Patents Issued in April 19, 2007
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Publication number: 20070085270Abstract: A stock market board game comprising a game board having a central stock market pricing display for all the stocks, a plurality of dividend spaces indicating dividend amounts, a plurality of spaces holding quarterly earning cards for each stock along the perimeter of the board, a plurality of tables for the estimated quarterly earnings and for the annual target prices for each stock aligning along the perimeter, a plurality of price marker pegs and share-splitting marker pegs for the pricing display, a yearly marker peg indicating years played, a plurality of quarterly earning cards for each stock, and a plurality of dice utilized to generate random numbers for earning card disclosure and price fluctuations. Play money of various denominations and the stock certificates are used for financial transactions between stock market and players. There are peg holes on the board for the easy and stable placement of marker pegs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Keren Gu, Forrest Zhang
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Publication number: 20070085271Abstract: A gambling card game variation that is played against the house. Pairs of cards are dealt face-up on a table, and players are allowed to bet on which pair of face-up cards will be the winning hand together with later-dealt communal cards, and/or to bet the winning rank that will be the winning hand. After all bets are placed, the dealer deals communal cards. Winning players are those who bet on the winning pair of cards or the poker rank that made the winning hand. Winning payouts are made at preset odds.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Kelly Quintana
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Publication number: 20070085272Abstract: Disclosed is a method of playing a card game, including the steps of providing a deck including three like sets of numbered cards, each set including a null card; receiving a first wager from each of a group of players; dealing three cards of the deck to each player; collecting two of each player's three cards; dealing two cards of the deck to each player; summing the numbers on the three cards for each player not holding a null card; providing at least a portion of the wagers to each player having the lowest sum; providing at least a portion of the wagers to each player having the highest sum; and providing a bonus to a player having three null cards.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Ferdinando Tevolini
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Publication number: 20070085273Abstract: A method of playing a poker-type keno game that has a plurality of two-card, revealed, starter hands and five unrevealed community cards. A player wagers on one or more starter hands, after which the community cards are revealed. Each starter hand is combined with all of the community cards to form complete hands. The player is paid a payout amount if the highest ranked complete hand that has been wagered on is found in a pay table that corresponds to the hand. Optionally, the hands and payout amounts in the pay table are based on the odds of achieving ranked hands. Optionally, there are multiple sets of community cards.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: NEW VISION GAMING & DEVELOPMENT, INC.Inventor: John Feola
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Publication number: 20070085274Abstract: A method of managing a blackjack game is provided. A blackjack game bet comprising a bet against a house entity on a blackjack hand is received from a player. A pair of cards is determined for a hand for the house entity, and another pair of cards is determined for a hand for the player. The odds of the occurrence of one or more subsequent events are determined based at least in part on one or more of the pair of cards selected for the house entity's hand and one or more of the pair of cards selected for the player's hand. The odds for an additional bet are determined based at least on the determined odds for the one or more subsequent events, and the additional bet is offered to the player at the determined odds for the additional bet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Joseph Asher, Lewis Findlay, Guy Iain Riches
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Publication number: 20070085275Abstract: In a most general form the sealing system of the invention may be described as a system comprised of a pair of clamping members and a sealing member between them. The sealing member is defined by a generatrix following a closed-loop curved line around the longitudinal axis. In any partial cross section in a plane perpendicular to a projection of a tangent of the closed-loop curved line onto the plane P, the generatrix of the sealing member has a substantially diagonal orientation between the clamping members. When the clamping members are moved towards each for clamping the sealing member, the axial clamping force is magnified and converted into a compression force along the generatrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Gad Shelef
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Publication number: 20070085276Abstract: The invention relates to a seal with non-contact adjacent deflector rings, arranged concentrically to each other, about a common rotation axis, whereby, on a first deflector ring of the deflector rings, at least two axially-adjacent radial lips are embodied an said radial lips are embodied such as not to come into contact with a second deflector ring of the deflector rings and an annular hollow cavity is embodied between two axially-adjacent radial lips and the second deflector ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2004Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KGInventors: Erwin Hartmann, Wilhelm Walter
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Publication number: 20070085277Abstract: A leaf seal for sealing a shaft rotating about an axis, in particular in a gas turbine, includes a multiplicity of spaced-apart leaves (26) which are arranged in a concentric circle around the axis and are fixed in their position by welded connections produced by electron beam welding, the leaves (26), with their surfaces, being oriented essentially parallel to the axis. The welded connections of the leaves are improved by the leaves (26) being designed in such a way and being arranged in the leaf seal in such a way that they abut against one another at the side edges directly or via intermediate spacers (27) along at least one contact line (36) extending over a plurality of leaves (26), and by the welded connections being designed as welds directed along the at least one contact line (36) and oriented in axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Nigel Rhodes, Ernst Vogt
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Publication number: 20070085278Abstract: A sealing system for use with at least one rotating shaft has a tandem seal arrangement contacting a surface of the at least one rotating shaft. The tandem seal arrangement includes at least one pair of segmented ring assemblies. Each of the segmented ring assemblies contacts the surface of the at least one shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Todd Davis, Armando Amador, Francis Parnin
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Publication number: 20070085279Abstract: A dynamic sealing arrangement for preventing leakage of a fluid along a shaft includes multiple seals and pressurized barrier sealant is presented. According to one aspect, at least three seals are arranged along the shaft with pressurized barrier sealant between the first and second seals and a collection area is provided between the second and third seals to collect any leakage that might occur. Collected leakage, if any, is ported to an output port. According to another aspect, a unitary seal block member is provided that supports the dynamic sealing arrangement for the shaft and defines a piston chamber and a drilled passageway connecting the piston chamber and barrier sealant pressurization chamber between two seals. A substantial amount of plumbing is self contained in a single body minimizing the need for additional components or complexity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Wade Burdick, Gary Bowman
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Publication number: 20070085280Abstract: The System for sealing for variable spaces comprising packing means (3) for at least partially packing a space (4) between two pieces (1, 2) of a model, characterised in that at least a first piece (1) of the model presents, on its side facing a second piece (2) of the model, at least one recess (5) with a front end (5a) open and a back wall (5b), with the packing means, comprising an elastic and flexible packing body (3), being located in the front end (5a), and the back wall (5b) containing a set of spring elements (6, 7) among which are to be found coil springs or elastic strips, at least partially compressed by the packing body (3) and which push the latter against the surface of the second piece (1b) of the model.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Eduardo Romero Checa, Jesus De Pablo Perez
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Publication number: 20070085281Abstract: A cupholder is mountable to a wall of a basket of a shopping cart by an outer mounting plate, an inner mounting plate, and a fastener, which is adapted to pass though an aperture in the wall for fastening the mounting plates to each other. The aperture is one of a pattern of apertures, which are defined by substantially horizontally extending wires and by substantially vertically extending wires. The cupholder comprises a continuous wire having two lowermost portions, between and to which the outer mounting plate is mounted, two intermediate portions, which define a cup-supporting level and on which a cup-supporting plate is seated, and an uppermost portion, which is shaped to embrace a cup being held by the cupholder. The continuous wire has two lower connecting portions, each of which connects one of the lowermost portions to one of the intermediate portions, and two upper connecting portions, each of which connects one of the lowermost portions to the uppermost portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Mark Ryan
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Publication number: 20070085282Abstract: A cupholder, which is mountable to a wall of a basket of a shopping cart, comprises a continuous wire having two lowermost portions, between and to which the outer mounting plate is mounted, two intermediate portions, which define a cup-supporting level and on which a cup-supporting plate is seated, and an uppermost portion, which is shaped to embrace a cup being held by the cupholder. The continuous wire has two lower connecting portions, each of which connects one of the lowermost portions to one of the intermediate portions, and two upper connecting portions, each of which connects one of the intermediate portions to the uppermost portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Mark Ryan
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Publication number: 20070085283Abstract: A cupholder, which is mountable to a wall of a basket of a shopping cart, comprises a continuous wire having two lowermost portions, between and to which the outer mounting plate is mounted, two intermediate portions, which define a cup-supporting level and on which a cup-supporting plate is seated, and an uppermost portion, which is shaped to embrace a cup being held by the cupholder. The continuous wire has two lower connecting portions, each of which connects one of the lowermost portions to one of the intermediate portions, and two upper connecting portions, each of which connects one of the intermediate portions to the uppermost portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Mark Ryan
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Publication number: 20070085284Abstract: A wheel barrow consisting of left and right rear axles, left and right rear wheel assemblies and a hitch coupler for towing at high speeds on public roads having left and right structural rails. Both axles are assembled to the left and right structural rails supported at the front by a structural member bracket. Both structural rails serve as handles at the rear. Left and right coupler brackets are assembled to the structural rails to support a coupler which is mounted on both coupler brackets above the front axle, wheel assembly and structural members. Left and right front axle brackets are assembled to both structural rails to support the front axle and wheel assembly. A tub is assembled to both structural rails for loading and unloading. The wheel barrow couples to a vehicle hitch by raising the front off the ground and lowering on the vehicle ball and hitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Kevin Loudon
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Publication number: 20070085285Abstract: A cart with a manually operated steering mechanism comprising a base coupled to a frame and a cart body with a steering column and steering mechanism. The base further comprises several mechanical steering linkages including a steering push rod, push rod slat, and tie rod; a rack and gear assembly where the gear is coupled to the steering column and the rack is coupled to the steering push rod; and a rack and pinion assembly where the rack is coupled to the tie rod and the pinion is coupled to a pinion shaft whereby a first end engages the rack and a second end is coupled to the steering column through a miter gear assembly. The mechanical linkages are supported by and coupled to the base by support braces and the steering column also capable of being telescopically adjustable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Bruce Lindsay
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Publication number: 20070085286Abstract: A stroller includes a child-receiving seat, a frame coupled to the seat, one or more wheels coupled to the frame, and a vibration mechanism disposed to impart a vibrating motion to the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Steven Gibree
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Publication number: 20070085287Abstract: A drywall cart for securely and safely carrying multiple sheets of wallboard is disclosed. The drywall cart broadly includes a platform for vertically supporting the wallboard, uprights for laterally supporting the wallboard, and casters for rollably supporting the platform and uprights. The platform includes a trough for receiving and supporting the wallboard. The trough minimizes the height of wallboard disposed in the drywall cart and thereby reduces the tendency of the loaded drywall cart to tip over. The minimal height of the wallboard is further enabled by attaching the casters laterally from the trough with outriggers. The outriggers extend from the trough and permit the trough to extend below a portion of the casters.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Steven Wyse
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Publication number: 20070085288Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and handling a cargo platform is provided. The apparatus includes a frame having a cradle beam that receives the cargo platform. The cradle beam supports a lower surface of the cargo platform. The apparatus further includes a locking mechanism operably associated with the cradle beam and actuates to securely fasten the cargo platform to the frame when the cargo platform is rested upon the cradle beam. The apparatus also includes a plurality of wheel assemblies for wheeling the frame along a ground surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James Wells, Anibal Garcia, Myles Rohrlick, John Simmons, Benjamin Harber, Thomas Reiner
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Publication number: 20070085289Abstract: A foldable two wheeled scooter includes a steering post with a front wheel at a lower end and handlebars at an upper end. A support tube connects with a folding mechanism enclosed in a protective housing and supportively connects with a running board having a rear wheel. The protective housing prevents a user from being harmed when moving the scooter from an upright position to a folded down position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: James Ming
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Publication number: 20070085290Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved skateboard system and method of assembly. One embodiment of the present invention relates to an improved skateboard system that includes coupling a mounting bracket between a conventional skateboard deck and truck. The mounting bracket effectively drops the deck closer to the ground, thereby enabling increased stability and performance. Likewise, the design and materials of the bracket provide increased vibrational dampening for the system. In addition, the couplings between the bracket and deck and the bracket and truck are releasable to enable interchanging of components. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to an individual skateboard bracket. The bracket further includes a truck coupling region, a medial region, and a deck coupling region. In profile, the truck coupling region is generally higher than the deck coupling region, facilitating an overall drop-down shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Keith Findling
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Publication number: 20070085291Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibration damping apparatus for steering systems. The vibration damping apparatus of the present invention includes a fluid-filled chamber which is provided between upper and lower shafts, an upper actuating member which has a female bladed part disposed in the fluid-filled chamber, and a lower actuating member which has a male bladed part disposed in said fluid-filled chamber. Thus, the vibration damping apparatus of the present invention effectively interrupts the transmission of vibrations from the steerable wheels of an automotive vehicle the steering wheel, thereby optimizing driving comfort and safety.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Jong-Gil Lee
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Publication number: 20070085292Abstract: An air-suspension system for vehicles, in particular for commercial vehicles, including at least one air-bellows valve assigned to an air-spring bellows or a group of air-spring bellows of the front axle for individually aerating and venting this air-spring bellows or this group of air-spring bellows; at least one air-bellows valve assigned to an air-spring bellows or a group of air-spring bellows of the rear axle for individually aerating and venting this air-spring bellows or this group of air-spring bellows; as well as at least one central aeration valve for supplying the air-bellows valves assigned to the air-spring bellows of the front axle and the rear axle with compressed air from a compressed-air supply; and at least one central venting valve for exhausting compressed air from the air-bellows valves assigned to the air-spring bellows of the front axle and the rear axle, to an air vent.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Falk Hecker, Guenther Fecht, Winfried Geiger, Friedbert Roether
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Publication number: 20070085293Abstract: A traction device for a motor vehicle provides a rear support assembly positioned proximate to a rear axle and an adjacent portion of a leaf spring and a front rocker support assembly. The front rocker support assembly includes a front leaf spring bracket assembly attached to the front leaf spring eye, a pivot stop extending across the upper surface of the leaf spring at a predetermined distance rearward from the leaf spring eye for engaging an upper surface of the leaf spring to limit pivotal movement of the front rocker support assembly relative to the front end of the leaf spring, and a rocker pivotally attached to the front leaf spring bracket assembly. An adjustable rigid link extends between the rear support assembly and the front rocker support assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Kim Smith
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Publication number: 20070085294Abstract: The present invention provides a lateral link for suspension systems wherein the distance between opposite ends of the lateral link increases in a tight or sudden turn, so as to enhance controllability, stability, and riding comfort of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Cheol-Woo Lee
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Publication number: 20070085295Abstract: A suspension system having a stabilizer bar assembly with a stabilizer bar structure, an intermediate bushing and a resilient bushing. The stabilizer bar structure includes a center section to which the intermediate bushing is coupled. The resilient bushing is mounted on the intermediate bushing. The intermediate bushing limits relative axial movement of the resilient bushing in along the center section in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. A method for forming a stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Chad Johnson, Jeffrey Kincaid
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Publication number: 20070085296Abstract: An inflatable mudguard set includes an inflatable mudguard, an elastic coil and a connector. The elastic coil is connected to the inflatable mudguard. The elastic coil automatically rolls up the inflatable mudguard when the inflatable mudguard is flat. The connector is connected to or integrated with the inflatable mudguard. The connector can connect the inflatable mudguard to a bicycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Louis Chuang
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Publication number: 20070085297Abstract: A human-powered wheeled vehicle has a wheeled frame, a seat for the rider of the vehicle, a pair of levers arranged for pivotal movement about a common axis, clutch means whereby movement of either of the levers in a first direction about the common axis is transmitted to the sprocket whereas movement of either of the levers in a direction opposite to said first direction is not transmitted to the sprocket, and sliders movable along slideways, the sliders being connected to the levers and the arrangement being such that, movement of the sliders serves to effect alternate pivotal movement of the levers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Patrick Eugene Cruft
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Publication number: 20070085298Abstract: The balance of a bicycle is obtained by having two front wheels instead of one. The two front wheels are set apart but are connected by the same controller arm at the shoulders. The controller arm is a tube 1 inch in diameter and 18 inches long. The controller arm is attached at the middle to the bottom of the steerer tube and at the top of the steerer tube are attached the left and right handles. At both ends of the controller arm are the shoulders of the two pairs of forks for the two wheels. As is usual, the two front wheels are turned by using the handle bars.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Jose Balajadia
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Publication number: 20070085299Abstract: A novel peg apparatus adapted for mounting onto various axles types (e.g. bicycle wheel, conveyor systems, internal machine parts). The device provides either fixed or roller action as preferred by the user. The roller action affords enhanced operating performance and safety in terms of end user satisfaction in each area of potential use. The peg includes an outer sheath made of one of a number of an industrial grade plastic which rotates around the threaded, fixed, mandrel and glides over various surfaces or, which may be locked in a static position to provide a skidding, or “grinding” effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Kevin Hanlon
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Publication number: 20070085300Abstract: The present application discloses several embodiments of clamping devices and quick connect attachment devices. In one embodiment, a clamping device includes two wedge members that are forced together to engage a frame component. In another embodiment, a quick connect attachment or latching assembly includes components that slide together and are then fixed, by moving a protrusion into a recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: Invacare CorporationInventors: Howard Loewenthal, Daniel Hulse
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Publication number: 20070085301Abstract: A center-of-gravity tilt-in-space wheelchair includes footrests extended to armrest height making the footrests part of the folding base of the wheelchair. This is accomplished by extended members which connect the seat and back to the footrests. The extended members thus rotate about the approximate center of gravity of the wheelchair occupant seated in the wheelchair making tilting and folding of the wheelchair lighter and easier. The upper portion of the wheelchair, which includes the seat and back, can be quickly and easily separated from the lower base which includes the footrests as an integral part.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Mervyn Watkins
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Publication number: 20070085302Abstract: A foldable baby stroller, comprising simplified rods assembly for expanding and folding via linkage, includes a front supporter, a linking rod and a rear supporter, wherein the front supporter pivots to the rear supporter. One end of the front supporter connects to a sliding sleeve for driving by the handle bar, and the linking rod is pivotally connected between the handle bar and the rear supporter. Via the simple linkage, the sliding sleeve slides down and further driving the linking rod for rotation, in which the rear supporter is drawn close to the front supporter to be in a folded state. The simplified structure of the stroller has the effect of easy assembly and smoothly operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Youn-Fu You, Tse-Chien Wu, Wei-Yeh Li
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Publication number: 20070085303Abstract: A stroller frame including a wheeled support, a lower support joint, an upper support, and a connecting joint that commonly form a foldable linkage system. The wheeled support has a pair of push bars and an actuator associated with a flexible element, so as to control the rotation of each push bar. When the end of the push bar is released, the connecting joint is driven by the push bars and carries the wheeled support, the lower support joint, the upper support, which are simultaneously rotated and moved from an erect position to a collapsed position. The upper support is furnished with a connector for detachably securing a stroller seat, a safety seat, or an infant carrier. In addition, the lower support joint may extend upwardly with a plurality of extension arms for detachably securing two seats, two safety seats or an infant carrier. This provides a stroller frame having multiple uses and greater convenience.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Huang-Yi Cheng
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Publication number: 20070085304Abstract: A brake mechanism for a baby stroller having a plurality of wheels and a pair of rotatable push arms capable of being moved either forward or rearward. The brake mechanism comprises a connecting assembly and an actuator; and has a braking block for operatively stopping the baby stroller. The connecting assembly has a pulling slider for operatively associating with the braking block of the brake mechanism, and the actuator is operatively secured to the push arm and associated with the connecting assembly, so as to indirectly drive the brake mechanism. This allows a user to manipulate the actuator to stop the stroller from either in front of or behind the stroller.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Chuan-Ming Yeh
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Publication number: 20070085305Abstract: An airbag for an airbag module of a motor vehicle, having an airbag sleeve which surrounds an interior of the airbag which is formed by at least two airbag parts which are connected to one another, and an insertion opening of the airbag sleeve through which an assembly of the airbag module which is to be arranged inside the airbag can be inserted into the interior of the airbag and which is formed by an interruption of the connection between the two airbag parts so that the two airbag parts each form one edge section of the insertion opening, and an assembly of the airbag module which is arranged in the interior of the airbag and can be inserted into the airbag through the insertion opening, in each case one clip protruding from each of the two edge sections of the insertion opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Jens Feller, Michael Gross
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Publication number: 20070085306Abstract: An technique is provided for suppressing external force received by a connector from a housing body side, in an airbag apparatus for use in a motorcycle, which has a construction housing an inflator for generating gas for expanding an airbag at a gas-generating section, and a connector for connecting a harness for supplying electric current to an igniting section of the inflator in the housing body. In one form, an airbag apparatus mounted on a two-wheeled motor vehicle is constructed to prevent the retainer wall portion from directly interfering with a connector by intervening a vertical extending portion of a lower holder that holds a lower portion of an inflator at a space between the retainer wall portion and the connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: Takata CorporationInventor: Yasuhito Miyata
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Publication number: 20070085307Abstract: An air bag support belt cover structure is suitable for an air bag attached to a motorcycle. A right air bag support belt cover covers the top of a storage space for a support belt connected to an air bag. The belt cover is fixed to the support belt by set plates and squeezed portions each formed by squeezing a boss on the rear face of the belt cover. Therefore, the belt cover does not fly off when the support belt deploys along with the expansion and deployment of the air bag. A plurality of engaging hooks provided in the outer edge of the belt cover come off engaging slots located in the vehicle body at the instant when the tension load of the support belt reaches a predetermined value. The support belt can be fixed to the belt cover by a fitting groove formed on the boss and a collar.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO. LTD.Inventor: Tadanori Horiuchi
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Publication number: 20070085308Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a frame for mounting the seat to a vehicle. The seat assembly also includes a seat pad molded from a polymeric material and located proximate the frame. A trim cover is disposed over the seat pad, and includes a seam adjacent a side of the seat pad. An airbag assembly, which includes an airbag and an inflator configured to supply gas to the airbag, is also part of the seat assembly. A pad shield covers at least a portion of the seat pad for protecting it during deployment of the airbag. The pad shield includes inner and outer panels which form a deployment channel for the airbag, and thereby inhibit contact of the airbag with the seat pad as the airbag deploys.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: Lear CorporationInventors: Michael Tracht, Rainer Penzel
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Publication number: 20070085309Abstract: An inflator for an airbag has a cylindrical housing forming a pressure vessel for storing inert gas within a first end portion; a second end portion forming a separate combustion chamber, and an intermediate diffusion portion interposed between the first and second end portions for exhausting gases from the inflator into an airbag. The inflator has a first gas generator subassembly disposed within the first end portion and in communication with the stored inert gas. A second gas generator subassembly has a combustion chamber which is disposed within the second end portion and isolated from the inert gas by one or more rupturable sealing disks. The actuation of the inflator can be accomplished such that one or both of the gas generators can be ignited. The ignition can be simultaneously or sequential permitting either very rapid full filling of the airbag or slower prolonged filling.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Michael Kelley, Michael Mulville, Edward Hosey, Anthony Curtis
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Publication number: 20070085310Abstract: A gas generator (8) for a vehicle occupant restraint system includes a gas generator housing (25), the gas generator housing (25) defining a distribution chamber (14) and a generator chamber (12) from which gas flows into the distribution chamber (14) after the gas generator (8) has been activated, the distribution chamber (14) having at least one first outflow opening (26) that conveys the gas into an airbag (24), the distribution chamber (14) further having a pyrotechnical device (18) that, when it is triggered, releases at least one second outflow opening (28) in order to discharge gas to the environment. The invention also relates to an airbag module having such a gas generator (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Jens Debler, Joachim Lutz
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Publication number: 20070085311Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system includes an airbag (22) and a gas generator (10) that is connected via at least one first outflow opening (18) to an airbag chamber (28), the airbag chamber (28) being at least partially formed by the interior of the airbag (22), an actuator unit (36) being provided on the gas generator (10) and, when the actuator unit (36) is activated, it releases a traction means (50) that causes a pressure reduction in the airbag (22), an activation of the actuator unit (36) also leading to an opening of a second outflow opening (20) in the gas generator (10), which vents generator gas to an environment without this vented gas flowing into the airbag chamber (28). Moreover, the invention relates to a method of restraining a vehicle occupant with such an airbag module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Achim Hofmann, Harald Lutz, Joachim Lutz, Oskar Sponfeldner
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Publication number: 20070085312Abstract: An airbag module includes a housing having at least one aperture for releasing gas from an interior of the housing during inflation of an airbag. The airbag module also includes a member configured for movement between a first position in which the member impedes the flow of gas through the at least one aperture and a second position in which the member does not impede the flow of gas through the at least one aperture. A pyrotechnic device is attached to the member for directing a burst of gas toward a fixed surface to cause the member and the pyrotechnic device to move between the first position and the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: James P. Karlow, Barney J. Bauer
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Publication number: 20070085313Abstract: A pressure detection device includes a case unit which has therein an accommodation space and a pressure introduction passage, and a pressure detection unit having a detection surface for detecting a pressure applied thereto. Two ends of the pressure introduction passage respectively have a first opening portion which is opened toward the accommodation space, and a second opening portion which is opened toward an exterior of the case unit. The pressure detection unit is accommodated in the accommodation space. The pressure introduction passage further has a third opening portion which is opened toward the exterior. The pressure detection unit is disposed to detect the pressure, with the first opening portion and the third opening portion being positioned at an upper side of the second opening portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: DENSO CorporationInventors: Shingo Wanami, Toshiyuki Murai
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Publication number: 20070085314Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator for an air bag, including a combustion chamber, which includes a gas generating agent and an ignition device, being provided inside a housing having a gas discharge port, a cup-shaped or tubular partition wall being provided inside the combustion chamber and dividing the combustion chamber into an enhancer chamber including an ignition device and an enhancer agent and a space including a gas generating agent, a plurality of through holes being provided in a peripheral surface of the cup-shaped or tubular partition wall, a cup-shaped or tubular thin-film member covering at least a peripheral surface, having the through holes, of an inner surface or an outer surface of the partition wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Matsuda, Nobuyuki Ohji
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Publication number: 20070085315Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system includes a mounting (10) which has an outlet opening (18) closed by a cover (16). The gas bag module further comprises a gas bag (14) accommodated in the mounting (10), which unfolds from a folded state out of the outlet opening (18) when the gas bag module (12) is activated. In the folded state the gas bag (14) is folded in a mushroom-like manner. A non-folded section (20) of the gas bag (14) is delimited by a constriction (22) and lies directly opposite the cover (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Stefan Hepp, Manfred Berninger
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Publication number: 20070085316Abstract: An airbag includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber includes a first portion, a first lobe extending from the first portion, and a second lobe extending from the first portion. The airbag is arranged such that upon inflation of the airbag, the first chamber inflates before the second chamber and the first portion inflates before the first lobe and second lobe.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: John Ruterbusch, Jaime Perez, Rodolfo Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20070085317Abstract: The invention provides a mounting assembly for a steering column of a vehicle and a method for mounting a steering column to a vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a steering column member having a first aperture extending along an aperture axis. The mounting assembly also includes a rigid member extending between first and second ends along the aperture axis in the first aperture. The mounting assembly also includes a resilient member extending along the aperture axis in the first aperture past at least one of the first and second ends of the rigid member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: James Russell, Thomas Freudenstein, Barry Hoffman, Bradley Sizelove, Robert Dubay, Timothy Beach, Kurt Dubay
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Publication number: 20070085318Abstract: An in-line seat belt pretensioner is provided that includes a frame containing a first guide member and a second guide member for tensioning of seat belt webbing upon pretensioner activation. As the pretensioner is activated, the seat belt is tensioned by activation of an actuator operably coupled to the second guide. The second guide is then routed over a vertically stationary first guide that is slidably engaged within a slot within the frame, thereby contributing to reducing the load on the occupant. A low-friction material employed in the manufacture of the guide member(s), contributes to a smoother and less abrupt tensioning of the seat belt upon activation of the pretensioner.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2005Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventor: Bruce Stevens
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Publication number: 20070085319Abstract: A seat-belt tensioner with a drive motor and a gear connected to the drive motor for tensioning a seat belt. The disclosed arrangement includes an overload clutch arranged between the gear and the seat-belt spindle. The overload clutch transmits torques up to a predetermined maximum torque and disengages when the maximum torque is exceeded.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Walter Scherzinger, Roland Schnabl, Thomas Schwer