Patents Issued in April 3, 2007
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Patent number: 7198270Abstract: This invention generally relates to a set of parallelepipedal bodies (cells) capable of matingly compatible engagement for interconnection, so as to allow up to three degrees of freedom in the sliding movement of an individual cell or grouping of cells about a grouping of other interconnected cells from the set. Each cell may be monolithic or constructed from six face plates. For cubic and rhombohedral forms, the face plates are designed to interlock in construction with any other face plate to form a cell, regardless of the orientation of the face plates. A first set of cells utilizes a uniform face plate, each cell differing only in the orientation of this uniform face plate about the other uniform face plates on the cell. A second set of cells utilizes two different but matingly compatible face plates. Again, each cell differs only in the orientation of either of the matingly compatible face plates about the other face plates on the cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Forrest Frederick Bishop
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Patent number: 7198271Abstract: A combined instructional tool (10) is provided for imparting theological or other thematic knowledge to a plurality of participants while experientially reinforcing a core principle relating thereto. The tool (10) generally includes a game board (100), a plurality of categorized knowledge stores (200–230), at least one supplemental store (300), and a user-operable selector (400). The game board (100) defines a plurality of spaces (110) which progress between designated starting and end points, wherein at least a portion of the spaces (100) are formed with at least three types of indicia. The question stores (200–230) each include a plurality of predetermined thematic questions for selection and consideration by the participants, whereas the supplemental store (300) includes a plurality of redemptive tokens (3010).Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Darryl Thomas
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Patent number: 7198272Abstract: A method of playing a game of chance wherein at least one first wager and at least one second wager are placed by a player. In response to said first and second wagers, at least one first set of game indicia are distributed and evaluated according to a first set of game rules. If at least a predetermined number of said first set of game indicia result in a losing outcome, a second chance of winning is provided to the player in two different manners: a) distributing at least one second set of gaming indicia, which are evaluated according to a second set of game rules, said second set of game rules may be identical to the first set of game rules; or b) evaluating the at least one first set of game indicia by applying a third set of game rules.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Labtronix Concept Inc.Inventors: Gérald Duhamel, Marie-Claude Gagnon
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Patent number: 7198273Abstract: A target is disclosed for use in a tossing game. The target includes a base and a collapsible ladder assembly hingedly connected to the base. The ladder assembly includes a pair of telescoping vertical members and multiple horizontal rungs connected therebetween. A described tossing game system includes a pair of such targets.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Wayne E. Advocate
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Patent number: 7198274Abstract: Disclosed is a portable net device comprising a main member forming a first closed loop, a base member forming a second closed loop and defined by front and non-front sections where a main member bottom section is attached to the base member front section, a fabric member having front and non-front sections where the fabric member front section is connected to the main member, a connecting member to selectively attach the fabric member non-front section to the base member non-front section in a detachable attachment format, and a supporting member to sustain the main member against the base member while maintaining a substantial angle between the main and base members.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Kwang Han Cho
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Patent number: 7198275Abstract: The annular sealing cup with axis ?, a so-called replenishment cup, which is intended to be positioned between a hydraulic cylinder and piston and which has a <<U>> axial section and has application to braking circuits comprises: a static branch (10) defining a static sealing annular lip, a dynamic branch (12) defining a dynamic sealing annular lip, and a core (14) connecting the static (10) and dynamic (12) branches and defining a annular bead (15) opposite the lips. According to the invention, the cup is characterized in that the connecting surface (24) between the static branch (10) and the core (14), located opposite the bead (15), has a concave shape corresponding to a local reduction in the thicknesses of the static branch (10) and of the core (14) at the connecting region between the static lip and the core (14), so as to define a rotation area (21).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: FreudenbergInventor: Stephane Gravier
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Patent number: 7198276Abstract: Disclosed is an electrostatic chuck and system for maintaining a device flat within the electrostatic chuck. The electrostatic chuck has a plate, height adjustment mechanisms connected to the plate; and electrostatic chuck pins connected to the height adjustment mechanisms. The system provides a measurement tool adapted to measure the flatness of the device held by the electrostatic chuck pins and a computer connected to the height adjustment mechanisms and the measurement tool. The computer adjusts the flatness of the device by adjusting the height adjustment mechanisms based on feedback from the measurement tool. The computer is adapted to change the shape of the device to conform to a pre-existing standard.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Neal Caldwell, Raymond Walter Jeffer, Louis M. Kindt
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Patent number: 7198277Abstract: A wheel chuck includes a plurality of moveable jaws mounted upon a support structure. A plurality of moveable counterweights are mounted upon the support structure with each counterweight opposite from and connected to a corresponding one of the jaws. Upon rotation of the chuck the counterweights develop forces in opposition to centrifugal forces acting upon the jaws.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.Inventor: Geoffrey L. Gatton
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Patent number: 7198278Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.Inventor: James A. Donaldson
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Patent number: 7198279Abstract: A guide wheel assembly adapted to retrofit a shopping cart having a guide wheel capable of only rotating in the intended direction of travel of the shopping cart and a flexible one piece mechanism possessing strong material memory such that constant contact between the guide wheel and a traveling surface is maintained. The guide wheel assembly is configured to allow the nesting of multiple carts.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Samuel A. Montalvo
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Patent number: 7198280Abstract: An electric skateboard is capable of detecting a load applied from a rider accurately without influence from various positions of the rider on the board and without influence from various road conditions. The electric skateboard includes a board arranged to receive a load from the rider, a load detection sensor arranged to detect the load received by the board, a front wheel provided on a lower surface of the board, an arm which rotatably supports the front wheel, a first frame connected with the arm, a second frame fixed to the board, and a shaft connecting the first and second frames. The load detection sensor is sandwiched by the first and second frames. A rear wheel is provided on the lower surface of the board and has a construction that is similar to that of the front wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nobuo Hara
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Patent number: 7198281Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a bicycle frame, two driving wheels and a folding arrangement. The bicycle frame has a front portion, a rear portion, and a body frame including three supporting members to define a triangular structure. The folding arrangement includes a folding joint and a detachable connecting joint. The folding joint is provided at one of the supporting members to pivotally connect the front portion of the bicycle frame with the rear portion thereof. The detachable connecting joint is provided at another of the supporting member to disengage the triangular structure of the body frame, such that the front portion of the bicycle frame is adapted to pivotally fold towards the rear portion thereof via the folding joint to overlap the two driving wheels so as to fold up the foldable bicycle to a compact structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Yebao Bicycle Parts & Components Industrial (Schenzhen) Co., LtdInventor: Shou-Qing Huang
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Patent number: 7198282Abstract: A cross member for a heavy duty over-the-highway tractor having an integral fifth wheel hitch such that the fifth wheel hitch is connected to the cross member rather than to brackets mounted to the frame rails of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the fifth wheel hitch is connected to sliding rails that span two cross members so that the fifth wheel hitch can be positioned at various points between the cross members.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.Inventor: Chad Lee Burchett
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Patent number: 7198283Abstract: A cart assembly comprises an undercarriage supporting a cart frame, the undercarriage having one end and a connecting portion extending from cart frame and/or the undercarriage for connecting the cart assembly with an adjacent article, the cart frame including a handle portion disposed at an elevation for manipulation by a human operator in an upright standing position to steer or otherwise control the cart assembly, and an actuating member mounted on the handle portion for actuating the connecting portion between a first connecting position and a second disconnecting position.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bryan Van Den Bosch, Roy Potts, John Mariciak, Bryan Jennings, Gary Jennings
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Patent number: 7198284Abstract: A mobility aid, such as a wheelchair or walker, includes first and second structural members and a fastener for connecting the members together. A washer has first and second portions connected by a bridge portion, each with a fastener opening for receiving the fastener. The washer is self-supporting on a structural member to take the place of two individual washers. A method of connecting first and second connecting members to a frame member of a personal mobility aid includes placing a washer on the frame member so that the washer has first and second portions spaced apart on opposite sides of the frame member; placing the first and second connecting members adjacent the first and second portions of the washer; and fastening the connecting members and the frame member and the washer together with a fastener.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Matthew Robert Cerreto, Edward B. Roth, James H. Molnar
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Patent number: 7198285Abstract: A cover for an airbag of an airbag module, in particular a side airbag, is made from at least sheet, preferably of a nonwoven material, which is folded along two edge regions to form a longitudinally extending passageway for receiving an airbag. The end regions of the cover are preferably open, with the result that in the region of the laid-together edge regions the two edge regions lie on top of one another and are connected by a frangible seam. The frangible seam is formed, at least in one end region, on only one of the edge regions.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventor: Dirk Hochstein-Lenzen
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Patent number: 7198286Abstract: An airbag device capable of quickly deploying an airbag with a compact inflator, and easy to manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takeshi Kai
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Patent number: 7198287Abstract: An airbag device is mounted to a motor-bicycle, which is a motorcycle, and includes an airbag which is deployed and inflated while protruding in a direction of a rider protection area that is situated in front of a rider when the motor-bicycle collides at a location that is situated in front of the motor-bicycle. Generally, the airbag device is mounted to a handlebar of the motorcycle. In a preferred form, with a recessed portion of a retainer being fitted to a handlebar body portion, the airbag device is mounted and secured to the handlebar by a body mounting member.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Yasuhito Miyata
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Patent number: 7198288Abstract: A side air bag for a motor vehicle capable of protecting not only the lower body but also the upper body of an occupant in case of the lateral collision of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The side air bag for a motor vehicle, includes an air cushion; and a inflator for supplying a gas to the air cushion, wherein the air cushion have an upper body protection area for protecting an upper body including a head and a flank of an occupant; a hip protection area connected to a lower end of the upper body protection area for protecting a hip of the occupant; and a leg protection area connected to the hip protection area with projected forwardly from the hip protection area for protecting the leg of the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Hyundai Mobis, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joon-Ho Kim, Ik-Hwan Kim, Byong-Ryong Cho, Gun-Woo Kim
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Patent number: 7198289Abstract: In a head portion protecting air bag apparatus in which an air bag (11) housed along a roof side rail (21) is inflated and deployed in a curtain-like shape along a vehicle compartment side wall by a gas supplied from an inflator (14) so as to protect a head portion of an occupant, the air bag (11) is provided with a front seat inflating portion (11c), a rear seat inflating portion (11d), and a gas passage (11b) communicated with inflating chambers of both of these inflating portions (11c, 11d), a gas supply port (11a) for supplying the gas supplied from the inflator (14) downward is provided corresponding to the gas passage (11b), and an auxiliary inflating chamber (11e1) is provided corresponding to the gas supply port (11a).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Isamu Takahara
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Patent number: 7198290Abstract: An air bag for steering wheel of the invention is folded and housed in a boss positioned in the vicinity of the center of a ring of a steering wheel gripped by a driver during steering. The air bag includes a driver side wall and a wheel side wall that are substantially equal in outer shape to each other. The wheel side wall includes an opening for supplying an inflation gas therethrough in the center. A periphery of the opening provides an area for attachment of the air bag to the steering wheel. A thickness regulating tether for regulating the separation distance between the driver side and wheel side walls and thus regulating the thickness of the completely inflated air bag is disposed in the vicinity of the opening. An oscillation regulating tether for regulating the separation distance between the driver side and wheel side walls is disposed in the vicinity of the ring of the steering wheel in the completely inflated air bag.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadashi Yamada, Hitoshi Iida, Naohiko Ishiguro
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Patent number: 7198291Abstract: A passenger protection apparatus of a simple construction is capable of stably performing air bag control and preventing erroneous control due to objects such as passenger's hands, newspapers, etc., other than passenger' head. A collision detection part detects a collision of a vehicle, and an object detection part detects an object in a prescribed object detection area rearwardly of an air bag installation surface in the vehicle based on a signal from a sensor. An air bag control signal generation part controls the expansion of an air bag based on the detection results of the object detection part and the collision detection part. The air bag control signal generation part makes the air bag control signal into an expansion permission signal only when an object exists in the object detection area at the time of detection of the collision or within a predetermined time from the detection of the collision.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoko Konda, Kazuki Sakata
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Patent number: 7198292Abstract: An air-bag is disclosed which incorporates regions of fabric which define a mouth, the mouth being mounted to an air-bag housing such that at least part of the mouth is mounted to the housing by a mount initially positioned to hold an edge part of the fabric defining the mouth adjacent the housing. The mount is capable of movement to move to a position in which the edge of the fabric defining the mouth is spaced from the housing to define a vent between the edge of the mouth and housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: AutoLiv Development ABInventor: Leif Nilsson
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Patent number: 7198293Abstract: An air bag assembly (20) including air bag (30) having at least a first inflatable region (32) having a plurality of restrictions peripherally located about the inflatable region and configured to restrict the degree of inflation of the air bag proximate the restrictions and configured to permit the first inflatable region of the air bag to achieve its maximum inflation in a region interior to the plurality of restrictions.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventor: Mark O. Olson
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Patent number: 7198294Abstract: A roll bar assembly capable of punching through a rear window (12) on deployment comprises a deployable u-shaped roll bar (1) fitted with a pin (4) made of hard material. An item of trim (5) is located over the top of the roll bar (1) by means of a pair of spring clips (7,8). The clips are held under tension so that when the bar is deployed, they snap snugly around the bar, releasing stored energy which assists in the bar's deployment. The trim (5) is further provided with an orifice (6) through which the pin can protrude on the deployment of the bar thereby enabling the pin (4) to contact the rear window (12) and to shatter the glass.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Martin Welch
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Patent number: 7198295Abstract: A retaining arrangement, including a support arm is proposed, by means of which an operating unit is connected with a vehicle. The retaining arrangement includes a safety device which operates such that, as long as a predetermined condition is not fulfilled, the connection of the operating unit with the vehicle is maintained. The operating unit is connected with the support arm in such a way that the operating unit can pivot with respect to the support arm about at least one axis provided with at least one vertical component that is arranged in a generally central region of the operating unit, when the safety device frees the connection.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Stephane Biziorek, Lionel Guiet
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Patent number: 7198296Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a steering shaft having its upper end to which a steering wheel is fitted, a steering column rotatably supporting the steering shaft, tilting about a pivot as a fulcrum and moving telescopically together the steering shaft in axis-directions, an electric assist motor unit attached to the steering column and serving for a steering assist of the steering wheel, and a tilt/telescopic adjustment means for fixing the steering column in a predetermined angular position and fixing the steering column in a predetermined axis-directional position, wherein the pivot is disposed between the electric motor unit and the tilt/telescopic adjustment means.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Sadakata, Kiyoharu Higashino, Akira Aida, Yuji Kawaike
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Patent number: 7198297Abstract: An impact absorbing type steering column apparatus provided with a collision energy absorbing device for absorbing an energy of a secondary collision of an occupant upon a collision of a vehicle comprises an energy absorption quantity adjusting device for changing a secondary collision energy absorption quantity of the collision energy absorbing device, at least one sensor for detecting a condition of the occupant or the vehicle, and electric control device for controlling a drive of the energy absorption quantity adjusting device on the basis of a result of detection by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Satou, Tetsuo Nomura
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Patent number: 7198298Abstract: A movable subframe or slider for semi-trailers includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel and longitudinally extending main members. The main members are interconnected by a pair of longitudinally spaced, parallel and transversely extending horizontal cross members, a horizontally-disposed cross-brace structure, and a pair of longitudinally-spaced, parallel and vertically-disposed cross-brace structures. One or more axle/suspension systems are suspended from hangers which are mounted on and depend from the slider structure, and a retractable pin mechanism enables selective positioning of the slider relative to the trailer body for optimum load distribution and trailer versatility during vehicle operation. The integral slider structure supports the one or more axle/suspension systems, so that concentrated loads imposed on the slider via the axle/suspension systems during operation of the vehicle generally are dissipated throughout the entire slider structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L L CInventor: John Edward Ramsey
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Patent number: 7198299Abstract: In a structure of a pillar garnish for an automobile, a leg is provided to protrude toward a webbing from a lower edge of a step formed at a lower end of one of an upper pillar garnish and a lower pillar garnish which are formed by dividing a pillar garnish section, and webbing guide is provided at a tip end of the leg. Therefore, even if a sink mark is created on a surface of the step of the upper pillar garnish corresponding to the position of the leg, the sink mark is covered with an upper end of the lower pillar garnish and thus invisible from the side of a vehicle compartment, so that it is possible to prevent the degradation of the appearance due to the creation of the sink mark. Moreover, a back of the lower pillar garnish is superposed on a surface of the step formed on the upper pillar garnish. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of a difference in level at a joint between both of the pillar garnishes to enhance the appearance.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Kajiwara, Junji Sugimoto, Takamitsu Kasai, Nobumoto Sekiguchi
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Patent number: 7198300Abstract: An actuator for an adjustable seat belt D-ring anchor is provided that is easily reached by a vehicle operator while in a seated position and that blends in with the interior of the vehicle. The actuator includes a slider garnish that in turn supports a button garnish. Upon pressing the button garnish, a lever on the button garnish actuates a button assembly on a vehicle that in turn releases a locking pin on the anchor, allowing the anchor to be moved.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eric Daume, Troy Medlar, Koji Uno, Hideyuki Tanahashi, Kenji Betsui
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Patent number: 7198301Abstract: A suspension system for carrying a compressed gas fuels in vehicle. The suspensions arms and springs are configured to maximize the space between the wheels while providing a high degree of suspension stiffness to maintain proper wheel alignment during cornering, braking and in rough terrain. The suspension arms have two broadly-spaced attachment points to the chassis that provides structural rigidity to the rear suspension subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: John J. Wozniak, Richard J. Hildebrand
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Patent number: 7198302Abstract: The invention relates to a card-shaped data carrier consisting of at least one layer (1, 2, 3). Visually readable information in the form of a changed optical characteristic is introduced into the layer. Said characteristic is changed by irreversibly changing the material by means of a laser beam. The absorption capacity of said layer (1, 2, 3) for at least one wavelength (?±?) is at least partially reduced due to the laser radiation.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Orga Systems GmbHInventors: Lothar Fannasch, Dirk Fischer, Michael Hennemeyer-Schwenker
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Patent number: 7198303Abstract: Compressed wire filament(s) form a seal that seals the joint between first and second pipes of an automotive exhaust system secured by bolted together first and second flanges. The seal is initially attached to the first pipe and first flange in an intermediate assembly by an interface connection that prevents the seal from axially moving off of the first pipe prior to final assembly to the second pipe and second flange. A male projection is at the end region of the first pipe outer surface to which the seal is attached. The first flange abuts the seal at a planar seal interface. The seal has a bore with a longitudinal channel portion for initially axially engaging the projection and a transverse channel portion medially the seal bore for receiving the projection by rotation of the seal after the projection is axially displaced within the seal bore.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Metex Mfg. CorporationInventors: Lawrence John Brophy, III, Kurry Brian Emmons
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Patent number: 7198304Abstract: A fluid line connector includes a length of tubing having a plurality of corrugations formed therealong between opposing tubing ends. A non-corrugated section is disposed along the length of tubing between the opposing tubing ends such that a portion of the plurality of corrugations extends between the non-corrugated section and each of the opposing tubing ends.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Dormont Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Michael T. Angus
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Patent number: 7198305Abstract: A load floor latch that can be installed in a vehicle floor for storage having a biasing means for actuation but allows slam action closure. The latch comprises an actuation assembly that is attached to a housing or lid and is designed to accommodate a pawl member for engaging and disengaging a frame. The flat lid and out-of-way handle allow extra room within the vehicle and prevent damage or breakage of the latch.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Southco, Inc.Inventor: Fabrice Vitry
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Patent number: 7198306Abstract: A spring-biased locking bolt with an operating button and a bolt connected with the operating button is described, wherein the bolt is spring-biased and movable in a sleeve. The sleeve is screwed into a corresponding opening in a machine part or an item of furniture, wherein the bolt can engage in the opening. The locking bolt has an optional catch that fixes the pulled-out bolt in its raised position. A sleeve section oriented in an axial direction is formed on the operating button, wherein the longitudinally movable and spring-biased sleeve engages with its polygonal shoulder with the polygonal opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Otto Ganter GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Peter Ambs
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Patent number: 7198307Abstract: A door latch mechanism for a vehicle comprising a release lever operable by a door handle and a transmission path linkage containing a resiliently biased inertia device. During normal operation, the inertia device is biased to form a transmission path that transmits an unlatching movement from the release lever to release a latch bolt of the latch. If an impact on the vehicle creates an acceleration force above a predetermined level, the inertia device moves to break the transmission path, preventing the latch from being unlatched.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) LimitedInventors: Stephen Drysdale, Keith Sanders, Glenn Cotter, Jagjit Golar, Morten Ketelsen, Nigel Spurr, Gurbinder Kalsi, Peter Coleman
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Patent number: 7198308Abstract: An operating mechanism to releasably engage a strike assembly to maintain a movable closure element in a predetermined position. The operating mechanism has a base with a first axis and a wall extending around the first axis and defining a passageway. A latch system has (a) a latched state in which the latch system engages a strike element and (b) a released state wherein the latch system can be disengaged from the strike element. The operating mechanism further includes an actuating system that is changeable from a first state into a second state to thereby change the state of the latch system. The actuating system has a first link which is movable within the passageway from a first position into a second position to change the state of the latch system. The actuating system further includes an actuating assembly that can be connected to the base without requiring separate fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Tri/Mark CorporationInventors: Christopher M. Lane, Ricci L. Marzolf
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Patent number: 7198309Abstract: A vehicle bumper is disclosed that includes a first vehicle mounting member, a second vehicle mounting member and an elongated energy absorbing structure. The first and second vehicle mounting members are configured to be attached to a vehicle at horizontally spaced apart locations and to support the vehicle bumper. The elongated energy absorbing structure is movably attached to both of the vehicle mounting members to linearly deform and torsionally deform with respect to the mounting members in response to a vehicular impact. The vehicle bumper absorbs energy linearly and torsionally in response to vehicular impact.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Reynolds
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Patent number: 7198310Abstract: A device for pet animal droppings collection, including a hollow pole; a control lever, the control lever being placed inside the hollow pole and extending from one end of the hollow pole to the other end; an operating mechanism, the operating mechanism being installed on a fixing panel and fixed at one end of the hollow pole through the fixing panel, from which end the control lever extends from and is connected to the operating mechanism, and a spring being provided to cross-connect between the end of the control lever and the fixing panel, wherein the operating mechanism is composed of a movable assembly and a collection bag supporting assembly; and a droppings collection bag, the collection bag being disposed in a mountable and dismountable way on the operating mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Ho Yin Lau
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Patent number: 7198311Abstract: An elevator for lifting pipe having an exposed bottom edge or an internal groove. A channel member has one end hingedly connected to a rod adjacent a first end of the rod and has a second end connected to a sector-shaped plate. A tubular member is slidably positioned on the rod and is connected to the sector plate with a linkage which allows the sector plate to move from a collapsed position to a splayed-out position as the tubular member is moved toward or away from the sector plate. The sector plate, in the splayed-out position, may be positioned underneath the bottom exposed edge of the pipe or into the internal groove provided in the pipe as the case may be. Apparatus is connected to the rod for either raising or lowering the elevator.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventors: David A. Potts, Paul R. Janke
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Patent number: 7198312Abstract: An apparatus for moving large objects such as nursery stock incorporate two elongated arms, each including a handling member with a horizontal portion and a downwardly extending portion being attached to the end of each arm. When the arms are moved in relation to one another the handling members can encircle and support a load thereby allowing stable movement and loading of large objects such as nursery stock.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Milan D. Blaho
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Patent number: 7198313Abstract: In some illustrative embodiments, a method for the mobile sale of sleeping devices includes: loading display sleeping devices upon a vehicle; driving said vehicle to a consumer; selectively presenting a plurality of said display sleeping devices to said consumer in a display area, whereby said consumer can lay upon said plurality of display sleeping devices to test the same; collecting information from said consumer regarding at least one desired one of said sleeping devices for purchase. In addition, various embodiments are also disclosed that pertain to the selling of furniture or the like items, such as, e.g., sleeping devices, sitting devices and/or the like. Among other things, some embodiments can be used for facilitating the delivery of various goods to consumers.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Mark L. Baum
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Patent number: 7198314Abstract: FIGS. 3a and 3b show two side elevation views of a vehicle passenger cabin defining a passenger space wherein are featured an actuation device, generally designated 2, balancing gas springs, generally designated 65, pivoting hinge member 4, inner weather seal 50, outer weather seal 51 and draught proof brush seal 62. In view generally designated 3a, a pivoting extension member 3 is shown in the retracted position for on-road driving. In view generally designated 3b, a pivoting extension member 3 is shown in the extended position for passenger access and use.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: John A. Edwards
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Patent number: 7198315Abstract: A connector for securing an interior trim assembly to a support of an automobile. The connector includes a connector body having a head portion formed at a proximal end of the connector body and a shank portion extending from the head portion toward a distal end of the connector body. A sealing gasket is integrally molded onto the connector body distally of the head portion. A two-shot molding process may be used to form the connector with the connector body being formed in the first shot of the molding process and the sealing gasket being formed onto the connector body in the second shot of the molding process.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Michael W Cass, John D Youngs
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Patent number: 7198316Abstract: A combined seat back release and floor release for use with a vehicle seat. The seat back includes a first mechanism for forwardly rotating a seat back relative to a seat bottom. The floor release is actuated by the seat back by virtue of a linearly translatable cable extending therebetween. The cable acts upon a floor release lever, which is rotatably slaved to a pair of cam elements. A latch plate is rotatably secured to the seat and engages a floor mounted striker. Shoulder portions associated with the cams define primary and secondary abutment surfaces acting against the support surface of the latch plate. The lever actuates the cams away from the support surface in response to the actuation of the cable from the seat back mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.Inventors: Tavis S. Lutzka, Keith Brantley
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Patent number: 7198317Abstract: An adjustable vehicle roof has a flexible cover supported by a cover rod assembly that may be moved between a raised position and a stored position. The cover rod assembly includes a first arch and a second arch. A rigid rear window is integrated into the cover material. The rear window is stored between the first support element and the second support element in the stored position.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbHInventor: Phillip Reck
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Patent number: 7198318Abstract: The retractable roof structural system utilizes a structural member that is coupled to opposing quarter panel sections of the vehicle to enhance the torsional rigidity and stiffness of the vehicle. The structural member can be selectively uncoupled from the vehicle to allow the for unimpeded retraction of the retractable roof.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: ASC IncorporatedInventor: Christopher Dilluvio
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Patent number: 7198319Abstract: The invention relates to a door module (2) for a vehicle door, which is divided in a sealed manner into an outer wet chamber (44) that faces the door shell (1) and an inner dry chamber (43). Said door module is equipped with pre-assembled mechanical and/or electrical functional components that are fixed in the dry chamber and can be mechanically and/or electrically connected to door components that are located in the wet chamber. The seal between the dry chamber and the wet chamber is formed by a separation sheet (12), which is penetrated by sealed connecting elements of the functional components that are held on the dry side of said separation sheet in the door module.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Helmut Schröder, Alexander Schidan, Hans-Helmut Mieglitz, Harald John, Derek Jones