Patents Issued in November 27, 2007
  • Patent number: 7299684
    Abstract: An automated tool installation and workspace analysis method determines an axis of a fastener in order to determine positioning a fastener actuating tool. A center of gravity of the fastener is determined. The axis of the fastener is calculated based in part on the center of gravity. Additionally, the axis of the fastener is calculated based on distances between vertices of the fastener and an initial assumed axis of the fastener. Once the axis of the fastener is determined, the positioning of the tool can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Wen-Jun Wu, Jonathan C. Ostling
  • Patent number: 7299685
    Abstract: An apparatus for locating and marking an equator of a golf ball is provided and includes a rotation plate shaped to support a golf ball is provided in a housing. The housing encloses a motor and the motor is attached to the rotation plate and is capable of imparting spin on the rotation plate. A guard has a ring and a cross-beam with a marking opening defined therein extending from the ring. The bottom portion of the housing includes a cavity shaped to accommodate the golf ball such that any markings made to the ball may be darkened and better defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Technasonic Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Burnett
  • Patent number: 7299686
    Abstract: A device for determining soil compaction includes a control member fitted with one or more sensors that measure the response of the control member during co-action between the control member and a soil surface. In one embodiment, this response can be flexure as characterized by a measurable parameter such as strain. A measurement module in communication with the sensor or sensors determines a soil modulus for the soil based on the strain measurement from the sensor or sensors. In one arrangement, the control member includes one set of sensors that measure radial strain and another set of sensors that measures hoop strain. The device can also include a load sensor for measuring the load applied to the control member. In one embodiment the measurement module includes a processor that determines soil modulus based the strain measurements and the measured load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Briaud, Patrick Briaud, Yanfeng Li, Andrew Fawcett, Matthew L. Potter
  • Patent number: 7299687
    Abstract: A rough road detection system for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a frequency domain module, an engine misfire module, and a rough road module. The frequency domain module converts a vector signal into a frequency domain signal. The engine misfire module determines whether an engine misfires based on the frequency domain signal. The rough road detection module determines whether the vehicle is driving on a rough road based on the frequency domain signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Claudio A. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7299688
    Abstract: A device 10 and method for maximizing internal combustion engine horsepower for a preselected RPM range includes a plurality of velocity stacks 12 removably inserted via grommets 16 into apertures 17 in an air box portion 14 of the internal combustion engine while the air box portion 14 is secured to a throttle body portion of the internal combustion engine, and measuring power generated by the engine for the preselected RPM range with a selected velocity stack 12 removably secured to the air box portion 14 whereby a velocity stack 12 is ultimately selected that promotes maximum internal combustion engine horsepower for the preselected RPM range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Marc W. Salvisberg
  • Patent number: 7299689
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for determining the internal temperature of a catalytic converter of a vehicle equipped with a heat engine. According to the present invention, such a process is characterized in that this temperature is determined by calculating the mean value of exhaust gas temperature measurements carried out before the admission of these gases into the catalytic converter over a limited period of time, these measurements being weighted by a variable that is a function of the oxidation activity of the catalytic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA
    Inventor: Arnaud Audoin
  • Patent number: 7299690
    Abstract: A method for controlling the flow through an exhaust sampling system includes sensing an operating characteristic of a power source, extracting a sample of an exhaust flow of the power source, combining the sample with an additional flow of fluid, and measuring a particulate level of the combined flow. A flow rate of the extracted sample is controlled to be substantially proportional to a flow rate of the exhaust flow based on a difference between the combined flow and the additional flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Robert Graze, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7299691
    Abstract: A sensor device for tire allowing the sensitivity of a traveling state detection switch to be adjusted, wherein tire inside information is detected in the state of the device installed in a tire air chamber and the detected results are transmitted to the outside. The sensor device for tire comprises a movable member swingable outwardly in a tire radial direction by the centrifugal force of the tire when the tire is rotating and a switch detecting a traveling state in conjunction with the movement of the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Shimura
  • Patent number: 7299692
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining an indicator of the stresses to which a construction vehicle fire is subjected during a given period in which the product of the load transported by the vehicle and the distance traveled by the vehicle during the period is adjusted by an adjustment factor based on use parameters of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique, S.A.
    Inventors: Marcos Contreras, Jose Angel Moreno
  • Patent number: 7299693
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing tire performance by generating accurate, timely tire-to-surface slippage information under any operational/environmental conditions and on any road and/or off-road surface without requiring instrumentation of the roadway. The approach is capable of storing generated tire-to-surface slippage information for later retrieval and analysis and/or capable of supporting dynamic, real-time collection and dissemination of generated data. One exemplary embodiment generates and disseminates tire-to-surface slippage information in real-time that is compatible with and may be formatted for use by any consumer vehicle control system as well as external test and analysis equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC
    Inventor: Francis J. Byrne
  • Patent number: 7299694
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing tire performance by generating accurate, timely tire-to-surface slippage information under any operational/environmental conditions and on any road and/or off-road surface without requiring instrumentation of the roadway. The approach is capable of storing generated tire-to-surface slippage information for later retrieval and analysis and/or capable of supporting dynamic, real-time collection and dissemination of generated data. One exemplary embodiment generates and disseminates tire-to-surface slippage information in real-time that is compatible with and may be formatted for use by any consumer vehicle control system as well as external test and analysis equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC
    Inventor: Francis J. Byrne
  • Patent number: 7299695
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a weight and a vibrator that supports the weight at its center of gravity. When acceleration is applied to the weight, stress equivalent to the applied acceleration is generated in the vibrator. As the vibrator is arranged to support the weight at its center of gravity, a characteristic relationship is observed between the acceleration, such as angular acceleration or translational acceleration, and the size of electric charges and the polarity. By taking advantage of this relationship, different types of acceleration can be easily detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Media Devices Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Masanori Yachi, Takashi Kato, Hiroshi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7299696
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor chip package includes an acceleration sensor chip formed of a frame portion with an opening portion, a movable structure, a detection element, and an electrode pad. The movable structure has a beam portion and a movable portion supported on the beam portion to be movable. The acceleration sensor chip package further includes a re-wiring layer with a wiring portion having one end connected to the electrode pad; an outer terminal connected to the other end of the wiring portion; a first sealing portion for sealing the electrode pad and the re-wiring layer; and a substrate for sealing the opening portion of the frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Saeki
  • Patent number: 7299697
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a depth of a crack from ultrasound scan data are provided. The method includes mapping multiple amplitude responses from the ultrasound scan data, each mapped amplitude response being representative of a signal from one of the sensors. The method further includes locating multiple linear responses among the mapped amplitude responses, each linear response being an indicator of a reflected signal from the crack. One or more sensor that corresponds to the linear responses from a given crack is identified. The depth of the crack is estimated using data from the identified sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dinesh Mysore Siddu, Sandeep Kumar Dewangan, Gopichand Katragadda, Sivaramanivas Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 7299698
    Abstract: The present vibration test module enables a test engineer in the field of vibration test systems to precisely implement a vibration environment that is applicable to a wide range of applications and performance characteristics. The vibration test module comprises adjustable vibration shaping elements that collectively function to enable the user to program the frequency and magnitude of the vibrations that are produced by the vibration test system. This energy redistribution is accomplished by providing tuned vibration absorbers, consisting of a bouncing mass enclosed in a housing having walls that are elastic and/or spring mounted and/or adjustable in position, which enable the test engineer to precisely shape the frequency response of the vibrating system by causing broad band vibration to be generated in the vibration test system by the series of impacts of the mass with the walls of its enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Gregg K. Hobbs
  • Patent number: 7299699
    Abstract: A composite system includes a first component, for instance of metal, and a second component extending at least partly through the first component along an imaginary longitudinal axis of the composite system. The second component contacts, with an at least partially curved, especially cylindrical, outer surface, an inner surface of the first component flushly such that the first component at least sectionally, at least partly, grips around the second component. Joining surfaces of the composite system, which are formed by the mutually contacting surfaces of the two components, are formed in such a manner that the two components exhibit contour portions in the area of these joining surfaces embodied as self-closing, peripheral surfaces. The contour portions fit at least partly into one another, to form a mechanical interference locking effective, at least in part, likewise in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Rainer Lorenz
  • Patent number: 7299700
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing pressure in a hostile environment are described. In one example embodiment, a microwave radar based sensor is provided. The sensor is coupled to a signal conditioning unit. The signal conditioning unit includes at least one of a processor configured to determine a sensor value and a memory having pre-stored values therein, the pre-stored values representing possible sensor values. Each pre-stored value is assigned a respective pressure. The method includes operating the signal conditioning unit to sample a signal generated by the sensor, operating the signal conditioning unit to correlate a characteristic of the sampled signal to a pre-stored value having an assigned pressure, and operating the signal conditioning unit to generate a signal representative of the assigned pressure of the pre-stored value that is correlated to the sampled signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Sean James Coyle
  • Patent number: 7299701
    Abstract: The present invention presents a means for simultaneously testing the compressive strength and measuring the thermal energy dissipated by a given friction material during slip. The testing apparatus includes a rotatable flywheel that rotates a transmission reaction plate to simulate a typical reaction plate in a vehicle transmission assembly. A plurality of test samples selectively interact with the reaction plate while being elevated by hydraulically actuated cylinders. The thermal energy dissipated between the reaction plate and each test sample is measured for each test sample. A method for accomplishing the same for a bill-of-design reference is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Reinhart, Kerry W. Stadtfeld
  • Patent number: 7299702
    Abstract: A dynamometric rod intended to form a pivot for fixing an aircraft wing flap, includes a cylindrical body (10) with a hexagonal head (12) and a threaded end-piece (14). The dimensions and other characteristics of the body (10), head (12) and end-piece (14) correspond to those of pivots normally used for fixing wing flaps. The aforementioned body (10) is provided with a groove (16) which can be provided with a small depth of several tenths of a millimetre and which forms a simple gap which prevents contact between a branch of a clamp or an arm of the flap and the rod at the groove (16). In addition, a sensitive element (18) is positioned at the groove and is very tightly sealed closed. The invention is suitable for aircraft flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: FGB Instrumentation
    Inventor: Francis Gibert
  • Patent number: 7299703
    Abstract: An arrangement for detecting a load bearing failure includes a primary load-carrying system for bearing axially translatably a coaxial load, said primary load-carrying system having a rotor portion and an axially displaceable stator portion. A plurality of bearing balls is interposed between the rotor and axially displaceable stator portions. A detector, which may include any of a laser measuring, an ultrasonic measuring, or a linear variable transformer or electrical contact detects wear or actual or impending failure of the primary load-carrying system. A secondary load-carrying system may be provided for bearing the coaxial load upon the event of a failure of the primary load-carrying system. The primary load-carrying system is a recirculating ball screw arrangement wherein the plurality of bearing balls is disposed in part in respective helical grooves of the rotor and axially displaceable stator portions. Wear or escape of the bearing balls is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Mircea G. Balasu, Raphael A. Monsanto
  • Patent number: 7299704
    Abstract: The meter connection spreading tool is used to separate a water meter from a conduit entering or exiting the meter. The tool has an elongated handle terminating in a bifurcated fork. The tines of the fork are elongated and adapted for bearing against the body of the meter. A pair of parallel lugs extend normal to the tines adjacent their free end. A rigid U-shaped jaw has a pair of arms rigidly attached thereto and extending normal to the legs of the jaw adjacent the bight, the jaw being adapted to bear against a coupler attached to the end of the conduit. The free ends of the arms are pivotally attached to the lugs, so that the forked handle defines a lever and the lugs and free ends of the arms provide a fulcrum on which the lever pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Donald A. Gerdes
  • Patent number: 7299705
    Abstract: A flow measuring system is provided that provides at least one of a compensated mass flow rate measurement and a compensated density measurement. The flow measuring system includes a gas volume fraction meter in combination with a coriolis meter. The GVF meter measures acoustic pressures propagating through the fluids to measure the speed of sound ?mix propagating through the fluid to calculate at least gas volume fraction of the fluid and/or the reduced natural frequency. For determining an improved density for the coriolis meter, the calculated gas volume fraction and/or reduced frequency is provided to a processing unit. The improved density is determined using analytically derived or empirically derived density calibration models (or formulas derived therefore), which is a function of the measured natural frequency and at least one of the determined GVF, reduced frequency and speed of sound, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel L. Gysling
  • Patent number: 7299706
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and a new apparatus to accurately measure flow rates in injection systems such as gasoline, direct injection gasoline and diesel downstream of the injector where the fuel (liquid in general) is discharged from a nozzle (e.g. an injector). More specifically, it measures the flow velocities and volumetric flow rates in highly transient flows discharged cyclically with injection duration within a few hundred microseconds. Moreover, it is able to resolve multiple injection shots produced within an engine cycle with high volumetric (0.01 mm3) and temporal (10 ?s) sensitivities. The main uses of this instrument in automotive industry are manufactures of FIE, injection test machines and injection diagnostic systems. In other industries the uses maybe represented by measuring and controlling of highly transient flows with a need to accurately perform quantitative flow data in wide range of timing and dosing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Michigan Custom Machines, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Palazzolo, Murad M. Ismailov
  • Patent number: 7299707
    Abstract: A venturi type of primary flow element comprising a tubular body defining a flow path having open ends and walls and including in series, a converging section, a cylindrical throat section, and a diverging section, where the bottom walls of each of said sections are in alignment and present a smooth unangled surface to flowing fluid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Dieterich Standard, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell N. Evans
  • Patent number: 7299708
    Abstract: A method of determining a rotor angle in a drive control for a motor, comprising the steps of (a) determining a rotor magnetic flux in the motor; (b) estimating the rotor angle on the basis of the rotor magnetic flux; and (c) correcting the estimated rotor angle on the basis of reactive power input to the motor. Step (a) may include the step of non-ideal integration of stator voltage and current values. Step (b) may include the step of correcting phase errors caused by said non-ideal integration via a PLL circuit with phase compensation (F). Step (c) may include the steps of (1) calculating a first reactive power input value as 1.5*We*(C_Lq*I*I) and a second reactive power input value as 1.5*(Vq*id?Vd*iq); (2) determining a difference between said first and second reactive power input values; and (3) applying said difference to the rotor angle estimated in step (b) to obtain a corrected rotor angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventor: Eddy Ying Yin Ho
  • Patent number: 7299709
    Abstract: An aerosol collecting device adapted for attachment to a chemical vapor detection system is disclosed to include a chamber comprising an inlet with a collecting funnel attached thereto and open to ambient, an outlet, and a through cavity defined therebetween, wherein the outlet is adapted for fluid connection with an input port of the chemical vapor detection system; and a heating element for heating the chamber to a temperature above the boiling point of a target chemical agent of interest in the form of a droplet or aerosol, wherein the chemical agent in the form of a droplet or aerosol is converted into a vapor form as it passes through the cavity from the inlet to the outlet of the chamber, and prior to entering the intake port of the chemical vapor detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Corey M. Grove, Stephen E. Chase, Thomas F. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7299710
    Abstract: A sampling system that contains filter components for collecting and concentrating vapor and particles in high-volume flows. The sample is then vaporized and delivered to a detector at a low-volume flow. The invention also has a sampling probe that contains an air-jet to help dislodge particles from surfaces and a heating lamp to help vaporize compounds on surfaces or objects. The sampling system is especially useful for screening for explosives and other illicit chemicals and toxins on people, baggage, cargo, and other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Syagen Technology
    Inventor: Jack A. Syage
  • Patent number: 7299711
    Abstract: A method and system for controllably releasing contaminants from a contaminated porous metallic mesh by thermally desorbing and releasing a selected subset of contaminants from a contaminated mesh by rapidly raising the mesh to a pre-determined temperature step or plateau that has been chosen beforehand to preferentially desorb a particular chemical specie of interest, but not others. By providing a sufficiently long delay or dwell period in-between heating pulses, and by selecting the optimum plateau temperatures, then different contaminant species can be controllably released in well-defined batches at different times to a chemical detector in gaseous communication with the mesh. For some detectors, such as an Ion Mobility Spectrometer (IMS), separating different species in time before they enter the IMS allows the detector to have an enhanced selectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Linker, Frank A. Bouchier, Lisa Theisen, Lester H. Arakaki
  • Patent number: 7299712
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy storage disconnecting switch used in extra-high voltage and ultra-high voltage grid, in particular, relates to a scissor-type disconnecting switch. With the principle of storing energy in spring, the present invention provides an energy storage spring case having energy storage spring therein, to release the spring energy to operate the disconnecting switch by using the stored energy, to satisfy the need for quick action of the electric disconnecting switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: GuangShun Wang
  • Patent number: 7299713
    Abstract: A device used to lay line elements such as electric and/or fluid lines between a stationary housing and a moving housing. The device includes a double pipe structure having an inner pipe member and an outer pipe member. The outer pipe member is attached to the moving housing and rotatably supported by the stationary housing. The inner and outer pipe members are arranged in a generally coaxial relationship and coupled to each other by a coupling member. The line elements, which extend between a holding portion on the stationary housing and a holding portion on the moving housing, are divided into first and second groups, and the first group of line elements is laid to extend through an inner hole of the inner pipe member while the second group of line elements is laid to extend through an annular gap formed between the inner and outer pipe members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Masaaki Uematsu, Kuniyasu Matsumoto, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Masahiro Morioka
  • Patent number: 7299714
    Abstract: A telescoping lever arm comprises a tube and a rod. The tube has an opening at one end thereof and has an inner circumferential dimension along the inside thereof. The opening is smaller than the inner circumferential dimension of the tube. The rod has an outer circumferential dimension that is smaller than that of the tube's opening. The rod resides partially in the tube and extends therefrom via the tube's opening. At least one annular flange is coupled to the rod at a portion thereof residing in the tube. Each such annular flange is defined by a circumferential dimension that is larger than that of the tube's opening and smaller than the inner circumferential dimension of the tube. The other end of the tube is configured to be coupled to a workpiece or an adapter that can be coupled to a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Richard Jermyn
  • Patent number: 7299715
    Abstract: A connecting rod unitarily formed in a powder metallurgy process provides a non-homogenous structure. The connecting rod has a piston end, a crankshaft end, and an interconnecting shank. The piston end, the crankshaft end, and the interconnecting shank are formed of a structural material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Cagney, Donald R. Van Der Moere
  • Patent number: 7299716
    Abstract: A split type connecting rod has a simple structure that is capable of suppressing rotation of a metal bearing, and avoiding problems such as burning. The split type connecting rod 200 holds a crank-pin through a metal bearing 213 which has locking lugs 213c, 213d. A bearing locking groove 201h locks at least one of the locking lugs 213d when the metal bearing 213 rotates forward in the circumferential direction of a crank-pin hole 101d. A bearing locking groove 201i locks at least one of the locking lugs 213c when the metal bearing 213 rotates backward. The bearing locking grooves 201h, 201i are deviated from each other in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akitoshi Nakajima, Satoshi Kikuchi, Tsuyoshi Kubota, Tsuneo Isobe, Shinya Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 7299717
    Abstract: A hammering tool includes a hammer, a frame and a fastener. The hammer has a shaft and a hammer head, and the hammer head has a claw. The hammer head has two slots and two bores. The frame has a fulcrum portion and two arms, wherein the arms are received in the slots. The frame is moved along the slots between a first position, in which the fulcrum portion is proximal to the hammer head, and a second position, in which fulcrum portion is distal to the hammer head. The fastener has two pins to be inserted into the bores when the frame is moved to the first position or at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Lucky-Brand Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 7299718
    Abstract: A multi-folding screwdriver comprises a handle having a retainer formed therein; the retainer having a receiving space; a bottom end of the receiving space being installed with a first engaging portion; at least one via hole being formed in the retainer; a positioning element passing through the via hole; a driving bar being a multi-staged and bendable rod; a bottom end of the driving bar having a second engaging portion corresponding to the first engaging portion; an annular recessed limiting portion being formed at the driving bar. The driving bar is received in the receiving space so that the first engaging portion of the retainer is engaged to the second engaging portion. Thereby the retainer and the driving bar can rotate; and the positioning element passes through the via hole to resist against the limiting portion so as to forth as a limiting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7299719
    Abstract: The novel, hand-held apparatus aids in the removal of old shingles from the roofs of structures. The tool is comprised of a handle; an elongated pole member; and a set of two tines affixed together at an angle which is then mounted onto said pole member. The set of tines is upwardly curved with respect to the handle portion. The first set of tines initiates the stripping of the shingles with a plowing motion, while the second set of similar tines is affixed to the upper surface of the first set of tines, with an upward curvature, to facilitate the lifting and removal of the shingles. The apparatus herein described can equally be utilized as a short handle pitch fork having a dual set of tines making a multitude of agricultural and horticultural tasks more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chad Edward Flakne
  • Patent number: 7299720
    Abstract: A reversible ratchet including a ratchet body having a drive member for applying torque to a workpiece. The ratchet body defining a receptacle and a ratchet assembly disposed in the receptacle. The ratchet assembly including a rotatable gear, a first pawl and a second pawl, where the first and second pawls are engageable with the gear. The ratchet includes a reverse lever coupled to the first and second pawls and movable between a first position and a second position. The first pawl engaging the gear in the first position of the reverse lever, and the second pawl engaging the gear in the second position of the reverse lever. The ratchet also includes a cover plate connected to the ratchet body. The cover plate includes a spacer that engages the reverse lever to allow movement of the reverse lever substantially only between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: George W. Schultz, Billy J. Burkes, Richard L. Hopper, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7299721
    Abstract: A socket for engaging a work piece having at least one wire. The socket includes a body having a closed peripheral side wall, first and second ends and a rotational axis extending between the first and second ends. The socket also includes a first receptacle formed in the first end and defining a drive structure configured for receiving a work piece for driving engagement therewith. A channel is formed in the side wall and opens at and extends laterally from the first end of the body for receiving the at least one wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on INcororated
    Inventors: Daniel M. Eggert, Marco E. DeVecchis
  • Patent number: 7299722
    Abstract: An adjustable wrench for quickly adjusting the width of a jaw thereof, comprising a stationary body (1), having a chamber (12) at an upper portion thereof; a movable body (2), having a worm (13) at a lower portion thereof, being movable transversely inside the chamber (12); a driving mechanism (100) located within the chamber (12), including a worm gear (10) with a worm gear shaft (20), engaging the worm (13), a first gear (3) mounted at an end of the worm gear shaft (20) of the worm gear (10), a connection shaft (9) located under the worm gear shaft (20) in parallel, and a second gear (4) mounted at an end of the connection shaft (9) to engage with the first gear (3); and a traction mechanism (200) connected to the connection shaft (9), the traction mechanism (200) driving the second gear (4) to rotate by driving the connection shaft (9), which drives the first gear (3) to rotate, hereby rendering the worm (13) to move inside the chamber (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Hong Lu
  • Patent number: 7299723
    Abstract: Connectors capable of connecting socket and/or ratchet elements in a wrench assembly in such a manner that a nut- or bolt-engaging member at one end of the assembly is disposed at a selected position or orientation with respect to a handle at the opposite end of the assembly. The connectors include ninety-degree connectors characterized by male and female connector elements disposed in generally perpendicular relationship to each other. The connectors further include parallel offset connectors in which male and female connector elements are disposed in offset, parallel relationship to each other. The male and female connector elements are capable of removably engaging companion female and male connector elements, respectively, of various socket and/or ratchet elements to assemble the wrench assembly and facilitate positioning of a wrench handle at one end of the wrench assembly at a selected orientation with respect to a nut- or bolt-engaging element at the opposite end of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Homer A. Wessel, IV
  • Patent number: 7299724
    Abstract: A tool includes a fixed operating lever and a pivoting operating lever that define handles that may be squeezed toward each other by a user to move the fixed and sliding jaws of the tool toward each other to grasp a workpiece. The fixed jaw is defined by the fixed lever. The sliding jaw is confined by the fixed operating lever. The position of the sliding jaw is limited by the operating levers, and its travel toward and away from the fixed jaw is defined by the operating levers. A biasing lever is operably connected to both operating levers. The biasing lever biases the jaws of the tool apart when there is no load applied to the tool and helps to transfer to the tool's jaws the force applied by a user to the tool's handles upon the engagement of a toothed pawl with a toothed surface of a slot within the fixed lever. The tool's jaws remain parallel to each other as they are moved toward or away from each other and while grasping a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Matthew W. Warheit
  • Patent number: 7299725
    Abstract: Fastening devices and apparatuses for providing an appropriate amount of torque in a fastening system. Particularly, fastening devices and apparatuses configured to inform a user when an appropriate amount of torque as been used when fastening the fastening device to a designated object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Diba Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Helstern, John Cronin, Charles E. Duheis
  • Patent number: 7299726
    Abstract: A method and unit for transversely cutting cigarette portions or similar on a filter assembly machine, whereby a cigarette portion is fed transversely through a cutting station to intercept a rotary circular blade, which is maintained in a work position by an arm mounted to oscillate about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the circular blade, so as to move the circular blade between the work position, a store for worn circular blades, and a store for new circular blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Salvatore Rizzoli, Stefano Balotta, Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Patent number: 7299727
    Abstract: A saw blade has a saw body and a cutting edge for cutting during movement of the saw blade. A lubricating guide support has a bearing surface disposed immediately adjacent the saw body for proper alignment of the saw blade during cutting. The guide support contains liquid exposed to the saw body at the bearing surface. The saw body defines a plurality of cavities whereby the liquid is applied to the saw body as it passes by the bearing surface during movement of the saw blade. Each one of the cavities is arranged to pass by the exposed liquid and is dimensioned to receive liquid therein for transport. The saw body has an axial thickness no greater than 0.08 inches. The liquid transport cavity has a triangular cross-section with a trailing edge oriented at an approximate negative 5 degrees to a radius of the saw body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Cutting Edge Designs, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Wayne Gravely, Michael Monroe Lee
  • Patent number: 7299728
    Abstract: A loaf end trimming station for a high speed food loaf slicing machine, includes a frame, a first knife and a second knife spaced apart along the frame and oriented in positions corresponding to a lead end trimming location and a trailing end trimming location of a food loaf. The trimming station includes a loaf cutting support for receiving the loaf, and a motive mechanism to move the loaf cutting support toward the knives to trim ends off of the loaf. The trimming station includes a loaf staging support, wherein the loaf cutting support deposits the loaves on the loaf staging support after being trimmed by the knives. The loaf staging support is tiltable between a staging position to collect trimmed loaves and a loading position to deliver trimmed loaves to the high speed food loaf slicing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Formax, Inc.
    Inventors: Judd Ferrin, Glenn Sandberg
  • Patent number: 7299729
    Abstract: A die apparatus for supporting and retaining rotary dies in operation having a base, a cover supported by a plurality of columns, a cross member moveable along the columns and modular die supports rollingly engaged with the rotary dies. A method of installing and removing the rotary dies from the apparatus includes moving the dies along a first axis of movement within the apparatus through use of a support strap and moving the dies to and from the apparatus through use of a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: William A. Cox
  • Patent number: 7299730
    Abstract: A calibration disk for use primarily with table saws. In an embodiment, the disk is installed on depth control axle and spaces away from the saw cabinet with a spacing collar. A friction collar provides a frictional engagement between the disk and the axle that may be overcome manually, so that the disk may be zero-set. To set the blade height, the operator rotates the depth control until a line corresponding to the desired cut depth is aligned with an alignment mark affixed to the saw cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph S. Hummel
  • Patent number: 7299731
    Abstract: A material trimmer including a base having a support surface and a cutting region having a channel. A plate is movably attached to the base and includes oppositely facing upper and lower surfaces, an elongated slot therethrough, an elevated portion proximate each side of the slot, and a distal second end with the elevated portion leading to an arcuate surface. A carrier includes a top flange having a pair of oppositely extending sides and a foot extending from the top flange. The foot is slidably received within the slot, and a portion of the pair of oppositely extending sides are arcuate in shape and slidably received within the arcuate surface of the elevated portion. A blade is attached to the carrier, a portion of which extends below the lower surface of the plate within the channel when the plate is disposed over the cutting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Schulz
  • Patent number: 7299732
    Abstract: Honeycomb removal comprises directing a nozzle at the surface of a substrate at an angle of less than about 90° such that the water will strike the substrate at the base of the honeycomb, parallel to the direction of the ribbon which forms the honeycomb structure. Water then passes through the nozzle and through the orifice at a pressure and flow rate sufficient to remove the honeycomb and preferably the underlying braze from the substrate surface. Relative motion is created between the substrate and the nozzle such that the water stream advances to an area which honeycomb has not been removed with the stream continually being directed at the base of the honeycomb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: M. Anthony Stone, Darcy J. Harbaugh, Clifford V. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7299733
    Abstract: A bullet includes a frontward facing aperture. Contained within the aperture is a relatively hard bullet frontal element that provides advantageous bullet impact performance. In one embodiment, the frontal element is a steel sphere that provides advantageous penetration and weight retention when the bullet impacts laminated glass., such as an automobile windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald T. Eberhart, Richard A. Hayes