Patents Issued in May 29, 2007
  • Patent number: PP17773
    Abstract: A new and distinct grapevine variety named ‘DM 8313-1’ is disclosed. The new variety originated from a hand pollinated cross made at South Haven, Minn., and is distinguishable by virtue of its cold hardiness in USDA Zone 4, combined with its fine muscat flavor similar to Vitis vinifera variety ‘Muscat Blanc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: David W. MacGregor
  • Patent number: PP17774
    Abstract: A new and distinct kiwi plant of the species Actinidia chinensis Planch. is described. The variety results from a controlled pollination using a female A. chinensis selection ‘Jing Feng’ (also known as 79-3, and by the accession code CK34_01) of unknown parentage, and a male A. chinensis selection CK40_02 of unknown parentage. Both parents (‘Jing Feng’ and CK40_02) are unpatented. The new variety is distinguished by its large globose-shaped fruit with a flat stylar end, golden coloured flesh and tangy sweet taste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: The Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand Limited
    Inventor: Russell George Lowe
  • Patent number: PP17775
    Abstract: A new Pentas plant particularly distinguished by light pink flowers, a large flower cluster size, upright form, and a compact and branching growth habit is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Sakata Seed Corporation
    Inventor: Shouji Shiotsuki
  • Patent number: PP17776
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a peach tree, Prunus persica, and more particularly to a new and distinct variety characterized by a medium size, vigorous, hardy, self-fertile, productive and regular bearing tree. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described in early June, with first picking on Jun. 1, 2005. The fruit is large in size, sweet and acidic in flavor, globose with some tipping on the apex in shape, clingstone in type, yellow in flesh color, full red in skin color, and firm but melting in texture. The variety was developed as a first generation cross using ‘Ruby Diamond’ nectarine as the selected seed parent and ‘Crimson Lady’ peach as the selected pollen parent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Lowell Glen Bradford
  • Patent number: RE39654
    Abstract: An obturator (1) for an opening (10) has a collar (2) comprising a peripheral lip (3) adapted to come into abutment on a face (10a) of the opening (10), and several teeth (6) mounted pivotally on the collar (2) and adapted to come into abutment on an opposite face of the opening (10) in a locked position of the obturator (1). The teeth (6) are also fixed to a flange (12) mounted pivotally on a pusher (8), the pusher (8) being adapted to pivotally move the flanges (12) between an unlocked position and a locked position of the obturator (1). The obturator is used notably for sealing closing an opening in a motor vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: I.T.W. de France
    Inventor: Laurent Huet
  • Patent number: RE39655
    Abstract: A process for the air conditioning of a weaving machine includes generating, for the weaving machine, at least one conditioning air stream spaced from a warp of the weaving machine and directed towards the warp, and distributing the conditioning air stream in stages so as to form a downwardly directed displacement-type flow towards threads of the warp. The displacement-type flow is a non-turbulent, uniform flow over a cross-sectional profile of the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Zellweger Luwa AG
    Inventors: Pavel Verner, Walter Bollier
  • Patent number: RE39656
    Abstract: The apparatus and a method are used to produce metal fiber, which can increase production efficiency of metal fiber using a metal plate and simplify manufacturing equipments and includes a controlling device. The method for producing metal fiber includes steps of: making a frame in a vacuum condition by removing the air; vertically inserting an end of a metal plate between the two induction coils arranged horizontally at an interval in the inside of the frame and heating and melting the end of the metal plate with heat generated by the induction coils; gradually moving the metal plate downwardly and bringing the end of the metal plate into contact with blades of a rotary disk, the rotary disk being horizontally mounted at a lower portion of the induction coils in the inside of the frame and rotating in a high speed; and solidifying metal fiber separated by the blades of the rotary disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Yang-Za Park
  • Patent number: RE39657
    Abstract: A sterilization apparatus wherein one or more electron beam tubes are used to direct electron beams into an ambient gaseous environment to create an electron plasma cloud into which non-sterile target objects may be moved. The electron plasma cloud is formed by interaction of the electron beam with the ambient atmosphere. Helium or other like gaseous may be used to expand the effective volume of the electron plasma cloud. Manipulators are used to move target objects in the electron plasma cloud, exposing non-sterile surfaces to the cloud and then joining the surfaces together where appropriate. The beam tube used to generate the electron beam has a thin low energy absorbing window which allows relatively low energy beams to be used, minimizing damage to materials within the surface of the target objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Ushio America, Inc.
    Inventors: George Wakalopulos, Eduardo R. Urgiles, Peter Bond
  • Patent number: RE39658
    Abstract: A valve according to the invention having a disk with a shaped opening and one side interfacing with and conforming to the shape of the exterior of the ball or plug. The disk fits inside the port at the seat area, and is secured by a ring. The ring can be threaded into the connection for the fluid pipe line. Alternatively, the connection can have a groove for an internal retaining ring. The disk is positioned so it interacts with the hole in the ball, in such a way that the desired flow characteristics are accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Belimo Air Control (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Bengt A. Carlson, Werner A. Buck
  • Patent number: RE39659
    Abstract: The specification discloses a multi-wheel game-of-chance having at least two groups of spinning wheels, wherein each group includes at least two concentric spinning wheels having a viewable surface face thereon. A plurality of indicia are positioned on the peripheral of the viewable surface face of each wheel such that all indicia on each wheel is viewable to the user. Bet areas are positioned at various locations around at least a portion of each group of wheels; along a line joining the center of any two groups of wheels; and/or a junction between various radially positioned lines extending from the center of two or more groups of wheels. Each bet area represents a possible payline with various pay ratios depending on the probability of various predetermined combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Sierra Design Group
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Lawrence W. Luciano, Kurt W. Spencer
  • Patent number: RE39660
    Abstract: An electrical resistor has a surface mounted four terminal current sensor of a very low resistance value and capable of handling short pulses of high power. It comprises a flat metal late, 1 to 50 mils thick, of an alloy of high electrical resistivity, to which are welded, on two opposite sides, two flat metal plates of very high electrical conductivity which serve as terminations for electrical interconnection. A slot is cut, from the outside edge toward the center, into each of the two termination plates which divides them into a wide pad for connection of current carrying wires and a narrow one for voltage sensing. The depth of the slots is optimized to get the best stability of resistance readings with changing ambient temperature and under influence of the self-heating effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Vishay Dale Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Szwarc, Joel J. Smejkal
  • Patent number: RE39661
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a self supporting cantilever support apparatus for mounting a satellite dish antenna to a building having a sidewall. The apparatus consists of a square, steel receiver tube having a foot plate mounted on one end and a square, steel telescope tube inserted and adjustably mounted within the receiver tube. The satellite dish is screwed onto the hour glass shaped plate affixed to the telescope tube. Slotted holes formed in the hour glass shaped plate to accommodate the many different types of satellite dishes. The co-axial cable is threaded through a hole in the telescope tube, through the two tubes and out through a hole formed in the bottom of the receiver tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas C. Pegues, Jr., Eugene L. Hood
  • Patent number: RE39662
    Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus includes illuminating optical means for illuminating a projection negative, and projection optical means for projection-exposing the projection negative illuminated by the illuminating optical means onto a substrate, the illuminating optical means including light source means for supplying exposure light, annular light source forming means for forming an annular secondary light source by the light from the light source means, and condenser means for condensing the light beam from the annular light source forming means on the projection negative, and is designed to satisfy the following condition: ??d1/d2??, where d1 is the inner diameter of the annular secondary light source, and d2 is the outer diameter of the annular secondary light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Ushida, Masaomi Kameyama, Takashi Mori
  • Patent number: RE39663
    Abstract: The invention provides compositions electron-deficient nitrogen heterocycle-substituted fluorescein dyes and methods in which the dyes are conjugated to substrates and used as detection labels in molecular biology experiments. The electron-deficient nitrogen heterocycles include pyridine, quinoline, pyrazine, and the like. Substrates include polynucleotides, nucleosides, nucleotides, peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, and ligands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Krishna G. Upadhva, Steven M. Menchen, Weiguo Zhen
  • Patent number: RE39664
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved specific binding assay devices comprising a chromatographic medium including a reaction site at which a specific binding reagent is immobilized, a sample application well located adjacent to the chromatographic medium and offset upstream from the reaction site, and liquid absorption blotter offset downstream from the reaction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Inverness Medical Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Julian Gordon, Charles Stuart Gredell Pugh
  • Patent number: RE39665
    Abstract: An existing stacked capacitor fabrication process is modified to construct a three-dimensional stacked container capacitor. The present invention develops the container capacitor by etching an opening (or contact opening) into a low etch rate oxide. The contact opening is used as a form for deposited polysilicon that conforms to the sides of the opening walls. Within the thin poly lining of the oxide container a high etch-rate oxide, such as ozone TEOS, is deposited over the entire structure thereby bridging across the top of the oxide container. The high etch-rate oxide is planarized back to the thin poly and the resulting exposed poly is then removed to separate neighboring containers. The two oxides, having different etch rates, are then etched thereby leaving a free-standing poly container cell with 100% (or all) of the higher etch rate oxide removed and a pre-determined oxide surrounding the container still intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles H. Dennison, Michael A. Walker
  • Patent number: RE39666
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed systematically to extract data from operating machines of the type used in gaming establishments. Various data is required by management to maximize the operation and the profit potential of a given machine is compiled in the machine itself. The compiled data is serially transferred to a memory device via a one-wire protocol. The memory device writes the data according a defined software routine. The contents of the memory device can be transferred to a computer for subsequent manipulation and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Global Payment Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Walsh, Miroslaw Blasczec, Salvatore Soriano, William Wood
  • Patent number: RE39667
    Abstract: The invention relates to 3,3-diphenylpropylamines of formula (I), wherein R1 signifies hydrogen or methyl, R2 and R3 independently signify hydrogen, methyl, methoxy, hydroxy, carbamoyl, sulphamoyl or halogen, and X represents a tertiary amino group of formula (II), wherein R4 and R5 signify non-aromatic hydrocarbyl groups, which may be the same or different and which together contain at least three carbon atoms, and wherein R4 and R5 may form a ring together with the amine nitrogen, their salts with physiologically acceptable acids and, when the compounds can be in the form of optical isomers, the racemic mixture and the individual enantiomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Pfizer Health AB
    Inventors: Rolf A. Johansson, Pinchas Moses, Lisbeth Nilvebrant, Bengt A. Sparf
  • Patent number: RE39668
    Abstract: An intravascular catheter such as a dilatation catheter for angioplasty procedures having a removable distal shaft section. The catheter construction allows the original distal shaft section of the catheter to be removed and a replacement distal shaft section to be secured to the proximal section which is useful with angioplasty catheters when the dimensions of the balloon on the original distal shaft section are inappropriate for dilating a particular stenotic region. Such catheter construction is also useful when there is a need to implant a stent into a dilated stenotic region to maintain its patency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Celso S. J. Bagaoisan, John P. Shanahan, Ketan P. Muni, Elizabeth N. Hammack, Robert M. Abrams, James C. Peacock, III, William S. Tremulis
  • Patent number: 7222370
    Abstract: Protective eyewear for protecting a wearer's eyes during a sporting event. The protective eyewear comprises a frame and a metal protective section. The frame includes a top support, a pair of armatures, and a grooved opening traversing the top support and each armature. The metal protective section includes a perimeter and a flat extension attached to the perimeter and shape to be removably engaged to the grooved opening in the frame. Additionally, the metal protective section includes a plurality of substantially aligned elongated bars horizontally segmenting the metal protective section. A plurality of cross members is vertically positioned to connect the elongated bars of the metal protective section and protect the eyes of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Gait
  • Patent number: 7222371
    Abstract: A shawl including a sheet of fabric having an inner surface and an outer surface defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, a right side edge and a left side edge. The sheet of fabric is dimensioned to allow the right and left hands of the user to each extend beyond the right edge and left edge of the sheet of fabric when the top edge of the sheet of fabric is draped over the user's shoulders. A right arm closure extends from the inner surface of the sheet of fabric proximate to the right edge, and a left arm closure extending from the inner surface of the sheet of fabric proximate to the left edge. Each of the arm closures has a width that is less than a width of a human forearm and defines an opening dimensioned to allow the user's hands to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Claire Houghton, Tami Roy
  • Patent number: 7222372
    Abstract: A method and device for securing a tee shirt to a bra. The device is an elongated fabric strip with a first fastener on one end and a second fastener on the other end. The fasteners are preferably of the hook and loop type. They are positioned so that when the elongated fabric strip is curled into a loop, the first and second fasteners can be attached to maintain the fabric strip in the loop. The method for applying the device is as follows: The lower portion of the tee shirt is passed under the center web of the bra, then back out through the neck opening. The present device is then looped around the looped portion of the tee shirt. The hook and loop fasteners are pressed together to secure the tee wrap. In that state it securely attaches the tee shirt to the bra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Debra A. Bruckart, David B. Bruckart
  • Patent number: 7222373
    Abstract: An ear warmer includes a cover and a membrane coupled to the cover. The membrane is disposable in a deployed configuration and in a retracted configuration. When the membrane is disposed in its deployed configuration, the membrane and the cover form a receptacle that is configured to receive an ear or a portion of an ear of a user when the ear warmer is worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: 180s, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa S. Healy, Alan S. Tipp
  • Patent number: 7222374
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a fitting system for a helmet is provided. The fitting system includes a belt having supported racks coupled to a belt adjustment device. The belt adjustment device is operable to allow a user to tighten the belt, and release the belt at a single touch of a release actuator. The belt adjustment device and the racks are configured to hug the occiput of a user when the helmet is properly worn. The belt adjustment device is also operable to hold the rear straps of the helmet apart but is not attached to the helmet. The belt defines a collapsible button for securing a pad. The pad defines a substantially lateral compressed strip that is operable to urge the pad against the belt. The belt adjustment device and the belt are configured to allow rear straps of the helmet to approximately directly approach the chin of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Musal, Hilgard N. Muller
  • Patent number: 7222375
    Abstract: A tank ball assembly is disclosed to include a cover stopper mounted with a gasket for closing the drain port of the tank of a toilet, a tank ball coupled to an upright short tubular flange of the cover stopper and rotatable on the upright short tubular flange to adjust the angular position of the air outlet thereof and to further adjust the flushing amount of tank water, and an adjustment screw fastened to a post at the cover stopper and adjustable to approach to the water inlet of the tank ball and to further adjust the flowing rate of tank water into the tank ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Po-Hsin Chen, Guan-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 7222376
    Abstract: An adjustable bowed shower rod and bracket that is simple, strong, and attractive having an elliptical cross section; a semi-capsular wall bracket with a semi-cylindrical middle section and a cutout in the middle section having a height between one quarter and one half the height of the bracket; and a swivel having a cylindrical vertical member longer than the height of the bracket cutout of a diameter selected to fit completely within the bracket middle section and an elliptical horizontal member secured perpendicularly to the vertical member on a first end and sized to receive the rod in an overlapping fit on a second end. The swivel vertical member can be assembled into the bracket with the swivel horizontal member protruding through the bracket cutout, and the elliptical rod can come into communication with the swivel horizontal member, thereby assembling the shower rod and bracket apparatus. The brackets do not require any pivot pin or backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Harney Hardware, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Gunning
  • Patent number: 7222377
    Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a set of siderails configured to block egress of a patient from the patient support. The siderails are configured to reduce gaps defined between the siderails and the other components of the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Robert T. Fussner, Jackie Robertson, Gregory W. Branson, Brian T. Wiggins, Doug H. Smith, John P. Biondo, Kendra K. Doyle, Richard B. Stacy, Michael V. Bolden, Reza Hakamiun, Clement J. Koerber, Sr., Michael J. Gosmeyer, James E. Gilbert, Donald L. Mobley, Dennis S. Flessate, David J. Ulrich, Jeffrey R. Welling, Gary W. Ferdon, Virgil J. Niese, Benjamin Salvatini, Patrick J. Minnelli, David W. Hornbach
  • Patent number: 7222378
    Abstract: An enveloping patient carrier having a flexible top surface connected to a flexible bottom surface. The flexible top surface defines a re-closable torso opening, a face opening and a plurality of re-closable medical attention openings. The enveloping patient carrier also includes a plurality of carrying handles attached to the perimeter of the patient carrier. The carrying handles are coupled to a plurality of intersecting lateral support members and longitudinal support member which engage the bottom surface. This type of patient carrier aids in the protection of emergency personnel from hazardous fluids (gas and liquid) and also enhances the medical attention and treatment of patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: DD and S Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. DuPree, Frank W. Moriarty
  • Patent number: 7222379
    Abstract: The pillow kit cover member, which includes substantially identical top and bottom portions, each of which includes inner and outer layers. The top and bottom portions are secured around the peripheries thereof, except for one side, which includes a zipper or similar element for opening and closing the pillow. The pillow includes an interior chamber assembly, which comprises baffle members which extend between the inner layers of the top and bottom portions, defining individual chambers which extend the length of the pillow. Filling is provided within the pillow chamber, as well as a plurality of inserts, having various fillings, which are selectively insertable into and removable from the pillow chambers. Different combinations of inserts vary the support characteristics of the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Feather Company
    Inventor: Shelley A. DiGirolamo
  • Patent number: 7222380
    Abstract: SEEPS gel and gel foam molded shape articles for use in medical and sport health care, such use include therapeutic hand exercising grips, dental floss, crutch cushions, cervical pillows, bed wedge pillows, leg rest, cushions, mattress, bed pads, elbow padding, dermal pads, wheelchair cushions, helmet liner, cold and hot packs, exercise weight belts, traction pads and belts, cushions for splints, slings, and braces, cushions for the hand, wrist, finger, fore, knee, leg, clavicle, shoulder, foot, ankle, back, rib, soles for orthopedic shoes, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Inc.
    Inventor: John Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 7222381
    Abstract: An electrically driven toothbrush having a replaceable head section with a plug part which is engageable with a socket in its handle to connect its driveable head to its motor in the handle. The head section has a resiliently deformable end surface, and there is an engaging concavity and convexity in the respective meeting end surfaces of the plug part and the socket. The concavity and convexity engage to facilitate locking together of the head and handle. A separate replaceable head section for such a toothbrush is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Hans Kraemer
  • Patent number: 7222382
    Abstract: An electro-motion toothbrush includes a case containing a driving unit. First and second toothbrush support rods are flexible and rotated by the driving unit in directions opposite to each other. First and second toothbrush heads are connected to upper ends of the first and second toothbrush support rods, respectively. First and second toothbrush bristles are implanted along a lengthwise direction of the first and second toothbrush heads, interweave with each other, and not to cross each other during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Joo A Choi, Joo Ri Choi
  • Patent number: 7222383
    Abstract: A belt driving pulley, as typically used in a belt driven, drum-type drain cleaning machine and/or any other belt driven machinery, is disclosed wherein slippage between the pulley and the motor drive shaft occurs if a predetermined resisting torque is applied to the pulley by the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: C. David Hale
  • Patent number: 7222384
    Abstract: An automobile side window wiper includes a connect base, a motor, a worm, a worm gear, a connect rod, a driving arm, a plate stop, a side cover and a wiper. The motor is positioned in the connected base, having its spindle fixed with the worm, which engages with the worm gear. Then the connect rod has a first end pivotally and eccentrically connected with the worm gear to be moved back and forth by the worm gear, so the driving arm connected pivotally with the connect rod to swing up and down so that the wiper connected with a second end of the driving arm may move repeatedly up and down nearly horizontally on the glass of the side window for wiping rain drops. Then the side window is kept clean for a driver to see through to look at a rearview mirror for driving safely during rainfall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Chiang-Fen Lin
  • Patent number: 7222385
    Abstract: A removable and portable manually operated windshield wiper assembly that attaches to the top side of a window or window frame of a boat, tractor, atv and the like not otherwise so equipped which can be easily operated by the simple rotation of a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Howard Borg
  • Patent number: 7222386
    Abstract: A pivot holder includes a tubular main body, which rotatably supports a pivot shaft therein, and a securing portion, which is integrally formed with the main body and extends from an outer peripheral surface of the main body, and a plurality of engaging grooves. A water shield cap includes a tubular portion, which is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the main body of the pivot holder, a water receiver, which extends radially outward from the tubular portion, and a plurality of engaging projections. The engaging projections of the water shield cap are engaged with the engaging grooves of the pivot holder to limit axial movement and rotational movement of the water shield cap relative to the pivot holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7222387
    Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry C. Buchanan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7222388
    Abstract: An imaging-device cleaning apparatus is attached to a camera by engaging with a lens mount of the camera typically used for attaching a camera lens. The imaging-device cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle for removing dust and dirt in the vicinity of an imaging section of the camera, and a motor and a fan for supplying air to the nozzle to remove the dust and dirt from the vicinity of an image sensor of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Sugihara
  • Patent number: 7222389
    Abstract: A recovery tank is provided for a floor cleaning unit. The recovery tank comprises an inlet opening and a duct fluidly connected to the inlet. The duct extends horizontally within the tank adjacent a side wall the recovery tank for directing air and liquid from the inlet opening in two opposing directions. A lid covers the tank and has an outlet opening for directing air out of the recovery tank. A pair of shields depends downwardly from the lid and extends from the duct to the side wall of the recovery tank. The outlet opening of the lid is located between the shields such that the shields prevent liquid from coming out of the duct and entering the outlet opening of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Morgan, Charles A. Lang, Adam C. Sclafani
  • Patent number: 7222390
    Abstract: A clutchless, direct drive, self-propelled vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base having a suction inlet and a housing pivotally mounted on the nozzle base. A suction source is mounted to one of the nozzle base and the housing. A filter chamber is located in one of the nozzle base and the housing. A drive motor is mounted to one of the nozzle base and the housing, the drive motor having an output shaft. A transmission is directly coupled to the output shaft of the motor. A driven wheel is directly coupled to the transmission. Also disclosed is a height adjustment mechanism for the vacuum cleaner, the height adjustment mechanism employing the drive assembly of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Mark E. Cipolla, Steven J. Paliobeis
  • Patent number: 7222391
    Abstract: The present invention provides a battery-operated blackboard eraser and dust collector, which is composed of a shell body, an air blower, and an erasing plate set. The air blower is installed inside the shell body and the erasing plate set is disposed under the shell body. The eraser shell consists of a piece of erasing cloth, a piece of air-permeable sponge, a base plate, and a group of air-permeable papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Chen-Lang Fan
  • Patent number: 7222392
    Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner (10) includes a nozzle assembly (16) having a suction nozzle for picking up dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned and a canister assembly (18) including a cavity (32). A dust collection assembly (12) is received and held in that cavity (32). The dust collection assembly (12) includes a filtering subassembly (100) and a dust container (102). The dust container (102) has an open top (104), a bottom wall (106), a first cylindrical sidewall (108), an inlet (110), and a downwardly directed outlet (112) extending through the bottom wall. An airstream conduit is provided for conveying a vacuum airstream between the suction nozzle and the inlet. A suction fan (34) and suction fan drive motor (35) carried on either the nozzle assembly (16) or the canister assembly (18) generates the vacuum airstream for drawing dirt and debris through the suction nozzle, the airstream conduit and the dust container (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Michael J. McCormick, Henry Marcussen, J. Erik Hitzelberger, Tamaki Nishikori, Hiroshi Nishimura, Eric J. Streciwilk
  • Patent number: 7222393
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle has a housing with a plastic upper part, a slide sole and a gasket base pivotably arranged around an axis in the upper part of the housing. There is at least one strip-shaped gasket element that can be retracted and moved out with an adjusting movement of the gasket base at the lower side of the nozzle. The slide sole is fastened to the upper part of the housing with slip joints between pivot-shaped projections on the upper part and counter-elements formed on the slide sole. The gasket base is guided on at least one of the pivots formed by slip joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Wessel-Werk GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Kaffenberger, Thomas Lind
  • Patent number: 7222394
    Abstract: A one piece plastic stud bushing having a body forming an opening through the bushing, a flange at one end, flexible holding tabs on opposite sides of the opening, the holding tabs having shoulders spaced from the flange a distance sufficient to receive a range of metal thicknesses, and spring tabs on opposite sides of the opening angled away from the flange to engage the stud surface opposite to the surface next to the holding tab shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Halex/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Gardner
  • Patent number: 7222395
    Abstract: A hinge assembly containing a receiver member having a corrugated inner surface and a locking pin for being pivotally disposed within the receiver portion about an axis. The locking pin and receiver member have complementary corrugated engaging surfaces that allow the hinge to provide support for a cantilevered structure when the pin and receiver are engaged. When the complimentary pin and receiver are disengaged, the pin member can be incrementally rotated so as to allow the cantilevered structure to be positioned in a different position or orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Toshiba International Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Vackar
  • Patent number: 7222396
    Abstract: A robust hinge has a redundant positioning capability, is mounted between a cover and a base and has a keyed pivot pin, a rotating leaf, a stationary leaf and a spacer assembly. The rotating leaf is attached to the keyed pivot pin and connects to the cover. The stationary leaf is mounted around the keyed pivot pin, connects to the base and has a primary stationary positioning element. The spacer assembly is mounted around the keyed pivot pin and has primary and secondary rotating positioning elements and a secondary stationary positioning element. Each stationary positioning element has a detent. Each rotating positioning element has a protrusion corresponding to the detent. The protrusions engage the detents to provide the redundant positioning capability to keep the cover form hitting the base. Two pairs of protrusions and detents provide the redundant positioning capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Sheng-Nan Lu, Chung-Yu Lee, Ting-Hsien Wang
  • Patent number: 7222397
    Abstract: The clamping band is capable of reducing a diameter with an ordinary tool or without the tool and improving working efficiency of clamping object members. The clamping band comprises: a first hook including a first projection, which can be engaged with the tool, and a second projection, which prevents rotation of a ring-shaped band member when a lever is pressed onto an external member; a second hook for engaging with the tool, the second hook being outwardly projected from the band member and located close to a position on which the lever is laid; and a clipping member for clipping and holding the lever in a laid state, the clipping member being located close to buckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Mihama, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Ito, Kazuhiro Fujimori, Takeo Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Takigami, Osamu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7222398
    Abstract: A clip includes: a pin having a head and a shank; and a grommet having a collar and a leg. The leg of the grommet is divided into a plurality of expansion leg pieces by means of slits extending along an axial direction. The expansion leg pieces of the leg are expanded outwardly by the insertion of the pin into an inner side of the grommet, so as to clamp plate-like members by the collar and the expansion leg pieces. The leg of the grommet has resilient beams which project outwardly of the expansion leg pieces on a collar side when the pin is inserted into the inner side of the grommet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Koike
  • Patent number: 7222399
    Abstract: A merchandising hanger has a planar surface adapted to receive printed indicia thereon and characterized by having a top and a base. The top of the planar surface is formed as a hook, cutout, or hole so as to allow the merchandising hanger to be suspended from a conventional merchandising rack. A tab extends from the base of the planar surface and includes a stud integral with the tab and a stud-receiving aperture in another portion of the tab. The aperture has a flange associated therewith. Intermediate between the stud and the aperture is a tab portion having a thickness less than the tab portion proximal to the planar surface. The relative thicknesses of tab portions and the interaction between the stud and complementary aperture afford a theft deterrent without compromising the merchandising function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Eisenbraun
  • Patent number: 7222400
    Abstract: A modular casket assembly is defined by an exterior casket box which is created from composite wood scraps ground to a fine wooden composite grind and dried. These are then mixed with a dry glue which is heat or pressure activated. This mixture is then placed in a press mold with thin veneer cover. The veneer cover may be paper, wood or cloth or other material. Typically the veneer is perforated with small pin holes to permit steam to pass through during compression. Any desired image or scene may be provided on the veneer. The mold mixture and veneer is the compressed in wood press. The finished product is a durable veneer with a finished surface. The finished surface can be a fine wood finish, a wood-look finish or any of wide variety of customized images. The casket assembly includes substantially flat or curvilinear side wall panels, a substantially flat bottom panel, and substantially flat end wall panels for defining an open box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: B. Calvin Leverett