Patents Issued in February 20, 2007
  • Patent number: 7178420
    Abstract: A ring gear includes teeth (10) and tooth gaps (12), in which the teeth (10) can be brought vie tooth flanks (14) into engagement with a corresponding pinion. The tooth flanks (14), after a final engagement point (16) of the pinion, from the tooth head (18) toward the tooth base (20), compared to standard tooth flanks (22), are made to approximate a trochoid (24, 26), described by the pinion and projected into a normal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Barth
  • Patent number: 7178421
    Abstract: A dual spherical ball clamp is employed to allow for pivotal adjustment of a robotic arm to support an object in a desired position. The clamp is formed by a pair of clamp halves bolted together to form a pair of sockets. Each socket receives a spherical ball of an arm. The faces of the dual spherical ball clamp are slightly inclined outwardly with respect to the lower surface of the dual spherical ball clamp to provide for additional range of motion of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Syron Engineering & Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Filipiak, Richard Rial Hamann, Timothy John Key
  • Patent number: 7178422
    Abstract: A locking device for selectively preventing telescoping movement between first and second members and tilting movement associated with the first and second members. The locking device includes an electric motor for generating a moving force. The locking device also includes a first locking portion associated with the electric motor to move between first locked and unlocked positions in response to the moving force. The first locking portion selectively prevents telescoping movement between the first and second members. The locking device also includes a second locking portion spaced from the first locking portion. The second locking portion is also associated with the electric motor to move between second locked and unlocked positions in response to the moving force. The second locking portion selectively prevents tilting movement associated with the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray G. Armstrong, Philip J. McCarthy, Ravindra Jwalapathy
  • Patent number: 7178423
    Abstract: A noise and vibration damper for use with a rotatable structure, such as a driveshaft assembly for a vehicular drive train system, includes an inner member, an elastomeric member that extends about the inner member, and an outer member that extends about the elastomeric member. The inner member is formed from a sheet of material that has been deformed to a desired shape, while the outer member is formed from a tube of material having a length that is selected to provide the desired dampening frequency. The natural resonant frequency of the noise and vibration damper can be adjusted by varying either or both of the shape of the inner member or the axial length of the outer member of the noise and vibration damper. In both instances, the weight distribution of the components of the noise and vibration damper is altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Douglas E. Breese, Kellie L. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7178424
    Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle housing having a main body and defining an internal cavity. The axle housing includes a first and second opening defined in the main body and adapted to support a first and second differential bearing respectively. A differential assembly is supported in the axle housing with the first and second differential bearings. The main body defines an inner mounting surface, an outer face and an inner circumferential surface extending between the inner mounting surface and the outer face. The inner circumferential surface defines a third opening. The main body defines a relief formed through the inner mounting surface and extending through a portion of the inner circumferential surface. The relief defines a fluid communication path for delivering fluid to a pinion bearing assembly arranged in the third opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Petruska, Shad J. Falls
  • Patent number: 7178425
    Abstract: A cover for an aperture defined by an axle seal on a transmission includes a guard plate and a shield coupled to the axle seal. The shield includes a first portion and a detachable second portion. The shield encloses an aperture in the guard plate when the second portion is attached to the first portion. The shield includes an aperture aligned with the guard aperture when the second portion is detached from the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Randall M. Marich
  • Patent number: 7178426
    Abstract: An improved lubrication system for drive axle assemblies is provided that uses a collector in connection with a filter plug to lower the dynamic lubricant level in the drive axle assembly and filter contaminants in the lubricant sump. The collector is affixed to a cover plate attached to the drive axle housing and defines a well and a flow passage proximate the bottom of the well. The flow passage is aligned with an opening through which lubricant is inserted into the housing. A plug with a filter is inserted through the opening in the cover plate and into the flow passage. The invention reduces churning losses by lowering the dynamic lubricant level in the axle assembly without having a negative impact on lubricant life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Turner, Leo Wenstrup
  • Patent number: 7178427
    Abstract: A relatively small, lightweight electromechanical actuator includes a motor assembly, a harmonic drive, and an interposed gear assembly that functions as an output mechanism. The motor assembly, harmonic drive, and gear assembly are coupled together in an in-line configuration, which reduces the overall size envelope relative to know actuators, and the relative weight and complexity of the gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Christensen
  • Patent number: 7178428
    Abstract: An impact instrument for delivering an impulse to an object. The impact instrument may include an impact surface for contacting the object and an elongated member extending from the impact surface that terminates in an end. The elongated member may include a grasping region in the vicinity of the end. When the instrument is grasped within the grasping region, the center of percussion of the instrument preferably coincides with the impact surface. The instrument may also contain pivoting grasping member disposed on the elongated member. A cavity is preferably formed between the grasping member and the elongated member and may contain compressible material. The grasping member may rigidly contact the elongated member at an ideal pivot point. The grasping member is preferably adapted to pivot with respect to the elongated member at the ideal pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Board of Regents the University of Texas System
    Inventor: Kurt A. Schroder
  • Patent number: 7178429
    Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a handle and a head extending from the handle. The handle includes a compartment communicated with a hole of the head. A drive member is rotatably mounted in the hole of the head and includes teeth on an outer periphery thereof. A pawl is slidably mounted in the compartment of the handle. The pawl includes teeth on a side thereof for engaging with the teeth of the drive member. An anchor is mounted in the compartment of the head. An elastic element is attached between the pawl and the anchor for biasing the teeth of the pawl to engage with the teeth of the drive member. A protruded portion is integrally formed on a wall defining the compartment of the handle for positioning the anchor in place, thereby preventing the anchor from moving out of the compartment of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Yen-Wen Lin
  • Patent number: 7178430
    Abstract: A tool adjusts a damper assembly having a pivot arm and an arm fastener. The tool comprises an inner elongate member, an outer elongate member, and bushing collars. The inner member is telescopically received in the outer member. The inner and outer members each comprise a first member end, a second inner member end, and a member axis. The first inner member end comprises a fastener adjuster and the first outer member end comprises a pivot arm adjuster. The bushing collars are cooperatively associated with the first outer member end, the second outer member end, and an outer member surface of the inner member for maintaining the inner and outer member axes in collinear relation for forming a reach axis. The inner and outer members are each rotatable about the reach axis. The fastener adjuster adjusts the arm fastener and the pivot arm adjuster adjusts the pivot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Bruno Butz
  • Patent number: 7178431
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a work section and a handle section connected to the work section. The handle section has one recess defined in an outer surface thereof so as to receive a spring and a bead. An extendable portion is movably mounted to the handle section and has two dents. The extendable portion is moved relative to the hand portion by receiving the bead in one of the dents so as to have a longer arm of force when using the hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 7178432
    Abstract: An electric screwdriver with automatic screw feeding includes a shaft defining a bit; a body portion, the body portion defining a screw conduit configured to receive the bit; a screw feeder tube; a vacuum coupler, and a screw holding assembly. At least a distal portion of the screw feeder tube between a middle region and distal end may be oriented such that a screw can pass therethrough under a force of gravity. The vacuum coupler may be coupled to the middle region of the screw feeder tube, and may be configured to couple to a vacuum generator. The screw holding assembly may be adjacent the screw conduit and may be configured to receive and hold a screw in a position for engagement by the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tan Jit Han, Mandeep Singh
  • Patent number: 7178433
    Abstract: A processing apparatus is provided with a diamond tool. When a first edge portion is made as X axis, a tip end peak point of a rake face is made as an intercept (0, y) on Y axis, and the rake face is projected in the first quadrant on an X-Y plane, a shape between an end portion of a first edge portion and an end portion of a second edge portion is asymmetric around a straight line which passes at the intercept and is parallel to X axis and the shape is shaped to be not a straight line such that Y value of a point on the shape increases as X value of the point increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsuda, Shigeru Hosoe, Kazuhiro Wada
  • Patent number: 7178434
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a coaxial cable, or the like, and effecting cutting and stripping operations to remove a portion of one or more layers which concentrically cover a central conductor. A single blade, having a circular cutting edge, is moved in an orbital path about the cable with rotary motion of a motor translated to orbital motion of the blade through a plurality of plates relatively movable on crossed, linear, roller bearings and a shaft eccentrically affixed to the motor with the shaft and motor axes at an acute angle to one another. The shaft extends through a spherical bearing mounted in one of the plates, thereby translating nutational motion of the shaft to orbiting motion of the plate which is directly attached to the blade. A unique clamping assembly includes a pair of jaws having respective gear racks engaging a single pinion gear on a motor output shaft for linear movement of the jaws by equal distances in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: David J. Palmowski
  • Patent number: 7178435
    Abstract: Glass substrates for display apparatuses of the related art which is cut from the mother glass have different glass size from each other in accordance with demand of respective display apparatus manufacturing company or factory. Therefore, it is not always effective to form glass substrates by cutting the mother glass, and the mother glass is not used efficiently. The present invention is characterized in that when a glass substrate is prepared by cutting a rectangular mother glass, one side of the mother glass is one side of the glass substrate and the mother glass has a length equal to a length of the one side of the glass substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Jun Koyama
  • Patent number: 7178436
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for controlling the load on the blade of a steel-cutting saw A programmable logic controller senses the spindle motor load current and compares it with the desired optimum operating current. Variations in hardness of the steel member cause the spindle motor current to fluctuate. The advancement of the blade by an electric servomotor is controlled by the PLC. The PLC reduces the rate of advancement of the blade in response to increasing spindle current, thereby reducing the load on the blade. The blade speed is maintained constant by a variable frequency motor powering the spindle motor. The operator selects the blade speed from 3 to 85 RPM, which is maintained by the variable frequency drive. The feed rate is the variable that is controlled by the PLC, by which the load current of the spindle motor is maintained relatively constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: United States Steel Corporation
    Inventor: David N. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7178437
    Abstract: A web of material is drawn into a printing press. A part of the tip of the web, which is laterally projecting over the edge of the web, is separated lengthwise at least once by the use of a slitting device. A device for accomplishing the drawing in of the web is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manfred Wolfgang Hartmann, Horst Bernhard Michalik
  • Patent number: 7178438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power miter saw with a quick actuating mechanism for a movable guard. The mechanism comprises a mounting arm, a fixed guard, a drive means and a circular saw blade. A movable guard is pivotally connected to the fixed guard. The movable guard is pivotally connected to the front end of the actuating link by a second guiding member. The rear end of the actuating link is movably connected to the mounting arm. A first guiding member is disposed on the rear end of the actuating link and the mounting arm has a first arcuate slide slot with which the first guiding member engages. When the fixed guard moves together with the saw unit downwardly, the actuating link pivotally engages the first slide slot and actuates the movable guard rapidly to open. The movable guard of the present invention can be easily manufactured and conveniently assembled or adjusted so as to reduce the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wang Xin, Liu Changning, Kong Zhao
  • Patent number: 7178439
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing window coverings slidably extendable from a bay into an aisle of a retail outlet. The method includes the steps of locating the center of the window covering relative to a cutting station utilizing a half scale for removing a portion of the window covering from each of its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Gilboy, Joshua Abdollahzadeh
  • Patent number: 7178440
    Abstract: A knife for a cutting wheel provided to slice food products including a knife holder having a recessed portion located along a leading side thereof, a clamp secured to the knife holder, and a cutting blade mounted between the clamp and knife holder along the leading side of the knife holder. A replaceable insert member with a wear surface is positioned within the recess of the knife holder, and this insert member is contiguous with the cutting blade and protrudes from the knife holder to provide a substitute leading edge therefore in close apposition to the cutting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Urschel Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Brent L. Bucks
  • Patent number: 7178441
    Abstract: A bandsaw blade includes a blade beam carrying a plurality of cutting teeth separated by gullets. A clearance angle of the teeth is smaller than 35°, and the back of a leading tooth has a convex transition to a gullet. The radius of the gullet is larger than ½ of the depth of the gullet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kapman AB
    Inventor: HÃ¥kan Hellbergh
  • Patent number: 7178442
    Abstract: The invention is a detachable hanger assembly for attaching a flying object to a launch rail on a launch platform. The detachable hanger assembly is attached to the flying object by one or more bolts and is adapted to slide in a slot in the launch rail when the flying object is launched. When the flying object is launched, the detachable hanger assembly slides in the slot until it impacts upon a stopper, which is fixedly located in the slot. The force of the impact of the hanger assembly with the stopper creates shearing forces that break one or more of the bolts thereby separating the main body section of the hanger assembly from the flying object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority, Ltd
    Inventor: Moshe Yogev
  • Patent number: 7178443
    Abstract: A wedge-type breechblock is provided for a weapon having a barrel that recoils relative to a cradle, the barrel having a bore with an axis, and a breech plate. The breechblock includes a closing wedge for arranging in the breech plate such that the closing wedge can be displaced transverse to the axis of the bore. A pin-type carrier, through a control lever and a breech mechanism shaft, activates the closing wedge. An ascending curved track is located on a guiding device, and guides the pin-type carrier during a counter-recoil motion of the barrel from an intake region to a highest point, so that the control lever is pivoted during the counter-recoil motion of the barrel and the breech mechanism shaft is turned to move the closing wedge to an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W. & M GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Isgen, Henning von Seidlitz
  • Patent number: 7178445
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ballistic protection for use in personal equipment or in vehicles of various types such as cars, helicopters and boats or for use in permanent or temporary protection of various types in buildings or other fixed or mobile installations. The ballistic protection according to the present invention can be employed as protection against various kinds of low or high-velocity projectiles in addition to which it will be capable of offering protection against splinters and various kinds of fragments which could other wise injure people or damage vehicles or installations if they had the opportunity of penetrating right through an external protective layer. The ballistic protection according to the present invention can further be combined with a drinking water reservoir since an essential part of the protection is a liquid container. The drinking water supply, for example, for a soldier is thereby improved both with regard to available volume and position/carrying capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Forsvarets Forskningsinstitutt
    Inventors: Erik Wulvik, Odd Halsnes, Haakon Fykse
  • Patent number: 7178446
    Abstract: A cylinder rod with wear-resistant surface markings is provided. The cylinder rod may include a rod substrate, a thermal-spray coating disposed on a surface of the substrate, and one or more surface markings disposed on the coating at predetermined locations along the length of the cylinder rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Trent Steven Kucher, Karen Renee Raab, Xiangyang Jiang
  • Patent number: 7178447
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control valve, a percussion device and a method of controlling a working cycle of a percussion device. A percussion device (1) for breaking rock includes an impact element (8) controlled by a control valve (2). The control valve includes a control element (5) arranged to control channels (7b) leading to a working pressure surface (9) of the impact element (8). The control element, during a working cycle of the control valve, is arranged to open and close pressure channels at several connecting moments so that during one working cycle of the valve, several impact pulses are arranged to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sandvik Tamrock Oy
    Inventors: Antti Koskimäki, Markku Keskiniva, Jorma Mäki, Mauri Esko, Erkki Ahola, Aimo Helin
  • Patent number: 7178448
    Abstract: A method for controlling an air servo cylinder apparatus includes an advancing process of advancing a piston up to a target position by controlling, by a controller, servo valves individually connected to a pressure chamber on the head side and that on the rod side of the cylinder, and a pressurizing process of subsequently applying a required pressurizing force to the piston. In the advancing process, the piston starts to be driven with the servo valve on the head side opened to the air intake side and the servo valve on the rod side opened to the exhaust side. Thereafter, the opening degree of the servo valve on the rod side is varied into an opening degree in accordance with a deviation of the current position from the target position, and thereby the piston is smoothly decelerated as it approaches the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Matsumoto, Nobuhiro Fujiwara, Hiroshi Miyachi
  • Patent number: 7178449
    Abstract: Hydraulic device driving a rotating receiver such as a shaft (1) includes at least one hydraulic motor having axial pistons (7) bearing against a fixed swash-plate (9) via shoes (10), the pistons (7) being arranged in a rotating barrel (5), characterized by the fact that the motor shaft (1) carries a toothed crown wheel (2) with which it is integral whose teeth are engaged by teeth (4) provided on the periphery of the rotating barrel (5) of one or more hydraulic motors (7) arranged around the shaft (1), the axis of axes of the barrel (5) being parallel to the axis of the shaft (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro Leduc
    Inventor: Louis-Claude Porel
  • Patent number: 7178450
    Abstract: A compressor includes a housing and a drive shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and rotatably supported by the housing. A pocket is defined in the drive shaft and extends to a bottom portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pocket. A pair of sealing lip portions disposed between the housing circumscribing the drive shaft. A pair of channels is defined in the drive shaft with one of the channels exposed between the spaced lip portions to deliver a lubricant therebetween under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Allen Baker, Edward Wolfe, IV, William James Kumpf
  • Patent number: 7178451
    Abstract: A piston designed for use in metering machines employed in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The piston preferably has a cylindrical body with an annular bead in an intermediate position, a cap made of material designed to form a seal against the cylinder wall, which cap is fitted onto the body, and an annular support with an expansion spring, housed in a groove in the inner wall of the cap, the cap having an annular bead on the free edge; a clamping ring with a groove designed to fit onto the annular bead of the cap and onto the annular bead on the piston body is provided to keep the elements joined together, and the ring also acts as a guide for the piston against the cylinder wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Carlo Crespi
  • Patent number: 7178452
    Abstract: An espresso machine provided with a rotating ceramic disk valve (1) as a selective water-steam distributor that is in a driving connection with a drive motor (2), and a control device (3) for controlling the drive motor (2). To increase the precision of the rotational-angle setting, a Geneva gear (4) is incorporated into the driving connection between the drive motor (2) and the rotating ceramic disk valve (1), with the gear setting the rotating ceramic disk valve (1) in make-and-break cycles. The control device (3) shuts off the drive motor (2) after at least one make-and-break cycle of the Geneva gear (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventor: Daniel Fischer
  • Patent number: 7178453
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing milk drinks or foamed milk drinks, especially for a coffee machine, is envisaged with a capsule (1, 1?, 1?) containing a pre-determined quantity of milk for a single use. The capsule (1, 1?, 1?) can be positioned above an outlet (2) and heated. In addition, a device for opening the floor (9, 9a) to extract the milk from the capsule (1, 1?, 1?) should be provided so that air can be added to the milk exiting from the capsule (1, 1?, 1?) for a possible foaming of the milk. The apparatus is simple and cost-effective and simple to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Steiner AG, Weggis
    Inventor: Jean-Paul In Albon
  • Patent number: 7178454
    Abstract: Compactor apparatus for an on-board module builder, including single cylinders and guide members on opposite sides of the module builder for guiding and effecting a cotton compacting process. The compactor apparatus includes a frame disposed in a cotton module builder chamber, movable downwardly within the chamber against the cotton for compacting the cotton against the floor and walls of the chamber. The frame includes cross members which extend across the chamber and protrude outwardly therefrom through upwardly and downwardly extending slots or passages through the sides of the module builder. The ends on each side are connected together by an exterior side structure which is movable upwardly and downwardly by a suitable driver, guided by at least one vertically extending guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Covington, Timothy A. Meeks, Gary R. Gallens, George H. Hale
  • Patent number: 7178455
    Abstract: A compacting press having a support section, a compacting section which undergoes translational movement along a vertical axis (Z, Z?) which is fitted with a thrust-plate and which forms a ram designed to compress cases by the application of pressure, and a guide assembly made up of a skirt, with a liner, a hoop and a cradle. The cradle is fitted to a skirt holding section by a removable connection made up of a reversible assembly system involving the fitting into place and horizontal movement of at least one key-hole shaped opening which passes vertically through the cradle and at least one vertically orientated mushroom-shaped lug. This press is preferably used for compacting a case containing hazardous materials, in particular radioactive waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Patrick Jacq, Philippe Kerrien
  • Patent number: 7178456
    Abstract: Roll-forming apparatus is provided together with a conveyor system utilized to transport raw dough rolls. A stop gate is movably positioned in the path of the rolls and, when placed in an interfering position, temporarily stops the rolls while the rolls maintain sliding contact with the conveyor. An imprinter is positioned above the conveyor and adjacent the stop gate. The stop gate is subsequently moved to a noninterfering position to permit the rolls to pass to the imprinting drums where the rolls are formed into a desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: William Roy Bryan
  • Patent number: 7178457
    Abstract: A process of manufacturing envelopes and a product manufactured in accordance with such process is disclosed. The process requires printing of an ink design on an envelope, coating of the ink design with a varnish and subsequently embossing the combined ink and varnish design so that a foil look is obtained on the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Commercial Envelope Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Ira Kristel
  • Patent number: 7178458
    Abstract: A method of economically dye transfer printing small batches of webbing with custom designs includes printing N longitudinally adjacent identical design strips of approximate length L/N with a desired custom design. The design is printed on continuous roll paper with dye transfer ink using a dye transfer printer controlled by a personal computer. The adjacent design strips are simultaneously cut apart using a slitting cutter with parallel disc blades. The slitting cutter is preferably a modified leather slitting cutter with variable speed control and additional alignment guides for precise cutting. The separated design strips of approximate length L/N are assembled into a continuous transfer strip of approximate length L and rolled onto a core. The transfer strip is fed through an aligner with blank webbing and into a heat transfer web rolling machine where heat and pressure are applied to transfer print the design from the transfer strip to the webbing and produce final printed webbing of length L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas P Bates
  • Patent number: 7178459
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing powders on a support in a predetermined pattern, includes: a belt conveyor (2) for transporting the support (3); a head for applying the powders (1), located above the conveyor (2), which head (1) includes a ring-wound closed continuous belt (4) exhibiting a plurality of perforations arranged according to a predetermined pattern, the perforations being of a size which enables passage of predetermined quantities of powders; a mechanism for controlling a supply and delivery of powders through the perforations and for keeping the continuous belt (4) clean. The head also includes a mechanism for controlling a movement of the continuous belt (4) in synchrony with a movement of the conveyor (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: System S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: 7178460
    Abstract: A web-fed rotary printing press, which is used for printing a web has at least four printing points or locations that are allocated to the web in an imprinting mode of the press. At least one of each two printing points or locations can be alternatively engaged with the web. These two printing points apply the same ink to the same side of the web. These two printing points or locations are situated in two different printing units. In each of the operating modes of the press, at least one of the printing points or locations in each of the units is in a print-on position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Nikolaus Markert
  • Patent number: 7178461
    Abstract: A non-tilt cheek assembly is provided for use in an ink fountain assembly. An ink fountain mechanism for adjustably metering the thickness of the layer of ink in a plurality of zones axially across a fountain roller for a printing press. The ink fountain mechanism includes a plurality of metering blocks, horizontally aligned and axially adjacent to one another with side-by-side upper support surfaces forming a substantially continuous support surface along the length of the fountain roller. Each upper surface of the metering blocks is adjustably spaced from the fountain roller to control the amount of ink, in a zone corresponding to the side-to-side length of the support surface of each metering block. A plurality of adjustment bolts are each separately and threadably engaged with each of the plurality of metering blocks. The adjustment bolts are slideably supported in a main beam that extends the length of the fountain roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Color Control Corp.
    Inventor: James J. Keller
  • Patent number: 7178462
    Abstract: A projectile includes members that deploy upon impact with a target. The projectile includes a nose piece with a portion that shears off upon impact with the target, causing the nose piece to be pushed inside the projectile. As the nose piece is pushed inside the projectile, the nose piece pushes on members that deploy outwardly and lock into place, thereby greatly increasing the damage done to the target. The projectile is easily assembled by placing the two members through an axial cylindrical hole into slots, then placing the nose piece into the axial cylindrical hole. The deployable members are held within the body of the projectile in flight, and only deploy when the projectile strikes a target, greatly increasing the damage to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph S. Beasley
  • Patent number: 7178463
    Abstract: A contour or profile of a bore of a locomotive traction-motor support bearing structure, where such profile preserves the currently center-loading of the upper load zone but moves inboardly the lower load zone to a more general central location. The profile of the bore for the support bearing, according to the invention, takes into account not only truck-axle bending due to locomotive weight, but also that from motor tilt through bearing clearances, and couple action on the axle from heavy radial loads on PE support bearing and adjacent axle gear. The bore is configured such that the upper surface is horizontal, but the lower surface slopes downwardly in the outboard direction at an angle based on a function dependent upon the three misalignment factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Magnus Division of LV Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bien, Robert B. Foster, John E. Macklin
  • Patent number: 7178464
    Abstract: A track mounted system for closing rail car doors that enables the simultaneous closing of multiple car doors. After hopper car contents such as aggregate or coal are unloaded, the doors are closed in pairs by semi-automated door closing arms that are positioned on the track and are operated by hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, or electric motors. The closing arms are configured in specific shapes to adapt to a variety of hopper door configurations. The closing arms may be added in pairs depending on the number of doors. The door closer can be sequenced to accommodate frontward or rearward facing doors. Hydraulic cylinders with a differential bell crank can be used to activate the closer arm assemblies. Closer arms can be mounted side by side on the inside or outside of the track or separately inside and outside of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Gary Clark
  • Patent number: 7178465
    Abstract: An automated and semi-automated trackside railcar door opener and closer for use with railcar doors located on or near the bottom of the railcar including a tool carriage, a controller and a support substantially parallel to a railroad track. A railcar door opener includes an alignment sensor for aligning the opening tool with a railcar door latch and a railcar door latch opener for releasing the railcar door latch. A railcar door closer includes at least two closer arms configured to close railcar doors on or near the bottom of a railcar. The opening and closing tools are each coupled to the tool carriage, and the tool carriage is moveably attached to the support. A controller controls movement and operation of the tool carriage, opening tool and closing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Ralph A. Marchiori, Frank J. Marchiori
  • Patent number: 7178466
    Abstract: A railroad car is provided having a box body extending longitudinally and delimiting compartments, seats arranged in the compartments, means for identifying the seats,means for identifying the car, and at least one side door providing access to the compartments. The side door is an intermediate door away from the longitudinal ends of the car and arranged longitudinally between two compartments provided with seats to which it provides access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Raoul
  • Patent number: 7178467
    Abstract: The door threshold for a railway vehicle is intended to partially fill the gap between the vehicle and a platform. It comprises a support (22) which can be connected to the structure (16) of the railway vehicle and a strip (24) which is retained by the support (22). The strip (24) can be displaced between a normal position, in which it projects relative to the support (22), and a position retracted in the support (22). It comprises means (30A, 30B) for clamping the strip against at least a clamping surface (30A, 30B) of the support in order to produce friction of a specific value between the strip (24) and the support (22) counter to the displacement of the strip (24) relative to the support (22) in the plane of the or each clamping surface (30A, 30B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Alstom Transport SA
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Le Bellec, Christophe Gomis
  • Patent number: 7178468
    Abstract: A table may include a table top, a frame and one or more support members such as legs. Advantageously, the table top may include a generally planar upper surface and a generally planar lower surface. In particular, the lower surface of the table top may be substantially free of any downwardly extending projections such as a lip. Desirably, the table includes a frame and at least a portion of the frame is exposed and visible when the table is being used. In addition, the table may include one or more guard members that are sized and configured to protect portions of the table, such as the corners. Significantly, the guard members may be selectively connected to the table top or the frame, which may allow the guard members to be repaired or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Winter, Robert A. Astle, S. Curtis Nye, Kent Ashby, L. Curtis Strong
  • Patent number: 7178469
    Abstract: A workstation providing multiple presentation angles for a visible display structure and a related working area structure. The display and working structures are adjustably mounted on a cabinet pedestal that houses electronic equipment connected with components carried by the display and working area structure. The cabinet pedestal is positioned against a wall below gauges and/or other materials mounted on the wall. When not being used, the working area structure closes over the visible display structure to provide a decorative cover over an enclosed area. The display and work structures are retractable to a compact standby position at the top of the cabinet, leaving certain of the wall-mounted materials visible over the top of the stored workstation. A recess provided between the back of the stored display and work structure accommodates certain wall mounted materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Roger Goza
  • Patent number: 7178470
    Abstract: Fitted tablecloth coverings that may be affixed to a table without the use of a tool or affixing devices are manufactured from polymeric film with prefitted corners. Methods of manufacturing a tablecloth from polymeric film with prefitted corners provide a covering that may conveniently and quickly be applied to a table to provide an appealing visual presentation that does not require the use of installation tools and that will not damage the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: SMT Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Edinger, Walter Jones, Julian Chan