Patents Issued in July 31, 2007
  • Patent number: 7249617
    Abstract: A pressurized gas system controls a gas flow from one or more gas pressure storage vessels by means of an electronically controlled electro-mechanical shut-off valve located in close proximity to each of the vessels. The shut-off valves are electrically wired to actuation switches on the control panel. Pressure transducers mounted on each vessel provide a signal output which is electrically connected to a digital numeric display located on the control panel so that the pressure of each vessel can be monitored. Gas flow from the vessels is controlled by means of the electric shut-off valves operated from the control panel. A pressure regulator at the air access station controls the final output pressure delivered to the tool or personnel air bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventors: Brett A. Musselman, Curtis G. Kuder
  • Patent number: 7249618
    Abstract: A device (1) fills a flexible pouch (100) with medicinal fluids. The pouch is mounted with its distal end (113) upward and attached to a filling infuser (110) which is supported in a supporting bore (121). A neck end of the supply container (200) which carries a resilient cap (202) is inserted into the bore such that the filling infuser pierces the cap. A flexible bladder (31) or a squeeze bulb (33) is connected with an air inlet (116) of the filling infuser to inject pressurized air into the supply container and accelerate the transfer of medicinal liquids from the supply container to the flexible pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Medex SA
    Inventor: Jean Pierre Lacroix
  • Patent number: 7249619
    Abstract: A device for adjusting a sawing device's width, wherein the sawing device comprises at least two circular blades 10, 12, facing each other and adjacently positioned, and a fastener 44 adapted to assemble the blades together. The device for adjusting the sawing device's width comprises a wavy annular spring 14 provided between the blades, a recess 42 provided in each of the blades, wherein the recesses are positioned opposite to one another and wherein said wavy annular spring is received within the recesses, an adjustment member 32 adapted to force the blades together against said wavy annular spring or to part them so as to maintain a predetermined distance between the blades. The distance between the blades is set to present a desired cutting width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Dimar Ltd.
    Inventors: Igor Berkowitz, Gavriel Spector
  • Patent number: 7249620
    Abstract: A tire with a changing tread pattern is formed by first forming a tire having a tread, the tread having at least one circumferential or lateral groove. A wearable filler, having a configuration corresponding to at least a portion of the circumferential or lateral groove formed in the tire, is located in the radially outer portion of the circumferential or lateral groove or a portion of the circumferential or lateral groove, and secured within the grooves so as to create a groove void radially inward of the wearable filler, the void being exposed upon wear of the tire tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Bernard Croissant, Claude Jacque, Alain Emile Francois Roesgen, Peter Phelps Roch, Marc Weydert, Marc Ernest Ginter, Andrew Frederick Weimer, Gia Van Nguyen, Anne-France Gabrielle Jeanne-Marie Cambron
  • Patent number: 7249621
    Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber composition and tire having at least one component of a rubber composition comprised of at least one diene-based elastomer, to the exclusion of butyl type elastomers, which contains an internal dispersion of corncob granules. Such tire component may be, for example, a tire tread and/or cord reinforced rubber ply and/or belt. A tire tread intended for winter driving, although not necessarily limited to winter driving, is provided of a rubber composition containing at least one diene-based sulfur vulcanizable elastomer having a Tg below ?30° C. and an internal dispersion therein of corncob granules. The running surface of the tire tread is configured with a combination of micro-protrusions of corncob granules from said corncob granule internal dispersion and micro-cavities therein created by a release of a portion of the protruded corncob granules during the abrading, or wearing, of the tire tread running surface as the tire is being run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Paul Harry Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 7249622
    Abstract: A tire is manufactured on standard tire building equipment and cured in standard curing presses. The tire tread has at least one deep circumferentially extending groove. Within the groove is a separately assembled ring. The ring may be fitted into the deep groove after vulcanization of the tire. For very wide tires, two grooves with two external rings may be used or more than two grooves and beads, depending upon the tire width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: John Kolbjoern Roedseth
  • Patent number: 7249623
    Abstract: An improved bracing bracket for arched window blinds includes a protrusive seat which has a wedge notch on the top rim to couple with a mating plank so that the coupled protrusive seat and the plank may serve as the installation basis. A left material and a right material may be bonded to two sides of the plank. The protrusive seat has a mark in the center of the front side and the rear side to align with a window sill to bond the bracing bracket to the window sill without skewing to facilitate fast installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventors: Justin S. Chhun, Li-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 7249624
    Abstract: A post and beam furniture system having a plurality of horizontally-extending beams having a longitudinally-extending T-shaped first channel and a longitudinally, T-shaped second channel, and a plurality of vertical posts each having a lower portion thereof adapted to be abuttingly supported on a floor surface of an office space, and an upper portion thereof adapted to be connected with the horizontally-extending beams, and a longitudinally-extending T-shaped channel. The channels of the beams and posts receiving a plurality of connectors and accessories, including a multiple bracket post and beam connectors, a T-nut connector, and T-connector, an infill panel, a horizontally-extending two-part wire manager, a vertically extending wire manager, a vertically adjustable worksurface, a transactional surface, a swivel support for supporting a post thereon, and a universal utility hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Zeh, James R. Yurchenco, Peter S. Macdonald, Karl H. Mueller, Jonah L. Houston, Ari T. Adler, Stephen J. Senatore, Steven L. Atkins, Ana T. Chang, Todd A. Pelman
  • Patent number: 7249625
    Abstract: A heat dissipation system includes a housing, a circulator and a cooler. The housing has at least one surface made of heat-conductive metal to contact with a heat source. The housing includes a recess with a passage formed on the bottom to contain cooling liquid and an inlet and an outlet connected to the recess. Two pipes are provided to connected between the inlet and the outlet and the cooler, respectively. The circulator is installed in the recess to circulate the flowing of the cooling liquid. As such, heat generated from the heat source is directly conducted to the housing and takes away by the cooling liquid circulated by the circulator to the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qiang-Fei Duan
  • Patent number: 7249626
    Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a fin unit (50), and at least a heat pipe (30) including an evaporating section (32) and at least a condensing section (34) extending through the fin unit. The fin unit includes a plurality of fins stacked together. Each fin comprises a wavy and a V-shaped section (52,53) and a planar section (54) therebetween. The wavy and V-shaped sections of the fins can guide an airflow flowing into the fin unit to smoothly flow therethrough, and prevent escape of the airflow from lateral directions of the fin unit. Furthermore, the wavy and V-shaped sections increase the heat dissipation area of the fins and strengthen the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Liang Hao, Yeu-Lih Lin, Ai-Min Huang, Ming Yang
  • Patent number: 7249627
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid-type cooling device which can perform cooling by phase transition, ventilation and convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Icurie Lab Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Jae Joon Choi, Jihwang Park, Jeong Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 7249628
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for conditioning the temperature of a fluid by utilizing a thermoplastic heat exchanger (50) comprised of a plurality of hollow tubes. The apparatus controls the temperature of a process fluid inside the heat exchanger (50) via a controller (46) by adjustment of a control valve (64) that regulates the flow of an exchange fluid. The apparatus can be used to maintain the temperature of a chemical bath (12) and also to prepare discreet dispensed volumes of temperature controlled liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Pillion, Jieh-Hwa Shyu, Alicia Briggs LaForge, Robert McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 7249629
    Abstract: A mobile vehicle for inserting jointed pipe into a well, having a derrick and hydraulic rams to raise and lower same, adapted to conduct additional operations which will allow a well to be completed by this vehicle alone. Three winches are provided, a first to raise and lower power tongs to manoeuvre and thread jointed pipe, a second situate on the bed of the vehicle to raise and lower jointed tubing, and a third likewise mounted on the bed of the vehicle on which a conductive wireline is wound, for raising and lowering logging and swabbing devices in the well. Levelling jacks are provided at four corners of the vehicle to permit levelling of the vehicle and alignment of jointed pipe with the borehole of the well. Each of the rams, power tongs, levelling jacks, first, second, and third winches are hydraulically powered, preferably by a single pump, as each of the aforementioned devices are not operated at the same time but sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Big Guns Perforating and Logging Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Cunningham, Dave Johanson, Duncan McPhedran, Bill Darling, Barry Goss, Ilya Mayzus, Gary Eirich, Rudy Slaney
  • Patent number: 7249630
    Abstract: A well tool and method for heating and depositing first and second charges of selective temperature melting metal alloys for repairing failure spots along a section of a tubular conduit, such as casing, in a subterranean well. A fuel charge is provided and is ignited to first melt the lower temperature melting metal alloy charge and thereafter the higher temperature metal alloy charge, such that a metal precipitate is formed from the heated higher temperature melting metal alloy charge. The housing defines a sacrificial wall which is opened or cleared as the higher temperature metal alloy charge melts, thus enabling the precipitate of the higher temperature melting alloy charge to be discharged from the housing to form a bridge for subsequent movements thereacross of the lower temperature melting alloy charge, into the well immediate the area of the failure spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Cinaruco International S.A. Calle Aguilino de la Guardia
    Inventor: Louis J. Wardlaw
  • Patent number: 7249631
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wellscreen and a wellscreen that have the mechanical properties of a direct-wrap wellscreen and the precise slot tolerance of a slip-on wellscreen are provided. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a wellscreen for use in a wellbore is provided. The method includes disposing a filter subassembly on a base pipe sized so that there is annulus between the base pipe and the filter subassembly. The filter subassembly includes a length of wire wrapped and welded along a plurality of rods so that a slot is defined between adjacent coils of wire. The method further includes expanding the base pipe so that the slot is not substantially altered, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Rouse, Ken Miller, Jeffrey Bode
  • Patent number: 7249632
    Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux, Steve Jacobs, Bryan Clement, Murray Pellegrin, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Philip K. Watson
  • Patent number: 7249633
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for use with fracturing or fracing a wellbore using coiled tubing is described having a first packing element and a second packing element on a mandrel. The bottom hole assembly may be run into the wellbore such that the packing elements straddle the zone to be fraced. Also described is a timing mechanism to prevent the closing of dump ports before the bottom hole assembly may be flushed of the sand. A release tool is described that allows an operator to apply combination of force for a given amount of time to the coiled tubing to dislodge a bottom hole assembly without completely releasing the bottom hole assembly. Also disclosed is a collar locator capable of being utilized in a fracing process. Methods of using the above-described components are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: John Edward Ravensbergen, Andre Naumann, Lubos Vacik, Mitch Lambert, Graham Wilde
  • Patent number: 7249634
    Abstract: An apparatus uses at least one injection pump (9) positioned in proximity to an undersea petroleum well (10) to provide hydraulic fluid for hydraulic pumping equipment positioned in the bottom of the well, in order to cause a flow of produced oil. The injection pump (9) is able to suction hydraulic fluid from a tank of hydraulic fluid (8) positioned on the deck of a service unit (40). Alternatively, injection pump (9) is able to utilize water from the sea as a hydraulic fluid. Alternatively, the injection pump (9) may be integral with a Christmas tree manifold (6) or may be installed in an auxiliary well (90) in order that it's external portion does not enter into contact with seawater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Marcelo de Albuquerque Lima Goncalves, Odair Geraldo dos Santos, Alcino Resende De Almeida
  • Patent number: 7249635
    Abstract: A communication tool (100) includes a housing (102) having recesses (110) and a set of axial locating elements (112) radially extendable through the recesses (110) and engagably positionable within a profile of a tubing retrievable safety valve (50). An anti rotation device (140) is radially outwardly extendable relative to the housing (112). The anti rotation device (140) operably engages the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) to substantially prevent relative rotation between at least a portion of the communication tool (100) and the tubing retrievable safety valve (50). A cutting tool (148) is radially outwardly extendable relative to the housing (102). The cutting tool (148) is operable to create a fluid passageway (150) between a non annular hydraulic chamber (60) and an interior the tubing retrievable safety valve (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Dennistoun, Roddie Robert Smith, Imre I. Gazda
  • Patent number: 7249636
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for communicating with a device disposed in a wellbore. Signals are communicated between a surface location and the device via a hardwired section of wellbore and a wireless section of wellbore. The signal is sent downhole or uphole over a portion of the distance via a communication line and over another portion of the distance via wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Herve Ohmer
  • Patent number: 7249637
    Abstract: The inventions relates to an apparatus for connecting a control line to a tubular string. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide boom pivotable around a location adjacent the string and with a guide member at an end thereof to guide the control line. The apparatus further includes a clamp boom that is independently pivotable and includes a clamp housing at an end thereof for clamping the control line against the tubular string. The guide boom and the clamp boom each have a center line which is substantially aligned with the center line of the tubing string permitting the control line to be aligned adjacent the tubular string prior to clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hayes, Troy F. Hill, Timothy Bedore, Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, David M. Haugen
  • Patent number: 7249638
    Abstract: An anvil adapted to be received within an impact wrench comprises a round body and a square head. The square head is formed at an end of the round body. A tapered ramp extends from the round body to the square head. A radius is formed in the tapered ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J Bodine, David S Bruner, Alan M Paris
  • Patent number: 7249639
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for moving an Iron Roughneck into position to allow making-up or breaking-out of threaded joints in a drill string. The apparatus may also be used to move other drilling equipment into position on the centerline of the well or at mouse holes. A self-balanced, dual synchronized parallelogram arm is utilized to accomplish the movement of the devices. Hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are used for extension and retraction of the arm rather than to support the tool. The arm may hold the tool in any position without cylinder assistance. The linkage in the synchronized parallelogram may be accomplished by gears, links, slots, or rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: National Oilwell, L.P.
    Inventor: Jaroslav Belik
  • Patent number: 7249640
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, highly mobile small robots called “Mini-WHEGS™” that can run and jump. They are derived from our larger WHEGS™(“wheel-like lecis”) series of robots, which benefit from abstracted cockroach locomotion principles. Part of their success is derived from the three spoked appendages, called “WHEGS™”, which combine the speed and simplicity of wheels with the climbing mobility of legs. To be more compact than the larger WHEGS™ vehicles, Mini-WHEGS™ uses four wheel-like legs in an alternating diagonal gait. These 9 cm long robots can run at sustained speeds of over 10 body lengths per second and climb obstacles that are taller than their leg length. They can run forward and backward, on either side. Their robust construction allows them to tumble down a flight of stairs with no damage and carry a payload equal to twice their weight. A jumping mechanism enables Mini-WHEGS™ to surmount much larger obstacles such as stair steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventors: Andrew D. Horchler, Roger D. Quinn, Bram Lambrecht, Jeremy M. Morrey
  • Patent number: 7249641
    Abstract: The crawler type traveling apparatus 5 includes a pivot shaft 6 provided on a vehicle body having a hydraulic source in a protruding state, a track frame 51 rocking around and pivotably supported against this pivot shaft 6, a final reduction gear 53 including a sprocket 531 engaged by a crawler 56 and provided at an end part of this track frame 51, and a hydraulic motor 57 for driving the sprocket 531 of the final reduction gear 53 for rotation, in which the hydraulic motor 57 is provided on a vehicle inner side with respect to the final reduction gear 53.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Karl R. Dommert, James Franks
  • Patent number: 7249642
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a vehicle drive apparatus including: (i) a power transmitting member; (ii) a differential mechanism which has a first element connected to an engine, a second element connected to a first electric motor, and a third element connected to a second electric motor and the power transmitting member; (iii) an automatic transmission constituting at least a part of a power transmitting path between the power transmitting member and a drive wheel; and (iv) a differential-state switching device operable to selectively place the differential mechanism in its differential state in which the second and third elements are rotatable at respective different speeds, and in its non-differential state in which the second and third elements are not rotatable at respective different speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga
  • Patent number: 7249643
    Abstract: The invention provides a hub motor for a wheeled conveyance having a stationary electric motor encased in a rotating, multi-part housing, at least one of the parts of the housing constituting a wheel disk and a wheel rim, and a reduction gear internal or external to the motor, the output member of which is adapted to drive at least one part of the multi-part housing, wherein the rim portion of the multi-part housing carries, and is in direct contact with, a wheel tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Tzora Active Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoel Etzioni, Philip Solomon, Michael Glazman
  • Patent number: 7249644
    Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided with a drum brake unit on a rear wheel rotated by drive force of an electric motor. A first set of fins, for cooling the electric motor and the drum brake unit, are provided between the electric motor and the drum brake unit. Specifically, the first set of fins are provided on an inner side surface of a case body. It is possible to cool the electric motor using the first set of fins, and it is also possible to remove heat of the drum brake unit using the first set of fins. The fins act as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the drum brake unit, and to resist heat transfer from the drum brake unit to the electric motor, helping to more efficiently cool the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Honda, Yoshihisa Kanno
  • Patent number: 7249645
    Abstract: An industrial truck has a vehicle frame (1) with a frame portion (2) having a lateral frame opening (2b) for receiving a battery block. A door (3) covers the frame opening (2b) and may be pivoted outwardly about a substantially vertical axis of rotation (A1). To allow the door (3) to be opened approximately 180°, the door (3) is connected to the vehicle frame (1) by a double hinge (5). A second axis of rotation (A2) is set apart and parallel to the first axis of rotation (A1) and is alterable in its position when the door (3) pivots about the first axis of rotation (A1). A device for obstructing a rotational motion of the door (3) about the second axis of rotation (A2) can be provided, which device can be active in the pivoting range between the closed position and an open position that is approximately at right angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Udo Herrmann, Jürgen Horn
  • Patent number: 7249647
    Abstract: A snowmobile steering mechanism adapted to place higher pressure on the outside ski than on the inside ski when the snowmobile enters and exits turns, said steering mechanism being adapted to include the suspension in the steering action of the snowmobile causing the snowmobile to automatically lean into a turn improving the ability of the snowmobile to enter and exit turns in comparison to a snowmobile without the inclusion of the suspension in the steering action of the snowmobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Nietlispach
  • Patent number: 7249648
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a motorized vehicle includes a vehicle body frame with an upper frame, a lower basket frame integrally attached to and extending downwardly from the upper frame, and an auxiliary frame which is separate from and operatively attached to the vehicle body frame. The upper frame includes a head pipe, a tubular main frame section attached to the head pipe, a pair of seat rails extending rearwardly in a divergent fashion from the main frame section, and a rear crossbar interconnecting the seat rails at rear portions thereof. The lower basket frame comprises left and right down tubes extending downwardly in a divergent fashion from the head pipe, a pair of left and right lower pipes extending rearwardly from lower ends of the respective down tubes, and a pair of medial frame sections extending between rear ends of the lower pipes and the seat rails. The auxiliary frame has a width substantially equal to a distance between the left and right lower pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Michisaka, Masao Ogawa, Tomokatsu Suda
  • Patent number: 7249649
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an occupant in a vehicle seat for a vehicle occupant restraint system is provided. The apparatus uses sensors to measure seat deflection to determine the presence, weight, and seated location of the occupant. The sensors are connected to a processor which controls air bag deployment. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses sensors that transfer linear movement to the processor. In another embodiment, the apparatus uses sensors that transfer linear to rotational movement of seat deflection to the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventors: Frank H. Speckhart, Travis M. Kimmins
  • Patent number: 7249650
    Abstract: A vehicle steering device includes a steering shaft; a rotation operating member of the steering shaft; an operation-side motor that supplies an operating reaction force to the rotation operating member; a steering member; a steering-side motor that supplies an operating reaction force to the steering member; a steering angle detecting means that detects a steering angle; and a control means, an absolute angle detecting means is provided at the steering shaft, and a motor rotation angle detecting means is provided at a motor shaft of the operation-side motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Fukushima, Taiga Tamegai
  • Patent number: 7249651
    Abstract: A portion of a mask or helmet covering a user's ear has an aperture covered by a sound-collecting and sound-transmissive protector swivelingly mounted thereon. The protector has a substantially parabolic reflector surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the protector's axis of rotation which magnifies sounds arriving from a particular angular direction and directs the sound through a plurality of holes axially penetrating through the protector from an outer to an inner surface. A user manipulable actuator nib extends axially outwardly from a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the protector allowing user control of swiveling movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Brass Eagle, LLC
    Inventor: Lester Broersma
  • Patent number: 7249652
    Abstract: A fluid guideline with at least two structural elements made of substantially soundproof material has at least one opening for sound damping. An impedance change (in particular in the form of an impedance discontinuity) of the flow resistance of the fluid flowing through the fluid guideline is present between two adjacent structural elements, and the at least one opening is arranged in the region of the impedance change between two adjacent structural elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: WOCO Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Anton Wolf
  • Patent number: 7249653
    Abstract: Acoustic attenuation materials are described that comprise outer layers of a stiff material sandwiching a relatively soft elastic material therebetween, with means such as spheres, discs or wire mesh being provided within the elastic material for generating local mechanical resonances that function to absorb sound energy at tunable wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: RSM Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Ping Sheng, Man Tse, Che Ting Chan, Xi Xiang Zhang, Zongjin Li, Nelson Cue, Weijia Wen
  • Patent number: 7249654
    Abstract: To obtain a wide passenger compartment space, the thickness of a heat insulating acoustical layer is reduced, and for this purpose, a comfortable in-car environment is obtained by using a vacuum insulating panel which combines high heat insulating performance and sound insulating performance. A heat insulating acoustical layer 20 is formed on one surface of a lightweight alloy structure 10 of double skin construction by using a vacuum insulating panel 21 as a middle member and sandwiching two surfaces of the panel with elastic sound absorbing materials 22, 23 made of a nonwoven fabric or a foamed body, and the heat insulating acoustical layer is covered with an interior material 24. Owing to this construction, the transmission loss of a noise which transmits from the double skin structure side is improved by the mutual actions of the elasticity of the sound absorbing material and the rigidity of the vacuum heat insulating panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Nakamoto, Seijiro Todori, Takeshi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7249655
    Abstract: An all purpose utility vehicle supporting rescue efforts especially directed toward servicing disable airplanes being an entry tube having a cab section and a tail end section. Mechanisms are provided for inclining the tube so that the cab section is elevated to the level of an airliner permitting personnel to enter the lower end of the tube and walk up to the cab section and into the stricken airplane. A gangplank design for joining the cab section to the tail section provides that the floor of the cabin section is always horizontal regardless of inclination of the tail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Ralph Colet
  • Patent number: 7249656
    Abstract: A buffer supports an elevator car and/or a counterweight for the elevator car, wherein the elevator car and the counterweight are each movable along a respective path in an elevator shaft. The buffer partly projects into the path of the elevator car and the path of the counterweight to produce a mechanical contact with the elevator car when the elevator car moves below a first spacing with respect to a floor of the shaft. The buffer additionally produces a mechanical contact with the counterweight when the counterweight falls below a second spacing with respect to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Marcel Huber, Johannes Kocher
  • Patent number: 7249657
    Abstract: A molded braking and support wheel assembly for a multi-wheeled wheelchair for a handicapped person. The wheel assembly includes a braking support wheel molded as a single unit of plastic or plastic-like material having concentric components including a tire receiving rim, a wheel bearing and brake assembly receiving hub, and spaced wheel spokes substantially radially extending between the hub and rim. A ring or band-shaped metal brake drum is also molded as a unit into the hub, the brake drum having a generally cylindrical inner braking friction surface and plastic-interlocking outer surface features which permanently interlock with the plastic material when the braking support wheel is mold formed. The plastic-interlocking outer features are molded with the hub into a single unit with the support wheel to secure the brake drum from relative movement in the hub. The brake drum defines a generally cylindrical cavity for operatively receiving the brake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Darrin J. Horst
  • Patent number: 7249658
    Abstract: A disc brake caliper assembly is provided including a support bracket, a pair of slide pins, and a caliper body. The support bracket includes an inboard rail and an outboard rail. The inboard rail defines a pair of engagement bores. The pair of slide pins engage the pair of engagement bores. The caliper body slidably engages the pair of slide pins. The caliper body includes an inboard portion and an outboard portion. The inboard and outboard portions balance each other such that the caliper body has a center of gravity that is substantially axially aligned with the location of engagement between the slide pins and the engagement bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Akebono
    Inventors: Sean C Barrett, Philip N Jedele
  • Patent number: 7249659
    Abstract: An actuator responsive to fluid signals to retract and extend a piston. The actuator includes a cylinder and a pressure piston carried inside the cylinder. Also included is a shaft, and a rod connected to the pressure piston. The actuator further includes a first port for receiving a fluid pressure to move the pressure piston to a first position. The actuator also has a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a first and second surface, and both surfaces are movable in response to the fluid pressure at the first port. The surfaces lock the pressure piston in a first position upon removal of the fluid pressure at the first port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Howard E. Huber, Jr., Jeffrey F. Sauter, Robert L. Neulieb, Steven R. Newton
  • Patent number: 7249660
    Abstract: A drum brake has cylinders symmetrically fixed to a stationary member. Each cylinder has an axial bore therein with a groove for retention of a seal. A piston engages each seal to define chambers that receive pressurized fluid. Webs for friction members have a first end pined to an opposite cylinder and a second end connected to an opposite piston and to each other by a strut. Pressurized fluid acts on the pistons to move the second ends with respect to the first ends and simultaneously bring the friction members into engagement with a drum to effect a brake application. The seals acts on and return the pistons to a rest position in an absence of pressurized fluid. A pawl on a lever is moved into engagement with the strut to bring the first and second friction members into engagement with the drum to manually effect a brake application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: John Edmund Mackiewicz
  • Patent number: 7249661
    Abstract: The invention refers to an apparatus for the control of brakes in bicycles and the like, to be used, in particular, for disc brakes mounted on bicycles and comprising a pump able to push fluid into a hydraulic circuit connected to the brake, characterized in that the pump is held inside the handlebar or a part associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Formula S.R.L.
    Inventors: Andrea Fiorenzo Becocci, Francesco Becocci
  • Patent number: 7249662
    Abstract: A shock absorbing structure for a motor vehicle including at least one main body which includes a top wall and two leg walls, wherein the distance between the leg walls in a direction in which they are opposed to each other gradually increases with an increase in a distance in a direction which is away from the top wall toward the distal portions, with an obtuse interior angle being formed at each of corners which are formed by the top wall and the respective two leg walls, the top wall and the leg walls are integrally formed of a synthetic resin material whose tensile elongation according to ASTM D638 is not less than 150%, an inner surface of each corner being provided by a concave curved surface having a radius of curvature of not less than 2.0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaoru Itou
  • Patent number: 7249663
    Abstract: The present invention provides a friction plate with features to provide additional cooling for use within a wet clutch system. The friction plate has a core plate with a friction facing layer affixed to each face of the core plate. The first friction facing layer has a plurality of radially oriented lubrication grooves formed by a plurality of friction pads having porosity. Additionally, the second friction facing layer has a plurality of friction pads formed by radially oriented lubrication grooves whose centerline is coincident with the radial centerline of the friction pads of the first friction facing layer. Each of the lubrication grooves has at least one hole provided therein to introduce fluid to effect cooling of the friction pad opposite the groove. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of enhancing the performance of a wet clutch system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7249664
    Abstract: A hydraulically controlled fan drive system (12) having a method of engagement includes a housing assembly (20) containing a hydraulic fluid (48) and an engaging circuit (36). The engaging circuit (36) includes a pitot tube (152) coupled within the housing assembly (20) that receives at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid (48). An engaging circuit (36) engages the housing assembly (20) to a fan shaft (44) in response to supply of the hydraulic fluid (48) from the pitot tube (152). An electrical control circuit (40) having a relief valve assembly (225) coupled to a main controller (176) is used to control the fluid pressure within the pitot tube (152) that controls the engagement of the housing assembly (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Ignatovich, Theodore A. Malott, Dale Pickelman
  • Patent number: 7249665
    Abstract: A double clutch for a transmission with two transmission input shafts is disclosed having two clutches which can rotate about a common rotational axis, are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction, and have a common driving outer plate support and which each have a driven inner plate support. A tension sleeve at least partially surrounds the outer plate support for selectively activating one of the two clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Heinrich, Hans Hauck, Karl-Heinz Bauer
  • Patent number: 7249666
    Abstract: A power operated retractable stop assembly includes a body, a drive arm, and a stop arm. The drive arm is pivotable between a pre-locked position and an unlocked position. There is a locked position between the pre-locked position and the unlocked position. The stop arm is pivotally mounted to the body, has a front side for engaging a workpiece, and a back side for engaging the drive arm. When the drive arm is driven to the unlocked position, the drive arm and the stop arm interact to cause the stop arm to follow the drive arm and move to a stop arm released position. This precludes the stop arm from balancing at the stop arm locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Brian O. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7249667
    Abstract: A display device (40) for use with a passenger conveyor (20) provides traffic flow direction information. One example includes a display panel (42) supported on a surface (38) that is conveniently positioned beneath the handrail (28) near a landing (24). In a particular example, a handrail entry module (32) includes a handrail entry (36) and a support surface (38) that supports the display (40). In one example, the surface (38) extends down and out from a vertical surface (34) associated with the handrail entry (36) to maximize visibility of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Frank Sansevero, Carla Majuntke, Ralph Stripling, Bernward Engelke, Thomas Swyst, Alexander Mueller