Patents Issued in February 13, 2007
  • Patent number: 7174804
    Abstract: A positive lock mechanism having a compression spring rod with a housing, a rod member having an inner end in said housing and an outer end axially outwardly of a housing end. One or more compression springs extend between a guide member and an end of the housing. A positive locking mechanism is provided to prevent movement of the rod member in a longitudinal direction. The lock mechanism is controlled by a wire and cable assembly operated by a lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Associated Spring Raymond
    Inventors: Jack W. Adoline, Mark R. Thomas, Bruce J. Fondren
  • Patent number: 7174805
    Abstract: A cross-racing bike brake lever has on its contact surface external to the grip of the brake lever provided with multiple recesses for the fingers of the rider to hold against while executing a hand brake on the inner side of the grip so that the rider comfortably moves his or her fingers to rest flushed on the recesses and holds against the inner side of the grip with fingers at where close to their joint of the fingertips to execute an easy, sure and comfortable hand brake for improved safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7174806
    Abstract: A bearing damping system for damping vibrations and conducting heat from vibration-producing, heat-generating devices, an evacuated energy storage system including such a bearing damping system for damping vibrations produced by the rotating shaft and conducting heat from bearings and/or bearing assemblies; and a method for damping vibrations and conducting heat from vibration-producing, heat-generating devices. The bearing damping system includes one or more flexible bearing dampers in combination with one or more heat transferring rosettes. The heat transferring rosettes comprise a flexible thermally conductive member that transfers heat by conduction from the bearings, bearing assemblies and/or heat generating devices to a remote heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Beacon Power Corporation
    Inventors: Norman C. Brackett, Omar M. Kabir, James F. Arseneaux
  • Patent number: 7174807
    Abstract: An improved pedal/cleat assembly provides a float range that is easily and precisely adjusted. The pedal/cleat assembly includes a pedal assembly incorporating a forward cleat retainer and a spring-biased rearward cleat retainer, and it further includes a cleat assembly that defines forward and rearward projections sized and configured to engage and be retained by the respective forward and rearward cleat retainers. The cleat assembly includes a first cleat body that defines the forward and rearward projections, and it further includes a second cleat body configured to be attached to the underside of a rider's shoe and to be secured to the first cleat body in a manner that allows limited rotation relative to the first cleat body about a cleat rotation axis. The first cleat body is free to rotate by an angular amount that is controlled by a pair of set screws. This provides a pedal float that is easily and precisely adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Speedplay, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Bryne
  • Patent number: 7174808
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking the head of a hand tool to the handle of the tool. The apparatus generally includes a tapered handle with one or more groove cut into the handle at the tool end of the handle. The grooves are then filled with a compressible material. The head of the tool (such as a pick axe, a hammer, an axe, etc.) is then placed over handle and moved over the grooves to the end. The compressible material will lock the head into place, fixing a longstanding problem with hand tools of the heads coming loose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: JPJ Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Zareh Khachatoorian
  • Patent number: 7174809
    Abstract: A hammer for eliminating misguided hammer strikes includes an elongated handle having an upper end with a head attached thereto. The head includes two oppositely facing striking surfaces, one of which is concave. Centrally positioned within the concave striking surface is a bull's-eye. As the concave striking surface impacts the nail head, the nail head is directed toward the bull's-eye preventing the striking surface from sliding off the nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: David B. Schipul
  • Patent number: 7174810
    Abstract: A selective one-way tool includes a handle, a transmission positioned in the slot, a bit-engaging element installed on the handle and a mode-switching ring rotationally installed on the handle. The handle includes a mandrel defining a slot. The transmission includes a first pawl, a second pawl and a spring compressed between the first and second pawls. The bit-engaging element engages with both of the first and second pawls in a non-directional mode, engages with only the first pawl in a first directional mode, and engages with only the second pawl in the second directional mode. The mode-switching ring includes two ribs on an internal side for pushing the second pawl into the slot in the first directional mode, for pushing the first pawl into the slot in the second directional mode, and for not pushing the first and second pawls into the slot in the non-directional mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Yih Cheng Factory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Patent number: 7174811
    Abstract: An asymmetrical wrench and fastener system comprising radially extending splines having opposing surfaces whose inner ends are inclined by different amounts with respect to a radius intersecting the respective inner ends to alter the torque between the tightening and loosening directions. This configuration makes it either easier or harder to loosen the fastener than it was to tighten it, depending on the amount the opposing surfaces of the splines are inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Wright Tool Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Wright
  • Patent number: 7174812
    Abstract: A driving tool includes a driving shank having a handle for rotating the driving shank and having an engaging hole formed by two or more spring blades for receiving a fastener, and an actuating device for actuating the spring blades to move radially inward and to force and grasp the fastener to the driving shank, for preventing the fastener from being disengaged from the driving tool inadvertently. The actuating device may include a barrel slidably engaged onto the driving shank for moving the spring blades to grasp the fastener to the driving shank with such as an inclined engagement. A control ferrule may be used to move the barrel relative to the driving shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hsin Ying Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen Hung Chiang
  • Patent number: 7174813
    Abstract: The invention is an adjustable wrench comprising a handle with a terminal end and grip end, the terminal end defining a lower bolt claw. A jackscrew is slidably coupled to the handle, the jackscrew being movable to control the movement of the upper and central bolt claws. The upper, central, and lower bolt claws are fitted to the shape of a standard hexagonal bolt head, being adjustable to different sized bolts upon terminal or distal movement of the jackscrew relative to the handle. The central bolt claw is fitted through a slot in the upper bolt claw which defines an inclined ramp surface such that movement of one claw is coupled to movement of the other claw. The claws move cooperatively in reaction to the stationary, lower bolt claw to form a tightly fitted surface for a bolt head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Johnnie Fred Davidson
  • Patent number: 7174814
    Abstract: A tool handle includes a handle member having a number of compartments formed in an outer peripheral portion, a number of holders rotatably received in the compartments of the handle member and each having an engaging hole for receiving a tool member, and a rotary member rotatably attached to the handle member. The holders each includes an extension. The rotary member includes an actuator or a peripheral groove for selectively engaging with the extensions of the holders, and for selectively rotating the holders relative to the handle member to an outwardly opening and working position, by rotating the rotary member relative to the handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Youn Chyuan Liao
  • Patent number: 7174815
    Abstract: A hand tool with a swinging structure, including a head section, a handle connected with the head section via at least one swinging joint and a shift button and a resilient unit disposed at the swinging joint. The swinging joint is composed of a first pivot end and a second pivot end pivotally connected with each other. The second pivot end includes a first and a second lugs and a base section connected therebetween. A stopper section is disposed on the base section. A stopper block is formed on an inner face of the shift button. The shift button is transversely and back and forth movably positioned between the two pivot ends. The resilient unit serves to resiliently push the shift button toward the first pivot end, whereby a front end of the shift button keeps engaged with the first pivot end. When the shift button is transversely shifted to a disengaged position, the stopper section will not interfere with the stopper block, permitting the swinging joint to swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7174816
    Abstract: Tongue and groove pliers include a first member having a slot, and a second member connected to the first member by a pin in the slot. The first member has a plurality of arcuate ribs defining open ended grooves on the side adjacent to the second member. The second member has a tongue on the side facing the first member. The tongue fits in a selected groove to adjust the spacing between opposing jaws on the respective first and second members. The pliers have at least one visual alignment feature to align the tongue with a desired groove. The alignment feature can be readily visible marks indicating locations of the tongue and/or grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Di Bitonto, John Thomas Jacobsen, Wilfrido Loor
  • Patent number: 7174817
    Abstract: An omnidirectional twisting tool comprises a handle; the handle being a hollow tube body; one end of the handle being opened; a strain gauge installed at a lower portion of the handle; the strain gauge including an integrating element and a connecting unit for connecting the integrating element and the driving portion; by the connecting unit, a driving head at a front end of the spanner body; a rotary unit at another end of the driving head; an annular groove being formed at a lateral wall of the rotary unit; the rotary unit being pivotally installed at one end of the handle so that the driving head can rotate through 360 degrees around an axis of the handle; a connecting rod extending from a lower end of the rotary unit; the connecting rod being received within the handle; and the connecting rod being connected to the connecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7174818
    Abstract: A cam assembly for a click-type torque wrench includes an elongated plunger body having opposed ends and having a deep cavity formed axially in one end and terminating at an end face disposed with intermediate the ends, the end face having a cam seat formed therein and extending laterally theracross and having opposed sloping side cam surfaces. A sleeve may be disposed about the cam plunger for sliding engagement within a tubular lever arm of the torque wrench. The cam seat cooperates with an end of the wrench pivot arm for trapping therebetween the wrench trip block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Cutler, William D. Riehle
  • Patent number: 7174819
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting of a web (1) conveyed along a conveyance direction (F), and subsequent feeding and threading it up into a processing line, said web (1) comprising a central portion (1c) and edges (1a, 1b), said apparatus comprising central cutting means (2a, 2b) for cutting the central portion (1c) laterally and transversely to the conveyance direction (F) and edge cutting means (3a, 3b) for cutting the edges (1a, 1b) transversely to the conveyance direction (F), said apparatus further comprising edge channels (4a, 4b) for taking up the edges (1a, 1b) into the processing line, said channels being substantially closed and comprising movable lids. The invention also provides a method for threading up a web in a processing line. The invention finally provides edge channels (4a, 4b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: DuPont Teijin Films U.S. Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Gilles Petitjean, Joseph Aloyse Marnach, Luc Marie Hubert Andre Nicolai
  • Patent number: 7174820
    Abstract: A rip fence for movable and positionable use on a worktable of a cutting machine includes an adjusting handle for control locking of the fence to the worktable, and a trigger, which keeps the fence locked to the worktable when it is not pressed and, which enables the user to unlock the fence from the worktable by operating the adjusting handle when it is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Durq Machinery Corp.
    Inventor: Peter Huang
  • Patent number: 7174821
    Abstract: A punch for attachment to a brace of a braced die has a hollow cutting nose with a leading end for cutting a material to be punched and a trailing end opposite the leading end. A shaft extends from the trailing end of the nose and is sized to pass through an aperture in a brace. An upper retainer is joined to the shaft and has an upper retaining surface adapted to abut an upper surface of a brace. A lower retainer is joined to the shaft and has a lower retaining surface adapted to abut a lower surface of a brace. An internal waste evacuation chute extends from the interior of the hollow cutting nose and through the shaft for evacuating plugs of punched material from the nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ontario Die International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Rupert Geffros
  • Patent number: 7174822
    Abstract: A food slicer comprises a fan-cooled electrically powered motor driving a slicer blade. The motor is mounted within an enclosure which comprises at least one air intake port and at least one exhaust port on opposite sides of one nominally air-tight first partitioning wall within the enclosure to confine the flow of cooling air from the air intake port through the enclosure, then into intimate contact with the electrical windings and components within the frame of the motor. The motor frame is sealed into a closely conforming contacting aperture in the first partitioning wall. The fan is mounted immediately adjacent to a non-contacting aperture in a second partitioning wall within the enclosure juxtaposed the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Edgecraft Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel D. Friel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7174823
    Abstract: A band saw blade comprising a plurality of teeth, wherein each tooth comprises a tip; a rake face formed on one side of the tip; a primary clearance surface formed on an opposite side of the tip relative to the rake face; a secondary clearance surface formed on an opposite side of the primary clearance surface relative to the tip; and a gullet located on an opposite side of the rake face relative to the tip and defining a depth (D) between a base surface of the gullet and the tip. Each tooth further defines a first gullet radius (R1) located between the gullet and the secondary clearance surface; a second gullet radius (R2) extending between a base surface of the gullet and the rake face; and a pitch (P) between the respective tooth and a preceding tooth. In each tooth, R2>D>RQ, and D/P is between about 25% and 35%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Mark T. Cranna
  • Patent number: 7174824
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control valve, a percussion device and a method of controlling a working cycle of a percussion device. The percussion device (1) used for breaking rock comprises an impact element (8), which is controlled by a control valve (2). The control valve comprises a control element (5), which is arranged to control channels (7b) leading to a working pressure surface (9) of the impact element (8). The movement of the control element to its extreme position is arranged to form a closed pressure space, where pressure medium compresses and converts kinetic energy of the control element into pressure energy. The pressure energy is re-converted into kinetic energy and utilized when the control element changes its direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sahdvik Tamrock Oy
    Inventors: Antti Koskimäki, Markku Keskiniva, Jorma Mäki, Erkki Ahola
  • Patent number: 7174825
    Abstract: In a hydraulic power steering apparatus, when the relative rotation between input and output shafts which are connected by a torsion bar is converted into the relative rotation between an outer valve element and an inner valve element, the ratio of the relative rotation angle of the latter to the relative rotation angle of the former is varied in accordance with an operating condition of a vehicle. The hydraulic pressure to generate steering assist force is controlled in accordance with the relative rotation angles between both valve elements. The outer valve element is capable of relative coaxial rotation to the input and output shafts, and the inner valve element is formed integrally with the input shaft. A swinging member is supported by first, second and third supporting parts which respectively rotate together with the input shaft, the output shaft or the outer valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Shiina, Yasuhiro Kamatani, Toshiaki Oya, Ryouichi Tokioka, Kazuhiro Watanabe, Yoshimi Kotake, Hiroji Ueda, Katsuyuki Oguchi, Takashi Ohata, Osamu Sano, Masayoshi Ashitaka
  • Patent number: 7174826
    Abstract: A crowd control mechanism for a power shovel includes an extendible dipper handle having an extended position and a retracted position. A double acting hydraulic cylinder having a an extendible ram has one of the cylinder and the ram fixed to the dipper handle and the other of the cylinder and the ram is stationary relative to the dipper handle. At least one of the cylinder and the ram have at least one of a blind end port and a rod end port, and at least one of the cylinder and the ram have the other of the blind end port and the rod end port, wherein hydraulic fluid flowing into the cylinder through the blind end port urges the ram toward an extended position to extend the dipper handle, and hydraulic fluid flowing into the rod end port urges the ram toward a retracted position to retract the dipper handle. Hydraulic fluid flowing into and out of the cylinder is controlled by one or more pilot operated poppet valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Bucyrus International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Kerrigan, Carl D. Gilmore, Matthew Brueck, Jeanne M. Yaunke, Michael Haws, Michael G. Onsager
  • Patent number: 7174827
    Abstract: A compressor assembly comprising a housing having a shaft bore therein, a main shaft positioned for rotation within the shaft bore, at least one roller thrust bearing and a thurst surface bearing clip. The thrust surface bearing clip comprises a first position configured for fixed engagement with the housing and a second portion extending from the first portion and configured for supporting a thurst surface in a position spaced from the rotating shaft, the thrust surface providing a bearing surface for the roller thrust bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Timken US Corporation
    Inventors: Arnold E. Fredericksen, Kenneth B. Whitecross, Gregory C. Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 7174828
    Abstract: A linear hydraulic actuator comprises a hollow main piston axially moveable in an elongate cylinder under the influence of hydraulic pressure, the main piston defining a bore within which a seal member is provided, the seal member forming a sliding seal with the bore of the main piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Harlow Davies, Mark Anthony Guy, Michael Paul Somerfield, David Roy Tucker
  • Patent number: 7174829
    Abstract: An adjustable piston pump for displacement and extraction of remnant from soft sand and or soft soil includes a pump casing cylinder that is capped at one end and opens at the other end. It includes a handle fixed to the pump casing cylinder, a shaft rod, a shaft rod handle and a piston that includes a flexible ball. The shaft rod is retractable through the center of the capped end of the pump casing cylinder and is connected to a shaft rod handle. The portion of the shaft rod that always remains embodied in the pump casing cylinder is connected to a piston. The flexible ball mounted inside the piston construction is compressed or decompressed by the clockwise or counter clockwise rotation of the handle located at the other end of the shaft rod. Pressure is controlled in this manner. Upward and downward strokes of the piston initiate displacement and extraction of remnant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Collins Solomon Jr.
  • Patent number: 7174830
    Abstract: An automated system of preparing food designed with the preparation of Chinese food in mind, the system can be adapted to whatever type of food is desired by the user. The system uses one or more robots as the “chefs”. A heating element heats a cooking pan to a desired temperature. The cooking pan includes a temperature sensing element to monitor heating of the pan and cooking of the food. When the pan is fully heated, a delivery arm empties the contents of the bowl into the cooking pan to being the actual cooking. When the contents of the pan have reached the correct temperature to be “done”, the robot empties the contents into a serving dish, and the food is ready to be eaten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Dawei Dong
  • Patent number: 7174831
    Abstract: A baler for making large parallelepiped bales includes a plunger drive and plunger arrangement wherein one or more load pins are located offset vertically from a centerline of a connecting rod or a mid-plane of the baling chamber. Such an arrangement permits load pins having the same range of measuring capacity to be used with balers of different sizes, with the amount of offset being changed for balers of different sizes. In one arrangement, load pins are offset vertically from the mid-plane of the plunger a distance sufficient to make it possible to measure differences in top-to-bottom reaction forces imposed on the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Darin Ledru Roth
  • Patent number: 7174832
    Abstract: A system for logging authorized detonator usage of identifiable detonators, after removal of the detonators from a controlled store, in which the system includes an inventory control for maintaining an inventory of detonators at the controlled store, and also data concerning authorized removal of detonators from the store for use on site as part of a controlled blasting sequence; and a fire control station which monitors and logs the destruction of each detonator after transmission of a fire signal to each detonator, and transmits detonator destruction data to the inventory control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: SMI Technology (Pty) Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Christian Shann
  • Patent number: 7174833
    Abstract: A shotgun shell flight path indicator is described which in general includes a shell casing having a primer end having a primer, a propellant disposed within the interior of the casing proximate to the primer adapted for ignition by the primer, and a non-combustible indicator positioned within the casing. The indicator generally includes a base positioned proximate to the propellant where the base has a sufficient mass and size for unaided observation following discharge from a shotgun barrel. The indicator may include ballast integral to the base and pedals extending outwardly from the base to assist in aerodynamic drafting behind expelled shot to visually represent the flight trajectory of the expelled shot of a shotgun shell. The indicator may further include a plug disposed in the casing between the ballast and the propellant where the plug is adapted to compact the ballast within a ballast pocket integral to the base upon discharge of the shotgun shell to reduce peak barrel pressure for a shotgun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: E. Wendell Diller
  • Patent number: 7174834
    Abstract: An explosive shell comprising a fusible explosive load placed in a casing incorporating an opening, such shell comprising shimming means placed in the vicinity of the shell opening, such shimming means comprising a ring made of an elastic material placed between a front part of the shell casing and the explosive load, such ring being compressed by compression means, shell wherein the shimming ring incorporates a flange housed in a groove made in the casing of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: GIAT Industries
    Inventors: Dominique Dion, Sylvain Jayet, Règis Aumasson
  • Patent number: 7174835
    Abstract: A covert tracer round has an infrared emitter of radiation mounted to its front, side or back. The radiation (which may be coherent or incoherent) is detected by a sensor that displays an image of the target and the beam. The sensor receives the beam directly if the emitter is on the back of the round and by reflection off the target or nearby objects if the emitter faces forward. The round may include a fixed or moveable collimating lens. The emitter may radiate radially from the round to signal troops or devices located along its path. The round may include sensors that gather significant information about chemicals or biological agents, about magnetic or gravitational anomalies or any other remotely detectable property and transmit that information to the sensor by modulating the emitted radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: David James Knapp
  • Patent number: 7174836
    Abstract: A station control system for and method of controlling the operation of a driverless vehicle. The system includes a vehicle travel path, a plurality of station tags in readable proximity to the travel path, and a vehicle movable along the travel path. Each of the tags are pre-programmed with a unique and arbitrary tag identifier. The vehicle has a tag reader and a controller communicating with the reader with the tag reader is configured to read tag identifiers from the tags. The controller is configured to receive the tag identifiers from the tag reader and access a correlation table having a function command associated with the tag idendifier. The method includes the steps of reading the tag identifier associated with one of the plurality of tags, accessing the correlation table to identify a command in the function field associated with the tag identifier, and executing any identified command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventors: Mark Marino, Wayne D. Ross
  • Patent number: 7174837
    Abstract: An improved three-piece truck system for railroad cars provides long travel side bearings for improved stability, a “wide” friction shoe design or equivalent to improve sideframe and bolster squareness, a resilient pedestal pad for improved curving performance and enhanced wear resistance, and a suspension system tuned and optimized for rail cars to have a minimum reserve capacity of less than 1.5 to improve motion control and ride quality, increase resistance to suspension bottoming, and increase hunting threshold speed. Such a motion control truck system is able to meet recent, more stringent American Association of Railroads standards, such as M-976, for railcars having a 286,000 lb. gross rail load rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: ASF-Keystone, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Berg, Nathan J. Reese, Ralph H. Schorr, Jeffrey M. Ruback, Julius I. Pershwitz
  • Patent number: 7174838
    Abstract: A collapsible table includes a table top formed of a pair of pivotable table top half-sections hinged to one another at their adjacent edges along a center-line of the table and displaceable between an open position where the half-sections are coplanar, and a folded position where the half-sections overlap one another. Each half-section has at an undersurface thereof a transverse support member pivotally articulated thereto with a leg associated with each lateral edge of the transverse support member, and a pair of longitudinal support members pivotally articulated to the undersurface. The support members are displaceable between erect and collapsed positions whereby the transverse support member is prohibited from collapsing as long as at least one of the longitudinal support members is erect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd.
    Inventors: Sami Sagol, Efraim Haimoff
  • Patent number: 7174839
    Abstract: A highly efficient seed planting system and method for farmers with small acreages that allows quick changes in equipment to effect quick changes in planted seed patterns. The system includes a seed selector, a seed distributor, a planting member, a transport apparatus and a timing drive mechanism. Efficiency is provided by a number of features including easily changeable seed carrying drums each having different predetermined first seed patterns for different seeds that produce scaled second predetermined patterns in the ground, an easily changeable seed distribution arrangement, an easily changeable and variable seed supply, a simple vacuum/pressure producer, and a timing drive apparatus that synchronizes movement of the drums with the transport apparatus and allows easy changing of the seed spacing in each row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ben Tun Hsin Tseng
    Inventor: Tun H. Tsing
  • Patent number: 7174840
    Abstract: A manipulator used to reverse the edges of slash pockets, which consist in two pieces of fabric folded so that they internally hold and coat one of the two sides of the pocket cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Beniamino Scanzani
  • Patent number: 7174841
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for reducing the weight and optimizing the longitudinal strength of a watercraft, which is especially suitable for transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) or other corresponding mediums and comprises a hull, which has a deck extending over at least the main part of the watercraft and a number of substantially spherical cargo tanks arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the watercraft and a deckhouse, which extends substantially above the deck. The hull of the watercraft is provided with a continuous protective casing structure known as such and which is arranged on top of the cargo tanks. The deck of the watercraft is arranged on the hull so that the proportion of its height measured from the bottom of the watercraft to the height of the uppermost continuous portion of the protective casing structure on top of the cargo tanks is at most 0.55, preferably at most 0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Aker Yards Oy
    Inventors: Mauri Lindholm, Aarno Perkiö, Juhani Siren
  • Patent number: 7174842
    Abstract: A boat propulsion system includes a plurality of positive displacement pumps which having high discharge head and having inlets and outlets therein and a controlling panel having circuits, wherein the pumps are mounted on a bottom of a boat and driven by a motive power. By means of different positions of the outlets in each pump or different power transmission of each pump and cooperating with using the controlling panel, the boat can therefore move toward desired directions and enhancing power transmission by the pumps are drawn uniform flow when the boat is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Liung Feng Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsu Tsang Lin
  • Patent number: 7174843
    Abstract: A hydrofoil unit for attaching to the stern of the hull of a boat. The unit includes a mount that mounts to the stern of the hull of the boat, a hydrofoil that is pivotally attached to the mount, a pivot assembly that pivotally attaches the hydrofoil to the mount, and apparatus for pivoting the hydrofoil relative to the mount. In one embodiment, the apparatus is automatic and includes an hydraulic cylinder that is pivotally attached to the transom of the boat and a strut that is pivotally attached to the hydraulic cylinder and the hydrofoil. In another embodiment, the apparatus is manual and includes an upper threaded rod that is pivotally attaching to the transom of the boat, a turnbuckle that is attached to the upper threaded rod, and a lower threaded rod that is attached to the turnbuckle and the hydrofoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Raimer E. Tossavainen
  • Patent number: 7174844
    Abstract: The simulator of the present invention comprises a submersible structure to be used in a body of water, for instance a pool. This structure comprises a bell defining a main chamber. An escape tower is provided over the bell. This escape tower defines an escape chamber communicating with the main chamber. The escape tower has a lower hatch between the main chamber and the escape chamber, and an upper hatch separating the escape chamber from outside the submersible structure. The simulator also comprises a mechanism for vertically moving the submersible structure relative to the water surface. A method of performing underwater submarine escape training is also disclosed. The simulator allows such training to be conducted in a safe and controlled environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Innovation Maritim
    Inventors: Louis Hébert, Jean-Francois Goulet, Aurem Langevin, Luc Garand
  • Patent number: 7174845
    Abstract: An apparatus for securely mounting one or more water skis for storage is disclosed. The apparatus offers a simple method of securing the water ski with provision for locking to prevent theft. The apparatus is further suitable for mounting beneath a boat lift canopy, providing convenient access to the water skis and allowing water skis to dry after use. A variation on the apparatus allows for secure storage of other boating equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Lawrence Middleton
  • Patent number: 7174846
    Abstract: In a method for forming a layer of coating material, a conveyor having a conveying part which is pervious to the coating material is used. This coating material is displaced on the conveying part over a guide plate into a coating zone. At the end of a coating zone, excess coating material is returned using a return part of a conveyor. To form a layer of coating material on the conveying part, the coating material is moved from the return part through the conveying part onto the conveying part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Stork Titan B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Gerardus Martinus Antonius Zeegers, Jacobus Wilhelmus Willems, Hendricus Franciscus Jacobus Maria van der Eerden
  • Patent number: 7174847
    Abstract: An insect storage, maintenance, dusting, and distribution device that dispenses living insects to caged animals. A Tower compartment is connected to a separate Dusting Chamber compartment with apertures on both compartments that may be aligned by rotating the Tower above the Dusting Chamber to form a passage for insects. The insects can move from the Tower to the Dusting Chamber which coats the insects with a nutritional dust. The insects are then allowed to move from the Dusting Chamber through a Feeder Tube into the animal(s)' habitat for their consumption by the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: William A. Hulteen, III
  • Patent number: 7174848
    Abstract: A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller comprises a first sensor operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum therefrom. The controller produces a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. A processor is operatively connected to the first sensor for receiving the first signal. The processor includes a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference signal representing a predetermined vacuum range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for milking systems pulsators. The processor generates at least one control signal when the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is at a vacuum level outside of the predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside the range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for the milking system pulsators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Global Tech Systems, Inc. a New Mexico corporation
    Inventors: Stan A. Brown, Rafael Antonio Fematt
  • Patent number: 7174849
    Abstract: An automatic aquarium feeder apparatus including a body unit having a platform element; a platform wall on the platform element defining a cavity; a clamping mechanism for clamping the platform element to the walls of an aquarium; a drive mechanism including a battery-powered motor; and a food dispensing element having one or more first slots through the platform element, and a disk element rotatably driven by the motor and having one or more second slots that are alignable with the one or more first slots. Food in the cavity gravitationally drops through the first and second slots when aligned. The drive mechanism may include an alternating power on/power off timing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Gary P. Hall
  • Patent number: 7174850
    Abstract: By directing the none-molting crustaceans to move into a predetermined area in a culture tank, the present invention discloses a multi-layered aquaculture system with shallow-water containers which is based upon the utilization of the methods and apparatus to eliminate their cannibalistic actions towards newly molted mates. This multi-layered aquaculture system for aquatic crustaceans comprises multi-layered containers for carrying the water body of culture and a means for generating an effect of bright and dark contrast at predetermined places within one or every afore-said containers. A means for arranging even water flow is further adapted to the containers with substantially no impact on the effect of the bright and dark contrast to take place at predetermined places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Shyh-Min Tom Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7174851
    Abstract: An animal display and habitat assembly having a number of modular animal display units coupled together to enclose a common access area, each of the display units including an outwardly facing display frame with a viewing section between opposing upright members and laterally disposed transition members that include first sections coupled to the upright members and second sections projecting inwardly from their respective first sections to provide a pair of door jambs across which an access door may enclose a display compartment or may be opened into the common access area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: North America Pet Products
    Inventors: Ronald K. Bonner, Eric R. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 7174852
    Abstract: An attachment facilitating device and a pet carrier for a bicycle. The attachment facilitating device is an elongate support for a bicycle-mounted carrier that mounts between the saddle and the handlebars of a bicycle. The support includes first and second ends. A first clamp is associated with the first end for gripping a tubular, member of the bicycle adjacent to the handlebars. A second clamp is associated with the second end for gripping a tubular member of the bicycle rearwardly of the first clamp. First and second elongate arms are slideably engageable with each other The first and second arms each have a proximal end region opposite their respective distal end regions associated with the clamps. The first arm is for supporting the carrier and is fastenable thereto. The second arm includes a linear region extending from the distal end of the second arm towards the proximal end of the second arm. An angled region is adjacent the linear region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Canada, Inc
    Inventor: Malcolm Jefferson
  • Patent number: 7174853
    Abstract: The present invention includes a portable alley way having openings at one end. A collapsible crowding tub is connected to the alley way and includes an opening communicating with the opening of the alley way. The collapsible crowding tub includes a plurality of curved panels which are connected together in a substantially semi-circular pattern surrounding a fifth wheel hitch. An end curved panel is connected to the alley way adjacent the opening of the alley way. An extension panel has one end connected to the alley way on the opposite side of the opening of the alley way and has a second end connected to the fifth wheel gooseneck. A gate has one end pivotably attached to the fifth wheel gooseneck and is sized to swing in an arc within the semi-circular pattern of the curved panels. A latch is provided for latching the gate to a selected curved panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Dwight E. Donaldson