Patents Issued in April 17, 2007
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Patent number: 7204365Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lance E. Behymer, Smarajit Mitra, Jerald W. Hall, Jr., Alexander C. Tsuei
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Patent number: 7204366Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Discover Financial Services LLCInventors: David W. Nelms, Rodney A. Dawson
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Patent number: 7204367Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventors: Ryan L. Bott, Randy L. Bott, Michael J. Moran
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Patent number: 7204368Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventors: Sarah F. Cheaure, Michael J. Cheaure
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Patent number: 7204369Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLCInventor: Philippe LeBras
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Patent number: 7204370Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Parker Intangibles LLCInventors: Michael D. Clausen, Steven R. Knight, Martin C. Maxwell
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Patent number: 7204371Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: LSI Logic CorporationInventors: Terrill L. Woolsey, Tina M. Reintjes
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Patent number: 7204372Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Kin Products, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Kin, Henry R. Kin
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Patent number: 7204373Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: American Grease Stick CompanyInventor: Ian K. Rosen
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Patent number: 7204374Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: James E. Marek
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Patent number: 7204375Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Paiste America, Inc.Inventors: Erik Paiste, Steve Ziolkowski
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Patent number: 7204376Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Behr Process CorporationInventors: Joseph Thomas Richardson, Gregory James Warren, Thomas R. Lee
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Patent number: 7204377Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Randall L Marion
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Patent number: 7204378Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Fuchs-Bagger GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Hans Schaeff
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Patent number: 7204379Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Palfinger, AGInventor: Eckhard Wimmer
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Patent number: 7204380Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Jackel International LimitedInventors: Ian Alexander Webb, Richard Wearmouth, Richard Hudson
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Patent number: 7204381Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc.Inventors: John J. Vincent, III, Douglas A. Abbott, Daniel L. King
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Patent number: 7204382Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Thomas Edward Cezeaux
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Patent number: 7204383Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Jumper Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chun-Feng Hsu
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Patent number: 7204384Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbHInventors: Helmut Lehning, Michael Monz
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Patent number: 7204385Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Hi-Performance Products, Inc.Inventors: Larry Rockhill, Jason Doucet, Michael J. Mehrman
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Patent number: 7204386Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
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Patent number: 7204387Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: La Termoplastic F.B.M. S.R.L.Inventor: Marco Munari
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Patent number: 7204388Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: International Molded Packaging CorporationInventors: Roderick E. Galland, Hossein Monajjem
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Patent number: 7204389Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Marcon Marketing Concepts, Inc.Inventor: Randall J. Smith
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Patent number: 7204390Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventor: Urban Widlund
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Patent number: 7204391Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Jonathan David Toker
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Patent number: 7204392Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Peter Kwasny GmbHInventors: Peter Kwasny, Christian Maras
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Patent number: 7204393Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Summit Packaging, Inc.Inventor: Toralf H. Strand
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Patent number: 7204394Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Douglas Mac Tackett
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Patent number: 7204395Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Richard N. Gallagher
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Patent number: 7204396Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Sportrack AutomotiveInventor: Craig Stapleton
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Patent number: 7204397Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Matthew Elmer Powell, Brian James Hitt, Jeffrey Robert Braun
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Patent number: 7204398Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Albert L. Smith, Sr.
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Patent number: 7204399Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Michael Collier, Frank T. Brown, Thomas G. Bell
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Patent number: 7204400Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Henry S. Marek, Robert Kwasnick, Ruben Horacio-Flores Moctezuma, Fyodor I. Maydanich
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Patent number: 7204401Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventors: Hisao Suzuki, Syozo Horikawa, Hiroshi Okamoto, Takayuki Irikura, Hiroyuki Yoshinari
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Patent number: 7204402Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Stanley Fastening Systems, L.P.Inventors: Brian C. Burke, Prudencio S. Canlas, Jr., David J. Simonelli
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Patent number: 7204403Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: James J. Kenney, Paul Gross
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Patent number: 7204404Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Nguyen, William David Kelly, Peter Michael Wukusick, Richard F. Schwemberger, Richard C. Smith, Michael L. Kruszynski, Federico Bilotti
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Patent number: 7204405Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Gamon Plus, Inc.Inventor: Terry J. Johnson
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Patent number: 7204406Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventor: Larry Bone
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Patent number: 7204407Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Karl Laher
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Patent number: 7204408Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Robert Thomas Cato
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Patent number: 7204409Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Anush Kumar, Mohamed Fakrudeen Ali Ahmed, Janaki R. Goteti
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Patent number: 7204410Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Yuji Murayama, Susumu Kusakabe, Katsuyuki Tanaka
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Patent number: 7204411Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems, division of Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Pietro Scarafile, Piero Ghiringhelli, Giorgio Cerioni, Francesco Ferraro, Natarajan Ramachandran, Zachary Utz, Kenneth Turocy, Jim Booth, Paul D. Magee, David A. Barker
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Patent number: 7204412Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: CompuCredit Intellectual Property Holdings Corp. IIIInventor: Sheldon H. Foss, Jr.
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Patent number: 7204413Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Institute for Information IndustryInventors: Po-Chang Huang, Wen-Tai Hsieh, Shih-Chun Chou, Yung-Fang Yang
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Patent number: 7204414Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Satoshi Aso