Patents Issued in February 20, 2007
  • Patent number: 7178671
    Abstract: A package including at least one absorbent article and packaging. The packaging includes a flexible pocket having a hollow interior, an opening extending into the interior, a flap for covering the opening, and an adhesive closure positioned on the flap for releasably holding the flap in the closed position. The closure is spaced from a distal edge of the flap to permit a portion of the flap to be grasped and separated from the pocket without releasing the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann M. Nichols, Scott R. Martin, James D. McManus, Kami L. Bechyne, Heather A. Sorebo, Mary Lou McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7178672
    Abstract: A package is provided with usefulness particularly for dispensing of towelettes. The package is constructed as a unitarily formed tub including a floor panel, a pair of opposite side panels, first and second end panels opposite one another and separating the side panels, the first and second end panels having different curvature one from another. An open mouth is formed opposite the floor panel. An outwardly projecting lip at least partially surrounds the open mouth. A cover is arranged over the open mouth and sealed against the lip. The package is capable of standing erect via support contact between a portion of the second end panel and a section of the lip. Graphics are printed on the cover. The asymmetric arrangement of the end panels and adjacent sections of the lip allow the package to stand erect preferentially on one of the end panels thereby orienting right-side up the graphics of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Daniel Arkins
  • Patent number: 7178673
    Abstract: A cooler has front, rear, end and bottom walls. The walls form an interior chamber. The interior chamber has an upper ledge, a lower ledge and an intermediate ledge. A lower tray is positionable upon the lower ledge. Slots extend through the lower tray and are adapted to support ice. An intermediate tray is positionable upon the intermediate ledge. A plurality of apertures extend through the intermediate tray. The apertures are adapted to removable support food containers. A lid is positionable upon the upper ledge for securement and thermal insulating purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Amy M. Miller
  • Patent number: 7178674
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for storing and providing stacked film-like or sheet-like materials. The container is comprised of a pan, which accommodates the stacked materials and has a bottom and closed lateral walls joined thereto, and of a tightly sealing cover that at least partially encloses said pan. To this end, the cover is provided in the form of a slide cover. Both sides of the pan and of the slide cover are provided, parallel to their longitudinal direction, with parallel guide elements. All lateral walls of the pan have, up to the slide cover, a closed pan sealing surface that encircles the pan opening. The slide cover encompasses, at least in part or in areas, three lateral walls and the bottom or corresponding guide elements of the pan, whereby two of these lateral walls are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction. A cover sealing surface is provided in the slide cover and rests upon the pan sealing surface when the container is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: LTS Lohmann Therapie Systeme AG
    Inventor: Markus Krumme
  • Patent number: 7178675
    Abstract: A drain water filter assembly for filtering debris laden liquids. The filter assembly has an apertured filter holder constructed and arranged to be placed into a basin, tub or sink. A removable and disposable filter is provided for placement within and securement to the filter holder structure. The filter holder has an elevated bottom portion which permits debris to be filtered and the filtered drain water to be dispensed through the apertures in the elevated portions of the filter holder bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: John C. Votel
  • Patent number: 7178676
    Abstract: A fluid filtration unit having two or more filter medium layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter medium are presently preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter medium layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter medium element and preventing collapsing of the medium into any separator conduit. At least one of the medium elements is formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption with the various zones and the separator being operatively connected by a new and innovative edge seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John L. Pulek, William A. Larsen, C. Thomas Paul, Clifford L. Schorr, Francis J. Swiatek, Art Artinyan
  • Patent number: 7178677
    Abstract: An aeration vessel for use in a aerobic wastewater treatment system, the aeration vessel comprised of a bottom section having a bottom wall and an inverted frustoconical side wall, a top section having a frustoconical side wall and a partition having an inverted frustoconical side wall, the top and bottom sections being provided with mating flanges which can be sealingly engaged, the partition being disposed in the aeration vessel formed by the first and second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Jerry L. McKinney 2002 Trust
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7178678
    Abstract: A lockable display hook adapted to display items of merchandise in a retail environment includes a lock that directly engages the rod assembly of the display hook. The lock is configured to securely lock to the rod assembly without the need for teeth or notches to be formed in the rod assembly. One embodiment of the display hook provides an end assembly that prevents sweeping while allowing quick loading of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric H. Mansfield, Richard E. Corney
  • Patent number: 7178679
    Abstract: An integrally molded cable manager for routing cables wherein the cable manager is generally enclosable by a cover. The integrally molded cable manager includes a generally rectangular base portion and a pair of side wall portions generally perpendicular to the base portion along the longer sides of the generally rectangular base portion, each of the side wall portions having a plurality of generally aligned fingers. At least two fingers of each of the side wall portions include a hook protrusion for cooperating with the cover to permit the cover to be alternately rotatable relative to either of the side wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Mark E. Canty, Michael J. McGrath, Thomas Chung Yin Wong
  • Patent number: 7178680
    Abstract: A rack and tray assembly for supporting foot apparel and collecting and retaining water, snow and debris temporally released therefrom. The rack and tray assembly comprising a folding frame structure having left and right legs and a tray support assembly situated and mounted thereinbetween for supporting at least one tray. Each tray comprising inclined sides extending upwardly from a base and terminating an upper rim collectively forming a reservoir for holding and retaining water, snow, and debris released from foot apparel. The upper rim comprising a ledge having an upper exposed surface for receiving thereon a grate and a lower exposed surface for engaging left and right tray rails integrally made part of and extending downwardly from the tray support assembly, which substantially serve to position each tray above a floor's surface to prevent inadvertent spillage of water, snow and debris contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Karen Lynn Botner
  • Patent number: 7178681
    Abstract: A display rack construction includes at least first and second grid assemblies in combination with a removable bracket assembly. The bracket assembly is designed to functionally join the grid assemblies and simultaneously act to support items for purposes of display. The combination of grid assemblies and bracket assembly provides a self-positioning display rack construction that is generally stable with respect to lateral movement of the individual grid assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Libman Company
    Inventor: Robert Libman
  • Patent number: 7178682
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a traveling crane consisting of a superstructure that can be turned about an upright axis and carries a crane jib with hoisting means, a truck with a tracklaying gear that carries the superstructure and a supporting device with several outriggers that can be raised and lowered, wherein the superstructure as well as the truck can be turned relative to the supporting device about an upright axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Willim
  • Patent number: 7178683
    Abstract: A twist closure for a container has a screw cap, which includes an inner cylinder and a cutting edge extending from the inner cylinder, and a supply container rotatably arrangeable on the inner cylinder. The supply container includes a supply container bottom and a pocket extending from the supply container bottom for accommodation of the cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Prof. Birkmayer Gesundheitsprodukte GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Birkmayer, Ernest E. Kraxner, Udo Suffa
  • Patent number: 7178684
    Abstract: A hot-fill container is of one-piece plastic construction that includes a base, a sidewall extending from the base, a dome connected to the sidewall and a neck finish extending from the dome. The sidewall has an hourglass shape as viewed in side elevation with ends connected to the base and the dome. The sidewall includes a circumferential series of vacuum panels that are flexible inwardly with respect to the remainder of the sidewall. The vacuum panels preferably are rectangular as viewed in side elevation and concave as viewed tangentially of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Graham Packaging PET Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Budden, Charles P. Simpson, Jr., Dennis A. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7178685
    Abstract: A lids for a child's drinking cup has a projection extending integrally from an underside of the lid, the projection defining, in an upper surface of the lid body, a straw receptacle. The projection defines a plurality of break lines, such as slits, terminating at break line ends and defining separable segments of the projection. The break line ends are spaced from the base of the projection in a region of the straw receptacle having a cross-section approximately equal in extent to a cross-section of a corresponding drinking straw, such that inserting the straw into the straw receptacle and through the projection forces the projection segments apart, the segment bases engaging an outer surface of the inserted straw to inhibit leakage. Some of the projections include molded stiffening ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Hidalgo, Thomas J. Powers, Alexander J. Sinton, Joseph F. Brewin, John A. Hession
  • Patent number: 7178686
    Abstract: A subterranean tank assembly is provided which broadly includes a vessel, a cover, and a riser which is configured to permit the riser to be adjusted in axial length at the job site. The riser is configured to permit coupling of the cover to the topmost connector portion thereof and to a portal of the vessel. The riser includes a plurality of substantially parallel, axially spaced circumferentially extending flanges which mate with the rim of the portal surrounding the opening, whereby the flanges may be fastened to the vessel in lengths intermediate to the initial length of the riser without the necessity of altering the tank or the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Snyder Industries
    Inventors: Todd Bolzer, Jeffrey T. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7178687
    Abstract: A molded plastic container with a sidewall having a general hourglass configuration. The container structure includes an upper rim, a bottom and a sidewall that extends between the upper rim and the bottom. The sidewall includes a lower frustum section, a narrow mid-section and an upper frustum section. The lower frustum section connects the bottom to the narrow mid-section and decreases in width as it extends from the bottom to the narrow mid-section. The upper frustum section extends from the upper rim to the narrow mid-section and decreases in width as it extends from the upper rim to the mid-section. A method of making such a container, a method of hot-filling such a container and a method of retorting material enclosed in such a container are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Consolidated Container Company LP
    Inventors: Grover John Manderfield, Jr., Ted L. Beaver
  • Patent number: 7178688
    Abstract: A medication dispensing system (10) includes a portable securable container (42), and a mechanism (12, 13, 14, 16, 19) for dispensing a dosage of solid medication. The system further comprises a processor (11) interfacing with the mechanism and further programmed to await (402) an authorization code from an authorized user among a plurality of authorized users, dispense (404) a dosage of medication while maintaining remaining dosages of medication secure in the portable secure dispenser upon receipt of at least the authorization code and optionally a patient's name, and store (406) a code representative of the authorized user, a code representative of the patient's name, and a date and time of dispensation of the dosage of medication in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Naji C. Naufel, Ghadir Naufel
  • Patent number: 7178689
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a body having four side walls, a base and an opening in a top of the body. The base has end walls extending substantially parallel to the side walls so that the dispenser is substantially double walled. A lid is hingedly connected near the top of the body and covers the opening. The lid has a slot therein for sheet material to be dispensed therethrough. The dispenser also includes a platform that supports the sheet material. The platform is movable against forces of a compression element from a first position adjacent the lid to a second position spaced apart from the lid. The end walls have a plurality of ribs extending therefrom. The ribs engage a plurality of corresponding grooves in the platform so that the platform is slidably guided within the body along the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: SCA Tissue North America LLC
    Inventors: Russell Wieser, Wolfgang Ott
  • Patent number: 7178690
    Abstract: A cover and a dispenser for a tissue package, said dispenser comprising a tissue dispensing aperture and a manipulating opening, both opening into a tissue-containing space of the package. The tissue dispensing aperture is sized for dispensing one tissue at a time while separating a duty tissue from a successive tissue; and the manipulating opening is normally closed by a flap and is deformable to allow introduction of a user's fingers into the tissue-containing space, and wherein said tissue dispensing aperture and the manipulating opening are coverable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Albaad Massuot Yitzhak Ltd
    Inventors: Shlomit Chasid, Uri Zaidman
  • Patent number: 7178691
    Abstract: A toilet paper storage and dispenser container in which to store and manually dispense rolls of toilet paper. The container comprises a convex container front in the form of a slidable face plate and a removable lid, an access door in which to extract a roll and a finger access slot in which a finger is inserted to remove a spare roll of toilet paper, a viewing aperture to visually see the number of spare rolls available. The holding container fits snugly into a bathroom corner crevice where two walls meet or could come in a form that can be mounted flush on a wall. The container comprises a strap and track mechanism that holds upper rolls in the container from falling down while the door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Paul R. Rux
  • Patent number: 7178692
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for dispensing paste from a collapsible container elongate about an axis from a first closed end to a second open end, the method comprising rotating one of the first end and second end relative to the other to twist the container about the axis, thereby collapsing the container, compressing paste contained therein and extruding the paste from the second open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hygiene-Technik Inc.
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 7178693
    Abstract: A pack for carrying and dispensing toiletries includes a container having (a) a floor with at least one lower opening, and (b) at least one wall with a front, a back, a right and a left portion. A plurality of bottles with pumping heads that will fit in the container with the pumping heads projecting through the lower opening of the container. Each of the pumping heads when inverted can be operated to dispense fluid from the bottle. The pack also has a cover for locking the bottles in the container and providing a backstop for the bottles during operation of the pumping heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Angelo Cutrone
  • Patent number: 7178694
    Abstract: A manually actuated pump sprayer adapted to be mounted on a container of liquid to be sprayed upon pump actuation is provided, and includes a plunger head having a side wall containing a discharge orifice. The plunger head may be reciprocable relative to the pump sprayer. An overcap may be independently rotatably disposed on the plunger head, and include a side wall overlying the discharge orifice in a condition of non-use. The side wall may include an opening disposable in alignment with the discharge orifice upon rotation of the overcap relative to the plunger head. A container closure may be provided for affixing the plunger head and the overcap relative to the container. The plunger head may be axially reciprocable relative to the container closure and may otherwise be locked relative to the container closure when in first and second orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Calmar Inc.
    Inventors: Lluis Costa, Daria Pietrowski
  • Patent number: 7178695
    Abstract: A dispenser for depositing at least one of lines and stripes of at least one material, comprising a trolley having front and back wheels and securing at least one container on a platform thereof, the trolley being movable between an in-use position, wherein the trolley is straighten up on the front wheels thereof allowing a content of the at least one container to be out from at least one aperture on a bottom part of the at least one container, and an out-of use position, wherein the trolley rests on rear wheels thereof and the content of the at least one container is stopped from flowing out from the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Jean-Claude Malenfant et al.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Malenfant, Eric Malenfant, Yves Malenfant
  • Patent number: 7178696
    Abstract: A portable spray dispenser includes a spray head, a portable container, and a clip secured to either the spray head or the container. The spray head includes a base, which is configured to be secured to the container, as well as a pump, which may comprise a push button with a nozzle exposed to a peripheral surface thereof. The clip resembles a conventional pen clip and is configured to secure the portable spray dispenser to a thin article, such as a pocket of a physician's coat, a shirt, or a jacket. The clip may be secured to the container, the base of the spray head, or the push button of the spray head, in which case the nozzle may be exposed through a portion of the clip. The portable spray dispenser may be used while remaining secured, by way of the clip, to a thin article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Douglas P. Larsen, Paul J. Christensen, Gary L. Pellegrino
  • Patent number: 7178697
    Abstract: A dispenser having an agitator for bulk product. The dispenser comprises a housing, a handle pivotally connected to the housing, a door connected to the handle and adapted to pivot between a closed position and an open position to selectively dispense the bulk product through an opening in the housing, and an agitator disposed within the housing and connected to the door. The agitator moves when the handle is pivoted, enabling the bulk product to flow by gravity toward the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Trade Fixtures, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Brundick, Christopher Relyea
  • Patent number: 7178698
    Abstract: Containers for collecting and discharging particulate lignocellulosic material are disclosed, including a cylindrical upper portion, a lower portion tapering towards a bottom elongated space, an exit pipe below the bottom, a pair of parallel screws mounted on parallel shafts in the elongated space in a common horizontal plane for feeding the particulate lignocellulosic material towards the exit pipe, a pair of distributors disposed on the parallel screws above the exit pipe comprising radial discs, and a pump below the exit pipe for transporting the particulate lignocellulosic material to a subsequent step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Kjell Forslund, Mikael Svedman
  • Patent number: 7178699
    Abstract: The present invention provides a faucet for tapping a liquid stored under pressure of a gas in a container that has less moving parts subject to wear or breakage, and has a housing made of multiple parts which can be disassembled so the faucet mechanism can be easily cleaned, repaired, or replaced. The faucet mechanism contains a piece of flexible tubing and an arrangement of a pinch valve mechanism that compresses the flexible tubing to shut off flow of liquid through the tubing. In one arrangement of the present invention, since the housing does not move and does not come in contact with the beverage being poured the housing is made of a non-metallic material, such as a plastic or petroleum-based material, which is less expensive than the previous brass or stainless steel housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Spray, Rex Loyd McAffee
  • Patent number: 7178700
    Abstract: A grease gun plunger for a grease gun having an oil injection channel includes a motor driving unit, a plunger unit, and a yoke. The plunger unit includes a bracket having a bracket cavity and an elongated slot longitudinally formed on a rear wall of the bracket to communicate with the bracket cavity, and a plunger pin downwardly extended from the bracket for slidably inserting into the oil injection channel. The yoke, which is substantially held in the bracket cavity of the bracket, has a sliding channel aligning with the elongated slot of the bracket, wherein the driving shaft is slidably inserted into the sliding channel through the elongated slot in such a manner that when the driving shaft is rotated to slide along the sliding channel, the yoke is driven to move in a reciprocating manner along a transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Song, Yue Rong Wang
  • Patent number: 7178701
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metering pump comprising a pump barrel (1) housing a dose chamber (32) and control means that can be moved between a discharge position and a rest position. The inventive metering pump is characterised in that the control means comprise: a push rod (2); a piston (3) that can slide in relation to the push rod (2) and in relation to the pump barrel (1) all the while remaining in permanent contact with said two elements; and an elastically-deformable annular valve (4) that rests permanently against the push rod (2). The control means are moved between the rest position and the discharge position in two steps; the push rod (2) slides in relation to the piston (3) in the pump barrel; and subsequently the push rod (2) and the piston (3) slide jointly in the pump barrel (1) and discharge opening (42) is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Crosnier, Jean-Marie Dulery
  • Patent number: 7178702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device, comprising a container and a dispensing head connected thereto, the container and head including a co-operating snap coupling means comprising a plurality of lugs arranged on one of the two parts to be connected and a plurality of recesses arranged in the other part for receiving the lugs in which at least one of the lugs is resiliently deformable and at least one other lug is relatively stiff and non-deformable. Such a dispensing device may swiftly and easily be filled and assembled. At least the lugs are advantageously made of a thermoplastic polyester, like e.g. PET. The invention further relates to a method for filling such a dispensing device with a medium to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: AFA Polytek, B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Johannes Joseph Maas, Petrus Lambertus Wilhelmus Hurkmans
  • Patent number: 7178703
    Abstract: A terminally sterilizable container includes a polypropylene bottle having a body with a manually squeezable sidewall and a thickness preventing water loss. The bottle body includes shoulders for providing autoclave produced pressure distribution and deformation resistance along with an elongated tips outfitted to a neck of the body and having a lumen therethrough with a drop dispensing orifice. A cap enclosed the elongated tip and includes enclosed with a nub for sealing the orifice to prevent autoclave produced pressure leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Lon T. Spada, Paul T. Butorac, Scott J. Gerondale
  • Patent number: 7178704
    Abstract: An electrically-operating liquid dispenser having an U-shaped pole. Windings of an electromagnetic coil are wound about the legs of the U-shaped pole and are energized selectively for moving an armature relative to the pole to open and close the dispenser. The U-shaped configuration of the pole conserves space within the dispenser and contributes to a narrow geometrical configuration for the dispenser, which allow more compact side-by-side arrangements of multiple dispensers. In certain embodiments, the windings may be divided into sets capable of being individually energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Laurence B. Saidman
  • Patent number: 7178705
    Abstract: A garment hanger includes a hook defining a web having an upper free end which receives an indicator and laterally displaced engagement elements which engage an indicator. A ridge is provided at the bottom of the web to prevent finger purchase on the lower end of the indicator. In addition, at least lower portions of the sides of the web are also provided with ridges to prevent finger purchase. The indicator includes two parallel and substantially planar sides, a closed top, open ends, and an open bottom. The sides include inwardly extending mating elements which are adapted to engage with the laterally displaced engagement elements on the web. The web and indicator together provide an effective assembly for garment identification, and can be securely coupled together in a manner which is substantially permanent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Accessory Coporation
    Inventor: Steven Sutton
  • Patent number: 7178706
    Abstract: The heavy-duty garment hanger is a hanger of hollow stainless steel construction, which can hold heavy articles of clothing. The hanger is made from hollow filamentous tubing shaped into an upwardly projecting hook adapted to engage a structure allowing the hanger to hang and a body having shoulder portions extending generally outwardly from the hook and an elongated cross member interconnecting the shoulder portions. A second length of hollow filamentous stainless steel tubing may be inserted and disposed concentrically within a portion of the first length of tubing, then bent to form the hook. A plug is inserted into the end of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: James L. Socha, Quintin Socha
  • Patent number: 7178707
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a tape dispenser having a plurality of spindles 26 that will hold various width tape rolls 14 within a housing 30 containing compartments for the tape rolls. The housing 30 is comprised of a rigid material having a plurality of grooves 28 on opposing walls of the housing for axially mounting spindles 26 holding tape rolls 14 therewith. There are serrated members 20 extending from the housing 30 enabling tape to be sheared into any length needed. Cover 16 also has pivots 22 and a locking element 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Sheila Bokina
  • Patent number: 7178708
    Abstract: A tensioner for deploying a member such as a pipe or cable, such as a sub-sea cable deployed from a ship, comprises an endless track and drive means for driving the track. The track includes a plurality of traction elements mounted thereon for movement with the track. Each traction element includes one or more cushions for supporting the member, and a pair of opposed arms mounted on respective sides of the base of the traction element. One or more of the arms is pivotally mounted for movement between a clamping position and a release position. In an alternative arrangement, four moveable arms are linked in diametrically opposite pairs to move between a release position and a clamping position. Cushions on the arms clamp the member in conjunction with the cushions of the traction element, when the arms are in the clamping position. Guide means are provided to urge the arms into the clamping position to grip the member as it passes through the tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Engineering Business Limited
    Inventor: Timothy William Grinsted
  • Patent number: 7178709
    Abstract: A desktop stapler uses a spring to store energy to install staples by impact blow. The force required to fasten papers together is reduced. A very compact mechanism is used, including a dual coil power spring with a nested lever. A multi-function base provides a sloped front all the way to down to a desk top surface to guide paper sheets atop the base, easy access for lifting the stapler off a desk, horizontal or vertical resting positions, and integrated soft grip under-surface. The base surrounds the rear of the stapler body to provide a smooth exterior so that the device is natural to use both horizontally and vertically. A simple re-set spring provides a smooth re-set action as the handle is raised. A staple track includes enlargement features to fit a larger staple pusher spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Marks
  • Patent number: 7178710
    Abstract: A method of braze bonding a stainless steel part to a titanium part by heating a component assembly comprised of the titanium part, the stainless steel part, and a very thin substantially pure nickel foil filler material placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the temperature of the eutectic formed between the titanium part and the substantially pure nickel filler material, but that is less than the melting point of either the filler material, the stainless steel part, or the titanium part. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a hermetic and strong bond between the stainless steel part and the titanium part. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove any residual free nickel and nickel salts, to assure a biocompatible component assembly for implantation in living tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Atilla Antalfy
  • Patent number: 7178711
    Abstract: A method and device to elongate a solder joint are provided. The method begins by forming an elongator on a first substrate. The elongator comprises an expander and an encapsulant to encapsulate the expander. A solder joint is formed to connect the first substrate to a second substrate. Thereafter, the encapsulant is softened to release the expander from a compressed state to elongate the solder joint. The device to elongate a solder joint comprises a substrate having an elongator formed on it. The elongator includes an expander in a compressed state and an encapsulant to encapsulate the expander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignees: Agency for Science, Technology and Research, National Univeristy of Singapore, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Ee Hua Wong, Ranjan Rajoo, Wai Kwan Wong, Mahadevan Krishna Iyer
  • Patent number: 7178712
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reclosable, cuboidal folding box having a rear wall, a front wall, two or more side walls which connect the front and rear walls, a base closure, and a top closure, which is formed by three closure tabs and has an insertion flap. A double-layered hanging tab is articulated on the front wall or the rear wall via a severable tamperproof surface, which is fixed to the insertion flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Beiersdorf AG
    Inventors: Günther Schultz, Andreas Schabert
  • Patent number: 7178713
    Abstract: The easy open envelope comprising a front panel and a back panel hingedly connected to one edge of the front panel; a sealing flap connected to the opposite edge of the front panel at a fold line and having on an outer side of the sealing flap in one corner section thereof a legend or indicia indicating where to pull on the corner section of the sealing flap to open the envelope; and a strip of adhesive sealing material extending longitudinally across the envelope on one of the sealing flap or back panel of the envelope in the area where the sealing flap overlies the back panel, but not in the area of the corner section, whereby, once the sealing flap is sealed by the strip of adhesive material to the back panel, the sealed envelope easily can be opened by pulling on an edge of the corner section of the sealing flap having the legend to create an opening in the sealed envelope where a finger or tool can be inserted to open the envelope along the fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Stude
  • Patent number: 7178714
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for flat objects in a vertical position, comprising a base, two lateral longitudinal sides and two front sides, the flat objects being aligned with their largest surfaces facing the front sides. At least one front side consists of at least one material web, whose axes run parallel to the base, which is mobile in relation to the front side and can be displaced downwards into a gap in the base. The material web is flexible and thin and is suspended by its ends that run perpendicular to the longitudinal sides between two bars. The lower bar is configured in the gap in the base and is displaceable and the upper bar can be displaced between the base and the upper edge along the front delimitation of the longitudinal sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventor: Rolf-Peter Skrdlant
  • Patent number: 7178715
    Abstract: A mailbox includes a body having an interior cavity and an opening, a lid connected to the body and covering the opening, a first viewing window in one of the body and the lid and a light dispersion element for dispersing light through the interior cavity of the body so as to allow one to see the contents of the mailbox without opening the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: George Kevin Dean
  • Patent number: 7178716
    Abstract: A latch assembly of the type used on postal cluster units, such as central mailbox units including a latch assembly of multiple dual bold latch mechanisms for securing at multiple latch points a pair of center meeting hinged doors upon closure of the doors. The dual bolt latch mechanisms of the latch assembly are enclosed within the cabinet of the postal cluster unit and are operable by a single concealed handle to simultaneously unlatch the multiple latch points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: 2B Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Teng-Long Yong
  • Patent number: 7178717
    Abstract: A mailbox security device capable of being mounted within the opening of any standard sized mailbox for securing delivered mail. The mailbox security device includes a frame and a hinged door. The hinged door has an interior surface and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a circular recessed input and key. The interior surface has a latch and spring for locking the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Scott Lindell
  • Patent number: 7178718
    Abstract: A method of facilitating an interaction between a user and a product item, the product item having an identity and the method including a number of steps. The first step involves providing the user with an interface surface associated with the product item and containing information relating to the product item. The interface surface includes coded data indicative of the identity of the product item and of a number of reference points of the interface surface. The next step involves receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the identity of the product item and a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface. The sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, sensing the coded data in the vicinity of the sensing device and generating the indicating data using the sensed coded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Patent number: 7178719
    Abstract: A method of facilitating interaction between a user and a computer system using a product item having an interface surface, the interface surface having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the product item, the interaction being mediated by a sensing device, wherein the method includes: (a) associating the sensing device with the user; (b) in the sensing device: (i) sensing at least one coded data portion when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface; and (ii) generating, using at least some of the sensed coded data, indicating data indicative of the identity of the product item and an identity of the sensing device; and, (iii) transferring the indicating data to a computer system; (c) in the computer system: (i) receiving the indicating data; (ii) generating, using the received indicating data: (1) product identity data indicative of the identity o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7178720
    Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and computer program products for encoding data representing offered items that are selected for specific respective viewers onto machine-playable storage media, with the media storing data representing at least one entertainment feature. The method can include receiving one or more requests from given viewers related to obtaining instance of entertainment media for viewing, and identifying given ones of the viewers. One or more additional data elements relating to a given viewer are obtaining using, at least in part, the data identifying the given viewer. One or more items to be offered to the given viewer are selected based at least in part on analysis of the additional data element. Data representing the offered item is then encoding onto a given instance of the machine-readable entertainment medium and the medium is then presented to the viewer. Computer-readable media and computer program products for realizing the foregoing method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: West Corporation
    Inventors: Todd B. Strubbe, David C. Mussman, Rocco L. Adornato