Patents Issued in December 25, 2007
  • Patent number: 7311423
    Abstract: A lighting fixture apparatus includes a frame portion, a louver portion and a diffuser lens. The louver portion includes a baffle system for passing unobstructed at least a portion of the light impinging thereon. The diffuser lens includes a surface for diffusing light rays. At least one directional lighting apparatus comprised of LED strips is attached to and supported by the frame portion. The LED strips are disposed between the louver portion and the diffuser portion. The LED assembly includes a rigid strip having a first end and a second end opposite the first end portion, and a first surface and a second surface opposite the second surface. A first rotary support member and a second rotary support member are connected to the strip portion at respective first and second ends. A plurality of electrical lighting elements are mounted on the first surface and are configured in at least one electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Sandor A. Frecska, Jere W. Myers
  • Patent number: 7311424
    Abstract: A combined work light and dual power cord device includes a light-emitting assembly including a protective cage with an access door. A handle is rotatably conjoined to the light-emitting assembly that has a corrugated outer surface. An axial bore is formed along an entire length thereof. A first hook is connected to a top end of the light-emitting assembly. A second hook is connected to a handle bottom end. Mechanisms are included for rotating the handle about a bottom end of the light-emitting assembly and rotating the second hook about the handle bottom end. Primary and secondary power cords are coupled to the handle. A mechanism is included for automatically and simultaneously distributing first and second currents to the primary and secondary power cords respectively so that the second current is only transmitted to the secondary power cord if the first current is passing through the primary power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth McCarthy
  • Patent number: 7311425
    Abstract: A retrofit pendant light fixture that is adapted to be hung from a ceiling and readily installed in a socket normally carried within a recessed housing in the ceiling. A lamp is carried on a lower end of an electrical cord extending from an adapter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Edward Darrell Jervey, III
  • Patent number: 7311426
    Abstract: A LED swivel reading lamp having an easily user adjustable sized light beam for use in vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Tiesler, Shu-Hsiung Chou
  • Patent number: 7311427
    Abstract: A vanity mirror frame (70) has insert-molded electrical contacts (117, 118) for holding a lamp in place in the frame and which, when assembled to a visor core, makes aligned electrical connections with the visor core electrical supply. Further, the vanity mirror frame includes a unique socket (78) for pivotally receiving and holding a mirror cover in place. Detent springs extend between the frame and cover for snap opening and closing of the cover between closed and open positions. The cover includes an additional cam (95, 97) which cooperates with an electrical switch when the cover is open to provide operating power to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Daniel L. Barker, Steven J. Cieholski, Andrew K. Ruiter, James H. Baas, Robert J. Stenman, Mathias R. Fox, Kenneth D. Kreuze
  • Patent number: 7311428
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element having a field of view rearward of the vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is attached at a portion of the interior of the vehicle. A directional information display is viewable to a driver of the vehicle. A compass sensor is preferably disposed in the mirror housing behind the reflective element such that adjustment by the driver to set the rearward field view of the reflective element moves the compass sensor in tandem with movement of the reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a video camera having a field of view that encompasses one of (i) the windshield of the vehicle and (ii) the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 7311429
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a sidelight source that is provided in a headlight reflector and which is close to the front end and close to the outer circumference. A position reflector can be provided that is almost in the form of a ring in an integral or split state at the front end, and close to the outer circumference of the headlight reflector to reflect light from the sidelight source toward the front in a certain direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Takeuchi, Kunihiko Kurisu, Atsushi Yoshida, Hiroyuki Oshita
  • Patent number: 7311430
    Abstract: A low beam light distribution pattern is formed by turning on a first light source unit and a high beam light distribution pattern is formed by additionally turning on a second light source unit. The second reflector of the second light source unit has reflecting faces of vertical cross-sectional shapes formed by two types of ellipses whose first focal point is on a center of emission of a second light-emitting element and whose second focal points are respectively positioned on points A, B. The additional lens whose rear focal points are on the second focal points A, B is arranged on a circumference of a projection lens. When the second light source unit is turned on, a high beam additional light distribution pattern is formed that vertically strides over the cutoff line of the low beam light distribution pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Tsukamoto, Masahito Naganawa
  • Patent number: 7311431
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a light-emitting apparatus includes a plurality of adjacent, overlapping light-guide plates formed of substantially transparent material, and a plurality of light sources. Each of the light-guide plates has i) first and second ends, ii) one or more substantially transparent surfaces through which light is emitted, and iii) one or more reflective surfaces to redirect light within the light-guide plate. Where first and second light-guide plates are adjacent, the first end of the first light-guide plate A) underhangs the second end of the second light-guide plate, and B) is positioned opposite a primary light-emitting side of the apparatus. The plurality of light sources are optically coupled to the first ends of the light-guide plates so as to illuminate the interiors of the light-guide plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Tong Fatt Chew, Siew It Pang, Ju Chin Poh, Fook Chuin Ng
  • Patent number: 7311432
    Abstract: Backlight modules. A backlight module for a flat display device includes a light guide element and a fluorescent lamp assembly. The fluorescent lamp assembly disposed on a first side of the light guide element includes a first fluorescent lamp and a second fluorescent lamp. The first fluorescent lamp comprises a first end, a second end and a first phosphor coating on an inner surface of the first fluorescent lamp, wherein the first phosphor near the first end is thicker than the second end. The second fluorescent lamp comprises a third end adjacent to the second end, a fourth end adjacent to the first end, and a second phosphor coating on an inner surface of the second fluorescent lamp, wherein the second phosphor near the third end is thicker than the fourth end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chao-Kai Huang, Meng-Chieh Cheng, Pei-Chen Chan
  • Patent number: 7311433
    Abstract: A light guide for an LCD system has a light incident side, and is formed with a plurality of pattern structures. Each of the pattern structures has a pair of diagonally-disposed first points defining a first length therebetween, and a pair of diagonally-disposed second points defining a second length therebetween. The second length extends transverse to and crosses the first length. A ratio of the first length and the second length of one of the pattern structures adjacent to the light incident side is greater than a ratio of the first length and the second length of one of the pattern structures distant from the light incident side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Hsien Chen, Kuang-Tao Sung
  • Patent number: 7311434
    Abstract: A movable lighting apparatus includes first and second slide bars to which negative and positive electric power is respectively applied, sliders which move perpendicularly with the first and second slide bars, respectively and receive electric power of a corresponding slide bar, respectively, third and fourth slide bars which are connected between the sliders, and an illumination/connection power connector which supplies the movable lighting apparatus with electric power via the third and fourth slide bars and which is movable along the third and fourth slide bars to thus provide movable lighting illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Jae Won Kim Pryor
  • Patent number: 7311435
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shaking incubator with at least one specimen storage device comprising several superposed specimen storage spaces. A shaking unit comprising a specimen storage position, a shaking platform and a base unit is arranged in at least one specimen storage space. The invention makes it possible to shake different specimens, located in the same specimen storage device, individually and independently of each other under incubator conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Thermo Electron Led GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Heeg, Stefan Betz, Achim Melching
  • Patent number: 7311436
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Biomaterial Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Barker, Roy B. Bogert, John P. Carr, James W. Nelson, Linda M. Trebing, Damian Bianchi
  • Patent number: 7311437
    Abstract: An improved paint mixer of the type rotating a paint container about a tumbling axis and a perpendicular spin axis, the improvements of a clamp assembly and lock, splash guards protecting a range-of-travel of upright clamp portions, low friction guide plates, an adjustable height strike plate and roller, a rigid gear assembly, an offset in the clamp to return the paint container to an upright position after mixing, and a relief in a raised portion on a lower plate of the clamp for assisting loading and unloading of the paint container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Midas, Brent Thomas Harrold, William O. Gran
  • Patent number: 7311438
    Abstract: An agitator according to the present invention comprises a container for storing a compound of at least two materials, and an agitation unit mounted in the container to agitate the compound. The agitation unit may comprise a plurality of agitators of which at least one agitator can independently rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myoung-Chan Kim, Gwoang-Joe Seorl, Sung-Dae Kim
  • Patent number: 7311439
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided for components of a computer tomography system that are arranged in a gantry housing. The cooling system includes a cooled air feed device with an air compressor and connected streaming elements that are arranged and/or fashioned such that compressed air flows onto the components to be cooled. Moreover, a corresponding method is provided for cooling the components of a computer tomography system arranged in a gantry housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengessellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Müller
  • Patent number: 7311440
    Abstract: A system is described for obtaining intraoral radiographic images using an anatomically conforming sensor and a method is described for correcting the projective distortions caused by the inclination of the plane of the imaging sensor relative to the x-ray beam. The purpose of the described sensor system is to reduce patient discomfort as compared to conventional planar intra-oral x-ray sensors, which tend to impinge on sensitive tissues within the oral cavity. An additional purpose of the described system is to allow for better coverage of the subject by allowing the sensor to fit closer against the surrounding tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Cyber Medical Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Yoon, Adam Chen
  • Patent number: 7311441
    Abstract: Apparatus for enabling the use of a computer mouse at a sterile surgical site comprises a pouch for the accommodation of the mouse and an inlet sleeve forming an inlet passage into the pouch. The pouch and sleeve are formed of pliable, preferably transparent sterilizable material. When the mouse has been admitted to the pouch via the passage, the sleeve may be separated from the pouch and the open mouth of the latter rolled to form a seal, thereby retaining the mouse within the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Contour Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Weaver, Christopher J. C. Zimmerman, Michael W. Czop, Joseph M. Wright, Wojciech M. Porcek, Jeremy J. Weidner, Daniel D. Hayes, Samba Toure, Michael Howe
  • Patent number: 7311442
    Abstract: An air valve for a poly bag that permits the escape of air from the bag as it is filled by a filling tube. The air valve consists of a plurality of slitted openings in one top corner of the bag and a valve flap mounted in the poly bag near the slitted openings that closes and seals the openings as filling material engages and moves the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Moravek
  • Patent number: 7311443
    Abstract: This invention discloses a resealable bag. The resealable bag includes a first and second panel joined together to define an enclosed region, a closure mechanism having first and second closure profiles, a slider for selectively opening and closing the closure mechanism, and a spreader for separating the first and second closure profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Buchman
  • Patent number: 7311444
    Abstract: A self-compensating hydrostatic (pressurized fluid film) linear bearing that maintains a fluid gap between a carriage and a rail when relative forces are applied. The geometric shape of the rail and mating carriage enable the bearing to have very high stiffness and load capacity without exessive detrimental carriage deformation. The carriages contain bearing grooves and lands which control and use fluid pressure to provide a very high degree of restoring force in response to changes in the fluid gap. The fluid emanating from the bearing gap is prevented from immediately leaking from the bearing carriage, and is instead routed back to the source from which it is pumped, thereby sealing the bearing carriage and simplifying the handling of the lubricating fluid. The hydrostatic bearing is particularly designed to be compact and to be bolt-for-bolt compatible with conventional linear bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Hardinge Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Lee Wasson, Terrence Sheehan, Daniel Soroka
  • Patent number: 7311445
    Abstract: A tilting pad bearing assembly consists of an array of bearing pads each supported on a rigid carrier by way of an intervening pivot ridge extending from the pad or carrier. The individual pad surfaces are able to tilt or rock to a limited extent about a pivot or fulcrum ridge. A pad hole depth permits a pin to be inserted via a carrier hole such that with the pad supported on the carrier the pin head is spaced slightly from a shoulder and the pad able to tilt. The assembly permits simplified manufacture by supporting the pads on their bearing surfaces, overlaying the carrier to effect contact at the pivot ridge and forcing the pins into the pads to the limits of the blind holes that gives the correct clearance with respect to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Nigel Henry New
  • Patent number: 7311446
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel bearing that is characterized by at least one elastic, radially prestressed bearing element, which closely encircles a rotation axis completely or at least in areas, is inserted into a bearing opening of a first bearing part, preferably pressed therein, and which is axially tensioned against at least one face of a second bearing part by means of a screw connection acting coaxial to the rotation axis. The invention also relates to a steering axle that is equipped with a swivel bearing of the aforementioned type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert B. Koschinat
  • Patent number: 7311447
    Abstract: A roller bearing for rotatably supporting a rotating shaft of an internal combustion engine between a main body and a cap of the internal combustion engine. The roller bearing including: a plurality of rollers; a retainer which is cirumferentially splittable and supports the plurality of rollers; and an outer race which is cirumferentially splittable and forms a raceway surface for the plurality of rollers. The retainer is split into a plurality of retaining members. The outer race is split into a plurality of race plates. At least one of the race plates is provided with one of a projection and a cavity to be engaged with one of the main body and the cap to restrict a relative movement between the one of the race plates and the one of the cylinder head and the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Takeo, Satoshi Kadokawa, Akira Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7311448
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a harvesting machine, including a bearing configured to couple a rotatable shaft with a chassis of the harvesting machine, a first element coupled with the shaft so as to be rotatable therewith, and a second element coupled with the chassis of the harvesting machine. Additionally, at least a portion of the second element is substantially concentrically enclosed by the first element and the first and second elements cooperate to define a contactless seal configured to substantially prevent contamination of the bearing. The shaft is coupled with a product treating element, such as a crop feeding and/or processing element that is driven or idle rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Manfred Engel, Joseph A. Teijido, Claus-Josef Vogelgesang, Fritz K. Lauer, Wolfram Elsner, Rainer Schäfer, Joshua D. Bacon
  • Patent number: 7311449
    Abstract: An optoelectronic assembly having components designed to be fabricated on a stamping process capable of producing parts having tolerances below 1000 nanometers. The optoelectronic assembly includes ferrules and sleeves. The ferrules can include two identical half ferrules that are forged and assembled together to form the ferrule body. The ferrules can also be designed to be alternatively produced by forming processes or produced by a combination of forging and forming processes. The pair of ferrules supporting one or more optical fibers are guided together by a high precision split sleeve for coupling the fibers together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Nanoprecision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K Barnoski, Anthony Levi, Fritz Prinz, Alex Tarasyuk
  • Patent number: 7311450
    Abstract: Disclosed is a color optical link using a transparently jacketed plastic optical fiber that optically transmits data and uses light, scattered and emitted to the outside, for the purpose of illumination, and a method for achieving the color optical link. The color optical link includes a first driver that receives digital or analog signals and a coloring signal in parallel and converts these signals into optical signals through a plurality of light sources. These light sources emit light of different wavelengths. A first POF coupler, connected at one end of the optical fiber, inputs the received optical signals into the optical fiber. A second POF coupler at the other end separates the transmitted optical signals into a plurality of optical signals and inputs these optical signals into a plurality of optical detectors having filters for separating the received signals into plural signals according to wavelength. A second driver converts the received optical signals into electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mu Gyeom Kim, Jin Taek Hwang, Jin Sung Choi, Han Sol Cho
  • Patent number: 7311451
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical communication module, and a mold and a lead frame that are suitable for the method are provided. The method comprises the steps of: placing in a mold the lead frame on which a ferrule and an optical communication facility section are mounted; pressing the ferrule by a moving part that can be stopped at a given position relative to the mold (lower mold tool) such that the distal end of the ferrule is positioned at a proper location within the mold; and filling a resin into the mold, wherein a displacement and a reactive force generated in the lead frame when it is pressed are absorbed by springs provided in the lead frame when it is pressed are absorbed by springs provided in the lead frame such that a catching portion for coupling to a connector is formed with high accuracy at a proper position relative the distal end of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Okada, Hiromi Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 7311452
    Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7311453
    Abstract: A lens tube and a mounting base thereof comprise a lens tube for reception of a lens array and a mounting base for accommodation of an image sensor. On an outer periphery of the lens tube is formed a first conical surface, and in the mounting base is formed a concave portion. A second conical surface is formed in the concave portion for mating with the first conical surface of the lens tube. The first conical surface of the lens tube and the second conical surface of the mounting base can cooperate with each other, so as to prevent dust contamination and to make the central axis aligned with the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Largan Precision Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Che Li
  • Patent number: 7311454
    Abstract: An apparatus has a keyboard panel with a QWERTY array of alphabetic key actuation indicia. The apparatus further has a QWERTY array of keys that are free of alphabetic key actuation indicia, and are located adjacent to corresponding alphabetic key actuation indicia on the keyboard panel. Other parts of the apparatus include an output device responsive to actuation of the keys, and a processing device operatively coupled between the keys and the output device. Summarized alternatively, the apparatus includes a keyboard with keys arranged in arcuate horizontal rows. The keys in each row have centerlines projecting radially from a respective common centerpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Velimir Pletikosa
  • Patent number: 7311455
    Abstract: A typing keyboard is provided for minimizing non-productive hand movements. The keyboard comprises a plurality of keys for entering alphanumeric text, the keys being positioned according to a conventional keyboard layout, and at least one modifier key for assigning commonly-used keyboard functions to predetermined ones of the keys positioned near a normal resting position of a user's typing fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Matias Corporation
    Inventor: Edgar Matias
  • Patent number: 7311456
    Abstract: A disposable toothbrush with triple compartment handle, for storing and dispensing three oral hygiene agents. The agents are dispensed via plungers with pistons within the compartments. The cap is sealed after agent inclusion during manufacturing with plungers sealed at passages through the cap. A taper, neck, conduit, and multiple openings within the head insure laminar delivery of agents to the brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Veal M. Neal
  • Patent number: 7311457
    Abstract: A nail polish container and applicator cap comprising a reservoir for containing nail polish to be applied, an opening into the reservoir, an applicator cap for sealing engagement with the opening, the applicator cap operatively associated with an applicator brush, the brush formed from bristles that are aligned in substantially the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the applicator cap, and an overshell of compressible material surrounding the applicator cap, the overshell providing a finger gripping surface on the applicator cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: J.P. Gripper LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Pink
  • Patent number: 7311458
    Abstract: A squeegee apparatus having an elongated handle with a first end, a second end, and a sealing element between the first end and the second end. The apparatus also includes a cleaning member moveable with respect to the handle from a first position, where a longitudinal axis of the cleaning member is substantially parallel to the axis of the handle, to a second position, where the longitudinal axis of the cleaning member is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the handle, and a container defining a reservoir for a cleaning solution, the container further defining an opening that is adapted to receive the cleaning member within the container and to be sealed by the sealing element on the elongate handle. The container further provides a hollow structure adapted to house at least a portion of the handle and the cleaning member when in the first position, the structure being aligned with and subjacent to the opening in the container and having one or more apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen J. Verlin
  • Patent number: 7311459
    Abstract: A follower for a nonaqueous ballpoint pen, comprising at least one poly-?-olefin which is a synthetic oil having a viscosity of 200 mPa·s or more at 40° C., wherein the total amount of poly-?-olefins is 80 mass % or more of all components, the viscosity at 40° C. is from 1,000 to 30,000 mPa·s, and the shear-thinning index at a shear rate of 1 to 10/s is 0.95 or more. A follower for a nonaqueous ballpoint pen can be used also for a nonaqueous ballpoint pen using a solvent having a high vapor pressure and causes no problem even when the follower is mounted in an ink reservoir tube with strong tube resistance having an inner diameter of 2.8 mm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Ikai, Shuji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7311460
    Abstract: A digital storage device mounted in a pen shaped housing has a barrel, a reservoir tube assembly and a memory device with a USB plug. The memory device is held in the barrel and the USB plug can be extended from the barrel to insert into a USB socket of a computer to access digital data from the computer. In addition, the memory device uses a flash memory IC for storing data so that the memory device does not use a battery. Therefore, the digital storage device can be used to store data and to perform other functions such as writing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Walton Advanced Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Hong-Chi Yu
  • Patent number: 7311461
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a liquid container (30, 200), including: a bottom (32, 230; a reservoir tube (34, 232) disposed in the bottom (32, 200); a capillary (38, 212) disposed in contact with the reservoir tube (34, 232); a middle portion (36, 210) disposed on the bottom (32, 200); and the capillary (38, 230) having an upper portion (62, 222) extending from an upper opening of the middle portion (36, 210).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Ingen Solutions Group, LLC
    Inventors: John O. Bosworth, Sr., John O. Bosworth, Jr., Vladmir Bogin
  • Patent number: 7311462
    Abstract: A device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product includes a container having a sidewall of which one edge delineates an opening. An annular portion of the sidewall forms a seating designed to house an applicator ball, mounted freely in rotation inside the seating. An inner surface of the seating includes at least one annular sealing zone on which at least one annular portion of the applicator ball is designed to bear in a leaktight manner. A cap is designed to cover an applicator portion of the ball, with the cap incorporating a bearing structure which, in the mounted position of the cap on the container, presses the ball in a leaktight manner against said annular sealing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Christian Kervoalen
  • Patent number: 7311463
    Abstract: An arrangement for axially supporting two jointly rotating components (2, 3) by way of a snap ring (6) having two displaceable impacting ends (6a, 6b), which are separated from each other by a peripheral gap (7), and which can move in the region of a radial spring path. The snap ring (6) is inserted into an annular groove of the supporting component (2). The supporting component (3) comprises one ramp (8, 9) in the region of the radial spring path of the impacting ends (6a, 6b) of the snap ring (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Josef Haupt
  • Patent number: 7311464
    Abstract: An internally illuminated snowboard track for recreational areas or parks which are operated at night is made up of a continuous elongated transparent rail which is supported a predetermined distance above the ground by a base support member, and a light source extends longitudinally and internally of the rail to project light outwardly therefrom. A base stabilizer beneath the support member can either be planted in the snow or anchored to the ground surface in the track system may be inclined, curved, straight or provided with one or more bends. A snowboard ramp may be constructed in the same basic manner to serve as a jump for snowboarders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Craig Swartz
  • Patent number: 7311465
    Abstract: In combination with a placers/spreader having a frame including at least two side bolsters standing parallel to the subgrade path and at least two cross beams spanning the subgrade path forming a conveyor supporting structure. A rail system is attached spanning the frame, and has a roll in/roll out conveyor with a cantilevered support at one of the side bolsters and a support for attachment to and support from the rail system. The conveyor moves in traversing motion across the frame to distribute concrete. The improvement comprises a strike off beam and spreader plow assembly for trailing attachment to the frame of a placer/spreader. We thus disclose a strike off beam with spreader plow assembly which can be removably attached to either side of a placer/spreader to avoid the necessity of relocating the receiving conveyor when the location of the access road changes from one side to the other or direction of spreading changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Guntert & Zimmerman Const. Div., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Guntert, Jr., Rick Francis
  • Patent number: 7311466
    Abstract: A subgrade preparation apparatus for preparing a subgrade surface for concrete to be placed thereon includes a base unit positionable on a support surface adjacent to a targeted subgrade area, an extendable boom extending from the base unit, and a subgrade head assembly adjustably mounted on the extendable boom. The subgrade head assembly includes a framework, a plow and a material moving device for moving material toward at least one side of the subgrade head assembly. The subgrade head assembly includes a plow end plate movably attached at an outer end of the plow and movable to a position where the plow end plate is generally vertical and forms an end portion of the plow to limit plowed material from flowing around the outer end of the plow as the subgrade head assembly is moved over and along the subgrade surface at the targeted subgrade area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Somero Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W Torvinen
  • Patent number: 7311467
    Abstract: A leaching chamber, particularly a chamber which lacks ribs and is therefore flexible along its length, has a length in the range 4 to 5 ft, a length to width aspect ratio of between 1.2 and 1.6 and a weight of less than 3 pounds per foot, preferably about 12 pounds for a 4 ft chamber. Since the chamber length is less and the mass is more favorably concentrated, handling of chambers, and installing chambers in trenches is improved. The ability of a string of interconnected chambers to curve is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Infiltrator Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy E. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7311468
    Abstract: Process for the disposal of sulfur which comprises melting the sulfur, optionally in the presence of hydrogen sulfide, and injecting the molten sulfur into geological structures having a temperature ranging from 90 to 160° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., Enitecnologie S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Di Lullo, Paul Thomas Lockhart
  • Patent number: 7311469
    Abstract: A floating lowering and lifting device (1) includes a floating structure (2) and a lifting unit (3) lowerable from the floating structure (2) towards the sea bed, the lifting unit (3) having a chamber (5) with at least one gas-inlet opening (9) in its wall (27) and an equalization opening (23, 25) in its wall (27), a gas supply (13) being connected to the gas inlet opening (9) The device includes a control element (15) connected to the gas supply (13) for controlling a gas supply rate to the chamber (5), wherein the chamber (5) includes a releasable coupling member (7) for releasably attaching to a load (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Pollack, Hein Wille
  • Patent number: 7311470
    Abstract: A wale for use in bracing a retaining wall. The wale is comprise of a back wall, a front wall having a channel formed therein, and a plurality connecting walls connecting the back and front walls to form at least one chamber between the back and front walls. In one embodiment, the wale is of unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes top and bottom walls which form a single chamber between the back and front walls. In an alternative embodiment, the wale is of a unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes atop, upper reinforcing, lower reinforcing, and bottom walls, which form a plurality of chambers between the back and front walls. The wale may by made of a pultruded composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) resin impregnated composite. A seawall system using such a waler is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Creative Pultrusions, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane E. Weyant, Dustin L. Troutman
  • Patent number: 7311471
    Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink
  • Patent number: 7311472
    Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink