Patents Issued in February 20, 2007
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Patent number: 7178721Abstract: In one embodiment, software for detecting duplicate commercial paper transactions implements a method to identify a check identification code, such as a Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) code, from a commercial paper transaction, with the check identification code comprising a plurality of fields. The software determines a hash value based on at least a portion of the plurality of fields and verifies the authenticity of the MICR code based, at least in part, on the determined hash value.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: VECTORsgi, Inc.Inventor: Rian R. Maloney
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Patent number: 7178722Abstract: A shopping environment process includes determining when a shopper is in proximity to an item by detecting a wireless transmission from a shopper device associated with the shopper. A purchase price of the item is determined based in part on the identity of the shopper. A graphical interface of a shelving device associated with the item then displays the purchase price. The interface enables the shopper to purchase the item. The item is then included in a virtual shopping cart associated with the user if the user purchases the item. The shopper device may include a card reader enabling the shopper to associate with the shopper device by swiping a loyalty card. The shelving device can communicate with a customer database server by sending a wireless communication to an intermediate shelving device and transmitting the communication from the intermediate shelving device to a repeater device connected to a wired network.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Phuc Ky Do, Justin Monroe Pierce
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Patent number: 7178723Abstract: A system for handling checks is provided that includes a sorter operable to retrieve MICR data from a plurality of checks. An emulator is coupled to the sorter. The emulator is operable to access the MICR data, to generate a process buffer based on the MICR data, and to generate a plurality of feature instructions for each check based on the process buffer. A communication engine is coupled between the emulator and a check processing system. The communication engine is operable to communicate between the emulator and the check processing system in real-time. The check processing system is operable to receive the process buffer from the emulator through the communication engine. The emulator is further operable to communicate the feature instructions to the sorter. The sorter is further operable to process the checks based on the feature instructions.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: VECTORsgi, Inc.Inventor: Rian R. Maloney
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Patent number: 7178724Abstract: A system and method for transmitting and receiving secure e-mails is disclosed. A smart card device stores both private and public keys for an encryption algorithm. The smart card device is preferably a USB smart card device and interfaces a host having a client e-mail program. E-mails are transferred to and/or from the client e-mail program and e-mail server via the smart card while decrypting and encrypting any transmitted and/or received e-mails within the smart card device. The smart card device stores an IP address for an e-mail server. A Simple Mail Transfer Protocol outgoing parameter is set from the client e-mail program to an IP address for the smart card device.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventors: David Tamagno, Jerome Tournemille
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Patent number: 7178725Abstract: The invention relates to a method for visualizing the input and display components of terminal equipment. The terminal equipment includes the said input component for controlling the operations of the terminal equipment and the display component. The terminal equipment (10) has at least two states, of which in the first, open, state, the terminal equipment implements the operations directed to it through the input component and in which second, locked, state, the terminal equipment does not implement the operations directed to it through the input component but instead implements an indicator effect in the input and/or the display component in order to visualize the input and/or the display component.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Antero Väyrynen, Kaj Saarinen
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Patent number: 7178726Abstract: For collecting market research data and promoting business activities in a selected geographic area, user information containing users' profile and preference information is received from a mobile terminal and a user identifier is assigned to the user of the mobile terminal, The assigned user identifier is mapped to the received user information in a first database, and the assigned user identifier is transmitted to the mobile terminal. A user identifier, when received from a mobile terminal, is checked for verification. If the received user identifier is verified, the user of this mobile terminal is allowed to transmit area-specific information that can obtained only when the user is in the selected geographic area. Corresponding to the verified user identifier, user information in the first database is detected and mapped to the received area-specific information in a second database. Data stored in the second database can be used for market research.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Nec CorporationInventor: Hidehiro Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7178727Abstract: An electronic price tag is composed of separable internal and display modules and is adapted for wireless adjustment. The ID module is mounted to the goods at, for example, a point of manufacture for the goods, and contains a transponder and CPU, a receiver/decoder module, for example a horn, mounted to the placard for receiving signals from a remote location and decoding same to be inputted to the price display field and an electrically controlled latching mechanism to temporarily hold the modules together. The display module consists of a display placard, a plurality of price display fields on the placard. The separated ID module is capable of performing security and inventory functions where display is not needed. The display module is reusable and may contain a rechargeable battery.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Tagcorp, Inc.Inventors: Yehuda Yoked, Roy S. Ophir
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Patent number: 7178728Abstract: A card processing system using an IC card that is capable of exchanging information through the electrical contact with the on-board unit installed in a vehicle using a toll road and the wireless communication with an antenna unit installed at the roadside of a toll road includes a first processing unit to execute the process through the wireless communication with an on-board unit with an IC card inserted so as to electrically contact the on-board unit and a second processing unit to execute the process through the wireless communication with the IC card when an error is generated in the process by the first processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Hideaki Kojima
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Patent number: 7178729Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for providing safeguards to the access of certain substances. Some implementations provide alerts and/or other appropriate actions when substances are subject to spoilage or expiration. Some implementations provide responses to potentially dangerous combinations of substances. Other aspects of the invention involve determining the allergies of a user and providing a warning when allergens are, or recently have been, present. One preferred embodiment provides a smart medicine cabinet for helping to provide medication safely to a patient and to provide other related services.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Shaffer, Shmuel Shaffer, Labhesh Patel, Gebran Chahrouri, Shantanu Sharkar, Bruce Moon, Joseph Khouri
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Patent number: 7178730Abstract: A vote verification system and method which provides assurance to voters that their votes were processed. The system includes a computer including a reader, wherein the computer is for reading machine-readable information on a receipt containing both the machine-readable information and human-readable information as the voter presents the receipt to the reader, obtaining identifying information associated with a ballot of the voter, and providing the identifying information so that a voter may compare the identifying information to the human-readable information on the receipt.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Clay R. Jamison, Thomas G. Holzman
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Patent number: 7178731Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device comprising elements for measuring models for producing dental fittings by generating a three-dimensional data record as a model for the three-dimensional machining of a workpiece. The measuring elements are configured in such a way that they can also detect an identification comprising information about the workpiece. The invention also relates to a machining device for producing dental fittings from a workpiece. The device comprises a receiving device for the workpiece, an identification comprising information about the workpiece being applied to the workpiece or workpiece holder. In addition, elements for detecting the identification of the workpiece that is held in the receiving device are provided and a single measuring device is used to measure the model and to detect the identification.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbHInventor: Franz Basler
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Patent number: 7178732Abstract: A bar code reader which includes an image display system to more effectively promote retailers and their products. The bar code reader includes a housing portion and an image display system in the housing portion. An example bar code reader includes a dual-aperture bar code reader with a first housing portion containing a substantially horizontal aperture through which first scanning light beams pass for scanning an item, and a second housing portion vertically extending from a checkout counter containing a substantially vertical aperture through which second scanning light beams pass for scanning the item. The second housing portion includes a surface visible to the customer and an image display system in the surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Peter B. Barron, David L. Gregerson, John E. Wilson
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Patent number: 7178733Abstract: A hand-supportable Digital Imaging-Based Bar Code Symbol Reading Device comprises: an IR-based Object Presence and Range Detection Subsystem; a Multi-Mode Area-type Image Formation and Detection Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area image capture modes of operation; a Multi-Mode LED-based Illumination Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area illumination modes of operation; an Automatic Light Exposure Measurement and Illumination Control Subsystem; an Image Capturing and Buffering Subsystem; a Multi-Mode Image-Processing Bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; a manually-activatable trigger switch; and a system control subsystem integrated with each of the above-described subsystems. The hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code reading device employs automatic object presence and range detection to control the generation of near-field and far-field wide-area illumination during bar code symbol imaging operations.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Sankar Ghosh, Michael Schnee, Pasqual Spatafore, Thomas Amundsen, Sung Byun, Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, John Bonanno, C. Harry Knowles
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Patent number: 7178734Abstract: Barcode scanner including a multitasking pattern mirror which allows the size of a scanner to be reduced without decreasing performance. The bar code scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam, and a plurality of pattern mirrors for directing the laser beam from the mirrored spinner to produce a scan pattern. The multitasking pattern mirror additionally directs the laser beam from the laser to the mirrored spinner.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Steven J. Hammer
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Patent number: 7178735Abstract: The portable device comprises a control IC imbedded in the portable device and a RF module coupled to the control IC for wireless communication. A display and an input unit are coupled to said control IC. Memory is coupled to the control IC to store data and a projection display module is coupled to said control IC for the data projection. The projection display module includes three liquid crystal panels that perform image displays in red, green, and blue, respectively; light emitting sources employed and positioned in correspondence with the liquid crystal panels, respectively. A dichroic prism is used for each display color combination, wherein the liquid crystal panels and the said light emitting sources are positioned on the light-incidence side of the side surfaces of said dichroic prism. A projection lens is provided on the light emission side of the dichroic prism.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventors: Kuo Ching Chiang, Chi Wen Liu, Ching Yu Chang
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Patent number: 7178736Abstract: The present invention is a socket of card reader (I) for memory card with connecting terminals following specification of USB, which is a socket of card reader utilizing 4 pin USB (Universal Serial Bus) architecture for reading flash memory card with USB-compatible specification. The said socket of card reader is composed of a housing, a base, and 4 connecting terminals. Therefore, in comparison to the existing card reader that contains numerous connecting terminals, the present invention is apt to be implanted into related informational products. Besides, as the circuit architecture of USB connecting port is directly applied, the cost of developing new connecting architecture is thus saved.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Northstar Systems Corp.Inventors: An-Yu Yu, Tseng Shyang Lin, Ching Yi Yeh, Chi Sen Chang, Ping Yang Chuang
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Patent number: 7178737Abstract: A combination-type IC card is provided with both of (i) a contact-type interface for reading and writing data via contact-type communication terminals provided in a card, and (ii) a non-contact-type communication interface, which includes a non-contact-type communication parallel resonance circuit, for reading and writing data received, via an antenna coil, data transmitted via radio waves. Further, the combination-type IC card is provided with a contact/non-contact judging circuit for judging whether communication is contact-type communication or non-contact communication, by judging from a difference between (i) a frequency of a clock for contact communication, which is inputted via a clock terminal, which is one of the contact-type communication terminals, and (ii) a frequency of a clock for non-contact communication, which is received via the antenna coil.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigeo Ohyama
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Patent number: 7178738Abstract: A control system for an air conditioner is configured that can wirelessly transmit control signals, and allow the output power settings of transceiver units arranged in the outdoor unit and indoor units to be reduced. The air conditioner control system includes an outdoor unit transceiver unit, indoor unit transceiver units, and a center. The outdoor unit transceiver unit is arranged in an outdoor unit, and transmits and receives control signals. The indoor unit transceiver units are respectively arranged in the indoor units, and transmit and receive control signals. The center wirelessly relays control signals between the outdoor unit transceiver unit and the indoor unit transceiver units.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiko Yamamoto, Nobuhiro Imada
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Patent number: 7178739Abstract: There are a number of water dispensing systems in the art that can go through periods of disuse, allowing for the growth of bacteria and other substances. Water dispensed from such devices can come into contact with or be consumed by a user. Embodiments of the invention provide a system that can automatically flush stagnant water from these water dispensing systems on a timed basis to minimize the possibility that contaminated water is delivered to a user. In addition, the automatic stagnant water flushing system according to embodiments of the invention can provide temperature-based flushing systems to avoid the dangers or discomfort associated with the delivery of excessively hot or cold water to a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Thomas M. Taylor
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Patent number: 7178740Abstract: A system and method for injecting a low-pressure spray of solution into a high-pressure spray of liquid produced by a pressure washing system. The system comprises a liquid storage tank for the solution that is operable to be pressurized. The system comprises a wand that is coupled to the liquid storage tank and securable to a high-pressure wand. The system may comprise a high-pressure pump that is operable to produce a high-pressure flow of fluid to the high-pressure wand. The pressure stored in the liquid storage tank provides the force to drive the solution to the discharge of the high-pressure wand.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: David K. Williams
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Patent number: 7178741Abstract: Disclosed is a micro droplet generator which comprises a lower space for containing a control panel, and an upper chamber for containing fluid medicine and including an nebulized area formed on a joining portion of the space and thereof. On the nebulized area there are provided an outer nozzle plate including tapered apertures and a piezoelectric element electrically coupled to the control panel. Activating the piezoelectric element will vibrate it to sufficiently mix the liquid medicine for developing fluid cavitation in the nebulized area, forms a stream of droplets from small particles of the fluid medicine and ejects the same therefrom, condenses the large particles of the fluid medicine due to collision therebetween, and drops the condensed liquid into the fluid medicine. Also, any malfunctioned component can be replaced individually.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Shen Sheng-Chih, Wang Yu-Ran, Liou Shun-Nan, Yeh Chien-Shien, Chen Yi-Chang, Pan I-Kai, Lee Chung-Jui, Tsai Ming-Jye
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Patent number: 7178742Abstract: A fluid delivery system is provided as a modular system. The fluid delivery system provides a fluid to a robotic spray applicator system that may be used to spray a mold with a motor release compound or in-mold coating. The fluid to be dispensed is contained in the drum and is provided through a fluid circuit including a peristaltic pump, a filter and a heater. The fluid is pumped through the fluid circuit to an applicator that dispenses the fluid onto a mold. The system may also be used in conjunction with adhesives or other compositions that must be filtered, heated and provided to a spray applicator at a metered flow rate. The fluid delivery system may be used in conjunction with a robotic system. The displacement of the peristaltic pump may be controlled by a variable frequency drive or may be controlled by a programmable logic controller of the robotic system.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Andrew P. Mellentine, Joseph T. Donatti
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Patent number: 7178743Abstract: A portable, battery-powered sprayer for dispensing two liquid products at the same time includes first and second nozzles which receive first and second liquids and first and second air supplies. The nozzles are arranged to dispense the liquids at different flow rates, with different droplet sizes, and into different target zones. A low battery sensor prevents operation when the batteries have insufficient power to produce the intended flow rates and droplet sizes.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Clarke Consumer Products, Inc.Inventors: J. Lyell Clarke, III, Anthony Kevin Magro, Daniel K. Childs, Julie Bates
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Patent number: 7178744Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and process for solid-state deposition and consolidation of powder particles entrained in a subsonic or sonic gas jet onto the surface of an object. Under high velocity impact and thermal plastic deformation, the powder particles adhesively bond to the substrate and cohesively bond together to form consolidated materials with metallurgical bonds. The powder particles and optionally the surface of the object are heated to a temperature that reduces yield strength and permits plastic deformation at low flow stress levels during high velocity impact, but which is not so high as to melt the powder particles.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Innovative Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ralph M. Tapphorn, Howard Gabel
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Patent number: 7178745Abstract: In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges. A optional vented dispense tip, in combination with the fluid pump, allows for repeatable deposit of fillet patterns while maintaining optimal consistency.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: DL Technology, LLCInventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
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Patent number: 7178746Abstract: The invention relates to a shower comprising a jet-discharge disk (4). Behind said jet-discharge disk a flat water-filled chamber (7) is occluded on the side facing away from the jet-disk by a transparent to translucent bottom (2). The shower is provided with a lighting device (13) which is arranged in such a manner as to emit light through the bottom (2), the chamber (7) and the jet-disk (4).Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Hansgrohe AGInventor: Juergen Gross
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Patent number: 7178747Abstract: Methods for preparing high aspect ratio nanomaterials from spherical nanomaterials useful for oxides, nitrides, carbides, borides, metals, alloys, chalcogenides, and other compositions.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: NanoProducts CorporationInventors: Tapesh Yadav, Karl Pfaffenbach
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Patent number: 7178748Abstract: It is an object of this invention to efficiently recycle a plastic resin material used in a process cartridge. To achieve this object, in a method of recycling a plastic material of a process cartridge, the process cartridge is crushed in a crushing step while particles such as toner are collected by suction, particles including toner are further separated in a screening step, metal materials are separated in a magnetic selection step, a drum magnetic selection step, and an eddy current step, particles including toner and foreign matter are separated in an air selection step, a secondary crushing step, a peeling step, and a dry gravity separation step, and a plastic material having a specific density is separated in a color selection step.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noboru Koumura, Nagatoshi Konno, Seiichi Kato
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Patent number: 7178749Abstract: A cutting assembly including a pair of substantially parallel shafts, each shaft having a plurality of axially spaced cutting blades mounted thereon such that each blade forms an oblique angle with respect to a central axis of the associated shaft, wherein each cutting blade includes a central body having a plurality of teeth radially spaced thereabout.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Moyno, Inc.Inventors: Dale H. Parrett, David Pitsch, Adam Downey
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Patent number: 7178750Abstract: An apparatus for reducing clogs in a pneumatic material feed line, such as employed in abrasive waterjet machining systems, by providing an evenflow feed of material therethrough. The apparatus preferably includes a hollow housing defining a housing volume and having an inlet capable of connecting to an upstream portion of the pneumatic material feed line, an outlet capable of connecting to a downstream portion of the pneumatic material feed line, and an air vent located between the inlet and outlet for venting excess air pressure out from the housing volume. A diverter, i.e. an impingement object, is located at the inlet and in a path of incoming material from the upstream portion of the pneumatic material feed line, to break up clumps of ambient moisture-ridden material impinging on the diverter. And one or more filter screens is also preferably located in the housing volume to further break up clumps and provide filtering.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the University of CalifforniaInventor: Michael J. Thiry
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Patent number: 7178751Abstract: A fishing reel comprising an improved bail and/or spool system. In one example of the fishing reel, an improved bail and spool system may be adapted to facilitate casting of the fishing line. In another example of the fishing reel, an improved bail and spool system may facilitate retrieval of the fishing line. For instance, the spool may be adapted to rotate and discharge a fishing line. The spool may also be adapted to oscillate such as during retrieval of the fishing line. On the other hand, the bail may be adapted to pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position such as for casting and retrieval of the fishing line. However, the bail may be adapted to remain stationary during rotation or oscillation of the spool (e.g., such as during casting or retrieval of the fishing line). An example of the fishing reel may also include a release assembly. For example, the bail may be adapted to engage a portion of a lock that may be positioned in a lock housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Gregory D. Isaacs
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Patent number: 7178752Abstract: A crank handle for a spinning reel includes an axle inserted through a base, an bush mounted on the axle inside the base and having two cut faces, a retaining member, which has an axial hole for receiving the axle and the bush, two notches at one end, and two flat portions for engaging the cut faces of the bush, a spring sleeved onto the bush and stopped between the base and the retaining member, and a handle, which is pivoted to one end of the axle and has two blocks for engaging the notches of the retaining member.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Okuma Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd.Inventor: Liang-Jen Chang
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Patent number: 7178753Abstract: A drum brake (1) having a rotatably journalled drum (2) and means for adjusting the torque applied to the drum (2) has several peripherally-extending take-up slots (4) for filaments (5) with the slots being spaced from each other in the direction of the drum axis (X). With such an arrangement, a plurality of filaments can be adjusted to constant filament tensions simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Conti Tech Luftfedersysteme GmbHInventors: Markus Berger, Rainer Oehl, Klaus Binder
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Patent number: 7178754Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon anchor including a spool having opposing sides, a pair of flanges, one flange extending from each opposing side of the spool, at least one of the flanges having a cutout section, the cutout section having a first side and a second side; and a hook extending from the second side of the cutout section.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: CTI Industries CorporationInventor: Brent Anderson
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Patent number: 7178755Abstract: A welding wire package comprising a cylindrical drum with a central axis, multiple layers of looped welding wire defining a wire stack to be paid out, said body having an upper ring shaped surface with an outer cylindrical surface generally covering or overhanging the wire stack and an inner cylindrical surface defining a central bore concentric with the drum axis and a flexible permanent magnet retainer ring on top of the upper ring shaped surface wherein the retainer ring allows welding wire to be paid from under the ring upwardly from the central bore.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Lincoln Global, IncInventors: Christopher Hsu, Elliot K. Stava, David J. Barton
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Patent number: 7178756Abstract: An automated perforated web splicing system includes a web stock roll of a perforated web, supported on a single unwind spindle, and having both a precut web leader edge and a web trailer edge for splicing. Also included in the automated perforated web splicing system is a leader holder device for automatically acquiring and positioning the web leader edge of the web stock roll according to perforations in the perforated web, and a splicing station for automatically positioning the web trailer edge prior to splicing and performing an on-pitch splice according to perforations in the perforated web.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Stephen M. Reinke
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Patent number: 7178757Abstract: An autogyro, or aircraft with a rotating wing, has an airframe providing a motorcycle-like configuration for the rider. The motorcycle-like straddle-type seat locates the rider in front of the rotating wing, behind a teardrop shaped simulated fuel tank, and above the motorcycle engine used for turning the front-mounted propeller. A motorcycle-like handlebar controls the aircraft, including the adjustment for the rotating wing axis of rotation with respect to the aircraft and the engine throttle. Additional controls for operating the aircraft on the ground, such as wheel brakes and the steering, are also controlled from the handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventors: Charlene Breese, Vance Breese
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Patent number: 7178758Abstract: A propeller related vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is described as a helicopter having an airframe housing a motor mechanism for powering a main propeller attached to a main drive shaft that extends vertically through the airframe and for powering a tail rotor. The helicopter further includes a horizontal stabilizing mechanism attached between the main propeller and the main drive shaft, which permits the main propeller to freely pivot about the main drive shaft independently from the airframe. As such when the main propeller is rotating and the main propeller begins to pitch, the rotating main propeller has a centrifugal force created by the rotation thereof and will tend to pivot about the horizontal stabilizing mechanism in a manner that offsets the pitch such that the helicopter remains in a substantially horizontal position. In addition various main propeller configurations may be employed that provide additional self-stabilization.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Rehco, LLCInventor: Jeffrey Rehkemper
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Patent number: 7178759Abstract: The door comprises a panel (14) formed from two rigid parts (14a, 14b) hinged to each other edge to edge. A first part (14a) of these two parts is connected to the aircraft structure through a pivot pin (20) and a control means (22) is inserted between this first part (14a) and the structure. A kinematic control mechanism (16) connects the two parts (14a, 14b) to the aircraft structure, so as to enable progressive and controlled folding of these parts when opening the door. Thus the landing gear door can be opened and closed without any risk of it coming into contact with the wheels when the landing gear is extended.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Airbus FranceInventor: François Rouyre
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Patent number: 7178760Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting accretion of airborne material on a surface of an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a film adapted to overlie at least a portion of the aircraft surface and a driver mechanism coupled to the film. The driver mechanism is operative to slideably move the film relative to the aircraft surface, such that airborne material impinging on the film detaches itself and breaks away therefrom. In a particular example of implementation, the apparatus is adapted and used for inhibiting accretion of airborne material on an airfoil leading edge.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Bombardier AéronautiqueInventor: Guy Bernard
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Patent number: 7178761Abstract: A container apparatus for an object to be dropped, which contains an object to be dropped functioning as a point marker or a hydrographic conditions measuring device or the like and is dropped by a transport airplane such as an aircraft flying in the air to a water surface of sea, lake or the like, or to land or the like. The container apparatus follows a substantially uniform trajectory after being dropped by the transport airplane, and after being dropped, reduces the flight speed thereof to a fixed speed, to release the object to be dropped housed therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Japan Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Wada, Saburo Ohashi, Shigeki Akamatsu
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Patent number: 7178762Abstract: A parachute is formed using a non-woven composite material. The non-woven composite material is formed by fusing a plurality of mono-filament fibers between thin layers of plastic. The non-woven material may be used as reinforcing tapes or as parachute lines in connection with a parachute of typical construction.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Atair Aerospace, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Preston
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Patent number: 7178763Abstract: Mechanism for passively deploying expendable space tethers on orbit, by means of an initial separation impulse only, provided by a simple spring system that is part of the mechanism itself. The passive deployment of the space tether and a tethered end-mass is provided by the particular mechanism devised, having very low deployment friction and resistance. Tether deployment brake towards the final part of deployment is produced by a daisy-like brake, stored within the winding of the fixed tether spool so that it is automatically deployed (opened) and starts its deployment braking or resistance function from a planned point of the tether deployment in space.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Alenia Spazio S.p.A.Inventor: Renato Licata
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Patent number: 7178764Abstract: In a device for operating rail switches, in which a plurality of mutually coupled hydraulic operating devices are arranged in an offset manner in the longitudinal direction of the rails, the cylinder-piston units of the hydraulic operating devices are connected to be driven in the same direction. The working volumes (13) of the hydraulic cylinder piston units (7) each comprise two regions (18, 19) with defined cylinder cross sections, wherein the respective regions (18) containing end-position securing means (20, 21), safety locking means and/or sensors, of the cylinder-piston units (7) arranged in an offset manner in the longitudinal direction of the rails have equal cross sections and the respective other regions (19) of the cylinder-piston units (7) arranged in an offset manner in the longitudinal direction of the rails have cross sections differing from one another. (FIG.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignees: VAE Eisenbahnsysteme GmbH, VAE GmbHInventor: Herbert Klein
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Patent number: 7178765Abstract: A computer supporter comprises a stand post. A surface of the stand post has a plurality of T shape protrusions axially arranged along the stand post. Each two T shape protrusions are formed with a sliding recess. A sliding block has a surface being installed with a plurality of sliding tracks. Each sliding track has an ? shape cross section; each sliding track passing through a respective one of the sliding recess. The sliding track is slidable along the sliding recess. A clamping seat is formed at one end of the supporting frame. The clamping seat is capable of being adhered to the surface of the stand post. The supporting frame has a groove for receiving the sliding block. Studs pass through the holes of the supporting frame and the screw holes of the sliding block so as to fix the supporting frame to the screw holes.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Min-Hua Huang
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Patent number: 7178766Abstract: A retainer for immobilizing a bucket containing a liquid material, such as paint or other relatively viscous liquids, during mixing the material or to prevent accidental tipping of the bucket, is formed with a ring-like socket within which the bucket is positioned. Laterally-extending wings are formed on the socket. The user stands upon the wings to hold the socket against the ground-supporting surface upon which the socket is supported so as to prevent rotational or other movement of the socket and, consequently, movement of the bucket. The socket is formed of a generally cylindrically-shaped, vertically-axised wall which is tapered inwardly from its upper edge to its lower edge at a sufficient slope to radially inwardly frictionally grip and temporarily lock the bucket within the socket.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventors: David J Forshee, Gregory S. Forshee
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Patent number: 7178767Abstract: A multi-leg equipment stand has a unitary user interface. All legs can be adjusted simultaneously, or, an individual leg can be adjusted, by distinct motions of the interface. A collar is near to an equipment support shoulder. Rotation around a vertical axis releases all legs. For a tripod, tilting the collar in one direction releases only one of three legs. The tilt may be toward the leg to be moved. The legs have adjacent, telescoping components. A control rod extends from the collar, through the hollow interior of the upper component, to a jam-plate, at the lower end of the upper component. The plate jams between an inside of the lower component, and an inside of the upper component. The rod passes through the jam-plate. Pushing the rod tilts the jam-plate, freeing it from jamming. A spring returns it to jamming if released. For each leg, the collar underside has a two level cam recess. The rods each have a cam follower surface at their shoulder end.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Jasper L. Steyn, Daniel K. Moon, Brian B. Conaty, Thomas A. Greenwood, Ingrid Shao-Ying Huang, Philip G. Kong, James I. Meyer, Prabhat K. Sinha
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Patent number: 7178768Abstract: A leg device supports an object to be able to adjust a height thereof. The leg device includes a leg shaft with a male screw portion, and an elevation body supported on the leg shaft to move upwardly and downwardly. The elevation body has a fixing portion to be fixed to the supporting object, a base portion with a through hole for the leg shaft, and a lock body portion having an upper end rotatably assembled on the base portion and a lower portion with a female screw portion engaging the male screw portion on a front surface thereof. The base portion has an elastic piece contacting a backside surface of the lock body portion, so that the female screw portion of the lock body portion is pushed against an outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft passing through the through hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Yasuhiko Inoue
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Patent number: 7178769Abstract: A device for detachable suspension of baskets, shelves, paper roll holders etc. from a door or the like, includes a carrier element with through slots or holes for holding the baskets, shelves etc., a first fastener and a second fastener, which fasteners carry the carrier element and are adapted to be fixed to the door or the like. Each of the first and second fasteners comprises an L-shaped element with a first leg, which is adapted to be engaged with one edge side of the door and its opposite edge side, respectively, and a second leg, to which the carrier element is fixed in suspension. A first hook portion is movably attached to the second leg of the first fastener, and a second hook portion is immovably attached to the second leg of the second fastener. By moving the first hook portion away from the second hook portion, the carrier element is clamped to the door.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Elfa International ABInventors: Reine Magnusson, Peter Nilsson
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Patent number: 7178770Abstract: An article support device (10) includes a support body (14) having an article support section (12) and a cover member (16) movably coupled to the support body (14). When the device is used, the support body (14) is fixedly adhered with a stretch-releasable adhesive tape member (18) and is attached to a surface (36) by the adhesive tape member (18) with a non adhesive pull tab portion (18a) of the adhesive tape member (18) projecting outwardly from one longitudinal end of the support body (14). In this condition, a portion of the cover member (16) is capable of moving between a first position for hiding the pull tab portion (18a) projecting outwardly from behind the support body (14) and a second position for exposing the pull tab portion (18a) of the adhesive tape member (18).Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Hideki Ryu, Makoto Daimon, Junko Maruyama