Patents Issued in April 10, 2007
  • Patent number: 7201242
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle is supported and driven by endless track units. Each track unit includes a drive belt with rows of interior drive lugs driven by cogs on multiple sprocket wheels of a common drive wheel assembly having an integrated, one-piece drum and hub. Multiple guide wheel assemblies engaging the lower run of the drive belt distribute the vehicle load across substantially the full width of the belt. Each guide wheel assembly includes a pair of guide wheel units mounted on opposite end portions of a common spindle and on opposite sides of a carrier beam of the track unit. Each guide wheel unit has a wide belt-engaging surface extending to, or close to, an edge portion of the belt and interrupted by an annular groove permitting passage of a row of the belt drive lugs while maintaining alignment of the belt and drive wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation
    Inventor: Jasper J. Tucker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7201243
    Abstract: Storage carts for the storage of pallets and other loads that may be moved between an open position into an aisle for access to the load and a closed position out of the aisle when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Patent number: 7201244
    Abstract: A heavy duty wheeled vehicle for an industrial environment is electrically driven by one or more switched reluctance motor traction drive system connected to the wheels. The switched reluctance motors are powered by an electrical generator that is driven by an engine, such as a diesel engine, which may run at a substantially constant RPM. A digital control system provides operator displays and controls power conversion from the generator, as well as providing maintenance and control functions for the switched reluctance motors. A heavy-duty hoisting apparatus electrically drives a hoisting mechanism using an SR motor, providing power for lifting a load. The heavy-duty hoisting apparatus may include an engine and generator or provide power to the SR motor from an external source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: LeTourneau, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Johnston, Dwight Baker, Nelson L. Stoldt, Paul K. Schufeldt, Peter J. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7201245
    Abstract: A hydrostatic power train includes a hydraulic pump, which is connected, via a first main pipe and a second main pipe, to a first hydromotor unit driving a front axle and to a second hydromotor unit driving a rear axle. The first and second hydromotor units can be adjusted in terms of their displacement via a first and second variation device. A direction of travel is defined as forward movement (F) or reverse movement (R) by a position of an operating lever. The first and the second variation devices are controlled by a control valve which takes up a first control position upon a forward movement (F) determined by the position of the operating ever and which takes up a second control position upon reverse movement (R) determined by the position of the operating lever and which takes up a second control position upon reverse movement (R) determined by the operating lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Brueninghaus Hydromatik GmbH
    Inventors: Chris Shrive, Graham Perry, Heinz-Gerhard Essig
  • Patent number: 7201246
    Abstract: An engine adapted to mount to a frame assembly including a steering head, a downtube, a rear junction, a rear tie link, a front mount assembly, and an engine bracket. The engine includes a crankcase assembly having a rearward end defining a rear attachment point adapted to engage the rear junction, a rear tie link attachment portion disposed below the rear attachment point adapted to engage the rear tie link, and a forward end defining a forward attachment point adapted to engage the front mount assembly. An engine cylinder assembly extends from the crankcase assembly and is adapted to be coupled to the engine bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Brendelson, Michael J. Doperalski, Dominic Keogh
  • Patent number: 7201247
    Abstract: A utility vehicle that has a bogey beam suspension for the front steered wheels is also provided with all wheel drive by mounting a drive shaft within the bogey beam so that power can be furnished to the front axle. For a six wheel vehicle the middle axle is mounted on the rear of the bogey beam and driven from the rear drive axle by a universal drive assembly. In the four wheel version in which a resilient member is attached between the vehicle and the rear of the bogey beam, the rear drive axle is interconnected with the rear of the front wheel drive shaft by a universal drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt
  • Patent number: 7201248
    Abstract: A safety belt release system includes an electronic control box, a master control button, a plurality of safety belt release buttons electrically connected to the control box, a power source, and a mechanism for releasing a safety belt. The releasing mechanism includes a plurality of safety belt latches having top and bottom portions electrically connected to the plurality of safety belt release buttons. The electronic control box receives a plurality of input signals respectively and sends a plurality of corresponding output signals to the safety belt releasing mechanism to thereby cause the ejection of a safety belt latch from a safety belt buckle independently of actuating a corresponding manual release mechanism of a safety belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Gladys L. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7201249
    Abstract: A vehicle front structure of the present invention has a pair of side members longitudinally located on right and left sides of a vehicle, and a pair of sub side members juxtaposed to the respective side members and adapted to receive a impact load in the event of a frontal collision after the side members receive the impact load. In this vehicle front structure, the side members first receive the impact load and then the sub side members juxtaposed to the side members also receive the impact load after a certain interval, in collaboration with the side members. Therefore, vehicle deceleration increases in two stages. Since the vehicle front structure has such sub side members, the magnitude of deceleration in the second stage upon collision can be made greater than that in the first stage, and it becomes feasible to make a decision on activation of occupant protection apparatus well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoya Kosaka
  • Patent number: 7201250
    Abstract: A vehicle that has a frame, a front axle secured to the frame near the front thereof and a pair of rear axle shafts secured to the frame near the rear thereof. The vehicle also has a seat for at least two occupants and a dashboard. The vehicle further includes a load bed positioned on the vehicle which extends toward the rear of the utility vehicle from directly proximate the seat and over the rear axle shafts, and a prime mover mounted on the vehicle between the dashboard and the rear axle shafts. Finally, the vehicle has a hydraulic pump secured to the frame and coupled to a prime mover, a hydraulic motor, a gear box with a gear box input shaft driven by a hydraulic motor output shaft, a plurality of gears driven by the gear box input shaft and a differential driven by the plurality of gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Ronald Sporrer, Frederic W. Pollman
  • Patent number: 7201251
    Abstract: A speaker cabinet design for providing adjustability of the number of speaker cabinets contained in a speaker array comprises female connectors (50) along the front and back edges on the top and right sides. A user of the cabinet can attach a mating second cabinet to any side of the first cabinet by inserting male connector (40) in the pass through assembly and securing to the female connector at all locations on that side. A user can connect a second speaker cabinet in a series or parallel electrical connection. This allows the user to build up to the desired number of speakers without purchasing a full speaker array. Furthermore, once the desired array is complete the user can remove only the number needed for transport. A variety of different speakers can be preloaded in the cabinet at the factory, thus giving the user flexibility in sound without having to remove and install different speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Derrick Lynn Baird
  • Patent number: 7201252
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system includes a loudspeaker drive unit (1) and a rear sound absorption system (20) having a multiplicity of tubes connected to the rear of the loudspeaker drive unit. In one example, the rear sound absorption system (20) comprises a collector tube (22) for sound waves emerging from a passage in the magnet assembly of the loudspeaker drive unit, an annular diffuser (24) for sound waves coming from the back of the diaphragm (4), and a disk-shaped diffuser (26) for second waves collected by the collector tube (22). The disk-shaped diffuser (26) is part of a basket-like assembly (28) mounted on the rear of the magnet assembly (6). The annular diffuser (24) is mounted against the wall (2) of the enclosure in which the loudspeaker drive unit (1) is mounted. The annular diffuser (24) includes a base portion (24A) with integral upstanding vanes (24B) arranged in a spiral configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: B & W Loudspeakers Limited
    Inventor: Stuart Michael Nevill
  • Patent number: 7201253
    Abstract: A soundproofing assembly intended, in particular, to soundproof a motor vehicle. The inventive assembly includes four stacked layers, consisting respectively of: a first layer having an air resistance of between 500 and 2,000 N·m?3.s; a second porous, acoustic spring-type layer having a resistivity of between 10,000 N·m?4.s and 50,000 N·m?4.s; a third viscoelastic, airtight, heavy mass-type layer having a density that is greater than or equal to 1,500 Kg/m3 and a surface density of between 0.2 Kg/m2 and 9 Kg/m2; and a fourth porous, acoustic spring-type layer having a resistivity of between 10,000 N·m?4.s and 50,000 N·m?4.s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Industrie
    Inventors: Arnaud Duval, Guillaume Deshayes
  • Patent number: 7201254
    Abstract: Air flow openings in a machine housing facilitate air exchange with a machine, but may become outlets for machine noise. In order to protect a machine from possibly damaging elements while facilitating air exchange and attenuating machine noise, the present disclosure includes a machine that is, at least, partially surrounded by a machine housing. An acoustic media grille is positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the machine housing. The acoustic media grille and the portion of the machine housing both define air flow openings that, at least partially, correspond with one another to form an at least partially unobstructed air flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Michael A. Redmann, Peter M. Zuehls, Jim K. Carroll, Ping Zhang, Peyman Agahi
  • Patent number: 7201255
    Abstract: A ladder structure for enhancing corrosion resistance is disclosed, which comprises a ladder including a pair of rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and mounted on the rails. At least one of the rails and at least one of the rungs of the ladder comprise substantially tubular elements each having an interior. A pair of the substantially tubular elements of the ladder are connected to each other and the interiors of the connected pair of substantially tubular elements are in fluid communication with each other. Also disclosed is a method of forming the ladder structure with enhanced corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Robert D. Kreikemeier
  • Patent number: 7201256
    Abstract: An elevator installation with an elevator case, an elevator shaft, and a drive unit. The elevator cage is installed in the elevator shaft to be movable and is controllable by the drive unit so that the elevator cage can be stopped in different positions in the elevator shaft. The elevator shaft is equipped with a detecting device which detects whether a person is standing in a critical zone in the elevator shaft or is about to go into this. The detecting device is connected with the drive unit so that the elevator installation can be transferred to a special mode of operation in case a person is standing in the critical zone or is about to go into this. The drive unit includes special control equipment which in the special mode of operation stops the elevator cage before it moves into the critical zone. In that case the detecting device and the special control equipment are designed to be operationally safe in order to prevent movement of the elevator cage into the critical zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Romeo Deplazes, Philipp Angst
  • Patent number: 7201257
    Abstract: A disk brake device has a rotary brake disk, at least one pad, and a mount. The pad has a guide portion disposed on one end of the pad in the rotational direction of the brake disk. The mount has a support portion that slidably supports the guide portion, so that the pad can move in the axial direction of the brake. A radially outer pressure receiving surface and a radially inner pressure receiving surface are formed on an end of the pad in the rotational direction of the brake disk and serve to receive a reaction force from the mount in order to prevent the pad from moving in the rotational direction of the brake disk. A support member serves to bias the pad in an axial and rotational direction so as to reduce the production of audible sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Nakajima, Yoshiki Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 7201258
    Abstract: A disc brake having a brake carrier (10) which may be fastened to the vehicle and to which bolts are fastened, comprises brake pads (32a, 32b), in the supporting plates of which U-shaped recesses (40, 40?) are formed, which are placed onto the bolts, such that the brake pads are axially movably guided relative to the brake disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schog, Karl-Heinz Wollenweber, Christian Schroeter, Dirk Hees, Guido Zenzen
  • Patent number: 7201259
    Abstract: An adjustable-length compression spring comprises a casing filled with pressure fluid. A piston rod is sealingly extended through a guide and seal unit which closes the casing, a piston, which is sealingly guided therein, being joined to the piston rod. The piston divides the casing into two sectional casing chambers, which are filled with pressure fluid. For connection to each other of the sectional casing chambers, provision is made for a valve operated by a valve pin. The casing includes a locking mechanism which comprises a first and a second locking element, the first of which being in pushing connection with a first operating element and the second with the valve pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Suspa Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Knaust
  • Patent number: 7201260
    Abstract: A subassembly for the amplitude-dependent absorption of shock, especially in a dashpot for a motor vehicle with a piston and an oscillating piston rod. The piston (3) is accommodated in a housing (2), partitioning the housing into two compartments (4 & 5), and travels up and down inside the housing, radially aligned and axially subject to motion-limiting tension, on the end of the piston rod (1). The object is a simple and reliable subassembly that takes up little additional space. The piston is accordingly axially tensioned between two springs (17 & 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Diederich, Jan Kirch, Werner Stüber
  • Patent number: 7201261
    Abstract: A bridging clutch for a hydrodynamic clutch device includes a housing comprising a cover having a friction surface; a piston which can move axially with respect to the housing, the piston having a friction surface which faces the friction surface of the cover; a first pretensioning element mount fixed to the cover and having a first support section; a second pretensioning element mount fixed to the piston and having a second support section; and a pretensioning element supported axially between the first and second support sections for actuating the piston in a predetermined axial direction. A slide device located between the pretensioning element and the second support section permits sliding movement of the pretensioning element with respect to the second pretensioning element mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Carsten Zuehl
  • Patent number: 7201262
    Abstract: A one-way rotational transfer mechanism includes a rotary input shaft; a rotary output shaft provided around the rotary input shaft; a circumferentially-uneven-width-space forming portion formed on the rotary input shaft to form at least one accommodation space having different radial widths at different circumferential positions; a differential rotating member installed in the accommodation space, the differential rotating member revolving around the axis of the rotary input shaft in a same direction as a rotational direction of the rotary input shaft while revolving at a slower speed; and a freely movable torque transfer member installed in the accommodation space. The circumferentially-uneven-width-space forming portion is shaped so that the torque transfer member wedges between the circumferentially-uneven-width-space forming portion and an inner peripheral surface of the rotary output shaft to transfer torque from the rotary input shaft to the rotary output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Takuji Hamasaki, Makoto Iikawa
  • Patent number: 7201263
    Abstract: A viscous damper for driving accessories by a crankshaft though a viscous coupler of the viscous damper. The rotational driving force of the crankshaft is transmitted to the viscous damper hub through the meshing of a large diameter gear and a driven gear, the viscous damper forming a unit with the driven gear. The rotational driving force is further transmitted to a viscous damper housing through the hub and the viscous coupler, i.e., the viscous coupler including a number of plates which are movable relative to each other in a space filled with silicon oil. The rotational driving force, which is transmitted to the housing and is dampened in torque changes by the function of the coupler, is transmitted to a rotor shaft of an alternator to smoothly rotate the alternator rotor. A smooth performance in driving the accessories is ensured by the viscous damper having the viscous coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kunihiro Osada, Masahiko Nakatsuka, Akira Sonobata
  • Patent number: 7201264
    Abstract: A clutch actuator for controlling engagement of a friction clutch and having a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
  • Patent number: 7201265
    Abstract: A clutch actuator for controlling engagement of a friction clutch and having a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
  • Patent number: 7201266
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Brissenden, Timothy M. Burns, Sankar K. Mohan, Eric A. Bansbach, Steven W. O'Hara
  • Patent number: 7201267
    Abstract: A clutch system may include in certain embodiments a clutch body attached to a drive member such as a drive pulley, wherein the clutch body may be removed from the drive member without disassembling the clutch body. In various embodiments, the clutch body may include two clutch plates which enclose a spring-loaded pneumatic reciprocating assembly that in operation causes the plates to selectively separate and engage one another. In certain embodiments, the clutch body may be readily attached to a associated drive pulley in a single step by installation of a single set of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Thomas M. Jagger, George S. Pieper
  • Patent number: 7201268
    Abstract: A device for sorting discs or disk-like members of different identities (e.g. roulette chips) ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells—(multi-chip storage compartments). Ejection of an article from the wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the moving wheel, into a receiving space. The discs in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly-arriving discs which force the previously-positioned discs upwards into a column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Streamline Innovations GmbH
    Inventors: Ludo DeMeutter, Peter Wolfgang De Raedt
  • Patent number: 7201269
    Abstract: An escalator or moving walkway is provided in combination with a device for heating components of the escalator or moving walkway. The device includes at least one pivotably mounted heating element adapted to direct heated air onto a selected component of the escalator or moving walkway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Hans-Werner Büscher, Hans Kleine-Brüggeney
  • Patent number: 7201270
    Abstract: A device for the accumulation and release of products disposed in ranks, comprises a storage unit with respective receiving and delivery openings for the products, a plurality of container elements movably guided within the storage unit between the receiving and delivery openings along a predetermined path, each container element being provided with a plurality of support surfaces for containing ranks of products, actuating means for controlling the movement of the container elements in the storage unit so as to present each container element to be filled in sequence at the receiving opening, for loading incoming ranks of products onto the respective support surfaces of the container and to conduct the previously filled containers to the delivery opening for the release of respective ranks of products leaving the storage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: CT Pack S.r.l.
    Inventor: Kurt Moeller
  • Patent number: 7201271
    Abstract: A storage case includes a housing including a base section and a top section pivotally connected thereto. The base section has a substantially planar bottom surface for receiving an oral care device thereon and further has an outer wall integral with the base section and extending upwardly therefrom. The top section includes a compartment including a door pivotally connected thereto. Such a compartment is spaced from the bottom surface when the housing is adapted to a closed position. A plurality of sanitizing towelettes are stored within the compartment and are selectively removable therefrom. Such towelettes are impregnated with predetermined artificial flavors for providing a pleasant taste after the oral care device is wiped between uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Jody L. Saad
  • Patent number: 7201272
    Abstract: A consumer tote for a roll of wallpaper is disclosed. The tote has a disposable exterior with a main access flap and a pair of core access openings, one at each end. The tote has an interior in which may be located a disposable core. The core aligns with the access openings. In some embodiments there is a gap between the access flap and an adjacent edge of the exterior, when the flap is closed. In preferred embodiments, the core is supported at each end by a molding having a hub which engages the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King, Janette Faye Lee
  • Patent number: 7201273
    Abstract: An air packing bag of plastic for shipping or storing goods is disclosed. The bag includes upper and lower sheets, a valve mechanism including upper and lower films and an intermediate heat-proof member, parallel bladders formed by the upper and the lower sheets, the bladders being perpendicular to the valve mechanism, seals each formed between two adjacent bladders, an air passage formed across the bladders for being in communication therewith, the air passage being adjacent the valve mechanism and having an air valve at one end, and coupling points formed on the upper sheet adjacent the air passage. Pressure inside the inflated bladders pushes both the upper and the lower films to urge against an inner surface of the upper sheet for blocking air from leaving the bladders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Camry Packing Industrial Limited
    Inventors: Cheng-Yung Chen, Tai-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 7201274
    Abstract: A package having a simultaneous stop, alignment, and enhanced tamper-resistant feature, wherein the package has an outer sleeve and a slide card slidably disposed within the outer sleeve. A stop panel is disposed on an inside surface of the outer sleeve and has an extension panel extending away therefrom, wherein the extension panel enhances the tamper-resistant nature of the package. A guide panel extends along a longitudinal edge of the outer sleeve and has a length equal to or greater than a combined length of the stop panel and extension panel. The guide panel being folded over the extension panel to defined a channel between an edge of the guide panel and a score line separating first and second panels of the outer sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Howell Packaging division of FM Howell & Co.
    Inventors: Michael Paliotta, George Howell
  • Patent number: 7201275
    Abstract: A PTP constructed so that when the PTP is divided into a section having one or a plurality of pocket portions, a person can discriminate between the top, bottom, right and left sides of this section in the planar direction and a visually handicapped person can correctly identify the direction of medicament identifying means provided on the section. The PTP includes a flexible sheet having a pocket portion containing a tablet T, and a metal foil adhered to the flexible sheet to hermetically seal the pocket portion containing the tablet T, and the PTP is dividable into sections including a plurality of pocket portions by a dividing line. An unevenness serving as medicament identifying means is provided on a top surface of a pocket portion, and arcs are respectively formed on the dividing line on the sides so that the shapes of all the divided sections become the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventors: Sachiko Nakagawa, Yoshihisa Hama, Yasuhiro Tsukamasa, Susumu Kimura, Takafumi Araki
  • Patent number: 7201276
    Abstract: A substrate container and a bottom plate are connected with a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the container and bottom plate, by, e.g., a threaded connection between two members of the connector mechanism. Also provided are a duck-billed valve for venting the container and a dampener for minimizing damage due to shocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: John Burns, Matthew A. Fuller, Jeffery J. King, Martin L. Forbes, Mark V. Smith
  • Patent number: 7201277
    Abstract: Movable containers are provided over one part of the section conveyor on which the mail items are filed according to the distribution sequence, said moveable containers circulating in an enclosed transport path and each having several compartments controlled to open downwards for each respective mail item. The compartments can only be emptied if the containers are in the neutral position at a sorting station. Automatic emptying takes place on the sections assigned to the delivery points according to the known destination address of the mail items. After a container has been emptied, it can be driven to a loading station at which the compartments are filled with mail items, the compartments with the mail items being assigned to the delivery points according to the respective destination address and this assignment is transmitted to a device for the controlled opening of the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventor: Wolf-Stephan Wilke
  • Patent number: 7201278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing sheet material, in particular bank notes, having a singling device for singling bank notes, a sensor path for testing at least one property of the singled bank notes and a deposit device having at least one output pocket for bank notes which have traversed the sensor path. Since the singling of bank notes is effected from a plurality of singlers in controlled order, efficient bank note processing can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Werner
  • Patent number: 7201279
    Abstract: A sliding support shelf supports equipment within a rack system regardless of its design. The base of the support shelf includes a surface capable of supporting the equipment reducing unintended movement of the equipment, providing security of the supported equipment, and enhancing ventilation of the equipment. A slide is associated with the base to allow the base to move with respect to the rack. The slide lacks ball bearings, but provides smooth movement of the base without requiring direct attachment to the equipment. Cable management arms are integral to the base to manage the various cables and the like associated with the equipment. The method of the present invention comprises steps of use of the support shelf with various designs of racks and types and dimensions of equipment to be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H Mimlitch, III, David Anthony Norman
  • Patent number: 7201280
    Abstract: A wafer boat for consolidation of a porous oxide layer structure is provided. The wafer boat includes at least one support plate including: a first plate for supporting a substrate with the porous oxide layer by face-to-face contact; a second plate radially extending from a periphery of the first plate; and a stepped portion for limiting movement of the substrate formed with a predetermined height along a border line between the first plate and the second plate. The wafer boat also includes a support plate supporting the edge of the wafer to be consolidated, so that it is possible to prevent the porous layer of a wafer located underneath from being damaged by the falling particles from the broken particles from the porous layer of the wafer located at the upper side. Also, the omission of a dummy wafer can reduce the size of the consolidation furnace, and the automation system and the process can be simplified leading to reduction of the production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Geol Cho
  • Patent number: 7201281
    Abstract: A modular pusher system for use with articles of merchandise in a display includes pusher tracks and dividers, each of which include detachable sections so that these basic components can be used in pusher systems of different depths. Spring loaded pushers are mounted on the tracks, and both the tracks and the dividers can be snap fit into slots in front and rear extrusions that can be mounted on a shelf. The tracks and the dividers include notches and cut-out sections which define auxiliary latching mechanisms intermediate the ends thereof, which can be snapped into the rear extrusion when rear sections are detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Imageworks Display and Marketing Group
    Inventor: Brian Hart Welker
  • Patent number: 7201282
    Abstract: A storage rack is formed by a plurality of stacked modules where each module includes a vertical support column and a support arm that extends outwardly and downwardly from the vertical support column at an angle of about thirty degrees. A barrier arm is pivotally mounted to a distal free end of the support arm. A strap extends from a first, inner end of the support arm to the barrier arm. Elongate objects placed atop the strap cause the barrier arm to pivot into a vertical position to create a barrier that prevents objects from rolling or sliding in a direction away from the vertical support column. When the elongate object is lifted from the support arm, the tension in the strap is released and the barrier arm pivots into a horizontal position of repose to facilitate removal of the object from the support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Suspenz, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Alderman
  • Patent number: 7201283
    Abstract: A rack, or caddy, is disclosed which stores and dispenses used plastic bags. Normally the bags are grocery store or department store sized bags made from a thin film of plastic which have been saved for reuse somehow. The caddy includes a sheet member which may be made of molded plastic material such as polypropylene, and it has several cups joined to it. The interior walls of the cups are spaced far enough apart to permit a user to insert hand compacted plastic bags into the cups, and thereafter the walls hold them there by limiting the expansion of the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Craig B. Matuszewski
  • Patent number: 7201284
    Abstract: There is provided a spill proof cup assembly having a cap with at least one spout outlet, a cup with an upper open portion adapted to securely and sealingly receive the cap, and a thermoplastic elastomer, or similar elastomeric material, co-molded bottom portion with a vent disposed therein for allowing air to enter the cup as fluid exits through the spout outlet. The result is a one-way flow of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Clark, Richard S. Chomik
  • Patent number: 7201285
    Abstract: An insulating holder for holding a beverage in a bottle or a can having a lower cylindrical enclosure which receives an upper enclosure having a dome-shaped upper end. The upper and lower enclosures are provided with mating threads or other mating devices to hold the upper and lower enclosures in place when enjoyed. The upper enclosure is adapted to cover the top portion of a bottle inserted into the lower enclosure and to snuggly receive a can when inverted and inserted into the lower enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Wallis H. Wallis Trust of 2004
    Inventor: Tom Beggins
  • Patent number: 7201286
    Abstract: A folding collapsible storage box is constructed to include a plurality of box units connected to one another in a line, each box unit including a folding collapsible rectangular top-open box body, two hard side boards respectively fastened to two adjacent upright peripheral panels of the box body, a hard bottom panel attached to the bottom panel of the box body, and a plurality of rod members horizontally fastened to the topmost edge of each upright peripheral panel that is not attached with a hard side board. Further, the box bodies of each two adjacent box units have a bottom upright peripheral panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 7201287
    Abstract: A venting device for a drum. The venting device includes a body having a pair of opposing sides and defining a plurality of vent passages. The vent passages extend through the body and each an opening at each of the pair of opposing sides. The vent passages are spaced apart and arranged around a center portion of the body. A membrane structure is positioned so as to cover the openings of the vent passages on one of the pair of opposing sides of the body. The membrane structure is sealingly affixed to the body portion in an outer sealing band surrounding the openings of the vent passages. The membrane structure may be further affixed with one or more cross sealing bands extending across the membrane. A portion of the membrane structure may be further affixed to the center portion of the body. A protective structure may be attached to the body and positioned over the membrane structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Maenke
  • Patent number: 7201288
    Abstract: A dispensing device, such as a drinking container, for selectively dispensing a substance, such as a drinking liquid. The dispensing device includes a container defining a chamber for storing the substance. The dispensing device also includes a lid element. The lid element includes a lower lid portion attachable to the container. The lower lid portion defines at least one lower orifice. The lower lid portion has an upwardly-extending column member located in a center region of the lower lid portion. The lid element also includes an upper lid portion configured to be rotatably mounted on the lower lid portion via the column member. The upper lid portion defines at least one upper orifice. The upper lid portion is rotatable relative to the lower lid portion to a closed position at which the upper orifice is misaligned with the lower orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas von Rönn, Birgit Clemens
  • Patent number: 7201289
    Abstract: A method for introducing a polymerization catalyst into a coating formulation as the formulation flows from a reservoir includes the steps of: opening the first end of a sealed dispenser holding a predetermined volume of a polymerization catalyst solution and inserting the dispenser into the reservoir such that the open end of the dispenser is positioned near the outlet of the reservoir; with the dispenser so positioned, opening the second end of the dispenser to atmosphere. The head of the liquid coating formulation in the reservoir prevents flow of the catalyst solution from the dispenser until the liquid coating formulation flows from the reservoir into the flow channel. Thus, the catalyst solution mixes with the coating formulation in a way that a predetermined concentration of the catalyst solution is maintained in the coating formulation as the coating formulation flows from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Kamlesh Kumar Bhatia
  • Patent number: 7201290
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing of a product based on weight as a load cell (22) which supports a structure holding the product (20a) to be dispensed. The weight of the product (20a) that is dispensed is determined by use of a controller (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, John E. Thomas, Thomas J. Batcher
  • Patent number: 7201291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for a flowable product, particularly for a beverage and, in particular, for still or sparkling mineral water. The container according to the invention includes a body having in a greater section a dimension d1 and of at least one neck with an internal diameter d2 which can be closed by a member for closing off and/or of distributing the flowable product from the container. The wall or walls forming the body of the container are preferably made of a flexible plastic which can deform for constant surface area, particularly under the weight of the flowable product from the container when the wall or walls encounter a point or bearing surface, so as to form, at least locally, a non-planar wall portion and wherein the ratio d2 to d1 is between 1:3 and 1:10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Nestle Waters Management & Technology
    Inventors: Murielle Vigny, Alain Contal, Jean-Paul Cerveny, Gérard Denis