Patents Issued in July 24, 2007
  • Patent number: 7246664
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the single phase integrity of a deep well formation sample that is removed to the surface comprises a vacuum jacket insulated single working cylinder divided by two free pistons into three variable volume chambers. The intermediate chamber is pre-charged with a fixed quantity of high pressure gas. Wellbore fluid freely admitted to one end chamber bears against one free piston to further compress the gas. The formation sample is pumped into the other end chamber to first, displace the wellbore fluid from the first end chamber and, sequentially, to further compress the gas to preserve the sample phase state upon removal to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Houman M. Shammai, John M. Michaels, James T. Cernooek, Michael J. Moody, Phillip Wills
  • Patent number: 7246665
    Abstract: The present invention relates to settable compositions that comprise magnesium oxide and at least one divalent salt and associated methods of use. In some embodiments, the present invention discloses methods of a forming a hardened mass comprising providing a settable composition comprising magnesium oxide, and a brine comprising water and a divalent salt; placing the settable composition into a desired location; and allowing the settable composition to set to form the hardened mass. In other embodiments, the present invention discloses methods of forming a hardened mass in a subterranean formation comprising placing a brine comprising water and a divalent salt into the subterranean formation; contacting the brine with magnesium oxide; and allowing the brine and the magnesium oxide to react to form the hardened mass. In other embodiments, the present invention discloses methods forming a casing in a well bore, and converting a drilling fluid to a settable composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen W. Almond, Ryan M. Foster
  • Patent number: 7246666
    Abstract: A mount for a bonnet of a blowout preventer includes at least one support member coupled to a body of the blowout preventer, and a bonnet mounting member moveably coupled to the at least one support member and adapted to move substantially normal to a face of the body of the blowout preventer, wherein the bonnet is coupled to the bonnet mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hydril Company LP
    Inventors: Edward Ryan Hemphill, Michael Wayne Berckenhoff, William L. Carbaugh
  • Patent number: 7246667
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, Richard Carl Haut, Lev Ring, Thomas Patrick Grant, III, Edwin Arnold Zwald, Jr., Andrei Gregory Filippov
  • Patent number: 7246668
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a downhole valve for selectively sealing a bore. The downhole valve generally includes a closing member for seating in and closing the bore, and a pressure-actuated, retention member having first and second opposed piston surfaces for initially holding the valve in an open position but, in the event of a pressure differential between the piston surfaces, permits the closing member to operate and close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Roddie R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7246669
    Abstract: A sod cutting device containing aspects of the present invention contains an angled blade having a vertical cutting edge and a horizontal cutting edge. The angled blade is secured to a body member that in turn is movably affixed to a vehicle. Such a device may be used for cutting and trimming of grass sod around trees, hedges, gardens and elsewhere where it is desired to obtain a well-defined grass lawn edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Malcolm Cammack
  • Patent number: 7246670
    Abstract: A work vehicle with a hydrostatic steering system is disclosed which is capable of performing optimum control of the absorption torque of a hydraulic pump according to running load; capable of preferentially ensuring turning performance and implement speed when running load is relatively low; and capable of ensuring desired turning performance even when running load is relatively high. To this end, a bulldozer with a hydrostatic steering system, wherein the power of a hydraulic motor driven by pressure oil fed from a hydraulic pump operated by an engine is transmitted to right and left crawler tracks through a differential steering means composed of planetary gear trains etc., is designed to control the absorption torque of the hydraulic pump according to the speed ratio of a torque converter calculated by a speed ratio operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Hayashi, Mitsuaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7246671
    Abstract: A transportation vehicle and methods for transporting persons, robots or cargo, and more particularly motorized vehicles, and methods for transporting over surfaces, including surfaces such as floors, roads, paths and sidewalks, and surfaces having obstacles or inclined surfaces and for enabling the ascending or descending of stairs without tilting while supporting a user or a load on a frame. The vehicle uses horizontal extending and retracting rods and vertical extending and retracting rods to pass over an obstacle or ascend or descend stairs. The horizontal extending and retracting rods are used as mechanisms to move the first set of ground contacting modules located to the fore of the vehicle or the last set of ground contacting modules located to the aft of the vehicle in a fore-aft plane to pass over an obstacle or to position the first set or last set of ground contacting modules upon a stair to be used for ascending and descending stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Goren, Jeremy E. Goren
  • Patent number: 7246672
    Abstract: A hybrid-vehicle power train connected to an engine comprises a motor, a CVT unit, a planetary gear unit having at least two input elements, namely, first and second input elements and an output element, a first clutch for engaging/disengaging the first input element with/from a final shaft of the power train, and a second clutch for engaging/disengaging the output element with/from the final shaft of the power train. An input shaft of the CVT unit is connected to the engine and is drivingly connected to the second input element. An output shaft of the CVT unit is connected to the first input element. The motor is connected to the output shaft of the CVT unit. According this configuration, motor torque is amplified and transmitted to the final shaft when the first clutch is engaged, while motor torque is transmit directly to the final shaft when the second clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushikikaisha Equos Research
    Inventors: Hisanori Shirai, Masahiro Hasebe
  • Patent number: 7246673
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine and an electric motor in parallel hybrid combination. The engine includes a plurality of cylinders and a plurality of selectively deactivatable cylinder intake and exhaust valves so that every cylinder in the engine is characterized by an inoperative condition in which corresponding intake and exhaust valves remain in a closed position irrespective of crankshaft rotation. A controller is operatively connected to the valves and configured to advantageously control the valves and render cylinders inoperative. The powertrain enables the rotor of the motor to be continuously operatively connected to the crankshaft of the engine for unitary rotation therewith. The powertrain is preferably characterized by integrated friction launch wherein an active torque-transmitting mechanism controls vehicle launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hamid Vahabzadeh, Peter J. Savagian
  • Patent number: 7246674
    Abstract: A assembly support (33) of a front end of a motor vehicle is proposed, having at least one cooling module (1) which is detachably fixed to the assembly support (33) by means of at least two connecting points (9, 15; 11, 13). The assembly support (33) is characterized in that one of the connecting points (9; 11) is embodied as a pivot bearing (17; 19), and in that the other of the connecting points (13; 15) is embodied as a clip connection (21; 23). In addition, a method for detachably fixing a cooling module (1) to a assembly support (33) of a front end of a motor vehicle is proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: Behr GmbH & Co. KG, Hella-Behr Fahrzeugsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Andritter, Stefan Schmidgall, Hans Schlingmann, Ralf Schmidt, Reinhold Brückner, Dirk Kersting, Andreas Fischer, Martin Gehring, Horst Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 7246675
    Abstract: A method relieves the burden of a driver of a motor vehicle in which the drive train is provided with a gearbox which can be operated in an automatic mode and a manual mode. The method comprises the following automatic steps: a) detection whether the speed of the vehicle should be adjusted, b) initiation of the adjustment if necessary, and c) the carrying out of the adjustment. During step b) and/or step c) it is determined on one or several occasions whether the gearbox is operating in an automatic mode or in a manual mode in order to trigger a change into the automatic mode of the gearbox if the gearbox is operated in the manual mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Lankes, Stephan Pindl
  • Patent number: 7246676
    Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle having a window actuator connected to a window system of the vehicle for moving a window to an open position, a door lock actuator connected to a door lock system of the vehicle for moving the door lock system to the unlocked position, a seat belt actuator connected to a seat belt release connector for disengaging the release connector from a first connector of a seat belt system, and a trigger in operational connection with the actuator. Wherein when the trigger is operated the system is substantially simultaneously actuated moving the window to the open position, moving the door lock system to the unlocked position, and disengaging the release connector from the first connector of the seat belt system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Maria Dolores Cantu
  • Patent number: 7246677
    Abstract: A safety arrangement (1) is located beneath the hood or bonnet (3) of a motor vehicle and includes an inflatable element (8) which is formed of a plastically deformable material. A gas generator (14) supplies gas to inflate the element (8) in response to a signal from a sensor (18) which is responsive to impact with a pedestrian. The gas generator (14) passes gas to a chamber (15), and thus through a relatively small aperture (16) to inflate the element (8) with a gradual inflation. If a pedestrian strikes the bonnet, the pedestrian will not deform the bonnet and then be arrested by impact with an engine block or the like, and also the plastically deformable element (8) will deform to absorb energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Rikard Fredriksson, Yngve H{dot over (a)}land
  • Patent number: 7246678
    Abstract: A satellite sensor assembly includes a plastic sensor housing that is mounted to a vehicle structure comprised of sheet metal. The sensor housing includes a transversely extending tab that is received within an opening formed in the sheet metal. The tab includes a pair of crush ribs that extend along the length of the tab. The ribs deform as the tab is inserted through the opening to achieve an interference fit. The inference fit serves to hold the housing in place until the housing can be separately fastened to the sheet metal with a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew J. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 7246679
    Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes a steering reaction actuator that produces a steering reaction force to be applied to the manual steering unit, a steering reaction force controller that outputs a steering reaction force command value to the steering reaction force actuator, and a road surface input torque detector that detects a road surface input torque inputted to steerable road wheels from a road surface, wherein the steering reaction force controller includes a low cut-off frequency filter that extracts a low frequency component equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency from an output of the road surface input torque detector and sets the steering reaction force command value on the basis of a vehicle driving condition and an output of the low cut-off frequency filter. A vehicle steering method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kasahara, Kazutaka Adachi
  • Patent number: 7246680
    Abstract: A sound dampening assembly adapted to engage an exhaust pipe in an automotive engine exhaust system adjacent an outlet of an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a bottle portion having a single opening and an interior defining a predetermined amount of volume and a neck portion having a first end attached to the opening of the bottle portion and extending from the bottle portion. The neck portion is in fluid communication with the bottle portion interior and includes a second end adapted to be attached to the exhaust pipe. The neck portion has an interior defining a predetermined amount of volume and the bottle portion and the neck portion are sized to attenuate vibration at a predetermined frequency in the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dale F. Osterkamp, Andrew J Kurzawa
  • Patent number: 7246681
    Abstract: A radio frequency (“RF”) shielded and acoustically isolated enclosure that efficiently employs multiple layers of sound insulation and absorbs airborne noise and the noise provided by magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) equipment through the supports of such equipment. The RF enclosure uses multiple layers and types of insulating materials positioned to maximize the noise absorption of the RF enclosure. This reduces the cost and space required by the enclosure. In one embodiment the enclosure includes a ceiling, a floor and a plurality of walls. The ceiling and walls include one or more multiple layers of different insulating materials that either abut each other or form air gaps. In one embodiment the floor includes a heavy metal plate on which the MRI equipment sits. The plate elastically couples to a conductive shield. The elastic coupling attenuates certain frequencies above the natural frequency of the metal sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Imedco AG
    Inventor: Walter J. Christen
  • Patent number: 7246682
    Abstract: An elevator device that is installed on one or more ladders to lift loads from the ground to a desired position on a roof. A base securing device can be added to each of the ladders to insure stability. An outrigger mounted on a user's truck can be employed to further stabilize the ladders. The elevator device includes a ladder attachment assembly to affix the device to a ladder or ladders, a lateral travel section, and a roof top mounting device. A ladder stabilization bracket that affixes the ladder to a parapet or balcony can be employed for additional stability of the device. Several winch mechanisms are utilized to position the device and raise loads. The device can be easily adapted for use on flat roofs with a parapet through the addition of a ladder stabilization bracket. The elevator device can also readily be used on flat roofs without parapets, pitched roofs, and even to load trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Barlow Hatch
  • Patent number: 7246683
    Abstract: A tree stand for hunting includes a frame constructed to stably engage a tree trunk in an elevated position, a seat pivoted to the frame, and a back support pivotally supported by a link mechanism to a telescoping upright of the frame above the seat. Vertical and angular adjustment of the back support allows the hunter to adjust the back support for optimal ergonomic lumbar support and for user preference. Further, the back support and seat can be pivotally adjusted to provide a partial-standing perched position for the hunter. Also, the tree stand can be folded flat for storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Todd A. Pringnitz
  • Patent number: 7246684
    Abstract: A boom lift vehicle includes a tower boom pivotally coupled at one end to a vehicle base for tower lift function and rotatable relative to the vehicle base for swing function. A main boom is pivotally coupled to an opposite end of the tower boom for main lift function. A tower boom elevation angle is defined as a maximum allowable tower boom angle relative to the vehicle base for transport. When the tower boom is below the tower boom elevation angle, the main boom angle relative to gravity is maintained at a set point angle, which is determined as the main boom angle (1) at the start of the swing function or vehicle drive, or (2) at a conclusion of the main lift function when combined with at least one of the swing function or vehicle drive. Additional control of the tower boom is effected when the tower boom is above the tower boom elevation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Jay Bean
  • Patent number: 7246685
    Abstract: A guard for use with a forklift including a carriage and at least one fork coupled to the carriage. The guard includes a first member configured to be coupled to the carriage, a second member configured to be coupled to the carriage opposite the first member, and a fork interface member extending between the first member and the second member. The fork interface member is adapted to adjustably secure the at least one fork relative to the carriage when the at least one fork is only partially coupled with the carriage. Fork racks and systems for removing, replacing, and/or storing forks provide additional advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry C. Tyree
  • Patent number: 7246686
    Abstract: An improved system of variable speed drives that enhances the energy efficiency of an elevator system by enabling power transfer between the variable speed drives of two or more elevators via a common DC bus. Any combination of regenerative and non-regenerative variable speed drives may be used with the present invention. Energy storage devices may be connected to the common DC bus further improve efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Thyssen Elevator Capital Corp.
    Inventors: Rory Smith, Hien T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7246687
    Abstract: A weight compensation system and a method of operating the system for compensating eccentric loading of an elevator car vertically movable in an elevator shaft. The elevator car has spring-mounted rollers engaging guide rails and the system includes sensors detecting a position of the elevator car relative to the guide rails. A control unit is connected to the sensors and a hydraulic compensating system for controlling movement of liquid to compensate for the eccentric loading of the elevator car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Roger Martinelli
  • Patent number: 7246688
    Abstract: An elevator door system includes an elevator car having a front face defining a door opening. At least one elevator door is coupled to the front face of the elevator car for movement between an open position exposing the door opening and a closed position covering the door opening. At least one drive motor is mounted on the front face of the elevator car and is disposed between a lower edge and an upper edge of the elevator car. The drive motor is drivingly coupled to the elevator door for moving the elevator door between the open and the closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Christian G. Tonna, Helmut Schröder-Brumloop, Christoph Durand
  • Patent number: 7246689
    Abstract: An elevator hall call device inductively receives an electrical signal from an interlock wiring circuit by means of a coupling device. The elevator hall call device comprises a capacitive device which stores electrical charge based on the electrical signal received from the interlock wiring circuit by means of the coupling device. Hall call circuitry sends and receives signaling information between at least one elevator controller over the interlock wiring circuit, where the hall call circuitry is coupled to the capacitive device for receiving electrical power based on the stored electrical charge in the capacitive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Thyssen Elevator Capital Corp.
    Inventors: Randolph W. Huff, James A. Nickerson
  • Patent number: 7246690
    Abstract: An adjuster for an air disc brake assembly is used to drive tappet members on opposing sides of a rotating brake disc to adjust brake pad position in response to pad wear. The adjuster includes a one-way clutch that permits the tappet members to be driven for adjustment in a brake apply direction and prevents adjustment in a brake release direction. The adjuster includes an adjuster input shaft, which is actuated by a brake operating shaft, and an adjuster body that supports first and second adjuster members. The one-way clutch couples the adjuster input shaft to the adjuster body such that the first adjuster member drives a first tappet assembly to adjust a first brake pad on one side of the rotating brake disc, and the second adjuster member drives a second tappet assembly to independently adjust a second brake pad on an opposite side of the rotating brake disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Denis John McCann
  • Patent number: 7246691
    Abstract: A fluid friction clutch for a motor vehicle fan comprises at least one rotatably mounted shaft, a drive element firmly mounted on the shaft so as to rotate with it and a driven element rotatably mounted about the axis of the shaft. The drive element and driven element form a coupling region, which accommodates a viscous fluid. A fan member is connected to the outer region of the driven element by means of at least one partially plastic or plastic-encapsulated fixing ring arranged concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kuno Lindauer, Gerold Schultheiss, Rudolf Stoklossa
  • Patent number: 7246692
    Abstract: A dual clutch mechanism includes an input shaft, a first output shaft and a second output shaft. The input shaft is axially spaced from the first and second output shafts, which can allow for a decreased diameter of the dual clutch mechanism. Axially spacing the input shaft from the first and second output shafts also can allow for an increased diameter of the first and second output shafts without necessitating a corresponding increase in the diameter of the dual clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Braford
  • Patent number: 7246693
    Abstract: A piston support housing for a transmission assembly includes a plurality of axially-extending finger portions engaging a plurality of spline portions formed in a corresponding transmission case, and a plurality of friction plates are assembled adjacent the piston support housing such that the finger portions extend circumjacent peripheral edges of the friction plates. The friction plates include a plurality of torque-transmitting spline portions disposed circumferentially intermediate the finger portions. The friction plates also include a plurality of recesses disposed with one adjacent each of the finger portions to preclude contact between the finger portions and the friction plates thereby preventing torque-transmission through the finger portions to the transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick S. Portell, Teodor Mostior
  • Patent number: 7246694
    Abstract: A friction roller (10) includes a support roller (11) and an annular elastic ring (15) which it externally fitted to the support roller (11). The support roller (11) is divided into two portions in a thickness direction, that is, a first divided roller (12) and a second divided roller (13). A flange (127) is formed on one side of the first divided roller (12), and a taper face (128) is formed in an outer peripheral face of the first divided roller (12). A knurling portion (129) is formed in the taper face (128). A flange (136) is formed on one side of the second divided roller (13), and a taper face (137) is formed in an outer peripheral face of the second divided roller (13). A knurling portion (138) is formed in the taper face (137). Meanwhile, taper faces (151, 152) expanding outward are formed in an inner peripheral face of the elastic ring (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasushi Yamahara, Masanori Motoda, Masashi Kimura, Masaharu Sugiura, Akira Ishii, Toshitaka Aoki
  • Patent number: 7246695
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for conveying and orienting multi-diameter plastic closures includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor flights each having a channel configuration. Each conveyor flight includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls which are spaced apart by a distance greater than a portion of the associated closure having a smaller diameter, but by a distance less than a larger diameter of the associated closure. By this arrangement, whereby each conveyor flight is engageable with each of the closures at generally diametrically opposed portions thereof, efficient and consistent handling and orientation of multi-diameter closures is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl E. Zemlin
  • Patent number: 7246696
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming groups of battery plates includes at least first and second plate supply lines each including a separation station and a downstream plate supply. The apparatus further includes a first common plate feed line for the envelopers and a second common plate feed line for the downstream plate supplys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: TBS Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Hopwood, Christopher Stephen Barge, Tobin Lee Knighton
  • Patent number: 7246697
    Abstract: The present invention is a corner section of a conveyor frame assembly that includes removable slide bars and wear strips. The corner section is formed from two side frames of stainless steel joined by multiple stainless steel cross supports. Each of the cross supports is configured to receive a plurality of slide bars formed from a durable plastic material, such as UHMW. The side frames of the corner section also receive a series of support rods positioned to support the lower run of the conveyor belt. Each support rod supports a continuous, lower wear strip and a support puck. The entire corner section can be disassembled and reassembled without the requirement of any external tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Dorner Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Michael A. Hosch, Scott M. Hall, Daniel E. Ertel
  • Patent number: 7246698
    Abstract: A conveyor belt including a plurality of interconnected wire segments forming a conveying surface to convey at least one article from one point to another. The conveying surface has first and second outermost edges. Preferably, each of the plurality of wire segments has open end regions permitting interlocking of adjacent wire elements without subsequent forming or reforming of the end regions. The outermost edges of the conveyor belt are formed to reduce the likelihood of snagging and/or injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Lumsden Flexx Flow, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Peter Farrell
  • Patent number: 7246699
    Abstract: A section of chain for conveying product along a material handling system includes a pin connecting a center link between two side links. The pin may be dialable or selectably positioned at the side links to control and adjust the wear surface of the pin relative to the chain links. The pin may have a rotationally non-symmetrical shaft portion to provide different wear surfaces that engage a center link of the section of chain. The different wear surfaces may be sized and shaped to accommodate wear at the wear surface of the center link. The shaft portion may include a rotationally non-symmetrical ball member or portion on the shaft portion to enhance flexibility of the section of chain. The pin may be dialed to the next position or wear surface in response to an output of a wear measurement device or system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Frost Links, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C Frost, Jonathan M Rathbun, Ryan L Kastamo
  • Patent number: 7246700
    Abstract: A modular conveying assembly for conveying an object. The assembly includes a plurality of chain modules assembled in an edge to edge relation to form a continuous belt. At least one hinge pin joins adjacent chain modules, and pivotally connects the adjacent modules in the direction of belt travel. At least one cradle adjacent at least one of the modules is retained by the at least one pin. A roller is supported by the cradle and, in one embodiment, is engageable with the object to reduce friction between the belt and the object. In one embodiment, the cradle includes a first half including a first hinge element. A second half including a second hinge element is spaced from the first hinge element and defines a space therebetween. A shaft extends between the first and second halves through the space defined by the first and second hinge elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Stebnicki, Dean A. Wieting, Kevin S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7246701
    Abstract: The invention refers to the field of machines for orienting, straightening and aligning plastic vessels such as bottles, and in particular the invention refers to those types of machines that provide for a hopper for randomly loading the bottles that are composed of a cylindrical rotating wall (1) carrying on its external face a plurality of cradles (5) with below-placed discharging channels (8) that are substantially funnel-shaped and a carousel (7) carrying a plurality of separators (9) composing vertical channels of openings (10) in a multiple number of dischargers minus one. The machine provides a mechanical speed gear (50) for changing the speed of the separators-carrying carousel (7) with respect to the speed of the cylindrical rotating wall (1). A mechanical phase change gear (37) is further provided for changing the angular position of the separators-carrying carousel with respect to the cylindrical rotating wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Lanfranchi S.R.L.
    Inventor: Lino Lanfranchi
  • Patent number: 7246702
    Abstract: Apparatus for holding a disk-shape data carrier (6), e.g. a DC or a DVD, having a central aperture, the apparatus comprising a base portion (5), disk engaging means (1, 2, 4) for releaseably engaging the central aperture of the data carrier (6), having retaining means (1) for engaging and retaining the data carrier (6) on the apparatus and release means (2, 4) which, when pressed, releases the engagement of the retaining means (1) with the data carrier (6) so the data carrier (6) can be removed from the apparatus, wherein removable security means (7) are provided to inhibit actuation of the release means (2, 4) to prevent release of the data carrier (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Dubois Limited
    Inventors: Peter Antony Farrar, Anthony Henry Joseph Fraser, Stefan Alexander Pijanowski, Mark Edward Schiek, Stephen Geoffrey Unwin
  • Patent number: 7246703
    Abstract: A packaging system for musical instrument strings comprising: a cylindrical disk-shaped casing comprising a top casing member and a mate-able bottom casing member; and at least one insertable string module, said module comprising a flat disk for supporting a wound string and a rim surrounding the outer periphery of the disk to support and hold the string on to the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: James D'Aquisto
  • Patent number: 7246704
    Abstract: A tool container includes first and second container members rotatably connected to create an inner compartment. Each member has a compartment outer wall and integrally formed perimeter walls. A grid system is created on an inner compartment facing surface adjacent at least one of the compartment outer walls. The grid system includes female receptacles arranged in each of a plurality of rows and columns. Tool packages having at least one male peg member are releasably engaged within selected receptacles providing multiple locations and orientations about the grid system for the tool packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E Brunson, David L Wikle, Jennifer R Ervin
  • Patent number: 7246705
    Abstract: Dunnage for supporting elongated products arranged in layers in storage or shipping containers comprises elongated plastic strips having openings for receiving the goods and also having reinforcing members extending along their undersides which are removably received in dunnage supports attached to the sides of the container. The dunnage supports are so arranged that the reinforcing members are supported out of contact with subjacent and superjacent layers of the products and dunnage. For returnable containers or boxes whose walls are collapsed inwardly over the floor of the box, space may be provided beneath the inwardly folded walls to accommodate the dunnage for return shipment. Wall brackets for supporting opposite ends of the dunnage strips may be shallow and the dunnage provided with flanges for reception between the box walls and the brackets thereby permitting use of shallow brackets allowing the box walls to be folded in bypass relation thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Carroll Packaging
    Inventors: Thomas Richard Kaltz, Jr., Donna Lou Lucas
  • Patent number: 7246706
    Abstract: System and method for modular sorting stations. A sorting station may be subdivided into two or more modular bins. A modular bin may be partitioned into compartments. Each compartment may be configured to receive one order including one or more items. Modular bins may be partitioned into compartments of different sizes to receive orders of different sizes. A modular bin may be removed from a sorting station and conveyed to a packing station for packing or other sorting station to continue sorting. Picked items may be received and sorted for rebinning into the modular bins manually or using an automated sorting mechanism. A control system may direct the sorting and rebinning operation. Modular sorting stations may be located adjacent to packing stations or, alternatively, away from packing stations and, when a modular bin is complete, it may be conveyed to an appropriate packing station for packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Shakes, Nicholas M. Hanssens, Jan Bohlmann, Philipp K. Janert
  • Patent number: 7246707
    Abstract: A slat arrangement for use with an apparatus that removes undesirable pieces from a plurality of pieces based upon size. The slat arrangement comprises a plurality of slats, wherein adjacent slats define a plurality of pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Grimmway Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Black
  • Patent number: 7246708
    Abstract: A cassette (1) for holding and transporting substrates includes a chassis (11), a pair of supporting walls (30) facing each other, a pair of first pivot elements (40), and a pair of second pivot elements (42). The first and second pivot elements are pivotally connected to the chassis and supporting walls, respectively. Each of the supporting walls includes a plurality of supporting members (301) protruding inwardly therefrom. The chassis and the supporting walls define a space for accommodating the substrates on the supporting members. A distance between the supporting walls can be easily adjusted by pivoting the pivot elements. Thus the space defined by the chassis and the supporting walls is adjusted accordingly, in order to accommodate substrates of a particular size. The cassette is adaptable for use with substrates of various sizes simply by pivoting the pivot elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Innolux Display Corp.
    Inventors: ChengDoul Chuang, Chien-Sung Deng, Hung-Wen Yang
  • Patent number: 7246709
    Abstract: A toothbrush and toothpaste holder of the type that has two different cylindrical-shapes of which one side is a usual cup shape where a toothpaste can be stored while the other side that the cylinder has higher degrees of taper and shrinking down to the bottom where is open but has a cone shaped post with eight dividers that could hold eight toothbrushes in a sanitary position automatically by gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Young-Chan Kim
  • Patent number: 7246710
    Abstract: A shelving apparatus is disclosed which includes a mounting frame configured for attachment to a surface and a plurality of holding shelves. The mounting frame includes a plurality of mounting holes formed therethrough and the plurality of holding shelves are configured to engage the mounting holes. The holding shelves area separately mountable to the mounting frame vertically opposed to one another such that an item inserted between the holding shelves is engaged by the holding shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Salus Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Graneto, III
  • Patent number: 7246711
    Abstract: An adjustable shelving unit that may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the width or depth of the unit and may be adjusted to be in either a horizontal orientation or a forward sloping orientation. The adjustable shelving unit may include a central shelf unit and at least one extension shelf unit. The extension shelf unit may be oriented in a sliding manner with respect to the central shelf unit to permit the adjustment of the width or depth of the shelf by extending or retracting the extension shelf unit with respect to the central shelf unit. Attachment members extending from the central shelf unit allow the shelf to be mounted in either a horizontal or a forward sloping orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Derek Metcalf
  • Patent number: 7246712
    Abstract: A logging system including a yarder, a skyline, a towline, a carriage riding on the skyline, and a grapple depending from the carriage for grabbing logs and carrying them back to a landing. The carriage and grapple are moved along the skyline for positioning the grapple above a log(s). A remote control device for controlling the slackening and tightening of the skyline and towline, as well as the turning and opening and closing of the grapple. The towline is attached to the grapple, so that when the operator signals the tightening of the towline, the grapple closes around the log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Scotty Baker
  • Patent number: 7246713
    Abstract: The invention provides a threaded container closure assembly includes: a container neck having an opening; a closure for said neck, the closure having a base portion and a skirt portion; a first screw thread on the neck, said first screw thread comprising one or more first thread segments; a second screw thread on an inner surface of the skirt of the closure, said second screw thread comprising one or more second screw thread segments; said first and second screw threads being configured to enable a user to secure, remove and resecure the closure into a sealing position on the neck by rotation of the closure on the neck; and wherein said first thread segments are shorter than said second thread segments; and wherein the second thread segments are each made up of one or more radially spaced projecting portions, each said portion extending radially no more than about 60° around the closure skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Beeson and Sons Limited
    Inventor: Roger Milner King