Patents Issued in August 14, 2007
  • Patent number: 7255014
    Abstract: A wheel bearing apparatus has a wheel speed detecting apparatus which can prevent ingress of foreign matter into the wheel speed detecting portion of the wheel bearing apparatus. The wheel bearing apparatus has an encoder (19) mounted on the outer circumferential surface of an inner ring (6). A sensor holder (15) is arranged on the end of the outer member (4) opposite to the encoder (19). The sensor holder (15) includes an annular fitting member (16) and a holding portion (17). The holding portion (17) is formed by synthetic resin molded integrally with the annular fitting member (16). A wheel speed detecting sensor (20) is embedded in the resin and is positioned opposite to the encoder (19), via a predetermined gap between the two. A seal (11) is arranged at the inboard side of the encoder (19). The seal (11) includes a first sealing plate (21) and a second sealing plate (22) fit, respectively, on the sensor holder (15) and the inner ring (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Syougo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7255015
    Abstract: An occupant weight sensor (1) for placement between a frame (7) fixed to the chassis of a vehicle and a second frame (8) supporting a vehicle seat has a sense element having a first body (12, 22, 28, 34, 50, 62, 64, 68) formed with a planar sense surface on which are mounted piezoresistors electrically connected in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. A post (12a, 22c, 28c, 34e, 50b, 62a, 64a, 68b) extends outwardly from the first body for attachment to the first frame. A second body is formed with a force transfer portion (14a, 24g, 30d, 36b, 52a, 70a) permanently attached to the first body along an outer periphery circumscribing the sense surface. The piezoresistors are electrically connected to conditioning electronics received in a chamber formed between the two bodies. The effects of parasitic loads on the sense element are minimized by selected placement of the piezoresistors on the sense surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. McBride, Edward F. O'Brien, David P. Hatch
  • Patent number: 7255016
    Abstract: An apparatus removes soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly (60) that rotates on a track (32) riding on a plurality of idler wheels (29, 31). A probe (66) extends and retracts under the action of a scissored frame assembly (70), mechanically manipulated by passage of the scissored frame assembly (70) along a guide assembly (108). The probe (66) is extended into the ground and retracted on each revolution. An ejector (68) pushes soil from the probe (66) as it passes over a hopper (88) to retain the cores. The cores are pneumatically transferred from the hopper (88) to a plurality of sample collection containers (126). An electronic control system uses GPS location information to deposit collected cores in the appropriate container (126) based upon the current location of the apparatus in the field of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: James D. Burton
  • Patent number: 7255017
    Abstract: A rupture disc status monitoring system is provided for a manufacturing process. An embodiment of the system comprises at least one section of enclosure material having a flow path for a given substance upon rupture of a rupture disc associated with a vessel containing a given substance in a manufacturing process. The section may have an integrated hollow node or port extending from one wall of the section into the flow path. In the case of the node, the node may have walls of the same thickness as the wall of the section of the enclosure surrounding the flow path. The system may further provide at least one detector located in the node or port to detect a parameter associated with a rupture disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: FEDD Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Rick Lawson
  • Patent number: 7255018
    Abstract: A transmission (1) having at least one transmission input shaft (4), at least one countershaft (5), one reverse gear shaft (30) and at last one transmission output shaft (6) in which, upon at least one transmission input shaft and at least one countershaft, idler gears designed as helical-cut spur gears are supported and fixed gears are fastened which forming gear pairs are in tooth contact with each other, and having shifting sets (32, 33, 34, 35) situated on the transmission input shaft and the countershaft. To implement a low shaft deflection, it is posed that the helix angles (39, 40, 42, 43) of the toothings of gear wheels (21, 22, 24, 25) driving the countershaft and the helix angle (41) of the driven gear wheel (23) on the countershaft be selected so that the toothing forces and bending torques resulting therefrom which act on the countershaft dissolve at least partly in relation to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 7255019
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling downshifting in an automated mechanical transmission system (10) utilized on a vehicle. When an automatic power downshift from a currently engaged ratio (GR) is required, the engine acceleration (EA) is monitored and compared with an engine free acceleration (EFA) to detect a false Neutral condition and to take appropriate action accordingly. Alternatively, a false Neutral condition is detected when the Absolute Value of the rotational speed of the output shaft (OS) times the currently engaged gear ratio (GR) minus the rotational speed of the input shaft (IS) is less than a predetermined value (ABS((OS*GR)?IS)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Wheeler, Anthony Stasik, Jeffrey P. Hawarden, Kwok W. Chan
  • Patent number: 7255020
    Abstract: A plunger with interchangeable handle system for machine tools. The plunger includes a shank adapted to engage a machine tool and having a retractable plunger and a threaded adapter, the interchangeable handle system includes a plurality of knobs, each having a discrete shape differing from the others and a socket to receive the threaded adapter of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Northwestern Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Thomeczek, Thomas A. Thomeczek, Scott R. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7255021
    Abstract: A hybrid electro-mechanical vehicular transmission is provided that may be selectively configured to accommodate a two-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive vehicular configuration. This is accomplished using a two-wheel drive adapter housing affixed with respect to the transmission end housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Reed, Joel E. Mowatt
  • Patent number: 7255022
    Abstract: A combination cork extractor and vacuum sealer device is provided. The device is a compact, unitary tool that performs the dual function of a cork extractor and vacuum sealer for corked wine or champagne bottles. The device generally includes an elongated housing having an air passageway therein, a piston assembly that slidably engages with the inner walls of the housing, a needle assembly for injecting air into a cork bottle, a sealing assembly that operates in conjunction with a stopper to remove air from a bottle, and a plurality of one-way valves that regulate the direction of air flow inside the device. The needle assembly includes a hollow needle and an opening formed adjacent a second end of the needle. The sealing assembly includes a resilient member configured to sealingly engage with a stopper, and a plurality of openings formed in an exterior surface and fluid communication with one of the one-way valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Adrian Rivera
  • Patent number: 7255023
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising an elongated rod and a strap. The elongated rod is generally adapted for sliding under a bottom of a locked door. The elongated rod generally includes a main section, a curved section, a handle end and an actuator end. The handle end, the curved section and the actuator end generally extend away from the main section in the same direction such that the handle end, the curve section, the main section, and the actuator end define a plane. The strap is generally adapted for engagement with an opening mechanism of the locked door. A first end of the strap is attached to the actuator end and a second end of the strap is attached to the main section by a first connection device. The first connection device is generally adapted to slide along the main section of the elongated rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Bernard Heath
  • Patent number: 7255024
    Abstract: A light bulb changing tool comprising a holding structure configured to engage a light bulb, the holding structure configured along an axis, the motorized holding structure configured to actuate in a first direction and a second direction. The light bulb changing tool further includes a force generator configured to selectively force the light bulb against the holding structure and a control unit configured to remotely communicate with the holding structure and the force generator, wherein the electronic control unit sends control signals to drive the holding structure to selectively move in the first direction and the second direction and/or to activate the force generator. The tool further comprising an arm member for positioning the holding structure in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the holding structure. The holding structure further comprises a rotator mechanism configured to rotate the holding structure in the first direction about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert Joseph Gallegos
  • Patent number: 7255025
    Abstract: A power tong (1) or back-up tong has a sliding jaw assembly (6) that may be advanced into the throat (4) of the tong for engagement with a pipe. A camming surface (11) on the inside circumference of the ring gear (10) advances the sliding jaw assembly into full engagement with the well pipe when the ring gear (10) is rotated with respect to the jaw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: McCoy Bros. Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Dagenais, Jonanthan Brent Fraser, Leslie L. Szalacsi, Hermann Basler
  • Patent number: 7255026
    Abstract: A one-way monkey wrench includes a handle, a stationary jaw, a movable jaw, a worm and a one-way mechanism. The handle defines a groove, an opening in communication with a section of the groove and a tunnel. The stationary jaw is formed on the handle. The movable jaw is movably installed on the handle, and includes a rack movably positioned in the groove. The worm is rotationally positioned in the opening and engaged with the rack. The one-way includes a tongue movably positioned in the tunnel. The tongue includes an end, a sliding facet near the end and a pushing facet near the sliding facet. The sliding facet slides on an object when the one-way monkey wrench is rotated in a direction. The pushing facet pushes the object when the one-way monkey wrench is rotated in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Yi Min Lee
  • Patent number: 7255027
    Abstract: A plier device includes two elongated handle member each having an intermediate neck portion formed between a jaw and a handle, an elongated channel and a number of teeth are formed in one of the handle members, and an orifice is formed in the other handle member for pivotally engaging a shaft of a pawl member which includes one or more teeth for engaging with the teeth of the handle member. A spring member is attached to one of the handle members and has a leg engaged with the pawl member and the other leg engaged with the handle member for biasing the tooth of the pawl member to engage with the teeth of the handle member. A frame may solidly anchor the pawl member to the handle members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Cheng Chang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7255028
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a screwdriver having interchangeable bit bodies with permanently affixed bit heads is provided. In another embodiment, at least one transparent end cap is provided to display a bit head in an engaged position ready for use. In another alternative embodiment, transparent end caps are provided at two ends of the screwdriver. In still another embodiment, two end caps are provided that may nest with each other. In yet another embodiment a rotatable end cap is provided. The various embodiments of the precision screwdriver may be utilized independently or in combination. One combination provides a screwdriver comprising two transparent, nesting, and rotating caps. A user can apply pressure to an end cap top (whether nested or not) to stabilize the screwdriver for a particular job while rotating the screwdriver independent of the nesting cap top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Di Bitonto, Anton Ljunggren, Paul Katz, Michael Circosta, Boris Kontorovich
  • Patent number: 7255029
    Abstract: A manually operated impact tool having: a handle; an anvil movably connected to the handle, the anvil having an anvil surface, the anvil further having a fastener engagement portion for engaging a fastener to be loosened or tightened, the fastener engagement portion being substantially rigidly attached to the anvil; a hammer movable with respect to the anvil and handle, the hammer having a hammer surface in cooperation with the anvil surface; an energy storage device for storing potential energy upon a relative movement of the handle and hammer; a locking device for preventing relative movement between the hammer and anvil during the relative movement of the handle and hammer; and a locking release device for unlocking the locking device upon an amount of the relative movement of the handle and hammer such that the potential energy stored in the energy storage device is at least partially transferred to the hammer such that the hammer surface contacts and impacts the anvil surface and at least part of such im
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7255030
    Abstract: The present invention relates running webs which have been printed in a high-speed printer. A method and a device are provided for longitudinal cuffing of a running, unseparated web in two web portions, wherein the unseparated web (2) is printed in a high-speed printer (1) and wherein the unseparated web (2) is cut longitudinally in two web portions (2a, 2b). The unseparated web (2) is brought to run between a first and a second edge support (8, 9) such that longitudinal outer edges (2d, 2e), extending in the running direction (T), of the unseparated web (2) can cooperate with the edge supports (8, 9). If the width (B) of the unseparated web (2) varies and/or changes, this is read and the second edge support (9) and the cuffing means (7) are continuously controlled to move in a lateral direction (S) relative to the running direction (T) such that the unseparated web (2) is cut in two web portions (2a, 2b) with widths (B2a, B2b) which are adapted to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Stralfors AB
    Inventor: Peter Benjaminsson
  • Patent number: 7255031
    Abstract: A vertical curtain cutter includes at least a base and a mold cutting device fixed on the base, which consists of a clamper, a knife and a motor. The clamper has a stationary clamp block and a movable clamp block, and the stationary clamp block has a flat clamp surface at one side and a curved clamp surface at other side. As a result, the movable clamp block and the stationary clamp block can clamp between them the rolled curtain cloth or folded-up curtain cloth. The cloth is vertically inserted by reversing the flat surface and the curved surface of the stationary clamp block. The motor can drive the knife to shift towards the curtain cloth and cut it, so that the cutter is able to cut either rolled or folded-up curtain cloth into multiple curtain pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Nien, Wen-Yeu Lee, Kun-Ming Chuang
  • Patent number: 7255032
    Abstract: A puncher having a replaceable knife holder comprises a base, a knife holder, and a wastepaper-storing case. A cover is pivotally mounted in the front of the base. The front edge of the cover is extended to the knife-holding groove such that the knife-holding groove only provides the paper-only space for holding the paper. The paper is precisely punched by adjusting the adjusting knob mounted on a front panel of the cover. The knife holder is tightly fixed by a plurality of screwing knobs. A plurality of knives is mounted on a pressing plate that mounts on the backside of the knife holder. The knife holder is tightly fixed by the screwing knobs so the knife holder can be easily detached and replaced by another knife holder having different hole type and hole number. Besides, the cover also facilitates assembly and maintenance of the knife holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Ta Ta Office Products Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Kwo Ho
  • Patent number: 7255033
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for piercing a metering disc from a workpiece of a fuel injector. The metering disc includes first and second surfaces that extend substantially parallel to a base plane. The first and second surfaces are spaced along a longitudinal axis that extends orthogonal with respect to the base plane. The apparatus includes a piercing tool that extends along a tool axis, a planar coordinate positioning mechanism, and a spherical coordinate positioning mechanism. The piercing tool is adapted to penetrate the workpiece. The planar coordinate positioning mechanism displaces parallel to the longitudinal axis of the piercing tool relative to the workpiece. And the spherical coordinate positioning mechanism pivots about the tool axis relative at least one of three axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: J. Michael Joseph
  • Patent number: 7255034
    Abstract: An inwardly bend bottom plate, having at least one bending line, is provided on the underside of an armored vehicle body as a protection against mine detonation and can be additionally armored by modular armor plates. Above the bottom plate is a floorboard so spaced therefrom that the dynamic inward buckling of the bottom plate can take place in a deformation space between the bottom plate and the floorboard without injury to an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Anton Strassgürtl, Manfred Hermann, Gerhard Nittnaus, Gerhard Skoff
  • Patent number: 7255035
    Abstract: The weaponry camera sight has a digital electronic display of the sight picture for the shooter. The display may be magnified as desired, thereby eliminating need for a scope sight. The device may also include a range finding device, with range information being provided on screen. The camera may also be used to record the image viewed on screen, if so desired. Remotely situated controls may be provided for operating the zoom magnification and recording feature, thereby allowing the shooter to operate the present camera sight without need to move his or her hands on the weapon. The present camera sight is particularly well suited for use with an archery bow, but may be used with a firearm if so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Michael S. Mowers
  • Patent number: 7255036
    Abstract: A pneumatic servomotor (12) for an assisted braking having a rigid axial casing (16) with a movable substantially truncated-cone shaped transverse skirt (18) that is integral with a piston (20) for the actuation of an associated master cylinder (14) that defines two pressure chambers (24, 26) inside the casing. A substantially annular sealing diaphragm (30) made of an elastomeric material is interposed between the casing (16) and an outer peripheral area (32) of the skirt (18) has a substantially annular seal (34) made of an elastomeric material is interposed between an inner area of the skirt (18) and the piston (20). The sealing diaphragm (30) and the seal (34) have a portion that is moulded over the skirt (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Fernando Sacristan, Juan Simon Bacardit, Bruno Berthomieu
  • Patent number: 7255037
    Abstract: A switch is disclosed comprising a housing formed with a chamber along which a ball can roll. An element having a pair of arms is pivotally mounted within the housing, with one arm either side of the ball, such that an inclination of the switch causes the ball to move along the chamber and impinge on one arm of the element to correspondingly turn the element and change the operational state of the switch. The chamber acts as a dump for hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Vincent Edwards
  • Patent number: 7255038
    Abstract: A piston for an automatic transmission includes: (a) a cylindrical wall portion provided by a first piston member; (b) a bottom wall portion provided by a second piston member; and (c) an engaging portion at which the first and second piston members are engaged with each other such that the first piston member is movable relative to the second piston member in an axial direction of the piston by a small distance. The piston is characterized by further including (d) an elastic structure which is provided at the engaging portion, and which biases the first piston member in the axial direction, so as to restrain movement of the first piston member relative to the second piston member in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Onishi, Yuji Yasuda
  • Patent number: 7255039
    Abstract: A closure mechanism for a beverage preparation machine comprising a fixed lower part and an upper part rotatable relative to the lower part, the upper part being moveable from an open position, in which the upper part is disengaged from the lower part, and a closed position, in which the upper part is engaged with the lower part, the closure mechanism further comprising a clamping lever operable to retain the upper part in the closed position, wherein the clamping lever comprises a first member being pivotably connected at a first pivot to the upper part and a second member having a first end pivotable about a second pivot, an end of the first member and a second end of the second member being pivotably connected together at a third pivot such that the clamping lever has first and second positions of stability, wherein on operation of the clamping lever to move the upper part from the open position to the closed position the clamping lever moves from the first to the second position of stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Halliday, Steve Carter
  • Patent number: 7255040
    Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of panels having a decorative surface whereby the decor of the panels is achieved by means of printing a plurality of different decor sections (1n) on a web (1). Each decor section (1n) being intended to constitute the decor of a panel. Each decor section (1n) having a beginning (1B) and an end (1E). At least the end (1E) of a first decor section (11) is made to match the beginning (1B) of a second decor section (12) so that when the first decor section (11) and the second decor section (12) is arranged in a row, the decor of the first decor section (11) will give the impression of continuing on the second decor section (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Ake Sjoberg
  • Patent number: 7255041
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder, which is in contact with a material web. Said cylinder flexes in or against the direction of travel of the material web, in accordance with at least one pixel that is located on said web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Uwe Johann Riedel
  • Patent number: 7255042
    Abstract: In the recording apparatus 121, a recording medium fixing member 123 having a plurality of suction ports on the fixed surface to fix the recording medium 101; an adhering roller 143 which can contact with or separate from the recording medium fixing member 123 and which cleans the fixed surface; a flexible plate 137 which is attached onto the fixed surface of the recording medium fixing member 123 and whose contact surface with the recording medium is cleaned by the adhering roller 143; and a suction apparatus for recording medium fixing which sucks the air from the suction ports of the recording medium fixing member 123 and sucks and fixes the flexible plate 137 and the recording medium 101 onto the fixed surface of the recording medium fixing member 123, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7255043
    Abstract: In an apparatus for pulling off sleeves (11, 14) which are applied to cylinders (10, 15) of a printing press, a force for pulling off the sleeve is applied in a gentle manner, in that a retaining rod (5), having a retaining head (1) which can be fixed to the sleeve (11, 14), and a hammer weight which can be moved along the rod (5) between stops (7, 9) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Stephan Fischer, Josef Göttling
  • Patent number: 7255044
    Abstract: A method for enhancing an aerodynamic performance of an unmanned projectile. The method including at least one of the following: (a) morphing a cross-sectional shape of the projectile after launch thereof; (b) morphing a longitudinal shape of the projectile after launch thereof; (c) bleeding a fluid at a base of the projectile during flight thereof: (d) varying a base cone angle of the projectile as a function of speed thereof; (e) deploying at least one wing from a body of the projectile after launch thereof; and (f) deploying a fin from the body of the projectile after launch thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Richard B. Pelz
  • Patent number: 7255045
    Abstract: A multi-program trolley and track switch system is provided for a movable wall system having multiple panels supported and movable along multiple paths defined by multiple track sections. Switch assemblies automatically direct each wall panel to a predetermined wall forming location based on the arrangement of guide plates in the each switch assembly and the configuration of a diverter element associated with each trolley. Each switch assembly includes an array of vertically oriented guide plates offset at different lateral distances from the track path. Each trolley includes a side diverter element that is positioned a predetermined lateral distance from the trolley centerline to engage a pre-selected switch guide plate. In one embodiment, lead trolleys have only a side diverter element while trailing trolleys have both a side diverter element and a center diverter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: N. Douglas Owens
  • Patent number: 7255046
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for use in controlling and directing magnetically levitated vehicles. In some embodiments, a method propels or passes a vehicle along a guideway, magnetically levitates the vehicle as it travels along the guideway, and induces a magnetic drag on the vehicle as it travels along a portion of the guideway. The magnetic drag can be induced by passing the magnet proximate a plate of conductive material. The plate can be positioned on a first side of the vehicle to induce the magnetic drag resulting in a force on the vehicle in a direction toward the first side. The method can further induce the magnetic drag to guide the vehicle along a curve of the guideway, where the plate is positioned on an inward side of the curve such that the force directs the vehicle into the curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Robert W. Baldi, Husam Gurol, Robert Kratz
  • Patent number: 7255047
    Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The rail road car can be coupled to other rail road cars of the same type. Bridge plates are provide that permit wheeled vehicles to be conducted between adjacent rail road cars. The bridge plates have one end mounted to the rail road car at a pivot fitting. The pivot fitting allows the bridge plate to be moved from a length-wise position spanning the gap between cars, to a cross-wise stowed position. The bridge plates have fittings which permit three degrees of freedom relative to the adjacent rail road cars, namely a first degree of freedom to tolerate yawing motion of the first rail road car, a second degree of freedom to accommodate yawing motion of the second rail road car, and a third degree of freedom to accommodate variation in distance between the respective portions of the rail road cars to which the bridge plate is mounted while the rail road cars are moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: National Steel Car Limited
    Inventors: Ilario A. Coslovi, James W. Forbes
  • Patent number: 7255048
    Abstract: A swing motion rail road freight car truck is provided that does not have lateral underslung cross bracing in the nature of a transom, a frame brace, or lateral rods. The truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The side frames have spring seats for the groups of springs. The springs seats may be on rockers, or may be rigidly mounted in the side frames. Friction dampers are provided in inboard and outboard pairs. The biasing force on the dampers urges then to that act between the bolster ands and sideframes to resist parallelogram deflection of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: James W. Forbes
  • Patent number: 7255049
    Abstract: A method for the subsurface application of fertilizers, biologicals, fumigants, non-fumigant pesticides or other chemicals to soil with reduced application rates. Discrete amounts of the materials are injected into the soil at numerous sites along a path during a pass through the soil. At the injection sites, the materials form diffusion patterns which may touch or overlapping with diffusion patterns of adjacent soil injections. The application of materials to soil in this manner maintains optimum efficacy with the use of the least amount of materials necessary per acre of soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Arysta Lifescience North America Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Allan, Charles T. Schiller
  • Patent number: 7255050
    Abstract: Pneumatic single grain sowing machine having a seeds storage container, and an individualization device subjected to air pressure, exhibiting perforations and rotating. The individualization device is led with its region disposed below the rotation axis at least in part to the placing of seed grains at the perforations through a seed storage led from the storage container to the individualization device. A separating wall is disposed between the storage container and the individualization device and determining the seed storage height level and extending at a distance to the individualization device in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Amazonen-Werke, H. Dreyer GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Stefan Jan Johannaber, Richard Schmidt, Rüdiger Steen, Michael Pokriefke
  • Patent number: 7255051
    Abstract: A template (1) in the form of a thin disc is provided with segmental (3) and circular (4) markings, a central aperture (2), and apertures (5) which coincide with intersecting points on the markings enables centre point based positions to be plotted using the template (1) to assist in the process of circular sewing and embroidery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Kym Joanne Graham, Ann Margaret Duncan
  • Patent number: 7255052
    Abstract: An embroidery frame provided with an upper frame, a lower frame that clamps a workpiece cloth with the upper frame, a hinge openably linking the upper and lower frames, a clamping unit that presses the upper frame to the lower frame, an auxiliary frame which is fitted in an inner side of the upper frame and which downwardly presses the workpiece cloth clamped between the upper and lower frames, and a regulating mechanism which is fitted in the upper frame and which regulates the upward movement of the auxiliary frame with respect to the upper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Okazaki
  • Patent number: 7255053
    Abstract: A boat having a deck with a deck locker is disclosed herein. The deck locker includes a compartment mounted beneath the deck, and an opening in the deck for accessing the interior of the compartment. The locker also includes a lid for covering the opening in the deck. The locker further includes a latching arrangement for releasably securing the lid in a closed position covering the opening. The latching arrangement includes a striker mounted to the lid and a latching member and actuator mounted offset from the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Wood Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Randy Wayne Hopper, Bradley G. Garringer, Gary W. Howard
  • Patent number: 7255054
    Abstract: A submersible surface-planing vessel has the capability to operate with a lowered profile on surface propulsion to lessen the visibility of the vessel, and sink to the bottom for temporary storage, followed by resurfacing and dewatering to operate as a planing craft. Surface propulsion is provided by an engine system which can be totally sealed when the vessel submerges. A buoyancy system, which may include both open and closed ballast tanks, permit the vessel to sink, refloat or to be of neutral buoyancy as required. The vessel is constructed to maintain the center of buoyancy above the vessel's center of gravity irrespective of the degree of fill of the ballast tanks to maintain the vessel in an upright orientation at all times when under water and transitioning between surface and submerged states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: STIDD Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert DiGregorio
  • Patent number: 7255055
    Abstract: A floating dock comprises a plurality of floats, and a plurality of connectors for joining the floats together, each float having a top surface, a bottom surface, two opposed side surfaces and two opposed end surfaces. Each of the side and end surfaces have at least one tapered connecting slot formed therein, extending from the bottom surface of the float to the top surface of the float. The connectors have a shape complementary to the connecting slots, whereby a single connector will span between aligned connecting slots on an adjacent pair of floats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Duane Whybourne
  • Patent number: 7255056
    Abstract: A marine vessel that possesses a capability for greater speed than most static-lift craft and is more stable than most dynamic-lift craft is disclosed. The vessel incorporates elements from both SWATH craft and WIG craft. In the illustrative embodiment, the marine vessel includes an upper hull that is disposed above the water line, a dynamic-lift-providing element that is disposed above the water line, a propulsion system that is disposed above the water line, a static-lift-providing element that is disposed below the water line, a propulsion system that is disposed below the water line; and struts that couple the static-lift-providing element to the upper hull and that raise the upper hull some distance above the water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Watts
  • Patent number: 7255057
    Abstract: A ramp for a pontoon boat on which a boat user can come and go from it without having to get wet. Rotatably attached to the outboard end of the ramp is a cylindrical float which not only keeps the ramp and user afloat but also acts like a roller enabling the ramp to move up on the shore during docking on a typical beach. The ramp includes a support structure attached in most cases to the underside of the boat and a platform slideably connected to the support structure. Rotatably attached to the inboard end of the platform is a rudder which can be turned approximately 90 degrees to the centerline of the ramp. When the rudder is so turned and the boat is in motion, water drag forces acting on the rudder cause the platform to be either extended or retracted relative to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: William C. Wright
  • Patent number: 7255058
    Abstract: A hatch assembly for a boat including a contiguous seating area across a stern of the boat. The contiguous seating area includes a main portion and at least one removable portion that can be removed to provide access to an entryway to a deck of the boat. The boat also includes a base pivotally attached to a boat deck, whereby the base can pivot between an open position and closed position to provide access to a power source within a boat hull. The base defines a storage bin with a compartment for storage. A lid pivotally attaches to the base, whereby the lid can pivot from an open position to a closed position to provide access to the storage bin. A seat attaches to the lid and is supported by the base. A backrest pivotally attaches to the base and pivots between a sitting position and a reclining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Crownline Boats, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan D. Forbes, Karlis Matvejs, Kevin J. Reim
  • Patent number: 7255059
    Abstract: An adjustable adapter assembly secures a framework/console to an anchoring fixture. A housing member connected to the framework has two pairs of parallel walls having laterally aligned elongate first slots and laterally aligned elongate second slots, respectively. A clasping mechanism inside the housing member has a shank portion and finger members. First and second threaded orthogonal bores laterally extend through the shank portion, a first threaded bolt extends through the first slots and first threaded bore, and a second threaded bolt extends through the second slots and second threaded bore. Rotating the first and second bolts laterally displaces the clasping mechanism to align the finger members with part of an anchoring fixture on the deck for engagement by the finger members when a locking ring is appropriately displaced. Several assemblies secured to the framework can be adjusted to interconnect with permanently mounted anchoring fixtures in the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Gerald McDonald
  • Patent number: 7255060
    Abstract: A predator replica is provided that has a moveable head. The head rotates and also has a spring actuated multidimensional movement for deterring pests, particularly unwanted birds. The predator head is provided with a wind activated fin. The fin increases the probability of head movement. The spring provides a “bobble” movement of owl head. The head suspends over the body with a gap between the head and body providing clearance to allow for the spring actuated head movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Easy Gardener Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan L. Grandy
  • Patent number: 7255061
    Abstract: Control, comprising a knob (12a) with a prism (20) that has an axial part (22) located centrally in the knob, with a symbol display surface (28) at an external end (30) of the knob, and a part (24) arranged at an angle to the central part for receiving incident light from a symbol illuminated by a light source (34), which symbol is on a stationary disc element (32) located at an end of the knob (12a) facing away from the external end (30) and concentric with this, in order to be able to display different symbols by optical projection towards the symbol display surface (28) depending upon the rotational position of the knob (12a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Denton
  • Patent number: 7255062
    Abstract: A pseudo surface microwave produced plasma shielding system is a simple device that creates a prescribed plasma environment with a prescribed plasma density gradient, and protects an object surrounded by this environment as a shield. Pseudo surface microwaves interacting with an artificial intelligence equipped on board are used to create and to adjust this plasma environment for a particular application. This plasma environment provides potential capabilities of military applications of the plasma in the system. Examples of military applications include a stealth system from RADAR and SONAR, a protection system from WMD, and a weapon system to generate and launch plasmoids as a plasma gun. The scope of this invention extends to commercial applications of this plasma shielding system as a conditioned and controlled flow field, for example, a boundary layer and turbulence control system, and a lift control system to improve flight performance and flight economy of aircrafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Kumiko I. Higman
  • Patent number: 7255063
    Abstract: An assembly for feeding and milking animals. The assembly is provided with a feeding system comprising a movable feed platform and a drive unit for driving the feed platform, a number of feeding places being provided on the feed platform. The assembly is further provided with a milking system for, in particular automatically, milking animals on the feed platform, which milking system comprises a number of sets of teat cups. The feed platform is at least for the greater part free from separating elements between the feeding places, i.e. the feed platform is at least for the greater part free from separating elements for confining animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Karel Van Den Berg, Greorgius Rudolphius Bos