Patents Issued in January 22, 2008
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Patent number: 7320473Abstract: A brake apparatus for a wheelchair is mounted on one side of a wheelchair, with a corresponding brake apparatus mounted on the opposite side of a wheelchair. The brake apparatus includes an upper assembly mounted on the wheelchair frame just below the padded arm rest of the wheelchair. The upper assembly includes a brake lever and brake handle for locking and unlocking the wheels on each side. The upper assembly is connected to an adjustable strut, which connects to the lower assembly. The lower assembly includes a system of link arms that allows a brake arm having a brake shoe to lock and unlock the wheel on the wheelchair. The length of the strut may be adjusted and the position of the upper and lower assemblies may also be adjusted so that the brake assembly can be configured for operation on various sizes of wheelchairs.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: John E. Bennett
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Patent number: 7320474Abstract: A device for binding a boot to a cross-country ski, the device fixing the front of the boot to the ski while allowing the rear of the boot to move relative to the ski between a low position and a high position. The device includes an elastic return system for applying an elastic return force to return the boot to the low position, and an elastic abutment operable at the end of travel of the boot toward the high position.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Salomon S.A.Inventors: Jacques Quellais, Bruno Lancon
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Patent number: 7320475Abstract: A device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus. The base of the device, having the general shape of a plate, includes a zone for anchoring to the apparatus, as well as at least one zone for fastening a foot or boot retaining mechanism, the fastening zone being apart from the anchoring zone. Stiffening ribs extend between the anchoring zone and the fastening zone. Two adjacent stiffening ribs converge toward the fastening zone, between the anchoring zone and the fastening zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Salomon S.A.Inventor: Bernard Couderc
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Patent number: 7320476Abstract: Toe-piece for attaching a boot to a sliding board, comprising a body (2) and at least one jaw (3) which is rotationally movable about an substantially horizontal axis (5) in accordance with a first bearing on the body (2) for release in the event of a backward fall and rotationally movable about an substantially vertical axis (6) in accordance with a second bearing on the body (2) for release in the event of torsion, wherein the bearing surface between the jaw (3) and the body (2) on the jaw (3) and/or the body (2) has an inclined part (7, 7?) to represent a specific setting of the release threshold of the binding for certain particular falls.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Look Fixations S.A.Inventor: Gaston Haldemann
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Patent number: 7320477Abstract: An air bag system of the invention is attached using an attaching piece portion and includes an air bag which is inflated for deployment when an inflating gas flows thereinto. The air bag is attached to an inner panel by attaching an attaching bracket having a pair of strengthening plates provided on front and back sides of the attaching piece portion with a bolt as a fastening means. A through hole in the attaching piece portion is set to such a size that a location constituting a circumferential edge is disposed at a position deflected from an area between a head portion of the bolt and the inner panel when a fastening stem portion of the bolt is fastened to the inner panel. The bolt is fastened to the inner panel in such a state that only the attaching bracket is interposed between the inner panel and the head portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Kawabe, Tadashi Yamamoto, Mishiyasu Ito, Takanobu Ikeda
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Patent number: 7320478Abstract: A smart airbag (14) is monitored by a vehicle restraint control module (24) and includes a state sensor (42) that generates an airbag state signal. A smart airbag fault circuit (40) is coupled to the state sensor (42) and includes multiple state devices (50). Each of the state devices (50) has a characteristic that is indicative of the state of the smart airbag (14). The state devices (50) are configured to be monitored by the vehicle restraint control module (24). A smart airbag state monitor (44) is separate from the vehicle restraint control module (24), is coupled to the state devices (50), and alters the state in response to the airbag state signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Scott Gaboury, David Tippy, Ian Hall, Mariquis Edwards
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Patent number: 7320479Abstract: A hybrid inflator for inflating an airbag system has one or more heater assemblies with an enhancer charge contained in the heater with bypass ports or openings in direct communication with the inert gas. Upon ignition a portion of the enhancer charge bypasses the heater gas generant charge to pre-heat the inert gas prior to or simultaneously with a remaining portion of the enhancer charge igniting the heater gas generant charge.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Trevillyan, Michael E. Kelley, Michael F. Mulville, Carter L. Burroughs, John H. Adams, Edward R. Stembler
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Patent number: 7320480Abstract: A fixing structure includes a first bracket having a first bolt hole, a second bracket having a second bolt hole smaller in the axial length than the first bolt hole, a securing member for securing a circumferential end of the first bracket and a circumferential end of the second bracket, and a securing bolt arranged from the second bolt hole through the first bolt hole and for securing the first bracket, the second bracket, and the vehicle-body member together.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Unisia JKC Steering Systems, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuyoshi Maruyama, Takahide Kaneko
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Patent number: 7320481Abstract: An easy care handbook constituted by a bound booklet containing recording pages and private information pages can be prepared by a simple method. The recording pages of the bound booklet are common for all users so that the bound booklet can be made in volume at a low price. The private pages are formed by a printable sheet having a printable side, an adhesive layer on the other side, and a detachable sheet removably attached onto the adhesive layer. Private information from a database can be printed by a printer onto the printable side prior to incorporating the printable sheet into the booklet. The detachable sheet is removed from the preprinted printable sheet and the adhesive layer is attached onto the recording page to form the private information pages.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Hisago Label Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takao Tsubouchi
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Patent number: 7320482Abstract: The invention intends to provide a technique that achieves a sufficient phase margin with ease. The circuit includes a power supply circuit that is formed with a phase compensating resistor and a phase compensating capacitor, between a second input terminal of a differential amplifier and a low supply voltage. Thereby, the first pole frequency in the overall gain is determined by the first pole frequency in the voltage-dividing resistor stage in the Bode diagram for the pole/zero compensation, which is shifted to a lower frequency. Also, the zero point cancels the first pole frequency in the differential amplifier stage, which reduces the phase delay to secure the phase margin.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignees: Hitachi ULSI Systems Co., Ltd., Renesas Technology Corp.Inventors: Hiroshi Toyoshima, Masahiko Nishiyama
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Patent number: 7320483Abstract: A medication reminder system is provided for allowing patients, especially those with memory or eyesight problems, to improve compliance with a medication regimen that has been prescribed by their physician. The system is organized for ease of patient identification by recording medications in blank or color-coded fields upon a sheet to match an indicator associated with a medication container. The sheet also includes markings associated with some or all of the medications which provide a way for the patient to gain more information about the medication.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: Greg Eippert
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Patent number: 7320484Abstract: A plug-in safety coupling for pressurized conduits includes a blocking element, which is mounted in a coupling housing; the blocking element includes a through bore in which a coupling plug may be introduced in a sealing manner. A pivot path of the coupling housing permits the coupling plug, being introduced into the blocking element, to pivot relative to the housing between a conducting position, in which a through-bore of the blocking element communicates with a compressed air feed bore of the housing, and a blocking position, in which the blocking element blocks the compressed air feed bore. The coupling plug and the blocking element are provided with reciprocally corresponding locking parts to effect a locked retention of the coupling plug in the blocking element.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: Albrecht Wuthrich
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Patent number: 7320485Abstract: A V-band clamp that includes an annular band having an inner surface and an outer surface. A latch assembly is attached to the outer surface of the band for attaching objects together. A plurality of insert segments are attached to the inner surface of the band, wherein each segment includes a contour edge for preventing damage to objects being joined together during installation of the V-band clamp.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLCInventors: Richard M. Amendolea, Carl L. Johns, Gary E. Miller
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Patent number: 7320486Abstract: A pipe clamp for connecting two partially insertable pipes has a clamping strap that is placed circumferentially about the spherical end sections of the pipes inserted into one another. The clamping strap has two outwardly projecting clamping jaws provided with a hole through which a clamping screw extends. The clamping strap is curved about a transverse axis that is positioned for coaxially inserted pipes in the untightened state of the clamping strap in a central plane of the clamping strap extending perpendicularly to the coaxial center axes of the pipes at a spacing from a center of the spherical end sections of the pipes. The inner radius of the clamping strap in the untightened state is smaller than the outer radius of the spherical end sections such that the sum of the spacing and of the inner radius is greater than the outer radius of the end sections.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: NORMA Germany GmbHInventors: Helmut Geppert, Heinz Peter Wolf, Stephan Mann, Michael Sommer
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Patent number: 7320487Abstract: A cancel lever device is disclosed for a door handle mechanism of a motor vehicle. The device includes a cancelling portion having a first and a second side, the cancelling portion being pivotally secured relative to the door handle mechanism about a pivotal axis. The cancelling portion defines a leading edge and a biasing device is provided for biasing the leading edge such that in a first pivotal location thereof, the door handle mechanism is operable and in a second pivotal location of the leading edge, movement of the door handle mechanism is inhibited. The leading edge defines a channel and a bumper is disposed within the channel for cushioning movement of the cancelling portion when the leading edge moves from the second to the first location. The bumper includes a retaining protrusion which cooperates with the channel for retaining the bumper within the channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works IncInventor: Joel R. Lee
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Patent number: 7320488Abstract: A latch assembly having a housing and a catch assembly on the housing and having first and second states. The catch assembly has a rotor that is movable selectively relative to the housing between first and second positions. The rotor has a mounting portion and a receiving portion. The receiving portion has a U-shaped opening between spaced first and second legs. The U-shaped opening is configured to receive a strike element. The latch assembly further has a strike plate with a strike surface that projects across the U-shaped opening to block a strike element in the U-shaped opening with the rotor in the first position and the catch assembly in the first state. The U-shaped opening is bounded by an edge with a portion of the edge defined by the first leg against which a strike element within the U-shaped opening bears under a force tending to separate the latch assembly from the strike element.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Tri/Mark CorporationInventors: Matthew L. Hidding, Gene C. Light, Tyler G. Larsen, Kelly F. Mishak
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Patent number: 7320489Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf disc retriever attached to an elongating handle having a substantially U-shaped rigid frame with space between adjacent upper and lower legs of the U-shaped frame to allow the passage of the rimmed edge of a golf disc into the confines thereof and to be captured, by its rimmed edge, with a movable upward acting, spring actuated rigid plate member attached to the lower leg by a integral hinge, so as to retrieve golf discs from relatively inaccessible places which include water hazards, tree hazards and the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: Simon Roy Domb
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Patent number: 7320490Abstract: An impact handle for a shovel and other tools to assist the user or laborer in digging and/or moving material such as dirt or snow, or other compacted materials. An impact handle with a shovel attachment would have similar physical features as generic shovels on the market today. However, the impact handle includes an impact generator within the handle. As a user or operator applies his/her foot-pressure on the foot actuator located at the top of the scoop or blade, the impact generator using electro-magnetic principles produces impulses of 1 to 10 hertz of downward blows. These impulses reduce the effort required by the operator to force the tool scoop or blade to penetrate the material being excavated. The impact handle dramatically reduces time required to complete hand excavation projects. The impact handle can also be used, but is not limited to, to reduce the time required for chiseling, scraping, prying, nail pulling and carpet-stretching.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: Ray James Yakimchuk
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Patent number: 7320491Abstract: A method and an apparatus for handling objects, in particular discs such as CD's having an aperture therein defining a rim. The apparatus comprises a first set of jaws moveable towards and away from one another and a second set of jaws moveable towards and away from one another. In use, the jaws of each set may be moved apart to exert a radial gripping force on the rims of the objects. The second set of jaws is extendible and retractable axially. By operating the sets of jaws through sequences of extension, gripping, retraction and releasing, the objects can be loaded onto or off of the apparatus. The gripping action of the jaws allows the apparatus to hold the objects in any orientation.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Mo Team LimitedInventors: Robert Moran, Barbara Moran
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Patent number: 7320492Abstract: A laterally moveable set of sleeves are placed over an existing sun visor to more effectively block the rays of the sun through the front or side windows. A separate sleeve-set should be placed over the right sun visor. Any part of either sleeve may have an opaque, clear, tinted, shaded or mirror finish. The sleeves are preferably made of plastic, heavy paper or cardstock, folded along one long end, and sealed along the opposite long edge. In the event that dissimilar materials are used to construct the exterior-facing and interior-facing panels of a sleeve, glue, heat welding, or other techniques may be used to join the top and bottom edges. A textual or graphical logo or message may be inscribed upon any side of either the inner or outer sleeve. The message may be printed left to right on one side of the sleeve(s) for display in the side window, or reverse-reading to allow the driver ahead to read the message through their rear-view mirror.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Rederex CorporationInventor: Richard W. Rosenbaum
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Patent number: 7320493Abstract: A sun visor includes a sun-visor body, an auxiliary visor, a sub-plate and a spring. The auxiliary visor is attached to the sun-visor body slidably. The sub-plate is attached to the auxiliary visor to slide between a first position where the auxiliary visor receives the sub-plate and a second position where the sub-plate is withdrawn from the auxiliary visor. The spring urges the sub-plate toward the second position. The spring includes a base and two arm portions continuous to the base. The center portion of a spring wire forms the base of the spring. The two arm portions are bent to cross each other. A center portion of the base is convex toward an intersection of the two arm portions. The base abuts against one of the auxiliary visor and the sub-plate. The two arm portions abut against the other to urge the other elastically.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignees: Piolax, Inc., Kasai Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Kumakawa, Yoshiaki Enma
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Patent number: 7320494Abstract: Attachment hardware is provided to enable a folding bed cover for a pickup truck to be stored on the bed in a substantially vertical position giving access to substantially the entire bed. This hardware includes a latch to secure the lower end against sliding while any of 3 different devices are employed to lock the top of the vertically positioned cover in place. Several embodiments of devices are taught herein, including manual, mechanically-assisted and fully automated devices, for collapsing and lifting the cover into its substantially vertical storage position.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: Jerry Wilson
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Patent number: 7320495Abstract: The invention discloses a vehicle with a front door and a rear door without a B column between the two doors, with the front door latch being designed as a power latch with a door-closing assistance and the rear door latch containing a power latch holder with an adjustable locking bolt, in order to achieve a stable door connection with low closing forces.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Kiekert AGInventor: Johannes-Theodor Menke
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Patent number: 7320496Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a door of a transit vehicle with an angularly disposed floor portion incorporates a rotatably disposed driving member in combination with a driven member attached to the sealing arrangement to enable vertical movement thereof for providing a weather seal when the door is closed and accommodating the angularly disposed floor portion when the door is open and the door is disposed within the transit vehicle and above the floor portion. An inner and outer cover may be provided at the bottom edge of the door for esthetic purposes.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies CorporationInventors: David C. Griffis, Wieslaw W. Tomczyk, Fotios Golemis
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Patent number: 7320497Abstract: A powered lift gate for an automotive vehicle includes a lift gate door hinged to a vehicle body. A motor system which opens and closes the door is operated by a controller coupled to a primary obstacle detection system which senses operation of the motor itself, and by a secondary detection system which directly senses an object interposed between a margin of the door and the door opening panel. A pinch protection member interposed between a marginal zone of the door and the door opening panel includes a resilient element having sufficient strength to support an object positioned between the door and the door opening panel such that the primary obstacle detection system will be triggered when the door and motor develop a predetermined compressive force upon the object. The predetermined compressive force is selected to allow normal operation of the lift gate, without subjecting an obstructing object to excessive crushing force.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory B. Zinn, J. Michael McKeon, Barton Heldke
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Patent number: 7320498Abstract: The invention relates to a roof module for a motor vehicle that includes an external roof skin and a roof ledge. The roof module and the roof ledge are a preassembled unit with the roof ledge being configured as a separate part.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbHInventors: Horst Boehm, Rainer Grimm
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Patent number: 7320499Abstract: An automotive vehicle system includes a movable member and a belt-driven drive wheel that is operable to engage and disengage with the movable member and cause the movable member to move between positions. A tensioning member is operable to bias a movable roof member into contact with a wheel which is operable to engage with and selectively drive the roof member between positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Arthur L. MacNee, III, Kurt Theisen
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Patent number: 7320500Abstract: A seat having a main support base 1, a backrest 2 for supporting the back of a person, and an area 3 for receiving the posterior of a person, the base having a plurality of outwardly opening recesses, e.g., 6, 7, and 8, at a first end part of the seat and at least one locking recess, e.g., 9, at a second end part of the seat, the first and second end parts being at or near substantially opposite ends of the seat, and locking means, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: Graham John Mascull
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Patent number: 7320501Abstract: A remote release actuating system 10 for a seat assembly 12 in a vehicle. Conventionally, the system includes a seatback 14 that is removable through an arcuate range. The seatback 14 is moveable between a design position (tilted upward and rearwardly in which it may support a passenger), and a full fold flat position. Seatback latches 24 secure the seatback 14 in the effective position. A seat cushion 32 supports the seatback 14. The seat cushion 32 has a rearward portion that cooperates with the seatback 14. The rearward portion also releasably engages floor latches 26. The seat cushion 32 has a forward portion that is pivotally attached to the vehicle floor. The seat cushion 32 and seatback 14 tumble forwardly when (a) the seat cushion 32 is disengaged from the floor latches 26; (b) the seatback 14 lies in the full forward flat position; and (c) the floor latches 26 are disengaged.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Mark R. Keyser, Michele R. Palomba
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Patent number: 7320502Abstract: A two-part cushioned chair comprising a knee cushion and a sling seat supports the occupant in a combined kneeling and sitting position. Both components are supported by a frame that includes a contoured top surface which holds the knee cushion. The cushion is angled downward in the front and is composed of multiple foam layers covered with canvas. Upwardly-extending side rails are adjustably secured to the sides of the frame and support the sling-type seat which in use is positioned behind the occupant's knees. The sling seat is attached to the outer sides of each side rail being secured by a dowel rod stop on one side and a releasable Velcro®-type attachment on the opposite side.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: George B McCloskey
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Patent number: 7320503Abstract: The invention relates to a backrest with a support area (71), at least one structure connected to the support area (71) or forming the support area (71), which structure (10) extends towards the top of the backrest from a first end region of the support area (71) to a second end region of the support area (71) and at the front has a tension element (49) and at the rear a pressure element (47). The tension element (49) connects the first end region (37) of the support area (71) to the second end region (38) of the support area (71) transmitting tensile forces. The pressure element (47) connects the first end region (37) of the support area (71) to the second end region (38) of the support area (71) transmitting thrust forces. Pressure element (47) and tension element (49) are in the extension direction non-displaceably connected to one another in the first and in the second end region of the support area (71).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignees: Provenda Marketing AGInventor: Volker Wilhelm Eysing
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Patent number: 7320504Abstract: In one embodiment, a heater for a vehicle having an engine that generates hot exhaust gases includes a distribution pipe extending along a cargo carrying part of the vehicle. The distribution pipe is operatively connected to an engine exhaust pipe such that engine exhaust can flow through the distribution pipe when the engine is running. The distribution pipe has a plurality of openings therein through which exhaust is discharged to heat the cargo carrying part of the vehicle when the engine is running. Each opening has a cross-sectional area substantially smaller than a cross-sectional area of the distribution pipe.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Mobile Heat Exchange, LLCInventor: Robert E. Colling
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Patent number: 7320505Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool is disclosed which comprises a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism. The wear-resistant base has a shank and a metal segment. A cemented metal carbide segment is bonded to the metal segment and the shank has a wear-resistant surface. The wear-resistant surface has a hardness greater than 60 HRc.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, Jeff Jepson
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Patent number: 7320506Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a vehicle having a service brake of the drum or disc brake type, a secondary brake, a control system for the distribution of a requested brake power between the service brake and secondary brake and an arrangement for the reconditioning of a friction pair forming part of the service brake. The method is for the reconditioning of a friction pair in a service brake of the drum or disc brake type forming part of a brake system in a vehicle, which in addition to the service brake having a secondary brake and a control system for distribution of the requested brake power between the service brake and secondary brake.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Mats Fagergren, Johan Hultèn
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Patent number: 7320507Abstract: An interlock for a stack of drawers. A pair of drawer slides mounts each drawer, the interlock assembly being fitted to the rear of one of the drawer slides. A housing has a plate slidably supported thereon biased towards the rear of the slide. An actuator having an actuating surface co-operates with an actuator follower slidably supported in the slide member for movement at right angles to the movement of the plate. Releasable latching means extends between the housing and plate. Releasable catching means extend between the plate and the actuator. When a drawer is moved towards an open position, the catching means causes the plate to move to a blocking position where it can be held by the latching means, causing the actuating surface to co-operate with a follower surface on the actuator follower to move the actuator follower from a first position to a blocking position.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignees: Accuride International Limited, USM Holding AGInventors: David Martin White, Kurt Scherrer, Alexander Schaerer
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Patent number: 7320508Abstract: A roller and stopper mechanism for drawer slide systems which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and effectively provides a low friction rolling surface between two drawer slides in directions parallel to and perpendicular to the length of the drawer slide, and provides a stopper to provide shock absorbing means to the system. The roller and stopper mechanism includes a body portion with two opposing ends and two opposing sides, and having a roller associated therewith, a first leg portion extending substantially perpendicular from one end of the body portion, and having a roller associated therewith, and a second leg portion extending substantially perpendicular from the opposite end of the body portion, and having a roller associated therewith.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Grass America Inc.Inventors: Todd Booker, Georg Domenig
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Patent number: 7320509Abstract: An inkjet apparatus 100 includes a plurality of nozzles 200, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 204, a drive voltage generator 406 and a plurality of switches 403. The plurality of piezoelectric elements 204 is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of nozzles 200. The drive voltage generator 406 generates a drive voltage having a waveform Vd. Each switch 403 adjusts the waveform Vd of the drive voltage. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 204 applies pressure to a corresponding nozzle 200 to eject ink droplets therefrom in response to the drive voltage having an adjusted waveform Vd.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Kobayashi, Takahiro Yamada, Hitoshi Kida
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Patent number: 7320510Abstract: A high quality gray scale (monochrome) image in which influences of “recorded color deviation” and “color transition” are suppressed is formed even in the case of a slightly uneven discharge amount. When a gray scale (monochrome) mode is set, in the entire range of a luminance signal, density signals corresponding to achromatic dots and small chromatic dots respectively are generated based on the luminance signal so that the density signal corresponding to the achromatic dots has a greater value than that of the density signal corresponding to the small chromatic dots. Accordingly, even a slight “recorded color deviation” that occurs when the achromatic dots are recorded can be corrected by the small chromatic dots having a hue opposite to the direction of color deviation, and a high quality gray scale image in which influences of “recorded color deviation” and “color transition” are suppressed can be formed.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Nakamura, Akihiko Nakatani, Minako Kato, Rie Kajihara, Naoki Sumi, Shigeyasu Nagoshi, Makoto Torigoe, Okinori Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 7320511Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a high-resolution printing method for the image forming apparatus are disclosed. The high-resolution printing method includes the steps of receiving from a host computer a print data, calculating a divider coefficient N, a print fire position unit (PFPU), a position offset (PO) and a print position (PP), and a print fire start position (PFSP) based on the print data, detecting a position of the carriage operated by a control signal for driving the carriage, and if the carriage reaches the PP, delaying generation of an ink firing signal, and then starting a printing by generating and outputting the ink firing signal, starting from the PFSP. A high-resolution printing in the horizontal direction can be implemented by properly controlling the PP according to a desired resolution.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young-do Jung
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Patent number: 7320512Abstract: An ink-jet recording head has two kinds of nozzles discharging different volumes of ink-drops. Large nozzles discharging larger ink-drops and small nozzles discharging smaller ink-drops are disposed alternately along a side of a common liquid chamber. The opening area of the large nozzles is larger than that of the small nozzles. Flow paths communicating with the small nozzles are shorter than those communicating with the large nozzles. Since the smaller ink-drops are discharged at higher frequency than the larger ink-drops, printing speed in high-quality recording using mainly the smaller ink-drops is improved.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Chiaki Muraoka
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Patent number: 7320513Abstract: A bubble-ink jet print head includes: a substrate having ink chambers to store ink and resistance heat emitting bodies to heat ink disposed thereover; and an ink supply passage which penetrates the substrate and which is connected with the ink chambers. The ink supply passage includes: a first trench formed at a first surface of the substrate in a first pattern having a separating distance from at least one of inlets of the ink chambers and connecting portions between the adjacent ink chambers, the first surface of the substrate having the ink chambers disposed thereover, and a second trench formed at a second surface of the substrate in a second pattern, having one of an area equal to and an area smaller than that of the first trench in the range of the first pattern of the first trench, and in communication with the first trench.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yun-gi Kim, Yong-shik Park, Sung-joon Park
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Patent number: 7320514Abstract: Primary and auxiliary lens assemblies are provided that allow a wearer easy usage with a reduced risk of misalignment or detachment through the use of micromagnets. Conventional magnetic auxiliary lens assemblies are difficult to manufacture and functionally limited due to the limitations of conventional magnets and the composition of the auxiliary frames. The improved lens assemblies disclosed herein instead employ high strength micromagnets advantageously aligned and embedded in the auxiliary lens frame to improve the ease and reliability of coupling to a primary frame, and to provide aesthetic and functional advantageous over the known art.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: E'lite Optik U.S. L.P.Inventor: Greg Smith
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Patent number: 7320515Abstract: A method of forming a polarized optical lens including an optical lens of certain curvature and a polarized piece, wherein the polarized piece is made up of cellulose protective film, adhesive and polarized thin film, and is pressed to matched curvature as injected and plasticized optical lens. The cellulose protective film of the polarized piece is then peeled off, and through the use of injection and plasticization principle, polarized thin film is combined and pasted to the inner surface or outer surface of the optical lens. This synthesized lens is then placed in the ring of an optical mold. Light adjustment and color change liquid colophony is then injected through a through-hole in the ring, and through the clamping of synthesized lens and light adjustment and color change liquid colophony, the whole set then solidifies and forms a shape.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Tony Optical Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Juei-Tse Lin
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Patent number: 7320516Abstract: There is described an apparatus and a fixture used in determining position and for producing assembling holes in a spectacle lens for rimless spectacles. The assembling holes are intended for receiving a U-shaped bracket which is used in fastening bridge and side bar hinge. The apparatus and fixture includes interacting guide pins and guide holes. These guide holes/pins are unambiguously disposed. The guide holes will preferably be placed symmetrically in relation to a hole center line for the lens, when this is placed in the fixation opening of the fixture with the hole center line disposed opposite to markings at the fixation opening. The assembling holes are thus placed symmetrically in relation to the marking. By such a system it is possible to make rimless spectacles that appear very accurate, without special skilled qualifications on the part of the optician to make assembling holes in the lenses.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Lindberg A/SInventors: Flemming Kroman, Lars Bøjvad Jensen
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Patent number: 7320517Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems establish an optical surface shape that mitigates or treats a vision condition in a patient. An optical surface shape for a particular patient can be determined using a set of patient parameters for the specific patient by using a compound modulation transfer function (CMTF). The compound modulation transfer function can include a combination of modulation transfer functions (MTF's) at a plurality of distinct frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: VISX, IncorporatedInventors: Guangming Dai, Kingman Yee
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Patent number: 7320518Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus comprising: an illuminating optical system which projects light to an examinee' eye; an image pickup unit which color-photographs an interference image caused by interference of light reflected by a tear layer of the eye; and an analyzing part which dissolves the photographed interference image to a plurality of color components, determines an appearance of interference stripes of each color component based on a signal of each color component, and obtains a value indicating a dry eye symptom based on at least one of the number of interference stripes of each color component and changes in signal level of each color component.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuyuki Miwa
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Patent number: 7320519Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus allows a fixation-target projecting unit for fundus observation to project a fixation target for fundus observation onto a position not coinciding with a center of a light path of an observation optical system but corresponding to a position to which a fixation target for anterior-ocular-observation is projected. Thus, it is not necessary for an operator to perform positioning and fixation guiding operations again, thereby contributing to a shorter imaging time and less complexity and trouble in the overall operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoyuki Iwanaga, Hiroshi Itoh, Shinya Tanaka
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Patent number: 7320520Abstract: A portable multimedia projection system includes a portable housing, a DVD player, a channel tuner, an image projection device, a controller and a remote control receiver. The image projection device externally projects images. The controller is electrically coupled to the channel tuner and the image projection device. The controller directs video signals from the channel tuner to the image projection device.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc.Inventor: Lonnie G. Johnson
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Patent number: 7320521Abstract: An optical engine architecture that operates as either a two-imager or a three-imager optical engine. The optical engine uses a first PBS cube and a second PBS cube having an optical axis between them. In between the first PBS cube and second PBS cube are two quarter wave plates and a dichroic mirror, where the dichroic mirror is disposed between the two quarter wave plates. In the three imager embodiment, a retarder is disposed between the second PBS cube and the quarter wave plate closest to the second PBS cube. In the two imager embodiment, this retarder is not necessary.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Next Wave Optics, Inc.Inventor: George M. Mihalakis
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Patent number: 7320522Abstract: A data processing apparatus able to generate a motion vector using projection image data in a short time, wherein an access circuit stores vertical projection image data and horizontal projection image data of each macro block of frame data and reference image data at continuous addresses in a frame memory, whereby they are read at a high speed and output to a projection index data generation circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporatinInventor: Yuji Fujimoto