Patents Issued in January 18, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070013094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of porous carbon-based material comprising the steps provision of a polymer film provided in the form of a sheet or a coating; as well as pyrolysis and/or carbonization of the polymer film in an atmosphere that is essentially free of oxygen at temperatures in the range of 80° C. to 3,500° C. The invention further relates to carbon-based material producible according to the method mentioned above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Norman Bischofsberger, Andreas Ban, Bernhard Mayer, Dov Goldmann, Jorg Rathenow, Soheil Asgari
  • Publication number: 20070013095
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical film using a solution casting method comprising the steps of: (i) preparing an initial dope comprising a cellulose ester resin; (ii) preparing a casting dope by diluting the initial dope with a diluting solution via inline dilution, the diluting solution having a solid content lower than a solid content of the initial dope; and (iii) casting the casting dope to form a cellulose ester film, wherein (a) an average orientation angle of the slow axis is 90°±1.5° or 0°±1.5° against a film transport direction of the cellulose ester film; and (b) a fluctuation of a viscosity or a fluctuation of a density of the casting dope is controlled so that a relative standard deviation of the fluctuation of the viscosity or the fluctuation of the density of the casting dope is in the range of 0.01-1%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Syouichi Sugitani
  • Publication number: 20070013096
    Abstract: There is disclosed a multistage molding apparatus and method for continuously forming a composite article. The apparatus comprises a first stage for forming a skin, a second stage for applying a structural foam to the skin as the skin is being cured to form the composite article and a third stage for curing the composite article. The method comprises the steps of impregnating a skin forming material with a first resin at a first stage, curing the skin forming material to form a skin, while applying a foam to the impregnated skin forming material before the impregnated skin forming material is fully cured in a second stage, and curing the foamed skin to form the composite article at a third stage. There is also disclosed a composite article comprising a skin layer bonded to a foam layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew Rekret
  • Publication number: 20070013097
    Abstract: In press molding or embossing a thermoplastic resin for producing a molded product excellent in transferability of microscopic surface asperities and having high quality with high productivity, a preform of a thermoplastic resin is heated to about the hardening temperature of the thermoplastic resin constituting the preform. The preform is embedded between an upper half and a lower half of a mold which are maintained at a temperature of about the hardening temperature of the thermoplastic resin, and then the mold is closed at a low pressure. Carbon dioxide is dissolved in a surface of the preform by charging carbon dioxide between a surface of the mold and the surface of the preform in order to reduce the viscosity of the preform surface. The surface of the mold is brought into contact with the preform having the reduced surface viscosity by increasing a pressing pressure. Then, carbon dioxide is discharged, and a molded product is extracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Kazuya Ohba, Hirofumi Tateyama, Atsushi Tsuchiya
  • Publication number: 20070013098
    Abstract: Silicone nitride coated shaped bodies of silica are prepared by coating a silica green body with silicon nitride or a precursor thereof, followed by sintering the silicone nitride coating by means of a laser beam. The shaped bodies are especially useful as “solar crucibles” in production of polycrystalline silicon for solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: WACKER CHEMIE AG
    Inventors: Fritz Schwertfeger, Jens Günster, Sven Engler, Jürgen Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20070013099
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming embossed simulated boards through a combination of extrusion molding process and separate embossing step. During embossing, the extrudate from the extruder is pressure formed forming a texturized surface on at least one face of the board with the board being captured on all sides of the board during the embossing step. After embossing, the extrudate is cooled to a temperature sufficient to rigidify the thus cooled extrudate. The cooled extrudate may then be cut into the appropriate lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: EPOCH COMPOSITE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: David Humphreys, Justin Braker, Jason Randolph
  • Publication number: 20070013100
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the film making process can comprise: introducing a plastic melt to a nip between a calendar roll and a resilient roll, passing the plastic melt between the calendar roll and the resilient roll to produce the film, and controlling a roughness of the film by actively cooling an external surface of the resilient roll. In another embodiment, the film making process can comprise: introducing a plastic melt having a melt temperature to a nip between a calendar roll and a resilient roll, passing the plastic melt between the calendar roll and the resilient roll to produce the film, and adjusting a roughness of the film at a constant production rate and a constant nip pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Kevin Capaldo, Dennis Coyle, Yu Hu, Haijiang Tang, Yan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20070013101
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing an elastomeric base composition comprising: (I) mixing by an extrusion process (A) a fluorocarbon elastomer with (B) an optional compatibilizer, (C) an optional catalyst (D) a silicone base comprising a curable organopolysiloxane, (E), an optional crosslinking agent (F) a cure agent in an amount sufficient to cure said organopolysiloxane; and (II) dynamically vulcanizing the organopolysiloxane, wherein the weight ratio of fluorocarbon elastomer (A) to silicone base (B) in the elastomeric base composition ranges from 95:5 to 30:70. The cured rubber compositions obtained from the elastomeric base compositions herein have good fuel resistance properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: DOW CORNING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Igor Chorvath, Kermit Kwan, David Romenesko, Lauren Tonge, Stephen Warren
  • Publication number: 20070013102
    Abstract: A method of making polybenzobisoxazole containing fiber by use of a non-polybenzobisoxazole polymer, hydroxylating the polymer, forming the polymer into a fiber and heating the fiber wherein ring closure occurs in the hydroxylated polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Kiu-Seung Lee
  • Publication number: 20070013103
    Abstract: A method of making a polymer film having a surface with nanofibrils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Haiyan Zhang, Evariste Osten, Gary Korba, George Moore
  • Publication number: 20070013104
    Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for molding articles such as animal chew toys by providing mold cavities in series. Plasticated resin may flow through a runner system and gate to substantially fill a first cavity and then through a sub-gate to fill a second cavity of which may include a shape that is similar to the first cavity shape. This may result in substantially reduced offal, e.g. trim waste, in the molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Glen Axelrod
  • Publication number: 20070013105
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for thermoplastically forming a contour in a thermoplastic duct defining a passage. The apparatus includes a longitudinal collar that defines a cavity and a rigid inner support structure extending longitudinally in the cavity. The collar and/or the inner support structure define a mold contour. One or more heaters are configured to heat at least a formation portion of the duct to a formation temperature. An expansion member, such as an expandable elastomer, which is disposed between an inner surface of the collar and an outer surface of the inner support structure, is configured to urge the formation portion of the duct against the mold contour to thermoplastically form the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Matthew Lum, Albert Seifert, Robert Shaw, Mark Younie
  • Publication number: 20070013106
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a hydrophobic polymer substrate including coating a curable photopolymer composition on a substrate, locating a micro- and nano-patterned hydrophobic template on the coated substrate, curing the curable photopolymer composition to prepare a curable photopolymer layer, and separating the curable photopolymer layer from the hydrophobic template.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicants: POSTECH ACADEMY-INDUSTRY FOUNDATION, POSTECH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Seung-Mo Lee, Tai-Hun Kwon
  • Publication number: 20070013107
    Abstract: In manufacture of epichlorohydrin rollers, curing with heat is done in the absence of oxygen or with small amounts of an antioxidant mixture. Undesirable surface roughness does not occur. The rollers are then ground with only readily-removed dust resulting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: William Barton
  • Publication number: 20070013108
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional powder-based production process using powders based on cyclic oligomers, and to moldings produced by this process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Sylvia Monsheimer, Alexander Richter
  • Publication number: 20070013109
    Abstract: A boat hull is provided that has a substantially seamless construction wherein the boat hull is an integral monolithic structure. In the formation of the boat, the boat interior components for example deck precursors are positioned in the mold prior to formation of the hull so that the boat hull can be made in a one shot molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Mataya, Tommy Morphis
  • Publication number: 20070013110
    Abstract: Two-stage blown air systems for foamed materials inject a first gas at a first pressure into the interior of a parison and then inject a second gas at a second pressure into the interior of the parison in forming a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: John Safian
  • Publication number: 20070013111
    Abstract: A transfer printing method for printing a pattern on a non-planar surface of an object, includes shaping a transfer printing sheet including a base layer and a printing layer to the same shape as the non-planar surface of the object; placing the transfer printing sheet inside a mould with the printing layer facing inwards; introducing a moulding material into the mould, producing the object, transferring the printing layer to the non-planar surface of the object, and integrating the printing layer with the non-planar surface; and removing the base layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Dong Zhao, Rong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20070013112
    Abstract: To facilitate a trouble-free charging of scrap metal having differing constitutions, such as light and heavy scrap metal, from a lower discharge opening of a shaft-shaped charging device or a charging stock preheater (1) into a melting vessel by a pusher (13), the lateral surfaces of the pusher (13) are formed so as to converge from the upper side to the lower side and the actuating device (2) of the pusher (13) is pivotably supported in a frame structure (3) about a horizontal axis. In addition, the upper boundary of the discharge opening for the charging stock from the shaft (2) is preferably formed by a horizontal, rotatably supported roller (26), more preferably with engaging elements (30) distributed around the circumferential surface. Sections of the charging device that are severely mechanically stressed are preferably formed by steel billet sections connected to form a structural unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2004
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Gerhard Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20070013113
    Abstract: A cooling element for shaft furnaces includes an area through which coolant flows as a result of the arrangement of at least one internal coolant-carrying channel, which leads to coolant feed and discharge pipes connected to the cooling element. At the end of the element where coolant enters and/or exits, the coolant-carrying channel extends beyond the opening of the pipe and into an edge area of the cooling element. The coolant carrying channel has a cross-section which is larger than the cross-section of the internal channel, wherein the coolant section is provided with a guide element which divides the channel lengthwise in the flow direction so that the coolant is guided to the edge area of the cooling element and then back again in the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20070013114
    Abstract: A container capable of transferring molten metal from a factory that produces a molten metals such as molten aluminum alloys and so on to a factory that uses the molten metal while the molten metal being stored therein and supplying the molten metal to a use point using the pressure difference. The container comprises a frame 1a and a lining 2 having a passage for flowing the molten metal therein. The passage 34 is being provided at an inside of the frame and at least a part thereof is being surrounded by a member restricting a flow of a gas. The pipe 34 is, for example, made of a metal and inside thereof has a lining layer 34b formed with a refractory member. The pipe 34 may be structured with a ceramics. As such structure being adopted, even when a crack and the like is formed in the lining 2 of the container, the flow of a gas is shut off, resulting in stable supply of the molten metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Abe, Hitoshi Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20070013115
    Abstract: A fluid-filled type engine mount having a pressure receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber connected together through a first orifice passage, and an intermediate chamber connected to the equilibrium chamber through a second orifice passage. The intermediate chamber is partially defined by a movable film, and the pressure-receiving chamber and the intermediate chamber are situated to either side of the movable film. The movable film is a tabular rubber elastic body, and is imparted with non-linear spring properties in response to elastic deformation in a width direction thereof so that its deformation during input of idling vibration occurs in a low spring properties zone, whereas its deformation during input of vibration of greater amplitude than the idling vibration in a higher frequency range than a resonance frequency of the first orifice passage reaches a high spring properties zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Katagiri, Tatsuya Suzuki, Masaaki Hamada
  • Publication number: 20070013116
    Abstract: When switching between L3 cylinder cut-off running in which a bank on one side of a V6 engine is cut off and V4 cylinder cut-off running in which one cylinder in each of the two banks is cut off, V6 all-cylinder running to operate all the cylinders is interposed therebetween. Therefore, a transitional period is provided between L3 cylinder cut-off running and V6 all-cylinder running and between V6 all-cylinder running and V4 cylinder cut-off running, and no transitional period is present between L3 cylinder cut-off running and V4 cylinder cut-off running. Thus, it is possible to simplify control of an active vibration isolation support system during the transitional period and to avoid deterioration of a vibrational state during the transitional period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotomi Nemoto, Tetsuya Ishiguro
  • Publication number: 20070013117
    Abstract: A locking vise for pipes, useful in operations for welding portions of plastic pipe by polywelding of the head portion. The vise comprises two mutually opposite jaws which form, when clamped, a circular locking seat for a portion of pipe. A slot is formed on the grip surface of each jaw in order to accommodate a corresponding portion of a body for reducing the diameter of the circular locking seat of the pipes. Elements for fixing to the corresponding jaw are further associated with each reduction body. The fixing elements comprise at least one locking pin, which can perform an axial translational motion and is inserted through the slot transversely to the slot. The locking pin has, in the axial direction, a first part, which forms, when arranged in the slot, an undercut for preventing extraction for the reduction body, and a second part, which is recessed with respect to the first part and forms, when arranged in the slot, a disengagement configuration for the reduction body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Renzo Bortoli
  • Publication number: 20070013118
    Abstract: An improved booklet maker incorporates a movable backstop for compiling incoming sheets and a stapler and creasing module, which is moved to various positions during the booklet making sequence. The moving stapler and creasing function enables the compiling function to occur simultaneously with the stapling and creasing functions. This results in a productivity gain without a footprint increase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Raymond Ruthenberg, David Wyngaarden
  • Publication number: 20070013119
    Abstract: An improved sheet accumulator for stacking serially fed sheets transported on a paper path. The accumulator includes a guide deck. Above the guide deck, a plurality of parallel belts are positioned to provide a driving force for sheets on the deck. Within the accumulator, a ramp apparatus is positioned across the paper path whereby sheets driven by the belts on an upstream portion of the accumulator deck are driven over the ramp apparatus and deposited in an accumulating region of the accumulator deck on a downstream side of the ramp apparatus. Preferably, snap-down belts are provided between ramp structures snap transported sheets quickly into place on the stack and to hold them there. Sheets are stopped by an accumulator stop mechanism located at a downstream end of the accumulating region that prevents movement of sheets by the belts while sheets for an accumulation are being collected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: John Masotta, William Wright, Robert Manna, Charles Fuller, John Sussmeier
  • Publication number: 20070013120
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a duplexer are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Kevin Lo, Richard Smith
  • Publication number: 20070013121
    Abstract: The paper feeding apparatus includes a paper feeding cassette having a side guide part for defining and setting a lateral size of paper, a rear guide part for defining and setting a longitudinal size of paper, and a first and second load part for simultaneously or separately accommodating paper sheets; a first lifting unit installed to the paper feeding cassette for lifting the first load part; a second lifting unit installed to the paper feeding cassette for lifting the second load part; a paper feeding unit for picking up and feeding the paper sheets loaded on the first load part sheet by sheet when the first load part is lifted up; a paper transfer unit installed in the paper feeding cassette for transferring paper sheets loaded on the second load part to the first load part; and a paper detection unit for checking whether each of the first and second parts is loaded with paper sheets and whether paper sheets are loaded simultaneously on the first and second load parts in a shared manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hoon Kang, Duk-soo Kim, Dae-ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20070013122
    Abstract: A suction device of the present invention includes a suction roller and a vacuum chamber. The suction roller holds an adhesive sheet to its peripheral surface by suction while maintaining contact with the film surface of the adhesive sheet, and conveying the adhesive sheet by rotation. The vacuum chamber is constructed to hold the adhesive sheet on a concave support surface by suction. The vacuum chamber is disposed in the vicinity of the suction roller at an upstream position in the conveying route so as to form an S-shape in the conveying route with the outer peripheral surface of the suction roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: SONY CHEMICAL & INFORMATION DEVICE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomohisa Kawai
  • Publication number: 20070013123
    Abstract: A paper feeding mechanism capable of automatically adjusting a paper-feeding angle applied in an electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes a casing. The paper feeding mechanism is used for feeding a piece of paper into the casing. The paper feeding mechanism includes a tray and an elastomer. The tray is rotatably connected to the casing. The elastomer is disposed in the tray and reaches the casing for supporting the tray. The elastomer is deformed according to the paper load, and drives the tray to rotate with respect to the casing, so that the paper-feeding angle is automatically adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Jen Tsai
  • Publication number: 20070013124
    Abstract: A polymer currency cassette for an ATM. The cassette includes a one-piece polymer body attached to a one-piece polymer lid. The lid is arranged with the body to resist entry into the cassette interior. Integral stiffening ribs are provided. The body side walls include integrally formed guide tracks. A one-piece tambour door is securely movable along the guide tracks. The upper edge of each body side wall extends into a gap created between double-walled side walls of the lid when the lid is closed. A tab, which projects outward from an upper edge of a body side wall, extends even further into the closed lid. The tab becomes nested in an aligned slot in the lid when the lid is closed. A nested tab affords further cassette security by providing resistance to lid and body separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: Diebold Self-Service Systems
    Inventors: H. Graef, Michael Harty, Kenneth Kontor, Eric VanKeulen, William Beskitt, Michael Johnson
  • Publication number: 20070013125
    Abstract: A sheet transport device according to this invention is provided with: a sheet tray on which a sheet to be transported is placed; a device main body provided with a transport path led from the sheet tray to a discharge outlet; a transport mechanism for transporting the sheet from the sheet tray to the discharge outlet via the transport path; shafts projecting from positions in the vicinity of opposite ends of the discharge outlet of the device main body to horizontal directions opposite to each other; a discharge tray having a main tray which retains the discharged sheet and is provided with bearings for the shafts; and locking members provided in the vicinity of the shafts of the device main body. The locking members lock the shafts of the discharge tray in the bending posture. This locking prevents the discharge tray in the bending posture from coming off the device main body. The locking members allow the bearings of the discharge tray in the bending posture to move toward the front ends of the shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shunji Murai
  • Publication number: 20070013126
    Abstract: A sheet alignment apparatus includes: an aligning element for pushing a sheet supported on a sheet supporting face by moving in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the sheet, thereby aligning a position of the sheet; and a driving source for reciprocating the aligning element. An aligning face of the aligning element is arranged to be inclined with respect to the sheet supporting face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Mizubata, Hisao Hosoya, Satoru Shimizu, Tsuyoshi Shiokawa
  • Publication number: 20070013127
    Abstract: Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1), includes a controller (2) for implementing a Sic Bo game. The controller (2) includes a display (5) on which is displayed a first dice tumbler (9) including a set of dice and betting board (10), as well as further dice tumblers (11) each including a further set of dice that can be bet on and played at the same time as betting on and playing the set of dice in the first dice tumbler (9). The apparatus may also allow multiple sets of dice betting using a plurality of physical sets of dice and an electronic betting terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Benjamin Ellis
  • Publication number: 20070013128
    Abstract: A method of playing a game involving competition between a person and a cat involves advancing a marker along a path of a game board and selecting an activity card from a plurality of activity cards if the marker lands on a predetermined space of the path. A person attempts to coax the cat to perform an activity indicated on the activity card within a time limit, wherein the person's score is increased if the person is successful and the cat's score is increased if the person is not successful. The cat takes a turn by spontaneously stepping onto the game board, and earns points by interacting with the marker and a random number selection device on the game board. The cat wins if the cat's score reaches a predetermined value before the person wins, and the person wins if the person's score reaches a predetermined value before the cat wins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Lesa Pastor
  • Publication number: 20070013129
    Abstract: A board game simulating fantasy soccer season is played by two or more players according to the general rules of fantasy soccer. The board game uses a game board with indicia thereon resembling a soccer field. A game path is formed on the game board, the game path being divided into spaces with instructions imprinted thereon directing a player to advance or retract when moving a game piece along the board according to chance means. The game uses several decks of cards, which are provided separately from the board with indicia thereon that represents actual players in actual teams, that provide instructions to the game player of the manner of progression along the board, that keep weekly and seasonal scores for the teams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey Laporte
  • Publication number: 20070013130
    Abstract: A board game simulating fantasy hockey season is played by two or more players according to the general rules of fantasy hockey. The board game uses a game board with indicia thereon resembling a hockey rink. A game path is formed on the game board, the game path being divided into spaces with instructions imprinted thereon directing a player to advance or retract when moving a game piece along the board according to chance means. The game uses several decks of cards, which are provided separately from the board with indicia thereon that represents actual players in actual teams, that provide instructions to the game player of the manner of progression along the board, that keep weekly and seasonal scores for the teams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey Laporte
  • Publication number: 20070013131
    Abstract: A chess-like game involves hidden information. The information provided to a player of the game includes positions and types of game pieces on a) squares that are occupied by game pieces belonging to the player and squares that are diagonally adjacent thereto, b) squares to which one or more of the game pieces belonging to the player can move according to their respective movement patterns and which are not occupied by an enemy game piece and squares that are diagonally adjacent thereto, and c) squares occupied by enemy game pieces that can be captured or put into check by one or more of the game pieces belonging to the player can move according to their respective movement patterns. The information excludes positions and types of game pieces on any other squares. The game may also involve non-alternating moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: David ` Potter
  • Publication number: 20070013132
    Abstract: A variation of a poker game is shown, with a unique deck of cards. The deck inserts two additional values (11 and 12), and un-suits two values (10s and 11s). The play is substantially equivalent to that of Texas Hold 'Em except that the unsuited cards cannot be used to make flushes or straight flushes, and both hole cards must be used to make a straight, flush, or straight flush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Chad Andrews
  • Publication number: 20070013133
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing poker are provided. The method includes a step of placing an ante bet for each of one or more hands to be played. The player may optionally place a side bet for each of the one or more played hands. The side bet is that a set of cards (e.g., two) to be dealt to such hand will have a predetermined ranking. In any event, the set of cards are dealt to each played hand. For each of the played hands, the player takes one of the following actions: a fold action, a call action, or a raise action. Then, one or more community cards are dealt (alternatively, the cards are dealt into each hand directly). Then, a ranking is done each of the played hands, each played hand formed of the initial set of cards dealt plus the community card(s). A payout occurs for each of the played hands according to the wager, the ranking, the result of any side bets placed, and a predetermined paytable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: Waterleaf Limited
    Inventors: Michael Novellie, Theo Naicker, Wesley Harding
  • Publication number: 20070013134
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel deck of playing cards and to various games that can be played therewith. In some embodiments, the cards of the deck are distinguishable from each other based on three different dimensions, rank, suit, and family. Some embodiments include additional cards such as jokers or wildcards. Various new games and adaptations of existing games are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Adam Bondra
  • Publication number: 20070013135
    Abstract: A casino gambling card table game in which a player may bet that a next card dealt would provide a selected poker hand and/or a winning baccarat hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Sandy Ritzer, Andrew Ritzer, Matthew Ritzer
  • Publication number: 20070013136
    Abstract: Flash cards for teaching and learning the defensive game of baseball. Each flash card has an offensive situation presented on the front side (1), identifying; a basic baseball field layout (4), the basic starting location of the nine defensive players (2), the direction of travel and final location of the baseball (3) following contact by the batter, how the baseball was hit by the batter (5), graphically whether or not runners are on base prior to the start of the offensive situation (6), alphanumerically what bases are occupied by runners and whether or not a potential run being scored is critical prior to the start of the offensive situation (7), and a representation of the number of outs prior to the start of the offensive situation (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Donald Skerpon
  • Publication number: 20070013137
    Abstract: This invention comprises a target device for firing practice comprising at least one thermal target surface heated by an electrically current passing though same. The thermal target surface comprises a number of current coils (10) arranged so as to conduct the current from a first area (14) of the target surface to a second area (15). Each current coil (10) comprises current conductors (11) disposed essentially in parallel with one another at a first distance from one another. The current conductors (11) are connected to one another at their ends so that they form said current coil from the first area to the second area. Proximate current coils are mutually connected via bridges (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Robert Andren, Ronnie Larsson
  • Publication number: 20070013138
    Abstract: A target assembly is provided for holding clay targets immobile. The assembly is comprised of a support member and one or more cutouts in the support member for frictionally holding clay targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Hinnant
  • Publication number: 20070013139
    Abstract: A prize game apparatus that has plural pairs of pickup arms and can adjust the distance between the pairs of pickup arms is provided. A prize game apparatus includes: a pickup unit capable of moving in specified directions; plural pairs of pickup arms attached to the pickup unit; an opening/closing unit for opening and closing the pairs of pickup arms; and a distance adjustment unit for adjusting the distance between the pairs of pickup arms by moving the pair(s) of pickup arms; wherein a prize is picked up or released by closing or opening the pairs of pickup arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega, d/b/a Sega Corporation
    Inventor: Naoji Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20070013140
    Abstract: In general this invention relates to a composite seal or gasket for inhibiting the release of a volatile organic compound such as fuel. The composite seal assemblies (10, 70, 100, 130, 160, 180 and 200) include a deformable portion interconnected to a vapor barrier portion via a mechanical or adhesive interlocking connection. The deformable portion can be formed from an elastomeric material. The vapor barrier portion can be formed from a wide variety of materials that inhibit permeation of the organic vapor. Examples of the materials for the vapor barrier include ductile metals, plastic polymers, and fluoroplastic polymers. The gaskets and seals can, but are not restricted to, be used between the connections of the components in an automotive or consumer product fuel system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Edwin Kent, Darron Peddle
  • Publication number: 20070013141
    Abstract: A split seal component including a seal face comprising two seal face rigidly mounted in two holder halves and methods of assembly and installation face segments may each have a nose that is held snugly by each holder half and supported axially. Aligning pins received in aligning holes of the holder halves may be used to align the face segments. A fixture may be used to axially align the seal segments. A split o-ring and inner axial wall may be included that position the seal face concentrically with a shaft. Each holder half may have an integral band that clamps and also positions the face segments concentrically with the shaft. The walls of the holder halves may be stress-relieved proximate the junctions of the holder halves. A kit is provided for a rotary seal component with a rigidly mounted seal face. Another seal component includes a seal face comprising two seal face segments resiliently mounted in two holder halves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Carl Bjornson
  • Publication number: 20070013142
    Abstract: A bearing isolator assembly for sealing a rotating shaft with a porous sealing element including a rotor configured to sealingly engage with a shaft, and a stator configured to sealingly engage with a housing of an assembly. The rotor and stator are configured to engage with each other to define a labyrinthine pathway and one or more cavities, in which may be disposed a unitizing element and a porous sealing element. The porous sealing element provides a barrier to particulate contaminants from entering the interior of the housing, and to prevent egress of lubricants from the interior of the housing. The unitizing element limits axial and/or radial movement of the rotor with respect to the stator, and helps prevent wear of the rotor and/or stator by helping prevent the rotor from contacting the stator during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Elizabeth Chitren
  • Publication number: 20070013143
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a sealing assembly for partitioning a first fluid from a second fluid includes a first machine component defining a seal groove adjoined to a pocket recess and a second machine component having a relatively rotatable surface. A rotary seal is in sealing engagement with the first and second machine components. The rotary seal includes a seal body of generally ring-like construction. The seal body has a predetermined modulus of elasticity and defines a dynamic sealing lip having a dynamic sealing surface. The seal body has an annular recess defining a plurality of retaining ridges and retaining depressions. The annular recess has a first volume in an uninstalled condition and a compressed volume when the rotary seal is in sealing engagement with the first and second machine components. An energizer element is positioned in the annular recess and engages the plurality of retaining ridges and depressions in the annular recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: John Schroeder, Jeffrey Gobeli, Lannie Dietle