Patents Issued in September 18, 2007
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Patent number: 7270310Abstract: A first connecting pipe of an electromagnetic valve connects with the fuel tank, and a second connecting pipe connects with a canister. A spring urges a moving core and a first valve body in a closing direction of a electromagnetic valve. A shaft of the first valve body includes a fluid-amount controlling portion on the top. The fluid-amount controlling portion is inserted to the communicating passage while a contact member of bellows seats on a convex of a rubber member, and is tapered in an inserted direction. When a coil is energized, the first valve body is lifted in the direction in which the fluid-amount controlling portion retracts from the communicating passage.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventor: Shinsuke Takakura
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Patent number: 7270311Abstract: A pendulum gate valve includes a housing defining a valve chamber, the valve housing having a vacuum-chamber opening in a front wall and an access opening in a rear wall aligned with the vacuum-chamber opening and defining a through-hole extending from one side of the valve housing to the other side for providing access to the vacuum chamber, a carriage assembly pivotally mounted within the valve housing and moveable between a open position remote from the openings and a closed position between the openings, a valve plate reciprocally mounted on one side of the carriage assembly and movable between an unsealed position spaced from the vacuum-chamber opening and a sealed position sealing the vacuum-chamber opening, a valve-plate actuator carried on the carriage assembly for moving the valve gate between the unsealed and sealed positions, a retractable support reciprocally mounted on another side of the carriage assembly movable between a retracted position spaced from the access opening and an extended positioType: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Arthur J. Brenes
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Patent number: 7270312Abstract: A winch drum drive system for controlling a kite. The winch drum drive system includes spools for winding an unwinding kite control lines and a set of planetary gears rotatably attached to one end of each of the spools. A ring gear wraps around each set of planetary gears so that the internal perimeter of the ring gear is meshed with each of the planetary gears in the set. The ring gear includes a set of external teeth so that it may be meshed with a second ring gear corresponding to a different spool. A ring drive gear is meshed with one of the ring gears, so that when power is sent to the ring drive gear the ring gears rotate in different directions. A sun gear is positioned between and meshed with each set of planetary gears. A sun drive gear is placed between and meshed with the sun gears so that when power is sent to the sun drive gear, the sun gears rotate in the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Growth Innovation, LLCInventor: Jeffery S. Phipps
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Patent number: 7270313Abstract: A fuel metering apparatus provides a carburetor; a fuel float control, a fuel metering assembly and a rocker arm assembly. The rocker arm is mechanically linked to and is operated by an accelerator pedal. Its position determines the size of a gap between a fuel metering tube and the metering piston, of the fuel metering assembly, to adjust a gap between the metering piston and a metering tube, which determines the precise rate of fuel flowing into the carburetor's air stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Paul Counts
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Patent number: 7270314Abstract: A method for treating a fluid to increase oxygen content while reducing surface tension. The first step is flowing a fluid into a surface tension modification device at a first pressure and applying a direct current or an electromagnetic wave to modify a physical characteristic of the fluid forming an altered fluid. The next step is flowing oxygen or ozone into the altered fluid forming an altered fluid mixture. After the altered fluid mixture is formed, then flow the altered fluid mixture into the inner chamber of a multichamber device at a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure. The last step is passing the altered fluid mixture from the inner chamber through a plurality of funnels forming a turbid fluid condition at a focus point in an outside chamber to dissolve nano-sized oxygen particles into the fluid at an increased concentration.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Innovative Industries, Inc.Inventors: James Richard Von Krosigk, Larry John Dove
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Patent number: 7270315Abstract: In, for example, a gas-liquid, liquid/liquid exchange column, perforated tray assemblies are provided which have a plurality of adjacent tray sections with slots adjacent rounded leading edges of the sections, and catches extending along trailing edges which interlock in the slots of an adjacent section. This interlocking avoids the use of bolted joints which cause stagnant areas where sediment accumulation occurs, resulting in reduced gas-liquid and liquid/liquid contact, and the need for the tray sections to be frequently cleaned. Perforated domes may be provided on perforations to reduce stagnant areas.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: AMT International, Inc.Inventors: Larry W Burton, Farzad G. Tahmassi, Francis W. Lemon
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Patent number: 7270316Abstract: A new tray configuration for a distillation column that utilizes the entire column cross section area as active tray area for vapor/liquid contact. The new tray configuration has no downcomers and utilizes a liquid/vapor seal pan(s) located in the vapor space of the adjoining tray to collect liquid from the tray, provide entrained vapor disengaging, distribute liquid from one active tray to another and provide a liquid and vapor seal between contact trays.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Joseph Michael Burch
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Patent number: 7270317Abstract: A fluid suspension member having a flexible wall at least partially defining a fluid chamber and having a passage formed therethrough. A connector fitting is received within the passage, and a groove extends into the flexible wall adjacent the passage. A method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLCInventor: Joshua R. Leonard
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Patent number: 7270318Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in an energy-accumulating piston-cylinder device (1, 2) having a piston (2) and a cylindrical casing (1). The invention is characterized by an openable safety valve (1) arranged in the piston (2) and/or a discharge duct (11) together with an element (8; 17) arranged on the cylindrical casing (1) or the safety valve (10) and in the cylinder chamber, which element is designed, in the event of the piston (2) being inserted into the cylinder chamber by more than a predetermined distance, to act upon the safety valve/the discharge duct (10, 11) in order to expose the said duct (11), permitting a discharge of the pressure in the cylinder chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2002Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Stromsholmen ABInventor: Leif Lundahl
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Patent number: 7270319Abstract: A compliant mechanism is provided for accurate and precision alignment of mechanical component parts, surfaces or assemblies and the like, where low-cost, accurate, and repeatable alignment are desired. The compliant mechanism may be used in applications that require high precision alignment and where the relative location of coupled components must be variable or adjustable. The compliant mechanism includes a stage coupled to a plurality of hinges, at least one tab coupled to one of the hinges, and a support coupled to the tab. The relative position of the stage and the support may be adjusted by actuating (i.e., displacing) the tab(s) or other parts of the structure, to enable controlled movement in six degrees of freedom therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Martin L. Culpepper
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Patent number: 7270320Abstract: An antivibration element (1) is especially for a portable handheld work apparatus such as a motor-driven chain saw or a brushcutter. The antivibration element includes a coil spring (2) and at least one guide. An end section (7, 8) of the coil spring (2) is fixed to the guide. In order to provide a progressive characteristic line of the coil spring (2) in a simple way, the coil spring (2) has a transition section (11, 12), which borders at the end section (7, 8) and is guided with play on the guide. When the coil spring is under load, the turns of the transition section come at least in part into contact engagement with a helically-shaped slot in the guide so that the spring stiffness of the antivibration unit increases.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventors: Johannes Menzel, Günter Wolf, Helmut Lux, Jens Kutzbach
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Patent number: 7270321Abstract: A fluid-elastomeric damper assembly operable for damping relative motion between a first structure and a second structure including a housing structure grounded to the first structure and a plurality of elastomer seals coupled to the housing structure, the housing structure and the plurality of elastomer seals defining a fluid-elastomeric chamber operable for containing a fluid. The fluid-elastomeric damper assembly also including one or more piston structures disposed within the housing structure and the fluid-elastomeric chamber, the one or more piston structures grounded to the first structure and driven by the second structure, and the one or more piston structures each including a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber in communication via an orifice, the first substantially fluid-filled chamber and the second substantially fluid-filled chamber also in communication with the fluid-elastomeric chamber through a fluid backfiller.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Lord CorporationInventor: Donald D. Russell
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Patent number: 7270322Abstract: A paper feed portion for an image forming apparatus has a simple structure capable of generating a carrying force and preventing double feeding effectively. A paper feed roller 1 and a carrying auxiliary portion 2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the paper feed path, that is, above the paper feed path on the upstream side and below the paper feed path on the downstream side, respectively. In the carrying auxiliary portion 2, a carrying force generating rib 22 is at the center of the width direction and positioned facing the contact member 10a of the paper feed roller 1. Double feed preventing ribs 23a and 23b are arranged symmetrically widthwise with respect to the carrying force generating rib 22.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kouichi Chikumoto
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Patent number: 7270323Abstract: A sheet supplying/feeding device includes a sheet placing plate that receives at least a tip of a sheet, a feeding unit that feeds the sheet while being in contact with the sheet placed on the sheet placing plate, and a driving unit that drives the feeding unit. Preferably, cam members are provided at both ends of a rotating shaft of the feeding unit, displacement changing members are swingably provided in engagement with the cam members, the sheet placing plate is shifted synchronously with the swing of the displacement changing members through first elastic members, and the sheet placed on the sheet placing plate and the feeding unit are contacted and separated by the synchronous movement of the sheet placing plate and the displacement changing members.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsutomu Somemiya
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Patent number: 7270324Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus including a sheet stacking tray for stacking sheets thereon, a first abutting member for abutting against the upper surface of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking tray, and a second abutting member for abutting the underside of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking tray, wherein the first abutting member operates in operative association with the operation of the second abutting member.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Ogata, Masayoshi Fukatsu, Junichi Sekiyama
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Patent number: 7270325Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes first and second transport devices disposed at a transport guide with a distance in between for nipping and transporting a sheet, and a double feed detection device disposed between the first transport device and the second transport device for detecting a double feed of the sheet. A sheet end detection device is disposed at a downstream side of the first transport device for detecting a trailing end of the sheet, and a determination device is provided for determining the double feed based on a detection signal from the double feed detection device and a detection signal from the sheet end detection device.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Nisca CorporationInventors: Kazuhide Sano, Syunichi Hirose, Masashi Yamashita
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Patent number: 7270326Abstract: A paper sheet separation and transfer apparatus has a take-out roller which takes out stacked paper sheets onto a transfer path, a first separation unit, and a second separation unit. When the front end of a first paper sheet in the transfer direction reaches a nip of the second separation unit, the take-out roller and first feed roller are “decelerated”.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yusuke Mitsuya, Yoshihiko Naruoka, Yukio Asari
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Patent number: 7270327Abstract: A game playing device for rolling balls includes a game surface, a plurality of bar-shape elements and at least one rolling ball that rolls on the game surface. The game surface is made of a fabric and has an area and a shape including a circular shape or a rectangular shape, and its edge has a holding portion provided for users to hold and lift, and both ends of the bar-shape element are fixing ends provided for users to freely attach and detach the bar-shape element on any position of the game surface, preferably by adhesive tapes. The bar-shape element is bent into an arc shape to simulate a goal or an obstacle when it is attached. The game surface can be placed on a floor or held by players for playing the game in different ways based on their creativity and imagination and adding more fin to the game.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Shine Sport Facility Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kun-Yu Hsu
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Patent number: 7270328Abstract: A two player game apparatus comprising a hexagonal gameboard with six major equilateral triangular segments each of which is defined by sixteen equilateral minor triangles. There are two adjacent and two opposite adjacent major segments each having game piece locator indicia on the first twelve of the equilateral minor triangles starting at the base of the segment and extending towards the center point of the board leaving the remaining four minor triangles nearest the center point free of indicia with the minor triangles being of two alternating colors and including two different colored sets of twenty-four game pieces including eight different valued pieces located on the locator indicia.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: As Majesty S.A.Inventor: Edwin Peraza Parrales
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Patent number: 7270329Abstract: A game of deduction including game components and rules for playing a game for a plurality of players, a goal of which may be for one player to deduce, through a question and answer process, an image on a game card chosen by another player. A game board, multiple game cards, and a set of image elements with an accompanying game palette may be suitable for playing the game of deduction.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Mark Barthold
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Patent number: 7270330Abstract: Computerized and gaming table versions of a poker game with bonus bets is provided where a player plays a poker game with the option to place bonus bets.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Sal Falciglia, Sr.
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Patent number: 7270331Abstract: A method of playing a game bonus triggered by the rank of the player hand. A plurality of bonus hands is provided and a value is assigned to each one. The player chooses one of the bonus hands, after which the value is revealed and the player is paid the corresponding amount. The values assigned guarantee the player a payout regardless of the choice. Optionally, the player may be permitted to choose more than one bonus hand. The number of bonus hands permitted may be based on the rank of the player hand. The value of the bonus hand may be represented by a poker hand.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: New Vision Gaming & Development, Inc.Inventor: John Feola
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Patent number: 7270332Abstract: A play activity set including a target at which objects may be directed, a plurality of objects for throwing at the target, the plurality of objects including at least a first object with a first opening therethrough and a second object with a second opening therethrough, in one particular aspect the first opening different in size than the second opening, the target made from box material from at least one box, the target including an upright portion and a first projection projecting from the upright portion, and the first opening and the second opening each sufficient to encompass the first projection when thrown at the target.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Go-Whiz-It, Inc.Inventors: John Michael McClung, Karen Therese McClung, Guy L. McClung, III
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Patent number: 7270333Abstract: A brush seal, comprising: a bristle arrangement having a retention section; a pair of plates flanking the bristle arrangement and having a clamping section to frictionally engage the retention section. The clamping section allows movement of the retention section before the plates are secured together, to place the bristle arrangement at a desired position between the plates, and prevents movement of the retention section after the plates are secured together.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Mark E. Addis
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Patent number: 7270334Abstract: A wheel assembly for supporting a load bearing platform includes a primary wheel and at least four secondary wheels that are of equal size. The primary wheel includes at least one planar member having an even number of axles at fixed locations extending perpendicularly therefrom with one secondary wheel mounted on each axle. The fixed locations are angularly equidistant apart and also equidistant from the central axis of the primary wheel. The diameter of each secondary wheel is greater than is the distance between locations, and adjacent secondary wheels are arranged to roll in separate, parallel paths.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Troy A. Heien
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Patent number: 7270335Abstract: An electromagnetic suspension apparatus for an automotive vehicle, employs an electromagnetic actuator interleaved between a sprung mass and an unsprung mass and arranged in parallel with a suspension spring element, and an electric motor built in the electromagnetic actuator for driving the electromagnetic actuator. A motor controller calculates a displacement input, such as a suspension stroke acceleration and a suspension velocity, transmitted to the electromagnetic actuator, and controls the motor to bring a suspension damping force closer to a desired damping force suited for the displacement input. The motor controller calculates an internal inertia force of the electromagnetic actuator, and corrects or compensates for a motor output by the internal inertia force of the electromagnetic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Hio, Takaaki Uno, Masaharu Sato
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Patent number: 7270336Abstract: An adjustable stabilizer bar assembly is disclosed. An adjustable stabilizer bar assembly includes a cylindrical housing, a first primary half bar, a splined cylindrical housing, a second primary half bar, a splined torsion bar and a slidable assembly. The primary and secondary half bars are mounted to a vehicle suspension via the cylindrical housings. The splined torsion bar is disposed between the two cylindrical housings. The assembly allows for adjustable multi-rate stabilization means made by either the driver or an automatic control system, which may sense vehicle velocity, lateral acceleration or any other suitable operating variable.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Hiromichi Fujimori
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Patent number: 7270337Abstract: Apparatus 10 for a pivotal element 20 communicating between the base plate of the binding 24 and the top of the snowboard 16 that is secured in a fixed position when riding and can be selectively released for skating and while on a lift where the snowboard would hang downward from the user's boot in a substantially parallel relation therewith.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Robert L Carotenuto
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Patent number: 7270338Abstract: An insulating compartment is combined with a type grocery cart characterized by an open basket having forwardly-tapering sidewalls and bottom wall which terminate in a common front wall, as well as having a top-hung rear flap-panel that swings up when the nose of a like grocery cart's basket pushes inside from the rear to enter and dock inside the basket space of the first grocery cart. The insulating compartment is limited in extent to generally the front portions only of the grocery cart's basket. Preferably, the insulating compartment comprises a front wall that matches flush against substantial portions of the basket's front wall. It also comprises abbreviated sidewalls and bottom wall arranged to match flush against front portions of the basket's sidewalls and bottom wall. Thus, the insulating compartment provides insulation service to cold or frozen food and beverage merchandise during grocery shopping trips.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Steven L. Edgar
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Patent number: 7270339Abstract: A wheelbarrow rack is disclosed generally comprising first and second rack stands, first and second upright posts connected to the first and the second rack stands respectively, multiple wheelbarrow support braces pivotally attached between the upright posts, and multiple stopper ledges attached to upright posts below the wheelbarrow support braces. In some embodiment, the wheelbarrow rack includes a spare wheel holding assembly attached to the rack. The method for conserving space while displaying or storing wheelbarrows is provided. Also, a method is provided for easy removal of the unwanted rainwater from wheelbarrows collected while displaying or storing wheelbarrows outside.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: William Kurt Feick
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Patent number: 7270340Abstract: In an independent wheel suspension including a wheel-guiding strut which is mounted on a vehicle body, a wheel carrier is so supported on the strut by several elastic pivoting bearings, that a high degree of driving comfort is provided by a controlled accommodation of lateral, longitudinal and vertical forces.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Daimler Chrysler AGInventor: Christian Mosler
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Patent number: 7270341Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having radius arms that are connected to axle brackets through vertically arranged bushings. A third link of the suspension system is a track bar that connects one end of the axle to a laterally spaced point on the frame of the vehicle. The radius arms are sheet metal fabricated members that are assembled in a clam shell arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Longworth, Harry Hess, John Stanley
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Patent number: 7270342Abstract: A vehicle suspension axle wrap is a composite tubular structure of cast or forged shells of part-tubular shape. The shells are assembled into a tubular form and welded together at juxtaposed edges. The shells can be cast or forged accurately to shape and profile to provide an improved quality axle wrap. Wall thickness variations can be designed into the shells. The juxtaposed edges are shaped to space the welding at the edges from the interior of the assembled axle wrap. The edges are beveled adjacent the external circumferential surfaces of the shells to provide a V-shaped groove at which the welding is made. There is a stepped engagement at the edges between the V-shaped groove and the internal surface of the axle wrap to prevent the welding from extending to the internal surface. Each shell is formed with an aperture at which a welded joint can be made between the axle wrap and an axle.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LimitedInventors: David Chan, Martin Peaker
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Patent number: 7270343Abstract: The invention describes a pivotable binding system (1) for mounting between a sports device (2) and a tread surface (5) for a user's foot, in which the tread surface (5) is pivotable about an axis extending more or less parallel with the ankle joint of the foot and is displaceable, at least in a part region assigned to the toes, to a position closer to the sports device (2), and can be joined to the sports device by at least one binding element (11). The binding element (11) is flexible and is resiliently deformable in a vertical plane (8).Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Atomic Austria GmbHInventor: Bernhard Riepler
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Patent number: 7270344Abstract: An airbag module, in particular for a frontal airbag, has a housing with at least one housing recess and a housing opening. The airbag has at least one opening therein for receiving an inflator. The inflator can be arranged in the housing opening and the opening in the airbag and the housing recess. The opening in the airbag for receiving an inflator is reinforced by a reinforcing member, which extends essentially around the opening in the airbag for receiving an inflator. The reinforcing member can be deformed and restored, to be guided from the interior of the housing through the housing opening, so that the reinforcing member at least partly is adjacent to the exterior wall of the housing in the region of the housing opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Schirholz, Samir Heric
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Patent number: 7270345Abstract: The assembly incorporates two plates. There are annular protrusions on one plate and a matching annular groove on the other. A central bolt and washer holds the plates in engagement while permitting rotation of one plate relative to the other. The cooperating annular grooves and protrusions transfer loads between plates. Ninety degrees of rotation causes the jack assembly to rotate from the vertical stowed position to the horizontal towed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Bernhardt Goettker
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Patent number: 7270346Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes first and second generally parallel chassis rails. At least one of the first and second chassis rails has a first portion defining an internal cavity and at least a second portion defining an enclosed passageway extending along the first portion and within the internal cavity. The at least one of the first and second chassis rails is configured to be coupled to a first component and to provide a routing within the passageway between the first component and a second component.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Oshkosh Truck CorporationInventors: Ryan F. Rowe, Gary Schmiedel
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Patent number: 7270347Abstract: A positioning attachment for vehicle seatbelts primarily for use by pregnant women. The attachment has an anchor portion securable to the vehicle seat or seat support and an attachment portion adjustably securable to the vehicle lap belt to position the lap belt in a lowered position extending below the abdomen of the wearer to secure the wearer in the pelvic area.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Milan Zlojutro
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Patent number: 7270348Abstract: A connector for releasably attaching a pair of conduits includes male and female components having proximal and distal ends and a lumen, and a swivel connection releasably connecting the male and female components. The swivel connection permits fluid communication between the male and female components and also permits free rotation between the male and female components.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Apical Industries, Inc.Inventor: David G. Parrott
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Patent number: 7270349Abstract: A quick-action coupling for coupling pipes includes a tubular inner part having an outer surface for supporting a pipe to be coupled; an inner sleeve and a clamping ring, each surrounding at least a portion of the tubular inner part for clamping the pipe to be coupled between the outer surface of the tubular inner part and the clamping ring; a toothed ring between the inner sleeve and the clamping ring; and an outer sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the inner sleeve, the toothed ring and the clamping ring, the outer sleeve comprises a cylindrical region having at least two inside diameters (d1, d2) and a conical region, wherein the clamping ring is received in the conical region.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Georg Fischer Haustechnik AGInventors: Michael Bamberger, Peter Heer, Renato Pinardi, Erasmo Porfido
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Patent number: 7270350Abstract: A quick-connecting coupler for connecting hoses, connectors together or to a faucet or other water accessories that allows ease of use by anyone, including the elderly, the infirm, and those suffering from disabilities. The quick-connecting coupler has a first male-end and a second female end. The second female end is provided with of spaced-apart through-slots or opening for receiving therethrough a pair of forks or leg-sections of a yoke. Each of the pair of forks or leg-sections is provided with at least one interior-facing linear thread or rib for engaging with the male threads of the mating male end of another hose, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Gerald Cronley
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Patent number: 7270351Abstract: A coupling assembly for plastic pipes including a nut, a body, a grip-ring, and a seal. The nut can engage the body through appropriate threads and includes a hooked projection having a sloping surface adapted to abut against and provide a force on a corresponding surface of the grip ring within the body. A pipe is inserted through the nut, grip-ring, and seal into the body. Tightening of the nut causes its sloped surface to engage and the grip ring to be forced both radially and longitudinally. Radial compression results in the grip-ring engaging the pipe whilst longitudinal forcing causes it to be forced into the body simultaneously abutting against and compressing the seal whilst dragging the pipe further into the body. The nut and the body may further have tapered surfaces that are brought together as the grip-ring is forced into the body. The physical connection between the body and the nut provides reinforcing for the nut, a feature especially useful when dealing with soft plastics.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventors: David Chelchowski, Geoffrey B. Puckett, Luke Raymond
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Patent number: 7270352Abstract: A foot-operated door opener includes an elongate housing having openings at the upper and lower ends thereof. The housing is mounted to and hangs from a rotatable doorknob or door handle. An elongate actuator extends through the housing. An upper end of the actuator is grippably engaged with the door handle or doorknob and the lower end of the actuator carries a foot pedal. The lower end of the housing carries a hook that engages the lower edge of the door. The foot pedal is depressed to pull the actuator downwardly through the housing. This rotates the doorknob or door handle to open the door. The pedal is then pulled rearwardly or pushed forwardly by the users foot, as required, so that the housing and hook pivot the door open. The user may then exit the door without touching the handle.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Robert Stuart
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Patent number: 7270353Abstract: The invention relates to a seal device, including a locking pin and a sleeve, the locking pin having a head and a stem having a groove which interacts with a locking ring disposed in the sleeve to lock the sleeve onto the pin by insertion. The sleeve also includes a first transponder housed in the upper portion of the sleeve at a depth that is greater than the height of the stem and the locking pin also comprises a second transponder disposed on the outer periphery of the stem. Each transponder includes storage means for storing at least one unique identification code. Thus, any unauthorized handling of the seal device may be detected even if the latter is completely replaced after breakage.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: The European CommunityInventors: Marco Sironi, Piercarlo Tebaldi, Christophe Korn, Andre Poucet
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Patent number: 7270354Abstract: A locking device having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a locking arm prevents a closed door from being opened. The locking arm is pivotably mounted to the lower portion of the locking device and positioned in cavities of the upper portion and the lower portion. A pivot bolt is operatively attached to the lower portion and an end of the locking arm. A locking bolt extends transverse and through the locking arm and through the lower portion for securing the locking arm. The locking bolt has a key or detent, which is received by a corresponding groove in the lower portion. The locking arm extends vertically from the lower portion upwardly above the lower edge of the door, thereby preventing the door from being opened outwardly when in a closed position. The upper portion and the lower portion are preferably bulbous shaped.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Radovan Soumar
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Patent number: 7270355Abstract: An electrically controlled door lock (11) provided with a blocking member (21) and a detent (20), the blocking member being in contract with an electrically controlled actuator (24) such as a piezo-electric member which is used to control movement of the blocking member which in turn causes either the release of a locking member (12) from a door to allow the door to be opened or the engagement of the locking member to prevent the door from being opened.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: PBT (IP) LimitedInventor: Simon Powell
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Patent number: 7270356Abstract: The present invention is a hanger hoister tool for placing a bracket to secure a joist to a header. The tool has legs extending upward and a handle extending downward and outward. The tool also has a pedestal keel extending outward for holding the bracket when inserted between the legs and a pedestal tongue extending outward in the opposite direction. The pedestal keel and the pedestal tongue are offset to accommodate the width of the heel of the bracket. The tool is designed to place the bracket either before or after the joist is secured to the header and is economical and made of lightweight plastic.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Brett Ashley Roderick
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Patent number: 7270357Abstract: A distance and orientation adjustable suction device includes two suction cups and a controlling mechanism connected between the suction cups. Each suction cup has a rotatable mounting block. The controlling mechanism includes a main body forming a knuckle joint with the mounting block of one suction cup and defines a channel movably receiving a rack that threadingly engages a internally-threaded cylinder that forms a knuckle with the mounting block of the other suction cup. Thus, the suction cups are each rotatable about two axes with respect to the main body and are linear movable with respect to each other. Further, the threading engagement between the cylinder and the rack allows for minute adjustment between linear distance between the suction cups.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Lih Yann Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Po Lin Liao
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Patent number: 7270358Abstract: A carrying device may include for example two main loops or straps connected at for example four connection points, to hold objects, for example rectangular objects. Other numbers of straps or loops may be used, and other connection points may be used. A first loop may form both a holder for the object and a set of handles or shoulder straps for a user, and a second loop or strap may stabilize or hold the object in the holder, for example preventing significant horizontal movement.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Octopus New York, Inc.Inventor: Jessica Hirsch
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Patent number: 7270359Abstract: An assist handle assembly for a vehicle includes a handle member coupled to a structural member of the vehicle, the handle member having a first end and a second end. Connecting structure is provided on at least one of the first end and the second end to receive at least one accessory. The assist handle assembly may also include a connecting member having a contact that is configured to provide a utility interface with the accessory.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Brian J. Sparks, Thomas S. Hodgson, Mathias R. Fox