Patents Issued in May 15, 2007
  • Patent number: 7216435
    Abstract: A spokeshave providing an easily used depth of cut adjustment that is simple, effective and requires no extra tool or blade removal for adjustment. The blade of the spokeshave is mounted on two posts that project normal to the back of the blade, and the posts are received in structures adjustably positioned within the spokeshave body. Adjustment of the positions of the post-receiving structures cause the blade to move toward or away from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Bruce Siemers, Terry Ross Saunders
  • Patent number: 7216436
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely locating, aligning, targeting, and marking locations for fastener holes in structures is disclosed. The method and apparatus utilizes laser devices to project laser beams through alignment tools to determine the proper location and orientation of the fastener holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Denver Whitworth, Nicklas Gonzales, Vance Cribb
  • Patent number: 7216437
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for checking alignment of a lighting fixture comprising a lighting fixture with a housing, reflective surface in the housing, light source in the housing, and a glass lens over an opening into the housing. A marking or indicia is placed on the glass lens in a known orientation with structure inside the housing that is visible from outside of the housing. By line of sight viewing of the marking or indicia, even from a distance away, an alignment of the marking or indicia with the structure inside the housing, the alignment or aiming orientation of the fixture can be determined. This can be used to check alignment of individual fixture, or can be used to check alignment of an array of fixtures, if the array has a known reference correlation to the fixture with the marking or indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Patent number: 7216438
    Abstract: A centering ruler includes a first straight edge, a second straight edge, an angle ? therebetween, and a measuring scale, marked on both sides of the ruler, which divides the first straight edge into equal increments. To find the center of a straight side of a workpiece, one aligns a first edge of a first side of a ruler with the straight side, positions a second edge of the ruler at the approximate center of the straight side, measures a minimum distance from a first end of the straight side to the second edge of the ruler, marks a first line of an “X” using the second edge as a guide, flips the ruler over to the second side, aligns the first edge of the ruler with the straight side, measures the afore-determined minimum distance from a second end of the straight side to the second edge of the ruler, and marks a second line of an “X” using the second edge as a guide. The center of the “X” marks the center of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: James MacDougal Rice
  • Patent number: 7216439
    Abstract: Devices configured to measure a length of rope moving through the device are disclosed. The devices of the present invention employ a sheave mounted for rotating within a housing. A rotation measuring assembly may determine the number of rotations of the sheave, and, thus, information about the length of the rope passing through the device. Information such as net rope length, gross rope length, current rope speed, maximum rope speed, or total rope length displaced during a certain period may be determined and displayed. A signaling device is configured to communicate the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Techxotic LC
    Inventor: Rocke P. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7216440
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a dimension of a portion of a garment are disclosed that preferably comprise a first member having a first gage end and a slide end, and a second member co-operatively engaged with the first member. The second member has a second gage end that has at least one scale. The apparatus has a locking device for locking the first and second members, such as a screw or wing nut passed through a pair of holes in registration. In preferred embodiments, the first and second gage ends extend from the first and second members respectively at a substantially right angle so they are substantially L-shaped. It is also preferred that the second member is made of a first layer and a second layer spaced away from the first layer, so the slide end passes between the first and second layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: CSI Industries
    Inventor: Erna Zint
  • Patent number: 7216441
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring step height or depth against another surface with a measuring arm mounted horizontally beside the scale which has a beveled end allowing precise readings regardless if the apparatus is being held perpendicular, the apparatus has exchangeable measuring arms with various reaching capabilities, and a handle mounted to the top of the scale allowing the apparatus to be operated with one hand. A preferred embodiment includes the apparatus at four to five inches in length whereas an operator is able to measure height and depth in difficult to reach places. In one embodiment, the measuring arm is stainless steel and has longer measuring arms, the handle is made of any resilient material which allows the apparatus to be carried securely in one hand, pocket and or stored easily due to its small size, the apparatus disassembles for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Alan Batora
  • Patent number: 7216442
    Abstract: A drying device for a wood-waste collecting machine includes a blower set on the base of the machine and a heating member connected between the blower and the conveying device of the machine. The blower has an air outlet connected with a windpipe, and the heating member is connected with one end of the windpipe, having a tubular member and a heating element in the tubular member. Between the other end of the heating member and a preset sidewall of the container of the conveying device is provided a pipe joint, for air sucked by the blower blown in the heating member to heat. Then heated air is blown through the air holes of the sidewall of the collecting chamber of the container of the conveying device to dry wood waste therein and then compressed in the compressing device of the machine to become tight solid blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: San Ford Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chieh-Yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 7216443
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elevated support matrix for a shoe, which may either form a sole, heel, or sole and heel combination. The matrix is formed of metal, or other high-tensile materials. To minimize the weight of the matrix, but still maintain the structural integrity of the matrix and properly support the wearer's foot, passageways are created in the matrix. The passageways result in void space and lattice, which have corresponding volumes. The increased volume of void space correlates with an overall weight reduction. A support matrix is thus provided that takes advantage of higher-tensile materials to create a reduced weight structurally maintained support matrix. Methods of manufacturing the matrix are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Baden, David Lee Davis
  • Patent number: 7216444
    Abstract: An ironing board including a support (1); and, an ironing surface (2) having a substantially convex shape, the ironing surface (2) being movably mounted to the support (1) to allow the ironing surface (2) to be moved between first (2A) and second (2B) substantially perpendicular ironing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Basuki Muljadi
  • Patent number: 7216445
    Abstract: A multi-positionable display apparatus includes a mounting plate, a sign holder, a latching mechanism, and a flexible hinge coupling the mounting plate to the sign holder. The sign may be displayed on a flat surface, such as a box, or may be displayed freely hanging from a store shelf or the like. When hanging from a store shelf, the multi-positionable display allows removal of items from lower shelving without the removal of the multi-positionable display from the shelving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Malte Bruegmann
  • Patent number: 7216446
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an inflatable display that has a plurality of inflatable compartments. A first inflatable compartment is continuously inflated by a first fan element and at least a second inflatable compartment is periodically inflated by a second fan element. The inflatable display may be produced from permeable material and configured to represent a predetermined shape or design when inflated, such as a witch and caldron, Santa Claus and a chimney, or the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg. Further, the inflatable display may include a string of lights enclosed within a plastic shell to avoid damaging the inflatable display material by heat or fire. Also, the period associated with the operational inflation/deflation may be controlled by a variable controller connected to the second fan element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Chrisha Creations, Ltd.
    Inventor: William Machala
  • Patent number: 7216447
    Abstract: A display device for displaying advertising material on a stair tread riser comprising a carrier adapted to be attached to a stair riser and an advertising plate adapted to be housed within the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Media Steps Group PLC
    Inventor: Roger Christopher Bateman
  • Patent number: 7216448
    Abstract: A display frame includes a frame body defining a receiving space with an access opening facing forwardly, a holding tray adapted for holding a flat panel device, like a tablet PC, and movable relative to the frame body between an extending position where the holding tray extends forwardly and outwardly of the opening, and a retreat position where the holding tray retreats into the space, a front profile frame movable relative to the frame body between open and closed positions, and a linkage pivoted on the front profile frame and coupled to a key which is disposed on the holding tray such that when the linkage is moved in response to the movement of the front profile frame, the holding tray is moved between the extending and retreat positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Tsung-Han Hsu
  • Patent number: 7216449
    Abstract: A firearm safety device for a firearm having a trigger and trigger guard. The firearm safety device includes first and second assemblies adapted to be secured to the firearm on opposite sides of the trigger guard to prevent access to and actuation of the trigger. The firearm safety device includes a lip disposed on at least one of the first and second assemblies for overlapping the other assembly when the safety device is secured to the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Child Guard LLC
    Inventors: J. Terry Riebling, William T. Hughes, David Koltas, Bernie Schaub
  • Patent number: 7216450
    Abstract: A handgun including a one-piece frame assembly including a slide interface portion, a grip portion and a trigger guard, wherein the frame assembly includes at least two portions that have different hardnesses, and a firing assembly that includes a slide supported for reciprocal longitudinal sliding movement on the slide interface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Dov Pikielny
  • Patent number: 7216451
    Abstract: A modular hand grip for use on a firearm, the modular hand grip includes an upper portion, a lower portion and a coupling assembly. A rearward end of the upper portion is configured to engage a top portion of a barrel nut. Lug rails having gaps therein project from an inner surface of the upper portion at opposing sides and proximate edges thereof. The coupling assembly is engagable with a bottom portion of the barrel nut and is attached to the rearward end of the upper portion. The lower portion has opposing side sections, each terminating at an edge. A plurality of spaced apart lugs extend from each edge and are receivable in the gaps in the lug rails of the upper portion and are translatable in one of a forward direction and a rearward direction positioning the lugs under the lug rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen P. Troy
  • Patent number: 7216452
    Abstract: This device will allow the hunter to stabilize his rifle during hunting so that he or she may obtain a good clean shot at the prey. It will consist of a pair of arms, which are attached to a mounting surface and an arm upon which to rest the hunter's arm and rifle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Russell D. Hall
  • Patent number: 7216453
    Abstract: Two V-shaped fishing rod support elements are telescopingly coupled together and each element has a tubular element fastened thereto. Each support element has a pointed end which is forced into the ground to support a fishing rod once the two elements have been separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Wilbur S. Higgins
  • Patent number: 7216454
    Abstract: A keeper for securing various configurations of rigged fishing line comprises a doubled strand of rigid wire bent into a form which allows a fixed end to be secured to a fishing rod blank while an open other end remains open to allow a rigged line to be inserted under it. A method of attaching the keeper to a fishing rod blank aligns it axially with the open end toward the reel seat and applies silicone type or an equivalent waterproof fastener means around the fixed end and the rod blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: Diane Johnson, Steven Kokai
  • Patent number: 7216455
    Abstract: A fishing jig lure has a fish hook mounted on a glass body with an epoxy resin. Light emitting particulates mixed with the epoxy resin emit visible light when subjected to an external light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Glow Optics, LLC
    Inventor: Damion D. Becker
  • Patent number: 7216456
    Abstract: A flasher for fishing is disclosed. The flasher is an elongated item with its width greater than thickness and with openings at its two opposite ends for the line used in fishing. The flasher is adapted drawable with the line fastened to the opening at the first end. At the first end there is a bending transversal in relation to the flasher centerline, and the opening at the first end is arranged to the side from the flasher centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: Vesa Kääriäinen, Mika Niskanen
  • Patent number: 7216457
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a mouse trap for insertion through the opening in the top of a pop can. The trap is formed of one piece stainless spring steel and includes a can-engaging element affixed to a can-engaging clip for engaging opposed surfaces of the pop can top. An intermediate element is affixed to the can-engaging element and to support element which, in turn, is affixed to a bait support element. The trap obstructs the can opening when the trap is in the release or sprung position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Cooper Hanning, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7216458
    Abstract: The contoured gutter end cap has front and end walls with contours that correspond to the contours on the front wall of a length of standard gutter and thereby forms a more attractive gutter end when attached to the end of the gutter. It is formed with a bottom and three adjoining walls—a front wall, end wall and back wall. The back wall is substantially flat to allow for positioning against a vertical surface of a house or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Frederick A. Taouil
  • Patent number: 7216459
    Abstract: A hatch cover with spring assembly to assist in lifting open the hatch cover lid. The lid is hinged to a frame so it can be rotated about the hinge to an open position. A spring or a pair of springs are attached to the underside of the lid. Each spring is a torsion spring having one arm selectively attached to the lid, and another arm in sliding contact with the frame. For ease of repair or replacement, the spring is attached only to the lid. In addition, attaching the spring to the lid allows the spring to retract when the lid is opened. The method for assembling the hatch includes the step of selectively attaching the spring to the lid underside. This step may be performed when the lid is detached from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Neenah Foundry Company
    Inventors: Steven M. Akkala, Elizabeth L. Remme
  • Patent number: 7216460
    Abstract: A drainage system comprises an elongate flashing member having a width similar to width of CMUs, to be received beneath a course of CMUs, in use. A layer of water permeable material is attached to an upper surface of the flashing member. The water permeable material includes a longitudinal portion extending longitudinally adjacent a rear edge of the flashing member and a plurality of transverse portions extending transversely from the longitudinal portion to a front edge of the flashing member. A plurality of blocks of water permeable material are provided, each being positioned above the layer of water permeable material and extending upwardly into cavities of CMUs, in use. The water permeable material of the layer and the blocks has a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass therethrough but substantially insufficient to permit mortar and debris to pass therethrough so that water in cavities of the CMUs drains through the transverse portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Tom Sourlis
  • Patent number: 7216461
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide durable and substantially smooth surfaces comprised of a number of smaller pieces of surfacing material. For example, tiles of natural materials, such as marble or granite, are formed into larger unitary structures, wherein the surfaces of the tiles are substantially dead flat and the seams therebetween are diminished in size so as to minimize their visual impact. These unitary structures are preferably adapted to interconnection to thereby allow formation of substantially larger surfaces. Jig apparatus and methods for there use are disclosed for casting unitary structures of various shapes and configurations in such a manner that a dead flat surface with very little to zero lippage is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Clay E. Clemmer
  • Patent number: 7216462
    Abstract: Improved premolded foam billets and drop-in foam billet joints increase the R value in concrete panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fabcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael LeJeune, Jason Hensley, Thomas Kuckhahn, Donald Hall, Richard Wesen, George Miks
  • Patent number: 7216463
    Abstract: A camouflaged structure and a method of camouflaging a structure against a background having a generally uniform composition of hue, saturation and brightness. In one embodiment, the camouflaged structures comprises a cell tower (100) camouflaged to decrease its visual impact when viewed by a viewer against a background sky (122) from an expected vantage point (102) using camouflaging techniques according to various aspects of the present invention. In a first aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises applying regions of color to one or more components of cell tower, wherein the colors are selected to match the composition (hue, saturation and brightness) of the background sky. In a second aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises providing one or more components of cell tower with reflectors that reflect light from an ambient sky (124) to a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: John L. LaRue
  • Patent number: 7216464
    Abstract: A modular oven, such as a batch process oven, includes a standardized set of self supporting, interconnectable panels which, when assembled, from a self-supporting heat containment shell, free of added structural support members. The present invention is also directed at self-supporting modular oven panels and a method of assembling the panels such as in the expansion or conversion of a first modular oven assembly to a second assembly more conducive to current production requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Raypaul Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Neal, David Neal
  • Patent number: 7216465
    Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel tracks and track connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize metal framing tracks that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls with at least one recess channel formed longitudinally therein, and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip or base flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects and/or recess channels of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Eluterio Saldana
  • Patent number: 7216466
    Abstract: The present invention is a universal ridge clip for attachment of a ridge cap along the peak of a centrally located roof ridge, usually on metal buildings. The clip may also be used on a “hip” roof application. The ridge clip is of a construction such that it provides a strong support area for the ridge cap without the need for fasteners that would penetrate the roof panel at exposed areas to the weather. It generally is a Z-shaped clip having a top fastening area, and a bottom anchoring area with these joined by a generally upright panel having a notch therein to allow roof ribs to pass through the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Metal Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce C. Nystrom
  • Patent number: 7216467
    Abstract: A column to structure attachment device and method is disclosed for securing a support column between a base structure and a beam structural member. The device includes a structural column having a first end and a second end with a void parallel to a longitudinal axis of the column such that the void forms a communication therethrough between the first end and second end. Also included is a first end adapter element that engages the column first end and a second end adapter element that engages the column second end. In addition, an element is provided for maintaining compressive loading on the column between the first end adapter element and the second end second adapter element and is operational to maintain the compressive loading under all anticipated external loading conditions acting upon the column to structure attachment device through the base structure and the beam structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Shane Pott
  • Patent number: 7216468
    Abstract: A flaps closing apparatus for closing full flap boxes is provided. The apparatus includes a flaps closing assembly with a first brake mechanism and closing bars with a second brake mechanism. The first brake mechanism controls the vertical motion of the flaps closing assembly with respect to the flaps closing apparatus. The second brake mechanism holds the closing bars in an angled configuration and at a first predetermined vertical position permits the bars to pivot to a horizontal configuration. A flap sealing assembly includes a pair of compression plates positioned outside the flaps closing assembly. A compression plate actuating mechanism draws the compression plates inwardly to urge side flaps of the full flap box into contact with sides of the full flap box at a second predetermined vertical position. A vertical movement mechanism lowers and raises the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: James A. Goodman
  • Patent number: 7216469
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a netting and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. A novel scissors assembly for severing the netting is disclosed. A conveyor carries the material to a pair of irises. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper closes and severs the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Poly-Clip System Corp.
    Inventors: Edward D. Kirk, Robert Pinto, Eggo L. Haschke
  • Patent number: 7216470
    Abstract: A sheet package producing system for producing a sheet package having a predetermined number of sheets or X-ray films is provided. A cutting/stacking device forms the sheets by cutting continuous sheet at a regular length, and for stacking the sheets in the predetermined number. A covered sheet stack producing device inserts the stacked sheets into a protective cover, to obtain a covered sheet stack. A packaging device packages the covered sheet stack to obtain the sheet package. The cutting/stacking device, the covered sheet stack producing device and the packaging device are connected in series with one another. Those devices are balanced in line capacity balance relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting/stacking device includes a supply module for feeding the continuous sheet. A cutter module cuts the continuous sheet to obtain the sheets. A stacker module stacks the sheets in the predetermined number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nishida
  • Patent number: 7216471
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a multipurpose gardening tool having an attachable circular carriage for converting an edge trimmer to a lawnmower for cutting and trimming grass and bushes. The circular carriage has an opening configured for receiving the edge trimmer. The multipurpose gardening tool also includes a coupler. The coupler allows a user to fixedly couple the edge trimmer to the carriage housing without use of any tools. The multipurpose gardening tool further includes wheels for maneuvering the lawnmower. A height adjuster couples these wheels to the carriage. The coupling allows the wheels to be manually and independently controlled for lifting the carriage off the surface of the ground and adjusting the height of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Rizwan Syed Hassan
  • Patent number: 7216472
    Abstract: A guiding shaft structure for a chain connector includes a black shaft and a guiding bolt. The black shaft comprises a passage with a threaded section therein and a first protruding ring, a second protruding ring and a third protruding ring on an outer surface thereof. The guiding bolt comprises an insertion section and a guiding section. The insertion section comprises grooves, a circular flange and a guiding surface. The guiding section comprises a threaded portion. The black shaft and the guiding bolt are secured with each other to form a one piece and to provide a secure connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Wen-pin Wang
  • Patent number: 7216473
    Abstract: A lubrication system for an expendable gas turbine engine (20) having a rotatable shaft (26) is provided. Bearings (28) journal the shaft (26) for rotation about an axis. The system includes a vessel (46) for containing lubricating oil, a conduit (58) extending from the vessel (46) to the bearings (28), and a solenoid operated valve (70,76) in the conduit (58) and operable to only either fully open or fully closed. A control circuit (16) is provided for pulsing the solenoid (70) at a controlled rate to alternatingly (a) allow oil flow and (b) halt oil flow to the bearings (28) for a time insufficient to cause oil starvation of the bearings (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Malcolm J. McArthur, Anthony C. Jones
  • Patent number: 7216474
    Abstract: An air inlet duct for an air-breathing combined-cycle aircraft engines is internally divided into separate channels for low-speed and high-speed components of the engine, and contains one or more movable panels that are fully contained within the duct and pivotal between an open position in which incoming air is directed to both channels and a closed position in which all incoming air is directed to the channel leading to the high-speed engine. This integrated duct utilizes all incoming air at all stages of flight with no change in either the geometry of the air capture portion of the engine or the engine itself, and no exposure of movable leading edges. The result is a minimum of shock waves and a high degree of efficiency in operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Aerojet-General Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin J. Bulman, Frederick S. Billig
  • Patent number: 7216475
    Abstract: An aft FLADE gas turbine engine includes a fan section drivenly connected to a low pressure turbine section, a core engine located between the fan section and the low pressure turbine section, a fan bypass duct circumscribing the core engine and in fluid communication with the fan section, and a mixer downstream of the low pressure turbine section and in fluid communication with the fan bypass duct, and an aft FLADE turbine downstream of the mixer. At least one row of aft FLADE fan blades disposed radially outwardly of and connected to the aft FLADE turbine and radially extending across a FLADE duct circumscribing the fan bypass duct. The aft FLADE turbine may be a free turbine or connected to and rotatable with the low pressure turbine section. A power extraction apparatus may be disposed within the engine and drivenly connected to the aft FLADE turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James Edward Johnson
  • Patent number: 7216476
    Abstract: A nozzle for a jet engine generally includes a nozzle rim and a bendable duct for communicating an exhaust flow generated by the engine to the nozzle rim. A gimbal joint pivotably couples the nozzle rim to supporting structure. The gimbal joint allows the nozzle rim to be pivoted about a first axis and a second axis, thereby allowing changes to the vector at which the exhaust flow is discharged from the nozzle rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Fink
  • Patent number: 7216477
    Abstract: A system for cooling a portion of a rocket engine with an inert compound and transferring the thermal energy from the inert compound to the propellants. The energy absorbed by the coolant is used also to power the turbines which powers the pumps that pump the fuel, the oxidizer, and the coolant. Additionally, the coolant, which is an inert compound, is used to separate the oxidizer and the fuel before the oxidizer and the fuel enter the combustion chamber eliminating the need for a complex inert turbo pump seal package. The systems which pump or comprise the coolant physically separate the propellants before the propellants enter the rocket engine. The coolant remains substantially unconsumed in this cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M Erickson, James R Lobitz, William Bissell
  • Patent number: 7216478
    Abstract: A method of monitoring operation of a dosing system for treating exhaust of an engine includes monitoring a downstream temperature of an exhaust downstream of the dosing system and injecting a dosing agent. A control module determines a temperature differential threshold based on an amount of dosing agent injected and calculates a temperature differential. The control module further evaluates operation of the dosing system based on the temperature differential and the temperature differential threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Brown, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Michael B. Viola
  • Patent number: 7216479
    Abstract: Normally, at the time of cold-start of an internal combustion engine or the like, the flow of exhaust in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine is suppressed or two-stage combustion is carried out so as to promote exhaust purification in an exhaust system. However, when a correlation value of a braking force required to be generated by a vacuum type brake booster is greater than a correlation value of a braking force that can be actually generated by the vacuum type brake booster, a restricting device restricts the suppression of the exhaust flow or a two-stage combustion prohibiting device prohibits the two-combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuki Tamura
  • Patent number: 7216480
    Abstract: An exhaust emission control system for a vehicle including a primary engine and a secondary engine having a displacement smaller than that of the primary engine is provided with an exhaust passage having a junction portion at which exhaust gas discharged from the primary engine and exhaust gas discharged from the secondary engine join together, and an exhaust emission purifying device that purifies the exhaust gas joined at the junction portion in the exhaust passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Suzuki, Kunihiko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7216481
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for providing reformate into an engine exhaust stream including aftertreatment devices such as a particulate trap and an NOx filter regenerable by hydrogen-rich reformate injected into the engine exhaust ahead of the aftertreatment devices. A pump pressurizes a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer, and a three-way valve for dividing the reformate injected into the engine exhaust. The reformer draws oxygen from the engine exhaust rather than ambient air as in the prior art. Thus, the only pressure drop that the pump/reformer system must overcome is within the reformate supply system between the reformer take-off point and the reformate entry points. In a configuration wherein the exhaust is taken off ahead of the inline particulate trap, a separate particulate filter is preferably incorporated into the reformer supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. MacBain, Harry L. Husted
  • Patent number: 7216482
    Abstract: In a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, a hydraulic pump is linked to a hydraulic motor by a hydraulic closed circuit to change the capacity of the hydraulic motor so as to change the speed of a motorcycle continuously. A clutch device comprising a clutch valve for connecting and disconnecting a high pressure side oil passage and a low pressure side oil passage constituting the hydraulic closed circuit. A governor mechanism for generating governor force corresponding to the input rotation speed of the hydraulic pump and applying this governor force in the closing direction of the clutch valve. A spring for giving urging force in the opening direction of the clutch valve, and a buffer mechanism having a variable oil chamber and an oil pool chamber for easing the opening and closing movements of the clutch valve activated according to the governor force and the urging force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yoshida, Toshimasa Mitsubori, Takashi Ozeki, Kazuhiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7216483
    Abstract: A generating set formed so that a generator 70 connected to a rotary shaft 32 turning and supporting a conveyor 30 by utilizing the power by which a gas supplied by a supply means 60 into a bucket 50 positioned on a lower portion of the side of the conveyor 30 which is turned upward in the interior of a tower 10 is moved up with the bucket 50 in a liquid 20 stored in the interior of the tower 10 as the gas receives the buoyancy of the liquid. In this generating set, the supply means 60 is formed so as to turn compressed air into a plurality of bubbles of a very small diameter, send out these bubbles into the liquid 20 in the interior of the tower, and hold down to a low level the resistance occurring when the compressed air is sent out into the liquid 20 in the interior of the tower. An electric power energy value obtained from the generator 70 is increased with respect to a value of the energy consumed by the supply means 60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Takeuchi Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akio Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7216484
    Abstract: An arc-hydrolysis steam generator apparatus and method of use thereof, the steam generator comprising of an arc-plasma hydrolysis using a high pressure vessel and electrodes exposed to high frequency, high amperage pulses and an inductor placed around an arc-hydrolysis unit, wherein the inductor recovers magnetic energy generated by the electric arc discharge to supplement the steam energy recoverable from water by the arc-hydrolysis unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Victor M. Villalobos