Patents Issued in April 3, 2007
  • Patent number: 7198120
    Abstract: The invention provides a down-the-hole drill assembly having exhaust passages from upper and lower chambers past the inner end of a bit and through the body of the bit to exit through the bit face. The construction of the assembly and bit obviates a foot valve tube from the head of the bit and the disadvantages associated with this component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Bernard Lionel Gien
  • Patent number: 7198121
    Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has two drive motors that are connected by belts to spring-mounted front and rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Lamela, Brian E. Felsing, Troy D. Bateman
  • Patent number: 7198122
    Abstract: A device for transporting strollers includes a base member having a plurality of compartments, a plurality of wheels for supporting the base member wherein two such wheels are mounted adjacent the rear portion and another wheel is pivotally mounted to the base member. A plurality of elongated straps are secured to the top surface and to a stroller positioned thereon respectively. The device further includes a mechanism for rotating at least two of the plurality of wheels and a hand-operable remote control unit for selectively transmitting RF signals to the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a plurality of motors, at least one power source disposed within select ones of the plurality of compartments, a receiver for receiving the RF signals generated from the remote control, and a microprocessor electrically coupled to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7198123
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle mode shift control device comprises a drive force combining transmission that includes a differential gear device coupled to an engine, at least one motor, and an output member, an engine clutch configured to connect and disconnect the engine with the differential gear device, and a low brake configured to hold the drive force combining transmission at a lower side gear ratio. The hybrid vehicle is operated at least in an EV mode, an EV-LB mode, an E-iVT mode, and an LB mode. A mode shift control section is configured to select one of a mode shift route passing through the EV mode and a mode shift route passing through the LB mode when a mode shift request is issued to shift from the EV-LB mode to the E-iVT mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoya Imazu, Shinichiro Joe, Tatsuya Nagato
  • Patent number: 7198124
    Abstract: An energy producing and storage system for a vehicle includes a compressed gas storage tank having a generally cylindrical outer wall and a generally cylindrical battery having a partially triangular section defined in part by a concave surface extending along and nested with at least a portion of the cylindrical outer wall of the gas storage tank. The energy producing and storage system also includes a fuel cell disposed in a concavity formed in the vehicle body, thereby further minimizing the passenger and/or trunk space required to accommodate the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Rick Amori, Frank Stellon, Mike Veenstra, Deborah D. Pittman, Josephine Lee
  • Patent number: 7198125
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis and a cab supported on the chassis by means of a support system which maintains the cab level. The support system comprises two pairs of hydraulic actuators. Each pair of actuators is operative to tilt the cab relative to the chassis about a respective one of two mutually inclined axes. The two actuators of each pair are connected to a common pumping element in such a manner that whenever the volume of hydraulic fluid in one of the actuators in the pair is reduced, the volume of hydraulic fluid in the other actuator of the same pair is correspondingly increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Skelcher, Graeme J. Yorwarth
  • Patent number: 7198126
    Abstract: A front suspension system for a recreational vehicle such as a snowmobile has a lower A-arm assembly and an upper suspension arm for connecting each front ski to the chassis of the recreational vehicle. The lower A-arm restrains the front ski from moving backward or laterally while the upper arm connects to the top of the spindle to ensure that the spindle remains substantially vertical when the front ski encounters a bump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: BRP Finland Oy
    Inventor: Esa Vaisanen
  • Patent number: 7198127
    Abstract: A snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement, includes: a four-cycle engine arranged in an engine compartment formed in the front body of a snowmobile with its crankshaft laid substantially parallel to the body width and having a cylinder case inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel. The engine employs a dry sump oil supplying system and an oil tank separate from the engine is provided. Another snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement includes: a four-cycle engine having a cylinder head at its top, arranged in the engine compartment and inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel with an intake path provided on the upper portion of the engine body. An intercooler for cooling the intake air is arranged in a tunnel created inside the body frame for accommodating a track belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuaki Yatagai, Hitoshi Matsumura
  • Patent number: 7198128
    Abstract: A motorcycle having one or more translucent body panels, such as an airbox cover and a flyscreen. The translucent body panels can be sufficiently opaque to mask the components positioned behind the body panel when the motorcycle is viewed from a distance, but yet allow visual inspection of those components when viewed from a position adjacent the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Buell Motorcycle Company
    Inventors: Erik F. Buell, Michael D. Samarzja, Charles A. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 7198129
    Abstract: A motorcycle in which a fuel tank and a radiator are disposed on the lower side of a floor tunnel portion disposed in the area ranging from the rear side of a head pipe for steerably bearing a front wheel and a steering handle to the lower side of the front end of a rider's seat to make it possible to arrange component parts while effectively utilizing the space on the lower side of the floor tunnel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Sakaki, Fuminori Kamemizu, Kazuhiko Mori, Seiichi Kurohori
  • Patent number: 7198130
    Abstract: A V-drive motor arrangement for a motor vehicle, with the motor vehicle including a pair of frame members maintained in a spaced apart relationship. The V-drive motor arrangement includes a first motor mounted between the two frame members and coupled to a first gear set. A second motor is mounted between the two frame members and coupled to a gear set. Each motor is aligned with each respective gear set at a gear mesh angle other than 90°. Another embodiment of the V-drive motor arrangement includes the motors mounted at an angle relative to the horizontal plane of the frame members. Each gear set can be a bevel gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Schimke
  • Patent number: 7198131
    Abstract: A mounting bracket 11 formed of a material having a thickness which permits no resistance welding relative to the thickness of a plate constituting a vehicle body frame 10, having a mounting portion 28 which is so thick as not to be welded to the vehicle body frame 10 through resistance welding and on which components to be mounted 13, 14 are mounted, and being provided with a welding portion 33, adapted to be welded to the vehicle body frame 10, which is formed into a thickness which is thinner than the mounting portion 28 and which permits a resistance welding relative to the thickness of the plate which constitutes the vehicle body frame 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromichi Tsushima
  • Patent number: 7198132
    Abstract: A tiller for a pedestrian-controlled fork-lift truck, comprising a hollow tiller rod which has its lower end hinged to a support for a steerable wheel and has its other end connected to a loop-shaped handle which, at the rear end, has a gripping portion extending crosswise to the tiller rod, a retaining extension extending into the interior of the handle as an elongation of the tiller rod, a handle means pivotally supported by the retaining extension which is coupled to a lifting means via a pusher or puller element within the tiller rod, wherein the handle means having an intermediate neutral pivoting position and two opposed pivoting positions in which it actuates the lifting means for a lifting or lowering operation, characterized in that the handle means is a loop-shaped elongated gripping element including two approximately parallel extending long element portions which extend crosswise to the tiller axis, and two curved, short element portions (interconnecting the long element portions which are located
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephane Gerbier, Stephane Launay
  • Patent number: 7198133
    Abstract: A one-piece, transparent flexible ear coupler for use with hearing evaluation is disclosed. It includes an annular side wall and a bottom wall forming an acoustic chamber. A flexible adhesive-backed flange is disposed on the periphery of the ear coupler. The flange attaches to the subject's head, firmly holding the ear coupler in place over the ear. The annular side wall has a port for the placement of a transducer assembly, and also has ribs to help lock the transducer assembly in place. The transducer assembly can be placed in an up or down position, and can be switched between positions while the coupler is attached to the subject's head. The ear coupler advantageously conforms to the subject's head, thereby minimizing the likelihood that the ear coupler will become detached during testing. The coupler can be inexpensively manufactured, since its one-piece design allows the use of relatively low-cost processes such as injection molding and thermoforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventors: Jessica Ash Warring, Alfred Christian Walton
  • Patent number: 7198134
    Abstract: A method is provided for assisting multiple climbers in ascending and descending the same ladder using an apparatus that includes a plurality of counterweights and a rigging system coupled to the counterweights, the rigging system includes at least two subsystems, each subsystem includes at least one cable, at least one pulley, and at least one harness. The method includes configuring a first subsystem to assist a first climber in ascending and descending the ladder, configuring a second subsystem to assist a second climber in ascending and descending the ladder, coupling a first harness to the first climber, coupling a second harness to the second climber, using the first subsystem to assist the first climber in ascending and descending the ladder, and using the second subsystem to assist the second climber in ascending and descending the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David Lawrence LeMieux
  • Patent number: 7198135
    Abstract: A lifting platform for motor vehicles has at least one extendable lifting column that is formed by a tubular jacket and a lifting cylinder unit arranged at least partially therein. The upper end of the lifting cylinder unit supports a load receptacle. The tubular jacket and the lifting cylinder unit are air-tightly connected to one another and form a compressed air storage chamber between the inner wall of the tubular jacket and the outer wall of the lifting cylinder unit. The compressed air storage chamber is provided with a compressed air supply connector and, in the upper end area, with a compressed air outlet connector. The lifting device is preferably an underfloor lifting platform with hydraulic cylinders. A check valve is arranged in the filling direction upstream of the compressed air supply connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: autop Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Naber
  • Patent number: 7198136
    Abstract: An elevator system is provided with multiple sky lobbies to reduce the space required for elevator shafts and the space required for the entire elevator system, as well as the required elevator speed and motor capacity. Sky lobbies Ls1–Lsx are arranged above building lobby LG at ground level, with a prescribed number of floors between them. Shuttle elevator (1) stops only at building lobby LG and sky lobbies Ls1–Lsx, and passes through the various floors between lobbies by making them an express region. Local elevators service the floors in each bank between adjacent sky lobbies. Local elevators (2a), (2c), (2e), (2g) for the odd-numbered banks are arranged along the same elevator shaft, and local elevators (2b), (2d), (2f) for the even-numbered banks are arranged along another same elevator shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Masazumi Urata
  • Patent number: 7198137
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback with position sensing are described. In one described system, a first and second brake surfaces are configured to contact each other. An actuator may be configured to exert a force on at least one of the first and second brake surfaces in order to produce a haptic effect. The actuator comprises an actuator surface. The actuator surface defines a cavity configured to receive a sensing device. The first brake surface may comprise a coding from which the sensing device can sense relative movement of the first brake surface with respect to the sensing device. The described system may comprise a processor in communication with the actuator and the sensing device to control the actuator in providing the haptic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventor: Neil T. Olien
  • Patent number: 7198138
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the fluid powered brake systems of vehicles using brake drum and lined brake shoes internally expanded by cam. The invented device automatically adjusts the slack, which develops due to the wearing of brake liners and the drum. When the angular movement of the Lever Housing (1) exceeds the desired limit due to the wear, the internal device adjusts the excess clearance of slack automatically. The parts consist of a Worm Wheel (3); an enmeshing Worm Shaft (4); a Paul (6); a Leaf Spring (1); a Ratchet cylinder (5); an Acuator Rod (7); a Guide (9); an End Connector (8); a Clevis (2); and Clevis Pins (2A) and 2(B). When brakes are applied, the Actuator Rod (7) gets pulled out and engages the Paul (6) with the Ratchet cylinder (5). On the return stroke the Paul (6) rotates the worm shaft (4) which in turn rotates the worm wheel (3) and the attached cam thereby removing the slack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: ANG Automotive India Private Limited
    Inventors: Premjit Singh Chadha, Nirmal Bhagat Choudhary
  • Patent number: 7198139
    Abstract: A brake cooling system that directs cooling air to a vehicle brake assembly. The cooling system includes an air guide that, during operation of the vehicle, receives air, pressurizes air, and directs pressurized air to the brake assembly. The air guide cooperates with a support structure, such as a wheel well liner, provided by the vehicle to define an air passageway that is gradually reduced in cross-section toward the distal end of the air guide so as to transform a relatively low pressure incoming air stream into a relatively higher pressure outgoing air stream. The outgoing air stream is focused on the brake assembly to thereby cool the brake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Derek Wilson, Shawn Crichley, Michael Missig
  • Patent number: 7198140
    Abstract: A controllable brake includes a rotor supported on one shaft end. The rotor is housed within a chamber containing a field controllable material which is acted upon by a magnetic field generator to change the rheology of the material and thereby impede movement of the rotor. The shaft is supported by two bearings which, in combination with the housing define a second housing chamber adapted to enclose means for monitoring and/or controlling the brake and in this way, an integrated, compact controllable brake is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Jolly, Robert H. Marjoram, Steve Koester, Kenneth A. St. Clair
  • Patent number: 7198141
    Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus in a positioning apparatus including a stage apparatus is disclosed. The positioning apparatus includes a main body apparatus for mounting the stage apparatus thereto, and a chamber for maintaining a region, in which the stage apparatus is disposed, under a condition of vacuum or purged ambience. The shock absorbing apparatus includes a shock absorber provided at a stroke end of the stage apparatus, and a support member provided separately from the stage apparatus, to which the shock absorber is fixed. In the shock absorbing apparatus of the present invention, the shock absorbing apparatus is fixed to the support member provided separately from the stage apparatus including a driving system, and accordingly an increase in size of the stage apparatus can be prevented, and high-speed and highly-precise positioning of an object to be positioned can be performed in a non-atmospheric ambience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadayuki Kubo, Takeshi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7198142
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high power machine unit. Said invention is characterized by the following features: a drive which has an output shaft; a machine which has a drive shaft; a converter (3) which is connected between drive and machine and can be filled and emptied; having a toothed clutch (4) which can be engaged and disengaged and is connected in parallel with the converter (3); one half (4.1) is firmly connected to the output shaft of the drive so as to rotate with it; the other half (4.2) of the clutch is firmly connected to the drive shaft of the machine so as to rotate with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Wahl, Hans Schirle, Wolfgang Sautter
  • Patent number: 7198143
    Abstract: A transmission shift system comprising a synchronizing device for idler wheels, which can be actuated hydraulically and comprises at least one piston that can mesh with a selected idler wheel as the sliding sleeve. The piston can be displaced axially on a shaft via a hydraulic actuation and is non-rotatably connected with it, thus self-locking synchronization is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Legner
  • Patent number: 7198144
    Abstract: A manual adjustment mechanism for a clutch is provided wherein an adjusting gear rotates an adjusting ring relative to a pressure plate that are interconnected by means of inclined surfaces or threaded surfaces. The adjustment gear is disposed inboard of a diaphragm spring and is rotated manually with access being provided through the diaphragm spring. The adjusting gear and inclined surfaces may be protected by contamination baffles. The adjusting gear may be locked in place between service operations by means of interlocking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. McCutcheon, Kevin F. Schlosser
  • Patent number: 7198145
    Abstract: A pusher has a retaining member disposed within an opening in the pusher cap, a fastening member secured to the pusher base and a fuse element interposes between the retaining member and the fastening member, the fuse element failing upon the application of an undesirable level of force to said pusher cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Intelligrated, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Brown, Martin Heit, Justin Zimmer
  • Patent number: 7198146
    Abstract: A device for forming groups of products in conveying systems, in particular for automatic packaging machinery, includes a path of conveyance in which, in operation, an array of products advances along a direction of conveyance with the products in contact with each other. A separator element is able to be inserted in a predetermined area of the conveyance path to separate a group of products downstream of the separator element with a predetermined dimension in the direction of advance. At least one nozzle is arranged to emit at least one jet of gas, such as air, on the array of products to distance the products at least partially from each other in the predetermined area before inserting the separator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Cavanna S.p.A.
    Inventor: Dario Guidetti
  • Patent number: 7198147
    Abstract: A conveyor unit with accumulation of receptacles, such as bottles, includes an accumulation table onto which a feed conveyor opens out upstream, whilst downstream, the table supplies receptacles onto a passive aligner for leading the above in single file to a processing unit downstream. Furthermore, the passive aligner runs parallel to the accumulator table, the above having, in the downstream extension thereof, a transfer conveyor, on which receptacles are pushed laterally by a guide rail towards the passive aligner onto an adjacent transport conveyor running in the opposite sense which becomes the feed conveyor for the passive aligner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: GEBO Industries, Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Zmaj Petrovic
  • Patent number: 7198148
    Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt of the type made up of a multiplicity of module rows connected by interdigited link ends secured by pins has camming members at selected locations on the bottom surface of the belt to provide a flight dynamically. The camming members preferably are connected to two successive connecting pivot pins and hang down below the belt at an oblique angle during regular belt travel, sliding through grooves formed in the supporting track. At locations where a raised flight is desired to move products along with the belt, the camming member engages track structure so as to raise two module rows into an upwardly pitched roof-like configuration to form a flight. Hold-downs preferably are included before and after the location of the two involved module rows, to hold the belt flat to the support track or platform except at the flight itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Christopher Witkus
  • Patent number: 7198149
    Abstract: A locking container has a tray with sidewalls, a shelf and a bottom with an elongated opening. A sliding lock and a spring are formed in the bottom opening. A lock flap is hinged to the shelf. A cover has a base glued to the tray bottom, a spine end and a top panel. A latch extension extends form the flap through holes in the shelf and top panel. Sliding the lock with a finger or thumb and lifting with fingers both side sections of the flap releases the latch extension and allows raising of the top panel. Articles are held in bubbles of an inner laminate on the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 7198150
    Abstract: A vacuum package system for hydrating and/or rehydrating orthopedic graft materials, such as allograft materials, xenograft materials, and synthetic materials, is described. The system primarily includes a container, which includes a dividing device for dividing the container into first and second compartments and for isolating the compartments from one another, the first compartment containing a liquid component and the second compartment containing either dry porous and/or dehydrated orthopedic graft material under vacuum with a tubular member. The elongated tubular member extends from, and is in communication with, the second compartment. The tubular portion defines vacuum reservoir device is disposed within the first compartment and is in communication with the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: R. Craig Blaschke, Daniel B Smith, Gene H Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7198151
    Abstract: A rope can system which incorporates storage for lariat, piggin string, gloves, and an integral seating arrangement is disclosed. The disclosed invention is particularly well suited for use in competition rodeo scenarios wherein a cowboy or cowgirl has need for storage of competition materials used in calf roping. The present system permits uniform storage of lariat ropes and the like, as well as the piggin string used for securing the calf. Other accessories such as gloves may also be stored in the water-tight compartments of the disclosed invention. A key feature of the disclosed invention is the incorporation of a seating arrangement to permit the rope can to be used as a resting apparatus while the cowboy/cowgirl waits for their opportunity to compete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Alexander Fomby
  • Patent number: 7198152
    Abstract: A package for containing and dispensing a coil of welding wire having a coil axis parallel to a package axis, a coil top transverse to the coil axis and radially inner and outer surfaces parallel to the coil axis. The welding wire package includes a container having a bottom and an outer wall structure extending upwardly from the bottom to a top edge, and the outer wall structure has inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces. The package further includes a plurality of ribs extending parallel to the package axis and positioned between the coil outer surface and the inwardly facing surface of the outer wall structure thereby forming gaps between the coil outer surface and the inwardly facing container surface. The welding wire package further including a retainer ring for controlling the dispensing of the welding wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Barton, Christopher Hsu
  • Patent number: 7198153
    Abstract: A light string storage and hanging system includes a support frame, having an upper end a lower end and a suspension hook attached to the upper end of the support frame. A light string spool is rotatably attached to the frame. The support frame may be a vertical support shaft and retainer to be used with an icicle light string spool, or a rectangular support frame for use with a standard light string spool. The light string spools include at least one notch or keeper to secure a light string to the spool. All of the aforementioned components can be stored is a lidded storage box capable of holding a plurality of spools of different types and a spool guard to prevent icicles light strings from tangling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin Shaffer
  • Patent number: 7198154
    Abstract: A package is disclosed having an enclosed compartment with a pair of oppositely aligned walls and a perimeter. An array of compressible articles is retained in the enclosed compartment. The package also includes an expansion mechanism for allowing the enclosed compartment to be enlarged. The expansion mechanism includes a pliable member positioned about the perimeter. A release strip is positioned across the expansion mechanism. The release strip is capable of being at least partially removed to allow the enclosed compartment to be enlarged as the pliable member expands or stretches. The package can also contain an opening mechanism for allowing the package to be opened so that the articles can be removed from the enlarged compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Darold Dean Tippey
  • Patent number: 7198155
    Abstract: A packing case for an image forming apparatus that includes: a first packing member 5 for packing an image forming apparatus main body 1 including a reading section 11 having a scanner unit, an image forming section 14 having an image forming unit 12, and a sheet feed unit 13 for feeding a sheet to the image forming unit 12, and a sheet storage space 16, formed to be open to outside between the reading section 11 and the image forming section 14, for storing a sheet transported from the image forming unit 12; and a second packing member 4 for packing a toner cartridge 2 capable of being inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus main body 1, in which the second packing member 4 is inserted and fixed in the sheet storage space 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Otsuka, Yoshiaki Sanada, Kouichi Mihara, Haruko Yoneda
  • Patent number: 7198156
    Abstract: A vibratory separator and a screen mounting basket for a vibratory separator for separating components of material introduced into the basket, the vibratory separator including a collection receptacle beneath the basket, at least one screen assembly mounted in the basket, and at least one dam within the basket for intercepting material introduced into the basket, and for forming a relatively deep pool of material over one or more of the screen assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Schulte, Charles N. Grichar, Richard J. Koch, Guy L. McClung, III
  • Patent number: 7198157
    Abstract: Articles of currency, for example coins, are validated by progressively eliminating candidate target classes in successive classification stages. A Mahalanobis distance associated with a plurality of properties is calculated over successive stages, the results at each stage being used to reduce the number of target classes, and hence the number of calculations required, in the successive stage or stages. Preliminary stages may represent Mahalanobis distance calculations for a sub-set of the measurements represented by the final Mahalanobis distance calculation. Thus, the Mahalanobis distance calculation can be started before some of the measurement parameters required for the later stages are available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventors: Katharine Louise King, Jack Sharman
  • Patent number: 7198158
    Abstract: A tool suspension device has a bracket and multiple holders. The bracket has an upper rail, a lower rail and two mounting holes. Each holder slidably clamps onto the bracket and has a clamp and a support arm. The clamp has an upper groove and a lower groove that clamp respectively on the upper and lower rail. The support arm is formed on and extends out from the clamp and has two sides, a distal end, optional jaws and an optional lip. The jaw on one holder faces a jaw on an adjacent holder to hold a tool between the jaws. The lip is formed on the distal end of the arm to keep a hanging tool from slipping off the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Jui-Chien Kao
  • Patent number: 7198159
    Abstract: A slatwall extrusion and assembly for a wall of a building to support hangers and shelving and the items they carry. Each section of slatwall has a continuous linear rear wall that integrally joins number of spaced boards. Each board has front, rear, top and bottom walls that form a continuous loop around a hollow interior. Each board also has a downwardly extending double-walled lip. The lip is spaced from its adjacent lower board to form an L-shaped slot. The continuous rear wall is firmly secured to the studs or drywall of the wall by self tapping screws or an adhesive coating. The linear rear wall, hoop shaped boards, and double-walled lips combine to form a sturdy, lightweight and inexpensive slatwall extrusion. High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is used to achieve even further cost and weight reductions while maintaining the strength of the slatwall extrusion and assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: James R. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7198160
    Abstract: A sales rack for accommodating goods such as foods presented in open containers, such as fruits, vegetables, etc. The sales rack has a base and a goods support surface that is adjustable relative to the base. The goods support surface is equipped with at least one holder element which can be optionally affixed, and over which the goods, i.e. the containers can pass when they are put into place, to fix the goods in place in the slanted position of the goods support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Aldi Einkauf GmbH & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Peter Ernst, Robert Ochsenschläger
  • Patent number: 7198161
    Abstract: A leakproof, resealable container and cap assembly, consisting essentially of: a container having a rim at its upper portion and a cap having a circular base with an outer periphery, a cylindrical tubular skirt having an inner wall with at least one recess, a thumb tab for facilitating the opening and closing of the container, and a hinge connecting the cap to the container, and in a closed portion, the skirt of the cap overlies the container and the rim of the container is situated within the recess of the inner wall of the skirt of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Bucholtz
  • Patent number: 7198162
    Abstract: A molded closure having an auxiliary thread for removal of an incomplete closure from a molding cavity, the molded closure including a helical auxiliary thread projecting inwardly from a cylindrical wall portion of the closure to provide engagement between the closure and the molding core, so that the closure may be threadably removed from the molding cavity by threadably disengaging the molding core from the molding cavity after an incomplete run of the fabrication process. A molding assembly with which the auxiliary thread may be formed in a molded closure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Francois, Kerry W. Dodds
  • Patent number: 7198163
    Abstract: A plastic blow molded container (10) is disclosed as including a freestanding base structure (20) that is constructed with a plurality of alternating hollow legs (22) and curved ribs (34), and a hub (41) from which the legs and ribs extend radially with a construction that provides good stability against tipping as well as the capability of withstanding internal pressure. The legs (22) have lower flat feet (24) with an outer diameter Df, and the hub (41) has a periphery connected to the feet and ribs with a height Hp such that the ratio of the diameter Df over the height Hp is in the range of about 25 to 90 to maintain strength without the hub engaging the supporting surface on which the feet rest. The construction disclosed of the legs (22), ribs (34) and hub (41, 41? and 41?) enhances the capability of the base structure in providing good stability as well as the capability of withstanding internal pressure and stress cracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Young, Richard C. Darr, Dale M. Behm
  • Patent number: 7198164
    Abstract: A hot-fillable blow molded plastic container having a finish with an opening; a base; a lower bumper transition; an upper bumper transition and a tubular dome. The upper bumper transition and lower bumper transition defines a label mounting region. The label mounting region includes a circumferential ring adjacent to the upper bumper transition a vacuum panel. The tubular dome can be between the upper bumper transition and the finish and can has a cross sectional shape that is substantially the same throughout. The tubular dome includes an upper bell and a lower bell separated by a peripheral waist that has a diameter less than that of the upper and lower bell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Sheldon Yourist, Angie Noll, Richard K. Ogg
  • Patent number: 7198165
    Abstract: A blow molded plastic hot-fill container includes at least one vacuum panel for inward flexure under vacuum after the container is hot-filled and capped. The vacuum panel is externally concave as viewed in cross section from a first direction and externally convex as viewed in cross section from a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The at least one vacuum panel preferably is disposed in a sidewall of the container, which preferably is of generally uniform wall thickness, and preferably includes an array of vacuum panels angularly spaced around an axis of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Graham Packaging PET Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Qiuchen Peter Zhang
  • Patent number: 7198166
    Abstract: A rigid modular container includes a floor and an opposite lid, and between the floor and lid opposite rigid rectilinearly-shaped first and second panels, and oppositely disposed rigid rectilinearly-shaped third and fourth panels extending from and between the first and second panels. The panels are removably mounted to the floor. The side edges of adjacent panels are removably mounted to each other as by bolting so that the side edges of the third and fourth panels abut the side edges of the first and second panels. Fastener bracing means such as bolt bracing are mounted to the side edges of the panels and are aligned between adjacent the panels so that fastener receiving apertures therethrough provide for rigid bracing of rigid fasteners such as bolts mounted through and between the fastener bracing means on the adjacent panels. Rigid fasteners such as bolts may thus be mounted through the fastener bracing means on the adjacent the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Ralph Sholinder
  • Patent number: 7198167
    Abstract: A cup includes a liquid storage chamber and a separate medicine storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Marsden, Joseph C. Cacciola
  • Can
    Patent number: 7198168
    Abstract: A can (1) having a spout that can, after opening, be securely resealed and can be opened and closed with an easy operation. The can (1) has a spout (3) that is opened by lifting and pulling a pull-ring (6) fixed on a top wall (2) of a can body (1a) with a rivet (5) to bend a sealing tongue portion (4) toward the inside of the can. Inside the top wall (2) and away from the spout (3), an internal sealing member (7) having a fan shape with its pivot mounted to the rivet and a size capable of sealing the spout (3) is disposed so as to be fixed to the rivet (5). After opening the spout (3), by rotating the pull-ring (6) around the rivet (5), the internal sealing member (7) is also rotated at the same time. As an interlocking mechanism therefor, the rivet (5) is rotatably supported by the top wall (2), and a base end of the pull-ring (6) and the pivot of the internal sealing member (7) are fixed to the rivet (5), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Jyunzi Mizuma
  • Patent number: 7198169
    Abstract: A storage container convertible to a permanently closed object has a receptacle with an outside surface corresponding to the partial exterior of a closed object; and with an interior surface defining a storage chamber. A lid covers the entry opening and thereby closes the storage chamber, the lid having an outside surface corresponding to the remaining exterior of the closed object. The receptacle and lid together define releasable engagement structure for removably securing the lid on the receptacle, wherein the lid may be removed to place and remove items from the storage chamber, the releasable engagement structure incrementally spacing the outside surfaces corresponding to the partial and remaining exterior of the closed object. The receptacle and lid further define the snap-fit securing structure for permanently securing the lid on the receptacle with the outside surfaces corresponding to the partial and remaining exteriors of the closed object co-joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Terence J. Silk