Patents Issued in June 26, 2007
  • Patent number: 7234645
    Abstract: A printed document includes a data structure encoded on a surface of at least one page of the document, the data structure comprising a plurality of block data regions. Each block data region includes: an encoded data region containing data in encoded form; a plurality of clock mark structures located on mutually opposite sides of the encoded data region; and a target structure located adjacent the clock mark structure. Each of the block data regions further includes an orientation data structure indicative of an orientation of the data structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Patent number: 7234646
    Abstract: A hot-water supply system heats water through heat exchange between high-temperature refrigerant of a heat pump circuit and water of a water circulating circuit. The system is an instantaneous water heater unit for instantaneously heating, at a water heat exchanger, water supplied through a water supply pipe and supplying hot water to a using end unit. Therefore, a large-capacity hot-water storage tank is not needed. Sufficient heat of condensation to heat water can not be produced, because pressure conditions of the heat pump circuit is not stabilized just after the start of operation. Therefore, during a short period of rising time, hot water stored in a hot-water supply tank and water from the water heat exchanger are mixed and the mixture is supplied to keep the hot water at a preset temperature. Therefore, it is possible to use a smaller hot-water supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Appliances, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichi Saitoh, Masahiko Gommori, Hiroshi Kogure, Haruko Ashida, Takeo Ozawa, Tetsunobu Okamura
  • Patent number: 7234647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a damping means for damping acoustic vibrations on rails. This damping means is, in particular, a body made of plastics and ferrous materials. The damping means is characterized by a chamber filling body, which consists of a thermoplastic and of metal constituents finely dispersed therein and is produced by extrusion or injection molding, whereby the density of the body is >2.4 g/cm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Wirthwein AG
    Inventors: Udo Wirthwein, Otto Kaulbersch, Dirk Vorderbrück
  • Patent number: 7234648
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a volatile substance-controlling composition comprising: a) a sorbent have a plurality of surfaces; and b) a fragrance component comprising at least one PRM, wherein said fragrance component is impregnated onto said surfaces of said sorbent and wherein in the presence of one or more volatile substances said fragrance component is released from said sorbent and said volatile substances are adsorbed by said sorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruce Ernest Tepper, Ravindra Ranatunga, Victor Nicholas Vega, Ramon Andres Urteaga
  • Patent number: 7234649
    Abstract: A spraying apparatus for spraying liquid surface treatment material which includes a gas inlet, a liquid inlet and an outlet nozzle. The apparatus also has a needle valve for regulating the supply of surface treatment material to the nozzle. The needle valve is at least partially located within a gas outlet chamber and is adapted so as to cause minimal disruption to the gas flow from the gas inlet to the nozzle. To further aid gas flow efficiency, the gas supply passage is substantially straight, the outlet chamber has a laterally outwardly tapering inlet and an inwardly tapering outlet and a smooth radius of curvature from the gas supply passage into the outlet chamber. There is also provided a control means for controlling the axial movement of the needle valve, the control means being provided with indicator means so as to provide an accurate, repeatable control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: G. Vincent Limited
    Inventor: George Walter Robinson
  • Patent number: 7234650
    Abstract: A three-way valve having a valve chamber with a low-pressure port, a high-pressure port, and a control port is provided. The three-way valve also has a control valve installed in the valve chamber for closing one of the low-pressure port and the high-pressure port. A guide hole communicates with the valve chamber via the high-pressure port. A guide portion is slidably installed in the guide hole and moves together with the control valve. The guide portion further receives a fuel pressure at the high-pressure port in a closing direction of the high-pressure port. The control valve is driven by a piezoelectric actuator to open the low-pressure port and close the high-pressure port. The valve chamber communicates with an oil-accumulating chamber via a by-pass conduit. The oil-accumulating chamber is defined within the guide hole and is located opposite the guide portion from the valve chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Kuroyanagi, Koichi Chika
  • Patent number: 7234651
    Abstract: An improved irrigation spray head for use with pressurized water to produce a generally 360° spray pattern is provided. The spray head has a first channel that provides a water flow path in a generally vertical direction from the distal end of the spray head body to a main exit port. The spray head body includes a cavity having a geometry that, along with the first channel and the main exit port designs, causes the pressurized water to disperse radially outward away from the spray head body in the generally 360° spray pattern. A plurality of secondary channels provides secondary water flow paths from a plurality of interior ports in the cavity to a plurality of sidewall exit ports. The secondary channels result in a water flow out of the sidewall ports at a reduced water velocity thereby providing enhanced, close-in irrigation coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Ali R. Mousavi, Rahul R. Yarala
  • Patent number: 7234652
    Abstract: The present invention is a double curved surface deflector system for rotary sprinklers providing for a 360-degree rotation using both clockwise and counterclockwise movements. A spray coupler directs water in forward and rear directions. The forward direction is deflected by an inward facing deflector that directs the water across a curved surface projects the water in the reverse direction with an adjustable water elevator for extended lift. After the sprinkler head rotates until the selector hits an adjustable stop, the inward facing deflector then pivots the sprinkler head in the opposite direction for the remainder of the coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Rodeman
  • Patent number: 7234653
    Abstract: A portable misting system having a pump that is at least partially submersed in a fluid. The partial submersion of the pump enables the pump to move fluid through a supply hose to a plurality of misting nozzles. In one embodiment, the misting system includes a receptacle configured to receive and store a fluid. The pump is coupled to the receptacle so as to be at least partially submersed in the fluid contained therein. In another embodiment, the misting system includes a receptacle in fluid communication with a pump chamber. The pump is partially disposed within the pump chamber so as to be at least partially submersed in the fluid contained in the pump chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Bruce B. Powell, Mark W. Platt
  • Patent number: 7234654
    Abstract: A fuel injector, in particular for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, having a valve-closure member which cooperates with a valve-seat surface formed on a valve-seat body, to form a sealing seat, includes at least one spray-discharge orifice provided downstream from the sealing seat. The spray-discharge orifice has a guide region and an exit region arranged at its discharge-side end. The exit region widens in a stepped manner by at least one first step and/or at least in part continuously beginning with a transition from the guide region into the exit region. A fuel jet which emerges from the guide region at the transition and widens essentially uniformly at a jet angle, passes a discharge-side end of the exit region with a gap dimension of a gap after a distance s, the gap dimension being greater than zero and a first volume remaining in the exit region between the fuel jet and the inner walls of the exit region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Holzgrefe, Stefan Arndt
  • Patent number: 7234655
    Abstract: A travel control device of a self-propelled recycle machine includes: a mode selection means 25 adapted to select a work mode and a travel mode; a travel operation means for operating a drive of a base carrier, and a controller for controlling drives of the base carrier and a crusher or a soil improvement machine, the controller including: a mode judging means 611 for judging a mode selected by the mode selection means; a travel operation signal detecting means 613 for detecting a travel operation signal from the travel operation means; and a work mode control means 614 for controlling the drive of the base carrier, when it is judged that the work mode is selected and when the travel operation signal is detected, based on the travel operation signal while driving the crusher or the soil improvement machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Umeda, Noriyuki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7234656
    Abstract: A paper shredder paper feed mechanism, characterized in having a paper insert opening structured from two movable paper feed tubes, which are configured above paper shredding cutters. Two ends of each of the paper feed tubes are respectively positioned in W-shaped embed grooves of positioning plates of a frame. The two paper feed tubes are ordinarily closed together, thereby enhancing safety and preventing dust and miscellaneous objects from falling into the paper shredder. When paper is inserted into the paper insert opening, the thickness of the paper opens the two paper feed tubes, thereby guiding the paper smoothly guided into the paper shredding cutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Emily Lo
  • Patent number: 7234657
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump of the chopper type is disclosed which is structured with a chopper plate and impeller that are configured with an open eye or “hubless” arrangement such that processing of solids through the pump does not result in clogging of solids at or near the center of the impeller, thereby producing a dead zone. Because the configuration of the chopper pump of the present invention avoids the development of a central dead zone or clogging of solids, and provides for flow of solids and fluid through the eye of the impeller, pump efficiencies are markedly improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Envirotech Pumpsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon R. Doering, James C. Harmon, James G. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7234658
    Abstract: A pepper mill including a hollow body having a through hole formed thereon, a clockwisely and counterclockwisely rotatable transmission unit mounted therein, and a grinding device mounted therein corresponding to the transmission unit. There is a base including a pivot having a free end inserted into the hollow body via the through hole and fixedly coupled to the transmission unit to enable the base and the hollow body to be pivotally rotatable, whereby the transmission unit is driven to perform a grinding action on the grinding device clockwisely and counterclockwisely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Tung Hsien Lee
  • Patent number: 7234659
    Abstract: An automatically swiveling crushing apparatus has a swiveling motor in a bracket, and branches diverged from charging and discharging paths that constitute the hydraulic piping leading to a cylinder for closing or opening distal crushing arms. One of the branches extends from one of the paths then operating to open the end arms, so that a portion of the hydraulic fluid is fed to the hydraulic motor if and when internal pressure in this branch has exceeded an upper limit. The other branch extends from the other path leading to the cylinder so as to close the end arms, and this branch prevents any amount of hydraulic fluid from flowing back to the motor. The branches render dispensable a discrete or independent hydraulic piping in a self-propelled platform having a proximal working arm to be connected to the apparatus, saving cost and labor in connecting this arm to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Okada Aiyon
    Inventors: Tetsurou Torihara, Naoto Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 7234660
    Abstract: A braking member includes a body member and first and second interposed members. The first and second interposed members are detachably/reattachably mounted between a mounting groove and the body member. A braking force of the braking member is configured to be adjusted by attaching/detaching first and second projection members to/from first and second concave portions that are formed in a mounting groove so that the first and second projection members can contact the inner peripheral sides of the first and second interposed members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Keigo Kitajima, Hirokazu Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 7234661
    Abstract: A drag adjustment device for a dual-bearing reel that adjusts the drag force of a lever drag mechanism includes a drag adjustment lever, an intermediate positioning mechanism and a drag adjustment sounding mechanism. The drag adjustment lever is pivotably attached to the reel unit about a spool shaft between a free position corresponding to a drag free state and a maximum position corresponding to a maximum drag state of the lever drag mechanism. The intermediate positioning mechanism includes a positioning block that is attached to the reel unit at the intermediate position between the free position and the maximum position so as to be able to advance or retreat. The positioning block contacts the drag adjustment lever to position the drag adjustment lever at the intermediate position. The drag adjustment sounding mechanism sounds in response to the pivoting of the drag adjustment lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Hirayama, Masakazu Iwabuchi
  • Patent number: 7234662
    Abstract: A recording-tape cartridge including a case accommodating a reel; a mounting portion formed at the case, at which guide-wall portions and locking members capable of positioning at vertical-movement-locking-position and vertical-movement-allowing-position are provided; a switching member for switching the locking members between the vertical-movement-locking-position and the vertical-movement-allowing-position, guide portions inserted between the guide wall portions to guide the switching member; an urging-member; and a disengagement-prevention-member, in which draft angles of the guide portions and the guide-wall portions ?0.5°, respectively, and at the vertical movement-allowing-position, a clearance between a tip outside-surface of the guide portion and an inside-surface of the guide wall portion?a clearance between a tip inside-surface of the guide wall portion and the outside-surface of the guide portion, and the maximum clearance is set between 0.05-0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Hiraguchi
  • Patent number: 7234663
    Abstract: A launch vehicle payload fairing incorporating hollow cavities filled with an aerated fluid for the reduction of acoustic noise during launch. The fairing may also include a fluid ejection system for subsequent weight reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: John E. Higgins
  • Patent number: 7234664
    Abstract: A draw spring linkage includes a hollow rod formed with a shoulder structure at the first end of the rod and with a slot that extends longitudinally of the rod and is located between the shoulder structure and the second end of the hollow rod. A tongue member includes an attachment portion and a stem that projects from the attachment portion. The stem fits slidingly in the interior space of the hollow rod and is formed with a slot that is aligned with the slot in the hollow rod. A key extends through the slot in the tongue member and the slot in the hollow rod and projects laterally from the hollow rod. A hollow cylindrical spring is threaded by the hollow rod. The first end of the spring engages the shoulder structure, the second end of the spring engages the key, and the spring is held under compression between the shoulder structure and the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Brent W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7234665
    Abstract: A snow ski tow bar adapts a prior art aircraft tow bar for attachment to a landing gear of an aircraft to which a snow ski has been attached. The snow ski tow bar modifies an existing tow bar with a second set of connectors that adapt the snow ski tow bar for connection to the landing gear of the aircraft having the snow ski. In addition, the existing wheels of the prior art tow bar are replaced with a second set of wheels that are spaced outwardly from the original wheels. This positions the second set of wheels on the snow ski tow bar where they are extended outside the lateral width of the snow ski on the landing gear. The second set of wheels support the tow bar in a position above the snow ski with the second set of tow bar connectors connected to the aircraft landing gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth R. MacGregor, Andrew R. Zimmerle
  • Patent number: 7234666
    Abstract: A storage bin system for holding luggage or the like has an upper shroud portion secured to a supporting structure and a cooperating lower bucket defining a storage space for items. The lower bucket pivots downwardly to open and has a curved front face with curved inner and outer surfaces. A latch handle is centrally mounted in the front surface and operatively connected to a latch operating mechanism secured to the inner surface. A flat bottom plate is removably mounted on the curved inners surface, covering the latch operating mechanism to from a flat surface to support items inserted into the storage space. A number of the storage bin systems are mounted on opposite sides of a passenger cabin of a single aisle aircraft to provide a cleaner, open passenger cabin look.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Keith H. Novak, Roberto T Valdez, Brent C Walton
  • Patent number: 7234667
    Abstract: This invention relates to the design of a Modular Aerospace Plane (MAP) comprising a forward fuselage section, a main wing section, a tail section and wing attachments. Various sections can be integrated to offer a variety of aircraft characteristics, performance and missions. This modular design offers a new method of aircraft fabrication, maintenance, repair and ground handling to reduce costs for the manufacturers, owners and operators. The forward fuselage and tail sections may utilize a parachute device whereby these sections can separate in an emergency and safely lower the occupants to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Robert N. Talmage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7234668
    Abstract: A method of forming a structural airframe component for an aircraft and an airframe structural component are provided. The method includes placing at least two components (1,2) in abutting relationship with each other and joining them together by friction stir butt welding (3), and the structural airframe component comprises a component manufactured according to the method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus UK Limited
    Inventors: Tim Wollaston, Richard Pedwell, Paul Bush
  • Patent number: 7234669
    Abstract: A compression-type drop wire clamp assembly for use in suspending and directing cables and wires relative to supporting structures, such as a poles or buildings, is provided. More specifically, the improved drop wire clamp assembly is designed for use in suspending and directing sensitive cables and wires, such as fiber optic cables and wires. The drop wire clamp assembly includes a tapered housing, a mating tapered slide assembly, a hanger portion for securing the assembly to the supporting structure, and a shim. The housing and the shim each include a longitudinal groove, as well as gripping surfaces. The fiber optic cable, or other electrical cable, is sandwiched between the housing and the shim within the longitudinal grooves of the housing and shim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Senior Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7234670
    Abstract: A mounting device for supplying both high and low voltage services in an outdoor setting. One end of the mounting device is adapted to be anchored securely in the ground. A post extending from the ground includes a first electrical box for housing high voltage electrical connections and devices and a second electrical box for housing low voltage connections and devices. If desired by the installer, the mounting device can be configured to provide a single electrical box, which can include either high or low voltage. The top of the mounting device is adapted to accept a light fixture. The ground-anchored portion of the mounting device includes a large entryway to allow a large passageway for lead in of electrical cables. Integral projections extending from the mounting device enable secure anchoring to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gretz, John Ofcharsky
  • Patent number: 7234671
    Abstract: An adjustable wreath hanger, preferably made of molded plastic, is disclosed herein that preferably comprises a hanger strip attachable to the top of a door or other object and a hook strip that slidably engages the hanger strip to permit selective variation of the distance between a rearwardly facing door hook and a forwardly facing wreath hook. The hanger strip preferably comprises a plurality of forwardly facing detent members into which a tooth projecting rearwardly from an engagement tab on the hook strip can be selectively engaged or disengaged to vary the relative positions of the two strips, thereby effectively elongating the length of the wreath hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Emerald Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew G. Avinger
  • Patent number: 7234672
    Abstract: A retractable hanger comprising a base member which has recessed mounted therein a hook. The base member is adapted to be securely mounted on the exterior structure with the base member being recessed within the exterior structure. The hook is capable of pivotable movement between a retracted position and an extended position. When in the extended position, the hook is capable of having articles hung thereon. A spring connects to the hook that exerts a bias on the hook to move the hook from the extended position to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Lana M. Osterholt, Gerald R. Osterholt
  • Patent number: 7234673
    Abstract: A container holding unit includes a wall mountable bracket and a drip container bracket. The wall mountable bracket includes a mounting portion, a container holding portion extending from the mounting portion configured to substantially surround a portion of a container while allowing a dispensing tip of a container to pass through, and a plurality of container engaging slats extending inward from the container holding portion. The drip container bracket includes a back section configured to engage the wall mountable bracket and a drip container extending from a bottom of the back section. The drip container further includes a depression formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Salus Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Graneto, III
  • Patent number: 7234674
    Abstract: The instant invention provides an adjustable mechanism for a fixture having a fixture frame, a plurality of hanger bars, and an aperture ring. An adjustment assembly slidably connects the fixture frame, the plurality of hanger bars, and the aperture ring. The adjustment assembly allows independent vertical adjustment of hanger bars, fixture frame and aperture ring for various installation variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group, LLC
    Inventors: Graham Rippel, Kenneth Czech, Gene Sartini
  • Patent number: 7234675
    Abstract: A vertical guide unit is built in modular construction in which a wedge guideway member has raceway grooves cut directly in guideway member while a slider fits over the guideway member for relative movement in a sliding manner. The guideway member has an upper surface extending slantwise with respect to a horizontal lower surface and the raceway grooves are cut slantwise on at least widthwise opposing sides near the upper surface of the guideway member. The slider is recessed at the middle thereof to have widthwise opposing wings to fit over the guideway member for sliding movement. The vertical guide unit is built in between a bed and a table to provide a stage system in which the table is allowed to go up and down as the slider moves in and out relatively to the guideway member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoaki Ueno
  • Patent number: 7234676
    Abstract: An elevating module for a projection apparatus is provided. The elevating module includes a base, a movable leg, a first elastomer, a decelerating module and a fixing component. The base is connected to the projection apparatus and has a slide way, an accommodating space and an opening. The accommodating space is disposed in the base and connected to the opening disposed at one end of the base. The slide way is disposed on one sidewall of the base and connected to the accommodating space. The movable leg penetrates the opening of the base and accommodates within the accommodating space. The first elastomer is connected to the base and the movable leg that can protrude from the opening of the base through the first elastomer. The deceleration module is disposed on the base and connected the movable leg. The fixing component is fixing the base to the movable leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Shou-Chih Chen, Sea-Huang Lee
  • Patent number: 7234677
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pinch clamp that includes a support leg member and a coupling leg member, which are interconnected by a curved portion, and a generally upwardly extending anchor portion having at least one anchoring flange located at the distal end of the anchor portion. The pinch clamp also contains at least one tabular member which extends outward from the anchor portion, which facilitates opening of the pinch clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Z-Man Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald Bernard Zerfas
  • Patent number: 7234678
    Abstract: A limit switch 6 is placed on an end portion of the trip rod 4, which converts the mechanical deviation of the trip rod 4 into an electrical signal. The electrical signal from the limit switch 6 is transmitted to quick acting solenoid valves placed in a drive unit for a steam valve via a sequence circuit device, and then the steam valve is closed. Accordingly, an equipment structure can be simplified and reliability can be improved as compared to conventional arts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Osamu Shindo, Kazuhito Shinoda
  • Patent number: 7234679
    Abstract: A gate valve has a transfer chamber-side valve element and a process chamber-side valve element connected to a single shaft. A rotary latch pivotably supported on an inner surface of one of the valve element with the rotary latch having a latch surface at a forward end thereof, wherein when a rotational force is applied to the rotary latch in one direction, the latch surface is pressed against a joint surface of the single shaft, whereby the valve element is latched to said single shaft, and when a rotational force is applied to the rotary latch in the opposite direction, the latch surface is separated from the joint surface of the single shaft to unlatch the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneo Ishigaki
  • Patent number: 7234680
    Abstract: A combined valve-regulator apparatus, for safely regulating the flow of combustible gases such as oxygen. A compressible o-ring is used to provide controllable sealed seating of the valve and regulator during operation. A system is provided in the valve-regulator apparatus for venting the o-ring seat elements, to minimize undesirable ballooning or extrusion otherwise resulting from dynamic pressures and changing forces due to rapid gas flows through the regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Wendell Hull, Barry E. Newton
  • Patent number: 7234681
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solenoid valve having a coil, a magnet core, an armature, a yoke tube, a pole piece and a valve housing. The sealing and connection between the pole piece and the coil and/or the pole piece and the valve housing is effected by means of respective clamp-cutting edge connections each having a nose-like projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Nass magnet GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Hiddessen, Roy Diers, Jan-Peter Ossenbrügge, Werner Leuschner
  • Patent number: 7234682
    Abstract: The invention provides a ball valve excelling in economy due to the efforts devoted to the reduction of cost, enjoying light weight and high reliability, manifesting high and uniform accuracy, and enabling manufacture of compact finished products having a small interface dimension, and provides a method for the production of the ball valve. The ball valve includes a body formed from a pipe having a predetermined length by subjecting opposite terminal parts (ends) of the pipe to a plastic processing including flaring and diametrical contraction. The body has at a central position a seat-shaping part (seat) formed with a stem-inserting hole, a stem inserted into the stem-inserting hole, a ball disposed non-rotatably at a lower terminal of the stem, and a pair of inserting members having an annular shape forced into the body from opposite terminals of the body. Opposite terminal faces of the body are compression-formed so that the pair of inserting members receive and support the ball rotatably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Kitz Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeo Kitazawa, Chikashi Gomi
  • Patent number: 7234683
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric rescue tool, comprising: a frame (9); a pair of claws (3a, 3b) mounted movably on the flame; a hydraulic drive cylinder (20) received in the frame; a hydraulic pump (11) fixed to the frame; an electric motor (10) fixed to the frame for driving the hydraulic pump; a control unit (19) for controlling the electrical energy to the electric motor and for controlling valves (23) placed between the hydraulic pump and the drive cylinder, a housing (24, 29); and coupling mechanism for coupling a battery (6) to the electric control unit, wherein the coupling mechanism are adapted to couple a battery placed on the housing to the control unit, whereby the battery can be easily gripped by the person operating the electric rescue tool; the person can grasp the battery with one hand, release and place it for instance in a coat pocket, and then take a fresh battery out of another coat pocket with the same hand and place it on the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: B.V. Holmatro Industrial Equipment
    Inventor: Christiaan Arnold Schutz
  • Patent number: 7234684
    Abstract: A hoisting device, especially a cable or chain block, with a hoisting transmission having at least one shaft and with a hoisting load measuring mechanism. In order to determine the hoisting load as accurately as possible and possibly independent of the reeving and without additional structural height, the hoisting load has at least one sensor for detecting the deformation of the shaft produced by the hoisting load and the detected deformation is used as a quantity in determining the hoisting load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Kohlenberg, Franz Schulte
  • Patent number: 7234685
    Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering an article includes a tube, a motor coupled to the tube for rotating the tube, a plurality of cables secured to the tube and to the article in spaced relation to each other, and a cable indexer synchronously coupled with the tube for indexing the plurality of cables along the tube as the plurality of cables are wound on the tube to wind the plurality of cables on the tube uniformly with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Paul J. Britten
  • Patent number: 7234686
    Abstract: A failsafe device for raising/lowering articles includes a frame and a fastener for attaching the frame to a ceiling or wall to elevated an article above the floor. A pulley or sheave is mounted on the frame about a substantially horizontal axis when the frame is mounted on the ceiling or wall. A line is entrained over the pulley and has a substantially vertical lifting line portion attachable to the article to the lifted and a substantially vertical pulling line portion arranged to be pulled downwardly by a user to elevate the article and raised upwardly to lower the article. A cam is mounted on the frame on one side of the pulling line portion and has a line engaging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Stone, Anton P. Vasyukevich
  • Patent number: 7234687
    Abstract: A block used to space guardrails from support posts. The positioning or spacer block is a generally rectangular block having corded-out cavities to reduce weight and tabs or projections for cooperatively engaging the sides and top of a support post as well as the edges of the guardrail during roadway safety barrier system installation. Webbing within one or more of the cavities is used for additional structural support. The spacer block may be formed by low-pressure injection molding to optimize the strength to weight characteristics of the spacer block. The spacer block is formed from virgin and/or recycled plastic material and/or includes virgin or recycled rubber material, such as that obtained from the regrind of used tires, and/or another elastomeric materials from other sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: K.E.S.S. Inc.
    Inventor: David T. King
  • Patent number: 7234688
    Abstract: A fence pole clip, comprising two clip sections, the sections having portions configured to conformingly attach to two fence poles, and means swingably interconnecting the sections between the end portions, whereby the sections can be relatively swung to allow positioning of the two clip sections and portions adjacent one of the poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Christopher J. Asenbauer
  • Patent number: 7234689
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in clamping a structure at its edge, the structure having opposed surfaces, the apparatus comprising a stanchion, a first clamping assembly attached to the stanchion and a second clamping assembly selectively slidably moveable longitudinally along the stanchion, the second clamping assembly including a support plate extending laterally outward in a direction away from the stanchion, the support plate being positioned closely adjacent one of the opposed surfaces of the structure when the structure is clamped between the first and second clamping assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Safety Maker, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer Kuenzel
  • Patent number: 7234690
    Abstract: A humidifier (10) is disclosed having a top portion (11), a middle portion (12) and a bottom portion (13). The middle portion is essentially a water tank which provides water to be used in humidification. The bottom portion has a floor (41) and side walls (42) extending from the floor to form a tub (43) having a select height (SH1). The bottom portion is configured so that should water be uncontrollably released from the middle portion, the water level within the middle portion (MPEWL) will reach an equilibrium level with the catastrophic water lever (CEWL) within the bottom portion below the selected height of the bottom portion (SH1). When the middle portion water lever (MPEWL) reaches the same height or equilibrium lever with the bottom portion catastrophic water lever (CEWL) the flow of water from the middle portion will cease. As this equilibrium level is below the select height of the bottom portion (SH1) the water will be fully captured and will not overflow onto the underlying floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventors: Glennbruce S. Campbell, Larry S. Bias
  • Patent number: 7234691
    Abstract: An assembly of trays in a divided wall column having an inner column wall, a dividing wall, and an interior space includes: a first tray having at least one radial downcomer adjacent the dividing wall and extending radially toward the inner column wall a first substantial distance, and a first liquid receiving area having a radial axis at a first angle to the dividing wall and extending radially toward the inner column wall a second substantial distance; and a second tray below the first tray, the second tray having at least one other downcomer having a radial axis at a second angle to the dividing wall and extending radially toward the inner column wall a third substantial distance, and at least one second liquid receiving area adjacent the dividing wall and extending radially toward the inner column wall a fourth substantial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth William Kovak
  • Patent number: 7234692
    Abstract: A column tray assembly includes a tray having passages formed therein. The tray is a multifunction tray and is configured to receiving appropriate superstructures which can be selected according to the respective use of the assembly. Superstructures which communicate with the passages are mounted to the tray. The superstructures have gas penetration holes embedded in such way that, when the superstructures are mounted to the tray, the orifices of the gas penetration holes extend in a perpendicular manner in relation to the tray. The tray and the superstructures are formed from the same or different corrosion-resistant materials or combination of materials. The tray may also be provided with smaller holes for the discharge of liquid, into which holes distributor cups, or the like are inserted. These smaller holes may be closed for specific purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: QVF Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Gottfried Dichtl, Ulrich Walter
  • Patent number: 7234693
    Abstract: Bearing for a motor vehicle, with an inner part 1 with an outer surface 7 having a first undulated contour 10 extending in a longitudinal direction L, an outer sleeve 2 surrounding the inner part 1 and having an inner surface 11 with a second undulated contour 14 extending in the longitudinal direction L, an undulated elastomer body 6 disposed between the two corrugated contours 10, 14 and extending in the longitudinal direction L. The elastomer body 6 connects the inner part 1 with the outer sleeve 2. The two undulated contours 10, 14 do not run equidistant relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schnaars, Karl Heuer
  • Patent number: 7234694
    Abstract: A saddle stitcher for producing personalized saddle stitched brochures includes a stitching station, at least two folded sheet feeders for the feeding of nonpersonalized folded sheets, an assembly chain, a drive system, and at least two card gluers arranged along the assembly chain which glue personalized printed matter onto the nonpersonalized folded sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lutz Richter, Andreas Steinert