Patents Issued in April 24, 2007
  • Patent number: 7207472
    Abstract: A surgical instrument adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue includes a cartridge module having a cartridge housing containing a plurality of surgical fasteners and a knife. The cartridge module includes a driver disposed to push surgical fasteners out of the cartridge housing. The instrument also includes a firing mechanism associated with the cartridge housing for ejecting the surgical fasteners and the knife from the cartridge housing. The knife includes a detent disposed to contact a mating detent of the cartridge module during longitudinal travel of the knife thereby preventing undesired forward and rearward motion of the knife. The driver includes a detent disposed to contact at least one mating detent formed on the cartridge module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Michael Wukusick, Richard F. Schwemberger
  • Patent number: 7207473
    Abstract: A stackable container for carrying produce. The container has tapered side walls or end walls to aid in the stacking of like containers. Also, the container has locking flaps that allow the container to be erected manually and without the need for fasteners. Further, at least one tapered wall of the container has a reinforcement flap that creates a partial top structure in the upper part of the container that helps prevent bulging of the walls. The reinforcement flap also creates doubled stacking tabs and diagonal corner posts that aid in the stacking of like containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Stanley L. Fry
  • Patent number: 7207474
    Abstract: A carton includes a top wall, a pair of opposed side walls connected to the side edges of the top wall, an end wall interconnecting the side walls and an article dispenser for dispensing articles from the carton. The dispenser includes a detachable portion of the carton formed at least from the side and end walls. The detachable portion is connected at least to the side and end walls by a detachable connection to be detached from the carton to define an opening for exposing at least an endmost article for removal. At least one of the side walls comprises a tear initiation arrangement for facilitating a user's cross-tearing motion for detaching the detachable portion along the detachable connection. The detachable connection of the detachable portion comprises a frangible line of joinder for defining an edge of the opening. The frangible line extends from the tear initiation arrangement into at least the end wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: John Murdock Holley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7207475
    Abstract: A printer capable of controlling the operation capability of an image-forming device according to a user's utilization mode. Operation capability designation information for designating the operation capability of the image-forming device is rewritably held in an EEPROM (34) provided in the print controller (30) of the image forming device. The CPU (31) of the print controller (30) judges whether or not a printing request sent from a computer (40) falls within a capability range designated by the held operation capability designation information. If within a capability range, a print engine (10) is caused to form an image. As the capability, a usable amount of ink to be contained in an ink cartridge (20) can be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7207476
    Abstract: Via a publicly-accessible computer network for a selected public figure a user is permitted to select a photograph of the public figure based upon identifying information associated with the photograph. The user is permitted to purchase a copy of the selected photograph. The user is advantageously permitted to specify that the photograph copy be autographed by the selected public figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: William B. Slate
  • Patent number: 7207477
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for purchasing an item via a self-service checkout at a merchant store. The item is associated with a bar code and an anti-theft device. A customer uses their phone to establish communication with the store's transaction host. The phone includes a camera and a programmable memory. The memory includes customer account data. The camera is used to capture and transmit an image of the bar code to the host. The host determines the item's cost from the received bar code image. The customer can wirelessly transmit their account data from the phone to an in-store terminal. The terminal can transmit the account data to the host. The host can accept and use the account data in payment for the item. After customer payment for the item, the host causes the anti-theft device to be neutralized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventor: Natarajan Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 7207478
    Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash is dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Dale H. Blackson, Edward L. Laskowski, Tim Crews, Wayne Warren, Victor Bell, William McCarthy, Matthew Pahl, Martin J. Brown, Todd Galloway, Robert W. Barnett, Mike Ryan, James R. Kay, Mark A. Ward, David A. Peters
  • Patent number: 7207479
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically establishing merchant accounts for transaction card usage. More specifically, the systems and methods allow an agent to automatically apply for and automatically receive approval for a merchant to transact commerce with customers who use a transaction card. Moreover, the systems and methods provide real-time information, such as approval or denial notifications and reports to an agent. In addition, the systems and methods provide secure file transfers between an agent and a transaction card issuer/processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Abner E. Moreau, Jr., Gintas P. Balodis
  • Patent number: 7207480
    Abstract: A system is described for providing certified digital photos as a form of photo identification. In an m-wallet transaction, a vendor requests photo identification from the user of a mobile station, such as a mobile telephone or smart card. In response to the request, the mobile station displays a digital image of an authorized user of the mobile station. The mobile station also displays a trust-certification indicator to indicate to the vendor that the image is authentic. The mobile station may retrieve the image of the authorized user, together with a trust-certification, from a service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventor: Martin Geddes
  • Patent number: 7207481
    Abstract: One alternative and optional method of the present invention provides a secured item specific identification system incorporating the steps of identifying an item to a determined degree, generating a first identifying code for the item, generating a second code and separately providing the same to a partner, enabling an access to secure identification data regarding the item upon an authorizing use of both the first and second code. In other optional alternative embodiments, the first and second codes may be optionally linked or alternatively provided in alternative and adaptive composite symbology formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Secure Symbology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Barenburg, Rhett C. Bordner
  • Patent number: 7207482
    Abstract: A service providing method to provide services to a holder of a portable electronic device through a terminal device handling a portable electronic device based on a portable electronic device having a memory area storing application data relative to the service provision, in which at least individual data of a holder is pre-stored by a prescribed organization. According to this service providing method, when a direction for the download of applications is received from a terminal device, justifiability of the portable electronic device is checked based on the data stored in the portable electronic device, and when justifiability of the portable electronic device is confirmed, the application information desired by a holder is read from memory area, the downloading of the application to the portable electronic device is directed to the terminal device and the read application data is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7207483
    Abstract: A shopping receptacle for facilitating interaction between a user and a computer system, the receptacle being adapted to receive and retain a product item having an interface surface associated therewith, the interface surface having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of the identity of the product item, wherein the receptacle comprises: (a) a receptacle body adapted to receive and retain the product item; and, (b) a sensing device adapted to: (i) sense at least some of the coded data on the interface surface of the product item as the product item is positioned in a sensing region; , and, (ii) generate, using the sensed coded data, indicating data indicative of the identity of the product item; and, (iii) transfer the indicating data to the computer system; and, (c) a user interface for facilitating the interaction with the computer system, the interaction being performed using the indicating data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7207484
    Abstract: A system for stocktaking management includes a server computer (10) and at least one warehouse (40) connected with the server computer via a network (30). Each warehouse includes a plurality of stock locators (44), each stock locator has a single, unique identification number, each warehouse further comprises at least one client computer (42) connected with the server computer for a user to input information on stocks; the server computer is used for storing and processing information on stocks, the server computer comprises at least an input device for inputting information on stocks (16), at least a display device for displaying (18), at least a database (14) for storing information on stocks, and a function module (12) for receiving and processing the information on stocks input by a user. A related method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ming Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7207485
    Abstract: A method of packing an object, the object having an interface surface having coded data disposed thereon or therein, wherein the coded data includes a plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the object, wherein the method includes, in a sensing device: (a) sensing at least one coded data portion; (b) generating, using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of the identity of the object; and, (c) transferring the indicating data to at least one of: (i) a packing system which is responsive to the indication to pack the object. (ii) a computer system which is responsive to the indication to cause a packing system to pack the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7207486
    Abstract: A system and method is described which utilizes a dual function reader device, which may be a hand-held inventory control device, which first performs an optical read of an optical bar code on a carrier unit, then based on the identification or other information obtained from the optical read a RF read is made of a RF tag attached to, or within, the carrier unit. An indicator light on the carrier unit illuminates when the optical read is completed, which allows an operator to visually verify that the optical read has transpired for the desired carrier unit. The RF tag provides data regarding the inventory of the goods stored within, or on, the carrier unit, the temperature of the goods, the shelf-life of the goods, the source and/or destination of the carrier unit and/or the goods, or other information. Data can also be written to the RF tag by the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventor: James D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7207487
    Abstract: A method, system, and program product for the electronic delivery and distribution of a solicitation for votes on shareholder issues from an issuer to a plurality of voters. The method includes creating an electronic solicitation message for the issuer; tagging the electronic solicitation message with at least one parameter to ensure the electronic solicitation message is available to the voters holding a shareholder position with the issuer; presenting the electronic solicitation message to the voters; recording and compiling a plurality of information regarding each viewing of the transmitted solicitation message; aggregating a plurality of electronic voting results from the voters; and reporting the aggregated electronic voting results to the issuer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Swingvote, Inc.
    Inventor: Anne O. Faulk
  • Patent number: 7207488
    Abstract: A combined barcode scanner and radio frequency identification reader includes a microprocessor control unit, an RFID module, a barcode scanner module, a host interface, and user interface(s). The microprocessor control unit utilizes a Field Interpretation Array to parse data into discrete fields that can be input into a host as if typed on a keyboard. The host interface permits the exchange of information between the apparatus and a host computer, and may take the form of an RS-232 connector, a USB connector, or a PS/2 keyboard connector. The user interface(s) may have one or more of a trigger, an LED light, and/or a beeper. When the trigger is in an undepressed state, the apparatus is in program mode. When the trigger is depressed the apparatus can enter one of multiple trigger modes. The trigger mode activates one or both of the RFID module and/or barcode scanner module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Precision Dynamics Corproation
    Inventors: Ed Hammerslag, Charles E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7207489
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a relatively miniature injection molded scan motor, for example, for a retroreflective illumination system. An exemplary scan motor comprises a spring module that includes a static substrate and a dynamic substrate coupled together by an injection molded flexible spring. In an embodiment, the spring can be liquid injection molded. The scan motor also comprises a magnet and a reflective element that extends beyond the static substrate and/or the dynamic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Drzymala, Edward Barkan, Heng Zhang
  • Patent number: 7207490
    Abstract: A bar code is integrated in the paper in the form of a watermark. The fields (6) which separate the information-conveying bars of the bar code from each other are formed as watermarks. The information-conveying bars can be formed as watermarks, but they do not have to. Their width results from the spacing of the separating fields (6). The separating fields (6) are more narrow than the information-conveying bars, as a result of which the total length of the bar code is kept short.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Schneider
  • Patent number: 7207491
    Abstract: A system and method is provided that includes generating a combined bar code symbol and image that is readable by a bar code scanner device. The system comprises a computer program that provides an image and a bar code symbol and combines the bar code symbol with the image such that the bar code symbol is readable by the bar code scanner device. The system processes the image and bar code symbol by comparing the properties corresponding to the image, the bar code symbol (e.g., color values), and properties corresponding to the bar code scanner sensitivity values associated with the bar code scanner device. The processed bar code symbol that is combined with the processed image is readable by the bar code scanner device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: International Barcode Corporation
    Inventor: Allen Lubow
  • Patent number: 7207492
    Abstract: The effects of paper/substrate noise are significantly reduced in multi-focal zone laser scanning systems by processing analog scan data signals with a scan data signal processor having a plurality of pass-band filters and amplifiers that are automatically selected for passing only the spectral components of an analog scan data signal produced when a bar code symbol is scanned at a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. Two or more different pass-band filter structures can be provided for use in the scan data signal processor, wherein each pass-band filter structure is tuned to the spectral band associated with a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. When a bar code symbol is scanned by a laser beam focused within the first focal zone or scanning range of the system, the pass-band filter structure associated with this focal zone or scanning range is automatically switched into operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lucera, Frank Check, C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, LeRoy Dickson
  • Patent number: 7207493
    Abstract: A document is cupped at a first time to stiffen and straighten the document before the document is stacked in the interior chamber of a document stacker. The cupped document is cupped at a second time which is different from the first time to maintain the document stiff and straight as the document is being stacked in the interior chamber of the document stacker so as to reduce the chance of a stacking defect from occurring when a succeeding document is subsequently stacked on top of the document. A trailing edge of the document is engaged to urge the trailing edge of the document in a direction away from direction of movement of the document into the interior chamber of the document stacker so as to prevent a succeeding document which is to be subsequently stack on top of the document from stacking out of sequence relative to the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Frank B. Dunn, Anthony J. Boon
  • Patent number: 7207494
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a security feature in an identification document. A core including a top surface and a bottom surface is provided. A first laminate is laminated in contact with the top surface. A second laminate is laminated in contact with the bottom surface, the laminated core comprising the identification document, the identification document having a top side and a bottom side respectively corresponding to the core's top and bottom side. A pattern is laser etched into the top surface of the identification document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: George Theodossiou, Robert Jones
  • Patent number: 7207495
    Abstract: An integrated circuit card memory rewriting system comprises an integrated circuit card with built-in memory and a wireless terminal having an interface for being electrically connectable with the integrated circuit card. A base station is called by the wireless terminal while the integrated circuit card is being electrically connected to the interface of the wireless terminal. Data relating to internal data stored in the integrated circuit card is requested from the base station. The wireless terminal then updates the data of the memory of the integrated circuit card connected to the interface using received signals transmitted from the base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shinya Haraguchi
  • Patent number: 7207496
    Abstract: An improved inflatable bladder for use as a zone climate control system valve to controllably permit and prevent airflow through a vent of a forced air HVAC system. The bladder is secured by a rigid strap which may be coupled to the vent near the vent opening. The bladder is coupled to its pressure/vacuum air tube by a pin which is inserted through the air tube and the bladder nipple to which it mates. The bladder may have a donut shape for use with a vent which is located directly on a trunk which also has downstream vents or ducts which are not part of the same zone as the vent controlled by the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Home Comfort Zones, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Gene Alles
  • Patent number: 7207497
    Abstract: A device 10 for spraying dry flakes 12 including: an enclosure 22 including a lower portion 26 for holding a supply 12A of dry flakes 12 and an upper portion 27; a gas flow conduit 50 including: a receiving portion 52 adapted for connection to a pressurized gas source, and a nozzle 60; a flake conduit 40 connecting enclosure 22 with nozzle 60; and air holes 36 in enclosure 22. Flake conduit 40 includes a valve 44. A flow valve 76, operable by the user, regulates the flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source through gas flow conduit 50. Receiving portion 52 includes pressure regulating valve 77 for regulating the pressure of gas from the pressurized gas source at a given gas flow rate and a pressure indicator 78 for indicating pressure of gas flowing through receiving portion 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Rikk A. Clark
  • Patent number: 7207498
    Abstract: A fluid dispense tip includes a bevel at an opening to reduce the amount of surface tension, or “land”, at the opening. The bevel is formed by grinding in a longitudinal direction such that any tooling scars resulting from the grinding operation are likewise longitudinally oriented, further reducing the amount of surface tension in the tip, thereby leading to heightened dispensing accuracy. The tip may be machined from stock as a unitary piece, to increase its lifetime, and may be formed with a bore of a relatively large diameter that is tapered down to a smaller diameter near the tip opening, to allow for delivery of fluid through the tip body at a decreased pressure. A cleaning tool may be provided for removing residual material from the inner surfaces of the tip. A removable liner sleeve may be provided within the bore to reduce the effective inner diameter of the dispense tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Fugere
  • Patent number: 7207499
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing porous polymer particles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotating atomizer wheel (39) onto which a uniform thin layer of a polymer may be applied via a distributor (40), followed by the movement of the polymer to the periphery of the wheel due to centrifugal force and the subsequent release of free flying particles at the periphery of the wheel. The apparatus further includes a catch tray (14) to collect the porous polymer particles produced and an enclosure defining a partition between an interior environment and an exterior environment of the apparatus. The enclosure includes an aperture allowing a gaseous exchange between the interior and exterior environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Prometic Biosciences Ltd
    Inventors: Ann Partington, legal representative, Josee Ethier, Barry Partington, deceased
  • Patent number: 7207500
    Abstract: A pump apparatus for a liquid sprayer is provided having a housing adapted to be releasably connected to a vessel containing liquid to be sprayed. The housing includes an upper portion and a lower portion releasably connected to the upper portion. The upper portion includes at least a pump and an electric motor for driving the pump. The lower portion includes at least a power supply for providing power to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: H.D. Hudson Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: William A. Hudson, Robert C. Hudson, Jr., Da Wei David Chen
  • Patent number: 7207501
    Abstract: Systems and methods for high volume, low pressure foam generation are provided that have a wide range of applications, particularly in fire fighting and fire prevention fields. The foam may be effectively delivered to targets that have heretofore been difficult, if not impossible, to reach in a timely, cost effective and/or efficacious manner. Nozzles and nozzle-containing systems are provided for combining water, injected foam and air to generate and/or deliver high volume, low pressure foam. The foam generation systems may be part of portable units that may be worn or otherwise supported by a user (e.g., a back pack), manually transported (e.g., a push cart), or transported with power-assistance (e.g., a power-assist cart). The systems may also be vehicle-mounted. Exemplary nozzle systems include a diffuser unit that facilitates aeration of the water and foam mixture that is fed to the nozzle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hanratty Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Hanratty
  • Patent number: 7207502
    Abstract: A velocity-profile modifying device is located between a heat component and an air pouring apparatus. The air pouring apparatus pours the air into the heat component via an air moving track. The velocity-profile modifying device is set at the air moving track and is used for modifying a first velocity-profile of airflow by the air pouring apparatus to a second velocity-profile and further for making the air distribute evenly toward the heat component. By providing the velocity profile modifying device, a better distribution of the airflow toward the heat component and a stable temperature status of the heat component can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Bang-Ji Wang, Chang-Chien Li, Chun-Ming Shen
  • Patent number: 7207503
    Abstract: A chemical dispenser which is selectively removably mounted on a travelling lawn sprinkler. The chemical dispenser dispenses liquid chemical into the water being sprinkled onto the lawn by the water distributor as the self-propelled travelling lawn sprinkler propels itself across a lawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Terry J. Stengel, Terry E. Mahlman
  • Patent number: 7207504
    Abstract: A grinder is disclosed which has a housing (12) in which a rotatable disc (60) is mounted. The disc (60) is rotated by a motor (40)and the disc (60) has a periphery which is adjacent an inner stationary wall (102) of the housing (12 ). An air inlet (108) is arranged below the disc and the disc carries vanes (100) so that when the disc rotates, an annular air stream is created at the periphery of the disc in which a grinding zone is established between the periphery of the disc and the stationary wall (102) for grinding material into small particles. The grinding zone includes an annular flow of heavy gas R1. A material inlet (20) is provided for allowing material to enter the housing (12). Large material is grounded by energy intensification after it hits the disc (60) and collides with the inner wall (40) of the housing so as to break down the material into smaller particle size, which can then move to the grinding zone at the periphery of the disc (60) to be further ground into small particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Aimbridge Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Eric Paul Willmot
  • Patent number: 7207505
    Abstract: A method for quickly forming a high value powdered feed materials, particularly pharmaceuticals, into small, durable granules using known elements of process equipment, comprising the steps of mixing the feed materials with a wetting solution in a high shear mixer or granulator, partially drying the granulated mixture in a first drying means to a state of intermediate dryness, milling the partially dried granulated product in a stream of air to create small partially dried granules of the desired physical size, and drying the product in the second drying means to the desired final Loss On Drying (LOD) percentage of wetting solution. The milled product may be conveyed by vacuum from the milling step to the second drying means through a relatively long cylindrical transfer hose to create uniformly rounded granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Martin P. Bender, Donald P. Verbarg
  • Patent number: 7207506
    Abstract: A blending station apparatus and method includes a foodstuffs storage location where a plurality of individual foodstuffs storage containers are held, a control panel for inputting information into the blending station so that the beverage size and one or more of the various types of foodstuffs, as well as other ingredients such as ice, water, supplements, etc., can be selected to make a drink, a blending container to hold the various ingredients, a mixing location for blending the ingredients to achieve a uniform drink consistency, and a cleaning location to clean the blending container after the blended contents have been dispensed into a container for consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: K-TEC, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Dickson, Jr., B. Shawn Elgaaen, Ralph W. Schwarze, David J. Throckmorton
  • Patent number: 7207507
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the granulation of sludge- and optionally dust-form material, in which the material to be granulated is mixed with hydratable or hydraulically settable solids and water, which solids react exothermically with water and act as binder in the mixture, where the solids are allowed to hydrate or set fully or partly, and where the mixture containing the fully or partly hydrated or set solids is shaped into granules, where the solids and, if desired, dust-form materials to be granulated are wetted or moistened with water, and subsequently and/or at essentially the same time the solids are mixed with the material to be granulated. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Christoph Aichinger, Alfred Aigner, Guenter Schrey, Stefan Zettl
  • Patent number: 7207508
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for effecting a controlled breaking of a wedding glass, comprising providing a device having a housing having a bottom and top sheet both of puncture-resistant material and an intermediate layer of compressible material retained between the sheets, the intermediate layer being provided with an opening forming a well sized to accommodate a wedding glass therein, whereby a stamping action directed to the top sheet results in the compression of the intermediate layer and the shattering of the glass within the confines of the sheets and the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Ephraim Golshevsky
  • Patent number: 7207509
    Abstract: A hand-held electric cheese grinder includes a body having a cheese grinder cylinder rotatably mounted within a chamber of the body and driven by a motor through a transmission mechanism the motor and transmission mechanism are operatively mounted inside the grinding cylinder so that a relative spatial room is provided above the grinder cylinder in the chamber to contain a cheese block to be ground. The cheese block is pressed down against the grinder cylinder by a plunger extending from a cover mounted to the top of the body. A base is preferably provided to support the body when not in operation. The base includes a changer for recharging batteries in the body and a cooling device to maintain a relatively low temperature in the chamber of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Mazza
  • Patent number: 7207510
    Abstract: This invention contains a suction base meat grinder consisting of a meat grinder with a suction base and manually operated grinding unit. Turning a rotating disk first, the user will firmly fix this meat grinder to the kitchen table surface, as well as lock the base to the upper grinding part. Then the user can rotate the handle to spin the screw bolt and the pedal blade, pushing meat to go through the pedal blade, and be grinded into ground meat, thus finishing the grinding process. Meanwhile, this grinder is made up by the grinding unit and the sucking base. The grinding unit and the sucking base can be separated at cleansing time, making it easier to clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Yan Kwong Wong
  • Patent number: 7207511
    Abstract: A condiment grinder has a body for containing condiment seeds, and a condiment grinding mechanism provided at a lower open end of the body through which condiment seeds, ground by the mechanism, may be dispensed. The grinding mechanism has a female grinder and a male grinder rotatable in the female grinder for grinding condiment seeds in an annular gap between the grinders. The condiment grinder includes a base attached to the lower body end for standing the body on a surface. The base engages the female grinder and is turnable to adjust the female grinder's axial position relative to the male grinder and, hence, the width of the gap and, in turns, the ground condiment size. The base has a peripheral wall that is exposed to and accessible from all lateral sides for gripping so that the base can conveniently be turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Wing Wo Plastic Manufactory Limited
    Inventor: Hong Wo Ng
  • Patent number: 7207512
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a food triturating device with a first extension, a second extension and a hinge device therebetween. The hinge device is located within a housing, and comprises a hinge bar, a rotating drum mounted on a hinge bar. The rotating drum is slidable between a first position and a second position and rotatable between any one of three rotating positions. The hinge also comprises a engagement wall positioned within the housing and having a shelf and at least one locking slots. A locking member is formed on the rotating drum and cooperates with the engagement wall to lock the rotating drum into any one of the three rotating positions with the rotating drum is in the first sliding position. A biasing spring, located within the housing, biases the rotating drum toward the first sliding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Terri Webb, Louis Chalfant
  • Patent number: 7207513
    Abstract: The present invention provides a comminuting device that can generate an impact speed exceeding 200 ft/s, for example 1,500 ft/s, while consuming less energy than conventional comminuting devices, and thus, is more efficient than conventional comminuting devices. The comminuting device comprises a throwing wheel that generates a centrifugal and tangential force in the particles of material to accelerate the particles toward a desired impact speed, an impact rotor that includes an impact surface to fragment the particles when the particles collide with the impact surface, and a motor operable to power the impact rotor and the throwing wheel. To increase the impact speed of the particle, the impact surface is moved toward the particle as the particle exits the throwing wheel. Thus, the comminuting device can generate impact speeds that exceed the impact speeds generated by conventional comminuting devices and consequently fracture a particle into smaller pieces after one run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Aerosion Ltd.
    Inventors: Lynn P. Tessier, Russell M. Graham, James B. Graham, William D. Burke, Fan Jiang
  • Patent number: 7207514
    Abstract: Methods and systems of controlling transport of film are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of controlling a supply platter motor in a no-rewind film transport system, comprises receiving take-up platter control signal information from a take-up platter controller, processing the take-up platter control signal information, and controlling the supply platter motor based at least in part on the processed take-up platter control signal information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: IMAX Corporation
    Inventors: Igal Roytblat, Robert F. Frith, Alexander Mezhibovsky
  • Patent number: 7207515
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive unit for a safety belt tensioner which has a drive which can be triggered on the response of an acceleration sensor and which can be rotationally fixedly coupled to the belt winding reel. The drive is located in a drive chamber which is formed by two plates, which extend parallel to one another and which are provided with a coating material, and which has a drive band of which at least one end is fastened to a drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Takata-Petri (Ulm) GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Kopetzky, Roland Schnabl, Andreas Wengert, Gunter Maierhofer, Dieter Beck
  • Patent number: 7207516
    Abstract: A tool is provided to assist stringing fence wire during building of a fence. The tool comprises a hanger for suspending the tool from a secondary fence post, which is typically a metal T-post. An upright attaches to the hanger and provides a series of arms extending away from the fence post. The arms include an end structure that support fence wire against downward movement and against movement away from the fence post, all in an effort to minimize entangling of wire before it is tightened. After the fence wire is tightened, the tools are removed from the fence post and may be reused. Several different types of end structures are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Troy M. Sheelar
  • Patent number: 7207517
    Abstract: A munition is presented which includes an integrity verification system that measures the integrity of the munition. When an integrity threshold is not met, engagement of the munition with a predetermined target is aborted. Also presented is a methodology for gating the engagement of the munition with the target. The methodology includes performing an integrity check of the munition after it is deployed. The method further includes aborting the engagement of the target when the integrity check of the munition fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. McKendree, John D. Britigan, Hans L. Habereder
  • Patent number: 7207518
    Abstract: A projectile for a weapon comprises an axially movable firing pin, an initiator actuable when impinged by the firing pin, a plurality of external peripheral fins movable from a radially inward position to a radially outward position when the projectile leaves the weapon, fin engaging means for moving each fin from the radially inward position to the radially outward position and for maintaining each fin in the radially outward position, and internal actuating means for actuating the fin engaging means to engage and thereby move the fins to deploy from the radially inward to the radially outward position as the projectile leaves the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Olympic Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Michael Alculumbre, Fred Sharp
  • Patent number: 7207519
    Abstract: A blade restraint system for restraining a blade of a helicopter comprising a blade clamp releasably mounted to the blade and a pole pair releasably mountable to the blade clamp at a clamp end. The pole pair is releasably mountable to the helicopter fuselage at an aircraft. The pole pair includes a first pole and second pole. The first and second poles are moveable relative to each other between a storage position and an extended position. The first pole is positioned generally within the second pole in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Hoynash
  • Patent number: 7207520
    Abstract: An advanced aperture inlet (AAI) uses a three-dimensional, mixed compression inlet design derived from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) by streamline tracing a supersonic section from an axisymmetric mixed compression inlet solution. The axisymmetric design is used to obtain a CFD solution with slip wall boundaries at the inlet design point and serves as a flow field generator for the AAI. The AAI geometry is obtained by projecting a desired aperture shape onto a surface model of the external oblique shock. Streamline seeds are located on the projected aperture segments and transferred into the CFD solution space. The streamlines generated by these seeds inside the CFD solution space are then used as a wireframe to define the supersonic diffuser back to the throat location. Traditional design techniques are then used to define the subsonic diffuser from the inlet throat to the engine face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian F. Lundy, John D. Klinge, Bradley C. Leland
  • Patent number: 7207521
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing secondary power to aircraft systems. In one embodiment, an aircraft system architecture for providing power to an environmental control system includes an electric generator operably coupled to a jet engine. The jet engine can be configured to provide propulsive thrust to the aircraft, and the electric generator can be configured to receive shaft power from the jet engine. The environmental control system can be configured to provide outside air to a passenger cabin of the aircraft in the absence of bleed air from the jet engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Warren A. Atkey, Alan T. Bernier, Michael D. Bowman, Thomas A. Campbell, Jonathan M. Cruse, Charles J. Fiterman, Charles S. Meis, Casey Y. K. Ng, Farhad Nozari, Edward Zielinski