Patents Issued in September 18, 2007
  • Patent number: 7270310
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Shinsuke Takakura
  • Patent number: 7270311
    Abstract: 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 positio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Arthur J. Brenes
  • Patent number: 7270312
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Growth Innovation, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffery S. Phipps
  • Patent number: 7270313
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Counts
  • Patent number: 7270314
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Innovative Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James Richard Von Krosigk, Larry John Dove
  • Patent number: 7270315
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: AMT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry W Burton, Farzad G. Tahmassi, Francis W. Lemon
  • Patent number: 7270316
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Burch
  • Patent number: 7270317
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7270318
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Stromsholmen AB
    Inventor: Leif Lundahl
  • Patent number: 7270319
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Martin L. Culpepper
  • Patent number: 7270320
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Menzel, Günter Wolf, Helmut Lux, Jens Kutzbach
  • Patent number: 7270321
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventor: Donald D. Russell
  • Patent number: 7270322
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouichi Chikumoto
  • Patent number: 7270323
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Somemiya
  • Patent number: 7270324
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ogata, Masayoshi Fukatsu, Junichi Sekiyama
  • Patent number: 7270325
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhide Sano, Syunichi Hirose, Masashi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7270326
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yusuke Mitsuya, Yoshihiko Naruoka, Yukio Asari
  • Patent number: 7270327
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Shine Sport Facility Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7270328
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: As Majesty S.A.
    Inventor: Edwin Peraza Parrales
  • Patent number: 7270329
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Barthold
  • Patent number: 7270330
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Sal Falciglia, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7270331
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: New Vision Gaming & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: John Feola
  • Patent number: 7270332
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Go-Whiz-It, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael McClung, Karen Therese McClung, Guy L. McClung, III
  • Patent number: 7270333
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Addis
  • Patent number: 7270334
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Troy A. Heien
  • Patent number: 7270335
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hio, Takaaki Uno, Masaharu Sato
  • Patent number: 7270336
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Hiromichi Fujimori
  • Patent number: 7270337
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Robert L Carotenuto
  • Patent number: 7270338
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Steven L. Edgar
  • Patent number: 7270339
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: William Kurt Feick
  • Patent number: 7270340
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Daimler Chrysler AG
    Inventor: Christian Mosler
  • Patent number: 7270341
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Longworth, Harry Hess, John Stanley
  • Patent number: 7270342
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Limited
    Inventors: David Chan, Martin Peaker
  • Patent number: 7270343
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Atomic Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Riepler
  • Patent number: 7270344
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Schirholz, Samir Heric
  • Patent number: 7270345
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Bernhardt Goettker
  • Patent number: 7270346
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan F. Rowe, Gary Schmiedel
  • Patent number: 7270347
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Milan Zlojutro
  • Patent number: 7270348
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Apical Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Parrott
  • Patent number: 7270349
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Haustechnik AG
    Inventors: Michael Bamberger, Peter Heer, Renato Pinardi, Erasmo Porfido
  • Patent number: 7270350
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Gerald Cronley
  • Patent number: 7270351
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventors: David Chelchowski, Geoffrey B. Puckett, Luke Raymond
  • Patent number: 7270352
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Stuart
  • Patent number: 7270353
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: The European Community
    Inventors: Marco Sironi, Piercarlo Tebaldi, Christophe Korn, Andre Poucet
  • Patent number: 7270354
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Radovan Soumar
  • Patent number: 7270355
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: PBT (IP) Limited
    Inventor: Simon Powell
  • Patent number: 7270356
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Brett Ashley Roderick
  • Patent number: 7270357
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lih Yann Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po Lin Liao
  • Patent number: 7270358
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Octopus New York, Inc.
    Inventor: Jessica Hirsch
  • Patent number: 7270359
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Sparks, Thomas S. Hodgson, Mathias R. Fox