Patents Issued in February 20, 2007
  • Patent number: RE39492
    Abstract: A method of sharpening bedknives for reel type mowers by installing sets of locator surfaces in a bedknife grinder, grinding the surfaces with the grinder to be aligned and parallel, installing a bedknife located against surfaces in both sets, and electromagnetically locking the bedknife in position while grinding the edge to be sharpened. The bedknife is adjusted to be aligned with the reel blades by adjusting the bedknife pivots in the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Keith M. Scott
  • Patent number: 7178170
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lap bib for use in a vehicle or the like. The lap bib includes a lap portion for covering the lap of a user, an abdomen portion for covering the abdomen of the user, and an attached closure band for conveniently stowing and transporting the lap bib when not in use. Advantageously, the lap bib protects the user's clothing while the user is eating or the like in an automobile; on a bus, train, or boat; in an airplane; at their desk; or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Deborah A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7178171
    Abstract: An elastomeric glove that contains zones of differing water vapor transmission rates is provided. The glove contains at least one liquid and vapor impermeable zone, i.e., “moisture-impermeable” zone. Such moisture-impermeable zones generally have a WVTR of less than about 1500 g/m2/24 hours. Further, the glove also contains at least one liquid-impermeable, but vapor-permeable zone, i.e., “breathable” zone. Such breathable zones generally have a WVTR of at least about 250 g/m2/24 hours. As a result, the glove may sufficiently inhibit liquids and moisture from contacting the hand during use, and allow water vapor that would otherwise accumulate on the skin of a user to escape from the glove, thereby enhancing the comfort of the user's hands during long periods of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry L. Griesbach, III
  • Patent number: 7178172
    Abstract: A hat with a detachable, elasticized hair securing strap, wherein the securing strap is removably secured to the hat via conventional hook-and-loop fasteners, thereby enabling convenient replacement of the securing strap either upon diminished elasticity of same, and/or with a decoratively-adorned detachable hair securing strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Margaret Patricia Laing
  • Patent number: 7178173
    Abstract: The combination of a headwear piece and an attachment. The headwear piece has a crown with a circumference and a bill projecting away from the crown and extending less than fully around the circumference of the crown. The bill has a peripheral edge including a front edge portion which blends into spaced first and second side edge portions. The attachment is provided at least partially on the bill. The attachment engages the bill at the front edge portion and exerts a biasing force on the bill tending to impart a curve shape to the bill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: American Needle
    Inventor: Robert Kronenberger
  • Patent number: 7178174
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pair of man's trousers which is adapted for use by preferably sportsmen and by other active persons, comprising a waist portion (2) connected to back and front portions (3, 4), which merged into each other or are interconnected at a crotch (5). The front portion (4) includes a pocket (7) sewn to its inner side and having an upper, inward directed, free edge portion (8), the vertical position of which can be adjusted relatively the waist portion (2), preferably by means of an adjustment member (9) extending from the waist portion (2), preferably with the aid of adjustment means (9) extending from the waist portion (2), for the purpose of adaptation to the location of the genital organs of the user and/or to the type of sport which the wearer is practicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Söderström
  • Patent number: 7178175
    Abstract: An improved retention system for a protective helmet comprises slide/coupling mechanisms on opposite sides of the helmet shell, and a movable element at the rear of the helmet. Fastening of the chinstrap secures the helmet in the downward direction and tightens the movable element against the nape of the neck, thereby securing the helmet in the area of the occipital lobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Artisent, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Rogers, Duco W. Noordzij, Charles H. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7178176
    Abstract: An improved male sports/athletic undergarment/cup protective system provides maximum comfort, avoiding stress on the protected body parts while holding the cup securely in its optimal location in the undergarment. A conventional rigid cup is totally covered with a conformal sheath of soft fabric material and fitted externally with a triangular pattern of three snap fastener members made and arranged to removably engage three complementary snap fastener members attached in a matching triangular pattern inside the front panel of a sports/athletic undergarment. The interior layer of the fabric sheath is retained conformal to the interior surface of the cup, and the cup is secured against any shift or creep relative to the sheath and an attached undergarment. by a plurality of sewn-through points at each of which the exterior layer is seized together with the interior layer by loops sewn through vent openings configured in the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Laurie A. S-Cronenbold
  • Patent number: 7178177
    Abstract: A toilet splash guard for use with toilets comprising: a generally flat, planar shield, the shield comprising a front side and a rear side, two ends, at least one orifice, and at least two bumpers, the front side faces the user, the two ends shaped as flanges shaped to correspond to the lower portion of a rim of a toilet, the orifice located substantially upon the upper portion of the shield, the bumpers located substantially on the lower portion of the shield, the bumpers located on the rear side of the shield, the bumpers are shaped to correspond with an upper portion of a rim of a toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: JoAnn Valencia
  • Patent number: 7178178
    Abstract: A peripheral device for a spa makes use of inductance for power and/or control. In an embodiment, a peripheral device includes a magnetic field source positioned in a region on an externally facing side of a spa shell and configured to generate a first magnetic field. The peripheral device includes a peripheral module, such as a light or other feature. The module includes an inductor configured to generate a second magnetic field based on the first magnetic field, a converter configured to convert the second magnetic field into a current, and a peripheral feature configured to be powered by the current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dimension One Spas
    Inventor: Brent Mark Hutchings
  • Patent number: 7178179
    Abstract: A drain for swimming pools, spas, whirlpool baths, etc., includes a plurality of first orifices in communication with corresponding serpentine passageways to minimize hair or a body part from covering and entering the first orifices to a degree sufficient to entrap a bather. A plurality of second orifices independent of the first orifices and in fluid communication with one another through a peripheral passageway provide a flow of water from the peripheral passageway into the serpentine passageways to create an alternate water inflow path and reduce the pressure differential and possible entrapment that might occur should a body part or hair come in contact with or enter the first orifices. Moreover, a plurality of ridges are attendant the first orifices to reduce the likelihood of direct contact with the first orifices by a body part or hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Barnes
  • Patent number: 7178180
    Abstract: A stow-away bed is disclosed that includes a flat rectangular deck pivotally mounted between opposed vehicle end walls by a pair of parallel swing arms. The parallel swing arms allow the bed deck to remain horizontal as the deck is manually swung between the storage and sleep positions. The stow-away bed is pivotally mounted between opposed vehicle end walls for movement between a sleep position where the bed deck is suspended adjacent the vehicle ceiling and a sleep position, where the bed deck is suspended from the vehicle ceiling. A pair of elastic cords connect the bed deck to the vehicle side wall. The elastic cords pull the bed deck toward the vehicle sidewall and help hold the bed deck in the sleep position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: R-N-R International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stewart E. Gardner
  • Patent number: 7178181
    Abstract: A hoist and associated method for erecting the hoist for assisting movements of disabled persons. The hoist has a fixed-length stanchion that is supportable at opposing longitudinal ends thereof by first and second support members that are, in turn, fixed to a facility structural framework. The stanchion is removable from the support members without detaching any of the support members from the facility structural framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Lester L. Fulmer
  • Patent number: 7178182
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspended sleeping bag comprising upper and lower parts and fixing elements which are arranged on the foot and head ends thereof, thereby making it is possible to fix at two points which are distant with respect to each other and embodied in the form of a rope, strap, ribbon, a cut fabric strip or a strip of another tensile strength material. The lower part, in contrast to the upper part, absorbs tensile forces in a longitudinal direction and leads them to the fixing points along the lines which radially converge in the area of an assembly point or fixing point, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Rainer Brenner, Ralph Singler
  • Patent number: 7178183
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mattress having a material beneficial to humans and a stone bed having the mattress which includes a layered part that is made by sequentially layering a jade stone, slate, hardwood charcoal, a losses plate, an electromagnetic wave interceptor, the electro-heating plate, a non-woven fabric and an internal/external heat insulating material. Furthermore, a finishing part including segmental basic units, assistant units, patterning units and mixed units, which are made of materials beneficial to humans, is attached to an upper surface of the layered part of the mattress. Therefore, the present invention provides superior ventilation and is environment-friendly, thus providing elegant products of high quality to consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Mu-Hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 7178184
    Abstract: A bed rail structured to minimize the gap between the mattress and the bed rail and including a leg portion and a rail portion. The rail portion extends upwardly on a first side of the mattress to extend beyond the sleeping surface of the mattress and prevent a person from rolling out of bed. The leg portion is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring and extends toward a second side of the mattress. In one embodiment, the leg portion includes a distal end that is engaged to the second side of at least one of the mattress and box spring such that the distal end and rail portion hug the mattress. In another embodiment, the bed rail includes a relatively rigid cover depending from an upper portion of the rail portion to the sleeping surface so as to cover a gap that may exist between the first side of the mattress and the rail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Nathan A Dusheck
  • Patent number: 7178185
    Abstract: A blanket (1) is provided with magnetic closure elements (21–50) along its edge (2) that allow a conversion into a robe, a sleeping bag, or other shapes. Since magnetic forces don't require direct contact, the magnetic closures can be fabric-covered and thus hidden. No attention needs to be paid to the polarity of the magnets if they are paired with ferromagnetic counterparts. A hood (51) can be attached, or two smaller blankets, which each can from a jacket, can be connected to form one larger blanket convertible into a robe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Gerlinde Maria Nattler
  • Patent number: 7178186
    Abstract: An inflatable mattress with an inflatable headboard and/or footboard. Inflatable side supports may also be included. The mattress is particularly suited for infants or toddlers in that the side and end supports prevent a child from rolling or sliding off the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Spin Master Ltd.
    Inventor: Stuart Harris
  • Patent number: 7178187
    Abstract: Asymmetric spring components for mattress and other flexible support structures, in the form of helical coil springs with turns in the coil body having varying pitch angles and radii, and a single support end for use in a one sided innersprings in one-sided mattresses. The coil springs are asymmetric about an axis of the coil or a horizontal reference plane, or both, and with ends of the coil springs shaped and sized differently to accommodate different mounting and support arrangements. Asymmetric coil springs can be contained in individual pockets or strings of pockets and arranged together to form an asymmetric pocketed coil innerspring for use in a one-sided mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sealy Technology LLC
    Inventors: Bruce G. Barman, Larry DeMoss
  • Patent number: 7178188
    Abstract: A device, which acts like a vacuum to suck unwanted particles out of the water in a swimming pool or spa. The device uses a battery and motor which are located in the handle of the device and are not inserted into the water. The motor drives a propeller, which draws water and particles into the device. The particles are sucked into the device and trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Jaakola
  • Patent number: 7178189
    Abstract: A mop is provided having a clamping assembly formed of a hinge having flanges for clamping a sponge movable into a mop head cavity in a wringing position, then to a neutral position and by depressing a release member and rotating a lever the sponge may be released from the clamping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Marco Perry, Yvonne Song Lin
  • Patent number: 7178190
    Abstract: A system for cleaning includes a handle and a head having a cleaning surface. The head is connected to the handle and is extendable to selectively widen or narrow the cleaning surface. A gear is fixedly connected to the handle and rotatingly connected to the head, so that twist of the handle rotates the gear. A first series of extension gears operably connect to the gear, and a second series of extension gears also operably connect to the gear. Rotation of the gear via the handle, rotates the first series and the second series. A first head extension is operably connected to the first series, such that rotation of the first series swings the first head extension into laterally aligned extension of the head. A second head extension is operably connected to the second series, such that rotation of the second series swings the second head extension also into laterally aligned extension of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: CrowleyJones, LP
    Inventors: Terry G. Jones, Christian Gerard, Philip Leveridge
  • Patent number: 7178191
    Abstract: A means by which to adjust the angle of a handle. The device is comprised of two components. The body, made of a semi rigid material having a shape that is capable of being inserted into a typical paint brush ferrule. From this section, a “U” shaped component having a cylindrical cross section, and having a width of the attaching section. The handle of this design is composed of a suitable material having a varying thickness along its length. The handle having a section that partially encircles the “U” shaped component. The handle component has a hook at one end of one of the legs that receives the end of the other leg. This locks the handle in place on the “U” shaped component. When unlocked, the handle is capable of being moved along the length of the “U” shape to achieve the desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey Davis Hitzler
  • Patent number: 7178192
    Abstract: A bath brush has a holding frame, a thread girdle, and a tube-shaped elastic net. The holding frame has a corrugated handle portion having an end hole, and a binding portion having a plurality of protruded blocks. Each protruded block has a through aperture. The protruded blocks contact the tube-shaped elastic net. The thread girdle surrounds the tube-shaped elastic net to squeeze and to bind the tube-shaped elastic net. The thread girdle is inserted through the protruded blocks to form a plurality of X-shaped twin lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Min-Tsung Huang
  • Patent number: 7178193
    Abstract: A cloth accessory and methods for the use thereof are disclosed and described. In one aspect, the cloth accessory may include a cover member forming an enclosure with a cavity therein, and a cloth attached to the cover member. The cloth may have a first configuration wherein the cloth is retracted substantially into the cover member, and a second configuration wherein the cloth is extended substantially out of the cover member without becoming detached therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Alpine Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Darren Jones
  • Mop
    Patent number: 7178194
    Abstract: A mop has a holder for attaching a mop covering. The holder is composed of an at least substantially rigid core and of a flexible edge lining that is placed along a part or all of the edge of the flat core, and/or the mop covering projects beyond the holder on at least one portion of the periphery of the holder. The core is preferably encapsulated with the material of the edge lining by injection molding in order to achieve an improved joining and the provision of a small gap between the core and the edge lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Damrath, Markus Spielmannleitner, Gerhard Wetzl
  • Patent number: 7178195
    Abstract: A device for wringing moisture from a mop includes pressure elements between which a holder of the mop, together with a mop cover attached thereto, can be pressed. The mop cover projects beyond the holder, thereby forming a cushion at edges of the holder in order to prevent the holder from doing damage, for example to furniture. In order to be able to wring moisture in a defined manner from both the projecting edge of the mop cover as well as the portion thereof covered by the holder, the two interacting pressure elements form a gap having a height which decreases toward the edges. In particular, the height decreases in a gradual manner. The pressure elements are preferably rollers, several cylinder sections of which can have different diameters in order to be able to obtain gap sections of different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Damrath, Markus Spielmannleitner, Gerhard Wetzl
  • Patent number: 7178196
    Abstract: A floor care appliance is provided. The floor care appliance includes a base for movement along the surface attached to a housing. The floor care appliance has two liquid storage tanks located in the housing wherein one of the liquid storage tanks generally overlies the other liquid storage tank. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid storage tank located above the other liquid storage tank is a cleaning solution storage tank and the other liquid storage tank is a liquid recovery tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Morgan, Charles A. Lang, Adam C. Sclafani, Kevin L. Thomas, Jeffrey S. Louis, David L. O'Neal, Siu Wai Hui
  • Patent number: 7178197
    Abstract: A guard assembly is provided for use with a sectional garage door. The sectional garage door includes a plurality of sectional panels connected by garage door hinges. Each hinge is comprised of a first hinge plate attached to one of the sectional panels with a first attachment, a second hinge plate attached to an adjoining sectional panel with a second attachment, a hinge knuckle extending upwards from the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, and a hinge shaft mounted within the hinge knuckle. The hinge shaft rotatably joins the first hinge plate to the second hinge plate. The guard assembly comprises a first guard element comprising a first shaft engagement end configured to rotatably engage the hinge shaft, the first shaft engagement end having a first shaft engagement upper surface configured to protrude beyond the hinge knuckle when the first guard element is attached to the hinge shaft. A first plate engagement end is adapted to engage the first hinge plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Quest Technical Design, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Verheye, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7178198
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for glass doors includes an upper mounting having a mounting body with a clamping device for the glass leaf and a displaceable bearing pin for engaging in a counterbearing at a transom and a lower mounting with a mounting body with a clamping device for the glass leaf, and with a receiving recess for a floor door closer or a floor bearing. The two mounting bodies are arranged parallel to the vertical axis (H) of the glass leaf, and each clamping device is provided with longitudinally extending grooves for receiving fastening screws which project through screw holes in the clamping device and bore holes in the glass leaf. A clamping insert is provided for inserting into the grooves and has a recess for a cover panel. The mounting body and the counterbearing can be covered by means of covers, wherein the cover is provided with elongated holes which extend under the clamping insert and cover panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co., KG
    Inventor: Hubert Elmer
  • Patent number: 7178199
    Abstract: The distal end part of an arm 5 is turnably and removably connected to the distal end part of a base part 5 through a connection mechanism 7. An engagement recess 46 whose upper part opposing the arm 5 is open, is formed in a basal end part of the base part 2. The arm 5 is provided at its basal end part with an engagement pin 8 capable of fitting in the engagement recess 46 when the arm 5 is turned to an attachment position. A lock lever 6 for pressing the engagement pin 8 against the bottom part of the engagement recess 46 under the biasing force of a coiled spring 9, is turnably disposed at the distal end part of the base part 2 through a support pin 103. The lock lever 6 is provided at its distal end part with a pressing part 67 for pushing up the engagement pin 8 so as to escape from the engagement recess 46 when the lock lever 6 is turned clockwise against the biasing force of the coiled spring 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuaki Kashiwaguma
  • Patent number: 7178200
    Abstract: A hinge structure for mounting a swingable member which is swingable relative to a body member, includes a first knuckle formed on the swingable member, a second knuckle formed on the body member coaxial with the first knuckle, and a pivot pin extending through the first and second knuckles to join the first and second knuckles to each other. The pivot pin is provided with a radial projection formed at one end thereof to extend radially outwards, a width of the radial projection being smaller than a diameter of the pivot pin. One of the first and second knuckles is provided with at least one groove which is formed at one end thereof, wherein the radial projection is fitted into the groove to prevent the pivot from rotating relative to the one of the first and second knuckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Kosei Kosako, Ken Endo
  • Patent number: 7178201
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge structure for a flat visual display device. The hinge structure comprises: a fixed plate and pivotal plates respectively fastened to the flat visual display device and a supporting portion for straightening the flat visual display device; rotation shafts with first ends placed in the side of the fixed plate and second ends placed in the side of the pivotal plates, the first or second ends being fixed to allow relative rotational movement between the fixed and pivotal plates; braking members provided around the rotation shafts for applying braking force; and braking housings provided around the braking members and with first fixed ends opposite to the fixed ends of the rotation shaft for applying braking force to faces contacting with the braking members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gang Hoon Lee, Hong Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 7178202
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lid-positioning device for a cabinet, comprising an actuating arm (10) which is fixed to a side wall (3) of a cabinet carcass (1) so as to be pivotable around a first axis of actuation (13) between an open position and a closed position while being fixed to a lid (8) so as to be pivotable around a second axis of actuation (16), a control arm (11) which is fixed to the side wall (3) of the cabinet carcass (1) so as to be pivotable around a first control axis (14) that is located parallel to the first axis of actuation (13) while being fixed to the lid (8) so as to be pivotable around a second control axis (17) that is located parallel to the second axis of actuation (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Huwil-Werke GmbH MobelschloB-und Beschlagfabriken
    Inventors: Artur Hirtsiefer, Christian Reineking, Jürgen Schnell
  • Patent number: 7178203
    Abstract: A ratcheting clip includes a center section, a male end and a female end, the female end having a top half and a bottom half. The male end is configured to be inserted into the female end between the top and bottom half so that opposing sets of teeth hold the male end and female end together. To prevent inadvertent disengagement of the opposing sets of teeth, the male end includes a retaining surface that is configured to interface with a track disposed in the top half of the female end. Once the male end is inserted into the female end, the interface between the retaining surface and the track prevents lateral forces from causing one end to move in a lateral direction with respect to the other end. The interface between the retaining surface and the track further prevents the top half from being lifted upward away from the male end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Timothy D. Pearson, David A. Shereyk
  • Patent number: 7178204
    Abstract: An improved hose clamp having an annular band with an inner face, tensioning means, and an annular spring liner. The spring liner includes an outwardly-projecting circumferential ridge; an inwardly-projecting circumferential ridge on each side of the outwardly-projecting ridge; and a circumferential shoulder near one or both circumferential edge of the spring liner; and at least one shoulder is adapted to abut the inner face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Epicor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. Bowater
  • Patent number: 7178205
    Abstract: A fastener first member connects to a second member by a flexible tether. A third member having multiple deflectable wings slides onto the second member. A first member male pin extends through a third member aperture to engage second member biasing elements, joining the first, second and third members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Rosalind A Nessel, Steven M Benedetti, Jeff A Slobodecki
  • Patent number: 7178206
    Abstract: A fastener element includes a fastener body and a locking part. The body includes a shank having two outer webs interconnected by a transverse web. The outer webs have projections including upper and lower ramp surfaces. The locking part includes an aperture having first and second pairs of opposing edges, and L-shaped holding portions each having a first web portion linked to one of the first opposing edges, and a second web portion extending into the aperture. When the outer webs are introduced into slots between the second opposing edges and the holding portions, the lower ramp surfaces move the holding portions away from each other and the second web portions engage the upper ramp surfaces from above. If the shank is introduced in a fastening hole of a support part while the locking part engages the support part, the holding portions are further pivoted away from each other and the second web portions grip the edge of the fastening hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Kuhnle, Markus Ferdinand
  • Patent number: 7178207
    Abstract: A magnetic fastener including a first detachable fastening member and a second detachable fastening member, said first and said second detachable fastening members respectively include a first and a second magnetic coupling surfaces which are magnetically attracted towards each other along an axial magnetic coupling direction, said magnetic fastener including guarding means adapted to resist relative lateral movements between said first and said second magnetic coupling surfaces when said first and said second fastening members are under magnetic coupling, said first and second fastening members include co-operative catching means adapted to resist disengagement of said first and second fastening members generally along said axial magnetic coupling direction when said first and second fastening members are simultaneously under magnetically coupling and subject to lateral tensions applied transversally to said axial magnetic coupling direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Sheung Chung Wong, Shang Rong Huang, Tung Wong
  • Patent number: 7178208
    Abstract: A seat belt improvement providing seat belt buckling assistance and automatic release of the seat belt. The seat belt assembly includes an electromagnet located in the seat belt buckle that aligns and draws the seat belt tongue into the seat belt buckle when the seat belt tongue is in close proximity to the seat belt buckle. A solenoid located in the seat belt buckle is used to release the seat belt tongue from the buckle. When the vehicle transmission is in the “park” position, the ignition is turned off, and the key is removed, the solenoid is energized to release the seat belt tongue. Further, a switch may be conveniently located in the vehicle such as on the seat belt buckle, near the window, on the door, or the like to activate the solenoid and release the seat belt assembly without having to turn off the vehicle ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Calvin R Bentsen, Robert G Walker
  • Patent number: 7178209
    Abstract: A mobile cremation urn includes a container portion having a volume in which cremation ashes are stored and a mounting portion coupled to the container portion to secure the mobile cremation urn to a moving vehicle. The container portion may be elongated and the mounting portion may be oriented substantially parallel with the container portion or a longitudinal axis thereof. The mounting portion may include a mounting flange, mounting posts, or mounting apertures. A removable closing member may be attached to the container portion and may seal the ashes contained therein. The closing member may also include a locking feature. The container may be fabricated with a corrosion resistant coating. A distinguishing mark may be displayed on an exterior surface of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Final Ride Products
    Inventor: Stephen J. Radziewicz
  • Patent number: 7178210
    Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for producing non-woven textile webs comprising a conveyor on one side of which the non-woven textile web passes between an injector and a vacuum chamber driven in an oscillating motion. The resulting web bears no mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Rieter Perfojet
    Inventors: Frédéric Noelle, Jean-Michel Dubus
  • Patent number: 7178211
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for winding a sheet of aligned parallel yarns onto a beam is described. The beam winder utilizes a circularly arced yarn spool rack that feeds each yarn to an alignment comb through associated guide tubes. The distance between each spool of yarn and the alignment comb is substantially the same for all spools of yarn, thereby equalizing the force necessary to pull them to the comb. Next, the aligned sheet of material is preshrunk using heated rollers and wound onto a beam. Multiple speed controlled stepper motors are utilized to maintain a constant low level of tension in the sheet during the shrinking process. After shrinkage, the tension level of the yarn sheet is increased as it is wrapped onto the beam. A turntable that supports two or more beams is provided to facilitate the rapid switching of beams once one beam has become full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, David P. Hartman
  • Patent number: 7178212
    Abstract: Device for carrying out a blasting treatment of the inner wall of a channel with a stream of balls which, for treating curved channels, has a tube for introducing the stream of balls into a channel, a stream deflection and outlet device at the end of the tube on the outlet side and a casing in the form of a helical spring on the outer side of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Baiker AG
    Inventor: Erwin Baiker
  • Patent number: 7178213
    Abstract: A driving anvil washer retaining apparatus (12) for a rivet gun (14) includes a magnetized element (21). The magnetized element (21) is coupled to the rivet gun (14) and retains an anvil washer (52) during installation of a rivet (82). A method of installing a rivet (82) includes inserting a stem (46) of a rivet assembly (80) into a rivet gun nose (22) having at least one magnetized portion (21). A rivet (82) of the rivet assembly (80) is inserted into at least one object. The stem (46) is removed from the rivet assembly (80). A driving anvil washer (52) is retained via the magnetized portion (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Wayne Haas, John Perniciaro, Gregory Benfer
  • Patent number: 7178214
    Abstract: A tool for engaging a saw blade to facilitate attachment and removal of the blade from a saw includes a pair of opposed portions pivotally connected to one another for movement between an open position and a closed position. The pair of opposed portions are engageable with the teeth or tips of the blade. Each of the opposed portions includes an engaging wall capable of retaining the blade on the tool as the blade is attached to or removed from a saw or the like, and a handle for facilitating movement of the pair of opposed portions between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hiqol L.C.
    Inventor: Keith R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7178215
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a fixture and a method to assist in the alignment of the inlet end of a transition duct and a combustor component in a turbine engine. The fixture includes a plurality of pressure transducers spaced on a mandrel so as to correspond to the target alignment location of the transition. The plurality of pressure transducers produce signals, which can be converted by a signal processor into an actual alignment location signal. A display can be provided for presenting graphical images of the target alignment location and the actual alignment location responsive to the actual alignment location signal received from the signal processor. Thus, a user can view the movement of the graphical image of the actual alignment location relative to the graphical image of the target alignment location such that the user can adjust the transition's position until the graphical images are substantially aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Alan Main
  • Patent number: 7178216
    Abstract: A keyless chuck is provided, comprising a generally cylindrical body having a forward and rearward portion with respect to an axis, the forward portion including a radially outwardly projecting portion of the body. The body further includes a plurality of guides extending obliquely to the axis and converging toward the forward section, and a groove extending around the body. Each of a plurality of jaws is slidably disposed within a respective guide and includes a thread section along an outer surface thereof. A jaw-engaging mechanism is configured to operably engage the groove so as to be rotatable around the body, and includes a thread section configured to complementarily engage the thread sections of the jaws. A sleeve extends over the jaw-engaging mechanism. A retaining member is disposed substantially within the sleeve, and is operably engaged with and extends between the body and the sleeve, rearwardly of the radially outwardly projecting portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Yukiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Sakamaki, Akira Sakamaki, Chokichi Sato, Tadashi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 7178217
    Abstract: A device 10 and method for forming a non-tapered end 12 of a gypsum board 14 into a tapered configuration or portion 16 includes a rotary drive tool 18 that imparts rotary motion to a tool bit 20 removably secured thereto, a pair of oppositely disposed angle members 22 having cooperating base portions 24 configured to promote attaching a dust collection collar 17 to the base portions 24, the angle members 22 disposing and guiding the rotating tool bit 20 between outer paper walls 28 of a non-tapered end 12 of the gypsum board 14 to ultimately severe portions of gypsum from the non-tapered end 12 thereby forming a recess 32 without damaging the outer paper walls 28 of the gypsum board 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Wayne B. Barnett
  • Patent number: 7178218
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of fabricating an artificial limb. The method includes the steps of: cutting one or more superelastic materials to a desired length, forming the superelastic material into a desired resting configuration of an artificial limb using a fixture that includes the desired resting configuration, heating the superelastic material to between 300 degrees Celsius and 750 degrees Celsius, cooling the superelastic material, and removing the superelastic material from the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Russell A. Houser, William Douglas Hare