Patents Issued in December 25, 2007
  • Patent number: 7311323
    Abstract: A stroller includes a wheel frame and a handle frame. The handle frame includes a grip member and two swing rods. The swing rods are spaced apart from each other in a left-to-right direction, and are connected pivotally to the wheel frame. The grip member has two extension rod portions that are connected respectively and pivotally to the swing rods so as to allow the grip member to be folded on the swing rods. Two slide sleeves are sleeved respectively and movably on the extension rod portions. Two rod-retaining seats are disposed respectively on the slide sleeves, and engage respectively and automatically retaining grooves in the swing rods so as to prevent the grip member from pivoting upwardly away from the swing rods when the grip member is folded on the swing rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Red Lan
  • Patent number: 7311324
    Abstract: The airbag device for front passenger's seat is mounted on the dashboard in front of the front passenger's seat. The airbag device for front passenger's seat includes an airbag to be inflated with the inflation gas, and an inflator for feeding the airbag with the inflation gas of pyro- and long mass flow type. The gas permeability rate of the airbag is 1.0 l/cm2/min or under at 20 kPa air pressure, and its weight is 230 g/m2 or under. This airbag device for front passenger's seat prevents the gas leakage, expands and inflates the airbag properly, and constitutes to the weight reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Okada, Masaru Ido, Takashi Uemura, Noriya Nagata, Yuji Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 7311325
    Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad, a trim cover including a release seam, a connector to maintain the release seam in a closed position, and an air bag assembly within the trim cover. In accordance with this embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an air bag inflatable to project outwardly through the air bag release seam when the air bag seam is in an opened position. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further includes an air bag guide and a member comprising a first end portion secured to the air bag guide and a second end portion secured to the connector, with the member being movable in response to inflation of the air bag to break the connector to allow the tear seam to move to the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Tracht, Rainer Penzel
  • Patent number: 7311326
    Abstract: A light emitting unit emits a light in a light emitting direction, which is the direction to an object, the light having a distributed pattern in a predetermined direction. A photographing device obtains an image of the object along a photographing direction. A holding mechanism holds the light emitting unit and the photographing apparatus in such a relation that (a) the photographing direction is not in a plane that includes both the light emitting direction and the predetermined direction of the distributed pattern, and (b) the photographing direction is not parallel to the light emitting direction. A distance deriving unit derives a distance between the object and a predetermined position based on the image obtained by the photographing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Mieko Matsuda, Kenichi Maeda, Atsuto Maki
  • Patent number: 7311327
    Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus has a panel which constitutes part of a passenger compartment side surface of an instrument panel and which is separatable from the instrument panel to move when at least a knee load of an occupant is inputted. There are a plurality of support members which face transverse end portions of the panel, respectively, and which have a rigidity higher than that of the instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasunobu Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7311328
    Abstract: An instrument panel subassembly for use in an instrument panel assembly in a motor vehicle is provided. The subassembly includes first and second generally C-shaped energy absorption brackets. The brackets have an aft facing C-section and upper and lower mounting ends. The brackets include attachment means for attaching the brackets to a vehicle structural member. The subassembly further includes a glove box door having an aft surface and a forward surface, and a bin. The glove box door includes hinge means for providing hinged movement of the glove box door relative to the first and second brackets between open and closed positions. The bin is within the C-section of the brackets when the glove box door is in a hingedly closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Salflex Polymers Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael James Best, Rimas Ciplijauskas, Changize Sadr, Ali Totonchian
  • Patent number: 7311329
    Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with front anti-tip wheels adapted to assist the wheelchair in mounting an obstacle that the wheelchair approaches obliquely. The anti-tip wheels may function as casters, capable of rotating about a vertical axis, or may be fixed for rotation about a horizontal axis only. The anti-tip wheels may include lateral convex surfaces which tend to allow the anti-tip wheel to slide or roll over the obstacle. The lateral convex surfaces may be provided by a laterally oriented rolling element, a convex-shaped hub, a convex-shaped housing that partially surrounds the wheel, or a ball-shaped wheel. Alternatively, rotation of the anti-tip wheel may be controlled such that the wheel rolling surface faces and engages the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventor: James P. Mulhern
  • Patent number: 7311330
    Abstract: A motor vehicle safety mechanism has a component which can be displaced out of a rest position suddenly into an action position by release of a holding device. Such a motor vehicle safety mechanism is, for example, a head support/roll bar which extends automatically in an accident. The holding device has a latch which fixes the component in the rest position and a ratchet arrangement which holds the latch in the action or engagement position. The ratchet arrangement has ratchet kinematics and an adjustable blocking element. By moving the latch out of the engagement position into the direction of the release position, the ratchet kinematics are moved and the blocking element blocks the movement of the ratchet kinematics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Checrallah Kachouh
  • Patent number: 7311331
    Abstract: A combination is disclosed having a trailer, telescoping support members, and a drive. The drive has a motor and a drive shaft, and the drive shaft has a first end portion affixed to a first cross member and a second end portion affixed to a second cross member. The first cross member is operably connected to means for moving the support members between raised and lowered positions. To install the drive on a trailer with a cross member, a segment of the cross member is removed and both ends of the drive shaft are affixed to portions of the remaining cross member. A kit having a drive and a template may be provided for retrofitting trailers. The template is a sheet that may be positioned on a cross member to determine locations for cuts and holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: MCB Sales & Installation Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny McGlothlin
  • Patent number: 7311332
    Abstract: A speed crank locking device automatically secures a hand crank in its operative position to an input shaft of a gearing mechanism, with the locking device being easily disengaged to move the crank from its operative position to a stored position following rotation of the crank in the operation of the mechanism, the locked device also holding the crank in the stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Baxter Properties, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David A. Baxter, Bobby G. Baxter
  • Patent number: 7311333
    Abstract: An impact absorbing type steering column apparatus for an automotive vehicle is capable of adjusting a steering position and, when a secondary collision happens, absorbs impact energy thereof by moving a steering column supported through a bracket on a car body towards the front of the vehicle. The bracket includes a restricting portion for restricting a steering position adjusting range of the steering column. The restricting portion allows, upon the secondary collision, the steering column to move beyond the steering position adjusting range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: NSK, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Sato, Naoki Sawada
  • Patent number: 7311334
    Abstract: A shock absorbing type steering device decreases variations in press fitting loads corresponding to a friction force between two columns. A shock can be appropriately absorbed by relative movements of the two columns in an axial direction. At least one of a first column and a second column press fitted into an opening at one end of the first column is formed with swaged parts on a peripheral wall thereof at a plurality of positions having intervals in a circumferential direction of the column, respectively at a plurality of positions having intervals in an axial direction of the column. Positions of tip ends of the swaged parts are different between a group of swaged parts near the opening at the end of the first column and other groups remote from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Niwa, Noboru Minamoto, Shuzo Hirakushi
  • Patent number: 7311335
    Abstract: A trailer and fuel tank assembly are disclosed. The fuel tank preferably forms the body of the trailer. The fuel tank may include a recess in the top surface for receiving the motor and/or pump, which may lower the pump closer to the ground to increase the suction performance of the pump. The bottom surface of the fuel tank may be bowed upward. This may cause any contaminants in the fuel tank to collect along the edges of the tank. Drain ports, positioned near the edges of the tank, can then be used to drain the contaminants from the tank. To easily attach accessories to the trailer, one or more track bars may be mounted to the trailer body. The track bars preferably include an elongate channel and an elongate slot. By placing an insert inside of the channel and bolting the accessory to the insert through the longitudinally extending slot, the accessories can be easily attached to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Water Management Systems
    Inventors: David Muhs, Gianfranco Parma
  • Patent number: 7311336
    Abstract: There is provided a spine assembly for a book cover or loose-leaf folder. The cover or folder comprises a channel shaped spine member (4) connected by way of a hinge portion to cover boards and an associated device, perhaps incorporating a compass (36), having securing means for securing the associated device (30) and the spine member (4). The spine member (4) has a base (10), side wall portions (11, 12) and a pin (20) by which the associated device (30) is secured to the spine member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Compass Maps Limited
    Inventor: Derek Dacey
  • Patent number: 7311337
    Abstract: A housing structure is provided having at least two housing sections each provided for covering and/or closing a hydraulic coupling, particularly for dust protection. A first hydraulic coupling is disposed above a second hydraulic coupling, preferably in a vehicle or tool, such as a commercial agricultural or industrial vehicle. A housing section has an opening that is reversibly sealable with a closing element and through which a counterpart of a hydraulic coupling can be inserted to create a hydraulic connection. The housing structure has an area disposed below for collecting leaking fluid. Retaining means are provided for each reversibly sealable opening by which the escape of leaking fluid from the respective opening is largely preventable. Wetting of the hydraulic coupling with leaking fluid and the escape of leaking fluid from the opening of the housing structure is avoided by simple structural means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Martin Trinler, Sascha Wendel
  • Patent number: 7311338
    Abstract: A modular chemical handling apparatus has a first component coupled to a second component. The first component is retained proximate to the second component by a locking mechanism. Fluid conduit connection devices and/or electrical connection devices in the first component are coupled to corresponding conduit connection devices and/or electrical connection devices in the second component by couplers. At least one laterally sliding lock shaft is employed for coupling the first module to the second module and for decoupling the first module from the second module. In one embodiment, counterweights are used to maintain the sliding lock shaft and each of the connection devices in the fully coupled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Parsons Corporation
    Inventor: James Osterloh
  • Patent number: 7311339
    Abstract: A latching system and method are provided for facilitating an easier and/or smoother latching of a locking mechanism, such as a latching and catching mechanism for use with the closing of doors. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary latching system comprises a catch device and a latch handle configured for maintaining closure of a door. To reduce or prevent any undesirable “kick-back” of the latch handle during closure of the door, the catch device can comprise a catch spring mechanism configured to facilitate engagement with the latch handle. To provide for a substantially even balance against the catch device and/or to provide for a substantially even pressure against a door gasket, the latch handle can comprise a latch spring mechanism configured to allow engagement of the latch handle to the catch device as well as facilitate engagement of the door during closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: George H. K. Lau, E. Wayne Thurber, Todd O. Bolenback
  • Patent number: 7311340
    Abstract: A lock (10) for a motor vehicle opening including an external and internal control mechanism which can be inhibited by respectively locking an input lever and an output lever. A linking mechanism is arranged between the input lever and the output lever to link the two levers in angular displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventor: Dominique Baillet
  • Patent number: 7311341
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for a vehicle door latch includes a lock actuator drivingly coupled to a lock link for movement of the lock link between a first position corresponding to a locked state of a latch and a second position corresponding to an unlocked state of the latch. The mechanism further includes a superlock actuator drivingly connected to a superlock link slidably mounted for movement of the superlock link between a third position corresponding to a superlocked state of the latch and a fourth position corresponding to a non-superlocked state of the latch. A fixed abutment surface and an inside lock lever are mounted such that movement of the lock link between the first and second positions may be achieved when the superlock link is in the fourth position. When the superlock link is the third position, the relative positions of the inside lock lever, the superlock link and the abutment surface prevent movement of the lock link between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Peter J Coleman, Gurbinder S. Kalsi
  • Patent number: 7311342
    Abstract: A lock device includes an external cylinder body, a latch unit, a screw part and an inner lock body that are combined together. The inner lock body has an inner cover plate set, a washer plate, a spring, a spring plate, an inner connecting plate and an inner lever handle. A pair of opposite openings is located at a periphery of the inner cover plate set. An inner drive cylinder is configured on the inner cover plate set. The inner connecting plate is easily to be disassembled without other tools to assist when the inner connecting plate has to be replaced, so as to there is no tool damage the lock device and the door board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Eversafety Precision Industry (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Chang Fan
  • Patent number: 7311343
    Abstract: A pair of handles is strapped or screwed to a load, such as a used furnace to allow it to be picked up and carried more readily. Each handle projects above the top edge of the load and is connected to an elongated member that is flat against one side of the load. The elongated members may also be screwed to the load. In one embodiment, the bars have an upstanding rib for reinforcement and three slots for threading webbing straps through. In another embodiment, the elongated members are essentially lengths of angle iron with handles attached to the upper ends and the two legs of the elongated members fit along a corner edge of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry F. Callebresi
  • Patent number: 7311344
    Abstract: Lockable tongs are provided having a pair of elongate tong members joined at a hinge point for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position for grasping an item, each elongate member defining a U-shaped channel comprising a forward portion and a rearward portion projecting in opposite directions from the hinge point and a locking mechanism, disposed for rotation about a longitudinal axis extending between the elongate members and configured to rotate between an unlocking position and a locking position which releasably locks the elongate members in the closed position, the locking mechanism being disposed within the U-shaped channel between the rearward portions of the elongate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Browne & Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Helen Kerr, Gord Morrison, Graham Sharples, Sophie Nicol, Johnny Lim
  • Patent number: 7311345
    Abstract: The golf ball retriever is a retrieval device for recovering golf balls from water hazards or the like. The golf ball retriever has a handle connected to a ball receiving body. The ball receiving body has a pair of posterior fingers, several anterior fingers and a cavity. The cavity holds the golf ball once a user has drawn or forced the ball into the cavity. The user forces the golf ball into the cavity by pressing the golf ball retriever down upon the golf ball, allowing the flexible anterior fingers to flex outward then enclose about the golf ball. Additionally, the user may position the golf ball retriever in front of the golf ball and pull backwards over the ball. The posterior fingers guide the golf ball into the cavity where the ball becomes trapped. Further, the inner surface of the retriever has at least one protuberance to assist the golf ball into the cavity and to retain the ball in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Gerry Kerr
  • Patent number: 7311346
    Abstract: A gripper mechanism (22) suspended in a coiled tubing/wireline in a well serves to releasably hold a downhole tool or other piece of equipment positioned downstream, via a tubular connecting element (10). The gripper mechanism (12) comprises axially, two relative to each other, movable coaxial parts (18, 16), a gripping part (18) designed to grip said connecting element (10) and an actuating part (16) designed to exert a radial clamping effect on the gripping portion (18a) of the gripping part (18) when this is in engagement with said connecting element (10). The clamping effect is due to complimentary conical face on opposite sides of the two parts (16, 18) of the gripper mechanism (12) being forced against each other by the axial displacement of one part (16) relative to the other part (18) in one direction (the upstream/pull-up direction).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Bakke Technology AS
    Inventor: Stig Bakke
  • Patent number: 7311347
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light weight windshield attachment adapted for easy attachment and detachment from a vehicular supportive frame. The attachment includes a circumscribing frame and a tautly stretched film possessing a high order of elastic memory so as to elastically stretch and absorb an impacting projectile while returning to an innate stretched film structure after the impacting force. A bi-folding attachment attached to a golf cart canopy provides a golf cart windshield superior in function and performance over current golf cart windshields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: David Bruce Aller
  • Patent number: 7311348
    Abstract: A housing apparatus of a fuel neck includes a main housing with a first connecting portion connected to a vehicle body, and a hole with a door connected thereto; and a sub housing with a second connecting portion connected to the main housing by an elastic force. The sub housing is elastically connected to the fuel neck. The first connecting portion is elastically connected to the vehicle body, and includes a first protruding portion secured to the vehicle body; and a second protruding portion at a lower portion of the first protruding portion. The second connecting portion includes a connecting hole to which the main housing is inserted; and at least one protrusion securing the main housing to the sub housing. The main housing further includes a third protruding portion inserted to the connecting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jae Chul Bang
  • Patent number: 7311349
    Abstract: A removable sun shade insert for a vehicle that is a substantially planar sun block with an insertion slot for holding the sun block in place in which the sun block and the insertion slot are sized so that the sun block is held in place against a windshield by a rear view mirror when the insertion slot is engaged with the rear view mirror. The insert can be detachably connected to a bound magazine and contain customizable advertisements. The insert can provide shade for either the driver's or a passenger's side of the vehicle, or even a side window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Fawaz Assariri
  • Patent number: 7311350
    Abstract: A door device has a plurality of doors that open or close a single opening in a vehicle. The doors have mutually opposing opening ends. A door interlock mechanism interlocks the opening ends of the doors when the doors receive an impact from the exterior of the vehicle while both the doors are in closed states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Mitsui, Hiroki Hattori
  • Patent number: 7311351
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle spoiler having a nozzle and a method of manufacturing the vehicle spoiler. The vehicle spoiler of the present invention has first and second surfaces, which form the external shape of the vehicle spoiler and have a hollow space therebetween. The vehicle spoiler includes a support unit, which is provided on the second surface and has a nozzle installation space therein, and a holding part, which is formed in a shape that surrounds the support unit so as to fasten the support unit to the second surface. The vehicle spoiler further includes a through hole, which is formed by cutting part of the holding part and part of the support unit such that the nozzle installation space communicates with the hollow space through the through hole, and a discharge unit, which is installed in the support unit through the through hole and has a nozzle for spraying window washer fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Moya International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander Hong Nahm, O Yeol Kwon
  • Patent number: 7311352
    Abstract: A front bumper cover is provided for an automotive vehicle. The front bumper cover includes a plurality of cover parts and a radiator grille having attachment points for fixedly securing the plurality of cover parts thereto. The radiator grille is adapted to mount to the vehicle thereby acting as a load-bearing element for supporting the front bumper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Decoma (Germany) GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Flotzinger
  • Patent number: 7311353
    Abstract: An infant seat assembly includes a base member adapted to releasably support an accompanying infant seat member. The base member includes retractable wheels allowing the assembly to be used as a stroller. The infant seat member can be separated from the base member and used as an infant carrier. The infant seat member also includes wheels and an extendable handle allowing it to be used as a pull-style vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Dwight L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7311354
    Abstract: A seat for aircraft provided with integrated components for the user's comfort includes an outboard armrest to which is mounted a folding table that is movable between a stowed position where it lies on top of the armrest to an operational position. The armrest also includes a monitor and other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: 3861589 Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Brigitte Giasson
  • Patent number: 7311355
    Abstract: The tent chair includes a folding frame supporting a folding cover, with the frame attached to a folding or portable chair. The chair has a single rearward frame bow which is radially flexible but rigid orthogonal to the lateral bow pivot axis of the chair. A series of similar bows is pivotally attached at or toward the front of the chair. The axially orthogonal rigid rearward bow supports the cover and prevents the forward bows from collapsing the cover forwardly as it is pulled taut. One use of the device is as a hunting blind, with a quick release optionally allowing the cover to be rapidly opened. Other configurations provide for use as a photography blind, a privacy shelter for camping or beach use, ice fishing, as a wheelchair or beach lounge chair cover, etc., and may have sufficient room for more than one person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: William H. Fargason, III
  • Patent number: 7311356
    Abstract: A blocking mechanism or device (40) for preventing objects from sliding off from a cushion (24) of a seat when a vehicle experiences decelerations above a given level comprising: a blocking member (50, 60) configured to be movable from a storage position below a top surface (26) of the cushion to a blocking position above the top surface of the cushion to block any object on the cushion from moving therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Key Plastics, LLC
    Inventor: Richard I. Pudney
  • Patent number: 7311357
    Abstract: An infant surround support having a head support member and opposite side support members and foot rest members forming a relatively continuous peripheral cushion support for an infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Gold Bug, Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine Gold, Lynn Rosen
  • Patent number: 7311358
    Abstract: A seat back cushion support presenting device for use in a foldable vehicle seat moves a cushion support member from a position within the seat back frame to a position extended from the seat back frame such that the entire cushion is presented. A pair of presenting members, each including a side bolster support portion, are provided in overlapping arrangement for translation along a presenting device support member and rotation with respect to a cushion support member such that as an activation member moves the presenting members together, the cushion support member is extended along with the side bolster support portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Brennon White, Renato Colja, Robert McMillen, Alan J. King, Barry Jones, Danny D. Alexander, Vanja Cemalovic, Robert Coon, Elliott Hsu
  • Patent number: 7311359
    Abstract: A zero gravity chair generally holds an occupant in a position where the angle between the legs and the torso may be greater than 90 degrees. Typically, the legs may also be elevated such that the legs are even with or above a user's heart. The disclosed zero gravity chair, in some embodiments, enables the backrest portion to pivot relative to the seat portion allowing the user to adjust an angle between the seat portion and the backrest portion. The disclosed zero gravity chair further enables both the backrest and the seat portions to pivot as a unit independent of the angle adjustment. In certain embodiments, the chair also rotates 360 degrees about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Nepsco, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathaniel Smith
  • Patent number: 7311360
    Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking the position of a moving part of a seat such as a seat on an airplane or other vehicle is disclosed. The device includes a screw and nut assembly with a clamping element. The clamping element allows movement of the moving part of the seat when the clamping element is released and holds the moving part of the seat in position when engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Cresystem
    Inventors: Julien Waligora, Laurent Waligora
  • Patent number: 7311361
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously folding seat back and armrest, which comprises a seat assembly, a seat back assembly, a pivoting assembly, two armrests and an adjusting assembly. The seat assembly is mounted on a base of a chair. The seat back assembly is pivoted to the seat assembly. The crank is pivoted in the seat assembly in such a manner that both ends of the crank protrude out of the seat assembly, and the protruded ends are swingable along with the rotation of the crank. The two armrests are arranged at both sides of the seat assembly and the seat back assembly; an end of each of the armrests is pivoted to the crank, and another end of the armrests is pivoted to the seat back assembly. The adjusting assembly is disposed between the seat assembly and the seat back assembly for controlling the motion of the seat back assembly and the armrests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Yu-Ching Hung
  • Patent number: 7311362
    Abstract: A seating system providing front support and rear support for the human torso. The front support is by an anterior support device having two pads, which pads are laterally adjustable to fit the different spreads in the iliac crests of different persons. Preferably, between the first two pads is located a third pad with adjustability to accommodate the differing abdominal protrusions occurring in different persons. The three pads are concavely shaped and receive the convex shapes of the anterior waist of a person. The anterior support pads are hinged to arc forward and rearward. The anterior support pads are released to arc by retracting a cable, which retracting is caused by the pressing of a lever. The anterior support device has an assembly for installation on a bicycle; other assemblies for other installations can be made. A posterior support device is complementarily combined with the anterior support device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: William John Gaffney
  • Patent number: 7311363
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus which improves the surface run-out of the wheel mounting flange to limit the generation of brake judder and also to increase the strength of the flange has a double row rolling bearing to rotatably support a wheel relative to a body of a vehicle. Double row rolling elements are between an inner member and an outer member. The inner member includes a wheel mounting flange, to secure the wheel via a brake rotor, and a cylindrical brake pilot portion, which extends from the wheel mounting flange to support the brake rotor. A plurality of hub bolts is press-fit into the wheel mounting flange along its circumference. The wheel mounting flange includes an annular recess portion recessed from the side surface of an outboard side at a base of the wheel mounting flange. The annular recess portion includes a corner region crossing the brake pilot portion which is formed with a predetermined hardened layer by high frequency induction quenching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroto Suma
  • Patent number: 7311364
    Abstract: A micro processor based electric brake controller includes a multi-axis accelerometer that senses deceleration of a towing vehicle along a plurality of directional axes. The controller also includes a microprocessor that is responsive to the sensed decelerations to supply power to trailer brakes that is a function of the deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Hayes Brake Controller Company, LLC
    Inventor: Charles L. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7311365
    Abstract: An actuator for use in a vehicle hydraulic brake system having an anti-lock control and/or vehicle stability control function has a housing which also serves as the body of the master cylinder. The housing is formed with four wheel cylinder ports to be connected to the respective wheel cylinders through pipes. Since there is usually enough space in front of the housing, all of the wheel cylinder ports are formed in the front end face of the housing so that the pipes can be arranged in the large space in front of the actuator. The ports are arranged in the width direction of the vehicle with the ports at both ends located at a higher level than the other ports. With this arrangement, pipes can be easily mounted to and dismounted from the ports at both ends by turning a spanner without the possibility of the spanner interfering with components in the engine room, such as a relay box or the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigemitsu Nohira
  • Patent number: 7311366
    Abstract: A case for a portable display device can realize a large-sized screen by interconnecting a plurality of display elements, When the display elements are unfolded, the adjacent sides of the display elements closely contact each other, thereby minimizing the non-display area. When the display elements are folded, the outer surface of the display elements can be protected. The case includes a foldable panel housing receiving at least two flat display panel elements. The panel housing is provided with an opening such that when the panel housing is unfolded, the adjacent sides of the flat display elements closes contact each other. The case further includes a hinge supporting member for providing the folding/unfolding operation of the panel housing and a cover for covering a side of the flat display elements, which is exposed through the opening, to protect the display elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: Si Han Kim, Yang Ho Kim, Hung Nyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7311367
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided. At least one clamping finger of a movable tray of a compact disc printer pushes against an outer periphery of a compact disc disposed on a surface of the tray to clamp the compact disc between the clamping finger and a pair of studs that protrude from the surface of the tray and engage a periphery of a hole passing through a center of the compact disc. A carriage of the printer for moving an ink jet cartridge attached thereto across the compact disc to deposit an image on the compact disc may include a sensor. The sensor can be used to determine the presence of a compact disc on the tray, whether the compact disc is clamped to the tray, and a dimension of the compact disc, and to perform a calibration method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Rimage Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip C. Salisbury, Douglas J. Lenz, John S. Lee, Westin W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7311368
    Abstract: Printing of an image onto a printing medium is effected such that applied ink materials do not rub off. In the event of a printing mode in which the surface printed with an image is subject to rubbing, the kinds of ink used are limited so that the amount of pigment applied to printing image at least for a part of the side of the printing medium is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7311369
    Abstract: An apparatus to correct a white line of an ink-jet printer and a method to control the apparatus including driving a pickup roller when a printing command is inputted to pickup a paper; judging whether the leading end of the paper enters or not using a paper-detection sensor; judging a corresponding overfeeding amount and overfeeding position in accordance with the type of the paper; sequentially implementing the printing and feeding in accordance with a preset printing width; and implementing the printing using dummy nozzles which are not used in the printing of the sequential implementing operation, in such a way that the printing is performed for the overfeeding amount judged in the judging operation as well as for the printing width in the sequential implementing operation, when the line positioned just before the overfeeding position judged in the judging operation is printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seuk-jin Yun
  • Patent number: 7311370
    Abstract: Provided is a driving circuit for an inkjet recording head, the inkjet recording head having plural pressure generation chambers filled with ink, a nozzle, and a vibration generation section which causes a pressure change in each pressure generation chamber. The driving circuit includes: a driving waveform generation section including first and second waveform generation sections that generate respectively different driving waveforms during one driving cycle on the basis of sizes of ink droplets; a control section that outputs a waveform select signal; and a driving waveform supply section that supplies a driving waveform selected based on the waveform select signal to the vibration generation section. When the selected driving waveform is generated by the first waveform generation section, the driving waveform is selected during each of periods into which the driving cycle is divided, and is supplied to the vibration generation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinao Kondoh
  • Patent number: 7311371
    Abstract: A method for recording on a recording medium by discharging a non-aqueous ink containing a non-aqueous solvent and a pigment by an inkjet system. The method contains a step of preparing recording paper having a thickness exceeding 0.083 mm as a recording medium, a step of obtaining a volume Vm and a thickness Tm of the recording paper, a step of obtaining a volume Vs of a solvent that is capable of being retained by the recording paper by using a solvent having a vapor pressure at 25° C. of 0.001 mmHg or less and a specific gravity of from 0.800 to 1.200, a step of obtaining a solvent absorptivity Asl. (%) of the recording paper by the following equation (1): Asl.=(Vs/Vm)×100 ??(1) a step of obtaining an allowable ink amount VI (pl/m2) per unit area of the recording paper by the following equation (2): VI=(Tm?0.083)×Asl.×1012 ??(2) and a step of discharging the non-aqueous ink in an amount Vd (pl/m2) satisfying the following equation (3) by an inkjet system: Vd?VI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaya Kitawaki, Masashi Hiroki, Hiroshi Kiyomoto
  • Patent number: 7311372
    Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus including an ink jet recording head which ejects a droplet of an ink toward a recording medium, a driver circuit device which applies an electric voltage to the ink jet recording head so that the ink jet recording head ejects the droplet of the ink toward the recording medium, a carriage on which the ink jet recording head and the driver circuit device are mounted, and a first heat sink and a second heat sink which are mounted on the carriage such that the first and second heat sinks cooperate with each other to sandwich the driver circuit device and define an inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Kubo