Patents Issued in May 22, 2007
  • Patent number: RE39639
    Abstract: A grout hopper and dispenser which may be raised on a fork lift so that grout may be placed in a concrete block wall. The grout hopper and dispenser includes an auger in the bottom thereof which forces the grout out through a tube which is connected to a flexible tube which is used by the workman in directing the grout to the appropriate location. The auger may be remotely controlled by the operator of the forklift truck which has lifted the grout hopper and dispenser into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Damian L. Lang
  • Patent number: RE39640
    Abstract: A family of isostructural compounds have been prepared having the general formula AnPbmBinO2n+m. These compounds possess a NaCl lattice type structure as well as low thermal conductivity and controlled electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the electrical properties can be controlled by varying the values for n and m. These isostructural compounds can be used for semiconductor applications such as detectors, lasers and photovoltaic cells. These compounds also have enhanced thermoelectric properties making them excellent semiconductor materials for fabrication of thermoelectric devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Mercouri G. Kanatzidis, Duck-Young Chung, Stephane DeNardi, Sandrine Sportouch
  • Patent number: RE39641
    Abstract: A transmission job originating station for controlling transmission of job information, based on the processing of a print job in a printing system, is provided. The control system includes a document generating subsystem for providing at least a portion of the print job to be delivered to a print machine and a user interface for programming a set of information including one or more confirmation destinations with each confirmation destination being disposed remotely of the transmission job originating station. The transmission job originating station further includes a control subsystem which, in response to the processing of at least a portion of the print job at the printing machine, reads the set of information and determines each confirmation destination, programmed with the user interface, to which the job information is to be transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Nickerson
  • Patent number: RE39642
    Abstract: A spatial light modulator including a thin layer of solid-state electro-optical material having parallel, opposite first and second surfaces, an elongated first electrode disposed on the first surface and a plurality of spaced, elongated second electrodes disposed on the second surface and generally perpendicular to the first electrode. The layer of solid-state electro-optical material has a thickness in the range of approximately 5 to 15 microns, and is composed of PLZT. In one embodiment, a plurality of thin regions of insulator are disposed on the first surface between portions of the first electrode and the electro-optical material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Garth W. Gobeli
  • Patent number: RE39643
    Abstract: A wide FOV imaging system (10) includes an objective lens (14), a convergent reflective element (18) positioned proximate an intermediate image (16) formed by the objective lens, and a re-imaging lens (20) for re-imaging the intermediate image. The present invention significantly improves image fidelity while minimizing optical components by utilizing a convergent reflective element proximate the intermediate image to reverse the propagation of aberrations produced by the objective lens (14) to, as a result, significantly cancel or reduce the aberrations contributed by the re-imaging lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Shawn L. Kelly
  • Patent number: RE39644
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing authenticated, secure, on-line communication between remote locations including a user terminal adapted to enable a player in one location to remotely communicate via a communications medium such as the Internet with a gaming host in another location. Location of the remote user terminal, the host server and universal time are determined using means for accessing signals generated by geostationary navigational transmitters, such as in the global positioning satellite (GPS) system. Player authentication (identity verification) is determined by use of a personal identification number (PIN) and an electronic signature verification service. Security of communication is accomplished through use of a public-key/private-key encryption system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Allan E. Alcorn, Richard L. Hale
  • Patent number: RE39645
    Abstract: An image processing device which processes a portion of the decompression process including a lot of comparatively complex operations like an inverse discrete cosine transform by software with using a high-performance, general-purpose processor capable of parallel processing, and the other portion of the decompression process which is compara- tively simple but requires frequent access to a memory, e.g., when other frame data is to be read out for processing of encoded interframe predictive image data, or is compara- tively simple but substantially hard to process in parallel, e.g., when variable length coded pixel values are to be decoded, by hardware with the use of a specialized periph- eral circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Toyohiko Yoshida
  • Patent number: RE39646
    Abstract: The invention is a vehicle-mounted cargo transport apparatus and a method for mounting the cargo transport apparatus on a vehicle is in such a way that increases both the loading capacity and stability of the cargo transport apparatus. At a minimum, the cargo transport apparatus comprises a lifting device and at least one load-bearing member. The lifting device is connected to the vehicle and has a cargo holding area, such as a platform, connected to the lifting device for loading cargo. The cargo holding area has at least two positions: a traveling position and a loading position. Cargo is loaded onto the cargo holding area in the loading position and then raised to a vertical position above the traveling position. At least one load beam, preferably two load beams, are then connected to the vehicle in a location where the load-supporting member can support the lifting device cargo in the traveling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Gilbert L. Dehl
  • Patent number: RE39647
    Abstract: The disk has a traction surface having a concave-arc-shaped cross section which is interposed between a small diameter end portion and a large diameter end portion. In the central portion of the end face of the disk on the small diameter end portion side, there is formed a through hole which extends through the disk up to the large diameter end portion side end face of the disk, while the inner peripheral surface of the through hole is used as an inside diameter surface of the disk. Here, when, among metal flows existing in the disk, a metal flow, which has such a positional relationship with respect to the surface of the disk that an angle ? formed between a metal flow on the traction surface side and the tangent of the traction surface is smaller than or equal to 30 degrees, is defined as a “metal flow along the disk surface”, the disk is structured such that the “metal flow along the disk surface” exists at least in the traction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Okubo, Akira Tsubouchi, Takashi Imanishi, Nobuo Gotou
  • Patent number: RE39648
    Abstract: Thus, the instant invention is directed toward an oil for diesel engines comprising an admixture of (A) a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity, (B) at least 4 mass % dispersant, (C) at least 0.3 mass % of a metal phenate, (D) less than 0.1 mass % friction modifier, (E) less than 0.3 mass % of ashless sulfurized phenols and, (F) less than 0.12 mass % neutral calcium sulfonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Infineum USA L.P.
    Inventors: Edward Francis Outten, Andrew James Dalziel Ritchie
  • Patent number: RE39649
    Abstract: A process for obtaining a consensus protein from a group of amino acid sequences of a defined protein family, proteins and polynucleotides so obtained, and compositions containing such proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventor: Martin Lehmann
  • Patent number: RE39650
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process in which surface-active additives are used in the slurry phase Direct Synthesis of trialkoxysilanes to shorten the period between the start of the reaction and the attainment of steady-state rates and selectivities, to improve product yields and to control or prevent foam formation. Compositions comprising silicone antifoam compounds and fluorosilicone polymers are the preferred surface-active additives of the instant process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Frank D. Mendicino, Kenrick M. Lewis, Sebastiano Magri, Hua Yu, Thomas E. Childress
  • Patent number: RE39651
    Abstract: Rather than cooling the brain by the relatively slow heat conduction through the low heat conductivity of the bony skull and hair covering the head, the present invention teaches the use of a light weight, easily applied neck encircling collar in firm contact with the soft tissue of the neck, and particularly in good thermal contact with the carotid arteries traversing the neck. A coolant flowing through channels embedded in the collar rapidly cools the blood flowing through the carotid arteries which branch into blood vessels throughout the brain providing vascular access and attendant rapid internal cooling throughout the brain including its deepest recesses. Placing the collar on the patient's neck is easily and quickly accomplished simultaneously with other emergency medical techniques, such as CPR, which maintain the patient's heart and lung activity. The collar of the invention contains no metallic parts; the collar, including the coolant channel, may be non-metallized fabric or plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: George R. Schwartz
  • Patent number: RE39652
    Abstract: A CD-ROM 201 for recording multi-media information of at least one page stream. Contents of each page stream are successively recorded in the storage areas in the CD-ROM 201. The following three items are shown by the page stream: a partial image list having at least one pair of partial image data which describes partial images of one screen image and display state information including X-Y coordinates, X-Y enlargement rates and a rotational angle showing the display state; control information which describes command to be executed corresponding to an input signal; time line information which describes parameters concerning time sequence processing to be executed corresponding to the control information. The display data creation unit 213 synthesizes partial images shown by the partial image list and creates display data from the partial image data and display state information in the page stream read from the CD-ROM 201, and writes the display data in the display data storage unit 209.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Oashi, Yuki Kusumi, Masahiro Kawai, Chihiro Kawahara, Ryoichi Sasaki
  • Patent number: RE39653
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a marking forming apparatus, a method of forming a laser marking on an optical disk, a reproduction apparatus, an optical disk, and a method of manufacturing an optical disk, capable of providing a greatly improved copy prevention capability as compared to prior known construction. To achieve this object, in the optical disk of the invention, for example, a marking is formed by a laser on a reflective film of a disk holding data written thereon and at least position information of the marking or information concerning the position information is written on the disk in an encrypted form or with a digital signature appended thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Yoshiho Gotoh
  • Patent number: 7219370
    Abstract: Pivoting helmet mounts for an optical device are provided. In one aspect, a breakaway connector which is selectively configurable between breakaway and nonbreakaway configurations is provided. In a further aspect, a strap mount system for securing the helmet mount to the helmet employs a rotating ratchet assembly to adjust tension in the strap. In another aspect, a helmet mount for an optical device comprises a track assembly attached to a helmet to allow stowing of the optical device in a further retracted position. The track mount system may further include electrical connectors for attaching a power supply and an electronic device. In another aspect, a mounting bracket allows helmet-mounted optics to be shared with a weapon accessory mount. In a further aspect, a optical sighting device for a weapon combines a reflex sight a night vision goggle to allow targeting at night or in other low-light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, David G. Kent, Marion H. Van Fosson
  • Patent number: 7219371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat dissipating safety helmet comprising a shell, a liner and a strap. The shell comprises a top portion, a rim, and a visor outwardly extending from the rim, a plurality of spaced longitudinal strips connecting the top portion and the rim. The top portion, longitudinal strip and visor are integrally molded. There are transverse strips between the longitudinal strips, which are transversely interlaced with longitudinal strip. The helmet is weatherable, safe, air-permeable, heat dissipating, durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Multi Polar Enterprises (Shen Zhen) Limited
    Inventor: Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 7219372
    Abstract: A protective kneepad for detachable attachment to an attaching portion mounted on the exterior of the workman's pants in which the kneepad is larger lengthwise of the pants that the attaching portion for a range of adjustment both longitudinally and laterally greater than the dimensions of the detaching portion. The kneepad is detachable from the work pants allowing ease of movement and laundry of the work pants without any interference from the kneepad. The method of attachment of the system to the pants of a workman is simple and requires no special skills. Adhesion of the attaching portion to the workpants is enhanced by the application of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventors: Craig Frieler, Athena Frieler
  • Patent number: 7219373
    Abstract: A reusable carrier with expandable, disposable insert is disclosed including an apron having at least one pocket and a disposable container therein. The disposable container includes a front wall and a back wall each having an outwardly disposed clip to secure the disposable container within a pocket of the apron, a pair of extendable side walls between and attached to both front and back walls, and an extendable bottom wall attached to front, back, and side walls to form a leakproof receptacle. In one alternate embodiment, a second disposable container is attached to the front wall of the disposable container. Alternate embodiments further comprise a stiffener attached to at least one of the side and bottom walls within the disposable container to prevent collapse of the container during use. In yet other alternate embodiments, a plurality of ribs are provided within the disposable container along both front and back walls to prevent splashing and spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Christopher McNamara
  • Patent number: 7219374
    Abstract: A visor assembly includes a visor portion for blocking sunlight, a front portion coupled to the visor portion, a first elastic band coupled to both sides of the front portion to encircle a head, and second elastic bands coupled to a portion of the first elastic band. The second elastic bands have elasticity different from that of the first elastic band. As the elasticity of the first elastic band is different from that of the second elastic bands, the bands exerts resultant elasticity that allows the band to stretch for various head sizes and the contracting force at the overlapping portions of the first and second elastic bands is enhanced, thereby improving the wearing comfort. Furthermore, the first elastic band may be enclosed by a cover in order to satisfy a variety of consumer desires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Yupoong, Inc.
    Inventor: Byoung-Woo Cho
  • Patent number: 7219375
    Abstract: A flushing arrangement (30) including an opened topped housing (32) surrounding the flush valve (12). An opening (40) is provided in a lower part of the housing (32) with a selectively openable gate (44). The arrangement (30) is configured such that for a low volume flush the gate (44) is closed and only water in the housing (32) or located thereabove will be flushed, and for a high volume flush the gate (44) is open wherein substantially all of the water in the cistern (20) above the lowest part of the opening (40) is flushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: David William Steadman
  • Patent number: 7219376
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic elevating shower, which is typically comprised of a main body including a shower head, an elevating rod, a sleeving, a switchgear and hoses, said main body is at least possessed of one elevating component; said shower head is connected to a stub pipe of the supply pipe via a T-joint; said sleeving is mounted on a relative static position vertically, and there are two ports such as upper and low ports built on the top and bottom ends, and a hollow cylindrical cavity built upon between said upper and low ports; said elevating component is mounted on said elevating rod vertically, which is fit into said cylindrical cavity of said sleeving via a piston fixed on the bottom end; said switchgear is possessed of four ports respectively connecting to the two ports of the sleeving, the third port of the T-joint connecting the shower head and another stub pipe of the supply pipe, so that shifting said switchgear can control the third port of the T-joint of the shower head conn
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Huasong Zhou
  • Patent number: 7219377
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for using a bedstead board attached to a bed to support a roller of a patient transport system. A recess extends into the bedstead board and is spaced a distance from the side of the board. The recess retains a roller sufficiently to withstand forces acting upon the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Barton Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. McMahan
  • Patent number: 7219378
    Abstract: A T-shaped support member that can be used with a bed frame or bed rails to provide support for a box spring and mattress. A leg assembly is affixed to the support member and is used to support the cross member. The leg assembly includes a housing having a leg that extends downwardly from the support member to contact the floor on which the bed frame or bed rails are located. The length the leg is extendable from the support member is self adjusting by a mechanism that can be twisted to an unlocked position to drop the leg downwardly quickly to contact the floor and then twisted back to lock the leg in that extended length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Finger Lakes Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Polevoy, Paul Eric Carlson, Howard Scott Ryan
  • Patent number: 7219379
    Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a patient support therapeutic bed comprising a base frame and a patient support platform rotatable relative to the base frame is illustrated and described. The patient support platform is also rotatable between a supine position and a prone position. The therapeutic bed includes a head support positionable relative to the patient support platform to support the head of a patient supported by said patient support platform. The head support includes a head restraint independently positionable relative to the patient support platform for engaging a front surface of the head. The head restraint is movable in a direction generally perpendicular to the body of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Wladyslaw H. Krywiczanin, Christopher T. Niederkrom
  • Patent number: 7219380
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: R&D Products, LLC
    Inventors: David B. Beck, Ronald Lopez
  • Patent number: 7219381
    Abstract: A stiffening system for the perimeter edges of a foam core mattress comprising a coil spring (or other spring-based) structure disposed along one or more perimeter edges (e.g., one or both side edges, the foot, the head, or a combinations thereof including the foot and both side edges) of a mattress having a foam sleeping area. The perimeter spring structure is rectangular or square in cross-section and provides sufficient stiffness for comfortable seating on the edges of the mattress and is joined to the foam core by planar fabric elements that span the joint between them and are attached to both. The sleep area provides the softness and other salutary effects of a foam sleeping surface while the stiffer spring perimeter element provides the rigidity need for comfortable seating and wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Damewood, Richard F. Gladney
  • Patent number: 7219382
    Abstract: A tool that can be assembled into multiple configurations for various uses. The tool includes at least two shafts that connect together, as well as multiple, interchangeable accessories that can be coupled to the shafts. Examples of some accessories include a stake, a digging tool, a cutting tool, a swivelling seat, and a swivelling pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Shane A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7219383
    Abstract: Method 10 discloses a process for creating a pair of athletic shoes having cleats thereon. The process is comprised of taking a first pair of athletic shoes 14 and removing a portion of the sole having cleats therein, the selectively removed portion hereinafter referred to as the cleat plate 22. Then taking a second pair of shoes 18 designated by the user for which shoes they desire to have cleats thereon and creating a cavity 30 within the soles of the second pair of shoes, the cavity conforming substantially to the dimensions of the cleat plate 22, and fixedly attaching the cleat plate to the respective sole by means of fasteners 24, 26 such as screws and/or adhesive 28 that bonds to rubber and plastic surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony Ambrosini
  • Patent number: 7219384
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush is disclosed wherein portion of the toothbrush head is movable about a hinge. The movable portion of the head reciprocates about that hinge through the interaction of a flexible extension of that portion containing a slot. Movable within the slot is an offset end of a rotating drive shaft connected to the power source in the toothbrush. Translation of rotation movement of the drive shaft to reciprocating movement of the hinged head is achievable in a manner that the power source is not stalled or burned out if movement of the toothbrush head is prevented or limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 7219385
    Abstract: A brush for a car wash has radial arrays of fingers cut from flat sheets of closed cell foam. The finger arrays are stacked atop each other with interposed spacer discs, bonded together to form sections of the brush. A top brush has a center section core formed by the spacer discs of a larger diameter than two smaller core diameter ends to provide a larger diameter center section core caused to roll when encountering a vehicle surface to pass over the some without damage, and smaller core diameter end sections able to accommodate antennas with less bending. The fingers of the scrubbing section of the brush are short, no longer than and are held sufficiently stiffly to support the brush on the side rails of pickup cargo beds at a high enough height as to avoid finger contact with the cargo bed bottom surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Gilbert J. Rietsch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7219386
    Abstract: Disclosed is a holding device including: a telescopic handle having axially opposed front and rear ends and constructed of at least two separate shafts, of which a front-side separate shaft axially fits within a rear-side separate shaft being a hollow cylinder; and a support member provided at the front end of the telescopic handle for attachment of a cleaning wiper. The front-side separate shaft has an axially extending elastic arm and an engaging projection provided at a leading end of the elastic arm, while the rear-side separate shaft has a through-hole passing through a cylinder wall thereof, in which the engaging projection engages when the front-side separate shaft projects from the rear-side separate shaft by a predetermined length. Pressing the engaging projection, which engages in the through-hole, from outside the rear-side separate shaft permits release of the engaging projection from the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Akemi Tsuchiya, Yoshinori Tanaka, Masatoshi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7219387
    Abstract: An apparatus for the cleansing, abrading, or massaging of a foot includes a container that is placed on the floor under a shower. Openings are provided in the bottom of the container for water to drain. A first screen is disposed over the bottom of the container as a filter. A section of foam is surrounded by a second screen and is placed on the bottom of the container. A lining of artificial grass is disposed over the foam and it extends up and over the sides of the container where it is secured to the container. Any of a variety of abrasive materials is placed on the lining. In use, the person stands in the container and takes a shower while normal movement of the feet massage, clean, and abrade each foot including the sides and between the toes. Water flows through the lining and out through the bottom of the container while maintaining the abrasive materials in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Toby Curtis Moore
  • Patent number: 7219388
    Abstract: The present invention is a multi-purpose wiping, cleaning, or polishing device that made from a soft absorbent material such as terry cloth. The device is substantially the form of a sleeve with two open ends. One or both of the open ends of the sleeve has a flap that has a longer section than an adjacent section of the end of the sleeve. The flap enables the user to easily insert an item to be cleaned while holding the multi-purpose cleaning sleeve with flap in the other hand. The dirt and debris that has been removed from the equipment remains on the inside of the sleeve and the outside of the sleeve remains clean. The outside of the sleeve can than be used for personal grooming of the face or hands, etc. without contacting the contaminated inner part of the sleeve towel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel D. Hale
  • Patent number: 7219389
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly housing includes a first wall, a second wall and an access opening in those walls. A locking tab receiver is provided on the first wall adjacent the access opening. A notch is provided on the second wall adjacent the access opening. Finally, a separate, removable panel closes the access opening. That panel includes a locking tab on a first edge that engages the locking tab receiver and a hinge lug on a second edge that is pivotally received in the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Danielle M. Hafling, Eric E. Muhlenkamp
  • Patent number: 7219390
    Abstract: A portable surface cleaner comprises a cleaner base and an upright handle assembly pivotably connected to the cleaner base. A lower portion of the handle comprises an upper, pivot section and a lower, base section joined by a horizontal pivot axis so that the pivot section can rotate downwardly to fold against the base section to form a compact configuration for packaging, shipment, and display and pivot upwardly for assembly of the upright handle assembly prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Johnson, Kevin S. Breuker
  • Patent number: 7219391
    Abstract: A door assembly and a door closer arranged and constructed so as to be wholly concealed within the associated door, yet is rendered readily accessible to effect the adjustment thereof to regulate or control the closing speed of the associated door. The door closer is capable of performing all of the functions expected of a door closer such as controlling the closing force, regulating the door closing speed and the arresting of the door in a predetermined opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Valentin Luca
  • Patent number: 7219392
    Abstract: An overhead garage door (10) includes a plurality of panels (11) each carrying rollers (12) which ride in a track assembly (15). The track assembly (15) includes a generally vertically positionable component (16), a generally horizontally positionable component (17), and an arcuate transitional component (18) positioned between the vertical component (16) and the horizontal component (17). The vertical component (16) is generally U-shaped in end profile having a base portion (22) with branches (20, 21) extending from the edges thereof. The vertical component (16) is provided with a plurality of spaced separating systems (25), each of which includes a web (26) extending across the base portion (22) and the slots (28, 29) in the branches (20, 21). A selected portion of the length of the vertical component (16) may be removed by inserting a tool in the slots (28, 29) of one of the separating systems (25) and twisting it to break the webs (30, 31) adjacent to the slots (28, 29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Derek S. Paquette
  • Patent number: 7219393
    Abstract: A hinge supporting first and second portions such that they are open and closed relative to each other, including a rotation shaft fixed to the second portion and supported by the first portion so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis thereof relative to the first portion, first and second parts into which the rotation shaft is inserted, and an energizer for pushing the movable part towards the fixed part. The first part is fixed to the first portion so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis relative to the first part. The second part is axially movable relative to the rotation shaft and not rotatable around a rotation axis thereof, and rotates together with the rotation shaft. Each of the first and second parts has a projection projecting towards each other. The projections overlap each other axially of the rotation shaft when the first and second portions are open each other at a certain angle in the range of predetermined angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Makoto Kida
  • Patent number: 7219394
    Abstract: A door push bar structure includes a mounting mechanism having a locking element with a stopper, a sleeve screwed at an end to the locking element, and a locating element, the stopper and an end of the locking element screwed to the sleeve being located in a through hole on a door, and the opposite end of the sleeve being pressed against an outer side of the through hole of the door; and two door push bars, one of which is provided at each end surface with a hole for fixedly connecting with an opposite end of the locking element, and the other one is provided at each end surface with a horizontal hole for receiving the opposite end of the sleeve therein, and a vertical hole communicating with the horizontal hole for the locating element to extend thereinto to firmly press against the opposite end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Pauli Wu
  • Patent number: 7219395
    Abstract: Handlebar grip for a bicycle or similar vehicle, formed by a main rigid body of tubular shape supporting, fixed thereon, a covering of moderately soft material, in particular in gel form. Two terminal elements are provided at the ends of the grip, each of the elements being provided with an annular protection rim intended to line a corresponding end edge of the covering, and with an elastically deformable tubular lug to be inserted between an end section of the handlebar and the main body, compressed between the handlebar and the main body so as to ensure gripping engagement as a result of friction thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Selle Royal S.p.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Bigolin
  • Patent number: 7219396
    Abstract: A belt tightening device with a display comprises a body having a seat; one end of the seat being installed with one fixing hook; a pull rod pivotally installed to the seat; a wheel rotatably installed to the pull rod; a belt winding around the wheel; wherein when the pull rod is pulled so that wheel rotates with the pull rod; the belt will wind to tighten an object fixed by the fixing hook; a strain gauge installed at a connection between the fixing hook and the seat; an integrating unit installed at the seat and connected to the strain gauge; the integrating unit connected to the strain gauge will determine the tension of the fixing hook through the resistance; and a display installed in the integrating unit for displaying the tension determined by the integrating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7219397
    Abstract: A device wherein an elastic cord is attached to a pre-existing flexible linear structure such as a wire, tube or non-elastic cordage in order to deform the structure and impart elastic handling properties of a common curly cord. The resulting assembly is a foreshortened version of the linear structure that is axially elastic and therefore easier to handle, store and use. The preferred method involves creating attachments between one or more stretched elastic cords and a linear structure at close intervals along the structure, such that when the elastic is allowed to retract, it pulls the linear structure into a series of loops or bends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Todd Nicholas Bishop
  • Patent number: 7219398
    Abstract: A terminus (8) for a bungee cord (9) comprises a molded base (10) having a flexible loop (11) anchored by a compression sleeve secured to one end; a free end (23) of the loop has an enlargement (22) which fits through a hole (20) into an enlarged portion (17) of a slot (15), thereby to retain the free end of the loop when the loop is under tension. The loop may be plastic coated aircraft cable. One embodiment includes a cleat (28) to permit adjusting the position of the terminus on the bungee cord, but the bungee cord may be fixed to the terminus if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Keeper Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond N. Hunt, Ricky W. Selby
  • Patent number: 7219399
    Abstract: A clamp for a cable having a housing with a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity to receive the cable. The clamp also includes a jaw assembly having a notch. The jaw assembly moves between locked and triggered positions within the cavity. A biasing member is disposed within the cavity to bias the jaw assembly towards the triggered position. A retainer is arranged within the cavity and has gripping fingers to engage the notches in the locked position. A trigger is positioned within the cavity. The trigger has an outer locking portion to engage with the gripping fingers to releasably secure the gripping fingers in the notches to retain the jaw assembly in the locked position. When the cable is inserted into the interior cavity and contacts the trigger device, the gripping fingers and notches disengage so that the biasing member biases the jaw assembly towards the first end of the clamp to clamp the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl R. Tamm, Robert G. Hay, Stanley R. Siegrist
  • Patent number: 7219400
    Abstract: A clip includes a female member, a male member, and a connecting piece. The female member is formed in a cylindrical shape with two open ends, and has an outer flange at an upper cylinder end. A flexible engaging piece is formed in a side section defined by slits formed in the side section, and is provided with an engaging surface facing the outer flange. The male member is formed of a leg shaft and a head provided at an upper end of the leg shaft for a pushing operation. The connecting piece connects the head of the male member with the outer flange of the female member, so that a lower end of the leg shaft of the male member is positioned directly above the upper cylinder end of the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Taku Tashima, Kazuo Ito
  • Patent number: 7219401
    Abstract: A slider having an automatic stopper capable of accommodating a drooping piece of a leaf spring in a front face of a guide post of the slider and protecting it. In a body of the slider, upper and lower blades are connected via the guide post, and a groove portion which is open continuously in a vertical direction is provided at the front face of the guide post is provided. The drooping piece formed by bending an end of the leaf spring of an automatic stop mechanism disposed on a top face of the upper blade is engaged and accommodated within the groove portion and a projecting portion projecting forward is provided at a bottom end of the groove portion. The projecting portion is located below the drooping piece to protect a front end of the drooping piece and formed into a shape preventing a pointed object from being inserted between the drooping piece and the projecting portion, thereby protecting the slider from being destroyed intentionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yamagishi, Keiichi Keyaki
  • Patent number: 7219402
    Abstract: A slider for a slide fastener comprises: a slide body (1) including an upper wing (15) and a pull tab (2) having a pintle (6); the slider body (1) comprising: a pull-tab-attaching yoke (18) mounted on the upper wing (15) in cantilevered manner, having an indentation (46) formed therein for receiving the pintle (6) directly or indirectly, and defining with the upper wing (15) a gap (47); and a closing member (20) movably mounted on the slider body (1) so as to close and open the gap (47). The pull tab (2) further includes a pull tab body (4) and a pair of opposed protuberant walls (5) provided on the lower side of the pull tab body (4). The pintle (6) extends between the opposed protuberant walls (5) to connect them. At least one of the ends of the opposed protuberant walls (5) is open to provide an open space (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Miki Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7219403
    Abstract: A fastening member used for, e.g., a disposable absorbent article is disclosed. The fastening member extends in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction and has a lateral centerline. The fastening member comprises a base panel and a shaped tab extending laterally from the base panel. The shaped tab has a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, a distal portion and a proximal portion. The shaped tab has a contour edge comprising a shaped upper edge and a shaped lower edge. The shaped upper edge and the shaped lower edge are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the shaped tab when relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction and are asymmetric with respect to the lateral centerline of the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kouichi Miyamoto, Joseph Bernard Kraimer, David Randall Knaub, Jason Arthur Hilbourne, Henry Young Chin
  • Patent number: 7219404
    Abstract: A retaining clip is for securing an electrical connector to be inserted through an opening formed in a panel. The retaining clip comprises a base having an aperture therethrough for receiving the free end of the electrical connector and having one or more engagement means for engaging with and holding the electrical connector. The base is shaped to contact at least a portion of the surface of the panel that it overlies. A plurality of fingers extending away from the base are displaceable to allow insertion of a mating connector and to contact the surface of the mating connector. Thus, the clip shields the surface of the mating connector with respect to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Goro Haga, David Kitt