Patents Issued in November 6, 2007
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Patent number: 7290464Abstract: A tool is provided in the form of an angled and/or offset ratchet wrench extension. The angles may be selected, but in a preferred embodiment, a ratchet extension provides a right angle drive. The tool comprises a socket driver that is adapted to be connected to a socket and a rotatable drive shaft rotatably mounted within a housing. A first direction changing transmission is provided near the end for converting the rotatable drive shaft motion to rotary motion to drive the socket driver at the specified angle. A ratchet wrench is connected to the distal portion of the rotary drive shaft. In a second embodiment, a second direction changing transmission is located near the distal portion of the rotatable drive shaft for converting the rotary motion of a ratchet wrench to the rotary motion of the rotatable drive shaft. The length of the extension may be adjustable. In another preferred embodiment, a chain drive and sprocket are used as the drive and angle changing direction transmission.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Bryce Walter
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Patent number: 7290465Abstract: A ratcheting driver configured to rotationally drive an item or work piece is provided. The driver includes a handle and pivotal pawls engageable with a driven gear and capable of ratcheting and driving in both rotational directions. The handle and pawls have mating matched surfaces for full and flush overlying contact therebetween. A cap that is rotatable relative to the handle and that has a web for pivoting the pawls out of engagement with the gear is also provided. In addition, a stop is included. The stop is configured to assure that only a correct direction of rotation of the cap is available when assembling. Also, a method of arranging the driver is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Teleflex Medical IncorporatedInventors: Hua Gao, James A. Rinner
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Patent number: 7290466Abstract: A bolt and nut engaging tool includes a loop that has an outer surface, an inner surface, a top side and a bottom side. The inner surface has a size and shape adapted for removably receiving a fastener. Each of a pair of the finger grips is coupled to the loop and extends in opposite directions with respect to each other. Each of the finger grips has an outer end extending away from the loop. The fastener may be removably positioned within the loop member so that the loop member engages the fastener and may be rotated by placing rotational force on the finger grips.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Michael F. Wadsley
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Patent number: 7290467Abstract: A socket-wrench socket is provided having a plurality of longitudinally extending members therein mounted within wall circumferential slots of the workpiece-receiving opening of the socket and secured in place by a flexible web. These members have flat surfaces for engaging the workpiece and are biased into engagement with the workpiece by the web. These members and the slots are formed such that rotation of the socket causes the slots to exert radially inward camming force onto the members at the same time that rotational force is applied to the members. The members translate the camming force to flat surfaces of the workpiece for improved gripping, and translate rotational force to the workpiece for manipulation of the workpiece in the direction of that rotation.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Brian Harker
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Patent number: 7290468Abstract: A socket adapter includes a main body having a receiving recess and a slide slot, a drive rod slidably mounted in the slide slot of the main body, and a control member movably mounted in the main body. Thus, the drive rod has a plurality of locking grooves, and the control member has a locking portion, so that when the control member is moved relative to the drive rod, the locking portion of the control member is locked in or detached from the respective locking groove of the drive rod, thereby positioning the drive rod on the main body or releasing the drive rod from the main body.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Chin Shun Cheng
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Patent number: 7290469Abstract: A heavy duty, large self-forming socket having a plurality of retractable gripping pins bundled in parallel and held in a frame within a housing is disclosed. The frame is positioned axially within the housing by radially extending, elongated hold elements that are positioned circumferentially around the housing. Slots in the housing exterior allow efficient inspection of the position of holes into which the hold elements are installed. A collar with shelf around the center pin protects the bias spring for the pin from over-compression. The gripping pins may be held to the frame by spring clips and/or a resilient O-ring. An adaptor is attached wherein a secondary operation is used to remove the adaptor from the square end of the socket. The self-forming socket is well suited for use with valves and controls for water, gas, sewage conduits and piping.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.Inventors: Maynard A. Walters, Joel S. Marks, Stephen Quick
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Patent number: 7290470Abstract: A rotary tool includes a tool holder, a reversible bit, and an outer rotatable sleeve. The tool holder includes a socket and a shank. The socket includes an opening extending rearwardly from an end thereof. The shank is integral with and extends rearwardly from the socket and includes a non-circular cross-section. The reversible bit includes an inner sleeve, a first reversible bit driver, and a second reversible bit driver. The inner sleeve is disposed within the socket and rotates with the tool holder. One of the first and second bit drivers extends axially out of the socket opening. The outer rotatable sleeve is disposed over at least a portion of the socket and the bit driver extending axially out of the socket opening. The outer rotatable sleeve further includes a magnet in an end proximate the bit driver extending axially out of the socket opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Michael P. Peters
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Patent number: 7290471Abstract: A cutting tool assembly having a tool post capable of lateral movement along a work piece to be cut and an actuator with a tool tip. The actuator provides for variable control of a rotation of the tool tip about an axis parallel to a y-direction transversely across the work piece for use in making microstructures in the work piece.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Dale L. Ehnes, Alan B. Campbell, Daniel S. Wertz
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Patent number: 7290472Abstract: Miter saws are disclosed having a base, a blade supported by the base, a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and the blade, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the dangerous condition. The blade is rotatable, and moves into a cutting zone to cut a workpiece. The predetermined action may be to stop the blade from rotating, to create an impulse against movement of the blade into the cutting zone, or to cause the blade to move away from the cutting zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: SD3, LLCInventors: Stephen F. Gass, J. David Fulmer
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Patent number: 7290473Abstract: A pierce cam is compact, can save space, can be easily mounted, can reduce cost, can even be mounted to a sloped surface, and a pierce punch and required accessories can be ordered in bulk from a single source. A pierce cam includes a pierce punch, a body which is detachably provided with the pierce punch, a stripper which is fitted to the pierce punch inward of a leading end portion of the pierce punch and is biased by a coil spring in a direction away from the body, a rotating arm which is swingably mounted on the body and is movable into contact with a rear end surface of the pierce punch, and a driver which transfers a descending force of a press machine to the rotating arm, and hooks and ascends the rotating arm at the time of moving upward.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Umix Co., Ltd.Inventor: Noritoshi Kitamura
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Patent number: 7290474Abstract: A system for stopping a spinning table saw blade is comprised of a pin assembly disposed adjacent to a saw blade assembly for stopping a spinning saw blade. A receiving block is disposed on a side of the saw blade opposing the pin assembly for receiving the tip of the pin assembly. A driving assembly is coupled to the pin assembly for driving the pin assembly into the spinning saw blade into the receiving block. Finally, a sensing assembly is coupled to at least one of the saw blade assembly and the driving assembly for sensing encroachment of a user's hand in a pre-defined zone. In use, upon sensing a user's hand the sensing assembly signals the driving assembly to stop the spinning saw blade by driving the pin assembly through the saw blade and into the receiving block.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: David V. Keller
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Patent number: 7290475Abstract: Blank cartridge devices for attachment over a muzzle flash suppressor and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a muzzle flash suppressor mounted on a barrel that includes a muzzle, a longitudinal bore including internal threading, an inner cone in communication with the longitudinal bore, and a lateral opening located in a side of the muzzle flash suppressor between the inner cone and the muzzle of the muzzle flash suppressor. A disclosed example further includes a blank cartridge device that includes a tube, a cover and a stop block. The tube is sized to penetrate the longitudinal bore of the muzzle flash suppressor, and the tube has external threading to threadingly engage the internal threading in the longitudinal bore of the muzzle flash suppressor. The tube also includes an outer cone to form a seal with the inner cone of the muzzle flash suppressor. The tube further defines a core bore that is in communication with the bore of the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Heckler & Koch, GmbHInventor: Norbert Fluhr
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Patent number: 7290476Abstract: A sensor mountable within a hydraulic cylinder provides a precision signal indicative of the position of the piston. The sensor includes a flexible connector attached between the cylinder piston and a converting element for sensing the piston displacement. The converting element comprises a pick-up spool, under tension, coupled to the other end of the connector and rotatable about an axis. A lead screw engages threads on the spool, and translates linearly when the spool rotates. A non-contacting electromechanical transducer senses the position of the lead screw, and provides an output signal proportional to the motion or position of the movable element. The transducer may be an LVDT or other transducer. A high-pressure seal assembly provides an electrical path between the sensor and an external connector. A piston stop prevents the piston from damaging the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Control Products, Inc.Inventor: Richard O. Glasson
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Patent number: 7290477Abstract: A linear drive has a drive housing and a carriage guide for relative motion in the direction of a principal axis. The carriage possesses a row of openings on it with several first carriage openings, whereas the drive housing has a row of openings on the housing side with mutually spaced first housing openings. Given suitable positioning of the carriage it is possible for attachment screws to be inserted right through the first carriage openings and inserted into the first housing openings. Second carriage openings belonging in addition to the row of openings on the carriage side are designed in the form of threaded openings, which render possible screwing in of attachment screws, that are inserted in the first housing openings of a further similar linear drive directly fitted to the carriage in a piggy-back fashion, through the first carriage openings thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Festo AG & Co.Inventors: Eric Angué, Simone Kopp, Ulrich Diener
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Patent number: 7290478Abstract: A rodless slide assembly is provided illustratively having a longitudinally-extending cylinder, a carriage, a stop assembly, and a catch assembly. The longitudinally-extending cylinder comprises first and second ends and a path of travel extending therebetween. The carriage is slidable on the path of travel on the cylinder between the first and second ends. The stop assembly comprises a stop block and is coupled to the carriage. In one embodiment the catch assembly includes a catch bar and an actuator assembly. The catch bar is located adjacent the path of travel of the carriage. The actuator assembly selectively moves the catch bar to engage the stop block and stop the carriage when the carriage is positioned at a selected location on the path of travel.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: PHD, Inc.Inventors: Matthew R. Williams, Cale M. Reese, Clyde W. Sprowl
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Patent number: 7290479Abstract: A rodless slide assembly is provided illustratively having a longitudinally-extending cylinder, a carriage, a stop assembly, and a catch assembly. The longitudinally-extending cylinder includes first and second ends and a path of travel extending therebetween. The carriage is slidable on the path of travel on the cylinder between the first and second ends. The stop assembly includes a stop block and a stabilizer. The stop assembly is coupled to the carriage and the stabilizer is located between the stop block and the carriage. The catch assembly comprises a catch bar and an actuator assembly. The catch bar is located adjacent the path of travel of the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: PHD, Inc.Inventors: Matthew R. Williams, Cale M. Reese, Clyde W. Sprowl
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Patent number: 7290480Abstract: A swing cylinder having a body and an end cap on each end of the body. The cylinder also has a piston arranged within the body. The cylinder has a rod engaged with the piston and has an arm attached to one end thereof. A guide is arranged on the opposite end of the rod. The guide is also attached to one of the end caps.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Rentz
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Patent number: 7290481Abstract: A lip ring is attached to a piston so as to be rotatable relative to the piston in a circumferential direction, and a seal portion is provided between a ring attachment groove of the piston and an attachment portion of the lip ring. During a suction stroke, the lip ring can be rotated in a circumferential direction of the piston, thus distributing wear around the entire periphery of a lip portion of the lip ring. During a compression stroke, leakage of air from a compression chamber can be prevented by means of the seal portion provided between the ring attachment groove and the lip ring.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki, Shinji Masubuchi, Toru Okuda, Kazunari Komatsu, Shingo Miyake
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Patent number: 7290482Abstract: A toaster system having selectively removable imaging plates is provided. The system includes a toaster having at least one toast receiving compartment with heating elements disposed along both sides thereof for facing the food item to be toasted. The system also includes a plurality of metal imaging plates, each individually and selectively receivable in and removable from the toast receiving compartment at a location between one of the heating elements and the inserted food item that is to be toasted.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: LC Premiums, Ltd.Inventors: Huan Dong Pan, Linda Carlish Kaplan
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Patent number: 7290483Abstract: A guide for guiding strap material from a dispenser to a strapper directs strap between the dispenser and strapper when in different positions in relation to each other. The guide includes an element having an open central passage defining a pathway for strap material to pass therethrough. The guide receives strap material in a first direction, and allows the strap material to exit in a second direction. The guide has bearing surfaces that define the passage so that when the strap material changes directions, there is minimal friction between the strap and the guide.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.Inventors: Eufrocinio Q. Belvis, Lawrence J. Promise
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Patent number: 7290484Abstract: A strapping machine feeds strapping material around a load, positions, tensions and seals the material around the load. The machine includes a work surface, a portion of which is upwardly pivotal. A conveyor mounted within the work surface has a friction belt drive. The conveyor roller closest to the strap chute has a middle portion that has a smaller diameter than the end portions. The middle portions are fitted together to rotate as a unitary element. A load compression assembly is mounted at the strap chute. A side squaring assembly aligns the load in the direction transverse to the load direction. A strap guide extends between a pre-feed assembly and the feed assembly and includes a fixed portion and a movable portion forming a guide path that is opened to access the guide path. An interlocked enclosure is mounted to the machine frame below the work surface to access the sealing head and the feed assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.Inventors: Matt E. Kirar, Allan J. Bobren
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Patent number: 7290485Abstract: A steam generator is controlled for applying steam for re-hydrating dry crop during the baling process so as to raise the temperature of the crop being treated with steam by an amount which is within a desired range known to result in bales of crop of good quality.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Walter Mark Schlesser
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Patent number: 7290486Abstract: A compressing device for plastic bottle uses a pair of plates which are strapped on each side of a bottle. The straps are tightened as the bottle's content is used up. The plates are shaped in such a way so as to reduce crimping on the bottle. Optional accessories such as a saddle to hold the plates on the side of the bottle while installing; a stand to hold the bottle upright; and a handle to facilitate pouring are available.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Alain Lafond
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Patent number: 7290487Abstract: Flexographic printing plates are produced by means of direct laser engraving by a process in which the starting material used is a flexographic printing element, the relief-forming layer of which has a combination of a substantially hydrophobic, elastomeric binder and an inert plasticizer. Flexographic printing plates obtainable by this process are used for flexographic printing with water-based or alcohol-based printing inks.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: XSYS Print Solutions Deutschland GmbHInventor: Margit Hiller
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Patent number: 7290488Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for the mounting and/or demounting of at least two printing sleeves outside a printing unit of a printing machine. The printing sleeves include an outer printing sleeve forming a printing surface and an inner printing sleeve providing diameter compensation between the outer printing sleeve and an impression cylinder of the printing machine. The apparatus having a reception device onto which an inner printing sleeve can be pushed for mounting the two printing sleeves. The apparatus having at least one compressed-air device for facilitating the fixing of the inner printing sleeve on the reception device and for conducting compressed air through orifices assigned to the inner printing sleeve in order thereby to make it possible for an outer printing sleeve to be pushed more easily onto the inner printing sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AGInventors: Godber Petersen, Josef Göttling, Thomas Hartmann
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Patent number: 7290489Abstract: A substrate inspecting apparatus to inspect a substrate printed on by a print head to determine whether a printing operation is being accurately performed includes a camera unit to photograph the substrate before the substrate is printed on and to photograph the substrate after the substrate is printed on, and a control part to compare a first image of the substrate before the substrate is printed on with a second image of the substrate after the substrate is printed on through the camera unit and to determine whether the printing operation is being accurately performed on the substrate. Thus, the substrate inspecting apparatus is capable of precisely inspecting the substrate during the printing operation and reducing processing time.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dae-jung Kim, Sang-jin Choi, Jong-han Oh
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Patent number: 7290490Abstract: A work surface device has an upper member with a substantially planar top surface. A support is secured to the upper member for supporting the upper member on a support member with the planar top surface in a generally horizontal orientation. The support has a fastener or clamping device at its lower end for releasable engagement with a portion of the support member. A work board of shape and dimensions generally matching the shape and dimensions of the top surface may be placed on the top surface. The work board and upper member have aligned openings in which a receptacle may be seated or through which waste may be discarded into a container beneath the work surface. In one arrangement, the clamping device is secured to the upper rim of a container with the work surface spaced above the open upper end of the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventors: Steven Lane Goldberg, Phillip Jay Berkovitz
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Patent number: 7290491Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife for and a method of zero till or minimum till seeding and fertilizing. The knife is particularly adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid disturbance and very shallow operation. The knife has a high penetration angle preferably of 45 degrees which permits the blade to enter high trash surface cover with little tendency to plug due to trash accumulation. The blade has a forward angle of attack, the lower cutting edge advancing before the upper cutting edge, serving to make a clean cut in the soil surface without accumulating trash. Seed and/or fertilizer conduits are attached to or incorporated in the trailing face of the blade in which the outlets may be spaced for controlled placement of the materials. By the method a furrow is cut having a substantial transverse component in an operation with a substantial forward component.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Terry Emerson Summach, Bradley T Summach
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Patent number: 7290492Abstract: An embroidery frame for a sewing machine with an embroidering function to hold workpiece cloth for execution of the embroidering function is disclosed. The embroidery frame includes a lower frame receiving a lower side of the cloth, an upper frame clamping the cloth in cooperation with the lower frame therebetween, and a clamping mechanism pressing the upper frame against the lower frame, thereby holding the upper frame. The clamping mechanism includes a coupling member coupling the upper frame to the lower frame so that the upper frame is vertically swingable between a holding position and an opening position, a locking mechanism locking the upper frame at the holding position, an unlocking mechanism unlocking the upper frame, and a frame-opening biasing member biasing the upper frame so that the upper frame is displaced to the opening position when unlocked by the unlocking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Watanabe, Kazuto Oya, Masayuki Hori
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Patent number: 7290493Abstract: Sewing machine includes: a needle bar driven to move up and down to perform sewing operation; a jump mechanism electrically controlled to bring the needle bar to a jump sewing state; a holder member controlled to move, in synchronism with the up-and-down movement of the needle bar, for holding a sewing workpiece from above when the holder member is in its lowered position; and a holder mechanism for, when the sewing operation is to be stopped, moving the holder member upward to a predetermined evacuating position and mechanically retaining the holder member in the evacuating position; and an interlocking mechanism for mechanically retaining the needle bar in the jump sewing state in interlocked relation to the holder member being mechanically retained in the evacuating position.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Mishin Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Suzuki, Takashi Shibata
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Patent number: 7290494Abstract: A sewing machine is provided which is capable of sewing reinforcing wire to tubular grafts in order to form stent grafts. A bobbin (which may be seated in a shuttle) carries a bottom thread through the bore of the tubular graft and forms a stitch in combination with a top thread carried on a needle which pierces the graft wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Anson Medical LimitedInventors: Peter Phillips, Adrian Michael Woodward, Andrew Richard Buchanan Halket, Gail Beaton, Carl John Perks, Clive Graham Angel, Timothy Faulkner Frost
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Patent number: 7290495Abstract: A personal watercraft including a body including a hull and a deck covering the hull from above; a water jet pump configured to pressurize and accelerate water sucked from a water intake provided on a bottom surface of the hull and eject the water rearward; an engine room that is formed at a front portion of the body and is configured to accommodate an engine; a seat that is mounted over the deck and is located behind the engine room; a steering handle mounted forward of the seat; and a battery accommodating portion that is provided in an interior of the body and is located below the seat and above the water jet pump.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshinori Tsumiyama
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Patent number: 7290496Abstract: An unmanned autonomous submarine which can float, dive and move in water to perform various tasks. The submarine includes a pressurized cabin which is necessary for the diving and flotation system to work properly. This also helps to increase its sealing power against water leakage into the cabin. The submarine is autonomous, that is automatic and self controlled. It is propelled by water jet propulsion. It can be programmed to dive to preset depths, move along preset trajectories, and return to the base after completing the assigned tasks. A remote control option is provided in order to perform special tasks. The submarine is equipped with several sensors that can measure depth, orientation, attitude, location and speed. It is also equipped with an underwater video camera that can send wireless video pictures from underwater to a monitor above water surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventors: Khaled R. Asfar, Khalid A. Rashdan, Yasser J. Al-Alami
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Patent number: 7290497Abstract: 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 supplyType: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: WestfaliaSurge, Inc.Inventors: Ralph A. Rottier, Kevin L. Torgerson
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Patent number: 7290498Abstract: A vent plug for a milking liner has a shielded inlet that reduces the likelihood that it will become clogged with debris from the floor of the milking parlor. In one embodiment, the vent plug has a plurality of redundant inlets that allow the vent plug to function if one of the inlets becomes clogged. In another embodiment, the inner flange of the body of the vent plug is at least twice the thickness of the body tube to help secure the vent plug in the milking liner.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Lauren AgriSystems, Ltd.Inventor: Jin-Woong Shin
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Patent number: 7290499Abstract: A self-cleaning pet litter box has a conveyor to incrementally transport clumped litter material and solid pet waste to a waste receptacle. The conveyor has one end configured to extend into a pet litter container of the self-cleaning litter box and an opposite exit end. The conveyor is configured for reciprocating movement to lift the clumped litter material and solid pet waste from below, transport it some distance along the conveyor, place the material down again, return to its original position, and repeat the motion again to incrementally move the material along the conveyor toward the exit end for subsequent disposal.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Richard H. Emery
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Patent number: 7290500Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a bird perch to a bird cage wherein first and second sides of a mounting means clamps to the cage and holds a perch holding means onto which a perch is attached and which enables the user to compression clamp a ball joint component at a predetermined angle to position the bird perch.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Robert M. Burrell
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Patent number: 7290501Abstract: A system for producing a sound having a certain frequency range to maintain laying hens in stable and comfortable conditions. includes a basic wave generator for generating a pair of first basic waves having the same phase and a pair of second basic waves having opposite phases, a relaxation wave generator for generating a pair of relaxation waves by combining the pair of first basic waves and the pair of second basic waves with time, a modulator for generating a pair of relaxation sounds by modulating the pair of relaxation waves with a sound wave having an audible frequency, and an audio output unit composed of two left and right parts such that stereo sound is outputted, for receiving the pair of relaxation sounds and outputting the pair of relaxation sounds to the left and right parts, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignees: Republic of Korea (Management Government Office: Rural Development Administration), Daeyang E&C Co., LtdInventors: Sang Ho Kim, Sang Jin Lee, Ok Seok Seo, Yong Chang Kim, Chun Ho Moon
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Patent number: 7290502Abstract: A control for a water heater is provided that comprises a pressure switch for sensing a predetermined level of airflow sufficient for maintaining proper burner operation, and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank. The control further comprises a processor for controlling the operation of the burner to maintain the water temperature above a predetermined value. When the processor receives a signal from the pressure switch indicating an insufficient level of airflow, the processor shuts down the burner and subsequently attempts to restart the burner. The processor will also lock-out further burner operation after a predetermined number of consecutive shut downs occurs before the water is heated to a desired temperature during a single call for heating.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Larry D. Kidd, R. Dale Shropshire, John S. Haefner, G. Scott Vogel
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Patent number: 7290503Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater has a three-pass condensing type heat exchanger disposed within its tank and having a central vertical first pass flue pipe separated into upper and lower portions by an internal dividing structure. Respectively coupled to the upper and lower first pass flue pipe portions are circumferentially spaced series of vertical second and third pass flue pipes which circumscribe the central flue pipe within the tank. During firing of the water heater, combustion gases from a power burner are sequentially forced downwardly through the upper portion of the first pass flue pipe, upwardly through the second pass flue pipes to an upper plenum external to the tank, and then downwardly through the third pass flue pipes and the lower central pipe portion into a bottom plenum external to the tank for discharge from the water heater.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Ozzie Missoum, Gregory M. Welk, Qian Zhang
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Patent number: 7290504Abstract: A system for retrofitting an internal combustion engine to use a proportion of hydrogen gas and existing fossil fuel is disclosed. The system is comprised of a source of hydrogen gas and means for delivering hydrogen gas to the combustion chamber of the engine. The engine operating parameters are adjusted and the delivery of hydrogen is controlled to provide selective introduction of hydrogen gas throughout the engine's operating cycle. The source of hydrogen gas can comprise an onboard hydrogen reformer, or hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be reformed inside the cylinder from an on board carrier of hydrogen. A single point injector placed at the intake manifold in close proximity to the engine intake valve can be used to mix the hydrogen gas to the air/fossil fuel mixture or sequential injectors can deliver hydrogen in close proximity to each engine intake valve, or directly into each cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: David Lange
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Patent number: 7290505Abstract: The invention provides an internal combustion engine system that uses a blended fuel consisting of hydrocarbon and alcohol, and can efficiently operate relative to a wide range of required load. The internal combustion engine system includes: an internal combustion engine 1; a first separating means 2 for separating the blended fuel into an alcohol/water mixture 21 and liquid hydrocarbon 22; a reforming means 13 for reforming the alcohol/water mixture to an ether/water mixture; a second separating means 14 for separating the ether/water mixture into the ether and the water; and control means 16 that controls the ratios of the liquid hydrocarbon 22, the alcohol/water mixture 21, and the ether. The internal combustion engine 1 is a homogeneous charge compression ignition internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Kamio, Kohei Kuzuoka
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Patent number: 7290506Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention provide novel fluid-cooled cylinder liners. Preferred liners are annular cylinders containing a plurality of passages, arranged generally parallel to the axis of the cylinders, and integrated between the inner and outer surfaces of the cylinders. Preferably, the integral passages are arranged so that they are typically closer to the outer surface of the liner than the inner surface. Each passage has at least two openings. A passage with two openings on opposite end of the cylinder runs the entire length of the liner, while a passage with a opening at one end of the liner and a second opening along a surface of the liner runs only for a fraction of the liner length. In preferred embodiments, openings on the outer surface of the liner will be arranged in a circle lying on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, and near either end of the cylinder; ensuring that each passage traverses the majority of the length of the liner.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Benmaxx, LLCInventors: Charles Benjamin Rau, III, Dallas W. Jolley, Jr.
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Patent number: 7290507Abstract: A lower link for an engine piston crank mechanism includes first and second half members joined by bolts to form a crankpin bearing portion. The first half member includes a first pin boss portion to connect the lower link with a first link which is one of an upper link connected with a piston and a control link having one end mounted swingably on the engine. The second half member includes a second pin boss portion to connect the lower link with a second link which is the other of the upper link and the control link, and an internally threaded portion into which one bolt is screwed. The second half member further includes a load transfer portion which is made greater in rigidity than the internally threaded portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Mizuno, Kenshi Ushijima, Katsuya Moteki, Takashi Mori
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Patent number: 7290508Abstract: A lower link for a piston crank mechanism of an internal combustion engine includes an upper section, a lower section, and a crank pin bearing section disposed between the upper section and the lower section, and mounted on a crank pin of a crank shaft. One of the upper section and the lower section is formed with a bolt inserting hole. The other of the upper section and the lower section is formed with an internal thread portion including an open end. One of the bolts passes through the bolt inserting hole, is screwed into the internal thread portion, and includes an end bared from the open end which is formed in a surface perpendicular to a bolt center axis. The other of the upper section and the lower section includes a recessed portion formed in the surface to divert a stress transmitting path.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Mizuno, Shunichi Aoyama, Kenshi Ushijima, Katsuya Moteki
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Patent number: 7290509Abstract: Improved actuators and valve control systems, and methods for controlling actuators and/or engine valves, are disclosed. In addition to the inherent capability of timing control, the ability to provide continuous valve lift or stroke control greatly improves engine achieve fuel economy, emission and performance. The power-off state of the actuator is at the minimum stroke, from which an easy start-up can be directly executed. The minimum stroke is also very beneficial to achieve efficient low load operation. Even with continuous lift variation, the present invention is able to keep the spring force neutral or zero point in the center of a stroke, thus maintaining an efficient scheme of energy conversion and recovery through the pendulum action. When in compression braking or other high engine cylinder air pressure working mode, the invention is able to supply necessary force to open the engine valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Zheng Lou
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Patent number: 7290510Abstract: A valve timing adjusting apparatus has a housing and a vane rotor to form multiple fluid chambers, and a relative position of the vane rotor to the housing is adjusted by the fluid pressure supplied into the fluid chambers. A check valve is provided in a branched passage portion, so that working fluid may not be pushed out from an advancing fluid chamber to a low pressure side, even when the working fluid in the advancing fluid chamber is temporally compressed to increase its fluid pressure due to a torque change applied from a cam shaft to the vane rotor.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.Inventors: Kinya Takahashi, Masayasu Ushida, Takao Nojiri, Seiji Yaoko, Jun Yamada
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Patent number: 7290511Abstract: A valve train includes a primary rocker arm 50 which is oscillated about a primary oscillating center line L4 by an inlet cam 21, a secondary rocker arm 60 which transmits a valve drive force F1 to an inlet valve 14 and oscillates about a secondary oscillating center line L5, and a holder 30 which supports the primary and secondary rocker arms 50, 60 in such a manner that the primary and secondary oscillating center lines L4, L5 rotate together therewith. As the holder 30 approaches an oscillating position where a valve operating property is obtained where a maximum lift amount becomes maximum, an abutment position P1 where a cam lobe portion 21b abuts with a roller 53 of the primary rocker arm 50 approaches a specific straight line L10 which passes through a holder oscillating center line L3 and a rotational center line L2 of the inlet cam 21.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiko Tashiro
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Patent number: 7290512Abstract: A variable valve apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes a cam shaft, a drive cam formed integrally with the cam shaft, and a rocker arm mechanism for transmitting an opening/closing force from an operating end portion thereof to an intake or an exhaust valve by receiving the opening/closing force by a drive cam opposed roller brought into contact with the drive cam. For displacing a lift time period, in which the drive cam opposed roller receives the opening/closing force, frontward/rearward in a direction of rotating the drive cam, an up section of a cam lift face of the drive cam is formed to be longer than a down section thereof such that a change region of a lift valve closing time point of the lift time period becomes larger than a change region of a lift valve opening time point thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinichi Murata
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Patent number: 7290513Abstract: A device for changing the control times of gas-exchange valves in an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes a drive wheel (2) in driven connection with the crankshaft and a vane rotor (3) fixed with the camshaft. The drive wheel (2) has a hollow space, which is formed by a hollow cylindrical peripheral wall (4) and two lateral walls (5, 6), in which at least one hydraulic work chamber (9) is formed by at least two radial limit walls (7, 8), which is divided by at least one vane (11) into an A pressure chamber (12) and a B pressure chamber (13). The vane rotor (3) can be coupled mechanically with the drive wheel (2) by a separate locking element (14), that can be moved into a locked position within a receptacle (19) in the lateral walls (5) of the drive wheel (2).Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Dirk Heintzen, Rudolf Eydam