Patents Issued in August 7, 2007
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Patent number: 7252306Abstract: A steering assembly includes a steering column including a column housing for retaining a column tube, and a reinforcing member for reinforcing an end of the column tube. The column housing includes a positioning portion, and a fitting hole having an aperture at the positioning portion. The column tube includes an end fitted in the fitting hole. The reinforcing member includes a sleeve having a first and a second end, and a flange extended radially outwardly from the first end of the sleeve. The sleeve is fixed as fitted on an outer periphery of an end of the column tube and inserted in the fitting hole at the second end thereof. The flange is abutted on the positioning portion of the column housing, for axially and/or radially positioning the column tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, Fujikiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norio Hosomi, Kenichi Aota, Satoshi Kinoshita
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Patent number: 7252307Abstract: An end portion of a webbing belt is attached to a metal base plate, in which a hole is formed. A projecting portion is formed at an inner edge of the hole which inner edge is at a side opposite a belt attachment portion. When tension is applied to the webbing belt, due to a fixed plate engaging with the projecting portion, a tensed portion of the metal base plate between the belt attachment portion and the hole extends and the projecting portion contracts in the direction of the tension. As a result, first strain gauges mounted to the tensed portion output a signal corresponding to extension, and second strain gauges mounted to the projecting portion output a signal corresponding to contraction. A tension detecting device detects the tension on the basis of a large difference in outputs of the first strain gauges and the second strain gauges.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventors: Masakata Kanbe, Kazuhito Matsui
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Patent number: 7252308Abstract: A connector for forming a sterile connection between two tubes, comprising first and second parts which comprise connectable conduits and which can mate, first and second covers which can be removed from the so-mated parts to expose connectable ends of the first and second conduits, so that the conduits can then be connected.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals s.a.Inventor: Jacques Thilly
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Patent number: 7252309Abstract: A freight container (10) has a base (20) or a portion thereof that can be opened to discharge its contents. This container (10) has a top which can be opened in similar manner as the base. Another container having at least one compartment, each compartment having a lower section with a reducing cross-sectional area and a pivotably operable closure assembly, with several such closure assemblies being linked together by means of bars. Such a container is used to contain raw building materials for stockpiling of these materials at a container port. It is also used to supply materials to a concrete production plant whee pollution control containers are provided below the supply container and above the scaling and mixing stations to reduce particulate pollution. A pair of slewing apparatuses is also provided to engage both ends of a container and turn the container over about its longitudinal axis, thereby emptying its contents.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Bee Kim OngInventors: Goh Eng Soon, Goh Eng Hock
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Patent number: 7252310Abstract: A coupler for use in joining two pipes in a butt joint. The coupler includes a band clamp and a split sealing sleeve disposed inside the band clamp for encircling the abutted ends of the pipes. The split sealing sleeve has a tongue-and-groove sealing joint at the confronting free ends of the sleeve. The sealing joint has a member at the mating edges to provide a resilient interference fit of the tongue-and-groove.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLCInventors: Michael E Amedure, Brian T Ignaczak
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Patent number: 7252311Abstract: A latch system including a first portion and a second portion which are attached to corresponding pieces. The first portion is engageable with the second portion. A drive device is coupled to at least one of the first portion and the second portion for controllable operation of the device to engage and disengage the first portion and second portion. A controller is provided and coupled to the drive device for controllably operating the drive device to engage and disengage the latch. The first and second portion may be provided in the form of a hook and keeper configuration with one of the hook portion and keeper portion being driven by the drive device. A sensor may be provided on the latch assembly coupled to the controller for detecting at least one condition such as the latch being engaged or the latch being disengaged. Also disclosed is a method of latching using a first portion, second portion, drive device and controller for controllably latching and unlatching a latch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Hartwell CorporationInventors: John D. Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema
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Patent number: 7252312Abstract: A side attachment for attaching a grill to a front bumper of a vehicle allows the grill to pivot independently relative to the front bumper. The grill also includes tabs that locate the bottom edge of the grill to the front bumper and release the grill to allow rotation during a frontal impact of the vehicle, thereby minimizing damage to the grill.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Toyota Technical Center USA, Inc.Inventors: Mingher Fred Shen, Eric Yoshinari, Umesh Naik
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Patent number: 7252313Abstract: A morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The change in at least one attribute is a change in a shape dimension, a shape orientation, an expansion, a contraction, a morphing, a yield strength property, a flexural modulus or a combination. Preferably, the change in at least one attribute in the morphable vehicle member is reversible. Also disclosed herein are methods for the morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute on demand in response to an activation signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Ivan G. Sears
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Patent number: 7252314Abstract: A crash energy absorption member formed from a tubular body for absorbing impact energy by buckling when it receives an impact load in the axial direction from one end in the axial direction. It has a transverse cross-sectional shape along at least a portion in the axial direction which is a closed cross section having a plurality of vertices in which there is no flange on the outside of the closed cross section, and in a region of at least one side of a basic cross section formed from the largest outline obtained by connecting a portion of the plurality of vertices by straight lines, a groove which is recessed towards the inside of the outline is provided in a location other than at an end point of the side. Thus, the crash energy absorption member can achieve a prescribed amount of shock absorption by stably buckling in the axial direction without bending and without an increase in weight due to the addition of a partition or due to an increase in plate thickness.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignees: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd., Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Tamura, Yoshiaki Nakazawa, Michitaka Yoshida, Katsutoshi Takagi, Mitsutoshi Kano
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Patent number: 7252315Abstract: A personnel transfer device is rrovided including a base, a top and a concentric lacings extending between the base and top. An expander post is coupled between the base and top for placing tension in the lacings extending between the base and the top. A hoist connection is provided so that the personnel transfer device may be lifted to transfer personnel therein from one place to another. The lacings are flexible when relaxed, and become taught when placed in tension. The expander post is removable so the base and top can be collapsed together for compact storage.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Pugh Acquisition Co.Inventors: Frank Liberato, Paul Liberato
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Patent number: 7252316Abstract: A device for lifting and rotating objects is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of hooking protrusions that are in angled relation with each other and contain compound bends to permit engagement with the support structure of the object to be lifted.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: United States Pipe and Foundry CompanyInventors: Brian E. Wallace, James W. Maise
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Patent number: 7252317Abstract: An integral stake rack panel, for constructing a box of a truck or trailer, includes a base structure fabricated from a single sheet of material, and containing a plurality of corrugated regions. The panel also includes generally flat regions between adjacent corrugated regions, wherein each generally flat region contains a plurality of apertures. A plurality of mounting members are attached to the corrugated regions, wherein the an end of each mounting member extends past the bottom parallel side of the base structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Rugby Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Lowell S. Boe
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Patent number: 7252318Abstract: In a seat device for a vehicle comprising a front-row seat including a driver seat and an assistant seat and a rear-row seat provided behind the front-row seat, respective front-row and rear-row seats being provided in a cabin which includes an ingress and egress opening, at a side face, the rear-row seat is configured so as to be located in a normal use position and in a stored position where a longitudinal thickness thereof is made short, and the assistant seat is configured so as to be moved rearward from a position beside the driver seat to a position which corresponds to the normal use position of the rear-row seat. Accordingly, a space in the cabin properly can be utilized, by effectively enlarging a rearward-movement range of the front-row seat including the assistant seat with a simple structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kazue Sumida, Akira Ito, Minoru Toyota
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Patent number: 7252319Abstract: There is provided the seat device for a vehicle, which is disposed on the rear floor panel in the cabin equipped with the ingress and egress opening at the side, comprising the first seat being provided so as to be folded, the second seat being provided beside the first seat, and the second-seat moving mechanism (the seat slide rails) to move the second seat laterally to the space of the original existing location of the first seat before the first seat has been folded. Accordingly, there can be provided a storage space beside the seat to allow an easy loading (easy access) from the outside of the vehicle, thereby improving facilities of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Minoru Toyota, Akira Ito, Kazue Sumida
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Patent number: 7252320Abstract: A foldable and storable seat for a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle seat includes a seat cushion pivotally supported at a rear portion thereof to a vehicle floor by a pair of spaced apart base brackets, cooperating members for causing a forward portion of the seat cushion to be releasably supported to the vehicle floor, a seat back pivotally supported to the seat cushion, recliner devices for releasably locking the seat back relative to the seat cushion, the seat cushion and the seat back being foldable so as to be put together when the seat back is released from the seat cushion by the recliner devices, and a linkage mechanism mounted to the seat cushion, the linkage mechanism including a first linkage section for causing the recliner devices to be actuated synchronously with pivotal movement of the vehicle seat, and the first linkage section being coupled to one of the base brackets and the recliner devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignees: TS Tech Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Tsujibayashi, Hiroshi Izawa, Shinobu Sato, Koji Kamida, Osamu Kyogoku, Tamotsu Oishi
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Patent number: 7252321Abstract: A car sunshade includes: a pair of curtain members each hung to a hanger and operatively driven by a driving device to be upwardly unwound for shielding the windshield of the car from being exposed to sun light along a pair of guiding devices respectively mounted on (or juxtapositioned to) two pillars adjacent to the windshield; or the curtain members being downwardly wound to unveil the windshield of the car, without removing a factory-installed rear-view mirror and without obstructing a driver's head.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: Tien Chu Lee
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Patent number: 7252322Abstract: A hard tonneau cover having one or more sections is constructed of a framework of extruded rails with one or more section panels held by molded plastic trim strips installed on perimeter rails included in the framework. The cover is mounted above the cargo box of a pick-up truck by a plurality of striker-latch assemblies on one side of the cargo box, and hinge assemblies on the other side, each having components mounted to the cargo box side walls with universal clamp brackets. The panels are constructed of reinforced corrugated plastic which is covered by a color integrated film. A simplified connector plate is used to connect abutting ends of the rails in the framework. A peripheral seal extends down from the perimeter rails in which it is mounted to engage the top of the cargo box side walls and tailgate. Water drainage paths including drainage channels in the rails are provided to eliminate water from the panel surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: William Rusu
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Patent number: 7252323Abstract: A vehicle body includes a first door member and an opening/closing mechanism. The first door member can rotate between a first position in which it covers the part of a opening of a storage section and a second position in which it opens the part of the opening. The opening/closing mechanism that rotates the first door member includes a rotation shaft that supports the first door member. The rotation shaft is disposed at a position in which the first door member does not come out from a rotation area overlapping the first door member that is in the first position vertically when the first door member rotates. The opening/closing mechanism moves the first door member up to a third position in which the first door member does not interfere with a vehicle main body when the first door member rotates between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Johnson Controls IncorporatedInventors: Brian Cole, Mark Kaiser, Dean Trexel, Hitendra Gadhiya, Jagmail Singh Cheema
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Patent number: 7252324Abstract: Described herein are a spoiler for vehicles and a method of manufacturing the spoiler. The spoiler has a first surface and a second surface which define an appearance of the spoiler, and a hollow part defined in the spoiler. The spoiler includes a reinforcing member which is formed integrally with the second surface and has a frame defining an appearance of the reinforcing member and holes formed in the reinforcing member, and a support unit which is secured to cover the holes of the reinforcing member and an outer surface of the frame, thus supporting the reinforcing member to the second surface. The reinforcing member is formed integrally with the second surface through blow molding.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Moya International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Alexander Hong Nahm, O Yeol Kwon
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Patent number: 7252325Abstract: A side screen for the cab of a work vehicle, such as a skid steer loader, comprises a panel having strips defining openings therebetween. A high percentage of the area of the screen is open for visibility. At least one reinforcing member, such as a rib, is formed in the screen, such as on a strip or on a panel section. An intermediate panel may also provide a section of relatively heightened rigidity. Such reinforcing members reduce sheet bowing, or “oil can” effect, and maintain flatness of the screen, thereby optimizing the screen for a combination of both protection and visibility.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Clark Equipment CompanyInventors: John D. Richards, Gerald M. Berg
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Patent number: 7252326Abstract: A vehicle underbody structure including: a front floor panel; a rear floor panel having a portion raised above the front floor panel; side sills; tunnel members extending along a floor tunnel; and a reinforcing plate. The rear floor panel is provided with suspension mounting members to which a rear suspension frame are mounted. The reinforcing plate extends to the suspension mounting members, the side sills, and the tunnel members.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Wada
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Patent number: 7252327Abstract: A sunroof apparatus comprises a movable panel provided on an opening portion of a vehicle roof and capable of tilting-up and sliding, a functional bracket that supports the movable panel, a drive member actuated to move in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle along a guide rail attached to the vehicle roof, a front shoe connected to the drive member for controlling the movements of a front portion of the functional bracket by means of a front functional member, as a consequence of moving in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the guide rail in accordance with the movements of the drive member and a rear shoe connected to the drive member for controlling movement of a rear portion of the functional bracket by means of a rear functional member, as a consequence of moving in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the guide rail in accordance with the movements of the drive member, wherein the front shoe and the rear shoe are supported by an identical guide portion of the guide rail.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuki Sawada, Toshio Iwata, Katsuyoshi Iwashita, Kiyozumi Fukami, Shinji Sakai
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Patent number: 7252328Abstract: A control apparatus for a movable vehicle roof panel determines the position of the panel in a tilt open state and evaluates whether the panel is in normal tilt-open range of positions or has, via inertia, traveled beyond those normal positions. The control apparatus allows movement to the closed position if movement beyond a permissible range has been achieved through roof panel inertia.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazukiyo Okada, Motoya Yamamoto, Kazuyuki Hirai, Daisuke Mukai, Yoshinobu Toyoda
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Patent number: 7252329Abstract: A lounge chair assembly includes a lounge chair including a hollow tubular frame for supporting a user's body thereon. The frame includes hollow shafts and hollow couplings in fluid communication therewith such that water flows through the shafts and couplings. The couplings are coextensively shaped for being interchangeably detachable to alternate portions of the frame. Selected shafts include a water port monolithically formed therewith, which are coextensively shaped for receiving multiple ones of the flexible hose. A flexible hose has opposed ends conjoined to one water port and to an external water supply source respectively for introducing water into the frame. A mechanism is included for discharging the water outwardly and away from the frame such that the water is dispensed in a fine mist over the user body while the user is lying on the lounge chair.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: Judith A. O'Meally
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Patent number: 7252330Abstract: A children's pillow adapted for use with a children's car seat comprising: (a) a central area adapted to receive at least a rearward portion of a child's head; (b) a first lateral wing extending from the central area; (c) a second lateral wing extending from the central area; (d) a neck support region; and (e) a retainer adapted to mount the children's pillow to the children's car seat, where the neck support region extends between the first lateral wing and the second lateral wing.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.Inventor: Meagan D. Lincoln
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Patent number: 7252331Abstract: A security bench for use as a seat and as a defensive barricade against vehicles and explosive force comprises a support base, a framed screen securely attached to and overlapping the top of the base, and a seating surface attached to the top of the framed screen. The base, made of granite, concrete, or the like, is relatively massive, providing resistance to vehicular and explosive force. The frame portion of the framed screen, made from structural steel, reinforces the structural integrity of the base, and, along with the screen (and potentially the seating surface) acts to repel or absorb explosive force or debris.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: Toby Evans Walton
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Patent number: 7252332Abstract: A seating arrangement for a vehicle, especially an aircraft, in which seats are arranged in a plurality of generally parallel ranks (20, 22, 24), each rank extending in a fore-and-aft direction, and in a plurality of rows, each row extending at an angle other than a right angle with respect to said fore-and-aft direction and wherein adjacent seats (30) in a row overlap in a transverse direction in the preferred embodiment, the seats of a row also overlap in said fore-and-aft direction and include a truncated armrest (34) at one side of the seat arranged to fit behind an adjacent seat. The seats further include an armrest (32) at the other side of the seat, the armrest comprising a bar which extends from the rear of the seat so that a portion of one seat is located beneath the armrest provided at said other side of an adjacent seat.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: James Thompson
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Patent number: 7252333Abstract: A rockable and stackable chaise lounge. It includes a pair of frame members each formed by a downwardly convex rocker and an upwardly convex rail joined at front and rear ends. The frames are joined at their front and rear ends by spreaders. Adjustable stops are provided to limit the extent of rocking. A seat with a reclining back is supported between the frame by the rails.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: John W. Caldwell
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Patent number: 7252334Abstract: A unitary composite cam member is designed for integration into a rocker chair base assembly. In one arrangement, one cam member resides upon each longitudinal rail of the rocker chair base assembly. Each cam member includes a rigid body and one or more laterally projecting sleeves. The rigid body has an upper portion as well as a lower contact surface presenting an arcuate longitudinal profile. The shape of the contact surface enables rolling engagement on a longitudinal rail of a rocker chair base assembly. Each projecting sleeve extends laterally from the rigid body at a location generally near the top of the cam member. The projecting sleeves are designed to provide an attachment point for cross members of a rocker chair base assembly to accomplish coupling together of the cam members with each aligned upon one of the longitudinal rails.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventors: Kerry Hale, Carthel Hale, Larry J. Bryant, Gregory M. Lawson
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Patent number: 7252335Abstract: This invention is a lumbar support device with a pair of side rails, a plurality of transverse wires and a pair of cross-bars extending between the pair of side rails. The lumbar support device is designed for a seat back of a vehicle seat to support an occupant's lumbar region. The invention is designed to include an actuator assembly for changing the contour of the lumbar support device.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: Maxime Arthur Maurice Samain, Maarten Vanparys
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Patent number: 7252336Abstract: A seat (11) having a seat cushion (12) and a squab (16), the seat (11) being adjustable between a first configuration adapted to provide seating accommodation for a user and a second configuration adapted to provide leaning accommodation for a user, wherein in the second configuration, the squab (16) is positioned forwardly of its position in the first configuration and substantially above the forward most position of the seat cushion (12).Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: Matthew Stephen Frisina
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Patent number: 7252337Abstract: The invention relates to a seat arrangement for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a seat base that defines a seat surface for a vehicle passenger and extends in the longitudinal direction of the seat, and a back rest. According to the invention, the back rest can be adjusted in relation to the seat base in the longitudinal direction of the seat by means of a lever arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG, CoburgInventors: Jochen Hofmann, Jürgen Angermüller, Thomas Haagen, Matthias Fischer
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Patent number: 7252338Abstract: A seat assembly includes an armrest attached to a seat, and an amrest coupling assembly for coupling the armrest to the seat comprising a linear adjustment mechanism coupled to the armrest, and a rotational adjustment mechanism coupled to the armrest. The linear adjustment mechanism is arranged to enable the armrest to translate along an initial linear axis between a plurality of generally vertical positions. The rotational adjustment mechanism is arranged to enable the armrest to pivot about the rotational axis between a plurality of angular positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventor: Mark W Crossman
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Patent number: 7252339Abstract: The invention discloses unique brackets, which form a bracket assembly that may be placed at any location of various components to form an assembly piece, such as furniture. An assembled furniture piece made of furniture panels interconnected with attached engaging and receiving brackets is provided. The engaging and receiving brackets are positioned on components to facilitate the connection of the components. A method to assemble furniture having preformed arm, base, seat and back components is provided. This method of assembly saves on shipment costs, and facilitates the repair of damaged furniture.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: Larry Owens
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Patent number: 7252340Abstract: A passenger seat with increased knee space for an aft-seated passenger, including a seat base for being attached to a supporting deck and at least one seat frame including a seat back and seat bottom carried by the seat base. At least one arm rest assembly is carried by the seat frame and including an arm rest mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot member between a use position with an upper support surface in a horizontal position for supporting a forearm of a passenger seated in the seat, and a stowed position wherein the upper support surface of the arm rest is perpendicular to the use position. The arm rest pivot member is mounted on the seat frame at a point forward of a plane defined by the seat back carried by the seat and above a point defined by the seat bottom for allowing the knee of an aft-seated passenger to occupy space behind the pivot member of the arm rest.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: B E Aerospace, Inc.Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
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Patent number: 7252341Abstract: In the case of a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, with a seat part and a backrest as seat components, of which at least one seat component has a structure (11) and at least one adapter (15) arranged on the structure (11), the adapter (15) bears extensively and with a form-fitting connection on the structure (11).Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Recaro GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Sascha Kircher, Matthias Dittler, Ulf Schlenker, Thomas Kaiser
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Patent number: 7252342Abstract: A child restraint assembly for a child vehicle seat includes a buckle assembly including a buckle and a pair of latches, a harness coupled to the buckle assembly, and a harness adjuster to adjust the harness. The buckle includes a buckle actuator slidably between a first position and a second position relative to a front surface of the buckle to unlock the buckle assembly. The harness adjuster includes a housing and a harness adjuster actuator movable between a first position and a second position relative to a front surface of the housing to unlock the harness adjuster. Movement of the buckle actuator from the first position to the second position is in the same direction as movement of the harness adjuster actuator from the first position to the second position. The buckle can include a grip surface of sufficient thickness to enable a user to brace a finger against the buckle grip surface when actuating the buckle actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.Inventors: Timothy Patrizi, Patrick B. Nolan
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Patent number: 7252343Abstract: A demonstration seat assembly includes a frame on which a demonstration vehicle seat is supported, and a plurality of seat belt assemblies and child seat securing structures. The seat belt assemblies include a lap belt assembly, a lap/shoulder belt assembly, and a plurality of anchorage points adapted to receive tethers or a fixed anchoring latch assembly provided by one or more types of child safety seats. The lap belt assembly includes an emergency locking retractor that is secured to the frame on a first side of the vehicle seat, while the lap/shoulder belt assembly includes a switchable locking retractor that is secured to an upstanding support bar provided by the frame on the first side of the vehicle seat. The anchorage points include first and second lateral anchorage points that are accessible on a front side of the demonstration vehicle seat at a location between the seat cushion and seat back, as well as a center anchorage point that is accessible at a rear side of the vehicle seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jeffrey Lee Pence
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Patent number: 7252344Abstract: A hub for a bicycle wheel having a hub body rotationally mounted on a central hollow shaft by means of bearings mounted on the shaft, the hollow shaft adapted to receive a quick release axle which projects beyond both ends of the axle. The shaft has three distinct portions, two end pieces and a central portion made of a material having a lower density than the end pieces, the end pieces being fitted to each end of the central portion, the end pieces having bearing surfaces for the bearings, and at least one of the end pieces having a threaded portion, respectively, for a nut for axially tightening the bearings.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Salomon S.A.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Guillaume Martin
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Patent number: 7252345Abstract: A combined braking system in which communicative connection a master cylinder and a brake caliper is cut off by an electromagnetic on-off valve, and hydraulic pressure, corresponding to driving conditions and a braking operation, is generated by an electrically-operated actuator of a hydraulic pressure modulator. Hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic pressure modulator operates on the brake caliper, whereas a psuedo-reaction force which has been generated by a reaction force modulator operates on the master cylinder. The reaction force modulator is configured to include: a fluid chamber for receiving hydraulic fluid which has flowed therein from the master cylinder; a piston to constitute a wall of the fluid chamber; and a metal-made coil spring and a deformed plastic resin spring, both of which apply a force to the piston. The braking system provides a braking operation having a smooth feeling which is similar to that given by a direct-operation-type brake system.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Nishikawa, Kazuhiko Tani, Takuya Tagami
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Patent number: 7252346Abstract: In brake control apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, a cornering stability control section is configured to start a provision of the braking force for the vehicle when a cornering limit estimating section estimates that a cornering state variable of the vehicle (Vp) is in excess of the braking operation threshold value (kVLp) after the predetermined delay time (?t) is elapsed from a present time.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takuya Higuchi
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Patent number: 7252347Abstract: A wheel structure driven by an endless track belt tensioned around a drive wheel and an idler wheel thereof, comprising a plurality of supporting mid-roller wheels provided between the drive wheel and the idler wheel, a second endless belt being tensioned around this plurality of mid-rollers.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Camoplast Inc.Inventor: David Gingras
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Patent number: 7252348Abstract: There is provided a wheel assembly and associated method of mounting wheels about a hub, by providing a hub comprising a shoulder having a clearing space allowing a wheel introduced by one side of the hub to be pivoted to an opposite side thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Camoplast Inc.Inventor: David Gingras
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Patent number: 7252349Abstract: A track type work machine is provided including a roller frame having a rotatable idler mounted at an end thereof. A gas spring is operable to absorb selected loads on the idler, and is isolated from loads transverse to a reciprocation axis of the gas spring by a recoil system. A method of providing for load absorption from the idler is also provided. The method includes positioning a gas spring between the idler and a roller frame of the work machine, and operably coupling the idler to the gas spring to selectively transmit loads from the idler thereto.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Richard E. Livesay, Glen A. Spindel
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Patent number: 7252350Abstract: A pedestal assembly (20) includes a chassis (200), a gear wheel (300) pivotably mounted to the chassis, two supporting members (400) coupled to the chassis, and a coil spring (500) received between the chassis and the gear wheel. The chassis includes a stop portion (222) depending downwardly from a side of a top wall (210) thereof. The gear wheel includes first teeth (330) extending from a periphery thereof. Each supporting member includes a rack (440) comprises second teeth (444) engaging with the first teeth, and a first clasping portion (448) formed on an outer side thereof. When one of the first clasping portions is locked by the stop portion, the coil spring is compressed, while when the first clasping portion is unlocked from the stop portion, the coil spring is decompressed and drives the gear wheel to rotate to cause the supporting members to move relative to the gear wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Ind. (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hsuan-Tsung Chen, Ying Sin William Tin, Pin-Shian Wu, Peng Liu
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Patent number: 7252351Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a cage (10) with a rear panel (14), a side panel (20) with a flange (122a) and a fastening device (30). The fastening device includes a holder (40) attached to the side panel, an slider (50), an operator (60) with protruding bars (66), and a spring (70) disposed between the slider and the holder. The holder includes a base (41) rotatably receiving the operator and pairs of hooks (447) for movably holding the slider. The slider includes a pair of cutouts (522) and a fastening portion (55). The operator is rotated and the protruding bars engage with the cutouts to move the slider forwardly and compress the spring. The side panel is attached to the cage with the flange abutting against the rear panel. The protruding bars move the slider backward and the fastening portion abut against inner surfaces of the flange, with the operator released.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hsuan-Tsung Chen, Pin-Shian Wu
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Patent number: 7252352Abstract: A printer for receiving image data. The printer has a plurality of address lines, a plurality of bank lines, a plurality of control lines, and a plurality of print modules. Each print module is set corresponding to the address lines and the bank lines, each of the print modules has a plurality of print units, each print unit has a heating element and a switch unit coupled to the control lines for controlling the heating elements. When an address signal and a bank signal are applied by a predetermined address line and a predetermined bank line, and a plurality of control signals is transferred to the control lines, a switch unit is turned on according to the control signals for generating a driving current to activate the heating element of the switch unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Hsiang-Pei Ou, Jane Chang
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Printer controller for supplying data to a printhead module having one or more redundant nozzle rows
Patent number: 7252353Abstract: A printer controller for supplying dot data to a printhead module comprising at least first and second rows configured to print ink of a similar type or color, at least some nozzles in the first row being aligned with respective corresponding nozzles in the second row in a direction of intended media travel relative to the printhead, the printhead module being configurable such that the nozzles in the first and second pairs of rows are fired such that some dots output to print media are printed to by nozzles from the first pair of rows and at least some other dots output to print media are printed to by nozzles from the second pair of rows, the printer controller being configurable to supply dot data to the printhead module for printing.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Simon Robert Walmsley, Richard Thomas Plunkett, Mark Jackson Pulver, John Robert Sheahan, Michael John Webb -
Patent number: 7252354Abstract: A liquid-ejecting apparatus according to which targeted good characteristics can be obtained, and moreover the scope for material selection can be broadened is provided. The liquid-ejecting apparatus contracts a pressure chamber and thus ejects liquid through application of voltage to a piezoelectric body, and is such that the driving waveform applied to the piezoelectric body during the liquid ejecting operation comprises a high potential period (a2) in which a voltage exhibiting an electric field strength exceeding the coercive electric field of the piezoelectric body is applied, and a reverse potential period (a6) in which a voltage such that the potential becomes of the opposite polarity to the polarity in the high potential period or the potential becomes zero is applied.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Maki Ito, Masami Murai, Shiro Yazaki
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Patent number: 7252355Abstract: A print head driving circuit is provided whereby, even if the load changes, the accuracy of the driving voltage waveform supplied to the load can be maintained, and consequently, deterioration in printing quality can be prevented. Transistors Q3, Q4 connected in a push-pull configuration are connected to the upstream of a transistor Q1. If the base potential of the transistor Q1 rises above its normal level, then the emitter potential of the transistors Q3, Q4 will rise and the transistor Q3 will become non-conductive, and the transistor Q1 will also become non-conductive, but since the transistor Q4 is conductive, the current I2 will flow from the base terminal of the transistor Q1, to earth, via the transistor Q4, and hence the base potential of the transistor Q1 will fall to or below the prescribed value. As a result, it is possible to prevent the base potential of the transistor Q1 from rising up in excess of the prescribed value.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Atsushi Umeda