Patents Issued in April 17, 2007
  • Patent number: 7204365
    Abstract: An assembly and method for cleaning a conveyor belt system is disclosed. The cleaning assembly is for removing liquids and solids from an endless conveyor belt, the assembly includes a plurality of laterally extending liquid absorbent material sheets disposed adjacent the belt, with the sheets collectively defining a contact face that is engageable with the belt for wiping liquids from the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lance E. Behymer, Smarajit Mitra, Jerald W. Hall, Jr., Alexander C. Tsuei
  • Patent number: 7204366
    Abstract: A credit card case or fob with an integrated quick-release latch is provided that may be unclipped readily from a key loop, key chain or other device. The quick-release credit card case includes upper and lower cover portions and a pivot member for connecting the upper and lower cover portions. The pivot member is adapted to have at least one card mounted thereon so as to permit pivotal rotation of the card relative to the upper and lower cover portions. The upper and lower cover portions each have a slot in an outer surface thereof at mateably aligned locations to permit insertion of a key chain loop therein. A latch mounted on at least one of the cover portions is selectively movable to alternate positions exposing the radially outwardly facing opening of the slot in said cover portions and closing said radially outwardly facing opening of the slot in said cover portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Discover Financial Services LLC
    Inventors: David W. Nelms, Rodney A. Dawson
  • Patent number: 7204367
    Abstract: A unique dispensing package easily, quickly and economically encases decorative light strings within a thin walled, flexible plastic tube. The plastic tube is provided to the user as a longitudinally compressed hollow column encased in the dispensing package. As a string of lights is passed through the hollow column, the tube is expanded and dispensed onto the string. The string of lights is thereby protected against damage and dust. The plastic tube also prevents tangling of the light string, permitting greater convenience for storage and for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: Ryan L. Bott, Randy L. Bott, Michael J. Moran
  • Patent number: 7204368
    Abstract: A package for consumable products includes an enclosure having a top, a bottom and opposing side portions, the enclosure containing one or more items chosen from a first set of consumable products, a first seal disposed about, and spaced inwardly from the periphery of, three adjacent side portions of the enclosure, a resealable closure adjacent the fourth side of the enclosure, the enclosure being folded so that the periphery of the fourth side is disposed adjacent to and parallel with the periphery of the side opposite to the fourth side, a second seal formed at the periphery of the folded sheets to form a second compartment of a size sufficient to house one or more items chosen from a second set of consumable products, and a third seal formed inwardly of the second seal and spaced outwardly of the first seal, the third seal being a perforated seal that enables detachment of a strip of material disposed between the periphery of the sheets and the third seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: Sarah F. Cheaure, Michael J. Cheaure
  • Patent number: 7204369
    Abstract: A wraparound carton comprises wall panels hingedly interconnected in series, wherein the wall panels include a pair of base wall panels at the opposite end of the blank. One of the base wall panels is connected to an adjacent wall panel through a beam forming portion that includes a bracket panel hingedly connected to the one base wall panel and a pair of support panels both connected to the bracket panel and extending to the adjacent wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Philippe LeBras
  • Patent number: 7204370
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes housing enclosing a replaceable filter element. A support core is provided in the housing, and includes an extension and locking assembly. The element includes a ring of filtration media with a pair of end caps. The first end cap includes a central opening to receive the support core. The extension and locking assembly prevents the cover of the housing from being attached to the housing body without a proper filter element installed. The extension and locking assembly includes a bypass member and a locking member, which are in locking engagement when an element is absent in the housing. The second end cap includes internal protrusions which engage the locking member when the filter element is installed to disengage the bypass member from the support core, and allow the element to be inserted and the cover to be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Parker Intangibles LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Clausen, Steven R. Knight, Martin C. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 7204371
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling electronic component configuration. The system includes a guard including an aperture and a plate including an aperture are adjustably connected. The guard and the plate each include a pin connected thereto. The system is capable of adjusting configurations to obtain an open configuration where at least a portion of the guard and plate apertures align and a blocked configuration where the plate and the guard apertures fail to permit access. Depending on an introduced component characteristic the component's physical keying structure may be received or prevented depending on the implementation. Additionally the present invention permits retrofitting a component with a correct characteristic but lacking a keying structure by disposing plate/guard pins outside the footprint of an introduced electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Terrill L. Woolsey, Tina M. Reintjes
  • Patent number: 7204372
    Abstract: A rug display system includes a base having a plurality of upwardly extending posts and a frame comprising a front, top and rear section. At least a portion of the frame is configured to be rotatably mounted on a post of the base. The rug display system can further include a front support member attached to the frame adjacent to the front section and configured to movably support the frame on a display surface in use. A rug clip for use in a rug display system includes a gripping member having oppositely disposed gripping elements and a biasing member mounted over at least a portion of the gripping member and having a first and second top leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Kin Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kin, Henry R. Kin
  • Patent number: 7204373
    Abstract: A product display system includes a support, at least one illumination source positioned substantially above the support and operable to illuminate the support, and a plurality of product packages positioned on the support. The packages may have at least one tab extending generally downwardly from the front wall or opposite side walls. The tab angles or tilts the package relative to the support such that the package is tilted toward the illumination source. The packages are tilted such that the front walls of the tilted packages face at least partially toward the illumination source to provide enhanced illumination of the front walls of the tilted packages. The plurality of packages may be arranged in rows on a shelf, with the rows of packages being nested together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: American Grease Stick Company
    Inventor: Ian K. Rosen
  • Patent number: 7204374
    Abstract: A tool holder assembly of the present invention that includes a main tool holder body having an inner section and an outer section that may be one or more pieces. The inner section comprises at least one inner section tool receiving aperture and the outer section comprises at least two outer section tool receiving apertures that both substantially align with the inner section tool receiving apertures and the inner and outer sections form an elongated insert receiving space and a removable, elongated, elastomeric insert optionally spaced within the elongated insert receiving space. The insert comprises an insert tool receiving aperture that substantially aligns with the inner and outer section tool receiving apertures such that tools of various shapes are substantially retained by the tool holder assembly when a tool is placed within the tool receiving apertures of the inner section, the outer section, and the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: James E. Marek
  • Patent number: 7204375
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display arm for a musical cymbal. The arm allows cymbals to be presented in a retail environment without interfering with playability. This allows consumers to play the cymbal to determine whether or not it meets their musical needs. The display arm also precludes the theft or unauthorized removal of the cymbal. This is achieved by special screw assemblies which can only be uncoupled by store personnel. A display panel is also provided whereby relevant product literature can be presented to potential purchasers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Paiste America, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Paiste, Steve Ziolkowski
  • Patent number: 7204376
    Abstract: A plurality of separate display modules are interchangeably installed on a shelf of a cooperating cabinet structure and arranged to provide convexly curved display panels mounting selected arrangements of illuminated sample chips, an interactive video display, and brochure receptacles. The structure is provided with an integral sprinkler water distribution system and may include a two-part sample chip mounting mechanism which facilitates changing out of sample chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Behr Process Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Richardson, Gregory James Warren, Thomas R. Lee
  • Patent number: 7204377
    Abstract: A connection system for a modular structure is provided. The connection system includes a plurality of connector assemblies that connect a first structure module to a second structure module. The connection system additionally includes at least one retaining pin. The retaining pin is used to maintain a respective connector assembly in a locked state, thereby connecting the first and second structure modules in a steadfast manner. Each connector assembly includes a first catch affixed to a first member of the first structure module and a second catch affixed to a first member of the second structure module. The first and second catches are formed to interlock under linear movement of the first structure module relative to the second structure module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Randall L Marion
  • Patent number: 7204378
    Abstract: A goods transshipment apparatus having a mobile substructure with a superstructure mounted so as to be rotatable relative to said substructure and having a driver's cab and engine compartment and a jib or jib system jointed to the superstructure wherein the superstructure is adjustable between a lower position (resting position I) on the substructure and an upper position (operating position II) at a spacing from the substructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fuchs-Bagger GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans Schaeff
  • Patent number: 7204379
    Abstract: A crane has at least one telescopic crane arm with at least two sliding arms that are moveable against each other. At least one gliding element, which is housed in a frame in a detached and unfastened manner, is arranged between the sliding arms. The gliding element has a separate spring element projecting from the gliding surface of the gliding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Palfinger, AG
    Inventor: Eckhard Wimmer
  • Patent number: 7204380
    Abstract: An infant cup includes a cup body 12, a cover 16, a flexible mouthpiece 24 and a valve element 26. The valve element 26 includes a sealing face 70 which closes an orifice 44 in the mouthpiece in a relaxed position. The valve element includes an angled face cooperating with an internal angled face of the mouthpiece such that when pressure is applied the valve element moves downwardly, opening the mouthpiece orifice 44. The valve element is resiliently biased upwards such that when relaxed it springs back to close the mouthpiece orifice 44 once again, and is biased upwards in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Jackel International Limited
    Inventors: Ian Alexander Webb, Richard Wearmouth, Richard Hudson
  • Patent number: 7204381
    Abstract: There is a tube container that is resistant to water infiltration into the cavity between the head and the cap. The tube container has a body wall and a head. The body wall defines a chamber therein. The head has a shoulder, which has an orifice therethrough in communication with the chamber. The shoulder has a ridge extending therefrom adjacent its periphery. The ridge substantially blocks the infiltration of water when the cap is secured to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Vincent, III, Douglas A. Abbott, Daniel L. King
  • Patent number: 7204382
    Abstract: A hydration system is disclosed for carrying readily dispensable fluids, such as water. A removable cap having an annular valve covers a container. A flexible tube is disposed through the center of the annular valve and extends generally to near the bottom of the container. A bite valve is attached to the end of the tube that is external to the container. When the annular valve is closed, the hydration system is substantially closed, preventing fluid loss. When the annular valve is opened, an air channel is created that allows air to enter the container, facilitating the flow of fluid from the container through the flexible tube. The annular valve may be a poppet-type valve having a valve stem that is movable between the closed position and the open position. The hydration system is sufficiently compact to be utilized with narrow-mouthed bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Cezeaux
  • Patent number: 7204383
    Abstract: A seal container includes a container, a lid, a knob fitted on the lid, a soft seal fitted over a lower side of the lid, and a depressing member arranged under the knob and connected with a middle of the seal at a lower end; the depressing member has several slopes on an annular edge; the knob has projections, which are spaced on an annular edge, and touch the slopes respectively; the depressing member will move down, and the seal will be depressed at the middle to reduce in circumference immediately after the knob is turned to such a position that the projections touch higher ends of the slopes; the seal will stretch to a normal shape to seal the container immediately after the knob is turned to such a position that the projections touch lower ends of the slopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Jumper Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Feng Hsu
  • Patent number: 7204384
    Abstract: In a cover of a container for a dual cover system, wherein the cover and container have both either a round or a polygonal shape with a seal arranged between the container and the cover and wherein the cover includes at least two clamping closure mechanisms operable by an operating structure arranged in the center of the cover and having operating arms extending to the clamping closure mechanisms for synchronous operation thereof, each clamping closure mechanism includes an outwardly extending elbow lever structure with an upper pivotal support bearing on the cover and a lower pivotal support bearing mounted on a support arm movable up and downwardly by the operating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Lehning, Michael Monz
  • Patent number: 7204385
    Abstract: A vented drinking vessel in the style of a racecar fueling tank of the types used at pit stops during NASCAR® races. The vented drinking vessel includes a vent tube or solid handle that looks similar to the vent tube of a racecar fueling tank. The vented container also includes a curved straw similar to the exit pipe on a racecar fueling tank, which the user may drink from in the usual manner. To prevent spilling, the vented drinking vessel may include one or more valves, such as a one-way valve removable located within the vent tube and/or a check valve removable located within the curved straw, typically at the end of the straw. The vessel may include an internal straw that extends from the bottom of the curved straw into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Hi-Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Rockhill, Jason Doucet, Michael J. Mehrman
  • Patent number: 7204386
    Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to invert which unblocks an opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the valve pressed against a center seal-off, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective. The cup assembly further allows liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
  • Patent number: 7204387
    Abstract: A cooking vessel grip has an elongated, one-piece body made of plastic material and having, at a first end, a connecting portion for connection to a cooking vessel; and the body has, internally, a longitudinal cavity extending at least along a portion gripped in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: La Termoplastic F.B.M. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco Munari
  • Patent number: 7204388
    Abstract: A latching system including both apparatus and methods addresses the need for a reusable latch that is identical on either side of a container opening, thereby facilitating container manufacture. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods for assuring the quality of latchable container enclosed contents and enhancing the safety of container users by providing an unopened condition assurance element such as a tab that is removable from a reusable container latch. A novel latching system with a split insertion element on a first latch side and unitary receptor element on a second latch side is also disclosed. A preferred embodiment involves an elastically obstructed latch as used on a squeeze-openable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: International Molded Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Roderick E. Galland, Hossein Monajjem
  • Patent number: 7204389
    Abstract: A moist product dispenser (10) comprising a lid (12) coupled with a container (14) is disclosed. The lid (12) comprises a circumferential seal slidably received on the container sidewall (18) for preventing moisture loss from the container interior. The seal generally comprises a circumferential ridge (20) having top and bottom faces (24, 26) and is configured for nonthreaded engagement with the container sidewall (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Marcon Marketing Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7204390
    Abstract: A stack of material sheets, which material sheets have a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and which material sheets are folded at least once in the transverse direction along a transverse folding line and at least once in the longitudinal direction along a longitudinal folding line. The material sheets are interlinked such that, when a first material sheet is extracted, a predetermined part of the next material sheet is fed out. Two consecutive material sheets in the stack are folded into one another and are in this way interlinked by panels of the respective material sheets. The said panels constitute rectangles each having two delimiting edges namely a longitudinal fold edge and a transverse fold edge. The two consecutive material sheets lie stacked with the longitudinal fold edge of a first material sheet arranged in the opposite direction in relation to the corresponding longitudinal fold edge of the next, second material sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Urban Widlund
  • Patent number: 7204391
    Abstract: A one-at-a-time pill container and dispenser having a mechanism that allows for dispensing pills. Said pills are stored safely inside the device until dispensed preferably by actuating a plunger mechanism that operates by engagement to a helical cut or thread in a tube, and is maintained in place by a longitudinal cut or groove in a concentric tube. The pill is dispensed via an orifice fitted with an element-resistant septum that protects said tube contents pre-, intra-, and post-delivery. The plunger mechanism is actuated via rotation of the inner tube using a control switch. The dispenser is primarily intended for administering ergogenic substances to athletes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Jonathan David Toker
  • Patent number: 7204392
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure pack aerosol can comprised of a body blank (2), of a dome (3) for accommodating a valve (4), of an inwardly arched bottom (5), of an inner sleeve (7), which is arranged on a disk (6), and of a tappet (9), which is arranged inside the inner sleeve (7), which is provided for splitting open said inner sleeve (7) and which can be displaced therethrough by the disk (6). According to the invention, the inner sleeve (7) is joined to the disk (6) via a spring cage (11), and the spring cage (11) contains a release mechanism (12), which is spring-mounted and which acts upon the tappet (9). Said tappet (9), in turn, acts upon a cover (8), which is arranged on the can-side end of the inner sleeve (7), and splits the cover open when actuated. A diaphragm (15) is arranged between the tappet (9) and the release mechanism (12) and hermetically seals the inner sleeve (7), on its disk-side end, off from the contents of the pressure pack aerosol can (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Peter Kwasny GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kwasny, Christian Maras
  • Patent number: 7204393
    Abstract: A spray actuator for a pressurized aerosol canister that simplifies the mechanical moving parts of a spray actuator to a body and a trigger and a third nozzle piece being inserted at the very end of the product dispensing passage either in the body or the trigger. The moveable trigger rotates about a pivot or hinge point on the body and is biased by engagement with the valve stem or an additional spring return into a neutral unactuated position where the product is not dispensed. When dispensing of the product is desired, the user grasps the actuator and pulls the trigger against the body and overcomes the bias of the valve stem and the valve is actuated as discussed above to dispense the pressurized aerosol product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Summit Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Toralf H. Strand
  • Patent number: 7204394
    Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing liquids such as gasoline has a gate valve wherein the gate valve comprises a thin, substantially flat slide member optionally angled at a portion thereof. The gate valve member is slidably positioned within a similarly shaped channel formed into a surface of a reservoir (storage) portion of the container, or other area of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas Mac Tackett
  • Patent number: 7204395
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for flexing a concealed holster to secure the contents of the holster in the holster. An elongate substantially rigid elastically flexible sling is secured to a side of the holster such that the elongate member and side of the holster can be partially separated so the wearer's shirts can be inserted therebetween to conceal the holster. The lower end of the sling can be flexed outwardly away from the side of the holster such that a portion of the outer side adjacent the lower end is, when the sling is flexed outwardly to insert the wearer's shirt, flexed inwardly to compress a pistol in the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Richard N. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 7204396
    Abstract: A support assembly for use with a vehicle article carrier comprises a one-piece support having a base portion and a rail portion, a first attachment mechanism associated with the support, and a cover. The cover has a second attachment mechanism engaging the first attachment mechanism to secure the cover to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sportrack Automotive
    Inventor: Craig Stapleton
  • Patent number: 7204397
    Abstract: A cargo container attachment for a small vehicle such as a lawn tractor is provided. The container is removably attached to the rear of the vehicle and includes a cargo box storage space with a pivotally mounted swingable tailgate. The container is designed to be used in conjunction with a lawn tractor to perform landscaping and structural maintenance tasks. Materials such as mulch, soil and plantings as well as maintenance materials can be transported in the cargo space. The tailgate can be moved between a first position where it serves to enclose the storage space and a second position where its serves as a workbench surface. Tool receiving recesses are provided in the sidewall edges of the composite container for transporting small tools such as trimmers, shovels, shears and/or rakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Matthew Elmer Powell, Brian James Hitt, Jeffrey Robert Braun
  • Patent number: 7204398
    Abstract: A multi-purpose wallet/cellular telephone case includes a multi-sectional wallet unit having a central section and first, second, and third foldout sections that are integral with the central section. At least two of these sections are compartment sections. The first, second, and third foldout sections are hingedly connected to the central section whereby the foldout sections can be pivoted from first positions overlaying the central section to second extended positions for gaining access to an interior of the case. The central, second and third sections have a common flexible back panel secured thereto that forms a pocket with the sections for holding paper currency. An external pocket is located on the flexible back panel of the case for holding a cellular telephone. A releasable fastener releasably holds the first, second, and third sections in their first positions and the case may include a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Albert L. Smith, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7204399
    Abstract: A backpack with a compression system includes a backpack body having a top side, a bottom side, two lateral sides, a body side, an outer side and a pair of shoulder straps. Each shoulder strap has a first end connected at a junction of the top side and the body side, and a second end connected to the backpack body at a junction of the bottom side and the body side. Each strap extends along a corresponding lateral side and the bottom of the backpack body, and is slidably connected to the backpack body at a junction of the body side and a corresponding lateral side, and at a junction of the corresponding lateral side and the outer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Collier, Frank T. Brown, Thomas G. Bell
  • Patent number: 7204400
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating glass panels that minimizes process failures and improves separation process consistency by utilizing a separation handle which applies the minimal pressure necessary to remove the edge portion from the glass panel. The glass panel is cut along the score line, which outlines the edge portions of the glass panel to be removed. The panel is placed upon the separating apparatus, which pumps nitrogen along the underside of the glass panel, causing the glass panel to float above the apparatus. Locating pins are inserted to position the panel on the stage. Once the glass panel is in place, a vacuum sucks the panel against the stage, holding the panel tightly against the stage. The separation handle is then inserted over the edge portion to be removed. A measured force is applied to the handle, with the force incrementally increased until the slow, controllable separation of the edge is achieved. This level of force is maintained until separation is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Henry S. Marek, Robert Kwasnick, Ruben Horacio-Flores Moctezuma, Fyodor I. Maydanich
  • Patent number: 7204401
    Abstract: A web material feeding apparatus has a suction plate 24 provided near an outlet of a reservoir box 2. The suction plate 24 can be shifted in the direction across a feeding path for tip paper C, by operation of a motor 76. The feeding apparatus also has a sensor unit 96 provided at the upstream side of a receiving drum 12. The sensor unit 96 supplies a detection signal to a controller 120. When the controller 120 detects meandering of the tip paper C on the basis of the detection signal supplied from the sensor unit 96, the controller 120 actuates the motor 76 to shift the suction plate 24 to thereby correct the meandering of the tip paper C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Hisao Suzuki, Syozo Horikawa, Hiroshi Okamoto, Takayuki Irikura, Hiroyuki Yoshinari
  • Patent number: 7204402
    Abstract: A fastener driving device includes a housing containing a chamber for storing compressed air a cylinder structure disposed within the housing, a piston movably disposed within the cylinder, a driver connected to the piston, a main valve cooperable with the cylinder structure and movable between an open position and a closed position. The main valve in its open position allows air to move the piston through a drive stroke. The fastener driving device also includes a trigger valve operable between first and second positions. The trigger valve in its first position communicates air pressure from the chamber to the main valve through a signal passageway so as to retain the main valve in a closed position. The trigger valve in its second position allows the air to be exhausted to atmosphere through the signal passageway to permit the main valve to open. The cylinder and the signal passageway comprise an integrally molded structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Stanley Fastening Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: Brian C. Burke, Prudencio S. Canlas, Jr., David J. Simonelli
  • Patent number: 7204403
    Abstract: A driving tool, such as a nailer, with a flywheel, a driver and an activation arm assembly that is configured to drive the driver into contact with the flywheel to permit energy to be transmitted between the flywheel and the driver so that the driver will translate along an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Kenney, Paul Gross
  • Patent number: 7204404
    Abstract: A surgical instrument adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end. The instrument also includes a cartridge housing and an anvil. The cartridge housing and anvil are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another, and the cartridge housing includes a knife adapted for cutting tissue by moving between the cartridge housing and the anvil. A firing mechanism is associated with the cartridge housing for selective actuation. The instrument also includes a tissue retention feature having an upper member and a lower member maintaining tissue between the cartridge housing and the anvil during treatment, wherein the upper and lower members respectively include channels associated with the knife for guiding it between the cartridge housing and the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Nguyen, William David Kelly, Peter Michael Wukusick, Richard F. Schwemberger, Richard C. Smith, Michael L. Kruszynski, Federico Bilotti
  • Patent number: 7204405
    Abstract: A container for foodstuffs including a carton, tray and pad, each formed from a cut and creased blank of foldable sheet material. The carton is substantially a tubular element having end panels for enclosing the carton. A plurality of corner locks are provided to maintain the end panels oriented in a closed position. Handles formed in the carton permit stacking of the containers and easy transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Gamon Plus, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7204406
    Abstract: Multi-unit product cartons for store racks, shelves, walls, columns, and floors, in particular, cartons with advantageous product visibility and accessibility via a radially-openable access panel disposed on at least one of the carton sides. The access panel has at least one side arm that inter-leaves between two adjacent carton sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry Bone
  • Patent number: 7204407
    Abstract: A device for the collection of articles, such as waste, dirty laundry and the like, has a carrying frame with several cutouts, into which can be inserted in each case a bag-like receptacle produced from a plastic film, from a textile fabric, from paper or the like. The receptacles are fastenable to the carrying frame. The carrying frame is formed all-round, at the edgings surrounding the cutouts, with a clamping contour in the form of projecting strips, grooves, or the like, into which frame-shaped or ring-shaped, elastically deformable holding shackles assigned to the bag-like receptacles and at least virtually closed on themselves can be inserted. The upper edges of the bag-like receptacles can be clamped between the holding shackles and the clamping contour on the carrying frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Karl Laher
  • Patent number: 7204408
    Abstract: A system and method for data input into a data processing system. The data processing system includes a host computer and a multi-function terminal that includes a non-planer document-guidance track, only one scanner for retrieving data from a document and sending the data to a host computer for processing, and a one print module, located adjacent to the document-guidance track. The print module also includes at least one print head, where the position of the print head and/or platen may be altered to accommodate documents of different thickness, sizes, and rigidity to facilitate data retrieval of said scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Thomas Cato
  • Patent number: 7204409
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a system and/or method that facilitates executing a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) process by employing a reader application markup language (RAML) schema that provides a portable format to setup and deploy such RFID process. A schema component can receive RFID data relating to an RFID architecture wherein a RAML schema can be created based at least upon such RFID data (e.g., discovered readers including settings and/or configurations). The RAML schema can include a sub-system definition (e.g., containing the definition of server state and entities in such server) and a process definition (e.g., containing process related entities and inter-relationships).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anush Kumar, Mohamed Fakrudeen Ali Ahmed, Janaki R. Goteti
  • Patent number: 7204410
    Abstract: A structure of a system using an IC card is simplified. A controller and active antennas are connected to each other through a bus. The controller transmits a command outputted from a host computer and including an ID for discriminating the active antennas to all the active antennas connected to the bus. The respective active antennas judge whether or not the received command is directed to itself by checking the contained ID. In the case where it is judged that the command is directed to itself, transfer of data to the IC card is performed, and the result is transferred to the controller through the active antenna and the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Murayama, Susumu Kusakabe, Katsuyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7204411
    Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a card reader (256) in the machine operative to receive cards from users. Cards that are to be captured and held in the machine are moved by the card reader to the interior of a bin (268). Cards entering the bin are engaged with and moved away from the card reader by action of a movable member (274). Authorized servicers recover captured cards from the bin by opening a lock (272) and accessing the interior of the bin by opening a lid (270). The user interface of the machine includes a movable fascia portion (240) that assures proper alignment of the fascia opening and card reader and also minimizes the risk of undetected installation of unauthorized card reading devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems, division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Pietro Scarafile, Piero Ghiringhelli, Giorgio Cerioni, Francesco Ferraro, Natarajan Ramachandran, Zachary Utz, Kenneth Turocy, Jim Booth, Paul D. Magee, David A. Barker
  • Patent number: 7204412
    Abstract: A family stored value card program is provided. One embodiment is a method for implementing a stored value card program. One such method comprises: identifying an existing stored value card account; and enabling a first customer associated with the existing stored value card account to establish a new stored value card account associated with a second customer, the new stored value card account linked to the first stored value card account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: CompuCredit Intellectual Property Holdings Corp. III
    Inventor: Sheldon H. Foss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7204413
    Abstract: Judgment systems and methods. The system includes a signal gathering module, an attribute retrieval module, a rule retrieval module, and a rule execution module. The signal gathering module receives identification of at least a first card and a second card, and defines statuses thereof. The attribute retrieval module retrieves attributes corresponding to the first and second cards according to the identification thereof. The rule retrieval module retrieves a rule according to the identification and statuses of the first and second cards. The rule execution module performs the rule on the first and second cards to change the attributes thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Institute for Information Industry
    Inventors: Po-Chang Huang, Wen-Tai Hsieh, Shih-Chun Chou, Yung-Fang Yang
  • Patent number: 7204414
    Abstract: An image generation system and contactless communication media, a method for selling commodities, and a complex store provide that the purchase of commodities can be considered based on actual commodities offered at shops and images including the use state of the commodities. The system includes a tag corresponding to a commodity, a portable terminal and an image generation device. The tag stores image information of the commodity, and transmits the image information to the portable terminal when the portable terminal approaches. The portable terminal receives the image information and outputs the received image information to an image generation device. The image generation device generates an image including the use state of the commodity based on the image information of the commodity outputted from the portable terminal, displays the image including the use state of the commodity generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Aso