Patents Issued in March 6, 2007
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Patent number: 7185847Abstract: A winged vehicle includes an elongated fuselage, and a wing mechanism affixed to the fuselage. The wing mechanism has a wing-support-body track affixed to and extending lengthwise along the fuselage, a translating wing-support body engaged to and translatable along the wing-support-body track, and exactly two deployable cantilevered wings. Each deployable cantilevered wing has a wing pivot mounted to the translating wing-support body so that the deployable cantilevered wing is pivotable about the translating wing-support body. The two deployable cantilevered wings are each pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position. An actuation mechanism is operable to controllably move the translating wing-support body along the wing-support-body track and to controllably move the two deployable cantilevered wings between the stowed position and the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Mark L. Bouchard, Purna Gogineni, Rudolph A. Eisentraut, Juan A. Perez, Kevin Greenwood
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Mass transfer system for stabilizing an airship and other vehicles subject to pitch and roll moments
Patent number: 7185848Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism to control the pitch and/or roll and/or center of gravity of a vehicle. The first embodiment is a track-based mass transfer system in which pathways are positioned along or radially terminate at a central horizontal plane of the vehicle to move one or more mass transfer devices to a desired location to control the pitch and/or roll and/or center of gravity of the vehicle. A second embodiment is a fluid mass distribution system in which one or more conduits selectively distribute a fluid to one or more tanks positioned near a central horizontal plane of the vehicle to control the pitch and/or roll and/or center of gravity of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: LTAS Holdings, LLCInventors: George H. Heaven, Jr., Michael K. Walden -
Patent number: 7185849Abstract: A passenger accommodation cabin for a vehicle, particularly an aircraft includes a wall defining a passenger accommodation area; a plinth disposed substantially at floor level and adapted to support a mattress within the accommodation area to provide at least one substantially flat bed; a false floor that is selectively movable between a deployed position in which the false floor at least partially covers the mattress and a retracted position for allowing use of the bed; and a seating system having at least one seat and associated supporting structure for supporting the seat within the accommodation area generally above the mattress.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Virgin Atlantic Airways LimitedInventors: David Ferry, Adam Bernard Wells, Luke Miles
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Patent number: 7185850Abstract: A seat track cover for transferring at least one of electrical power and data between two seats. The cover has a housing and a cable. The housing is sized to extend between a first seat leg assembly of a first seat and a second seat leg assembly of a second seat. The housing comprises a channel forming a first aperture at one end and a second aperture at a second end opposite the first aperture. The cable is seated within the housing and has a length at least equal to the length of the housing. The cable comprises a first connector and a second connector. The cable is seated within the housing such that the first connector is at the first aperture of the housing and the second connector is at the second aperture of the housing. The first connector couples with the first seat leg assembly and the second connector couples with the second seat leg assembly when the housing is positioned between the first seat leg and the second seat leg.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kevin S Callahan, Bradley J Mitchell, Trevor M Laib
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Patent number: 7185851Abstract: An inflatable structure constructed of flexible material that can occupy a minimal volume when in a deflated and stored condition as compared to its fully inflated and deployed configuration, has sufficient structural rigidity to function as a wing when deployed. The wing includes an array of inflatable chambers with generally circular cross-sections. The chambers are spaced a particular distance between their centers and held in that spacing by an outer wing skin. For equal cross-sectional diameter chambers this distance is less than the diameter. When the chambers are inflated the close spacing causes tension in the opposing surfaces to create a rigid structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Raytheon Co.Inventor: Daryl B. Elam
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Patent number: 7185852Abstract: The invention is an actuator assembly for actuating a door or aerodynamic surface of an aircraft. In detail, the invention includes a housing having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The housing center portion further includes first and second helical slots extending along the longitudinal axis. A cam follower, having first and second ends, is movably mounted in the center portion, the cam follower movable along the longitudinal axis of the housing. An actuator is provided for actuating the cam follower in first and second directions along the longitudinal axis. A bolt assembly, having first and second ends, is mounted through the cam follower with the first and second ends thereof extending into the first and second helical slots. First and second bearings are mounted to the first and second ends of bolt assembly such that the first and second bearings are movably mounted in the first and second helical slots.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: North Rop Grumman CorporationInventor: John Trouy Kannapell
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Patent number: 7185853Abstract: An air discharge valve for an aircraft has an inner valve flap (1) and an outer valve flap (3) which partially overlap each other to form a nozzle of the Laval type with a nozzle inlet (6) converging toward a nozzle neck (S) and with a nozzle outlet (7) diverging away from the nozzle neck (S). The inner valve flap (1) has a trailing edge (8A) hinged to the aircraft body and a first leading edge (8) facing in the flight direction and having a curved sectional configuration. The outer valve flap (3) has a second leading edge (9) hinged to the aircraft body and a trailing edge (9A). Both flaps (1, 3) have a wedge shape. An outwardly facing surface portion (11B) of the inner flap (1) forms an air flow guide for air flowing out of the nozzle outlet (7). An inwardly facing surface portion (15B) of the outer flap (3) forms an air flow guide into the nozzle inlet (6) formed by the curved sectional configuration of the first leading edge (8) and by the inwardly facing surface portion (15B).Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Juergen Kelnhofer, Marcus Petrac, Uwe Buchholz
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Patent number: 7185854Abstract: An in-flight refueling system and method are provided to extend and retract an in-flight refueling device between a stowed position and an extended position relative to a tanker aircraft. The system and method of the present invention provide an induction device configured to extend and retract the in-flight refueling device such that the in-flight refueling system requires less maintenance and may be packaged in a compact, low-profile arrangement so that the in-flight refueling system may be carried by a variety of tanker aircraft in a variety of different configurations.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: German Von Thal, Harry W. Slusher, Stephen M. Stecko
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Patent number: 7185855Abstract: A momentum-control system comprising a plurality of momentum actuators and a platform upon which the plurality of momentum actuators are mounted. The momentum control system further comprises a plurality of active struts mounted on the bottom side of the platform. The active struts are configured to produce a force to steer the plurality of momentum actuators and the platform to produce forces and moments for spacecraft attitude control and disturbance suppression.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventor: Mason A. Peck
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Patent number: 7185856Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the attitude control of satellites in elliptic orbits or satellites initially placed in circular orbits perturbed to elliptic orbits due to environmental disturbances. The method relies on the application of solar radiation pressure to provide the desired torque for the satellite attitude control. The satellite is equipped with two-oppositely placed light-weight solar panels extending away from the satellite along a predetermined direction (satellite body fixed Y-axis). By rotating one of these solar panels or both of them through desired angles about their axis using the respective driver motors as per the simple open-loop control law, the torque about the satellite axis is developed to achieve the desired attitude performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Hyo-Choog Bang, Krishna Dev Kumar, Min-Jae Thak
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Patent number: 7185857Abstract: A thrust vector actuation control system and method is configured to allow self-testing of the entire actuation system and/or its individual system components. The control system also provides real-time, continuous monitoring of actuation system status, and allows system gain and compensation parameters to be changed during vehicle operation remote from its launch site.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Calvin C. Potter, Paul S. Evans, Terry L. Keller
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Patent number: 7185858Abstract: A method of calibrating a gyro (42) of a spacecraft (14) may include determining a yaw attitude residual of the spacecraft. Roll gyro bias residual is determined in response to the yaw attitude residual. The gyro (42) is calibrated in response to the roll gyro bias residual. A method of calibrating a gyro (42) of a spacecraft (14) may alternatively include disabling gyro calibration, gain scheduling, or resetting attitude and gyro bias covariance, for selective axes, for a yaw transient period. The gyro (42) is calibrated in a nominal fashion after completion of the yaw transient period.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Hangching Grant Wang, Rongsheng K Li
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Patent number: 7185859Abstract: Aerospace vehicle yaw generating systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a yaw generating system that can include an aerospace vehicle having a fuselage with a first portion and a second portion. The system can further include a movable control surface coupled to the fuselage and extending generally in a horizontal plane. The control surface can be movable to a deflected position in which the control surface can be positioned to create a flow pattern proximate to the fuselage when the aerospace vehicle is located in a flow field. The flow pattern can be positioned to create a pressure differential between the first portion of the fuselage and the second portion of the fuselage. The first and second portions can be located so that the pressure differential produces a yawing moment on the aerospace vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeffery S. Harrigan, Henry L. Beaufrere
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Patent number: 7185860Abstract: A modular tongue switch assembly comprises a tongue pivotally connected to a slide surface, held down by a pivot retainer. The slide surface consists of slide plate sections removably attached to corresponding bed plate sections, which are in turn welded onto a base plate. Floating brace blocks hold a non-integral stock rail in place on the base plate. When the tongue moves, a horizontal lever arm actuates an inner box assembly housed within an outer box and containing the conductor rail, allowing the passing train to maintain contact with the conductor rail, if necessary. A novel rodding and lever arrangement is used.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: VAE Nortrak North America, Inc.Inventors: Cory O'Brien, Gary Click
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Patent number: 7185861Abstract: The disclosure relates to any improved display system unit for holding display panels, photomurals, banners, signs or the like in a variety of sizes. There is also depicted multi-unit systems consecutively joined by hinged and straight connectors to form any desired display configuration. Interchangeable snap or press fit connectors allow alternate assemblies and wall or floor mounting.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Xtra Lite Display Systems, Inc.Inventor: Lester A. LaMotte
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Patent number: 7185862Abstract: A mounting platform assembly for a stand device includes a connecting platform having two parallel engaging blocks projecting from a bottom surface thereof, each having a positioning hole and forming a slope on an outward face thereof; and a fixing base having two engaging ribs projecting from a top surface thereof, each forming a sliding groove on the top surface of the fixing base corresponding to the slope of each engaging block, and the fixing base having a positioning means including an engaging button and a push rod. When a conical portion of the push rod abuts against a bottom end of the engaging button, the other end of the engaging button projects from the top surface of the fixing base to engage with the positioning hole of the engaging block, thereby achieving the positioning and fixing of the connecting platform.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Jen Yu Yang
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Patent number: 7185863Abstract: Mountings for a temperature control unit for a vending machine are provided, wherein the interior of the vending machine is divided by a partition into a storage cabinet and a machinery compartment and in which the temperature control unit is inserted to and removed from the machinery compartment from a front side of the vending machine. The mounting includes a movable support means for supporting the temperature control unit movably in a vertical direction, and an operation means for actuating the movable support means only by an operation in the front side of the vending machine. Further, methods for attaching and detaching such units from said mountings are provided. The method for attaching and detaching the unit may be significantly facilitated, and an improved seal between the unit and the partition may be readily achieved.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Sanden CorporationInventor: Takeshi Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 7185864Abstract: A door hook including a U-shaped bracket having a top member and front and back sides attached to the top member. The front and back sides are separated by a first distance, which corresponds generally to the thickness of a door over which the door hook is to be placed. A J-hook is attached to the front side, while a spacing member is attached to the back side or top. A hinge element is formed in the back side or top such that the spacing member is pivotable toward a position under the top member. With the spacing member in this position, the spacing member and the front side are separated by a second distance, less than the first distance, which corresponds generally to the thickness of a thinner, second door over which the door hook may be placed. In this manner, the door hook may be easily adjusted to fit over doors having different thickness, such as, for example, exterior and interior doors.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.Inventor: William E. Adams
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Patent number: 7185865Abstract: A tissue paper supporting assembly includes a panel that has a rear edge, a forward edge and a pair of lateral side edges. Each of pair of legs has a lower end that is attached to and extends upwardly from the rear edge. The legs are spaced from each other such that each of the legs is positioned adjacent to one of the side edges. The legs are each positioned in a plane orientated substantially perpendicular to a plane of the panel. A bracket is attached to the legs and extends over the panel such that a plane of the bracket is orientated substantially parallel to the plain of the panel. A coupler is attached to an upper end of the legs for selectively coupling the legs to a vertical surface. A tissue holding box may be removably positioned on the panel and held against the legs by the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Sharon D. Patrick
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Patent number: 7185866Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display body having a display part, a supporting bracket attached to a wall and a angle control part connected to the supporting bracket to adjust a tilting angle of the display body. The display apparatus also includes a driving part to drive the angle control part to adjust the tilting angle of the display body, an input part for a user to adjust the tilting angle, an OSD generating part to generate an OSD signal to control the tilting angle, and a controller to control the driving part so that a tilting angle adjusting menu is displayed based on the OSD signal generated by the OSD generating part according to the input part, so that the tilting angle of the display body is adjusted according to a selection based on the tilting angle adjusting menu. Thus, the display apparatus may control the tilting angle of the display body minutely and easily by the OSD.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyung-kyun Lee, Byung-jo Kang
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Patent number: 7185867Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension that includes a suspension cartridge which houses suspension components that includes one or more of the following: one or more biasing elements, a suspension arm arrangement, a damper arrangement, a height adjust assembly, and a weight adjust assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the cartridge includes all of these. The suspension can include a truncated roller that provides a larger effect of radius. The suspension can also include a cam upon which a suspension roller rides that increases maximum suspension stroke while minimizing collapsed suspension height. The suspension can also include a damper that is oriented so as to provide a nearly linear response over all regions of suspension stroke or travel.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Milsco Manufacturing Company, a unit of Jason IncorporatedInventors: Kevin Hill, Bruce Dahlbacka
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Patent number: 7185868Abstract: A telescopic display stand includes a base and a fixed tube secured on the base. A first telescopic tube and a second telescopic tube are in turn telescopically received in the fixed tube. A gear box is mounted in the first telescopic tube, and a plug is mounted in the second telescopic tube. A first threaded rod has a bottom end rotatably received in the fixed tube and threadingly extends through the gear box. A second threaded rod has a bottom end rotatably mounted in the gear box and threadingly extends through the plug. A driving unit is mounted on the gear box for driving gears in the gear box. An effigy sheath is mountable over the fixed tube and telescopic tubes. Whereby, the display stand can be automatically erected and retracted.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Gemmy Industries CorporationInventor: Sheng-Chien Wang
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Patent number: 7185869Abstract: A book stand folds flat, forming a single panel for storage or use as a clipboard, sketchpad, or straight edge. The book stand may also unfold into operational configuration to include an inclined supporting surface and a shelf, on which a book can rest at an inclined angle. The preferred legs or other support members extend from the rear side of the book stand near the left and right side edges of the book stand and diverge from each other to form a broad and stable base. The book stand may be set up in operational position with a minimum number of steps, by flipping up the shelf and pivoting the two legs on the backside of the book stand to swing underneath the shelf. In its folded, collapsed configuration, the preferred book stand may be a flat, substantially solid panel approximately 8.5?×11.? The device can also be equipped with a magnification device, light, clip, page protector, or other visual aid devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Ron Smith
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Patent number: 7185870Abstract: A positioning mechanism for reflectors in a scanner is capable of tool-less assembling and precise positioning. The mechanism mainly includes a carrier, some angular positioning members, and resilient arms. The carrier is a plate-like member for mounting an optical assembly. The angular positioning members are mounted on the carrier and formed with cutoffs of supporting surfaces. The resilient arms extend from the carrier to outer sides of the supporting surfaces of the angular positioning members. The clearance of the end of resilient arm to the supporting surface is less than the thickness of the reflector to position the reflector simply, easily and precisely.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Lite-On Technology CorporationInventor: Ming-De Hong
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Patent number: 7185871Abstract: A tie down resistive to strong winds for lightweight but bulky equipment. The tie down includes anchors driven into the ground which hold cables that in turn are attached to the base of the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Carson Industries LLCInventor: Michael M. Orozco
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Patent number: 7185872Abstract: An appliance stabilizing device which is useful in securing an appliance in position against a supporting structure surface. The device includes a plurality of brackets which are selectively positionable on an appliance, with a plurality of elongated members, each pivotally attached to a bracket. Each elongated member has at least one aperture spaced a distance along the length of the elongated member from the pivotal point with the bracket. The elongated member is attached to a support surface, typically a baseboard and/or a wall. The bracket includes apertures spaced from each other in a generally triangular configuration, and the elongated member is typically pivotally attached at the apex of the generally triangular configuration of apertures. The device is self adjusting during attachment of the appliance to a supporting structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Arnold G. Lowenstein, Jr.
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Patent number: 7185873Abstract: In a bracket mounting structure is disclosed for mounting a bracket holding a center bearing of a propeller shaft to a vehicle body member by bolts and nuts. The structure contains a bush collar formed in a cylindrical shape having a flange in an upper end, fitted to the bolts and fixed to the vehicle body member by the bolts and the nuts. It also contains a pair of upper and lower rubber bushes fitted to an outer periphery of the bush collar and gripping the bracket there-between, and a washer provided in a lower end of the lower rubber bush among the rubber bushes. An outer peripheral edge of a lower end of the bush collar extends all through an inner peripheral edge of the washer and is expanded outward in diameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Showa CorporationInventors: Teiji Suka, Masaru Naoi, Kazuhiro Iwano
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Patent number: 7185874Abstract: A fixing element is provided for fixing a household appliance to a part of the kitchen cabinetry, which is adjacent to the household appliance. The fixing element is configured as a fixation lug and is disposed between the household appliance and the part substantially at least over the total height of the part of the kitchen cabinetry. A compact fixing element is thus obtained, which permits a precise, stable, easy and economic fixation of the household appliance into an opening in the kitchen cabinetry. Another advantage of the lateral fixing element is the clean and pleasant aspect thereof. Moreover, flexible use of only one type of fixing element is possible, due to the fact that the element can be used independently of the counter top material as well as in case of elevated mounting of the appliance or in case of a cutout counter top.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Ulrich Deiss, Bernd Schessl, Ernst Stickel
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Patent number: 7185875Abstract: An adjustable template apparatus for setting up risers in manufacturing concrete steps for enhancing the speed of set up for risers with regard to level and spacing. The adjustable template apparatus for setting up risers in manufacturing concrete steps includes a horizontal member having a first end and a second end; a first vertical member operationally coupled to the first end of the horizontal member, extending downwardly from the horizontal member, and is used to selectively abut a lower most riser; a riser positioning member slideably coupled to an underside of the horizontal member and positionable along a length of the horizontal member for selectively engaging a second riser; and a second vertical member slideably coupled to the horizontal member and positionable along a length of the horizontal member, the second vertical member extends upwardly from the horizontal member and is user for selectively abutting a third riser.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Samuel Jarrett
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Patent number: 7185876Abstract: A flush valve system includes a sensor, a bias circuit, an electrical switch, a mechanical switch, and a flush valve. The bias circuit generates a bias signal when an activation signal is received from the sensor. The bias signal turns on the electrical switch. The mechanical switch turns on just before the electrical switch is turned off. The flush valve is coupled to the electrical and the mechanical switch to initiate fluid flow when the electrical switch is turned on and facilitate the flow until the mechanical switch is turned off. An automatic braking method includes receiving an actuation signal, actuating an electronic switch to initiate a rotation of a switch cam and the opening of a valve, actuating a mechanical switch when a cutout portion of the switch cam is in contact with a portion of the mechanical switch, and closing the valve when the portion of the mechanical switch is outside of the cutout portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Technical Concepts, LLCInventor: George J. Jost
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Patent number: 7185877Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for a gas line has a socket member for connection to a gas line and a nipple for connection to a gas appliance, the nipple being engageable in the socket member for coupling the gas line to the appliance, with a sleeve displaceable between a locking position for securing the nipple in the socket member and a released position in which the nipple is free to be uncoupled from the socket member. A locking member is displaceable along a path of movement into an extended position to retain the sleeve in the locking position. A control knob connected to the gas valve is rotatable for opening and closing the gas valve to control gas flow through the socket member.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Horst Budde
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Patent number: 7185878Abstract: A control device for the throughput in a conduit portion a is provided. The device comprises a valve or a flap composed of a body mounted on a rotary support shaft and being displaceable between a position of maximum closure and a position of minimum closure by pivoting about said shaft. The device is characterised in that at least one shape or structure (4,4?) which is at least partially obstructive, by projecting into the internal passage of said conduit portion (1) and locally reducing the passage section thereof, is present in the region of the internal face of the wall of said conduit portion. The device includes at least one cooperating surface zone (5) which intimately mates with the shape of at least one part of the imaginary surface swept by at least one segment of the external peripheral edge (6) of the body (2) of the valve or flap when pivoted.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Mark IV Systemes Moteurs (Société Anonyme)Inventor: Anthony Alves
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Patent number: 7185879Abstract: A pry bar is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the pry bar includes a body including a straight segment having a functional end segment, at least one notch provided in the functional end segment and a nail removal opening provided in the functional end segment adjacent to the at least one notch.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Donald Lejuez
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Patent number: 7185880Abstract: A T-post puller claw for pulling a T-post out of the ground includes a claw body having a first panel, a second panel, and an included angle therebetween. The first panel defines a triangular opening to slide over a T-post. The second panel defines a keyhole opening for receiving a length of chain and a first chain-securing slot. The second panel further defines a second chain-securing slot. When a length of chain is threaded into the T-post puller claw, one chain link is received by the first slot and a different chain link is received by the second slot. When a lifting force is applied to the length of chain, the T-post puller claw pivots into a clamping configuration against the T-post, enabling the T-post to be pulled out of the ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Donald E. McCray
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Patent number: 7185881Abstract: Apparatus and methods for operating a winch system comprising a wire spooled onto a drum rotatably mounted to a shaft. A permanent magnet is mounted to the drum such that, when an electric current is applied to a coiled winding mounted to the shaft, the drum rotates about the shaft. The winch comprises a first braking system that controls the rotation of the drum about the shaft by controlling the application of the electric current to the coiled winding. The winch also comprises a second braking system that mechanically engages the drum so as to prevent the rotation of the drum about the shaft. The winch is used in conjunction with a control system that facilitates the use of the winch with lifting and supporting personnel working in elevated environments.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: National-Oilwell, L.P.Inventors: Ivar Drarvik, Arne Austefjord
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Patent number: 7185882Abstract: Guardrail installation designs are described that incorporate a box beam rail as the structural rail member. The box beam rail member may have an open cross-section or a closed cross-section. An impact head is provided to bend and deflect the rail member during an end-on collision, allowing the rail member to be deflected away from the roadway and out of the path of an end-on impacting vehicle. The impact head includes a striking face and a chute portion that receives the box beam rail member therewithin. In addition to bending and deflecting the rail member, the impact head may also include a flattening section for flattening the rail member.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: C. Eugene Buth, Roger P. Bligh, Dean C. Alberson, Lance D. Bullard, Jr., Hayes E. Ross, Jr., Akram Abu-Odeh
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Patent number: 7185883Abstract: A sheet treating apparatus including, a conveying device for conveying sheets, a sheet stack tray for stacking the sheets conveyed by the conveying device, a sensor detecting the sheets conveyed to the sheet stack tray, a pressure-contact conveying device for conveying the sheets on the sheet stack tray in pressure contact with the sheets, a pressure-contact device for bringing the pressure-contact conveying device into pressure-contact with the sheets, and a controlling device for varying a time from when the sensor detects the sheets to when the pressure-contact device starts operating according to a sheet conveyance speed of the conveying device.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Canon Finetech Inc.Inventors: Hitoshi Kato, Tetsuya Terada, Yasutaka Iwasa, Masahiro Yonenuma
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Patent number: 7185884Abstract: In a sheet post-process apparatus of the present invention, a pair of paper feed rollers for receiving and conveying sheets of paper is arranged so that the tangential direction thereof forms a dip of ? with the horizontal plane, and a standby tray for making sheets of paper ejected from the paper feed rollers standby is given an inclination angle of ? at which the front end of the sheets of paper ejected is positioned higher than the rear end thereof, and the two angles are in a relation of ?>?.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasunobu Terao, Hajime Yamamoto, Yoshiaki Sugizaki, Reiji Murakami, Hiroyuki Taki
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Patent number: 7185885Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a sensor, and a carrier system configured to transport the sensor along a scanning path. A mid-frame is provided having a slot formed along the scanning path. A print media support is provided for holding a supply of print media. A print media detection device is positioned below the mid-frame. The print media detection device includes a first end and a second end. The first end has a sense surface, wherein the sensor senses one of a presence and an absence of the sense surface in the slot of the mid-frame as a determination of the depletion of the supply of print media at the print media support.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventor: Mahesan Chelvayohan
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Patent number: 7185886Abstract: A sheet delivery device for a sheet-fed press which is arranged to avoid the crushing of sheets, comprises a shutter device having a shutter bar unit that is movable between an operation position and a stand-by position. In the operation position the shutter bar unit is arranged to provisionally receive the printed sheets conveyed from the sheet conveyor. This sheet delivery device also comprises a sheet separating device having an operation position and a stand-by position and includes a belt-like blade. In the operation position the belt-like blade is arranged over an entire width of the stacked sheets and above an end portion of the stacked sheets from which the shutter bar unit enters the operation position. Thus, when in the operation position, the sheet separating device is arranged to create a separation into which the shutter bar unit is to be inserted, and to subsequently receive the printed sheets.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kenyu Tamura
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Patent number: 7185887Abstract: An apparatus to switch a paper feed direction for an image forming device includes a paper guide part disposed across a paper feed path to move from an initial position to a paper passing position or a paper jam removing position by a force generated by passing of the paper, or external power; a supporting part to rotatably fix the paper guide part to a frame of the office machine; an elastic restoring part to restore the paper guide part from the paper jam removing position to the paper passing position; and a restoring force blocking part to block a force of the elastic restoring part from acting on the paper guide part until the paper guide part fixed to the supporting part rotates beyond the paper passing position.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyung-shig Chung
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Patent number: 7185888Abstract: A media path jam clearance apparatus installable in a supporting structure includes media drive mechanisms for moving flexible media through media paths and a rotatable, removable jam clearance element. Within the jam clearance element facing surfaces of guide elements define guide surfaces for media paths, with the guide elements having external surfaces capable of supporting the flexible media as it is wrapped around the external surfaces. A pivotal support element supports and enables rotational movement of the jam clearance element within the supporting structure. The jam clearance element may be partially or entirely extracted from the supporting structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: David G. Duff, David K. Biegelsen, Lars-Erik Swartz
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Patent number: 7185889Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game where each player is dealt a plurality of playing pieces. Each player will review the playing pieces. A first player will make a call of a total quantity of a numeric suit on all playing pieces. Each successive player will make a next call of the total quantity of the numeric suit of all playing pieces unless another player challenges that the call is incorrect. For each successive call, the next call has to be one where either the quantity of the numeric suit increases, a value of the numeric suit increases and the quantity stays the same, or both the quantity and the numeric suit increases. After a challenge is made, each player will display the playing pieces. A winning player is decided by seeing if the total quantity of the numeric suit of all playing pieces by a last player to make a call is correct or if the player challenging is correct.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: David S. VanZanten
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Patent number: 7185890Abstract: A method of playing a stock trading simulation game is disclosed and includes providing a game apparatus including a game board having a plurality of spaces marked thereon defining a path of movement on the game board, with a portion of the plurality of spaces representing individual stock positions. The method further includes a plurality of methods for ending play of the game, establishing an Exchange for handling exchange of game money and stock positions during play of the game, and taking a turn by one of the players, with the turn comprising taking a hidden turn and taking an open turn. A game apparatus may include the game board, a trade transaction sheet for recording trades of stock positions, a hidden bid card for secretly recording hidden bids, and a number of game pieces including open turn and hidden turn game pieces.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: A.A.M., LLCInventor: Hariprasad S. Trivedi
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Patent number: 7185891Abstract: A wagering game has a dealer compete against a player. The at least one player and the dealer receive a single card. The at least one player takes at least one mandatory hit card. If the at least one mandatory hit card has the specific relationship in rank to the single card, or if the at least one mandatory hit card allows the at least one player to continue the game, the player having the option of taking another hit card. When the player has elected to take no more hits or has taken a maximum number of hits, but has not taken a card that busts, the dealer taking at least one mandatory hit card the dealer taking hits until the dealer busts, until the dealer receives a predetermined maximum number of cards, or until the dealer has received a total number of cards that exceeds the total number of cards in all players' hands in the game.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Precedent Gaming, IncorporatedInventor: Kathleen Nylund Jackson
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Patent number: 7185892Abstract: The apparatus is for installation at shooting ranges and has a housing that has a resilient top layer and a flexible bottom layer. The bottom layer extends along an inclined bottom surface and over an upwardly protruding support member to a front side. The top layer is attached to the bottom layer at the front side to form a container. A non-flowable granulate material is packed in the container. The inclined bottom surface is inclined at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. The angle is less than an angle of repose of the granulated material.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Gerth Moberg
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Patent number: 7185893Abstract: The present invention concerns a metallic flat gasket with at least one sealing layer with at least one port, with a sensor layer corresponding to the ports being deposited on at least one surface of the sealing layer. This sensor layer consists of a compression protection layer and at least one break, in which a sensor element is at least partially installed.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Torsten Wampula, Josef Ludwig, Alfred Weiss, Gunther Unseld, Matthias Laske, Friedrich Dillenz
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Patent number: 7185894Abstract: A corrugated pipe saddle gasket is provided having a leading member, a primary sealing member, and an arm member, with the gasket having a contoured surface extending along at least a portion of the bottom of the primary sealing member and the arm member corresponding to the shape of a corrugated pipe. The primary sealing member of a second length is intermediate the leading member of a first length and the arm member of a third length, with the third length being greater than the sum of the first and second lengths. The gasket has at least a portion of its arm member having a durometer different from the durometer of the primary sealing member. In the preferred embodiment, the arm member has an axis that is substantially horizontal, and the leading member has an axis that is substantially vertical, such that the two axes are substantially perpendicular.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kevin S. Kish, Pardeep K. Sharma
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Patent number: 7185895Abstract: This is a chuck for equipping a rotary machine, comprising a body intended to be fixed to a drive shaft of the machine, in which there are mounted several jaws which slide in bores converging forward and which each have an outwardly facing threaded part, a sleeve being pivotably mounted on the body and having an interior wall which collaborates with a nut itself engaged with the threaded exterior part of the jaws. The body comprises, in its region covered by the nut, a peripheral set of teeth and the nut bears locking means which are intended to engage in the set of teeth of the body when the chuck is in the tightened position, and which are intended to be activated by the sleeve. The sleeve has an angular relative movement with respect to the locking means between an unlocked position in which the sleeve turns the nut and a locked position in which the chuck is in its tightened position.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Etablissements Amyot, S.A.Inventors: Yves Marie Marcel Cachod, Gerard Marie Simonin
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Patent number: 7185896Abstract: A chuck for equipping a rotary machine includes a body intended to be fixed to a drive shaft of the machine, in which there are mounted several jaws which slide in bores converging forward and which each have an outwardly facing threaded part, a sleeve being pivotably mounted on the body and having an interior wall which collaborates with a nut itself engaged with the threaded exterior part of the jaws. The body includes, in its region covered by the nut, a peripheral set of teeth and the nut bears locking means which are intended to engage in the set of teeth of the body when the chuck is in the tightened position, and which are intended to be activated by the sleeve. The sleeve has an angular relative movement with respect to the locking means between an unlocked position in which the sleeve turns the nut and a locked position in which the chuck is in its tightened position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Etablissements Amyot S.A.Inventors: Yves Marie Marcel Cachod, Gerard Marie Simonin