Patents Issued in October 16, 2007
  • Patent number: 7281457
    Abstract: A wrench includes a casing having a compartment, a rod rotatably received in the casing and having an end for coupling with a drive member for driving a fastener, an adjusting member mounted in the rod, and an elastic element for retaining the rod mounted between the adjusting member and the casing. When a rotational force applied to the casing is smaller than an engaging force between the casing and the elastic element, the rod turns together with the casing for tightening the fastener. When the rotational force applied to the casing is greater than the engaging force between the casing and the elastic element, the casing slides relative to the rod without turning the fastener. The adjusting member is adjustable in position relative to the casing to thereby change the engaging force between the casing and the elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7281458
    Abstract: A transmission member with torque-restricting protective structure, including: a first transmission section; a second transmission section kept spaced from the first transmission section by a predetermined distance; a first chucking section connected with the first transmission section and having a first chucking end facing the second transmission section; a second chucking section slidably connected with the second transmission section and linearly reciprocally movable between a chucking position and a releasing position, the second chucking section having a second chucking end, when the second chucking section is positioned in the chucking position, the second chucking end being engaged with the first chucking end, when the second chucking section is positioned in the releasing position, the second chucking end being disengaged from the first chucking end; a resilient member for resiliently locating the second chucking section in the chucking position; and an anti-rotating section disposed between the secon
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Chia-Chiung Chuang
  • Patent number: 7281459
    Abstract: A torque regulating assembly includes a first tubular shell having at least one groove disposed along the longitudinal axis of the first tubular shell and a second tubular shell having at least one aperture, wherein the first tubular shell is screwed into the second tubular shell with threads, making the aperture corresponding to the groove. A torque regulating ring having at least one screw hole is put around the second tubular shell. A screwing element is screwed into the screw hole, and the front tip of the screwing element passes through the aperture and moves toward the groove, so that a position of the second tubular shell relative to the first tubular shell is fixed. Then a maximum torque value transmitted by a torque transmitting mechanism disposed inside the first tubular shell and the second tubular shell is regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Guo-Wei Zhang, Rui Zhang, Dong Liang
  • Patent number: 7281460
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of woodworking tools and particularly to an indexing assembly for a lathe. An aspect of the present invention is directed to a lathe, including a frame; a bed coupled with the frame; a head stock configured for mechanically engaging a first end of a workpiece, the head stock being coupled with the bed; and a tail stock, including a housing, the housing including a fine adjustment assembly for mechanically engaging with a second end of the workpiece, wherein the tail stock is adjustably and slidably coupled with the bed via an indexing assembly, the indexing assembly configured to provide the lathe with positive locking capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Smith, Kendall Smith
  • Patent number: 7281461
    Abstract: A bladeset for a hair clipper includes blade teeth configured to guide hair strands toward a cutting zone and to retain hair strands in the cutting zone. By more effectively guiding and retaining the hair strands into the cutting zone, more complete hair cutting may be achieved. Another feature of the present self-cutting hair trimmer is a housing configured to provide a cutting line associated with a generally elongate handle, which in turn provides a bladeset angle of attack substantially perpendicular to hair to be cut on all parts of a self-user's head or a subject's head when the present trimmer is held by a user in either hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Wahl Clipper Corporation
    Inventors: James E. McCambridge, Scott A. Melton, Raymond A. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7281462
    Abstract: A tool guiding device including a base frame and guiding rails arranged on the base frame so that they are parallel in relation to each other. At least one carriage having a machining tool is guided on the guiding rails in a linearly displaceable manner by a drive device with a carriage connecting element. The tool guiding device of this invention guides the tool in a precise, non-abrasive manner. Thus, the carriage is coupled to the carriage connection by a compensation device including at least one angle compensating element and at least one lateral compensating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Johann Anderl
  • Patent number: 7281463
    Abstract: A rotary cutting tool with easy to adjust rotary die plates comprises a rotary die cylinder, a die plate adjustably mounted to the rotary die cylinder, an external eccentric mounted on the rotary die cylinder having a first axis of rotation with respect to the cylinder and having a central opening offset from the first axis, and an internal eccentric mounted in the central opening. Rotation of the external eccentric urges the internal eccentric to move with respect to the cylinder, and the die plate moves in response to motion of the internal eccentric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Alan R. Pfaff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7281464
    Abstract: A system for selectively controlling movement of a piston between first and second positions, the system comprising a controller selectively actuated to enable fluid communication between a device and a source of pressurized fluid, a control valve for enabling fluid communication between a control system and the source of pressurized fluid, a sensing system for identifying the first and second positions, a monitoring valve selectively actuated by the at least one sensing valve for exhausting the flow of pressurized fluid, wherein the monitoring actuator remains actuated until the control valve is deactuated, and a latching mechanism selectively capable of engaging the piston when a loss of pressurized fluid has been identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Weiler, Jr., Neil Russell, Robert N. Winsand
  • Patent number: 7281465
    Abstract: The invention is applied to a compressor assembly wherein a coating is applied to the pocket in the piston for sliding engagement with a shoe for reciprocating the piston. The coating is a composite of solid particles of a lubricant, suspended in an adhesive, bonded to the to the aluminum alloy defining the pocket. More specifically, the coating comprises particles of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) suspended in an epoxy resin having a low cross-linking characteristic. The particles of PTFE are sub-micron in size and the ratio of PTFE to epoxy resin is optimally one to one. The thickness of the coating is between two and ten microns and preferably substantially four microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore R. Cochran, Mingguang Zhu, Timothy M. Gabel
  • Patent number: 7281466
    Abstract: A cast piston, for an internal combustion engine or pump has an integral coolant ring gallery, with localized extensions, to achieve a coolant interchange with the gallery upon piston reciprocation. At least a portion of an extension lies generally parallel to the longitudinal piston axis and towards an upper end of the piston adjacent the working fluid. This provides an attendant increase in surface area exposed to coolant allowing either a decrease in operational piston temperature or an increase in allowable heat flow into the piston from a working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Seneca Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Conrad Wilksch, Philip Clive Franklin
  • Patent number: 7281467
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating and delivering a pressurized hot water pulse to a brewing station comprises a water inlet adapted to close during delivering the pulse, an outlet for the pulse, a generator comprising a water heating chamber for receiving a amount of water via the inlet and for heating the water therein to produce sufficiently hot water for the brewing station, a pressurization chamber for vaporizing water to generate pressurized steam to deliver the hot water as a pressurized hot water pulse to the brewing station through the outlet, and a heating system for the heating and the vaporization of the water in said pulse generator. The chamber has a first end adapted to receive pressurized steam and a second end close to the hot water intake port of the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Household Technology Group LLC
    Inventor: Edward Z. Cai
  • Patent number: 7281468
    Abstract: In order to dispense fresh sandwiches at any place and at all hours, this invention proposes an automatic sandwich dispenser which comprises a plurality of compartments in which whole fresh ingredients are stored. The dispenser comprises automatic sandwich making means which may be positioned opposite each compartment and which comprises arms for gripping and manipulating the compartments. When a consumer enters an order, the automatic sandwich making means slices each selected ingredient in a bread roll with the aid of a cutting device. Once the bread roll is filled with all the selected ingredients, the sandwich is delivered to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Neemat Frem
  • Patent number: 7281469
    Abstract: A cooking support frame comprises a wire rack assembly fabricated from wire subassemblies having slots, crimps, and bends configured for supporting food items such as poultry legs and wings, pork ribs, corn, vegetables, bread, and the like above a conventional cooking surface. An open base supports a pair of opposed uprights having handles formed therein. The uprights support a hanger assembly formed with slots and crimps for holding poultry wings and legs in a generally vertical position. The hanger assembly can comprise an arrangement of removable skewers. The hanger assembly also defines a basket for supporting larger cuts of meat, vegetables, bread, and the like. The open base can be formed with an integral rib rack for supporting pork ribs in a generally vertical position. The cooking support frame is configured for nesting of a plurality of support frames together for shipping, handling, and displaying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Barbour International, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney A. Barbour, Wayne A. Neal
  • Patent number: 7281470
    Abstract: Apparatus for continuously pasteurizing meat and food products, characterized in that said apparatus comprises: a supporting framework supporting a top basin and bottom basin, both substantially longitudinally horizontally extending, and arranged one above the other, the top basin being supplied with hot water and the bottom basin being supplied with cold water; feeding means for feeding the products through the top basin; transfer means for transferring the products from the top basin to the bottom basin; means for varying the product holding time in the top basin; further feeding means for feeding the products through the bottom basin and withdrawing means for withdrawing the products from the bottom basin; and means for changing the product holding time, in a selective manner, at least in the bottom basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Adam Franck
  • Patent number: 7281471
    Abstract: A cotton receiver of a cotton harvesting machine including a floor and opposing side walls defining a cotton compacting chamber, each of the side walls including a plurality of spaced apart perforations therethrough for passage of air from the chamber, and a door enclosing an end of the chamber. The receiver includes compacting apparatus for compacting cotton into a compacted body which will have a sideward shape and extent at least generally defined by the opposing side walls, the door being openable to allow removal of a compacted body of cotton from the chamber through the end. The opposing walls are tapered divergingly toward the end such that when a compacted body is removed from the chamber through the end, cotton protruding into the performations will be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Meeks, Michael J. Covington
  • Patent number: 7281472
    Abstract: In a screen printing apparatus for contacting a lower surface of a mask plate with a substrate and moving a squeezee in a sliding motion on an upper surface of the mask plate thereby printing a paste onto the substrate, mask bend preventing members are mounted on conveying rails at front and rear parts of clamp members clamping the substrate in a Y-direction, and, at a mask separating operation after printing, the substrate is lowered while the lower surface of the mask plate is supported by the clamp members and the mask bend preventing members. Thus the mask separation can be achieved in a state where the mask plate is supported from below on four sides of the substrate and is thus prevented from a downward bending, and a satisfactory mask separating property can be ensured over the entire substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Sakaue, Yuji Otake, Masafumi Nishida, Tetsuya Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7281473
    Abstract: An ink proofer arrangement to generate consistent and reliable ink draw-downs irrespective of the size of the substrate or the user preparing the ink sample. One example embodiment includes an ink proofer arrangement and an ink proofer tool. The ink proofer arrangement includes a cylindrical roller and a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller. In addition, a first movable mounting assembly is included that retains the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller. The proofer arrangement further includes a first variable pressure assembly coupled to the mounting assembly and adapted to move the ink proofer tool between the non-contact position and a contact with pressure position with the roller, wherein a transfer roller of the ink proofer tool is adapted to transfer ink to a substrate that is inserted between the roller and the transfer roll when the drive motor is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Integrity Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald K. Westby, Daniel P. Westby
  • Patent number: 7281474
    Abstract: A dot code is printed on a sheet of paper by using a first printing plate and a first ink. Immediately thereafter, a code coat is formed by printing to cover the dot code, by using a second printing plate and a second ink having a property of not affecting the operation of reading the code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 7281475
    Abstract: A method of controlling register when overprinting a plurality of separated colors, includes adjusting with register adjusting devices the position of image fields produced with the separated colors on a print carrier, so that the image fields are in register with one another. The position of all of the image fields on the print carrier are continuously changed simultaneously in the same direction by an equal amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Kot
  • Patent number: 7281476
    Abstract: A book rack and pencil tray combination has a book rack and a pencil case attached to the bottom wall of the book rack. The pencil case is optionally attached to the bottom wall of the book rack by a pencil case attachment plate attached to the bottom wall of the pencil case. The pencil case attachment plate is typically attached to the bottom wall of the pencil case such that a portion of the bottom wall of the book rack is sandwiched between the pencil case attachment plate and the bottom wall of the pencil case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Virco Mgmt. Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Mills, Peter Glass
  • Patent number: 7281477
    Abstract: A security device for transporting monies from a cash acceptance terminal to a bank or similar safe location includes a note tube and a pair of flexible bags containing dye. Cutters operated by explosive devices when an unauthorised attempt is made to break into the note tube pass down the sides of the bags and rip them open. There is provided spring loaded pressure plates which serve to compress the bags to cause the dye to be ejected effectively into the note tube to stain all the notes therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Qube Technology (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Roderick Mark Dyson, James Michael King, Gary Malcolm Keyser
  • Patent number: 7281478
    Abstract: This invention relates to a plasma igniter for directly igniting the pulverized coal burner. Said plasma igniter consists of a plasma generator which includes a composite anode, an combined type cathode, an electromagnetic coil and a transmitting coil; a pulverized coal burner which comprises multi-stage chambers for conveying igniting coal, an equipment for adjusting concentration of coal powder and a four-stage burner canister; and a generator brace. Said combined type cathode consists of a cathode plate, a fixation nut, a conductive pipe, an inflowing pipe, an inflowing guiding pipe, a cathode lid and a sealing spacer. The lining for generating electric arc is assembled with the front of cathode. An alloy plate is used as the cathode plate. The nozzle that used for cooling the cathode is first convergent and then expansive, and is placed in the middle of the conductive pipe. The plasma igniter has the advantage of stable burning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Yan Tai Long Yuan Electric Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Aisheng Wang, Hong Tang, Shuxin Ji, Yupeng Wang, Dong Tian, Gonglin Wang, Weiwu Ren, Xueyuan Chen, Ruihu Shao, Xiaoyong Zhang, Shuang Ma
  • Patent number: 7281479
    Abstract: A needle threading device of a sewing machine comprising a needle threading shaft mounted rotatably and vertically movably; a needle threading hook fixed to a lower end of the needle threading shaft; and a rotating mechanism that rotates the needle threading shaft such that the needle threading hook passes through a needle eye of the sewing needle. In a such a needle threading device, a first thread guide member is fixed to a lower end of the needle threading shaft and arranged opposed to the needle threading book with respect to the needle threading shaft; a second thread guide member is pivotally mounted on the lower end of the needle threading shaft and linked to the first thread guide member via a link mechanism. The second thread guide member is mounted with a thread retaining unit that retains the upper thread upon needle hooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Watanabe, Akira Terao, Kazutoshi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7281480
    Abstract: A frictionally reduced hull is provided for a marine vessel, the hull having a water line, a bow end and an aft end. The hull has a first opening below the water line and a second opening below the water line. The first opening is closer than the second opening to the bow end. A first conduit extends from the first opening to the second opening, whereby water flows into the conduit through the first opening and passes through the conduit from the first opening towards the second opening, exiting at the second opening. A second conduit extends into the first conduit between the first opening and the second opening, fluid being drawn into the first conduit via the second conduit and exiting at the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Gary G. B. Phipps
  • Patent number: 7281481
    Abstract: A watertight door comprising: a door frame; a door panel, with a perimeter normally adjacent to the door frame when the door is closed, and with a first facing side and a second facing side, configured to open and close within the door frame; a first gasket lip seal generally encircling the perimeter and nearer to the first facing side, the first gasket lip seal having a base section, sealing section, and bending section; a second gasket lip seal generally encircling the perimeter, nearer to the second facing side, and adjacent to the first gasket lip seal, the second gasket lip seal having a base section, sealing section and bending section; a plurality of extension pin sleeves located perpendicular to the perimeter; a plurality of extension pins moveably housed in the plurality of extension pin sleeves; a plurality of gasket retraction plates located generally about the perimeter, and in communication with the plurality of pins; a plurality of springs located in the extension pin sleeves, and configured to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Rising, Elilot J. Wiener
  • Patent number: 7281482
    Abstract: A system and method of use for a marine vehicle to compensate for the effects of forward velocity of the vehicle and ambient currents of a water medium on lateral thrust from a lateral tunnel in the vehicle. A thruster in the tunnel has a variable pitch propeller rotated by a motor at a maintained constant speed to produce lateral thrust of flowing water through the tunnel. A power supply provides input power to the motor, and voltage and amp meters provide signals representative of the power. A computer generates pitch control signals from the representative signals, and a pitch actuator connected to the propeller and the computer is responsive to the pitch control signals to change the blade pitch of the propeller in order to maintain the lateral thrust at a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles H. Beauchamp, William P. Krol, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7281483
    Abstract: A semi-submersible vessel comprising a plurality of stabilizing columns, a deck disposed between the tops of the columns, at least one void tank in one stabilizing column, at least one active variable ballast compartment disposed below the void tank, at least one emergency water ballast compartment disposed at the bottom of the stabilizing column below the active variable ballast compartment and below the void tank, wherein the emergency water ballast compartment is flooded during normal operating conditions, a pressurized air source for expelling water from the emergency ballast compartment, at least one control valve connected to the pressurized air source for rapidly passing air into the emergency water ballast compartment, and at least one port in the emergency water ballast compartment for expelling water from the emergency water ballast compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: AGR Deepwater Development Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Edward E. Horton, III, James V. Maher
  • Patent number: 7281484
    Abstract: A transonic hull having a bow, a stern, a longitudinal length therebetween, side surfaces extending from the bow to outboard portions of the stern, a lower surface extending between the side surfaces, the transonic hull having a submerged volume with an approximately triangular shape in plan view with apex adjacent the bow and a base adjacent the stern, and an approximately triangular shape in side view when in motion with a base adjacent the bow and an apex adjacent the stern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Alberto F. Alvarez-Calderon
  • Patent number: 7281485
    Abstract: A windshield trim assembly for stretch-forming to fit on an edge of a curved windshield is disclosed. The trim assembly has an aesthetically pleasing elongated panel and an elongated base member, which base member includes a windshield-receiving channel, a side-facing longitudinally-extending panel-receiving channel having a bottom and two sides, and a cantilevered lip extending from one side and partially over the bottom of the panel-receiving channel. The cantilever lip plastically deforms to secure the elongated panel within the side facing panel-receiving channel of the base member upon stretch-forming the combination. The elongated panel is preferably roll formed stainless steel, while the base member is preferably an aluminum extrusion. A method of stretch-forming such a curved trim assembly for a boat windshield also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Darren A. Bach
  • Patent number: 7281486
    Abstract: A marine windshield and cockpit cover attachment system, utilizing a slot longitudinally extending along an elongated windshield frame, and where the windshield frame extends longitudinally around the edge of a windshield glass, where a series of plastic cover snap anchors are mounted within the slot. With the slot having inward facing lips, so that the anchors, having a pair of protruding tabs, are pressured onto the underside of the lips when a metal screw holding a plastic washer and a metal cover snap retainer, is inserted into the anchors so to clamp the anchors and cover snap retainers together on the slot lips, where the cover snap retainers are oriented in a forward and outward direction along the slot, and making no metal contact with the windshield frame. An alternate method included is a flexible anchor for attachment under a windshield lip of a hidden windshield lower frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Darren A. Bach, Robin A. Cnudde
  • Patent number: 7281487
    Abstract: An adjustable boat platform is provided that attaches to a conventional boat and transforms it into a fishing platform typically found on a bass boat. The invention attaches to the perimeter of just about any “V”-bottom boat using special slots and locking pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Steven R. Placek
  • Patent number: 7281488
    Abstract: A molded seat for individually propelled watercraft having a deck with sloped sides extending there from and a plurality of opposing grooves of a defined shape formed in the deck and sloping sides. The seat has at least 4 legs to integrate into corresponding grooves formed into the deck, where the base has a bottom integral with the at least 4 legs and 4 integral side walls rising from the bottom. The two side walls opposing each other further comprise small extensions to extend over the sloping sides of a watercraft for a secure engagement with the watercraft and at least one side wall comprises at least one rod holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Roy F. Sanders
  • Patent number: 7281489
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission gear indicating device comprises a first indicator drive member adapted to move in response to movement of a first transmission control element; a second indicator drive member adapted to move in response to movement of a second transmission control element; and an indicating unit that indicates a bicycle transmission gear. A motion communicating unit is operatively coupled to the first indicator drive member and to the second indicator drive member and is adapted to communicate motion of the first indicator drive member and the second indicator drive member to the indicating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7281490
    Abstract: A gauge for indicating a measured variable such as pressure. The gauge includes a motion detection device including a drive magnet that is adapted to be moveable in response to changes in the variable. The pointer rotation device includes a pivot member, a power magnet coupled to the pivot member, and one or more director members located adjacent the power magnet. Each director member includes a generally helical flange. A pointer is coupled to the pointer rotation device. The director members and the power magnet form a magnetic field adapted to magnetically couple the pointer rotation device to the drive magnet. The pointer rotation device is adapted to rotate about a rotational axis. Movement of the drive magnet in response to changes in the variable rotates the pointer rotation device and the pointer about the rotational axis such that the pointer indicates the measured variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Dwyer Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven O. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7281491
    Abstract: A dielectric-coated electrode having a conductive base material coated with a dielectric on a surface thereof, the dielectric including a first metal atom and a second metal atom. As for an ionic strength of the first metal atom and an ionic strength of the second metal atom according to a dynamic SIMS measurement, the ionic strength of the second metal atom is larger than the ionic strength of the first metal atom from the most surface of the dielectric toward a predetermined depth of the dielectric, and the ionic strength of the first metal atom is larger than the ionic strength of the second metal atom from the predetermined depth toward the surface of the conductive base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventor: Shunichi Iwamaru
  • Patent number: 7281492
    Abstract: A method of generating an electrical discharge in a gas contained in a sealed enclosure. The method includes driving a helical coil resonator at an RF frequency to generate an RF electric-magnetic field sufficient to generate an electrical discharge in the high pressure gas. The electrical discharge produces an emission spectrum that may be spectroscopically analyzed to determine the composition and impurity content of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ju Gao, Joseph T. Verdeyen
  • Patent number: 7281493
    Abstract: Device for pneumatically milking a cow, comprising a number of milk extractors, each comprising a teat cup as well as milk line connected to the lower end of the teat cup, which line leads from the teat cup to a collection chamber for the milk from the teat cup, each milk extractor being provided with a supply for a cleansing medium, such as a disinfectant, to the teat cup, in particular to a teat present in the teat cup, the supply comprising a line having an end portion with discharge end, and each milk extractor being provided with means for closing off the passage of the milk extraction at or downstream of the discharge end of the line for cleansing medium, preferably at that level, when discharging the cleansing medium, the closing means comprising a reciprocating closing body that can be moved between a position leaving the passage of the milk extractor free and a position closing it off, the closing body being provided with a squirt line forming the end portion with discharge end of the line for supply
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Rieberjo B.V.
    Inventor: Berthold Johannes Theodorus Dietrich
  • Patent number: 7281494
    Abstract: A pet water supply system includes a housing that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. A basin is integrally coupled to the peripheral wall and is positioned adjacent to the bottom wall. A water outlet extends through the peripheral wall and fluidly couples the housing to the basin. A drain conduit is fluidly coupled to the basin. A pump is fluidly coupled to the drain conduit and to the housing. The pump is configured to pull the water through the drain conduit and depositing the water into the housing. A water filter is in fluid communication with the drain conduit and filters that is moved through the drain conduit by the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Jason A. Connerley
  • Patent number: 7281495
    Abstract: A combination pet collar and leash includes a leash that is attached to the collar and is fastened about the collar when not in use. When fastened about the collar, the leash conforms to the collar around the neck of a pet. When unfastened from the collar, the leash extends to a length to provide comfortable separation distance between a person holding the leash and the pet wearing the collar while allowing for appropriate control of the pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Aaron T. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7281496
    Abstract: The invention describes a poultry-loading machine able to guide poultry into a cage, the cage having an opening and a bottom surface. The machine comprises: a main frame; a first conveyor belt for transporting the poultry from a first position into a second position, the first conveyor belt being supported by the main frame; and a second conveyor belt for transporting the poultry into the container, the second conveyor belt defining a loading belt surface. The machine also comprises a device for modifying the inclination of the second conveyor belt so that the loading belt surface is substantially parallel to the bottom of the container; and an approach frame which supports the second conveyor belt, the approach frame being able to move the second conveyor belt towards and away from the container, the second conveyor belt being displaceable so as to enter into the container and transport the poultry inside it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ciemmecalabria S.r.l.
    Inventors: Paolo Calabria, Eugenio Calabria
  • Patent number: 7281497
    Abstract: The invention concerns a heat exchanger comprising at least one helically bound bundle of tubes, whereof the thermally conductive wall has a flattened and oval cross-section, whereof the main axis is perpendicular to that (X-X?) of the helix, while the width of the interstice separating two adjacent turns is small and constant, said bundle being fixedly mounted inside a casing (1) fitted with a pipe for evacuating gases generated by a burner (6), means being provided for circulating cold water inside said bundle, said exchanger being further designed so that the hot gases pass radially through the bundle via the interstices of the turns. Said exchanger is characterized in that the casing is made of heat-resistant plastic material and means are provided for ensuring mechanical containment of the beam in the axial direction, and for damping the thrust loads resulting from the fluid internal pressure, preventing their being transmitted to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignees: Societe d'Etude et de Realisation Mecaniques Engeneering en Technologies Avancees
    Inventors: Joseph Le Mer, Rocco Giannoni
  • Patent number: 7281498
    Abstract: A compact gas fired steam generator comprises a water tank with designated steam separation zone, boiling zone and a solids separation zone, a burner for burning gaseous fuel with air for producing combustion products and a flat tubular type heat exchanger immersed in water in the water tank. The combustion products are passing through the heat exchanger in an indirect heat transfer relationship with water in boiling zone thereby boiling, circulating and evaporating the water in boiling zone and in an indirect heat transfer relationship with cold make up water passing upwardly through solids separation zone thereby preheating cold make up water and cooling combustion products and recovering latent heat and condensing moisture present in combustion products. The cooled combustion products are discharged to outdoors and the collected condensed moisture is discharged to drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Ferdinand K. Besik
  • Patent number: 7281499
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steam generator comprising a heating gas channel, which can be traversed in an approximately horizontal heating gas direction and in which at least one continuous heating surface is located, configured from a number of approximately vertical evaporator tubes, connected in parallel to allow the passage of a flow medium. The aim of the invention is to provide a method for starting a generator, which guarantees a high degree of operational safety, even for a steam generator with a particularly simple construction. According to the invention, to achieve this, at least several evaporator tubes are partially filled to a predeterminable desired level with unevaporated flow medium, prior to the impingement of the heating gas channel by a heating gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Franke, Rudolf Kral
  • Patent number: 7281500
    Abstract: A supplementary slurry fuel atomizer of this invention, when used on a piston internal combustion engine, equipped with a common rail fuel injection system, improves slurry atomization, following injection, by expansion of gases, previously dissolved in the water phase of the slurry. This gas expansion separates the several fuel particles in each slurry droplet formed first during fuel injection. The thusly separated fuel particles subsequently burn more rapidly and completely, due to this fuel particle separation improving air access to the fuel. Apparatus is described for dissolving atomizing gas into the water phase of the slurry, in a contactor chamber at a pressure greater than the pressure prevailing in the engine cylinder volume, at the time of slurry injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Carl Firey
  • Patent number: 7281501
    Abstract: A magnet wheel (1) for an internal combustion engine, especially a drive motor (2) for a portable handheld work apparatus includes a hub (4) for fixing to a crankshaft (5) of the drive motor (2) and a magnet carrier (6) having at least one magnet holder (7) provided peripherally on the magnet wheel (1). The magnet carrier (6) is a sheet-metal packet (9) of lamella-like layered plates (8). The sheet-metal packet (9) is layered modular-like from at least two differently configured profiled sheet-metal piece types (10, 11, 12). At least one profiled sheet-metal piece type (10) is configured as an arm plate (13) with a hub section (14) as part of the hub (4) as well as an arm section (15) which extends from the hub section (14) radially outwardly up to the region of the magnet carrier (6). At least one additional profiled sheet-metal piece type (11) is configured as a centrifugal mass sheet-metal piece (16) which lies essentially radially outwardly in the peripheral region of the magnet carrier (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Leufen, Rainer Widmann, Markus Hüsges
  • Patent number: 7281502
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-priming portable powered device such as a tool, comprising a housing within which are defined a priming combustion chamber and a main combustion chamber, within which chambers during operation of the device there is a combustion of a combustible fuel and a combustion-supporting gas; and wherein a combustion event in the priming combustion chamber causes the formation of a mixture of fuel and combustion-supporting gas in the main combustion chamber which is compressed at a pressure above ambient pressure, subsequent combustion of the compressed mixture in the main combustion chamber acting on a work piston which, directly or indirectly, performs the intended task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Team Holdings (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Christopher John Hurlstone, Stephen Philip Kirkwood
  • Patent number: 7281503
    Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for restraining fluctuations in the output due to disturbance and the like to achieve high stability and control accuracy for the output of a control object. The control apparatus calculates a virtual interference input applied to the control object in order to generate a virtual interfering force for holding the detected output of the control object at a predetermined value. The control apparatus assumes the control object applied with the virtual interference input as an enlarged control object, and calculates a virtual control input applied to the enlarged control object based on a predetermined response specifying control algorithm such that the output of the enlarged control object converges to a set target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Yasui
  • Patent number: 7281504
    Abstract: A valve train device for an engine is configured to pivot a rocker arm supported on a rocker arm support shaft to drive a valve which opens and closes a valve opening formed in a combustion chamber. The device comprises a valve drive device and a swing member pivotally supported on a swing member support shaft and driven to pivot about the swing member support shaft by the valve drive device. A control arm is disposed between a swing cam surface formed on the swing member and a rocker-side surface formed on the rocker arm. The control arm is configured for transferring motion of the swing cam surface to the rocker-side surface. A displacement mechanism is provided for displacing a contact point between the control arm and the swing cam surface and a contact point between the control arm and the rocker-side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Fujita, Koichi Hatamura
  • Patent number: 7281505
    Abstract: In a variable lift valve operating system for an internal combustion engine, an actuator for rotatably driving a control shaft of a variable lift mechanism is mounted on an engine body. The actuator includes an electric motor, a deceleration mechanism, a transmission mechanism interposed between the control shaft and the deceleration mechanism, and a default mechanism. A deceleration mechanism accommodation part for accommodating the deceleration mechanism and a default mechanism accommodation part for accommodating the default mechanism are formed in a casing of the actuator so as to sandwich therebetween a thermally vulnerable part which is directly connected to the control shaft. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the degree of freedom of amounting position of the actuator while heat damage is prevented from generating in the thermally vulnerable part of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Murase, Takahumi Mizorogi, Hidetaka Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7281506
    Abstract: An oil pressure control apparatus which includes a source of hydraulic pressure introducing the hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic actuator which is actuated by hydraulic pressure, a fluid passage which is connected between the source of hydraulic pressure and the hydraulic actuator for introducing and discharging hydraulic pressure from the source of hydraulic pressure to the actuator, a control valve which is disposed in the fluid passages for controlling the hydraulic pressure and a filter is disposed in a position that is between the actuator and the control valve. Thereby, the control valve is capable to be operated smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinobu Maeyama, Masanori Koda