Patents Issued in January 30, 2007
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Patent number: 7168638Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a soundproofing cover molded out of a rubber-containing soft resin and arranged on the outer periphery of a metal casing. Collision noises and vibrations are absorbed by the soundproofing cover, achieving excellent sound insulation. Moreover, the rubber-containing soft resin is lower in cost, and can be shaped by injection molding, resulting in a reduction in manufacturing cost of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Unisia Automotive, Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Saito, Hidehiko Koyashiki
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Patent number: 7168639Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing vehicle tires includes a feed mechanism for transferring flattened tire treads into a shearing assembly which includes a rotating shear assembly. The shear assembly is comprised of a rotating arbor supporting a stack of a plurality of cutting plates having cutting inserts extending therefrom in a variable helical pattern. The inserts rotate past an anvil edge, and the sharp edges of the inserts shear the infeeding edge of the tire tread. The inserts are replaceable, and the spacing of the cutting head and anvil edge is variable to optimize the shearing action.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Thomas H. Craft
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Patent number: 7168640Abstract: In a method and apparatus for comminuting waste to minimise the risk of damage to the apparatus and to provide quick flexible reaction to changing operating conditions the comminuting apparatus includes a drive unit having at least one electric motor in the form of a between 12-pole and 32-pole three-phase synchronous motor operating at a rotary speed of between 1 and 500 rpm. The motor is electrically connected to the output of a frequency converter controlled by a control device. The drive shaft of the motor is connected without interposed transmission directly to the comminuting shaft and no torque- and/or force-transmitting drive element rotates more quickly than the drive shaft of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Vecoplan Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Wolfgang Lipowski
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Patent number: 7168641Abstract: An attrition scrubber that includes multiple attrition scrubber cells. The multiple attrition scrubbers cells are arranged generally parallel to a vertical axis of rotation. The apparatus includes a shaft that extends generally parallel to the vertical axis of rotation and through the center of all attritioning cells. Each attritioning cell contains two impellers having a diameter. The impellers are attached to the common shaft and positioned a distance apart from each other. Each cell also contains a distribution ring and radial baffles. The attrition scrubber apparatus also includes a lifter impeller having a diameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: SPX CorporationInventor: Marcos Filgueiras
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Patent number: 7168642Abstract: Glass bottle breaking apparatus comprises a hopper (17) for receiving empty glass bottles (47) in bulk, at least a portion of the hopper (17) being formed as a grating including stop means (31), and a shaft (22) located outside of the hopper (17) carrying hammers (43, 44) mounted for pivotal movement relative to the shaft. When the shaft (22) is rotated on its central longitudinal axis by means of a motor (23) and drive (37, 39, 40), the flailing hammers (43, 44) move in an arcuate path into and through the hopper (17) towards and through the stop means (31) and impact with bottles (47) contained within the hopper (17) and lying in the path of the hammers (43, 44) causing breakage of the bottles (47). The apparatus provides for a compact bottle breaking machine with reduced risk of jamming.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: In-Q-Bator LimitedInventor: Christopher John Waldron
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Patent number: 7168643Abstract: The present invention discloses a leaf snatcher consisting of a protective grille, a blade activated by a motor. The blade is shaped so as to have vacuum capabilities to suck the unwanted leaves and debris. The leaf snatcher is generally setup over a waste container to receive the leaves and debris sucked by the blade. When the grille is lifted, it automatically stops the blade for increased safety.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Pierre Mercier
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Patent number: 7168644Abstract: A jaw crusher is provided that includes a toggle plate holder mechanism, provided without increasing the overall height thereof, and a reaction force receiver link mechanism of an up-thrust type. A tension link mechanism acts as the toggle plate holder mechanism and includes a link having a tension link, a tension lever, a tension rod, and a tension spring. The layout angle of the tension link and tension rod can be changed freely by the tension lever.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Ryoichi Togashi, Kouzo Suzuki, Makoto Sugimura
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Patent number: 7168645Abstract: A lifting wall for a tube mill which has a discharge means with lifting vanes in order to transport the material being ground to discharge openings by the rotary movement of the tube mill. The lifting vanes are disposed obliquely with respect to the radial direction so that the material being ground slides promptly to the center where it is discharged through the discharge openings still below the horizontal longitudinal central plane of the tube mill. The lifting vanes are substantially flat and bent like blades in a region of the discharge openings.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Polysius AGInventors: Gerhard Blatton, Hubert Grothaus, Ludger Schulte
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Patent number: 7168646Abstract: A trapezoidal bobbin for providing a foundation for a coil of optical fiber comprises an elongated hub, an upper flange and a lower flange. The elongated hub includes a longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end and an exterior surface. The hub is symmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis. The upper flange is disposed at the first end of the hub, and includes an exterior surface that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and faces away from the hub. The upper flange is further includes an interior surface that forms an angle of substantially 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis. The lower flange is disposed at the second end of the hub, and includes an exterior surface that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and facing away from the hub, and an interior surface forming an angle of substantially 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventor: Peter Gregory
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Patent number: 7168647Abstract: A fishing reel including a housing having a central hub and a main shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the main shaft being non-rotatably fixed to the central hub at its proximal end. A spool having a central recess is releasably secured to the main shaft distal end and a one-way clutch having a central bore is non-rotatably received in the central recess. The reel also includes a drag assembly with a drag housing having a drag surface and a central aperture, the drag housing being fixed to the central hub of the housing such that a drag cavity is formed therebetween. A sleeve extends along the main shaft and has a first portion received in the central bore of the one-way clutch and a second portion extending into the drag cavity. A first drag washer is disposed in the drag cavity and non-rotatably fixed to the second portion of the sleeve and a drag knob is rotatably secured to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Shakespeare Company, LLCInventor: Young Kang
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Patent number: 7168648Abstract: The tape cartridge leader includes a smoothing feature that comprises a blind cut out formed in a surface of the tape cartridge leader that faces the hub of the take-up reel when the tape cartridge leader is wound on the hub to compensate for the irregularity generated by the buckling mechanism. The blind cut out consists of a shallow, smooth depression that is positioned to overlay the buckling mechanism. The geometry and size of the blind cut out can be selected from a wide variety of options, with all of these variations having the advantage of providing increased tensile strength for the tape cartridge leader over tape cartridge leaders that use smoothing apertures, since there is no hole formed in the tape cartridge leader.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Quantum CorporationInventors: David Thomas Hoge, William J. Vanderheyden, Michael Burke
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Patent number: 7168649Abstract: A tape cartridge with a reel incorporated therein in which drawing-out and rewinding of the tape and proper positioning of the reel along a height thereof can be carried out reliably. The cartridge is insertable at a tape drive, which has a rotating member that is integrally connectable to the reel when the cartridge is inserted. The rotating member includes a drive gear for transmitting a drive force to the reel and a positioning portion for relatively positioning the reel. The cartridge includes a reel gear that can engage the drive gear for transmitting the drive force and a reel reference portion which is disposed inside the reel gear and is abutable against the positioning portion for the relative positioning.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuo Hiraguchi
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Patent number: 7168650Abstract: A roll holder device is for use with a recording paper roll including a tubular spool shaft and continuous recording paper wound about the tubular spool shaft in a roll form. In the roll holder device, first and second holder cores are inserted in respectively first and second ends of the tubular spool shaft. A holder frame supports the first and second holder cores in a rotatable manner. Anti-dropping levers prevent the tubular spool shaft from dropping from the first and second holder cores by pushing a shaft inner surface of the tubular spool shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuya Inana, Tomohiko Kono
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Patent number: 7168651Abstract: A continuous web (W) is reeled up on a center-drive assisted reeling core (C2, C3) to form a machine reel (R), and the reeling core (C2, C3) moves when the center drive (PD, SD) is coupled to the end of the reeling core. The rotating movement and torque necessary in the center drive (PD, SD) are transmitted from a stationary drive motor (PM, DM) to the end of the reeling core (C2, C3) by a power transmission (T) equipped with one or more joints, wherein the need to move the drive motor (PM, DM) along with the movement of the reeling core (C2, C3) is avoided. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the power transmission (T) is implemented by a belt drive, wherein by selecting the belt transmission in a suitable manner, it is also possible to avoid the need to use a separate gear system.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.Inventors: Vesa Markkanen, Kalevi Vesterinen
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Patent number: 7168652Abstract: A rolled paper conveying apparatus for conveying paper of a first rolled paper provided on a core. The apparatus includes a holding device configured to rotatably support the first rolled paper. The holding device is configured to enable movement of the first rolled paper from a first position on the holding device to a second position on the holding device. The apparatus further includes a first detector configured to detect whether the first rolled paper has moved from the first position to the second position. The holding device preferably includes a depressed portion configured to store the first rolled paper.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Atsuo Tokunaga
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Patent number: 7168653Abstract: A low cost roll dispenser includes a housing with an interior and a feeding mechanism. The housing has an interior with a shape, which may be a ramp or series of ramps, that biases a roll of sheet material forward so that it is in constant contact with the shape and the feeding mechanism while the roll is stationary and while the roll is being unwound. The low cost roll dispenser may have a cover and an integrated handle that drives the feeding mechanism that attach to the housing without the use of any tools.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: The Colman Group, Inc.Inventors: Paul Omdoll, Scott Collins
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Patent number: 7168654Abstract: A media cartridge is constructed as a case in which a roll of blank media may be deployed for supplying a wallpaper printer. The case has two halves, hinged together. An area between the two halves, when they are closed, defines a media supply slot. The case has internally and adjacent to the slot, a pair of rollers. At least one of the rollers is a driven roller which is supported at each end, by the case, for rotation by an external motor.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King, Janette Faye Lee
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Patent number: 7168655Abstract: A reel has: a hub which is cylindrical, which is molded of a resin material, and around which a recording tape is wound; and a flange provided at an end portion of the hub, and holding a transverse direction end portion of the recording tape. A ring-shaped member formed of metal is provided at the hub by insert molding. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a reel in which can maintain a highly-accurate configuration of the hub, regardless of environmental changes.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kiyoo Morita
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Patent number: 7168656Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight helicopter with features of coaxial, contra-rotating rotors and weight shift control. It has a rotary wing unit attached to a tricycle assembly through a hang bolt. The rotary wing unit has an engine mounted below a keel post, which drives a pair of contra-rotating coaxial rotors through a primary gearbox and a secondary gear box. The keel post is attached to a triangular control frame, the base of which forms the control bar. The keel post also supports a fuel tank connected to the engine and a tail plane having one or more articulated vertical flaps actuated by cables. The secondary gearbox is provided with a free-wheeling clutch, a pinion gear and bevel gears for transmitting the rotary movement of the engine to the counter rotating coaxial vertical shafts each carrying two rotor blades of airfoil cross section fixed by pitch bearing on teetering plates and teetering hinges to form horizontal rotors.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchInventor: Bhaskar R Pai
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Patent number: 7168657Abstract: A toy helicopter landing skid structure includes an upper support stand, a propping member and a bottom stand. The upper support stands are connected to the bottom of a helicopter airframe, and the propping member is connected to the bottom of each upper support stand, two insert slots extended in opposite directions at each connecting position of the upper support stand, the propping member and the bottom stand, a hollow portion disposed in each insert slot for clamping an elastic member, a plurality of fixing holes disposed at the bottom of each propping member, a plurality of bottom stands disposed at each propping member for passing a binder through the two fixing holes for binding the propping member with the bottom stand, so as to absorb external forces and impact by the slanting connected upper support stand with the insert slot and the installed elastic member.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Chien-chao Chen
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Patent number: 7168658Abstract: An arrangement of individual seats for passengers in an aircraft, comprising a plurality of seats (1) which can be converted into beds and disposed in rows (2), comprising two lateral groups (3a) of two contiguous rows, each group being disposed along a wall (4) of the aircraft fuselage, and two central groups (3b) each comprising two continuous rows. The central groups being up against one another laterally, and the central groups being separated from each of the lateral groups by a gangway. Each of the lateral and central groups comprising, between two consecutive groups in a first row, and a gap able to allow transverse passage (6) to a gangway (7) for the passengers in the second row when the corresponding seat in the first row is in the bed position.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Societe Industrielle et Commerciale de Materiel AeronautiqueInventor: Guy Mercier
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Patent number: 7168659Abstract: The present invention provides a device for controlling the movement of a vehicle closure element, the device comprising, interposed between a vehicle structure and a closure element, firstly a driver element that can be activated on command, constituted by a pyrotechnic actuator, and secondly mechanical connection means suitable for allowing a driving connection between the pyrotechnic actuator and the closure element when the pyrotechnic actuator is activated, while also allowing the closure element to move freely relative to the pyrotechnic actuator when the closure element is moved over a stroke greater than that enabling said driving connection.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignees: Etienne Lacroix Tous Artifices, LatecoereInventors: Eric Galvani, Guy Valembois, Jean Baricos, Roland Texcier, Joel De Reseguier
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Patent number: 7168660Abstract: Capture devices are mounted on a space platform such as a spacecraft or utility satellite. Each capture device includes a folded capture net stored in a housing, guide weights connected to the net and received in spring-loaded ejection tubes oriented at an acute angle relative to the axis of the housing around the perimeter thereof, and a spring-loaded releasable cover that is connected to the net, covers the net in the housing, and holds the weights in the ejection tubes. When the cover is released, it is spring-ejected from the housing while pulling out and unfolding the net, and the weights are spring-ejected out of the ejection tubes while spreading out the net. After the net wraps around a free-flying target object in space, net closure mechanisms reel-in a net pursing line to close the net, which is connected to the space platform by a tether line on a winch.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: EADS Space Transportaiton GmbHInventors: Bernd Bischof, Juergen Starke, Hansjuergen Guenther, Peter Foth, Lothar Kerstein
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Patent number: 7168661Abstract: A guided vehicle adapted for travel at high speeds on a roadway. The vehicle has front and rear wheels pivotably coupled to a vehicle body. A front steering mechanism is coupled to the front wheels and a rear steering mechanism is coupled to the rear wheels. At least one sensing unit is carried by the body for sensing a plurality of guidepath indicators extending along the roadway for providing a signal indicative of the position of the body relative to the guidepath indicators. A controller is coupled to the at least one sensing unit and the front and rear steering mechanisms for controlling the pivoting of the front and rear wheels as a function of the signal. A method for operating a guided vehicle is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Richard B. Fox
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Patent number: 7168662Abstract: A switching assembly includes a pair of hollow ties, a pair of supports, and a linkage. The linkage extends generally through the hollow ties, whereby the cribs are generally free of linkage components, and the ballast in the cribs can be compacted with known automated machinery. The linkage includes a number of lugs and a number of rods, with the rods each being formed from standard bar stock and threaded, and with the linkage configuration avoiding the need to custom bend any of the rods. The hollow ties are formed from generally available standard box section steel, as are the supports. The spacing between the hollow ties can be varied in accordance with the pitch of the other rail ties of the railroad switch. Each hollow tie can include a heater. The switching assembly is highly adjustable, which makes it suitable for use in numerous different track configurations.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Union Switch & Signal, Inc.Inventors: Kevin McQuistian, Edward E. Edwards, Jr.
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Patent number: 7168663Abstract: In a switch actuator for movable frogs (1), comprising at least one cylinder piston unit (5) having a defined preset piston stroke, the cylinder piston unit (5) is connected with bearings (6) capable of being displaced in the axial direction of the piston stroke, which bearings are connected with a stationary substructure for the adjustment of a defined center position of the piston stroke and the driver for the movable frog (1). The driver for the movable frog (1) is coupled with the cylinder piston unit (5) with first stops (9) displaceable in the axial direction being interposed.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignees: VAE Eisenbahnsysteme GmbH, VAE GmbHInventor: Karl Schnedl
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Patent number: 7168664Abstract: A railroad switch assembly comprises a basket that directly actuates a torsional assist rod. The basket is located at a lower elevation than the assist rod, preferably in a hollow tie and preferably between the switch machine and the running rail.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Vae Nortrak North America Inc.Inventors: Gary Click, Cory O'Brien
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Patent number: 7168665Abstract: A display apparatus having a display main body provided with a screen, and a base unit to support the display main body. The display apparatus includes a supporting unit provided between the display main body and the base unit to support the display main body to be lifted up and lowered down, a gearing unit to cooperate with the up and down lifting/lowering of the display main body, and an auxiliary base part ejected from and inserted in the base unit according to an operation of the gearing unit. Thus, the present invention provides a display apparatus in which a size of a base part to support a display main body is optimized according to a height of the display main body.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: You-sik Hong, Seon-kyu Park
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Patent number: 7168666Abstract: The present invention is a device having at least two strut assemblies joined together to form a free standing support that is both portable and collapsible. Components may be joined to one another by a flexible cord, and a flexible load bearing web to limit the maximum open position. Used in pairs the support device is advantageous for holding articles for work or storage.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Timothy R. Tucker
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Patent number: 7168667Abstract: A base structure of a retainer comprising a pair of wall members 2 formed of a columnar body, which is vertically long, has a groove 4 formed in its longitudinal direction and has locking sections 5 formed in plural portions for locking a sliding member 3 at plural portions in the groove, and the sliding member 3 which is slidable in the groove of the wall member 2 and removably fitted to the locking section 5 through movable locking pieces 7.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Tamatoshi Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Tomonari, Kenji Kosugi
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Patent number: 7168668Abstract: A damage resistant mount for an object is provided which includes a mounting plate, a first post having a first end and a second end, the first end rigidly attached and extending from the mounting plate, and a two-way, swinging, spring-loaded, self closing hinge disposed on the post. The hinge has an outside hinge leaf and an inside hinge leaf and the post is rigidly attached to the inside hinge leaf. A second post having a first and a second end is included where the first end is rigidly attached to and extends from the outside hinge leaf. An object mounting device is disposed on the second end of the second post.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth J. P. Coyle
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Patent number: 7168669Abstract: A beverage container holder for a vehicle includes a housing defining a space for storing a beverage container and at least one slidable container supporter. The housing further defines a horizontal direction, and the at least one slidable beverage container supporter has a first end and a second end for securing the beverage container in the housing. The beverage container may further include a guiding mechanism for guiding the slidable beverage container supporter to move within the housing, and a fixing mechanism for fixing the slidable beverage container supporter in a desired place with respect to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Woo-Chul Park
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Patent number: 7168670Abstract: A ceiling fan anchoring bracket and housing assembly for quick and easy installation of the ceiling fan housing for either hugger or down-rod fans is disclosed. The assembly comprises of hook-up pins and lock-up pin fastened on and protruding from the anchoring bracket. The lock-up pin latchingly locks the housing of the fan by spring or urging mechanism. The bracket and housing assembly enables the user to install the ceiling fan housing to the anchoring bracket without having to resort to using tools. All a user needs to do is to align and engage one side of the housing to the hook-up pins on the bracket and push the opposite side of the housing onto the lock-up pin on the bracket through a spring action to complete the installation.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Hoo Cheung Group Ltd.Inventor: Hai Liang
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Patent number: 7168671Abstract: A low profile seat suspension includes a bottom frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, and a top frame located above the bottom frame for supporting a seat cushion and seat back thereon. A substantially fully collapsible scissors linkage is interconnected between the bottom frame and the top frame enabling the bottom frame and the top frame to move relative to each other substantially in parallel. A biasing arrangement is disposed between the top frame and the bottom frame and has a preload force urging the top frame away from the bottom frame. A first adjustment mechanism is located in the top frame and selectively enables fore and aft adjustment of the top frame relative to the bottom frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc.Inventors: John M. Bostrom, Wayne R. Block, James R. Brzenk, Matthew C. Horn
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Patent number: 7168672Abstract: A support rack includes a support plate, a support stand, a locking member, a pen holder, an indication member, and two auxiliary clips. Thus, the support rack functions as a clipboard, a book rack, an exhibition rack, a price indication rack, a pen holder or the like, thereby enhancing the versatility of the support rack. In addition, the support stand is adjustably mounted on the locking member so as to adjust the inclined angle between the support plate and the support stand, thereby facilitating a user adjusting the inclined angle of the support rack to the optimum extent.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Luh Da Industry Corp.Inventor: Fu-Lu Hsu
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Patent number: 7168673Abstract: A pole support system comprises a metal sleeve that generally conforms to an outer surface of the pole; an elastic liner disposed between the metal sleeve and the pole; and a clamping band that circumscribes and compresses the metal sleeve over the elastic liner against the pole. A pole reinforcement or repair kit comprises a sleeve having a generally axial opening opposite a generally flat rear wall, the generally flat rear wall framed on two sides by generally arcuate side walls, the sleeve lined by an elastic layer; and a clamping band having an adjustable circumference that, in use, will be placed to circumscribe and compress the metal sleeve over the elastic liner against the pole.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventors: Robert B. Piemonte, Harvey N. Berube
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Patent number: 7168674Abstract: A seat track repair device is disclosed for an aircraft seat track which has a rail, a support member depending from the rail, a first arm extending in a first direction laterally away from the support member and a second arm extending in a second direction laterally away from the support member, the first direction being opposite to the second direction. The seat track device includes an elongate member having a first and a second end. The elongate member has a replacement rail which has an upper and a lower extremity. A first wing extends laterally away from the lower extremity of the replacement rail and a second wing extends laterally away from the lower extremity of the replacement rail and away from the first wing.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Daniel S McFarlane
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Patent number: 7168675Abstract: A valve structure having a top part, a flexible media conveyance, such as a tube, a diaphragm and a bottom part with a support for the tube. The top surface of the diaphragm and the bottom surface of the top part may have electrodes attached. When there is no electric potential applied across the electrodes, the diaphragm may rest on and close the passageway in the flexible tube for effectively preventing a fluid flow. When an electrical potential is applied to the electrodes, the diaphragm may be pulled up off from the tube thereby opening or partially opening the passageway in the tube for a media flow or pressure transfer. Partial opening may be for modulation purposes. There may be a tension mechanism attached to the diaphragm. A controller may apply an electrical potential to the electrodes for at least partially opening or closing the valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Eugen I. Cabuz, Cleopatra Cabuz, Tzu-Yu Wang
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Patent number: 7168676Abstract: Disclosed is a two-port valve in which a fluid passage between two ports is gradually openable without a rapid flow rate, by stepwise lifting a valve member off a valve sent using two pistons, to open the valve in a phased manner. A cylinder portion 2 for driving a valve member 4 has a first piston 24 through which a valve shaft 11 slidably extends, a sleeve 35 movably disposed in a second pressure chamber 27 to limit an operating stroke of the first piston 24, and a second piston 37 slidably disposed in the sleeve 35 and connected to the shaft 11. In an initial phase of opening of the valve, the pistons 24, 37 acting like a unit are together moved to a position at which the first piston 24 contacts the sleeve 35, to slightly open the valve member 4. Thereafter, the valve member 4 is moved by the second piston 37 to its fully open position.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: SMC CorporationInventor: Masao Kajitani
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Patent number: 7168677Abstract: When a fluid flow channel is interrupted while an electronic circuit unit 50 including a microcomputer 51 and the like receives electric source power, a flow control valve is displaced to a predetermined position closer to a first end of both ends of a motion range of the flow control valve in the fluid flow channel by a stepping motor 29. When the supply of electric source power is restarted after the supply of electric source power to the electronic circuit unit 50 is stopped, a predetermined number of pulses capable of displacing the flow control valve from the first end to a home position are supplied to the stepping motor 29 to displace the flow control valve to the home position with a second end of both ends of the motion range of the flow control valve being the home position of the flow control valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Rinnai CorpoartionInventors: Atsuhito Gama, Shinichiro Hata, Hiroyuki Yamada, Kazuya Hirota
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Patent number: 7168678Abstract: A valve including a valve body, the valve body providing an inlet and an outlet, a valve seat between the inlet and the outlet, a valve member, the valve member and valve seat being relatively movable to control flow through the valve, the valve member engaging the valve seat to prevent flow through the valve and disengaging from the valve seat to permit flow through the valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: John F. Schaupp, Austin A. Saylor
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Patent number: 7168679Abstract: An electromagnetic valve comprising has a valve seat, a valve element movable relative to the valve seat so as to open or close a hydraulic fluid passage interposed therebetween and a plunger movable together with the valve element relative to the valve seat, wherein the valve element includes a sealing portion having an arc-shaped vertical cross section that contacts with the valve seat and an expanding diameter portion having a diameter gradually increasing in a direction from the sealing portion toward the plunger.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takaomi Shirase, Yoshiyuki Takamatsu, Masaya Shigeta
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Patent number: 7168680Abstract: A microfluidic control valve (100) comprising a dielectric structure (105) defining at least one cavity (260) therein. An electroactive material (305), such as an electroactive polymer, is disposed in a portion of the cavity. The electroactive material is operable between a first state in which a dimension of the electroactive material has a first value and a second state in which the dimension has a second value. Two conductors (240, 250) can be included for applying a voltage potential across the electroactive material to change the electroactive material between the first state and the second state. A first fluidic port (310) can be located proximate to the electroactive material such that a fluid flows through the first fluidic port when the electroactive material is in the first state, and the electroactive material at least partially blocks the first fluidic port when the electroactive material is in the second state.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Harris CorporationInventor: Paul B. Koeneman
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Patent number: 7168681Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a valve member, a movable core, a fixed core, and a coil. The valve member opens and closes a nozzle hole. The movable core reciprocates with the valve member in a substantially axial direction of the movable core. The fixed core is arranged on the side opposite to the nozzle hole with respect to the movable core. The fixed core opposes to the movable core. The coil generates magnetic force, which attracts the movable core toward the fixed core when the coil is energized. The coil includes a winding. The winding of the coil has an axial section, which is in a polygonal shape. The axial section of the winding is in a substantially oblong shape, in a substantially rectangular shape, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Yoshinori Yamashita
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Patent number: 7168682Abstract: Emission gas recycling equipment includes a passage for recycling a part of an emission gas and a control valve for controlling an amount of the part of the emission gas. The control valve includes: a housing having a pipe portion; a butterfly valve accommodated in the pipe portion rotatable in a first direction and a second direction; a seal ring for sealing a clearance; and valve open/close operation means for stopping the butterfly valve at the valve full close position after the valve open/close operation means operates the butterfly valve to open and to close equal to or more than one cycle across the valve full close position at the time when the engine stops or after the engine stops.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kunio Nanba, Kazuto Maeda, Koji Hashimoto, Tatsuo Sakai
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Patent number: 7168683Abstract: A drain valve to be used with numerous drain applications, such as draining fluid from an engine, includes in an exemplary embodiment a valve body, an o-ring and a cap. In another exemplary embodiment, the drain valve includes a valve body, an o-ring, a cap retainer and a cap. The drain valve eliminates the need for a tool, such as a wrench, to drain the fluid from the engine, for example. The drain valve includes a push-pull or a twist-and-pull cap feature to manipulate the valve; however, the drain cap remains on the drain valve and therefore cannot be lost or misplaced. Moreover, the drain valve includes a drain cap that is rotatable to direct the fluid flow out the valve and also provides an easy grip for opening and closing the valve.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works IncInventor: Frank V. Pliml, Jr.
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Patent number: 7168684Abstract: A tiltable valve for discharging foam and other media from a pressurized vessel includes a valve disk for connection to the vessel, and a valve body having a holder opening that is placed in an opening in the valve disk and a sealing surface at a side facing away from the valve disk. The tiltable valve further includes a valve element disposed in the holder opening which has a tubular portion with a sealing flange at one end and at least one inlet opening in the wall, such that in a closed position of the valve, the sealing flange bears on the sealing surface and blocks an entry of the medium requiring discharge in the inlet opening and, in a tilted position of the valve element, the sealing flange and the sealing surface are spaced from each other while forming a gap and the medium requiring discharge is allowed to exit through the gap and the inlet opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Lindal Ventil GmbHInventors: Alain Marroncles, Hervé Bodet
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Patent number: 7168685Abstract: An improved vehicle jack and jack stand is provided, used separately or in combination, where the both the vehicle jack and jack stand are adapted to receive and support a cup means that also supports a block. The block is able to be interchanged with other blocks to accommodate virtually any type of vehicle. A single jack is able to be used with multiple jack stands, since each jack stand is able to provide support at the identical location as the jack does. This is extremely useful on vehicles with uni-body construction. The jack stand defines an adjustable head, where the head is able to fit between side members of the jack stand, so that both the jack and jack stand are able to be concurrently positioned beneath the cup and block means. The jack stand also provides a removable cross support, which allows the jack stand to be moved in or out of position while the jack is being used to elevate an automobile. The support is replaced prior to the time that the vehicle is lowered onto the jack stand.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Michael Wayne Miner
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Patent number: 7168686Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting and lowering a load comprises, in a known manner, a lifting drum and a drive, by which the lifting drum can be set in rotation in both directions. Serving as the pulling mechanisms are bands which are secured by one end to the lifting drum and at the other end carry a holding device for the load. At least two bands can be wound up on the lifting drum, by rotation of the latter, with accurate tracking and so as to lie one above the other, in such a way that all the turns of the bands lie one above the other. This lifting apparatus combines a high carrying capacity, high precision in the guidance of the bands and a high level of operating safety.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Eisenmann Maschinenbau KGInventor: Franz Ehrenleitner
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Patent number: 7168687Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments for snatch block and snatch block assemblies are disclosed. A snatch block having a sideplate that is pivotable, enabling a bight of rope, cable, or chain to be inserted is disclosed. The pivotable sideplate may be engaged with a retaining device protruding from an assembly head of the snatch block. The retaining device may be configured to be moved within the assembly head to disengage the pivotable sideplate, enabling the snatch block to be opened. A snatch block assembly may include a rotatable sheave and an attachment structure configured for rotation about an axis substantially transverse to an axis of rotation of the sheave.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Techxotic LCInventor: Rocke P. Thompson