Patents Issued in May 24, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070114713
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main body for performing an image forming operation, and a sheet feeding cassette detachably mounted in the main body. The sheet feeding cassette includes: a pair of cursors spaced apart a predetermined distance and facing each other for regulating a size of a recording sheet stored in the sheet feeding cassette; a rack provided on each of the pair of cursors; a pinion provided between the racks and engaged with each of the racks; and a boss for supporting the pinion rotatably, the pair of cursors being movable in conjunction with each other by the way of racks and the pinion. Further, a rib is provided adjacently to the pinion at a predetermined space. The rib is operable to come in contact with the pinion to thereby keep the pinion from moving in a radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Yonemoto
  • Publication number: 20070114714
    Abstract: A media stacker which can be inserted into a main body of a liquid ejecting apparatus and stack a discharged recording medium moves downward in an inclined direction to be located below a liquid ejecting portion and a discharge portion when the media stacker is being inserted and moves upward in the inclined direction to be located vicinity to a discharge slot when the media stacker is being extracted. A guide mechanism for guiding movement of the media stacker and a guide gear which is rotated while following to the guide mechanism are formed on both sides of the media stacker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Kinoshita, Atsushi Sumii
  • Publication number: 20070114715
    Abstract: Method of laying a tire belt ply on a form, using one or two transporters each having gripping assemblies, for gripping and moving the gripping sectors situated at the two longitudinal ends of a belt ply. The front and rear edges are aligned, after having determined the angular geometry of the ply edges by means of a suitable device, by independently moving at least one gripping sector of each of the front and rear areas. This method makes it possible to align edges having high curvatures and to lay a belt ply on a curved form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventor: Jacques Auclair
  • Publication number: 20070114716
    Abstract: A rotatable pick roller and a rotatable separating roller are formed integrally with a roller case. A retard roller opposes the separating roller and rotates in a direction opposite to that of the separating roller. A lift detecting sensor is mounted on the roller case. When a first sheet and second sheet that are stapled together are accidentally placed on a sheet table, the pick roller picks-up the first sheet and feed it in the gap between the retard roller and the separating roller, the second sheet abuts with the retard roller so that a portion of the first sheet and the second sheet gets lifted. The lift detecting sensor detects the lifted portion and stops rotations of the rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: PFU LIMITED
    Inventors: Shyuichi Morikawa, Minoru Masuda
  • Publication number: 20070114717
    Abstract: It is intended to make possible informing, at the time of maintenance for regular inspection or the like, personnel in charge of any part where a trouble is predictable to enable them to perform inspection or maintenance before the trouble occurs and thereby to reduce the duration the failure of the apparatus. A bill handling apparatus is provided with a conveyance path for conveying bills among a deposit/withdrawal unit, bill boxes, a rejected bill box and a temporary stocking box, wherein sensors for detecting passage of the bills are arranged on the conveyance path, and there are further provided a conveyance monitoring/control unit for monitoring a conveyance status of the bills in each of sensor sections on the conveyance path on the basis of front end passage times and rear end passage times of the bills at the sensors and a display device for perceivably outputting a result of monitoring by the conveyance monitoring/control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Yukie Taniyama
  • Publication number: 20070114718
    Abstract: Depositing a sheet of paper onto a stack of sheets of paper, preferably for use in a printing press, where the sheet to be deposited is grasped by at least one rotationally drivable sheet conveyor member with the front edge of the sheet fed into a receptacle, and the sheet's front edge is released from the receptacle of the rotating sheet conveyor member prior to depositing of the sheet onto the stack of sheets, and instead, it is deposited into a receptacle of an intermediate transport member where it is further released for depositing the sheet onto the stack of sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Dirk Dobrindt
  • Publication number: 20070114719
    Abstract: A board game assembly and related game playing method is described herein. The board game assembly includes a base, a dividing wall structure extending from the base, and a plurality of removable polygonal blocks, each having a grid of holders for playing pieces. The base and dividing wall structure retain the blocks in an adjacent configuration such that the blocks combine to form an overall playing surface having an overall grid of holders. The objective of the game is to be the first to create a pattern of five playing pieces in a row. Players alternate turns, and each turn is initiated by moving a playing piece into an unoccupied holder on any of the blocks. The turn is completed by rotating any one of the blocks 90 degrees in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The dynamic nature of the board game assembly makes the game interesting, challenging, and difficult to master.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Tomas Floden
  • Publication number: 20070114720
    Abstract: A chess set for blind players. The board includes squares having different tactile patterning to distinguish different colors. Each square contains a hole extending through the board. A border includes indicia, both visual and tactile, to indicate the file and rank. The bottom of the board includes the holes which extend from the top. The holes are connected with lines which can be felt connecting the holes in the horizontal, vertical and diagonal directions. The pieces include projections which extend through the holes and which have some indication of both the color and type of piece so that a blind player can feel possible moves on the bottom of the board by the various pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: James Ibach
  • Publication number: 20070114721
    Abstract: This invention describes methods for the design of checkerboards comprising two or more square patterns, one pattern being characterized by the predominant use of illustration, the second pattern being characterized by the predominant use of text. The invention also describes a method to generate a physical embodiment of the checkerboards from a printout image, and a method to add a sense of depth to the checkerboard squares by the use of holograms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Guy Besson
  • Publication number: 20070114722
    Abstract: “Tora” is a classical strategy board game, constructed as a two-tiered, three-pronged, battlefield simulation. Using 7, 27 or 28 classical pieces at their disposal, players have the option to contend on a limited (9.times.9) or expanded (17.times.17) field of contest to determine the future course of history.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin Conner
  • Publication number: 20070114723
    Abstract: A method of playing a side game is provided in combination with a game of chance such as Pai Gow Poker where a dealer hand of playing cards is dealt to a dealer and a player hand of playing cards is dealt to a player. The method includes receiving a side game wager from the player, which is resolved according to the playing cards in the player hand. Typically, the side game wager is resolved according to non-poker combinations, such as characteristics of the playing cards including card color, picture cards or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Prime Table Games LLC
    Inventor: Derek Webb
  • Publication number: 20070114724
    Abstract: A modular target system utilizes standard sized pieces which may be releasably attached to form a target system. The size of the target system may be easily customized as well as the number and types of targets which are mounted to the target system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: David Bassett, Kyle Bateman
  • Publication number: 20070114725
    Abstract: Laser-based and non-laser-based visual targeting systems for use with skill cranes and other amusement vending machines are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an amusement vending machine includes a see-through enclosure containing at least one prize. A user-operable controller, such as a joystick, positioned on the outside of the enclosure is operably connected to a pick-up device, such as a claw, positioned within the enclosure. Selective operation of the controller causes the pick-up device to move within the enclosure and perform a prize pick-up maneuver. In one aspect of this embodiment, the amusement machine further includes a visual targeting system that provides a visual indication of the position of the pick-up device relative to the prize to assist the player in positioning the pick-up device before attempting the prize pick-up maneuver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Peck, James Staffa
  • Publication number: 20070114726
    Abstract: Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a putty is provided that can include many or all of the handling characteristics of a traditional plumber's putty, but with reduced staining qualities. Such putty can facilitate substantially stain free installations. Putties in accordance with the invention can contain combinations of polymers or oligomers, solvents, fillers and optional rubbery materials. A composition according to the invention is preferably sufficiently stain-free to be used on porous stone, such as marble and granite, without damaging the appearance of the stone. This is achieved by eliminating oil completely, or at least substantially, or restricting their ability to cause stains sufficiently. Because compositions of the invention can be made to be free of oils, they can also have the effect of eliminating the greasy feeling to the hands, which can occur when handling traditional putty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: John Wrobleski, Fred Scholer
  • Publication number: 20070114727
    Abstract: A brush seal assembly and method for a turbine machine having a rotary member and a stationary member circumscribing the rotary member. The seal assembly is comprised of a sealing member disposed at a radially inward region of the stationary member and a portion of the sealing member is in rubbing contact with the contact region. The sealing member is detachable from the stationary member for selective replacement and incorporates at least one integrally formed seal element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Greif, Steven Burdgick
  • Publication number: 20070114728
    Abstract: A device for sealing a rotating shaft that penetrates a stationary housing wall has a sealing ring fastened to the housing wall and arranged between the housing wall and a shaft. The sealing ring has sealing oil supply bores supplying sealing oil into a sealing gap formed between an inner wall surface of the sealing ring and an outer wall surface of the shaft. The inner wall surface has pocket-shaped recesses where the sealing oil supply bores open. The pocket-shaped recesses extend in the circumferential direction of the sealing ring. The inner wall of the sealing ring has at least one circumferential boundary stay that delimits and seals the pocket-shaped recesses in an axial direction of the sealing ring toward the first or second housing side. The inner wall surface of the sealing ring has a circumferential groove that connects the pocket-shaped recesses to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: SENSOPLAN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Karl Schollhorn
  • Publication number: 20070114729
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing member for fuel which includes a fluororubber base and a sliding-treated layer coating the surface of the base. The sliding-treated layer includes a matrix made from a fluororubber, a sliding thin film formed in the surface portion of the matrix from a molten first particulate solid lubricant, and a second particulate solid lubricant dispersed in the matrix and the sliding thin film without being melted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicants: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD., DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Shinichiro Inoue, Koichi Tangiku, Toshiyuki Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20070114730
    Abstract: In the case of a motor element, in particular of dental technical handpiece or a motor spindle, which at least in its front region has an elongated shank, rotatably mounted in which there is a hollow drive shaft, arranged in whose front end region there is a collet chuck for a tool that is connected in its rear end region by means of a coupling to a rod that extends towards the rear and is pretensioned towards the rear or towards the front by means of the force of a spring and can be displaced towards the front or towards the rear against the force of the spring by means of an actuating mechanism, with the spring being stayed on the draw rod towards the rear and being stayed against an inner first shoulder of the drive shaft towards the front, arranged at the front end region of the spring there is at least one supporting element that is elastically pretensioned radially outwards and springs out behind the shoulder when the draw rod is pushed with the spring from the front into the drive shaft, and the suppor
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Duesing
  • Publication number: 20070114731
    Abstract: A galloping riding toy has a frame with a head tube, a fork rotatably located within said head tube, a front axle attached to said fork and passing through an off-center point in a front wheel, rear wheels attached to an end of said frame opposite said head tube, and a body attached to said frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Norton
  • Publication number: 20070114732
    Abstract: In an automotive suspension, a supporting member supporting a wheel hub is connected mechanically to a frame of a car to move in a vertical direction with respect to the frame; movement of the supporting member in the vertical direction is opposed by a spring-shock absorber assembly connected mechanically on one side to the frame of the car, and on the other side to the supporting member by means of a coupling device of variable geometry, which is controlled selectively by an actuator for varying the geometry of the coupling device in such a manner as to vary a suspension ratio between vertical movement of the supporting member and a corresponding variation in length of the spring-shock absorber assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Paolo Dellacha
  • Publication number: 20070114733
    Abstract: To provide a small-sized stabilizer control apparatus for actively restraining a roll of a vehicle body within an output range of an electric motor, and certainly providing a torsion spring characteristic inherently owned by a stabilizer bar, if the output exceeds the range. A stabilizer actuator having an electric motor and a speed reducing mechanism is disposed between a pair of stabilizer bars disposed between a right wheel and a left wheel. The inverse of the product of a normal efficiency and a reverse efficiency of the speed reducing mechanism {1/(?P·?N)} is equal to or greater than 1.17 and equal to or smaller than 3.75, and the output of the electric motor is controlled to be held or reduced, when the turning state has come to be out of such a range that the rolling motion of the vehicle body can be actively controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Yasui
  • Publication number: 20070114734
    Abstract: A telescopic stabilizer for travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome which can extend to the required length no matter the distance between each jacks and is set up diagonally so that it creates a cross beam of sort which reinforces and stabilizes two otherwise separate jacks. Moreover, when a second telescopic stabilizer is added to a third jack or riser and set perpendicular to the first two, this creates a second axis to provide ultimate stability across the width and the length of the travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome. More stabilizers can be added to cover all corners of the travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome if required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Rene Jacques
  • Publication number: 20070114735
    Abstract: A knee skate may include a rigid shell having a generally semi-cylindrical shape with an open rearward end, and a closed forward end. The closed forward end may have a radius of curvature substantially the same as the radius of the semi-cylinder. The skate may also include rearward and forward pairs of rolling castors carried by the shell. Each castor may include a shaft with the castor wheel depending therefrom. The skate may include rearward and forward pairs of mounts carried by the shell. Each mount may have a passageway therein for receiving a respective shaft of a castor. The mounts and shell may be integrally molded as a single monolithic body, for example, of a metal such as aluminum. The user may position his knee, with or without additional padding, into the knee skate and readily move about a floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey Teague
  • Publication number: 20070114736
    Abstract: An improved hinge system for pivotally coupling a skate lower portion to a skate upper cuff. The multi-hinge design incorporates a four link chain mechanism that greatly increases the number of design options for a hinged boot. The pivot axis defined by the four link chain can be designed to shift through a path of travel that generally coincides with the path of travel of the anatomical pivot axis defined by the user's foot and leg. The upper cuff and boot lower portion account for two of the four links of the four link mechanism. The other two links are either rigid bars with pin connections on both the upper cuff and the lower portion, or roller links with a pin connection to the upper and a slot like sliding surface on the lower portion. A slider link can be substituted for the roller and a slide surface can be substituted for the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Arthur Erdman
  • Publication number: 20070114737
    Abstract: A binding for a snowboard or other type of board that has a base plate structure formed of a lower plate that is mountable on a board; an upper plate that is adapted to receive a boot and is mounted above the lower plate in a spaced relationship; and a spring-based suspension system connecting the upper plate to the lower plate. The suspension system has a plurality of springs, one spring being connected between a flange of the upper plate and a corresponding flange on the lower plate. A boot attachment apparatus is connected to the base plate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Carl Lindemann
  • Publication number: 20070114738
    Abstract: The present invention is a passenger assembly for a stroller and is adaptable to almost any stroller and is capable of practice in numerous embodiments. The preferred embodiment features a chassis mounted platform with adjustable mounting arms. A mounting mechanism is located at the terminus of each arm and is attachable and removable from the stroller frame with the passenger assembly. A number of potential mounting mechanisms are disclosed. An extension handle is provided to allow users greater control of the stroller from a distance further than normal, as the assembly occupies the position proximate the stroller, where the user ordinarily stands. Modules are capable of addition to the assembly, such as a seat or basket, or a stow strap for securement of the assembly when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Andrew Jones, Robin Peng, Ralph Sonderegger, Bart Peterson, Kevin Kinkade
  • Publication number: 20070114739
    Abstract: The hand truck for appliances is a device for moving a water heater and other appliances. The hand truck includes a main frame having a pair of wheels mounted on a lower end rearward of the main frame, and a support plate also mounted on the lower end and projecting forward from the main frame. The support plate has a front edge and a rear edge, with the rear edge being contoured to be received within a water heater drain pan, with the rear edge being positioned adjacent and contiguous to the inner wall of the water heater drain pan. This allows the water heater to be carried on the hand truck for appliances, supported by the support plate, in order to be placed directly into the water heater drain pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Edward Simmons
  • Publication number: 20070114740
    Abstract: A steering control coupling structure used in a children's wagon having a wheel assembly and a towing bar is disclosed to include a linking bracket affixed to the wheel axle of the wheel assembly, a first adapter affixed to a carriage and pivoted with the carriage to the linking bracket by a pivot device, the first adapter having a circular coupling hole and two 135° sector guide holes at two sides of the circular coupling hole, and a second adapter, which is affixed to the linking bracket around the pivot device and has a circular coupling block coupled to the circular hole of the first adapter and two 45° sector guide blocks respectively inserted into the 135° sector guide holes for forcing the second adapter to bias against the first adapter when the towing bar is biased to force the wheel assembly to change the steering direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: LIFE STYLE METAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hung-Chin Lin
  • Publication number: 20070114741
    Abstract: A steamer for beauty treatment is disclosed to include a housing holding an electric heater on the inside, a mounting assembly pivoted to the housing for locking a water container to the inside of the housing for enabling the electric heater to heat water in the water container, and a rotary steam output unit pivoted to the top side of the housing and having a swivel steam nozzle for output of steam from the water container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Chang Pai
  • Publication number: 20070114742
    Abstract: Motorized carts for stepping structures are generally discussed herein with particular discussions on motorized carts for use with step ladders and scaffolding structures having wired or wireless controllers for maneuvering the carts. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, differential motor drive steering is incorporated to drive the cart forward, backward, and rotate. The differential motor drive includes a handheld controller and one or more DC drive motors. Mechanical connectors are incorporated to secure a stepping structure to the cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Roger Gilbert, Donald Werno
  • Publication number: 20070114743
    Abstract: A skateboard device that achieves forward propulsion from the sideways movement (side-to-side and/or twisting motion) of a user. Various embodiments are disclosed, each including a front and rear wheel assemblies mounted to a board. One or more of the wheel assemblies may have a relatively high axle shaft angle and the axle shaft angles of the two assemblies may be different. The wheel assemblies may have the same orientation or an opposite orientation or be changeable between the two.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Publication number: 20070114744
    Abstract: A sport board and a shock absorption system therefor, includes a glide board used in snow and aquatic sports or a roller or skate board, a rocker platform mounted in a seesaw fashion atop the sport board, whereupon opposite ends of the rocker platform may alternately move towards and away from the sport board, and a shock absorbing cushion disposed in respective spaces formed between the forward end portions and the rearward end portions of the sport board and platform. The cushions inhibit rocking of the rocker platform, absorb impact, and create a cushion sufficient for the rider to exert extreme pressures for balance, control, and maneuvers on any given terrain conditions. As a skate board, the board is curvilinear, including a center section that is spring-like and downwardly concave opposed end sections that are upwardly concave, and roller assemblies are proximate the opposite ends or end sections. The board includes shock absorbing bumpers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Mash
  • Publication number: 20070114745
    Abstract: A vehicle having a suspension system that supports a vehicle frame has a suspension interlock for governing the distance that the suspension system may move away from the frame during a vehicular rear impact event, thereby channeling impact forces through the suspension system and into the vehicle frame. A flexible member attaches to the vehicle frame and to the suspension system and acts as a tether to maintain the position of the suspension system relative to the frame. Alternatively, the suspension interlock may be a u-shaped bar mounted to the vehicular frame that interacts with a pin that is mounted to the suspension system. The pin resides within the confines of the u-shaped bar to maintain the position of the suspension system relative to the frame. Alternatively, a hooked plate may be used instead of a pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Dorinel Neag, Vernon Siple, Constantinos Sakatis, Ileana Ball, Oh-Seong Kim, Stylianos Meidanis, Rajesh Garg, Jerry Balogh, Brian Haemmerle
  • Publication number: 20070114746
    Abstract: An adjustable suspension member of a vehicle suspension system is adapted for supporting a frame of vehicle. The suspension member interconnects first and second components of the vehicle, and enables movement of the first component relative to the second component when the vehicle is in motion. The suspension member includes an elongated swivel link assembly having first and second opposite ends. The first end is operatively connected to the first component of the vehicle, and the second end is operatively connected to the second component of the vehicle. The link assembly swivels about a longitudinal axis defined by the suspension member. The swivel range is greater than 45 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Kyle Tucker
  • Publication number: 20070114747
    Abstract: A Progressive Compression Suspension is disclosed. The suspension operates to provide floating opposed mounting points for each end of the suspension's shock absorber. The bottom end of the shock absorber pivotally attaches to the lower suspension arm, and the upper end of the shock absorber pivotally attaches to a compression linkage. The compression linkage is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame or chassis, such that it rocks back forth when the suspension engages rough terrain and the top of the shock absorber works in opposition to the bottom of the shock absorber. The rocking of the compression linkage is created by an actuating linkage interconnecting the compression linkage and an eccentric arm extending inwardly towards the frame from the pivot point of the lower suspension arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Dan Morgan
  • Publication number: 20070114748
    Abstract: A rear axle of a two-track motor vehicle is provided. The vehicle may have an independent wheel suspension with lower rods, which guide a wheel carrier, and an upper guide device, which engages with an extension arm of the wheel carrier. The extension arm guides in a region above a wheel mounted on the wheel carrier. The upper guide device is formed by a physical guiding path comprising a guide element, which can be displaced along said guiding path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ludwig Seethaler, Alfred Stenzenberger, Jan Eilers, Klaus Trzaska
  • Publication number: 20070114749
    Abstract: A body weight-activated scooter having a rear, vertical chassis section and at least one front steering wheel mounted on a front chassis section and at least one rear drive-wheel, the scooter provided with a pair of systems substantially in alignment with a vertical gravity line for transferring power to at least one rear drive-wheel, each of the pair of systems comprising: a treadle bearing most of the weight of a rider at a heelward end; a weight-vector wheel; a return tension means; and an over-running clutch drive connected to the at least one rear drive-wheel and linked to the weight-vector wheel via a linking means, the over-running clutch drive providing sustained forward thrust when the treadle is depressed by the weight of a rider on the heelward end and the scooter is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Yair TAL
  • Publication number: 20070114750
    Abstract: The “Pedalong” is a propulsion and exercise device attaching to a conventional wheelchair having: a drive support system attaching to the wheelchair frame and supporting a drive main frame; a propulsion system including an input unit operated by the user proximate the front end; and further including at least one drive wheel operably interposed between the rear set of wheelchair wheels. a power transmission assembly interposed between the input unit and the drive wheel to transmit power from said input unit to the drive wheel when engaged by the user to propel the device. The propulsion system can be: belt driven; chain driven; shaft driven; fluid power driven; or electrically driven. The input unit is mounted at a forward end of the main frame, so as to be adjustable in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Rollin Dix, Rahuljit Pal
  • Publication number: 20070114751
    Abstract: An optical fiber interferometer (10) with relaxed loop tolerance, and a quantum key distribution (QKD) system (200) using same is disclosed. The interferometer includes two optical fiber loops (LP1 and LP2). The loops have an optical path length (OPL) difference between them. A polarization-maintaining (PM) optical fiber section (60) of length (L60) and having fast and slow optical axes (AF and AS) optically couples the two loops. The length and fast-slow axis orientation is selected to introduce a time delay (?T1-2) between orthogonally polarized optical pulses traveling therethrough that compensates for the OPL difference. This allows for drastically relaxed tolerances when making the loops, leading to easier and more cost-effective manufacturing of the interferometer as well as related devices such as a optical-fiber-based QKD system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Alexei Trifonov
  • Publication number: 20070114752
    Abstract: A jig device is provided for supporting an uncured pre-assembled frame part of a composite bicycle frame during the curing of the pre-assembled frame part in a heating chamber. The jig device includes a base plate which has a hanging element to hang the base plate on a support, and a positioning device mounted adjustably on the base plate and adapted to position the pre-assembled frame part on the base plate. A process of making a composite bicycle frame is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Chao-Yao Ko
  • Publication number: 20070114753
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments, including but not limited to a bicycle that includes, among other features, an elongated down tube and a single elongated seat tube, the longitudinal axis of the seat tube intersecting the longitudinal axis of the down tube at a location substantially intermediate between the first and second ends of the down tube, wherein the distance between the spaced apart side outer surfaces of each of the down tube and the seat tube are less than the distance between the upper and lower outer surfaces of each of the down tube and seat tube; additionally including a seat tube, a seat tube sleeve, a crank assembly and a bottom bracket sleeve for mounting the crank assembly, wherein the seat tube sleeve has an upper end, a lower end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the upper end to the lower end; the seat tube being disposed within the seat tube sleeve, the longitudinal axis of the seat tube sleeve intersecting the bottom bracket sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Fritschen
  • Publication number: 20070114754
    Abstract: This invention provides the patient-user of wheelchair a very comfortable ride especially to persons with back pains, injuries and other type of disabilities. This comes in a kit and can be readily fitted into both new wheelchairs and into after-market ones owned by individuals, hospitals, nursing homes, rehab facilities, airports, hotels, restaurants, etc. It can be installed by anybody since an easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams are included in the kit. The rear wheels are separately provided with shock absorber system. Therefore each wheel has its own suspension that works separately or jointly with its pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Dominador Santos, Rosanna Estrada
  • Publication number: 20070114755
    Abstract: The wheelchair attachments are configured for removable attachment to a wheelchair to facilitate use of the wheelchair by occupants and/or attendants. One attachment is a retractable tray spanning the armrests at the front of the chair when deployed and retracting between the chair structure and a wheel for storage. Another attachment is a series of interchangeably installable handgrips or handles removably installable to the front or back of the chair for use by an attendant. At least some of the various handgrips or handle assemblies provide horizontal and/or vertical adjustment. Yet another attachment is an underseat storage compartment, primarily accessible by an attendant from the back of the chair. All of the various attachments may be installed upon and/or used with a wheelchair independently of one another or in combination with one another, or may be adapted for use with other devices as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Pasternak, Lisa Pasternak
  • Publication number: 20070114756
    Abstract: A system for automatically adjusting load distribution through axles of a truck and trailer assembly having a pair of rear wheels, the system includes a bridge section having a width, a length, a plurality of bridge legs coupled to it using a coupling apparatus, a central hole bolted to a hook using a hook nut and a hole nearing each corner, a pair of short frames running parallel to the bridge width and being connected to the bridge through said coupling apparatus, a pair of long frames running alongside the short frames, having a plurality of holes equinumber to said plurality of bridge legs, the holes configured to receive the bridge legs, the bridge legs being tightened to the holes using tightening means at an end opposite to the bridge, the long frames being free-floating frames, a pair of airbags seated on top of the long frames, a pair of hydraulic jacks placed inside the long frames, the pair of airbags and hydraulic jacks control the free-floating of the long frames, an air tank or a hydraulic pump
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Armen Shagbazyan
  • Publication number: 20070114757
    Abstract: An apparatus for safely releasing an electrical connector from a socket on the back of a cab has a handle contiguous with at least one lever and the handle has an aperture. The apparatus further has a collar pivotally attached to the handle that receives and rigidly retains the electrical connector and a pulling apparatus, such as a chain, affixed to the aperture of the handle on a first end and a trailer on a second end such that when the cab drives away from the trailer, the pulling apparatus actuates the handle and the levers exhibit a force on the collar such that the collar pulls the electrical connector from the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel Vickroy
  • Publication number: 20070114758
    Abstract: A pair of telescopic tensioning legs are pivotally attached to either a fifth wheel trailer goose-neck or kingpin. To stabilize the trailer, the telescopic tensioning legs are extended between the trailer gooseneck and the trailer extension supports foot pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: NORCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Bernard Garceau
  • Publication number: 20070114759
    Abstract: A magnetic wedge device for application on the fifth wheel of the tractor of articulated vehicles, by means of incorporated permanent magnets, to provide the angular position of the fifth wheel respect to the axis of a semitrailer to one or more functional systems dependent on this angular position and in particular to the piloting of semitrailer axle steering systems, consists of a wedge-shaped body (10) with a flat upper surface (12) equipped with permanent magnets (13) that maintain the body in contact with the flat surface of the semitrailer, close to the coupling pin (14) of the fifth wheel (11), and two flat side surfaces (15) equipped with permanent magnets (16) that maintain the body in contact with the two inner surfaces (17) of th “V” shaped opening in the fifth wheel in a fully wedged condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Armando Biondi, Paolo Martini
  • Publication number: 20070114760
    Abstract: A trailer hitch guide is shown for attaching to a ball mount on a towing vehicle includes an alignment guide centered between the ball mount and the towing vehicle and a ball mount engaging member affixed to the alignment guide opposite the towing vehicle. The ball mount engaging member forms a hole for receiving the bolt of the ball. In a preferred arrangement of the trailer hitch guide includes downwardly directed members affixed to the sides of the ball mount engaging member, for restricting movement of the ball mount engaging member with respect to the ball mount. The thickness of the alignment guide and the thickness of the ball mount engaging member are at least one fourth inch. In another arrangement, the wings form angles of from about 25 degrees to about 35 degrees with respect to the sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond Hegefeld
  • Publication number: 20070114761
    Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could comprise an interlocking device for the adjusting the length of at least one telescopic tow bar leg of a tow bar. The telescopic tow bar leg could comprise an inner bar and outer bar, the inner bar being generally movably received by the outer bar. Movement of an outer bar mounted pawl into engagement with inner bar may lock the inner bar in relationship to the outer bar. A pawl release mechanism may be used to either act directly upon the pawl or to rotate a cam that contacts the pawl. Either action generally causes the at least two surfaces of the pawl to move out of contact with the inner bar's pawl engagement area, thus substantially allowing the inner bar to move relative to the outer bar. This could allow a user to adjust the length of the telescopic leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Klar
  • Publication number: 20070114762
    Abstract: A device for fastening a sports boot to a board for gliding, comprising a first element (1) for connecting to a boot, comprising a first jaw (2) capable of fastening a first front part (31) of the boot and a second element (11) for linking to a boot, comprising a second jaw (12) capable of fastening to a second part (32) of the boot arranged to the rear of the first part in order to exert a control function on the board for gliding, the device also comprising a means (22, 22?) for elastic return of the boot toward the board for gliding, wherein the two linking elements (1, 11) are distinct, the second linking element (11) being linked to the fastening device in a zone arranged to the front of the position of the second jaw (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Francois Rival, Pierre Gignoux