Patents Issued in March 27, 2007
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Patent number: 7195294Abstract: An anchor bracket is positional on a ground surface interior of the door opposite the base. An anchor bracket and the base lie along a horizontal plane. A bar extending across the door is pivotal about an axis extending parallel to a ground surface. Such a bar includes upper and lower portions, each having an aperture therein. The upper portion extends away from the outer edge of the door such that the upper portion is aligned to the top of the shaft and is positional in the slot. The upper portion is connected to the top of the shaft. The lower portion is connected to the anchor bracket. The bar includes a hook located on top of the shaft and positional about the door knob. The shaft and the bar are positioned interior of a door. The bar extends from the anchor bracket to the shaft and terminates midway of the door.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventor: Vernard White
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Patent number: 7195295Abstract: A latch driving unit is assembled in an exterior knob assembly of a door lock. The latch driving unit includes a pin, a resilient member, a locking disk, a rotatable disk, a torsion spring, a cap and a strip. The strip removably extends through the cap, torsion spring, rotatable disk, locking disk, resilient member and the pin. If the strip is bent with an incorrect length, it can be removed from the latch driving unit and replaced with an intact strip. Thus, the exterior knob assembly is still useful after replacing the strip, and waste is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Mei-Kuei Lee
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Patent number: 7195296Abstract: An apparatus that remotely actuates a hydraulic motor of a hydraulic device including a mounting device supported by the hydraulic device; a hydraulic pump located on the mounting device for supplying pressurized fluid to the hydraulic motor; a driving device located on the mounting device for the hydraulic pump; and a control device located on the mounting device, the control device including a receiver for receiving a control signal to operate the driving device. The hydraulic motor of the hydraulic device may be remotely controlled by the control signal from a remote transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventors: Robert Swift, Darren Grogan
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Patent number: 7195297Abstract: A vehicle security partition for use in vehicles to form a barrier between front and rear occupant areas.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Pro-Gard Products, LLCInventors: Kurt R. Murray, Jeffrey T. Bounds
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Patent number: 7195298Abstract: Restraining a spare wheel in a vehicular floor recession during a vehicle rear impact event is accomplished by securing a connection member from a first anchoring location outside of the recession to a second location within the floor recession. The spare wheel lies in the recession and a threaded bolt attached to the floor under the spare wheel passes through the center hole of the spare wheel. The threaded bolt also passes through a spare wheel holding plate that resides on the spare wheel hub to distribute a holding force from the plate to the circumference of the hub created by screwing a threaded wing nut onto the bolt passing through the holding plate. Since the belt passes from the wheel center to a location outside of the wheel's perimeter, the wheel and tire are securely restrained during the transmission of forces during a vehicular rear impact event.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Phaniraj Muthigi, Paul Duncanson, Reza Keshtkar
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Patent number: 7195299Abstract: A storage box for a cargo bay of a vehicle including a conveyor on which items, e.g., tools and materials, are stored. The conveyor is actuatable to move the items in a pre-selected direction, preferably toward the side or rear of the vehicle cargo bay to provide easy access to the items. In another aspect, the storage box includes fold-out shelving. The shelving includes multiple panels hinged together. A first panel is hingedly connected to an intermediate panel, which is hingedly connected to a second panel, which is pivotally connected to the storage box. The panels are operable in (a) a collapsed mode, where the panels fold substantially vertically against one another, and (b) an extended mode, where the first panel moves outwardly to a substantially vertical position and the intermediate and pivot panel pivot downward to a substantially horizontal position.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Steffens, James P. Sheeran
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Patent number: 7195300Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. One end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The other end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle by means of brackets secured to the tailgate, and a vehicle body hinge pin combines bushings with an aligned, elongated key to simplify installation and removal of the counterbalancing hinge assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: M&C CorporationInventor: Donald Mossom Austin
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Patent number: 7195301Abstract: A roll up ramp system facilitates transition between a first elevation and a second, higher elevation. The roll up ramp system includes a securement device temporarily connecting a roll up ramp to the second, higher elevation. Further included by the roll up ramp system are a plurality of links formed by a set of parallel plates interconnected by a central support rod and a pair of lateral locking rods. Each of the locking rods is provided with a plurality of selvedge linking units having a locking portion and a pivot portion. The links are interconnected by a plurality of linking support rods, which are accommodated by each of the selvedge linking units to form a roll up ramp. A rigid, durable ramp configuration is thereby achieved. The roll up ramp system is lightweight, strong, conveniently stored in a rolled up condition and readily deployed in an unrolled, ramp-like configuration to facilitate loading and unloading of equipment from a hauling vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventor: Kenneth M. Aulicino
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Patent number: 7195302Abstract: A vehicle rear seating arrangement is described that includes a vehicle passenger compartment structure and a seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat attachment part, a seat bottom portion with an upper seating surface and a seat extension portion with an extension seating surface. The seat attachment part is fixedly attached to the vehicle passenger compartment structure. The seat extension portion is supported by the seat assembly for movement between a stowed position underneath the seat bottom portion and a seat extending position in which the upper seating surface and the extension seating surface are generally aligned.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: Niko Jovicevic
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Patent number: 7195303Abstract: A seat sliding device for a vehicle for unlocking or retaining an unlocked state of a movable rail that supports a seat relative to a fixed rail by interlocking with a turning of a seat back in a forward direction or an operation of an operation handle, includes a link mechanism provided at one of a pair of rails which are arranged in parallel with each other by keeping a predetermined distance therebetween and a lock mechanism provided at the other one of the pair of rails. After the seat is moved in the forward direction with the seat back being turned forward, the link mechanism makes the lock mechanism inoperative so that the seat can be moved in a rearward direction regardless of a state of the seat back being positioned in the forward.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideo Nihonmatsu, Yukifumi Yamada
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Patent number: 7195304Abstract: A roll tarp system for use upon vehicles and trailers with rear doors or gates. The roll tarp system includes a tarp attached to a side of a container, a roller attached to the tarp opposite of the container, a rear inner arm pivotally attached to the container, a first bias member attached to the rear inner arm, a rear outer arm attached to the first bias member, a second bias member attached to the rear outer arm and rotatably connected to a rear end of the roller and a front support structure rotatably connected to a front end of the roller.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventor: Kurt D. Schmeichel
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Patent number: 7195305Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the rigidity of vehicle body can appropriately control the rigidity of a vehicle body. An apparatus for varying rigidity includes a plurality of (e.g. three) plate-like members comprising shape-memory alloy, and a plurality of (e.g. two) connecting-disconnecting members that are detachably connected to the plate-like members. Each connecting-disconnecting member includes a base member that detachably connects to the plurality of plate-like members via a connecting member fitted to each plate-like member, a plurality of pairs of pin guides and movable pin members that are fitted to the base member, and a plurality of (e.g. two) actuators that are controlled by an unillustrated controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuta Urushiyama, Shunji Suzuki
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Patent number: 7195306Abstract: A floor structure of a vehicle body capable of enhancing rigidity against a external force from a side of the vehicle body includes a pair of right and left side sills, a pair of front and rear cross members provided between the pair of right and left side sills, and a floor panel surrounded by the pair of right and left side sills and the pair of front and rear cross members. The floor panel is provided thereover with beads in a concentric arc shape spreading from parts at which the side sills and the cross members are vertically joined to each other. Reinforcement members are provided at corners defined by the side sills and the cross members in such a manner that the reinforcement members are slantingly placed and joined to the side sills and cross members.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhisa Egawa, Shigeto Yasuhara, Toshiaki Sato, Akihisa Kudoh
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Patent number: 7195307Abstract: A hinge is provided suitable for attaching a hood to a car or truck. The hinge includes generally tubular members sharing a common axis of rotation. Elastomeric elements interposed between the tubular members provide isolation between the parts of the hinge. Relative rotation between the tubular members compresses the elastomeric elements creating a spring-force opposing the relative rotation. The hood, hinge, and vehicle may be configured so that the spring-force of the elastomeric elements assists in opening and/or closing of the hood.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Eric N. Tucker, Joseph F. Marrs
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Patent number: 7195308Abstract: A passenger vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle body with a first pillar extending upward from a lateral side of the body. A side member extends along the body and a second pillar extends upward and rearward from the side member. The second pillar has a lower end affixed to the side member between a front seating row and a rear seating row of the vehicle. An upper end of the second pillar is displaced adjacent to the rear seating row of the vehicle, and is spaced apart from the front seating row of the vehicle. The orientation of the second pillar maximizes impact strength, rear occupant ingress and egress between the pillars and a lateral range of vision for the driver.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kolita Mendis, Benny Sommerfeld, Hakan Ericson, Dirk Koring
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Patent number: 7195309Abstract: A bodyside for an automotive vehicle includes a folded structure having a generally horizontal floor portion and a generally vertical side portion which is unitary with the floor portion. A wheelhouse structure, which is indexed with a wheelhouse cutout of an outer panel applied to the bodyside, is formed integrally with the floor portion and the side portion by a folding process. End portions of the wheelhouse structure are closed either by closure panels or storage compartments.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Saravanan Subramanian, Raj Sohmshetty, Jim E. DeVries, Paul E. Geck
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Patent number: 7195310Abstract: A chair includes a support assembly comprised of a first leg set having two space first bars and a second leg set having two space second bars located between and pivoted to the first bars. A backrest has is rotatable with respect to the support assembly to selectively change a tilting angle thereof. A tubular slide is movably fit over a free end of each first bar and is pivoted to the backrest. The slide has a fastening device to selectively secure the slide with respect to the first bar thereby releasably securing the backrest at a desired tilting angle. A wire and a spring are selectively connected between the slide and the first bar to prevent the slide from undesired separation from the first bar and to induce a returning force to move the backrest from a tilted position back to a regular position.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventor: Benjamin P Reese
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Patent number: 7195311Abstract: Safety device for a vehicle seat which is fixed inside a vehicle including lateral guides. The safety device consists of at least one safety rail fixed in the vehicle, in the region between the guides, and comprises associated securing mechanisms which are connected to the vehicle seat, and co-operate with the safety rail in a non-contact manner for regular loads applied to the seat, and in the event of irregular, especially accident-related deformations and/or movements in the region of the vehicle seat, engage with the safety rail in such a way that they block further deformation/displacements. The securing mechanisms and the safety rail are embodied in such a way that, during the engagement, reaction forces which act in the direction of axes (X, Y, Z) of a standard vehicle co-ordinates system are applied in a distributed manner to at least two different engagement regions of the safety rail.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Norbert Kuliha, Uwe Schmale, Bernd Engels
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Patent number: 7195312Abstract: An armrest assembly for a motor vehicle seat having a first support member pivotably mounted to a seat structure, a second support member rotatably mounted to the first support member, and a biasing arrangement positioned relative to the first and second support members. The biasing arrangement exerts a predetermined biasing force on the second support member to prevent the second support member from rotating relative to the first member until a sufficient load force is applied to the armrest to overcome the biasing threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Mark W Crossman, Rajkumar Rajagopalan, Sharath Varadappa
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Patent number: 7195313Abstract: In a headrest (201) for a vehicle seat, having a support (205), at least one upper and lower linkage (211, 215) hinged to the support (205), which are pivotable around horizontal axles (207, 217), an impact element (213) hinged to the linkages (211, 215), which forms at least one four-bar linkage (219) with the linkages (211, 215) and the support (205), and an energy storage, the energy storage driving the four-bar linkage (219) in the event of a crash, so that the impact element (213) is driven out forwardly from an initial position into a crash position that is locked rearward by a crash lock, a drive (271) is provided by way of which, in normal use, the headrest (201) can be brought from its initial position to at least one other comfort position.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Daniel Hippel, Harald Klein, Jürgen Schilling, Andreas Diehl
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Patent number: 7195314Abstract: An infant car seat having a headrest that can be manually adjusted to accommodate infants of different heights. The headrest has a lever with a prong that engages a series of pockets in the seat body, allowing the headrest to be fixed in several different positions. The car seat can have removable armrests that slide into openings in the sides of the seat body and lock in place. The car seat can have a foldable cup holder that clips onto the side of the seat body.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.Inventors: Scott Spence, Troy Richardson
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Patent number: 7195315Abstract: A device for tightening a seat belt (1) such as, for example, a three-point seat belt comprising a lap belt part (2) and a diagonal belt part (3), where the seat belt is used to fix a child car seat in a passenger seat. A portion of the seat belt preferably the lap belt part (2) is arranged in connection with the child car seat's lower portion (4). The device is characterised in that the lower portion (4) is designed with an abutment portion (4a) for placing a portion of the seat belt, preferably the lap belt part (2). Furthermore, a tightening unit (5) is rotatably mounted in at least one mounting point (6) in connection with the child car seat's lower portion (4). The lap belt part (2) is arranged in such manner that it abuts against portions of the abutment portion (4a) and the tightening unit (5) when the tightening unit (5) is located in an initial position.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: HTS Han Torgersen & Sønn ASInventor: Johannes Hendrikus Rikhof
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Patent number: 7195316Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in sitting on a vehicle and a method for use in manufacturing a seat. The apparatus can include a base, a back secured with the base and a seat pan secured with the base. The seat pan can further include a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured to pivot relative to the second portion, such that the first portion of the seat pan pivots allowing a distal end to pivot so that the distal end can be moved out of a relative alignment with the second portion. The seat pan can be movably secured with the base allowing the seat pan to move generally horizontally. The back can also be pivotably secured at with the base allowing a lower portion of the back proximate the seat pan to pivot.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kevin W. Shimasaki, Bethany L. Franko, Bette-Ann Shroyer, Mark E. Wentland
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Patent number: 7195317Abstract: In a fitting (1) for a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a first fitting part (5), a second fitting part (8) that is pivotably mounted relative to the first fitting part (5) by way of a backrest bolt (10), a locking pawl that is pivotably mounted on the first fitting part (5) by way of a pawl bolt (13) and that is interacting with the second fitting part (8) to lock the fitting (1), and two braces (49) arranged on the outer side of the first fitting part (5) between the backrest bolt (10) and the pawl bolt (13), the backrest bolt is additionally structure-fixedly supported on the first fitting part (5) and/or a structure part (7).Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Martin Kraus, Olaf Kreuels
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Patent number: 7195318Abstract: A reclining device of a vehicle seat for easily locking and releasing the vehicle seat so as to increase performance of the vehicle seat and to improve quality thereof. The reclining device is easily assembled, by removing minor shortcomings that may occur during the assembly process, and enhances engagement of the locking teeth with the upper teeth when the reclining device is installed to a vehicle, so that the convenience as well as quality, strength, and durability of the reclining device are enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: DAS Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae-Won Cha, Myung-Jin Chang
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Patent number: 7195319Abstract: A reclining chair, in particular a passenger chair, for use in a vehicle such as an aircraft, bus or mobile home. The chair includes a base assembly, a seat frame located above the base assembly, a seat attached to the seat frame, and a seat back connected to the seat frame. In various embodiments, the chair includes features such as an energy absorbing base assembly, an adjustable arm rest, a fully reclining seat back and a seat that increases its angle with respect to the horizontal as the seat back reclines, thereby forcing one back into the chair. The seat and seat back is also capable of achieving a fully horizontal position when the seat back is fully reclined.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: John Williamson, Kurt Anglese, Sreekanth Chintapudi, Pedro Meneses
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Patent number: 7195320Abstract: A free-blast method for extracting ore from an ore vein deposit wherein the vein is extracted by causing the ore comprised between the rock walls bordering the vein to spall into fragments. The ore fragments are recuperated as by aspiration and subsequently processed to retrieve the precious mineral.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Rocmec International Inc.Inventor: Donald Brisebois
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Patent number: 7195321Abstract: A tool has a tapered forward cutting end behind which is a cylindrical shank. A rearwardly facing annular flange separates the forward cutting end from the shank. The shank is received in a tool holder having a planar forward surface, and fitted around the shank of the tool and resting on the forward surface of the tool holder is an annular wear ring. The wear ring has a small outer diameter portion that is less than the outer diameter of the radial flange and less than the diameter of the forward end of the tool holder, thereby allowing a gap between those parts to receive an extraction tool. The wear ring also has a large outer diameter portion at least equal to the diameter of the forward surface of the tool holder.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: The Sollami CompanyInventor: Phillip A. Sollami
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Patent number: 7195322Abstract: A luggage wheel assembly comprises an L-shaped bezel including a hollow lower portion of arcuate section, and a well defined by the lower portion for receiving a wheel; and a shock absorber extended from the wheel into the lower portion. Lower, oblique first slot and upper, oblique second slot are provided on either side of an inner wall of the lower portion respectively. A wheel mount comprises a lower hole at either side, an upper hole at either side, an axle inserted through the first slot and the lower hole at one side, a hub of the wheel, and the lower hole and the first slot at the other side, two pins inserted through the upper holes and the second slots, and two C-shaped clips put on projected shanks of the pins on the second slots for fastening. The invention can eliminate wobbles occurred when towing on uneven surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jer Hong Lin, Boon Hwa Lau
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Patent number: 7195323Abstract: The present invention provides an electric brake system in which an actual control variable in the electric brake when overshooting is generated is determined, and the target value is set to a maximum value of the actual control variable in the electric brake when overshooting is generated. Therefore, the target value and the actual control variable will be in agreement with each other before hunting to be generated after overshooting starts. Accordingly, the output of the electric brake is gradually stabilizing at the target value without an oscillation phenomenon as in a related art.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Haruo Arakawa, Takahisa Yokoyama, Takayuki Takeshita
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Patent number: 7195324Abstract: A disc storage unit includes a case, a tray supported by the case and configured to support an array of discs in respective parallel vertical planes across which respective coaxial axes of the discs pass horizontally. There is a disc-raising mechanism having a finger activatable to lift one of the discs from the tray within its respective plane to thereby render that disc non-coaxial with other discs that might be supported by the tray. The storage unit also includes an indexing mechanism that is configured to cause the disc-raising mechanism to raise others of the discs in a like manner. This enables labels of the raised discs to be viewed for selection by a user.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: C. C. & L Company LimitedInventor: Sik-Leung Chan
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Patent number: 7195325Abstract: An accessory for a conveyance comprises a receiving element for receiving a data recording device, more particularly, a digital camera. An electrical connection is contained in the receiving element for engaging corresponding contacts of the data recording device to enable data to be downloaded from the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 7195326Abstract: A photo print is produced from image data. A system controller classifies the photo prints on the basis of additional information of the image data under a classification condition recorded in a smart medium. The photo prints are discharged to sorting trays. The system controller allocates the respective sorting trays to each classification. When the photo print is discharged to the sorting tray, a sorter switches a conveyance route of the photo print in response to a classification signal sent from the system controller. The photo prints are distributed to the sorting trays every classification. Owing to this, the photo prints are prevented from being discharged in a mixed state.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keizo Uchioke, Takao Miyazaki
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Patent number: 7195327Abstract: A droplet ejection apparatus provided with: a drive signal generator for generating drive signals including a plurality of drive pulses; a drive pulse selector for selecting drive pulses in accordance with a print datum of each pixel; and a head for ejecting a droplet from a nozzle provided corresponding to a channel, by changing a volume of the channel according to the drive pulses selected, wherein, the drive signal includes a micro-vibration pulse as one of the drive pulses to generate a micro-vibration of meniscus in the nozzle in such a degree that the droplet is not ejected, said micro-vibration pulse being formed of rectangular waves which include at least one micro-vibration pulse having a pulse width of (2n) AL, where AL is ½ of the acoustic resonance period of the channel, and n is an integer not smaller than 1.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Akiko Kitami, Kazuo Asano
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Patent number: 7195328Abstract: A printhead module comprising at least first and second rows of print nozzles that extend along at least part of a pagewidth to be printed, each nozzle including first circuitry of a first type and second circuitry of a second type, such that, in plan view, the first and second circuitry are generally located at opposite ends of the nozzle, wherein the nozzles are orientated such that the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of each nozzle of the first row are mirrored or rotated relative to the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of corresponding nozzles in the second row.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Mark Jackson Pulver, Michael John Webb, John Robert Sheahan, Simon Robert Walmsley
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Patent number: 7195329Abstract: Inkjet printers having a microelectromechanical printhead are liable to printing inconsistencies due to various factors such as variations in the processes used to manufacture the printhead, e.g. actuator width, and ink temperature. In order to maintain a relatively constant print consistency an inkjet printer is provided having a printhead from which emanate a number of feedback lines. Feedback signals indicating parameters such as as printhead temperature and actuator width and resistivity are conveyed to a processor that adjusts the duration of firing pulses delivered to the actuators in a compensatory manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7195330Abstract: An ink container which includes an ink supply port for supplying ink to a recording head, and is formed with a flexible member shaped like a bag, which deforms in accordance with an amount of remaining ink contained therein, the ink container including: a sensor module serving as vibration activating and detecting unit, provided on one of the surfaces of the ink container, for emitting a vibration to the ink; and a rigid member provided on a location of the other surface of the ink container, which is opposed to the sensor module; wherein an amount of remaining ink is detected based on a vibration characteristic of the vibration activating and detecting unit which depends on a distance between the vibration activating and detecting unit and the rigid member.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Takeo Seino, Munehide Kanaya, Atsushi Kobayashi, Takahiro Katakura
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Patent number: 7195331Abstract: An ink jet printer is characterised in that a connection part (1) of an umbilical connected to a connection part of a print head of the printer, comprises: first (12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20–23, 25) and second means (12, 14, 15, 16, 25) for positioning the umbilical electrical terminations (13, 19) and hydraulic terminations (24) mechanically fixed to the connection part (1) of the umbilical; third (12, 28) positioning means mechanically connected to the umbilical, and fourth positioning means (31, 48) mechanically connected to the connection part (3) of the print head, the third (12, 28) positioning means and the fourth positioning means (31, 48) cooperating to position the connection part (1) of the umbilical with respect to the connection part (3) of the print head. A translation movement alone is necessary to connect the umbilical onto the print head.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Imaje S.A.Inventors: Thierry Colombat, Julien Cocagne
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Patent number: 7195332Abstract: The present invention provides an ink-jet type recording apparatus that accurately compute the remaining amount of waste liquid, thereby utilizing a waste-liquid absorbing function of the waste liquid absorber at a maximum and prevent the waste liquid from leaking outside the apparatus. The ink-jet type recording apparatus includes a first remaining amount counter for managing a remaining amount A of waste liquid of which an evaporation amount is computed based on time information acquired from a host, a second remaining amount counter for managing a remaining amount B of waste liquid of which an evaporation amount is computed in case where there is not time information from the host, and an overflow deciding unit for accurately deciding the remaining amount of waste liquid by adding A and B when computing the total amount of waste liquid in a waste liquid absorber.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Takashi Akase, Nobuhito Takahashi
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Patent number: 7195333Abstract: An ink jet print station with improved start-up reliability includes an ink reservoir and a printhead. The printhead has at least two drop generators, a return line connected to the generator's fluid ports, an orifice plate connected to the drop generator for forming jets, at least two filters, a controller for operating the valves to control flow, and an ink pump. The ink pump is adapted to move ink from the reservoir to the printhead. Upon startup, fluid is applied independently to the first filter and then the second filter. A method for at least partially filling filters in an ink jet uses the ink jet print station with improved start up reliability.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: David A. Huliba
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Patent number: 7195334Abstract: A head cap which comes into close contact with a nozzle surface of a function liquid droplet ejection head to thereby seal the function liquid droplet ejection head has a cap base; an absorbing material housing part which is formed in the cap base; a function liquid absorbing material which is filled inside the absorbing material housing part; an absorbing material urging member which urges the function liquid absorbing material; a sealing member; and a seal fixing member which fixes the sealing member to the cap base. The sealing member is fixed to the cap base in a state of urging the peripheral portion of the absorbing material urging member. There is thus obtained a head cap as well as a liquid droplet ejection apparatus in which the function liquid absorbing material can be easily replaced without impairing the original function of the sealing operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Shinichi Nakamura
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Patent number: 7195335Abstract: A liquid member ejecting device comprises an ejecting head and a liquid member tank for storing a liquid member and supplying the liquid member to the ejecting head. The liquid member ejecting device further comprises an attracting member for covering nozzles, a first decompressing section which is connected to the first attracting section for decompressing inside of the ejecting head via the first attracting member, a second attracting member for covering the nozzles, and a second decompressing section which is connected to the second attracting member so as to decompress inside of the ejecting head via the second attracting member and inside of the liquid member tank while communicating the liquid member tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Takahiro Usui
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Patent number: 7195336Abstract: A high volume printing assembly includes an array of printers. Each printer includes a housing. Locking fee project beyond the housing on one side. Apertures corresponding to the fee are located on an opposing side of the housing to receive the feet of a neighboring printer. The printers are daisy-chained together by means of serial data-in and data-out ports. A control station is provided to monitor and control the array. The array may be disposed as a column of printers mounted upon a suitable table or alternatively it can also be provided as a row of printers stacked side by side upon a suitable mounting frame. In a preferred embodiment each of the printers is of a high-speed type that includes a pagewidth printhead.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7195337Abstract: A mailing machine print head and carriage that use one or more systems or elements to latch the print head in a controlled location and to guide it into and out of that location in a manner that prevents debris from being transferred to the electrical connector contacts is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Walter J. Kulpa, Norman L. Barrigas
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Patent number: 7195338Abstract: There is disclosed an ink jet printhead which comprises a plurality of nozzles and one or more heater elements corresponding to each nozzle. Each heater element is configured to heat a bubble forming liquid in the printhead to a temperature above its boiling point to form a gas bubble therein. The generation of the bubble causes the ejection of a drop of an ejectable liquid (such as ink) through respective corresponding nozzle, to effect printing. Each heater element has a surface area to volume ratio greater than 4:1. This configuration ensures that heat is quickly transferred from the elements to the ink for efficient operation and minimal heating of the printhead substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7195339Abstract: An ink jet nozzle assembly for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate defining an ink supply passage. A drive circuitry layer is formed on the wafer substrate. A nozzle is formed on the drive circuitry layer and defines an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply passage, a side aperture in fluid communication with the ink chamber and an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the ink chamber. A support extends from the drive circuitry layer. A thermal bend actuator extends from the support, through the side aperture and terminates in a free end within the ink chamber. The actuator includes a first layer having a first co-efficient of thermal expansion, and a second layer deposited on the first layer which has a second co-efficient of thermal expansion. The first layer is coupled to the drive circuitry layer so that, in use, the drive circuitry layer can actuate bending of the thermal bend actuator so as to move the free end and thereby eject ink from the ink ejection port.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7195340Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ink-jet recording method comprising a step of applying thermal energy to an ink to generate bubbles thereby ejecting the ink from an ejecting portion to record, wherein the relationship among a cloud point (T) of a liquid obtained by removing coloring material from the ink, a temperature T0 of the ink before formation of the bubbles in a portion in which the bubbles are generated and a temperature T1 of a part of the ink, which includes a portion in contact with the bubbles and surrounds the bubbles, satisfies T0<T<T1.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akira Nagashima, Shinichi Hakamada
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Patent number: 7195341Abstract: A semiconductor substrate for a micro-fluid ejection device. The substrate includes plurality of micro-fluid ejection actuators disposed adjacent a fluid supply slot in the semiconductor substrate. A plurality of power transistors, occupying a power transistor active area of the substrate, are disposed adjacent the ejection actuators and are connected through a first metal conductor layer to the ejection actuators. An array of logic circuits, occupying a logic circuit area of the substrate, is disposed adjacent the plurality of power transistors and is connected through a polysilicon conductor layer to the power transistors. A power conductor and a ground conductor for the ejection actuators is routed in a second metal conductor layer. The power conductor overlaps at least a portion of the power transistor active area of the substrate and the ground conductor overlaps at least a portion of the logic circuit area of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: David G. King, Kristi M. Rowe
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Patent number: 7195342Abstract: There is disclosed an ink jet printhead that has a plurality of nozzles 3 and one or more heater elements 10 in a bubble forming chamber 7 corresponding to each nozzle 3. Each heater element 10 is configured to heat a bubble forming liquid 11 in the printhead to a temperature above its boiling point to form a gas bubble 12 therein. The generation of the bubble 12 causes the ejection of a drop 16 of an ejectable liquid (such as ink) through an ejection aperture 5 in each nozzle 3, to effect printing. The heater element is laterally enclosed by the interior surface of the bubble forming chamber. The nucleation and growth of a gas bubble causes the pressure pulse that ejects ink from the nozzle aperture. If the bubble is not enclosed, much of the pressure dissipates sideways instead of through the nozzle with the ejected ink.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7195343Abstract: A micro-fluid ejection device structure and method therefor having improved low energy design. The devices includes a semiconductor substrate and an insulating layer deposited on the semiconductor substrate. A plurality of heater resistors are formed on the insulating layer from a resistive layer selected from the group consisting of TaAl, Ta2N, TaAl(O,N), TaAlSi, Ti(N,O), WSi(O,N), TaAlN, and TaAl/TaAlN. A sacrificial layer selected from an oxidizable metal and having a thickness ranging from about 500 to about 5000 Angstroms is deposited on the plurality of heater resistors. Electrodes are formed on the sacrificial layer from a first metal conductive layer to provide anode and cathode connections to the plurality of heater resistors. The sacrificial layer is oxidized in a plasma oxidation process to provide a fluid contact layer on the plurality of heater resistors.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Frank E. Anderson, Byron V. Bell, Robert W. Cornell, Yimin Guan