sullivan, Michael McNabb
  • Patent number: 7163178
    Abstract: This invention relates to a seat rail (8) for an aircraft cabin, the rail comprising a web (22) located between a top flange (24) and a bottom flange (26) with an outer surface (26a) and an inner surface (26b) fixed to the web. According to the invention, the rail is also equipped with several connection devices (20) designed for its attachment onto an aircraft structure, and being made in a single piece with the web and the top and bottom flanges, each connection device (20) having at least one through orifice (32) and projecting from the outer surface (26a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Alexandre Ricaud
  • Patent number: 7163179
    Abstract: Affordable commercial service platforms in space focusing on customer affordability, quality microgravity services, innovation and combining five emerging space technologies. The invention provides an integrated approach to microgravity services in orbit. First, the reusable launch vehicle (RLV) offers affordable transportation services, platform reboost, and eliminates platform subsystems of propulsion, RCS, liquid storage/resupply, and the like. Second, deployable structures are not heavy for the launch, but expand in orbit. Third, orbital phone networks offer customers control of unmanned experiments. Fourth, an enhanced robotic system transfers payloads. Fifth, manufactured thin film solar cells in orbit offer advantages including weight/cost reductions. The orbital service platform has a low initial cost, expands as the market demands, is repairable, offers quality unmanned microgravity, leads to production facilities using similar hardware and offers numerous affordable commercial services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7163180
    Abstract: A system and method for routing and segregating cables is provided. An embodiment includes a support member having a plurality of cable trays coupled thereto. The cable trays may be arranged in a tiered-manner such that cable receiving portions of the cable trays extend farther than an adjacent cable tray in a longitudinal direction. Cables may then be routed to individual cable trays, which route the cables to a second location. In this manner, the cables in each cable tray are segregated from cables in other cable trays, thereby reducing the twisting of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: MCI, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond R. Sivahop
  • Patent number: 7163181
    Abstract: A magnetic mounting assembly for securely attaching a positionable object to be variably fixed in a desired selected position to a support, for universally moving the positionable object to the desired selected position, and for holding the positionable object in that position during operation is provided, including a positioning element with a ball that is attached to the positionable object. A support element includes a socket configured to movably engage the ball. One of either the ball or socket includes a magnetic material and the other includes a magnetically attractive material to hold the ball in the socket by magnetic as well as frictional forces. An adjustment collar controls the axial movement of the ball to increase or decrease the magnetic force holding the ball in the socket. This mounting assembly is particularly useful for supporting a camera on a tripod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Justin T. Omps
  • Patent number: 7163182
    Abstract: A sucker and film combination including a sucker comprising a body useful for attaching the sucker to a surface. A column is in contact with the body. The column includes a groove useful for engaging a film. A stem useful for detaching the body from the surface is in contact with the body. The film comprises a substantially planar surface. A through-hole wall extends through the substantially planar surface. The through-hole wall defines a column receiver portion and a stem receiver portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Mong-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 7163183
    Abstract: A bow holder for holding an archery bow when the bow is not being used while hunting. This base can be used on multiple type tree stands either vertically or horizontally depending on the tree stand used. The connection between the main base parts and wire holder allows a 360-degree pivot of the holder, which makes the bow more accessible for the hunter. The holder secures the bow from falling or being knocked off or out of its holder, but the bow holder also allows the bow to be easily taken by the hunter by simply tilting the bow toward the hunter and lifting the bow out of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Inspired and Created Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Warren E. Sutherland, Roy G. Mollette
  • Patent number: 7163184
    Abstract: A drive device, preferably for lifting columns for height-adjustable tables, comprising an endless chain (31) running over first and second chain wheels (16, 17) with a first chain run and a second chain run between the two chain wheels, wherein at least one chain run may be connected with a movable element in the structure in which the drive device is incorporated. The drive device comprises a stick-shaped element (5), where the chain wheels (16, 17) are mounted at their respective ends and the one chain wheel (16) is driven by an electric motor (6) via a transmission and where both the electric motor and the transmission are likewise mounted on the stick-shaped element so that the drive device essentially appears as a finished, mountable unit. The length of stroke is determined solely by the selection of the length of the drive device, just as the drive device may be constructed for a slender column profile. The drive device is moreover easy to mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventor: Jens J. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7163185
    Abstract: A baking system that allows the user to create a three-dimensional cake having the form of a bride and groom, or man and woman. The substantial part of the human forms is accomplished by a molding process using cake, candy or chocolate. Utilizing 2 piece pans; having a removable outer rim with spring action hinges, locking spring action clasps, and corresponding pan insets to complete the process. The pan insets are specifically designed to become the interior support system for the cake structure. The entire cake is molded, baked, poured, and stacked prior the removal of the outer rims of the pans. Fitted, plastic snap-on storage lids are included, enabling the user to bake the cakes in advance, and keep them fresh until ready to assemble and decorate. The system offers the flexibility of easy creation, easy storage, easy assembly, and easy transportation of the completed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Lisha Annette Dail
  • Patent number: 7163186
    Abstract: A valve housing 1 with valve seat 10 incorporated in a fluid line features a closing element 2 with a valve disk 11 and a valve stem 12 extending through and sealed in the housing wall which, on the outer side, is locked by means of a locking pin 17 actuated by a solenoid. Owing to the geometry of the valve disk and the annular gap 20 as well as the action of a spring element 23, the inlet-side pressure acting upon the closing element 2 exceeds the outlet-side pressure, as a result of which the fluid flow via the annular gap is interrupted in only a few milliseconds merely by the permanently present, higher mechanical pressure if the valve stem is released merely by the movement of the locking pin effected by a small and lightweight solenoid 18, actuated on the basis of a signal indicating an event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Hans Otto Opper
  • Patent number: 7163187
    Abstract: A solenoid valve moves an armature back and forth 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Seal Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mullally, Paul E. Welker
  • Patent number: 7163188
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is provided that comprises a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, and a movable member for moving a valve element away from a valve seat to open the valve. The moveable member engages and moves the valve element away from the seat to an open position when the solenoid is actuated. When the solenoid is not actuated, a biasing spring moves the moveable member to disengage from the valve element, which returns to a closed position. The moveable member does not transfer any impact force to the valve element on closure of the valve member, so that the valve may be operated a significant number of cycles without failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Sisk
  • Patent number: 7163189
    Abstract: A tapping valve of plastics material for transport and storage containers for liquids, which is constructed as a flap valve or ball valve, includes a valve housing with an inlet connection connectable to an outlet connection of the liquid container and an outlet connection, wherein the outlet connection of the valve body is welded to the male part of a Kamlok coupling for connecting a discharge hose. The valve housing is of a polyethylene of high density and the male part of the Kamlok coupling is of a glass fiber-reinforced polyethylene of high density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schütz
  • Patent number: 7163190
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member having a seal retainer with a first inner ring and a second outer ring is disclosed. The first inner ring and second outer ring are concentric, at least part of the first inner ring inserted through the second outer ring. The second outer ring is threaded to the coupling member to provide sufficient torque to reduce or eliminate any gap between the seal retainer and the shoulder surface in the coupling member on which an elastomeric seal is positioned. Another elastomeric seal is held between the first inner ring and second outer ring of the seal retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 7163191
    Abstract: A high-pressure gate valve for control of bulk materials includes a main body with an opening for passing bulk material, an upper body, a slideable blade, and lifting structure configured to raise the blade in a planar motion, perpendicular to the primary direction of travel and seal it against the upper body when the blade is extended. An actuating cylinder coupled with a rear edge of the blade extends and retracts the blade. A rear portion of the valve is enclosed to protect the rear edge of the blade, the actuating cylinder, and the coupling between the two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Salina Vortex Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Edward Young, Shawn Michael Werner
  • Patent number: 7163192
    Abstract: An actuator for a valve serving to transfer turning power from a motor to an output shaft through an inner gearing planet gear speed reducing mechanism that is imposed in a casing and adapted to effect speed reduction of the turning power, and utilize rotation of the output shaft to open and close a valve by rotation. The gear speed reduction mechanism includes an eccentric body rotated in consequence of transfer of the turning power from the motor, an outer gear disposed so as to generate a vibrating rotation through the eccentric body, an inner gear meshed in an inscribing manner with the outer gear, a rotation transferring mechanism for extracting rotation from the vibrating rotation of the outer gear and transferring the extracted rotation to the output shaft, and an output shaft connected through the rotation transferring mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Kitz Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Aoki, Yasuo Minai, Yoshikazu Yokochi, Masahiro Kazama
  • Patent number: 7163193
    Abstract: A water flow-controlling device has a tube, a shaft, a block, a washer and a reciprocating assembly. The tube has a front opening, a rear opening, a side opening and a rear bracket. The openings communicate with one another. The rear bracket is mounted in the tube near the rear opening. The shaft is mounted in and is aligning with the tube and is mounted movably in the rear bracket. The block and the washer are mounted on the shaft. The block selectively obstructs the communication between the front and side openings. The reciprocating assembly connects to the shaft to move the shaft to align with the tube. The reciprocating assembly moves the shaft to extend out of the tube or the inner pressure pushes the block to prevent the block from obstructing the communication between the front and side openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Yung-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 7163194
    Abstract: An actuator (16) for a rotor valve (10). The actuator includes a rack (86) for driving a pinion gear (87) of the valve. The rack is moved between first and second positions by the action of a first piston (88). Movement of the first piston and rack is selectively restricted in one direction by the movement of a moveable stop (104) from a withdrawn position to an extended position, thereby defining a third position of the rack. The moveable stop may be driven by a second piston (102). The first and second pistons may be powered by a common compressed air supply (122). The cross-sectional area of the first piston may be at least 1.4 times the cross-sectional area of the second piston to ensure that the force exerted by the first piston is not sufficient to displace the moveable stop from the extended position when the second piston is open to the compressed air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Muhammad Pervaiz
  • Patent number: 7163195
    Abstract: Displaced force backing wedge with a rigid wedge shape, a rigid handle, the wedge shape having a plurality of rounded ridges extending from left to right at its top most surface. The wedge shape has a centrally located slot extending perpendicularly from the thin edge of the wedge to the center area of the wedge. The handle extends outward perpendicularly from a central portion of the thick side of the wedge. A preferred embodiment includes rounded ridges that run parallel to the front surface and start as a small radius and progress to larger radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Lawson
  • Patent number: 7163196
    Abstract: A compact carpet stretching apparatus may include a frame member, floor engagement members, and a head unit configured for use without extension poles. In one illustrative embodiment, the stretcher apparatus includes a head unit to engage a portion of a web of carpet, frame side members spaced laterally of the head unit that extend from the rear of the head unit past the front end of the head unit, and floor engaging anchors coupled to the frame side members proximal to the front portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Behr Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Jerome P. Behr, Timothy L. Behr, David P. Behr