Patents Issued in November 6, 2007
  • Patent number: 7290714
    Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing and a light circuit. The housing defines a first primary panel and a second primary panel spaced from the first primary panel. The first primary panel defines an account identifier signifying a financial account linked to the stored-value card. A side is defined between the first primary panel and the second primary panel. The light circuit includes a light and a switch and is generally enclosed within the housing but for the light. The light extends from the side of the housing and is configured to be illuminated upon application of a force to the switch. Stored-value card assemblies and methods of using a stored-value card are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted C. Halbur, Dave B. Smith, Timothy P. Clegg
  • Patent number: 7290715
    Abstract: A published document comprises a printed document and at least one memory attached to the printed document, wherein said at least one memory comprises an electrical circuit without an integral power source but may be powered wirelessly so that it may transmit information wirelessly, wherein at least a portion of the information stored in the published document for display to the user is provided in said at least one memory. A method of viewing information in such a published document comprises viewing information printed in the printed document, powering the memory circuit with a reader device to transmit information stored in the memory circuit to the reader device wirelessly, and displaying the information stored in the memory circuit by means of the reader device for viewing by the user. An appropriate reader device and method for publishing the document are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Abigail Jane Sellen, John Deryk Waters, Guy de Warrenne Bruce Adams, Richard Anthony Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7290716
    Abstract: An SD memory card contains an RF circuit, a controller LSI and a flash memory. The RF circuit is connected to an antenna module attached to the SD memory card. The controller LSI executes radio interface control and interface control for the SD memory card. By running a protocol control program and an SD memory card interface control program stored in a ROM, using an MPU, the controller LSI executes upper-protocol control and SD memory card interface control (security data access control, flash memory access control).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takafumi Ito
  • Patent number: 7290717
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for obtaining data from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are described. A read of data stored in a RFID tag is initiated. It is determined that the read failed. A machine readable symbol of the RFID tag is scanned to identify the RFID tag. The read and scan can be performed by a multi-mode reader device or by separate devices. In an aspect, a portion of the scanning operation can be performed before it is determined that the read failed. In a further aspect, a reversible obscuration partially or entirely prevents decoding of the machine readable symbol. The obscuration is reversed to expose the machine readable symbol prior to scanning the machine readable symbol. An indication can be provided on the RFID tag to indicate to an operator that the machine readable symbol is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Schuessler
  • Patent number: 7290718
    Abstract: A radio terminal includes a first case which includes an operation unit and a first antenna, and a second case which includes a display unit and a second antenna and which is foldably connected to the first case via a hinge. The radio terminal performs short-range radio communication with a predetermined communication device by using at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Suguru Sekita
  • Patent number: 7290719
    Abstract: Encoding data in a pattern of symbols on a surface. A processor separates an ordered sequence of digits representative of the encoded data into a plurality of sequential windows. Each of the sequential windows includes a partial sequence of the ordered sequence of digits. The processor further transforms the partial sequence included in each sequential window into a series of digits. A symbol is arranged within a plurality of surface windows on the surface. Each surface window corresponds to one of the sequential windows. The symbol is positioned within each surface window based on one of the transformed series of digits. And the position of the symbol within the surface window is indicative of the encoded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Corey Ladas, Glen Larsen
  • Patent number: 7290720
    Abstract: A printed tag is provided which can be read with an optical scanner. The tag includes a locator component. The locator component includes an endless line and can be used to locate the optical scanner with respect to the tag. An orientation component is located within the bounds of the endless line and can be used to orient the optical scanner with respect to the tag. A data component includes data to be read by the scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Simon Robert Walmsley, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7290721
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the temperature of a computer system provides a first temperature sensor, positioned around or on a CPU, for sensing the temperature of the CPU or around the CPU. A first A/D converter is used to convert the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor into a first temperature value. At least one second temperature sensor, positioned inside the housing, senses the temperature around the housing. At least one second A/D converter converts the temperature sensed by die second temperature sensor into a second temperature value. The first temperature value and second temperature value are input to a control circuit, and a suitable value to output a control signal for controlling the speed of the fan is chosen so as to precede the heat dissipating of the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Shuttle Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Tien Cheng
  • Patent number: 7290722
    Abstract: An elongated pipe conduit snow making tower, and assembly method, having an upper end spray nozzle head and pivotally supported on a support pipe for vertical inclination by a hydraulic ram jack enabling infinite non-preselected incremental inclinations. A ram safety latch automatically latch/catches the tower pipe if the jack leaks. Secondary and tertiary external flexible water hoses are selectable to feed associated spray head snowmaking nozzles, and an internal compressed air conduit feeds spray head seeding nozzles. Secondary and tertiary ball valve assemblies mounted on a water feed block are outlet coupled to their respective hoses. In drain condition turbulent primary water continually washes against a valve ball flow closure side for an anti-freezing effect. The spray head is a four-piece modular planar stack up of disks each carrying spray nozzles that all discharge forwardly away from the pipe tower in generally parallel spray patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Snow Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Ewald
  • Patent number: 7290723
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for splitting a propelled aerosol cloud. The device utilizes a curved spray chamber and a thermal technique to divert any desired portion of the aerosol to waste. The remainder of the aerosol is made available to an ELSD or similar instrument for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Jiang Lu, Samuel Frederick Azlein
  • Patent number: 7290724
    Abstract: A blender includes a container mounted removably on a housing for containing food items and provided with a cutting blade unit that is to be driven rotatably by a motor unit when the container is mounted on the housing. A control unit is operable in accordance with an initial control signal from a switch unit so as to activate the motor unit to operate in a judgment mode. The control unit determines food processing conditions in accordance with a motor rotation signal generated by a sensor unit for indicating a rotary speed of the motor unit when the motor unit is operated in the judgment mode. The control unit switches operation of the motor unit from the judgment mode to a food processing mode upon determining the food processing conditions so as to drive rotation of the cutting blade unit to blend the food items contained in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fang-Chuan Lin, Chien-Chung Lee, Chia-Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7290725
    Abstract: An extrusion head where continuous formation of crushed ice is formed by radially extending cutters which notch the ice rods as the rods move from the channels formed by externally protruding bosses. The extrusion head breaks ice into uniformly shaped pieces. The extrusion head has no moving parts and is easily retrofitted onto existing screw-type continuous crushed ice making machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Charles A. Brooks
  • Patent number: 7290726
    Abstract: A cutting tool holder, a cutting bit, and a retainer maintaining the cutting bit at a prescribed position relative to the tool holder. The cutting bit is received in a slot located in a first lateral surface that extends through the top surface. The retainer is received in an opening included in the first lateral surface that intercepts the slot. The retainer includes a planar tapered surface that contacts an upwardly and laterally facing oblique surface on a lower end of the cutting bit to hold the lower end of the cutting tool in contact with a lower surface of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Keystone Engineering & Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Winchester E. Latham
  • Patent number: 7290727
    Abstract: In a first embodiment of the present invention, a fishing line latching member can be returned from the fishing line releasable state (clutch OFF) to the fishing line windable state (clutch ON) simply by operating a return operation member, without rotatably operating the handle as in a conventional manner. This enables the user to respond promptly even when he/she gets a bite immediately after casting the fishing line. Furthermore, it also allows the user to use a finger of his/her hand holding the fishing rod to perform an operation for removing slack of the fishing line by using the return operation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7290728
    Abstract: An oscillation mechanism for use with a spinning fishing reel includes an oscillation gear with a guide pin, rotatably supported within the reel. A slider is disposed within the reel and includes a guide slot formed therein that includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a first curved portion including a concave side disposed toward a forward edge of the slider and a second curved portion including a concave side disposed toward a rearward edge of the slider. The lower portion includes a first curved portion including a concave side disposed toward the rearward edge of the slider and a second curved portion including a concave side disposed toward the forward edge of the slider. Rotation of the oscillation gear causes movement of the slider along a horizontal center axis of the guide slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Shakespeare Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joaquim da Rosa
  • Patent number: 7290729
    Abstract: A recording tape cartridge which can prevent positional offset of a case with respect to a cartridge accommodating device. Accompanying operation of loading the cartridge in an arrow A direction into a drive device, a door is moved to a side of opening an opening while an operation projection is engaged by an engagement projection. At this time, a pushing/engaging member of the drive device enters into a cell retention notch, and pushes a push surface and engages with an engagement surface. In this way, at the case, a moment in an arrow E direction around a region of engagement is offset, and the case is prevented from being coming out from the drive device. An inclined surface permits advance and withdrawal of the pushing/engaging member into and from the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Hiraguchi
  • Patent number: 7290730
    Abstract: A pinion of a pretensioner is provided at a side of a torsion shaft, which side is opposite a side connected integrally to a spool via a sleeve. A base lock of a lock mechanism is connected to the pinion. Due to the lock mechanism operating, a leg plate side end portion of the torsion shaft is locked. In this way, due to operation of the pretensioner, the pinion, which is connected to a rotating portion of a sleeve, also is locked by the locking mechanism. Therefore, a piston of the pretensioner is not lowered, and internal pressure of a cylinder does not affect deformation of the torsion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomonori Nagata, Toshimasa Yamamoto, Hitoshi Takamatsu, Yasuho Kitazawa, Takeaki Kato, Makoto Sekizuka, Shigekazu Imanaka, Kiyoka Matsubayashi, Takuya Nezaki
  • Patent number: 7290731
    Abstract: A kite reel has a spool rotatable on a shaft to reel in or out kite line attached to a flying kite. A brake disk coaxial with the spool on the same shaft is moved translationally to and from the spool to block or unblock the spool rotation on a central brake disk cam defined by the shaft. A peripheral brake disk cam is engaged by a thumb wheel driven cam to rotate the brake disk on the first cam into or out of spool contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Don Tabor, Francis Alonso
  • Patent number: 7290732
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for cutting and spooling paper are described. In one embodiment, a system for cutting a traveling web of paper that is being wound onto a first spool and transferring the paper web onto a second spool by feeding turn-up tape into a nip between the second spool and the paper web, comprises a transfer track for transporting the turn-up tape beneath the paper web and to a position adjacent to the nip, and a drive assembly capable of driving the turn-up tape along the transfer track toward the nip, wherein the drive is capable of being powered by manual power or motor power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: M.A. Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Nathan Wilmoth, William Russell Stitcher, Joseph K. Popwell, Bobbie D. Peacock
  • Patent number: 7290733
    Abstract: A dispenser for paper, plastic, foil and other goods that are supplied on rolls or tubes includes a rotation mechanism, such as a spindle, including a plurality of bows for engaging an inner surface of a roll. The spindle rotates about an end cap assembly. A mechanism provides resistance against spindle rotation about the end cap assembly. The end cap assembly is configured with an extending first shaft, aligned with an axis of rotation of the spindle, used to hang one end of the dispenser from a bracket. The dispenser further includes a spring loaded end cap including an extending second shaft, also aligned with an axis of rotation of the spindle, used to hang another end of the dispenser from the bracket. From the end cap assembly, a radially extending projection is provided. The projection includes a stop knob which functions to engage the bracket from the dispenser is hung and prevent the end cap assembly from rotating about the first and second shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lifetime Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Kamenstein, Joel Hoag
  • Patent number: 7290734
    Abstract: A tape reel includes: a hub in the shape of a bottomed-cylinder with a disc-like lower flange integrally formed at a lower end thereof and an opening formed at an upper end thereof; and an upper flange that is disc-like, has a center hole formed therein, and has a ring-shaped protrusion formed so as to protrude at a rim of the center hole, the protrusion being fitted into and fixed at the opening of the hub. The hub includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs that are respectively formed in an up-down direction on an inner circumferential surface of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Morimasa Sasaki, Takateru Satoh, Akio Momoi, Chotaro Kouzu
  • Patent number: 7290735
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin that includes a main structure being the structure of the aircraft and enclosing the cabin; a bridge forming a flat surface on which the seats are secured; an aisle extending longitudinally in cabin and elevated with respect to bridge, and beds or cots accessed by said aisle and arranged above seats of bridge, transversally with respect to aisle and on both sides of such aisle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventors: Bruno Saint-Jalmes, André Rezag, Jazon Zaneboni
  • Patent number: 7290736
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a sliding door, which, for example, can be guided on three rollers on the door side in rails on the aircraft structure. Locking of such a cargo door occurs by movement of the cargo door parallel to the aircraft X-axis with the locking pins in corresponding sleeves situated on the aircraft structure. In order to guarantee this, the door opening must be larger than the door itself. The gap produced by this is now closed by means of a locking element that clamps the door. This permits a light structure of the cargo door and therefore a weight saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Pahl
  • Patent number: 7290737
    Abstract: A demiseable momentum exchange system includes a base and a flywheel rotatably supported on the base. The flywheel includes a web portion defining a plurality of web openings and a rim portion. The momentum exchange system further includes a motor for driving the flywheel and a cover for engaging the base to substantially enclose the flywheel. The system may also include components having a melting temperature below 1500 degrees Celsius. The momentum exchange system is configured to demise on reentry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Russell Roder, Eliezer Ahronovich, Milton C. Davis, III
  • Patent number: 7290738
    Abstract: Separate upper and lower plenums within an aircraft airfoil or a sea hydrofoil conduct fluid under different pressures to nozzle slots from which jets emerge to augment lift in accordance with different travel conditions. Lift is induced by nozzle slot emergence of a primary jet from one of the plenums along a reverse flow path relative to secondary jet outflow from the other plenum. This capability involves angularly adjusted deflection of the primary jet outflow along forward, reverse or vertical directional flow paths from the trailing end of the airfoil or hydrofoil under zero and other different speed conditions by emergence of the secondary wall jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ernest O. Rogers, Robin D. Imber, Jane S. Abramson, Martin J. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 7290739
    Abstract: A clamp support for holding and guiding a cable loom has a basic element and a wedge, which can be shifted relative to the basic unit to clamp the basic unit to a structural component. While clamping the basic unit with the structural component, the wedge is arranged in a position between the basic unit and structural component to reflect the width of the transverse carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Zeuner, Hans-Peter Guthke, Lueder Kosiankowski, Hans-Georg Plate
  • Patent number: 7290740
    Abstract: A universal mounting assembly for quick mounting of an object to a stand device. The mounting assembly includes a body having a support surface, a front face and an opposed mounting surface configured to mount to the support stand. The front face intersects the support surface and defines an opening into a receiving socket of the body. The body further defines an elongated slot extending along and into the receiving socket from the support surface. The elongated slot having a transverse width dimension smaller than that of the receiving socket, although it is suitable to receive a transverse width dimension of the button device neck portion. The receiving socket is formed and dimensioned for sliding receipt of the transverse width dimension of the head portion therein as the neck portion simultaneously slides along the elongated slot to a dock position. The mounting assembly further includes a resilient retaining arm cantilever disposed in the receiving socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory T. Joy, Jon M. Congdon
  • Patent number: 7290741
    Abstract: An improved self-adjusting furniture support includes a cam mechanism that limits the rotatability of the upper cover with respect to the central mounting bolt to provide for hand turning of the support both onto and off of a piece of furniture. A lower member or foot axially slides along the mounting bolt without rotating with respect thereto to provide adjustability of the height of the support without marring or rotatably scraping the floor or other surface on which it sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Jacob Holtz Company
    Inventors: Dorsey Cox, Derek Popp
  • Patent number: 7290742
    Abstract: An adjustable support tool for either vertical or horizontal mounting. The adjustable support tool comprises a rod slidably received by a tube. The rod has depressions formed thereon. A threaded portion is coupled to the tube and a hand grip tightener is turnable engaged to the threaded portion for adjusting their overall length. A ratchet housing is resiliently engaged to the hand grip tightener. The ratchet housing has a ratchet for securerly engaging to one of the depressions, a wheel spring for rollably engaging to another one of the depressions, a safety lock pivotally engaged to the ratchet housing for prevent access to the ratchet when locked. When the rod is slided, the wheel spring pushes up the ratchet from its underside to loosen its engagement. The loosened ratchet allows the rod to slide more smoothly, while protecting the painted surface on the rod. Both the ratchet and threaded portion provide adjustment to the overall length of the support tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Dennis H. Wang
  • Patent number: 7290743
    Abstract: A device that attaches to a surface. A first element having a surface adapted to be carried flush with a surface of a constructed surface and having a plurality of splayed through openings therein. A second element adapted to be moved or pressed toward and held by the first element and having a plurality of tines joined to the second element in proximity to one extremity of the tines. The tines pass slidably through the splayed openings in the first element and have sharp penetrating ends which project into the constructed surface when the second element is moved toward first element and force is applied to the second element while the surface of the first element is flush with the constructed surface such that the first element comes affixed to the constructed surface by the tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Clifford William Nowack
  • Patent number: 7290744
    Abstract: A breakaway basketball goal system is provided for absorbing shocks during playing conditions. In embodiments of the invention, the basketball goal system includes a base, a neck movably coupled to the base, a backboard attached to a distal end of the neck, and a shock-absorbing mechanism that permits a neck, backboard and rim to move downward to absorb severe shocks, and that may automatically return them to their playing position. The shock-absorbing mechanism can include a housing disposed on a rearward side of a mounting post, a shock absorber, a guide attached to a movable end of the shock absorber, and a cable connecting the guide to the neck. In embodiments of the invention, the backboard extends a horizontal distance from the base to provide a safe playing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Alan D. Baldasari
  • Patent number: 7290745
    Abstract: A wedge clamp assembly includes a body having a body cable gripping surface, and a slider having a slider cable gripping surface. The slider cable gripping surface faces the body cable gripping surface to grip a cable. A connector is formed in one of the body and the slider, and includes a slot for moving the slider between closed and locked positions and an end portion formed on the other of the body and the slider. The end portion is axially slidable and rotatable in the slot. A coupling between the body and the slider pivotally connects the slider for movement between the closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl R. Tamm, Lawrence E. Bradford, Robert G. Hay
  • Patent number: 7290746
    Abstract: The multi-purpose beverage container holder supported tray assembly: includes a beverage container holder component and a tray component hingedly coupled to the beverage container holder component and provides one or more utilitarian support surfaces that may be used for various functions such as food and beverage placement, writing, and other activities where a stable, conveniently positioned surface is desired; and is adapted for use in theaters, stadiums, indoor and outdoor sports arenas, convention halls, home entertainment centers, and the like. The multi-purpose tray assembly is portable and removably supported in the seat arm beverage container holders (cup holders) normally found on the seating in the locations listed above. The position of the tray component of the tray assembly can be easily adjusted to suit the user and position the utilitarian support surface of the tray component in a location most convenient for the intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Nicky B. Macias, Raul A. Landa
  • Patent number: 7290747
    Abstract: A display case protection assembly for protection of a portion of a display case from damage from impacts includes a guard member having a convex shaped first side, a concave shaped second side, a top end and a bottom end; a retaining sleeve is in communication with the assembly's concave shaped second side and is purposed for rotatably containing an offset positioning bar having an angularly displaced foot portion. The assembly may further include at least one receiving sleeve configured to receive the angularly displaced foot portion and the offset positioning bar may further include a retaining flange extending beyond the outermost periphery of the offset positioning bar when the bar has been contained within retaining sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald S. Appelman
  • Patent number: 7290748
    Abstract: The breakaway support for overhead lines is a coordinated failure control device. The breakaway support for overhead lines sacrifices itself to ensure that the supporting structure is not damaged. The device has an intentional weak link. The breakaway support for overhead lines will release when the overhead line it is supporting receives a stress that exceeds the tensile strength of the weak link in the breakaway support for overhead lines. The stress causes the weak link to fail. The structure is not damaged and a repair crew can quickly affect repairs. It is much cheaper and easier to reconnect an overhead line than it is to replace or repair a structure and then reconnect the overhead line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Alan McDonald
  • Patent number: 7290749
    Abstract: A system for holding poured concrete in a desired shape until it sets is disclosed. The system can include a plurality of forms having two opposing end sections. Each of the end sections has an end bracket attached to it. A plurality of footing stakes are used to connect the end brackets together such that the forms maintain the desired shape. At least one whaler bracket is secured to a top of the forms to maintain the spacing between them. A skin panel can be used to bridge gaps between forms. Bulkhead brackets can be attached to the ends of the forms and secured to allow end walls to be created where desired. Vertical footing panels can also be used to pour concrete onto adjoining inclined surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Cactus Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: L. Alma Jessop, Derrel L. Spencer
  • Patent number: 7290750
    Abstract: The current invention discloses moisture resistant foundation pier block forms constructed from corrugated plastic. Means for holding sections of reinforcing bar can be included and at least one preferred embodiment of the invention includes means for securing the form in its desired location at a construction site. The forms of the current invention are light weight and can be easily assembled at a construction site or at a remote location. Sections of reinforcing bar can be inserted in at least one preferred embodiment of the invention during assembly and the forms can then be folded into a flat configuration for storage until needed. The forms disclosed in the current invention can be reused, but they do not attract insects and therefore do not have to be removed from the pier blocks after the concrete has dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Donald G. Huber, Terry Hartman
  • Patent number: 7290751
    Abstract: A composite mold comprising a main body, a molding layer formed on the main body, and a protective layer formed on the molding layer, the protective layer being made from diamond-like carbon. A method for manufacturing the composite mold comprising the following steps: providing a main body; forming a molding layer on the main body; and forming a protective layer on the molding layer, the protective layer being comprised of diamond-like carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ga-Lane Chen
  • Patent number: 7290752
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mold for the production of molded parts on a jolting table, the mold having a mold frame which carries a mold insert in which recesses defining the molded parts are formed, the mold insert being surrounded by a clearance space toward the mold frame, this clearance space being at least partly filled with damping means which keeps the mold frame and mold insert at a distance apart in a non-contact manner. In this case, at least one locking element passes through the clearance space, the locking element being mounted with play in at least one of the mold frame and mold insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Rampf Formen GmbH
    Inventor: Gottfried Keller
  • Patent number: 7290753
    Abstract: This invention relates to pressure torque sanitary diaphragm valves and methods of using torque sensitive sanitary valves in the production of chemical and biological therapeutics to obtain procedural reproducibility in the production pharmaceutical compounds and intermediates related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Scott Christopher Meyers
  • Patent number: 7290754
    Abstract: The T-post puller is a device adapted for attachment to the a post hole digger boom of a tractor. The puller has a hollow body with a skirt at its bottom, which aids in positioning the main body over the T-post. A spring-biased, pivotally mounted wedge or ratchet plate extends along the interior length of the main body for engagement with any of the post's studs. The puller is further provided with a post release mechanism in the form of a rope attached to a lever connected to the wedge plate. The body has at least one yoke extending outwardly from the top end of the body for pivotal attachment to the boom. An adapter is attachable to the yoke in order to attached the puller to other power lifting booms or machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: David E. Mensi, Johnny C. Mensi
  • Patent number: 7290755
    Abstract: A fully integrated, self-contained, retrieving trailer hitch for use in coupling heavy laden trailers to large SUV's and RV's. The self-contained module is capable of being plugged directly into a vehicle tow bar hitch receiver and connected to the vehicle's electrical power supply. The module-retrieving hitch contains an integral retracting take-up reel with a cable extending through the docking housing and connected to an extendable docking guide member. The docking member which may be double reeved and adapted for removable connection to ball hitch assemblies generally used for insertion within vehicle tow bar receivers for coupling to a trailer hitch member. The docking guide member automatically locks the guide member within the docking housing upon docking. An interlock is provided for unlocking the docking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory Thibodeaux
  • Patent number: 7290756
    Abstract: A deployment system and associated products utilize a magazine for holding and dispensing the products. The products may have any of a number of internal and external trusses that may be in tension and/or compression for rigidifying the product in selected directions. Thus the product may be shaped to fit a predetermined contour. The magazine may be supported on a deployment vehicle for ease of deployment of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michael V. Pavlov
  • Patent number: 7290757
    Abstract: A versatile rotary carburetor has an idle adjustment needle, a high speed adjustment needle, and preferably an air bypass screw which are substantially parallel to one another and are axially exposed for adjustment in a substantially common direction. Preferably a cammed rotary throttle valve is seated in a body of the carburetor for rotation about and axial movement along an axis. The rotary throttle valve intersects a mixing passage in the body, and carries a through-bore that variably generally aligns to the mixing passage upon rotation of the throttle valve. The throttle valve projects axially through an external surface of the body and threadably receives the idle adjustment needle oriented concentrically to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Takashi Horikawa, Teruhiko Tobinai
  • Patent number: 7290758
    Abstract: A leaf spring assembly includes a safety strap extending along the bottom of a plurality of stacked leaf springs that are held in a stacked relationship by a leaf fastener. The strap is attached to each leaf spring in the stack by fasteners at opposite ends of the spring such that adjacent leaf springs are connected on each side of the fastener. In the event that any one of the springs fails between the leaf fastener and one of the ends at which the strap is attached, the broken pieces of the spring remain connected to the other springs in the stack. This prevents pieces from breaking free of the assembly and creating road hazards in the event of spring failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Melvin Svendsen, Donald Stoesz, Simon Feng, Luc Jarry, Marty Boll
  • Patent number: 7290759
    Abstract: A vibration isolation platform utilizes a plurality of viscoelastic polymer blocks sandwiched between rigid plinths or boards and stacked on top of one another to provide vibration damping additively per layer of the sandwich. Smaller viscoelastic blocks are positioned between the edges of the plinths and the sidewalls of a framework in which the sandwich is mounted to compensate for lack of shear stress in the larger blocks. The platform is pre-loaded to optimum isolation and locked down at the required compression. Optimum isolation is achieved for any electronic component positioned on the platform up to the design weight limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Joe Lavrencik
  • Patent number: 7290760
    Abstract: A locking positioning mechanism utilizing cam locks. The invention provides lever operated cam locking mechanisms for locking a rotating, tilting and positioning vise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Steven James Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7290761
    Abstract: A multi-purpose clamping device that stabilizes and holds a wide variety of irregularly shaped objects through the use of a stationary and a movable jaw, a linear ratchet and a rotary power cam; both used to engage the work piece, a pair of conformable jaw faces consisting of an array of spring-loaded pins to grasp the work piece, and a base with retractable stabilizing outriggers that ground and stabilize the work. The device is configured in such a way that it will lay flush on one side so that it can be used as a vise in an alternate orientation to allow access from both the top and the side. The base is also configured to allow the clamp portion to detach from the base in order to be used separately as a clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Robert P Siegel
  • Patent number: 7290762
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printing mechanism and a print media source for supplying print media sheets to the printing mechanism. The print media source includes a first media tray for holding a first print media, a second media tray for holding a second print media, and a sheet feeder mechanism having a sheet picking roller located to pick a top sheet of print media in the print media source, the top sheet of print media being located in one of the first media tray and the second media tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Michael Connors, Victor David Hair, Tommy Otis Lowe
  • Patent number: 7290763
    Abstract: A first sheet feeding device and a second sheet feeding device for feeding sheets stacked on a first stacking portion and a second stacking portion, respectively, are driven by a driving force generated by a drive source. A controller controls the drive source so that the magnitude of the driving force may differ between a case where the first sheet feeding device is driven and a case where the second sheet feeding device is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Suzuki, Akio Okubo, Takashi Awai, Hideyuki Terashima