Patents Issued in March 13, 2007
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Patent number: 7188533Abstract: An apparatus for measuring relative displacement between a first shaft and a second shaft includes first and second rotor assemblies. The first rotor assembly is coupled to the first shaft and is centered on an axis. The second rotor assembly is coupled to the second shaft. The second rotor assembly has first and second stator plates. Each of the first and second stator plates includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces are parallel. The first and second stator plates include a plurality of teeth extending in a direction radial of the axis. The first and second stator plates form a gap between the lower surface of the first stator plate and the upper surface of the second stator plate. The apparatus further includes at least one magnet having a magnetic field and disposed on the first rotor assembly and a sensing device disposed within the gap for sensing a magnetic flux of the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric D Pattok, Mohammad S Islam, Matthew W Mielke, Sainan Feng, Ryan J Pavlawk, Tomy Sebastian, Christian E Ross
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Patent number: 7188534Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine an individual flow rate of each phase within a multi-phase flow through the flowtube.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Tombs, Manus P. Henry, Mihaela D. Duta, Robbie Lansangan, Robert E. Dutton, Wade M. Mattar
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Patent number: 7188535Abstract: A load cell utilizes a plurality of strain gauges mounted upon the load cell body such that there are six independent load-strain relations. Load is determined by applying the inverse of a load-strain sensitivity matrix to a measured strain vector. The sensitivity matrix is determined by performing a multivariate regression technique on a set of known loads correlated to the resulting strains. Temperature compensation is achieved by configuring the strain gauges as co-located orthogonal pairs.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventor: Barry Spletzer
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Patent number: 7188536Abstract: An elastomeric seat bladder has upper and lower sheets of peripherally welded elastomeric material, and at least one of the upper and lower sheets of elastomeric material is sufficiently thick to effectively serve as an integral interface panel. In a first configuration, the lower sheet is formed of elastomeric material having a thickness in the range of 1 mm (0.04 inch) to 2.54 mm (0.100 inch), and the upper sheet is formed of elastomeric material having a thickness of approximately 0.375 mm (0.015 inch). In a second configuration, the relatively thick sheet of elastomeric material is utilized as the upper sheet of the bladder instead of the lower sheet; and in a third configuration, both upper and lower sheets of the bladder are formed of elastomeric material in the range of 1 mm (0.04 inch) to 2.54 mm (0.100 inch) in thickness.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John T Waidner, Duane D. Fortune
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Patent number: 7188537Abstract: A bung for an aspiration assembly sample collection tube, the bung (1) has a top surface (3), a tapered side surface (7) for fitting into the sample tube and a lower surface (5). First and second apertures (9, 11) extend through the bung from the top surface to the bottom surface, the first aperture (9) being for an inlet tubing and the second aperture (11) being for an aspiration tubing, the first aperture has a recess (13) in the lower surface of the bung. This recess is adapted to sealingly receive a supply nozzle of a flushing fluid supply device such as a syringe so that in use flushing fluid may be directed through the inlet tubing.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignees: William A. Cook Australia Pty. Ltd., Cook Urological IncorporatedInventor: Michael Carl Junger
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Patent number: 7188538Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates generally to mailpieces and more particularly, a hazardous material detector for detecting hazardous material in a mail stream. The present invention is directed, in general to detector for collecting sample (s) of hazardous materials from a mail processing device. The mailpiece generally comprises an envelope comprising a front side and a back side; holes formed in at least one of the front side or the back side of the envelope; a hazardous material test strip for detecting the presence of hazardous material in contact with the test strip; whereby when hazardous materials are detected by the hazardous material test strip a physical change occurs to the hazardous material test strip and the physical change can be viewed through at least one hole formed in the at least one of the front side or the back side of the envelope. The detector helps to quickly determine whether hazardous materials are present in the mail stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Christian A. Beck
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Patent number: 7188539Abstract: Within the framework of the procedure for optimizing the rocking free of vehicles with an automatic transmission, a multiple clutch gear or an automatic shift gear, in order to recognize a situation which requires a rocking free of the vehicle, the speeds of the driving wheels are compared to the speeds of the non-driven wheels. When the driving wheels are spinning or have a specific speed, without a corresponding increase in speed or speed of the non-driven wheels, the necessity for rocking free of a vehicle is recognized.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Kai-Uwe Herbster, Martin-Joachim Bader
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Patent number: 7188540Abstract: The movement of a shift rail in an automatic gear transmission system, wherein each shift rail is connected to an associated actuator, is controlled with an electrical control signal. When a first electrical control signal is sent to a first of the actuators to actuate the first of the actuators, a second electrical control signal is sent to the other actuator(s) to cause the other actuator(s) to be locked in position.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventor: Richard Taylor
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Patent number: 7188541Abstract: A transmission system including a shift mechanism for operating and controlling the transmission system. To automatically detect geometric characteristic values of the transmission system or of the shifting device a selector motor and a shift motor actuate a select or finger that is displaceably mounted in a selection-shift-passageway layout. Starting from an initial position whose coordinates within the selection-shift-passageway layout are unknown, the selector finger is displaced in the directions of shifting and in the directions of selection in order to detect paths of movement in the direction of selection or shifting. The selector finger is repeatedly displaced to establish the maximum paths of movement until the predetermined transmission geometric characteristic values are completely detected. Also disclosed are a control device for controlling a transmission system that includes a shift mechanism, and a method for controlling such a transmission system.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Martin Zimmermann, Holger Stork, Georg Schneider, Klaus Henneberger, Martin Eckert, Gunter Hirt, Thomas Jäger, Martin Vornehm, Volker Kretz-Busch, Reinhard Berger
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Patent number: 7188542Abstract: A liner motion device has a liner motion element fitted on a shaft and moving straight along the shaft; a plurality of balls which are retained in a rolling element groove formed on the inner side of the liner motion element and roll over between the rolling element groove and the shaft; a separator interposed between the rolling elements; and, a circulating path formed in the liner motion element through which the rolling elements are circulated from one end of the rolling element groove to the other, wherein the separator is a product of a synthetic resin containing a lubricating oil in an amount of 3 to 25% by volume.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Toshikazu Yabe, Hiroyuki Ito, Tuyoshi Saito, Toyohisa Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7188543Abstract: A retaining member is provided and attached to a bevel gear in order to allow the bevel gear to be attached, prior to assembly, to a bearing adapter. The retaining member is provided with first and second protuberances that extend radially outwardly from diametrically opposite positions on the retaining member so that the protuberances can be inserted through first and second slots in a generally cylindrical member, or bearing adapter, during the assembly of individual components to form a subassembly. Since the bearing adapter is attached to a bearing carrier, misalignment of the protuberances and the slots allow the bevel gear and several other assorted components to be retained in contact with the bearing carrier so that the components are not free to move in axial directions away from each other to allow separation of these components.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Jeffrey J. Andrews, Robert B. Weronke
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Patent number: 7188544Abstract: An industrial delta robot with an arm system rotatable in space and including a base section, a moveable plate, several multi-jointed pull rods and a telescopic axle arranged between the base section and the moveable plate, opposite ends of the pull rods and of the telescopic axle being connected with the base section and the moveable plate respectively, and the telescopic axle comprising an inner axle and an outer tube arranged on the inner axle and displaceable in a longitudinal direction where a pair of end-to-end torsional rigid bushings are arranged in a stationary manner on the outer tube in which the inner axle is mounted to be displaceable, the bushings being spaced apart at confronting inner ends to form a transversely extending lubrication pocket for continuous lubrication of the inner axle during movement relative to the bushings.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: ABB ABInventors: Fredrik Persson, Hakan Hvittfeldt, Jan Larsson, Pierre Mikaelsson
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Patent number: 7188545Abstract: A two-piece motion-transmitting cable assembly includes first and second cables, each having a core wire surrounded by a conduit; a male housing connected to the first cable and having a ridged length adjustment section; a spring retainer slideably interconnected with the exterior of the male housing and having a female retaining clip at a first end; a female housing connected to the second cable and having a male retaining clip engaging with the female retaining clip when the male and female housings are mated; an adjustment clip engaging with the ridged length adjustment section to lock the male housing in a position relative to the female housing; and a spring contained between the exterior of the male housing and the interior of the spring retainer and interacting with the spring retainer, in conjunction with the retainer clip, to bias the first cable in a direction toward the second cable.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: J. Martin Nagle, Michael J. Konn
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Patent number: 7188546Abstract: An accelerator pedal unit (10) for a vehicle whereby an accelerator pedal (11) is moveable from a rest or first position (15) through an idle position (17) to a second position (16) and wherein vehicle braking is caused to occur when the accelerator pedal (11) moves in the range between the idle position (17) and the first position (15) and the vehicle is caused to accelerate when the accelerator pedal (11) moves between the idle position (17) and second position (16).Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: Erland George Olofsson
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Patent number: 7188547Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a tubular, the apparatus, in at least certain aspects including a frame, a rocker assembly connected to the frame, the rocker assembly including a top rocker arm pivotably mounted to the frame, and a bottom rocker arm pivotably mounted to the frame, top torque apparatus connected to the frame, upper gripper apparatus connected to the frame for gripping a primary tubular (e.g., but not limited to a first pipe), lower gripper apparatus connected to the frame for gripping a secondary member (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Neil Edward West, Preston R. Fox
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Patent number: 7188548Abstract: In one embodiment, an adapter frame is provided for use with a power frame to support a tong assembly. When the adapter frame is coupled to the power frame, the load capacity of the power frame is increased, thereby allowing the power frame to be used with larger tongs or tong assemblies such as a riser tong.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Martin Liess
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Patent number: 7188549Abstract: An axial-force-detective fastening tool fastens a nut to a bolt, and at the same time, detects and axial force acting on the bolt. The tool has a socket body rotatably supported with a tool body and having a nut receiver. The socket body turns a nut received in the nut receiver around an axis of the socket body, to fasten the nut to a bolt. An ultrasonic sensor is supported with the tool body, is movable along an axis of the socket body, and is brought into contact with a front end of the bolt in the nut receiver. The ultrasonic sensor emits and receives ultrasonic waves to detect an axial force acting on the bolt. A sensor spring pushes the ultrasonic sensor to the front end of the bolt. The bolt includes a reference surface which is engaged by the ultrasonic sensor and is recessed in a tapered opening in an end of the bolt.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Sannohashi Co., Ltd.Inventors: Youhei Ohtake, Fumitaka Saigo, Hirofumi Hase
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Patent number: 7188550Abstract: A new mechanism of an open-end adjustable spanner which includes a right latch, a left latch, a return spring, and a control member containing hairpin springs and a serrated bit installed in an accommodation trough of a handle to create a torque transmission structure to turn a ratchet by gearing to permit easy alignment of the ratchet with the bolt or nut and avoid slipping therefrom before and after tightening or loosening the bolt or nut; and allow effort-saving and convenient torque application in clamping head of a bolt or nut by selecting a proper specification of the configuration of the open end of the ratchet.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: Chen-Chang Tsai
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Patent number: 7188551Abstract: Disclosed is a spanner which is generally used as a typical tool for tightening or releasing a bolt. The spanner is capable of tightening or releasing a bolt continually in one direction by the effect of a toggle bar (400) pivotally mounted on a jaw of two jaws (200, 300) of the spanner head in a state that the toggle bar is urged to pivot toward one direction. A protrusion (30, 32) is formed on a distal end of the other jaw of the spanner head for gripping an angular portion of the bolt head so that it is possible to prevent the spanner head being readily disengaged from the bold head.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: Ock-Soon Choi
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Patent number: 7188552Abstract: A holding socket for a fastener having a nut arrangeable on a threaded element, and a washer located between the nut and an object, the holding socket has a body having two opposite ends with a first end connectable to a part of a power tool and a second end which is axially spaced from the first end and connectable with the washer so as to hold the washer against rotation, and a locking element located in an area of the second end of the body and displaceable transversely to the body between a position in which it is located axially between the second end of the body and the nut and therefore prevents a removal of the socket from a fastener and another position in which it is no longer located axially between the second end of the body and the nut, and therefore allows withdrawal of the socket from the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: JETYD Corp.Inventor: Peter Koppenhoefer
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Patent number: 7188553Abstract: The extendable socket extension is a tool that allows the user to be able to reach into small, tight places to either attach or remove bolts or screws. A first piece and a second piece are slideably connected. By using a thumb release, the second piece can slide in or out to a desired length. Once the desired length is reached the thumb release engages a locking pin holding the first and second piece to the desired length. A ratchet is then attached to the first piece and a socket wrench is attached to the second piece. The socket wrench is then attached to the bolt or screw to be inserted and removed and is rotated into or out of the desired location by the ratchet.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: Troy D. Pryor
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Patent number: 7188554Abstract: A drive system for a surgical fastener is composed of a drive tool with a drive tip that mates closely with the recess formed in the head of a threaded fastener. The surgical fastener has a head with a quadrilobe fitting therein which closely mates with the quardilobe tip of the tool. The cooperating drive surfaces align the fastener and tool coaxially and produce four point contact equidistant about the circumference of said fastener significantly reducing angular excursions of the fastener during placement in the bone.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Atlas Spine, Inc.Inventor: Matthew G. Baynham
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Patent number: 7188555Abstract: A multi-bit driver comprises a longitudinally oriented housing including a bit chuck at one end; a plurality of tool bits nested within said housing in a retracted position; and bit assemblies including tool bits and being operable to extend said tool bit from said refracted position to said extended position by a single longitudinal motion for selectively extending tool bits to an extended position and retracting said tool bits to said retracted position, such that in the extended position, said tool bits project from said bit chuck and are substantially longitudinally aligned with said housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Invent Smart Inc.Inventor: Fern Beauchamp
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Patent number: 7188556Abstract: A hand tool rotatable about an axis and having a handle and a bit in alignment along the axis. A plurality of inserts are available for individual placement between the handle and the bit for controlling torque transmitted by the tool. The insert can provide for limited or unlimited torque, in accord with the construction of the individual insert. The insert is replaceable relative to the tool.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Pilling Weck IncorporatedInventor: James A. Rinner
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Patent number: 7188557Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique that can alleviate noise when the clutch comes into engagement. Representative tightening tool according to the invention comprises a motor, a driven shaft driven by the motor, a tool bit driven by the driven shaft and a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a driving-side clutch element, a driven-side clutch element and an engagement speedup mechanism. The engagement speedup mechanism causes the driven-side clutch element to move at higher speed than the driven shaft when the driven-side clutch element moves toward the driving-side clutch element together with the driven shaft so as to engage with the driving-side clutch element. According to the invention, because driven-side clutch element can swiftly move toward the driving-side clutch element by the engagement speedup mechanism, noise when the clutch comes into engagement can be alleviated.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Makita CorporationInventor: Yukihiko Yamada
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Patent number: 7188558Abstract: The invention relates to a pyromechanical separating element having a hermetically sealed pyrotechnic pressure element (2), which is installed in a housing (1) and has a gas-forming pyrotechnic charge, and a detachable latching pin (5) which is separated from the pressure element (2) by a driving volume (19) and is inserted into the housing (1), wherein a first securing point is arranged on the housing (1) and a second securing point is arranged on the latching pin (5), and the latching pin (5) is anchored on the housing (1) by way of an arresting and force-limiting element (8).Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, IncInventors: Uwe Brede, Horst Lancht
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Patent number: 7188559Abstract: Typically 20–40 films of a tough first metal, normally 0.1–1.0 mm thick films of titanium, nickel, vanadium, and/or steel (iron) and alloys thereof, interleaved with a like number of films of a second metal, normally 0.1–1.0 mm thick films of aluminum or alloys thereof, are pressed together in a stack at less than 6 MPa and normally at various pressures 2–4 MPa while being gradually heated in the presence of atmospheric gases to 600–800° C. over a period of, typically, 10+ hours until the second metal is completely compounded; forming thus a metallic-intermetallic laminate composite material having (i) tough first-metal layers separated by (ii) hard, Vickers microhardness of 400 kg/mm2+, intermetallic regions consisting of an intermetallic compound of the first and the second metals. The resulting composite material is inexpensive, lightweight with a density of typically 3 to 4.5 grams/cubic centimeter, and very hard and very tough to serve as, among other applications, lightweight armor.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Kenneth Vecchio
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Patent number: 7188560Abstract: A fastening device for a gun barrel with respect to the turret of a carrier vehicle of the type incorporating a cheek integral with an oscillating mass carrying the gun barrel and an articulated part fastened to said turret, wherein said articulated part is fastened to said turret by a pivoting link and in that said part incorporates means to join it to said cheek.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: GIAT IndustriesInventor: Thierry Gabriel-Regis
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Patent number: 7188561Abstract: The adjustable firearm trigger mechanism and method of adjustment includes a firing pin block bar, a pivotally trigger shoe, and a link mechanism interconnecting the trigger shoe and the firing pin block bar. The link mechanism includes a sear bar coupled to the trigger shoe for rotation upon pivotal movement of the trigger shoe, and a push rod slidably disposed in one of a plurality of user selectable push rod holes in the trigger housing between a first pivoting end of the sear bar and the firing pin block bar. A trigger pull adjustment assembly is disposed between a second pivoting end of the sear bar and the trigger housing includes a trigger pull adjustment screw mounted in a threaded passage of the trigger housing, and a sear bar return spring abutting the trigger pull adjustment screw and inserted in a portion of the threaded passage of the trigger housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: George E. Kelbly
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Patent number: 7188562Abstract: The invention concerns a water-hydraulic machine with at least two mutually movable parts, of which one has a surface of a plastic material with friction-reducing properties. In such a machine it is desired to enable the use of demineralised water. For this purpose, it is ensured that a layer of a carbon-containing material is arranged between the plastics material and the other part.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventors: Ove Thorbøl Hansen, Palle Olsen, Lars Martensen, Erik Haugaard
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Patent number: 7188563Abstract: A piston arrangement for master and/or slave cylinders of a hydraulic actuating device for clutch and/or brake systems on motor vehicles is disclosed. An insert is inserted into a recess of the piston up to a first stop, the insert having a ball seat and an expandable insertion sleeve which is undercut with respect to the ball seat and protrudes with its expandable region. A ram is pushed into the sleeve with its ball end until it snaps into the ball seat. As the ram is further pressed axially, the insert slides over the first stop, is firmly pressed into a narrow hole section of the recess and strikes a second stop at the inner end of the recess. The insertion sleeve is then tightly enclosed by the piston wall and can no longer expand even in the event of very high pull-out forces, i.e. cannot release the ball end of the ram.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: FTE automotive GmbHInventors: Dirk Liebig, Stefan Gebert, Christian Sperber, Harry Steinmetz
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Patent number: 7188564Abstract: Disclosed is a duplex printer which is capable of performing simplex printing without wasting a master and providing a print output with a satisfactory image quality at the time of duplex printing, and which is capable of suppressing an increase in installation space while effecting adjustment on the print image position in the sheet conveyance direction. The duplex printer includes a printing section, a sheet feeding section, a sheet discharging section, an auxiliary tray, refeeding means for refeeding a sheet having an image printed on its front side, and a path selector that steers the sheet to one of the auxiliary tray and the sheet discharging section. In a duplex printing mode, a master having first and second perforated images formed thereon side by side is wound around a print drum, thereby performing duplex printing.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Tohoku Ricoh Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Ashikagaya
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Patent number: 7188565Abstract: A ink roller unit comprised of multiple ink rollers axially arrange in parallel on a turntable unit; the turntable unit being provided to a dancer; one end of the dancer being pivoted to a lateral shaft and the other end coupled to a drive unit; the dancer as driven swinging at a given angel along the lateral shaft; the turntable in turn changing its location to get near to that of the printing roller or not to facilitate selection of other ink rollers to execute the printing job.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Sunrise Pacific Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chih-Wang Chen
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Patent number: 7188566Abstract: A detonator (10) has a constant-diameter shell (12) which has a significantly higher shell length-to-diameter (outside diameter) ratio than prior art detonators. The shell (12) is configured to hold an explosive output charge (18) which is cylindrical in configuration and has a charge L:D ratio which is greater than that of prior art constant diameter detonators. As a result, a significant portion of the output signal of the detonator is directed laterally and it is feasible to transfer signals to a plurality of receptor lines disposed along that portion of the length of the detonator which is co-extensive with the length of the explosive output charge (18). A connector block (26) is configured to hold at least one array of receptor lines in side-by-side arrangement along the side of the detonator (10), and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the detonator (10).Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.Inventor: Ernest L. Gladden
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Patent number: 7188567Abstract: A gas generator (24; 140) may be used in an inflatable member system (20) which includes an inflatable member (22) expandable from a stowed condition to a deployed condition. The generator may include a flexible container (30; 150) within the inflatable member, a gas generant (28; 148), initially located within the flexible container, and an initiator (34). A propagating member (60; 142) may be located within the container to permit the initiator to initiate the generant upon triggering of the initiator to inflate the inflatable member from stowed to deployed conditions. A sustainer (44; 152; 156) may be provided to sustain the gas generation and may be positioned within a generator housing upstream of the propagating member or at or adjacent the downstream end of the propagating member.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Zodiac Automotive US Inc.Inventors: John R. Italiane, James M. Styner, Andrew C. Nguyen, Gary S. Gregg, Gary F. Holland, Michael A. Wilson
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Patent number: 7188568Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle (20) for movement within a tubular member (22) includes propulsion mechanisms (28) distributed about a core element (24). Each of the propulsion mechanisms (28) includes a drive belt (28). A first pulley (34), a second pulley (36), and a mid-roller assembly (38) are encompassed by and engage the drive belt (28). The mid-roller assembly (38) is spring-loaded for providing an outwardly-directed force (40) to an underlying portion (42) of the drive belt (28) to press the drive belt (28) against an inner wall (44) of the tubular member (22). A motor arrangement (46), in communication with the propulsion mechanisms (28), actuates one of the first and second pulleys (34, 36) to rotate the drive belt (28) in contact with the inner wall (44) of the tubular member (22) thereby moving the vehicle (20) within the tubular member (22).Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Arizona Public Service CompanyInventor: John Hugo Stout
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Patent number: 7188569Abstract: A criminal arresting method includes preparing a frame assembly, activating a first weight releasing device to allow a first weight to fall inside the frame assembly, activating reducing of size of a first loop inside the frame assembly, activating a second weight releasing device to allow a second weight to fall relative to the frame assembly and activating reducing of size a second loop inside the frame assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: Hsien-Ho Shen
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Patent number: 7188570Abstract: An embodiment of an enclosure for electrical equipment is described. The enclosure has a back part arranged to be mounted to a fixed support and having an open front, and a front part having an open back, arranged to contain electrical equipment, and hinged to the back part. A latch is mounted within one of the back and front parts, and is arranged to latch the front part and the back part closed. A key-operated control on the front of said front part permits a user to release the latch only by use of a key.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Middle Atlantic Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert Schluter, Richard King, Nico Corbo
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Patent number: 7188571Abstract: A method for the processing of carbon-containing polymeric material, the method comprising the steps of: Introducing the carbon-containing polymeric material into the retort of a retort assembly which includes a retort disposed at least partially within the combustion chamber, the retort containing an inert heat-transfer medium and an agitation means, wherein the agitation means is adapted to agitate the inert heat transfer medium and the carbon containing polymeric material, the combustion chamber having heating means to indirectly heat the rotatable retort; Heating the carbon-containing polymeric material and the inert heat transfer medium to cause such to at least partially decompose; Discharging processed carbon-containing polymeric material from the retort.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Tox Free Solutions LimitedInventor: Sergio Nusimovich
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Patent number: 7188572Abstract: A safety cover for a sewing machine of the present disclosure includes a transparent guard member shaped so as to cover at least a front side of a sewing needle, a fastening equipment for detachably attaching the guard member to a needle plate on an upper surface of the sewing machine bed.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinya Fujihara
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Patent number: 7188573Abstract: A water jet propulsion watercraft can be provided with: a supporting member that supports a straddle-type seat on a deck thereof. Steering handlebars can be disposed in front of the seat. A space can be formed between the seat and the deck directly underneath the seat, extending approximately over the entire length of the seat in a fore-and-aft direction of the watercraft. The supporting member can have an upper portion secured to the seat, a lower portion secured to the deck, and an intermediate portion connecting the upper portion and the lower portion. The intermediate portion can be provided at either the front end or the rear end of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiki Hirabara
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Patent number: 7188574Abstract: An improved floating circular hull construction arrangement. The hull is divided into sections by watertight flats. The flats are stiffened with angles or bulb tees curved to form concentric circles that are in turn supported by the radial girders spaced around the flats and spanning between the inner and outer-shells. In each section, longitudinal girders spaced radially around the inside of the outer-shell terminate at the flats and attach to the flats and do not penetrate the flats. The longitudinal girders are attached to flats aligned with the locations of the radial girders that extend across the flats to the inner and outer shells. A panel stiffening arrangement on the inner circumference of the outer shell is attached to the outer shell and the longitudinal girders. Longitudinal girders spaced around the outer circumference of the inner shell extend along the length of the inner shell and are attached to the radial girders.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: SparTEC, Inc.Inventors: Robin M. Converse, Young-Chan Park
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Patent number: 7188575Abstract: The invention is directed to a watercraft hull design that comprises a hull having a bow, stem, top, and bottom. A wedge-shaped wave spreading system is located at a forward portion of the craft. The wave-contacting surface planes of the wave spreading system are positioned substantially perpendicular to the plane of smooth water. The bottom edge of the wave spreading system is positioned near the level of smooth water when the watercraft is at cruising speed. The wave spreading system has a forward apex which forms a substantially perpendicular or vertical leading wedge to the plane of water. Since the apex and planes of the wave spreader are substantially perpendicular to the water, oncoming waves encountered by the wave spreader will tend to be deflected horizontally. Accordingly, the watercraft will more easily “cut through” waves instead of riding over them. Located rearwardly of the wave spreader, an internal hull prow is spaced from the wave spreading system, creating an air space therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: Elbert H. Baker
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Patent number: 7188576Abstract: A modular snap-tight interlocking deck and process for constructing a pontoon boat with said deck is described. The modular deck includes lightweight planks that snap together using a tongue-in-groove design. Once joined, the planks are inseparable and form a rigid, flat, watertight surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Xpress BoatsInventors: Jeff Bogard, David Ashcraft, Sr.
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Patent number: 7188577Abstract: A device for enhancing the maneuverability of motorboats and motoryachts includes a high velocity water jet pump (HVWJP) attached to the main engine through an electromagnetic clutch. High velocity water flows from the HVWJP's outlet to bow and stern side nozzles, through solenoid valves, individually controlled from the cockpit. The benefits of the device are that turns and lateral movements will be easier and faster, and extra power for fire fighting and emergency bilge water pumping are also available. Further, if the yacht, while speeding, strikes a rock or other submerged obiect and the propellers and shafts are destroyed, the crew will use the U section pipe to connect the NVWJP's outlet to an auxiliary propulsion pipe, demonstrate to the tug's skipper that his yacht is not a dead ship on the water, and legally claim and pay the towage fee, instead of the far more expensive salvage fee.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: Constantine N. Colyvas
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Patent number: 7188578Abstract: A cover plate removal tool including an elongate solid unit having a hollow longitudinal track having an end portion including a cylindrical recess having an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of said track. The cover plate removal tool also includes a plurality of solid pegs securable perpendicular within said track. The pegs are slidable back and forth within said track. The removal tool includes a solid cylindrical element having a lower portion proportioned to fill said cylindrical recess and further proportioned for complemental fit within said track.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: Robert James DeRosa
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Patent number: 7188579Abstract: A mooring pole line attachment device is disclosed comprised of a buoyant base, cylindrical sleeve, the cylindrical sleeve having circumferential rings utilized for engagement of a line. The buoyant base includes an outer cover, inner coil and is filled with a buoyant material. The base also includes a central bore therethrough having a diameter sufficient to receive the cylindrical sleeve therewithin and to allow the base to be affixed to the sleeve so that inferior termini of both base and sleeve align. The cylindrical sleeve is a tubular structure having a central bore of a sufficient diameter to allow placement of the device upon a mooring pole and to allow for sliding thereupon. The sleeve includes parallel, circumferential rings and grooves utilized as attachment points for mooring ropes. The device is placed upon a mooring pole and, due to its buoyancy, floats and thereby adjusts its position upon the pole in accordance with changes in water level.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: Dimitri J. Lemonides
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Patent number: 7188580Abstract: The invention is a marine wing-in-ground effect vehicle capable of sustained high speed operation in varying seas. The vehicle comprises an aerodynamic flat bottom lifting wing with a fuselage, a longitudinal keel member under the wing, a propulsion unit installed in the keel member, a vertical stabilizer airfoil mounted on top of the wing, and an overturn prevention tail at an aft end the wing. Port and starboard surface foils are pivotably mounted under the wing, and taper from a wider front end to a substantially narrow trailing end. The surface foils are selectively and independently pivoted between a deployed position and a retracted position by an actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: David L. Borman
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Patent number: 7188581Abstract: A marine drive and a marine vessel and drive combination have a trim tab with a forward end pivotally mounted to a marine propulsion device.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Richard A. Davis, David J. Gruenwald, John A. Groeschel, Todd P. Gruenstern
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Patent number: 7188582Abstract: A personal placement and location control system for controlling movement of one or more individuals to a particular destination. The control system provides a plurality of rows of indicators spaced apart from one another for defining a pathway of movement and an end of the line element, and where the path forming elements extend from the opposite ends of the end of the line element. The control system thereby guides individuals to a destination beyond the end of the line element. These elements are all located in a substrate, which can be placed on a ground surface. The substrate may contain instructional material or other advertising or promotional material.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventors: Dan Pharo, Alex J. Humbree