Patents Issued in April 24, 2007
  • Patent number: 7207422
    Abstract: An elevator call registration system is equipped with a touch panel display, and a processing operation section that registers an operation from the touch panel display into an elevator control unit. The processing operation section detects the position of a user's touch to a touch panel, ticks time in synchronization with the start of the touch to the touch panel, and measures the time ticked away. A prescribed first time limit and the measured time are compared with each other, and voice guidance related to the detected touch position is provided after the measured time exceeds the first time limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobukazu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7207423
    Abstract: An acceleration sensing unit (1) includes an acceleration sensor element (4), wherein said sensing unit (1) emits an electric signal at a signal output (k3, k4), the sensing unit (1) is electrically active and supplied with electric energy through the signal output. In an assembly composed of the above-mentioned sensing unit and a control unit, the sensing unit includes at least one signal line (3) connected to control unit (2), with said control unit being in particular an electronic motor vehicle brake control unit, and the control unit (2) transmits the energy for the connected sensing unit(s) (1) by way of the signal lines (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Peter Lohberg, Michael Zydek, Wolfgang Ziebart
  • Patent number: 7207424
    Abstract: A mixture of carbon-containing fibers, such as mesophase or isotropic pitch fibers, a suitable matrix material, such as a milled pitch is compressed while resistively heating the mixture to form a carbonized composite material. Preferably, the carbonized material has a density of at least about 1.30 g/cm3. Preferably, the composite material is formed in less than ten minutes. This is a significantly shorter time than for conventional processes, which typically take several days and achieve a lower density material. A treating component may be impregnated into the composite. Consequently, carbon/carbon composite materials having final densities of about 1.6–1.8 g/cm3 or higher are readily achieved with one or two infiltration cycles using a pitch or other carbonaceous material to fill voids in the composite and rebaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: UCAR Carbon Company Inc.
    Inventors: Dai Huang, Dave Snyder, Richard T. Lewis, Irwin C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7207425
    Abstract: A rotary damper includes a housing; a viscous fluid filled in the housing; a rotor disposed inside the housing and having a shaft part partially protruding from the housing and a resistance part provided on the shaft part for moving in the viscous fluid inside the housing; and a seal member for sealing between the shaft part and the housing to prevent leakage of the viscous fluid. The rotary damper further includes a first sloping part provided on an upstream side of the rotating resistance part and having a distance relative to an inner surface of the housing gradually decreasing toward a downstream side; and a second sloping part provided on a downstream side of the rotating resistance part and having a distance relative to the inner surface of the housing gradually increasing toward a downstream side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Hayashi, Shunsuke Okabayashi, Masanobu Kawamoto, Masayuki Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 7207426
    Abstract: A luggage item is convertible from a duffle bag form to a garment bag form by disengaging duffle end panels from the lateral sides of the garment bag and folding those end panels against the inside of the garment bag. Various arrangements of handles and carry straps are disclosed which facilitate transport of the luggage item as a duffle bag or a garment bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj M. Redzisz
  • Patent number: 7207427
    Abstract: An arrangement for a base region of an escalator or moving walkway includes an external covering element for being attached in the base region of the escalator or moving walkway. A substructure includes a profile, a support element extending from the profile and a magnet disposed on the support element. The external covering element is detachably mounted to the substructure in a region of the profile and in a region of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Joachim Kuhnert, Thomas Zellin, Huu-Bao Nhan
  • Patent number: 7207428
    Abstract: A conveyor device for containers having multiple narrow lanes formed by guide railings adjustable horizontally across the direction of conveyance, with horizontally adjustable sensors for the containers arranged above the narrow lanes across the direction of conveyance. The adjustable sensors are coupled to the guide railings in such a way that they are necessarily adjusted along with an adjustment of the guide railings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Johann Hüttner
  • Patent number: 7207429
    Abstract: A feeding device of chocolates and similar products for a wrapping machine includes: a first belt means which has a continuous advance motion, supports and moves a plurality of products, aligned and arranged in a single line at mutual contact; a second belt means aligned downstream the first belt means, having an alternate advance motion and associated to holding means of the product; a positioning wheel rotating, facing the second belt means immediately downstream the holding means and having a plurality of angularly equidistant pliers means for gripping the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: SACMI Packaging S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Frabetti, Luca Baraldi
  • Patent number: 7207430
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for use within a die feeder associated with a circuit board assembly machines and includes, among other aspects and features, a cavity to capture and maintain the position of the die within a vacuum gripper. The invention also includes the interaction of a pair of nozzles whereas one moves within the nozzle tip containing the die cavity and has the ability to compensate for any offset between the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: UI Holding Company
    Inventors: Peter Davis, Dean Tarrant
  • Patent number: 7207431
    Abstract: A conveyor belt drip pan assembly having a deck frame with a main surface section for receiving falling particles from a traveling conveyor belt. Elongated upright ramp members are secured to the sides of the deck frame. A scraper blade is reciprocally movable by a power source opposite the direction of travel of the conveyor belt and arranged to scrape particles off the main surface section of the deck frame. The scraper blade is moveable in the reverse direction elevated on the ramp members above the main surface section of the deck frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Peter F. Singleton
  • Patent number: 7207432
    Abstract: The linear motion drive system is capable of optionally changing a position of a linear rail with respect to a pedestal. The linear motion drive system comprises: a pedestal section; a linear rail arranged in parallel with respect to the pedestal section; a rail holder attached to the pedestal section, the rail holder holding the linear rail on the pedestal section; and a moving body linearly reciprocally moving along the linear rail. The rail holder is slidably attached to and fixed to the pedestal section by an attaching mechanism so as to optionally change a position of the rail holder with respect to the pedestal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Yugen Kaisha Hama International
    Inventor: Tomio Hama
  • Patent number: 7207433
    Abstract: A motor-driven conveying roll for conveying systems includes a roll which is rotatably mounted with respect to a frame. A drive unit is fixed to the frame and the output shaft of the drive unit is frictionally connected to the inner surface of the hollow conveying roll by a pressure-exerting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: SSI Schaefer Peem GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7207434
    Abstract: A conveyor is disclosed suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The conveyor includes a plurality of connected links, each link having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport. Each link has a conveying surface and at least one movable gripping member extending from the conveying surface of the link. Each gripping member is movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position. The gripping members each include a gripping arm having a pivot point, a gripping end spaced from the pivot point, and a cam follower extending outward from the gripping arm between the pivot point and the gripping end. The gripping arm is located so as to be able to contact one of the objects via the gripping end when the gripping member is in the second position to hold the object relative to the link during transport. Each link includes at least one spring member urging the gripping members toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hartness International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hartness, William R. Hartness, III, Mark W. Davidson, Frank Brennan, Robert C. Beesley
  • Patent number: 7207435
    Abstract: A locking assembly for use with drive sprockets positioned to drive a conveyor belt supported by a conveyor frame assembly. The locking device includes a main body that extends through each of the drive sprockets positioned along a drive shaft of the conveyor assembly. The locking device includes spaced receiving notches that each receive one of the drive sprockets to maintain a desired spacing between the drive sprockets when the locking device is in its locking position. The locking device is movable to a release position to independently release each of the drive sprockets from the locking device. Once released, each of the drive sprockets are movable along the length of the drive shaft to facilitate cleaning of the conveyor assembly. When the locking device is in its locking position, the combination of the locking device and drive sprockets is movable along the longitudinal length of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Dorner Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Craig A. Bude, Michael A. Hosch, Scott M. Hall, Daniel E. Ertel
  • Patent number: 7207436
    Abstract: A roller conveyor having motor driven rollers with electronic motor controls mounted on the conveyor side plates is subject to damage of the motor controls from arcing discharge of static electricity generated by articles traveling on the conveyor. The static electricity is dissipated by a conductive coating on the conveyor side plates and other conductive components of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Automotion, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry E. Houghton
  • Patent number: 7207437
    Abstract: An air tight paint brush jacket is provided which seals a wet paint brush in its wet condition from drying out until its next use. The jacket is composed of a sleeve and boot prepared from an elastomeric sheath. The sleeve provides an inverted U-shaped body having an upwardly extending neck which frictionally and rigidly seals the brush handle. A shoulders section and a ferrule section of the sleeve firmly engages the brush shoulders and ferrule portions of the brush. An expanded bristles section loosely contains the bristles portion of the brush. The boot is hengedly attached to the sleeve and is structured to securely engage the entire jacket in an air tight seal. The frictionally engaged neck and form fitting neck, shoulders and ferrule firmly engage the brush handle, shoulders and ferrule portions to support the enclosed brush in an upright position and the loosely contained bristles portion preserves the bristles in its painting condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Erik G. Johansson
  • Patent number: 7207438
    Abstract: A tool tray having a universal support system enables the tool tray to be placed on a variety of working surfaces. The tool tray includes a rectangular platform having a flat surface surrounded by a plurality of upstanding walls. The platform is supported by four legs which are attached to the platform and protrude downwardly therefrom. The legs each have a bottom surface for supporting the platform on a horizontal surface, and a tapered inner side surface for engaging opposite sides of a vehicle tire for supporting the platform on the vehicle tire. The legs are slidably adjustable to accommodate different sizes of vehicle tires. Two detachable socket trays and a detachable parts tray are attached to the platform by respective structures that hook over the upper edges of the platform. Handles are formed at respective opposite ends of the platform to facilitate lifting and carrying the tool tray assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Charles A. Lieffring, Francis E. Lieffring
  • Patent number: 7207439
    Abstract: A multi-functional container includes at least three components: a box portion, a lid portion, and a cover portion. The cover portion includes one or more pieces removably affixed to, and/or removably supported by, the box portion. The box portion is adorned with one or more decorative designs appropriate for use in a first predesignated application, such as a child's toy box. At least one cover portion piece is adorned with one or more decorative designs appropriate for use in a second predesignated application, such as a wedding gift box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Maria C. Casella
  • Patent number: 7207440
    Abstract: A blister pack of a translucent plastics material and having a recessed front part for receiving and containing an article to be packaged, and a back part having a relieved portion for insertion into a recessed portion of the front part for closure of the pack. The front part has a plinth with an inwardly projecting ridge, and back part forms a plinth having an outwardly projecting lip which becomes inter-engaged with the ridge to lie wholly within the plinth of the first part thus to be largely inaccessible and thus prevent premature opening of the pack. The front part has a surrounding flange with a formation which gives the appearance of a weld thus to deter attempts to open the pack prematurely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Mr. Blister Limited
    Inventor: Gary Malcolm Briscoe
  • Patent number: 7207441
    Abstract: Display packaging constructions incorporating a plastic blister cavity, sandwiched between layers of paperboard material, preferably corrugated paperboard material, are disclosed. Variations of the basic construction include a high-density packaging configuration, display packages having security features for precluding unauthorized access to the interior of the display package, and a reclosable construction to enable the display package to be used as a storage container. When corrugated paperboard is used for the layers, the corrugations may be arranged to extend transversely to one another, to resist warping caused during the heat sealing process. A plastic blister construction is provided, having a forward stabilizing foot, and a rear concavity, for receiving a similar foot from a like blister, for facilitated nested packing together of pluralities of such blisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Ritter
  • Patent number: 7207442
    Abstract: A die holding tray useful for testing a plurality of individual dies placed into the holding tray together with a method of making the same. The holding tray has machined lateral and longitudinal sets of grooves with one set of grooves filled with strips in order to form pockets from the unfilled grooves. Vacuum channels are formed into the bottom of the pockets, and dies are held in place during testing by the flatness of the pocket bottoms and a drawn vacuum. Several embodiments are disclosed, including machining grooves in a compliant layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Daniel Redding
  • Patent number: 7207443
    Abstract: A bulk bag having side walls; and a bottom wallis provided wherein a pair of laterally spaced generally flexible sleeves are associated with the bottom wall with each sleeve operatively receiving a generally rigid tubular element adapted to receive a tine of a forklift truck, in use. Each tubular element preferably has, at one end thereof, outwardly directed flange formations for preventing movement of the said end into the sleeve, in use, and means at the other end for inhibiting movement of said other end into the sleeve, in use. The tubular element is preferably made to a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration from a flat sheet of material bent along the corners to define said tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Tellap, Inc.
    Inventor: Alf Bernd Michael Von Merveldt
  • Patent number: 7207444
    Abstract: An apparatus for selective diversion of objects such as containers, packing and packing units of different mass. The apparatus has a first transport device for the objects and a diversion device for diverting predetermined objects from the first transport device onto a second transport device. The intensity with which the objects are diverted from the first transport device onto the second transport device is controlled by means of a controlled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Heuft Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Heuft, Gerd Kristandt
  • Patent number: 7207445
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating impurities from a liquid by a non-dispersive contacting of a liquid—liquid reactive systems, the liquids being immiscible with each other, having a cylindrical column separated into a first stage and a second stage, a plurality of modules of packed metallic fibers mounted in the first stage of the column on a support, a first distributor provided in the first stage of the column for distributing a first liquid located above the support such that the first liquid completely wets the fibers by capillary action and forms a film thereon, a second distributor fitted at a bottom portion of the second stage for distributing a second liquid containing impurities on to the metallic fibers, wherein the second liquid flows concurrently with said first liquid so that the impurities present in the second liquid react with the first liquid and dissolve therein and a separator connected to a bottom of said column separates the first liquid and purified second liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignees: Engineers India Limited, Indian Oil Corporation, Limited
    Inventors: Ujjwal Manna, Ram Prakash Verma, Sarvesh Kumar, Sukumar Banik, Arpita Dasgupta, Shankar Khatua
  • Patent number: 7207446
    Abstract: A golf ball display includes a display plate having a display field that includes information relating to a commemorative golf ball, and a bracket attached to the display plate for detachably securing the display plate to the commemorative golf ball. The display plate is sized to be largely hidden behind the commemorative golf ball when the golf ball is viewed head-on. The bracket that secures the display plate to the golf ball defines a curved inner surface having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of a golf ball and a length dimension that is greater than one half of the circumference of a golf ball. The display plate may be separately engraved or may be affixed with a data label that includes information associated with the commemorative golf ball such as a location of the golf course, a date that golf game was played, a player's score, and a subjective rating of the golf course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Jason Paul Boston
  • Patent number: 7207447
    Abstract: A modular storage and dispensing assembly for storing and selectively dispensing objects, such as cans, includes a plurality of panels and a connector assembly for connecting adjacently disposed panels such that a chute is formed between each of the adjacently disposed panels. A rail assembly is provided in each chute for defining a travel path through the chute. The rail assembly includes an upper rail and a lower rail, each being supported by adjacently disposed panels such that the upper rails in the chute are spatially disposed and in a facing relationship and the lower rails in the chute are also spatially disposed and in a facing relationship. The upper rails each have a first end and a second end and are sloped in a downward direction from their first end to their respective second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Excell Products
    Inventors: Merle D. Medcalf, Michael D. Medcalf
  • Patent number: 7207448
    Abstract: A modular storage system which is suitable for storing various items such as screws, nuts, bolts, washers and paper clips in a space-efficient and accessible manner is disclosed. The modular storage system includes a storage shelf and multiple containers removably engaging the storage shelf. A tray assembly having multiple trays may be provided in at least one of the containers for storing additional items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Marino, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7207449
    Abstract: An anti-static storage assembly including a shelf unit, grounding system, and cabinet for safe storage of circuit boards wherein each shelf mounted in the cabinet is independent of any other shelf in the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: David F. Greco
  • Patent number: 7207450
    Abstract: A drink holder device having a ground support, a leg extending from the ground support, and a plurality of arms extending from the leg. The arms are movable between a raised and a lowered position. At the end of each arm is one or more beverage holders. A lock holds the arm in position when raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Dirk R. Franklin, Stephen L. Olson
  • Patent number: 7207451
    Abstract: A container having a neck that includes an upper sidewall defining an opening, a lower sidewall and a flange radially extending from the neck between said upper and said lower sidewall. Beads are disposed around an outer circumference of the neck on the flange at the junction of the flange and the upper or lower sidewall. The container can have a sidewall that is substantially rectangular in cross section. Insets can be formed between two adjacent panels in the container sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Larry Taylor, Sheldon Yourist
  • Patent number: 7207452
    Abstract: A device is provided for fastening a distribution component on a vessel neck. The fastening device includes a retainer ring comprising a skirt defining an internal wall and an external wall, with the internal wall adapted to contact the external wall of the neck. The device also includes a lining collar surrounding the skirt of the retainer ring, the lining collar defining an internal wall and a visible external wall. The external wall of the skirt is formed with longitudinal external ribs extending at over the height of the skirt. The external ribs are in fitting contact against the internal wall of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventor: Gilles Jourdin
  • Patent number: 7207453
    Abstract: A closure, particularly for use on liquid-packing containers, comprising a first substantially circular portion from the periphery of which a second substantially cylindrical portion projects substantially orthogonal to the first portion, the closure comprising a sealing system provided with a first sealing element associated with the first portion and second and third sealing elements associated with the second portion, the first, second and third sealing elements cooperating with the packing container. The first and the third sealing elements provide sealing by deformation when the closure is applied to the container. The second sealing element provides sealing by direct compression when the closure is applied to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Alcoa Aluminio S/A
    Inventor: Roberto Amarante Rossi
  • Patent number: 7207454
    Abstract: A stopper assembly for sealing an opening of a vessel has a threaded body having a tapered head; an elastic jacket fitted over a portion of the body; a retention housing fitted over the body and jacket, the retention housing retaining the jacket from lateral displacement there through; and a turning nut attached to the retention housing and threaded to the body. A user inserts the stopper assembly into the vessel opening, holds the retention housing stable, and turns the turning nut causing travel of the threaded body through the retention housing and deformation of the elastic jacket against the tapered head, deformation thereof directed radially outward to make peripheral contact with the inner surface of the opening affecting a seal of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Vinit Chantalat
  • Patent number: 7207455
    Abstract: A template for carrying bulk cargo in an active container. The template includes a folding template body; a template connecting piece and a discharge door, the template body having at least a portion thereof which connects by the connecting piece to form the folding template body; and multiple template locks on the template body, each template lock having a locking bar and a lock head. The template body is fixed to upright post of a doorframe of the container by inserting the locking bars of the template locks into the doorframes. Sealing members are provided on two sides of the template body. The discharge door is located at a lower end of the template body. The template makes it possible to load bulk granule and powdered form goods directly into an existing container, without altering the container, thus reducing manpower and damage to the goods during loading, unloading, and transporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Jun Sheng
  • Patent number: 7207456
    Abstract: A container for gasoline for use in a two-cycle engine has indentations formed on its four sides so that when viewed from any of the four sides it presents the appearance of the Arabic numeral two, indicating that it is for use with two-cycle engine fuel. The container includes a recess in one of its sidewalls for receiving a smaller container for oil for mixing with the gasoline before insertion in the engine. The oil container may be similarly contoured to give the appearance of the Arabic numeral two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Chris Pick
  • Patent number: 7207457
    Abstract: A closure for covering an opening of a container. The closure includes an inverted U-shaped peripheral channel for receiving the rim of a container therein. A tear strip is formed with the skirt of the closure via a tear line that circumscribes the skirt. A breakaway pull tab having an inner surface with U-shaped ribs, the combination of the surface and ribs being such as to provide a concavity which assists in gripping the tab to pull the strip away. Linear vertical ribs may be provided on the outer surface to provide further assistance in the gripping function. The skirt includes a recessed area underlying the pull tab for providing access to the pull tab. An alternative embodiment uses a zig-zag structure of strengthening ribs in the skirt to reduce the amount of material necessary to provide the undercut. This reduces the probability of warpage in the closure structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Letica Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan H. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7207458
    Abstract: A low depth tray (100) for fluid containers, such as bottles B, includes a base (102) and a first pair of opposed walls (104, 106) extending upwardly from the base (102). The tray (100) further includes a second pair of opposed walls (108, 110) extending upwardly from the base (102) and integrally joined with the first pair of opposed walls (104, 106) to form a storage area. Each of the second pair of opposed walls (108, 110) includes an upper wall portion (112) and a lower wall portion (114), the upper wall portion (112) first areas (116) having a single-walled construction and second areas (118) for contacting the fluid containers B. When nested with a similar tray, the lower wall portion (114) of an upper tray (100) nests within the corresponding first areas (116) of a tray (100) disposed therebelow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Gerald R. Koefelda, William P. Apps, Gabriel A. Guerra, Brian T. Musser
  • Patent number: 7207459
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a platter ensemble that has two platters inter nested or stack, so that they appear as one unit. The upper platter has a large recessed area to hold the foodstuff, such as lobster or other shellfish. This recessed area has slots or holes to allow for the drainage of the liquid from the foodstuff, which is then contained by the lower platter. The upper platter has a supporting system of continuous tabs or stand offs that contact and separate the upper platter from the lower platter, so as to prevent deflection of the upper platter from the weight of the foodstuff or the pressures exerted by a fork or knife, for example. The upper platter also has a smaller recessed reservoir area to hold sauces, melted butter, or similar items. The lower platter has one continuous recessed area that is deeper and slightly larger than the upper platter to allow for inter nesting, stacking, and the containment of the liquid that has drained from the foodstuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: William J. Latvis, T. J. Lats Latvis
  • Patent number: 7207460
    Abstract: A laundry basket includes a bottom wall and a contiguous sidewall extending up from the bottom wall that defines an interior of basket. A first handle is attached to the contiguous sidewall and includes a first grip and a first knuckle guard that is disposed spaced outward from the first grip in a direction away from the interior of the basket. The basket can include a second grip on a wall opposite the first grip and can include a third grip on an elongate wall that is opposite a curved hip hugger basket wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: David R. Sander, Fred Reber
  • Patent number: 7207461
    Abstract: A dispenser containing sheets, for example, dry sheets and premoistened sheets is provided. The dispenser is adapted to be releasably coupled to a conventional rolled product fixture, such as one that holds a roll of toilet tissue in a bathroom. The dispenser may include a cartridge which is positioned in the housing of the dispenser which holds sheets. The sheets dispense from the cartridge and the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Mitchell, Debra N. Welchel, Herb F. Velazquez, Tim J. Morton, Joel G. Delman, Melanie L. Andres, John B. Freese, Donna Ann Piacenza, David J. McCutcheon, Amar A. Patel, David W. Kapiloff
  • Patent number: 7207462
    Abstract: A dispenser is adjustable to contain beverage container lids of various sizes. A housing has a front element with an opening. Pager assemblies are mounted in slots which extend radially outwardly from the opening. A stack of lids is inserted into the housing through the opening, and the pager assemblies allow a single lid to be extracted from the stack by the pivoting of a door containing two claws which engage the frontmost lid. To reconfigure the dispenser for a different lid size, a template is positioned frontwardly of the housing front element, and the pager assemblies are adjusted to abut the template, thereby configuring the pager assemblies in the proper position. The claws on the lid are then replaced with claws which are configured to the new lid shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Acry Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Gunderson, William R. Laupan
  • Patent number: 7207463
    Abstract: A cigarette holding and dispensing apparatus includes a housing having a first and second dividing wall therein such that first, second and third compartment are defined within the housing. The first dividing wall has a vertical slot therein and into the first and third compartments. A covering is removably positioned on the housing. The covering has an aperture therein extending into the third compartment and an opening extending into said second compartment. A lighter may be positioned in the second compartment and a plurality of cigarettes may be positioned in the third compartment. An actuating assembly is mounted in the first compartment and extends into the third compartment through the first vertical slot for selectively lifting a cigarette upwardly through the aperture in the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Alexander Balko
  • Patent number: 7207464
    Abstract: The effervescent tablet dispenser may be assembled onto the open end of a container tube (2). It consists of an annular lower part (3) which may be assembled onto the open end of a container tube (2). For this there is a lid (4) for closing the annular lower part (3). A dispenser tab (8) extends diametrically in a tongue-like manner in the lower part (3) in its clear opening This dispenser tab (8) is integrally formed on the inner edge (10) of the lower part (3) in the manner of a film hinge. With respect to the annular lower part (3) is may be pivoted out in the axial direction by at least 10°. When the container tube is tipped, the dispenser tab under the load of a tablet lying on it pivots approx. 10° downwards and the lowermost tablet may be easily removed with one hand, whilst the remaining ones are held back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Createchic AG
    Inventor: Andreas Brenner
  • Patent number: 7207465
    Abstract: The self-opener closure comprises a spout (2) having a projecting lower rim (9) which is to be molded or glued to a composite packaging, an associated rotary cap (1) as well as a self-opener sleeve (3) arranged within the spout (2). This self-opener sleeve (3) can be made to rotate by the rotary cap (1). The inner side of the spout (2) is provided with four guide webs having varying inclines arranged over its inner circumference. These interact with specially formed guide ribs at the outer wall of the self-opener sleeve (3), which brings about that the self-opener sleeve (3), when continuously rotated in the inside of the spout (2), and by being guided at these guide ribs, describes an uneven downwardly directed movement, which superposes its rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: SIG Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Mario Weist
  • Patent number: 7207466
    Abstract: An insert for a container includes an outer wall, a upstanding spout, and a bottom wall. The outer wall is configured to fit within an opening of the container and defines the periphery of the insert. The outer wall has a lower edge and an upper edge that is disposed at a first elevation. The upstanding spout is located within the outer wall and includes at least one substantially straight portion. The straight portion has a lower edge as well as a substantially straight upper edge that is disposed at a second elevation less than the first elevation. The bottom wall connects the lower edge of the outer wall and the lower edge of the spout to form a channel between the outer wall and the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Masterchem Industries LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walsh, Edward A. Raleigh, Timothy J. Bierman, Scott G. Manke
  • Patent number: 7207467
    Abstract: Devices which contain tactile and visually readable identifying indicia to assist the visually handicapped in identifying room numbers and the contents of items such as condiment shakers and liquid containers. The visually readable indicia allow a sighted person to correctly associate the device with the proper item to be identified. The devices take the form of bands which fit around the condiment holders, tags which may be attached to items by tying or adhering, and sleeves which may partially or fully surround the item. The identifying devices for room numbers may be clip-on sleeves for doorknobs or plates which attach to peep-hole tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Arjuna Raja
  • Patent number: 7207468
    Abstract: A pre-compression pump (10) dispenses microdoses of fluid (F). The pump minimizes pulsing due to pressure fluctuations. The pump is provided with the following to limit pulsing: a low force slow return velocity return spring (46); enlarged fluid passage (58); elastic bumper (74); and, a rachet tooth (76) bearing against the stem (44). Further, a deflectable diaphragm (90), a splined (70) stem (44), no dip tube, and an off-center, gravitational low-point pump inlet (62) assist in printing the pump. The pump includes a stem (44) with deflectable fingers (92) to ensure sufficient momentum in pump operation. Detents (118) and grooves (120) selectively lock a nozzle cap (14) in an inoperative position. To ensure cleanliness, nozzle (60) cleaning is provided, wiping of the nozzle to remove meniscus (M) therefrom, cuts (104) formed in a shroud (98) assist in drawing excess fluid from the nozzle, and an empty volume (108) for collecting fluid run-off from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Ben Z. Cohen, Nigel Kelly
  • Patent number: 7207469
    Abstract: A mounting system for releasably securing a portable electronic device (Preferably a DVD entertainment device) within an automobile. A harness is designed to securely attach the portable electronic equipment to the back of an automobile seat. The harness includes a headrest strap that wraps around the upper portion of the seat, while a second strap wraps around the base of the vertical backrest portion of the seat and is connected to the housing at a third location. The harness is preferably limited to a three-point attachment between each end of the headrest strap and the housing, and a third connection between the housing and the base strap. A crossover strap may be employed to form an intermediate connection between the base strap and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Intec, Inc.
    Inventors: Saied Hussaini, Marc Iacovelli
  • Patent number: 7207470
    Abstract: A two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a saddle bag stay fixed to a vehicle body frame assembly. A saddle bag is detachably mounted to the saddle bag stay, while providing for the prevention of burglary. The saddle bag stay is provided with a locking shaft section and a locking portion, and the saddle bag is provided with a locking device switchable between the engagement and disengagement with and from the locking portion, a key-operated device for operating the locking device in a direction to release the engagement with the locking portion in response to a key operation, and an engaging portion disengageably engaging with the locking shaft section, so that it cannot be disengaged in a state in which the locking device is in engagement with the locking portion and it can be disengaged in a state in which the locking device is out of engagement with the locking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Access Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotoshi Akita, Kazumichi Hamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7207471
    Abstract: An electrosurgical stapling apparatus is provided which uses thermogenic energy as well as surgical fasteners or staples for strengthening tissue, providing hemostasis, tissue joining or welding. The thermogenic energy also strengthens tissue in proximity to a staple line and knife cut line and provides hemostasis along the staple and cut lines formed by the staples and a knife blade during surgical stapling. The use thermogenic energy provides short-term hemostasis and sealing, and reduces or prevents staple line and cut line bleeding, while the stapling features provide short and long-term tissue strength and hemostasis. The stapling apparatus further substantially reduces or prevents knife cut line bleeding by energizing a knife blade for cauterizing tissue while it is being cut. In one embodiment, energy is applied to the anvil to energize the staples as they make contact with the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Russell Heinrich, Frank J. Viola