Patents Issued in February 12, 2008
  • Patent number: 7328886
    Abstract: A sheet for use in a heat exchange apparatus. The sheet includes a first vertical rib that extends in a first direction generally parallel to the vertical axis of the heat exchange apparatus, wherein said first vertical rib protrudes in a second direction out of the plane. The sheet also includes a second vertical rib that extends in the first direction along the sheet, substantially all the way between the first and second edges of the sheet generally parallel to the first vertical rib. The second vertical rib also protrudes in the second direction out of the plane. The sheet further includes a first horizontal rib that extends in a third direction along the sheet substantially all the way between the third and fourth edges of the sheet, wherein the first horizontal rib protrudes in a fourth direction opposite said second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eldon F. Mockry, Jason Stratman, Jidong Yang, Mark Anthony Johnson
  • Patent number: 7328887
    Abstract: An air spring spacer for use in mounting an associated air spring in spaced relation to an associated vehicle component. The air spring spacer includes a spacer body, a first indexing feature, and a second indexing feature complementary to the first indexing feature. The indexing features providing for self-alignment of the spacer in a predetermined orientation upon the application of an axial force. A kit is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7328888
    Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic antivibration device and an assembly capable of obtaining a low dynamic spring characteristic upon input of relatively small amplitude vibrations and reducing sufficiently strange sounds. The low dynamic spring characteristic is obtainable by absorption of hydraulic pressure fluctuations between both liquid chambers due to reciprocating displacement of an elastic partition membrane. First and a second attachment fittings are constituted respectively as body frame side coupling means and as vibration generator or engine side coupling means, whereby part of a vibration transmitting path from partitioning means to the body frame can be formed by a vibration-isolating base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshifumi Sakata
  • Patent number: 7328889
    Abstract: A measuring unit is removably connected to a sample analyzer. The measuring unit includes a first member having a first channel through which a sample is allowed to pass, a second member having a second channel through which the sample is allowed to pass, and a partition member having a through-hole through which the sample is allowed to pass from the first channel to the second channel. The partition member includes a base having the through-hole and a projecting portion which projects from the base around the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori Mototsu
  • Patent number: 7328890
    Abstract: A worktable having a leg supports (2 & 3) linked by strut (4) in normal working mode may have its leg supports repositioned one with another for alterative working modes, here shown with leg support (3) providing an extension to the top frame support 1, an extension leg (18) connected by strut (4) supports leg support (3) in a horizontal plane and a sliding element (20) providing the same essential form features as the top frame support (1) permitting the operational footprint of jaws (7 & 9) to be extended over the elongated top frame support provided by leg support (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Michael John Kent
  • Patent number: 7328891
    Abstract: A clamp tool for woodwork or metalwork in which a screw mechanism is not apart away from a shaft and is not exposed is disclosed. In the clamp tool, a pair of clamping brackets is disposed on a shaft apart from each other and at least one clamping bracket is movable along the shaft to fasten a workpiece in cooperation with the other clamping bracket. Here, a female screw constituting a screw mechanism is disposed at one end of the shaft, a male screw constituting the screw mechanism is rotatable in a slide cylinder disposed outside at the end of the shaft so as to be screwed to the female screw, a handle for rotationally manipulating the male screw is disposed, and a guide portion is disposed between the shaft and the slide cylinder so that the female screw does not rotate but goes straight with the rotation of the male screw so as to allow the clamping bracket disposed outside the slide cylinder to move along the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Off Corporation Inc.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Watanabe, Masaru Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7328892
    Abstract: A paper processing apparatus according to one or more embodiments includes a first and second convey mechanism, a first and second alignment mechanism, and a folding mechanism, where the second alignment mechanism is configured to align a paper bundle conveyed by the first convey mechanism in the vicinity of a folding position to fold the paper bundle, and the second convey mechanism is configured to convey the paper bundle aligned by the second alignment mechanism to the folding position, and the folding mechanism is configured to fold the aligned paper bundler at the folding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Asami, Hitoshi Hattori, Takeshi Sasaki, Shohichi Satoh
  • Patent number: 7328893
    Abstract: A finisher for finishing a booklet having a bundle of center-folded sheets, includes: a detector for detecting an end on a side of a folded portion of the booklet: a moving device for conveying the booklet by movement thereof; a controller for controlling the movement of the moving device; and a cutting device for cutting an edge on a side opposite to the end of the booklet, which has been conveyed by the moving device to a cutting position. The controller controls the movement of the moving device from a position where the detector has detected the end of the folded portion to the cutting position so that a size of a booklet after being cut is kept constant for each of sheet sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Kawatsu, Toshio Shida, Hiroyuki Wakabayashi, Masaaki Uchiyama, Masato Hattori
  • Patent number: 7328894
    Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus of the present invention has a gate for taking in sheets of paper ejected from an image forming apparatus through a taking-in port and switching to either of a conveying path for post processing or a conveying path for non-post processing to convey the sheets of paper and a tray attached to the upper part of the sheet finishing apparatus by a link mechanism, and the tray can rotate between the height position for storing sheets of paper and the height position away from the upper part and keeps the angle of inclination thereof constant at either of the height positions, and furthermore, sheets of paper taken in from the taking-in port are clamped and conveyed by a pair of rollers, and one of the pair of rollers is supported by a sheet guidance member, and the sheet guidance member rotates in connection with the link mechanism and can cope with paper jamming, if any.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunobu Terao, Tomomi Iijima, Mikio Yamamoto, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Hiroyuki Taki
  • Patent number: 7328895
    Abstract: A sheet separating and feeding system for separating a top sheet from a stack of sheets for sheet feeding, wherein a vacuum feed head has a two dimensional array of multiple vacuum tubes for vacuum engaging the top sheet, and a control system whereby at least a portion of the multiple vacuum tubes are variably positionally controlled relative to the top sheet to engage the top sheet at different levels in a different plane than the external surfaces of the other vacuum tubes so as to provide a variable three dimensional sheet corrugation inducing surface with the multiple vacuum tubes that is variable for different sheet properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest L. Dinatale, Timothy G. Shelhart
  • Patent number: 7328896
    Abstract: An apparatus (32) for separating a sheet of print media from a stack (30) of porous sheets includes a sheet conveyor for conveying a topmost sheet (30.1) of print media which has been separated from the stack (30) to a printing station (12) of a printer (10). A separator (44) is associated with the sheet conveyor for separating the sheet of print media from the stack (30). The separator (44) includes a fluid delivery arrangement (46) for blowing fluid on to a top surface of the stack (30) for effecting separation of the topmost sheet (30.1) of print media from the stack (30). A capturing arrangement (54) is carried by the sheet conveyor for capturing at least a part of the topmost sheet (30.1) and for facilitating conveyance of the topmost sheet by the sheet conveyor to the printing station (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: David William Jensen
  • Patent number: 7328897
    Abstract: A compact system adapted for card imaging, card laminating, or other card processing, comprises a card processor positioned on a horizontal card feed path and configured to process one or both faces of a rectangular card such as a plastic credit or debit card. A card feeder is arranged to feed cards one at a time onto the horizontal feed path upstream of the card processor, the feeder comprising a compartment for holding a stack of vertical cards each supported on a long edge and a card feed mechanism configured to successively draw a card from an end of the stack and translate it off the stack. A card re-director is configured to receive the card and to redirect it to an attitude in which it is parallel with the horizontal card feed path and positioned to be fed to the card processor along the horizontal feed path. The compartment is located above the horizontal card feed path, and the card feeder feeds cards substantially vertically downward into the card re-director.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Caleb J. Bryant, Phil S. Bryer, Daniel E. Perry, Alexander Peter, Lionel C. Chavarria
  • Patent number: 7328898
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a drive unit that drives a drive control unit that supplies a first drive current to the drive unit so as to acceleratingly drive an intermediate feeding roller, and supplies a current that is smaller than the first drive current so as to uniformly drive the intermediate feeding roller, and a timing determination unit that determines the timing of supplying a current smaller than the first drive current to uniformly drive the intermediate feeding roller after supplying the first drive current to the drive unit to acceleratingly drive the intermediate feeding roller, wherein in case the timing determination unit determines that the timing to acceleratingly drive the intermediate feeding roller comes to an end, the drive control unit supplies the first drive current to the drive unit for a time period prolonged by a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumasa Yasui, Masaya Arakawa
  • Patent number: 7328899
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a sheet on the surface of an electrically conductive cylinder of a printing machine for processing sheets, in particular, a sheet-fed offset printing machine. The apparatus includes an electrode that extends over the width of the cylinder for creating an electric field for adhering the sheet to the surface of the cylinder and an air directing device for directing pressurized air streams against the sheet and preliminary positioning the sheet onto the cylinder prior to being acted upon by the electric field. Various alternative embodiments of the sheet fixing apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Peter Wulf, Edgar Dörsam, Frank Seidel, Rainer Gebhardt, Udo Trillig, Thomas Litterst, Thomas Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7328900
    Abstract: An impact simulation apparatus is provided which allows a player to feel an impact simulation according to an impact image on a monitor screen. This apparatus includes: a seat belt as a body fixing member which fastens the player; an impact simulation giving portion which gives an impact to the player by straining this seat belt and has a winding drum, a belt pressing member, a driving motor, and the like; and a control unit which outputs, to the driving motor, a control signal for giving an impact when a simulated vehicle bumps on a predetermined condition, so that the seat belt can be slackened and strained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Mamitsu, Tomohisa Tanaka, Satoru Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7328901
    Abstract: A method for playing a game played by at least one player having both numbered playing cards and a pair of dice. The method for the game includes randomizing at least six of the playing cards, wherein each card contains a single digit from one to six. The playing cards are then inserted into a series of boxes or slots on a table wherein the boxes or slots correspond to the digits one through six. One player is offered an opportunity to be a dealer and is provided with a pair of six-sided dice. The dice are rolled by the dealer and the outcome of the playing card or cards is determined and the total of the cards is determined by the outcome of the dice. Winners and losers are determined from the card or the cards. A series of additional steps may be employed thereafter in accordance with traditional casino craps gaming rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Quapaw Gaming Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia Jean Bunn, Kirk Jeremy Myrick, JR Mathews, George D. Joseph
  • Patent number: 7328902
    Abstract: A target apparatus for bola tossing games has both a forward and rearward frame presenting one or more rung-targets as well as a construction for the rung-targets by which such have free-spinning outer sleeves. Wherein the spacing between the forward and rearward changes the complexion of bola tossing games by adding a depth dimension among various ones of the rung-targets. And wherein the free-spinning aspect of the rung-targets increases the level of difficulty and skill in perching bolas, either wrapped or draped, at rest on rungs by not only increasing the propensity of landing bolas to, in quick succession, wind fully in and then on rebound unwind and thereafter self-launch off the subject rung but also by increasing the propensity that the foregoing dislodges any previously perched bola.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventors: David W. White, Shelley M. White
  • Patent number: 7328903
    Abstract: A chuck has an attachment device for attaching the chuck to a machine spindle and a collet with clamping jaws defining an insertion opening at an end of the chuck opposite the attachment device. A sliding sleeve surrounds the clamping jaws and is axially moveable into a clamping position for clamping a machining tool inserted into the insertion opening and into a release position for releasing the tool. Between an inner circumference of the sliding sleeve and an outer circumference of the clamping jaws a contact path conically tapering in an axial direction and counter pressure members that engage positively the contact path are provided. The contact path is positioned at a slant relative to the axial longitudinal center of the collet. The slant angle is so small that under expected operating forces a self-locking action between contact path and counter pressure members is maintained at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Schröder GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Herbert Casel
  • Patent number: 7328904
    Abstract: A chuck for a drill/driver. The chuck can include an input shaft having a cavity, a chuck actuating shaft and a chuck actuating screw. The chuck actuating shaft can be received in the cavity and can be rotatable about a chuck axis. The chuck actuating shaft can have a threaded aperture. The chuck actuating screw can have a threaded portion that is threadably engaged to the threaded aperture. The jaws can be received in the cavity and can engage the input shaft. The jaws can be coupled to the chuck actuating screw such that rotation of the chuck actuating shaft relative to the chuck actuating screw translates the jaws so that the jaws converge toward or diverge from the chuck axis. The chuck further includes a device coupled to at least one of the chuck actuating screw, the chuck actuating shaft and the input shaft for limiting elastic elongation of the chuck actuating screw in an axial direction when the jaws are positioned in a fully opened condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A Schell, Daniel Puzio, Robert S Gehret, Richard J Heavel, Warren A Ceroll, Stephen A Debelius
  • Patent number: 7328905
    Abstract: A tool organizer is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the tool organizer comprises a frame and a plurality of wheels attached to the frame. The frame includes an upper frame component and a lower frame component. The upper and lower frame components are connected by at least one hinge and are moveable with respect to one another between a folded and an unfolded configuration. The tool organizer also includes a tool storage structure supported by the frame. The tool storage structure comprising a plurality of storage panels, each storage panel comprises at least one tool fastener for securing a specific tool. The plurality of storage panels are movable with respect to one another between a closed configuration and an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Edward G. Guirlinger
  • Patent number: 7328906
    Abstract: A stroller apparatus for exercising the arms and a portion of an upper torso of a user includes a seat to receive and support a rider. A frame is coupled to the seat to support the seat in an elevated position above a ground surface. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the frame. A crankshaft is rotatably coupled to the frame and releasably engages a pair of the wheels. The crankshaft rotates the associated pair of the wheels when the crankshaft is rotated with respect to the frame and engages the associated pair of the wheels. A pair of handle assemblies is operationally coupled to the crankshaft and pivotally coupled to the frame. One of the handle assemblies pivots in a direction opposite the other one of the handle assemblies in a substantially scissor like motion to rotate the crankshaft with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Jasminka K. Berkovich
  • Patent number: 7328907
    Abstract: A display rack transport device includes a wheel assembly and a display mount. The display mount is removably mountable to the wheel assembly and mountable to a display rack. Variously configured display mounts are adapted to mount to various styles of display racks, such as pallet racks, storage racks, and shelf racks. The wheel assembly includes one or more pivotally mounted wheels and is adapted to enable the display mount to raise and lower relative to the wheel assembly when the display mount is mounted to the wheel assembly. The raising and lowering of a display mount that is mounted to a display rack enables the display rack to be repositioned utilizing the pivoting wheels of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Fixture Tech., Inc.
    Inventor: Jack L Bileth
  • Patent number: 7328908
    Abstract: A steer axle for a vehicle and a method of making the same involves forming portions of a steer axle to have a three sided design. Spring seats that wrap around two of the three sides are secured to the steer axle. Plates are secured to the spring seats. The plates extend over the third surface of the steer axle. Angled spring pads are located over the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Sean J. Barber, Dennis D. Dauber, David G. Moses, Gregory A. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7328909
    Abstract: A structure of removably mounting a tower connecting bar between top surfaces of right and left strut towers by bolts and nuts. The tower connecting bar has a pipe and annular circular plates attached to opposite ends of the pipe. The circular plates are mounted to the top surfaces of the towers by the bolts and nuts. Upper ends of suspension struts are fastened to the top surfaces of the towers by bolts and nuts. The circular plates have through holes for allowing the strut-mounting nuts to escape when the towers and circular plates are mated together. The through holes provide access to loosen the strut-mounting nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taku Takayanagi, Takeshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7328910
    Abstract: A motorcycle having an improved rear suspension in which the shock leverage rate is decoupled from the spring leverage rate. The springs are coupled directly between the swingarm and the frame, while the shock is coupled to the swingarm and coupled to the engine by a linkage. The rear suspension has a substantially linear spring leverage rate, and a different shock leverage rate which is determined by the linkage and is not necessarily linear. The springs are coupled to the swingarm by a spring base which threads into a ride height adjuster cup which is coupled to the swingarm and which can be rotated to raise and lower the ride height, and a preload cup which is coupled to the frame and which can be rotated to increase and decrease the preload on the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: MotoCzysz LLC
    Inventor: Michael Czysz
  • Patent number: 7328911
    Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag configured to inflate in an event of a vehicle emergency and a retention mechanism for securing the airbag in a folded storage position. The retention mechanism includes a strap wrapped around a portion of the airbag and a slit that engages a tab for securing the strap in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Chapman
  • Patent number: 7328912
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a frame, a cushion associated with the frame, an air bag module, and a trim cover disposed proximate the cushion and having an end portion. A coupling member is disposed proximate the end portion. The coupling member engages the air bag module to secure the trim cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Tracht, Rainer Penzel, Mathias Klemm, Richard G. Dierl
  • Patent number: 7328913
    Abstract: A passenger airbag system is designed for an automotive vehicle with a passenger compartment, a windshield and an instrument panel disposed between the passenger compartment and the windshield. The instrument panel has a top portion with a surface which is more horizontal than vertical and generally directed toward the windshield and a mid-portion with a surface that is more vertical than horizontal and generally directed toward an occupant of the passenger compartment. The system includes a single airbag housing that is disposed in the instrument panel and extends from the top portion to the mid-portion. The airbag cushion is deployable from the housing through the instrument panel along a predetermined path for direct contact with an occupant seated in the passenger compartment. The predetermined path is generally radial with respect to the surface of the instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: CIS Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Seung-Jae Song, Miyoung Jang, Jong Seop Nam
  • Patent number: 7328914
    Abstract: An inflator comprises one igniter 36 and first and second gas discharge ports 34 and 46 disposed separately. After the first rupturable plate 38 is broken by an activation of the igniter 36, breaking energy moves inside the transfer tube 24, so that the second rupturable plate 48 is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Haruhiko Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7328915
    Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a vent that, prior to cushion deployment, extends from the cushion exterior. A tether is coupled to the vent and to an interior surface of the cushion. Upon airbag deployment, the tether extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the tether pulls the vent into the cushion interior where the interior air pressure effectively closes the vent. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the tether remains lax, and the vent remains on the cushion exterior. Structures are provided for retaining the vent in the closed position during occupant ride down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Michael P. Jordan
  • Patent number: 7328916
    Abstract: In a knee protection system according to the present invention, a knee protection panel is driven from a standby position surrounded by an interior member to the vehicle rear side to a knee-protecting position in front of the knees of an occupant by a drive mechanism when the vehicle is crashing, whereby the knees moving forward are protected by the knee protection panel thus driven. The drive mechanism includes a holding portion for holding the knee protection panel in such a manner that the knee protection panel is moved rearward. Engagement portions are provided, respectively, at locations where the holding portion and the knee protection panel connect with each other in such a manner as to be brought into engagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tajima, Takahiko Sato, Akiyoshi Nagano, Masakazu Hashimoto, Osamu Fukawatase, Takeaki Kato, Hiroyoshi Yamaguchi, Tadanori Hisamoto, Shinichi Horibata
  • Patent number: 7328917
    Abstract: To provide a steering apparatus having an excellent operationality and capable of suppressing backlash and preventing an axis deviation of the steering shaft. A line R connecting the centers of two fixing members 16, 17 is shifted with respect to an axis line of an inner column 11, and thus a component Fv of a force transmitted from the fixing members 16, 17 to the inner column 11 via an outer column 21 is applied to press the inner column 11 in a direction orthogonal to the line R connecting the centers of the two fixing members 16, 17. It is, therefore, possible to reduce backlash between the inner column 11 and the outer column 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Sawada, Shuhei Ikeda, Jun Yamada
  • Patent number: 7328918
    Abstract: A seat belt device for a central portion of a rearmost row seat includes a retractor. The retractor is attached at a vehicle roof above a central passenger on the central seat portion of the rear row seat. More specifically, a pair of left and right roof rails are interconnected by a first reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction before the central passenger, and the first reinforcement and a rear header are interconnected by a second reinforcement extending in a longitudinal direction. A retractor is attached at the first reinforcement. A seat belt withdrawn from the retractor is disposed so as to extend via a seat belt anchor disposed in the rear header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Yasunari Hirotani
  • Patent number: 7328919
    Abstract: A system to reduce error in procurement of over-the-counter medications that has a prescription drug dispensing container that contains a prescription medication, an over-the-counter drug dispensing container that contains an over-the-counter medication, indicia displayed on the over-the-counter drug dispensing container, and a procurement guide that links the procurement of the over-the-counter medication to the procurement of said prescription medication and allows identification of said over-the-counter medication by matching indicia on the procurement guide to the indicia on the over-the-counter drug dispensing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 7328920
    Abstract: For connecting flexible corrugated hoses, which are not provided with fittings, for transporting preferably gaseous media in connection with high-pressure applications, a holder 3 is provided, which receives an exposed end of the corrugated pipe 6 of the flexible corrugated hose 2 and is pressed together with it to form a metallic seal. The metallic seal is achieved by the surface pressure between the interior wall 18 of an element 16 of the holder and the ribs 8 of the corrugated pipe 6. Elastomeric seals 24, 25, as well as a soldering joint 34, if desired, can be provided as aids. However, in connection with a preferred embodiment the required sealing is already achieved by the strong pressure against each other of the metallic exterior of the corrugated pipe 6 and the metallic interior of the element 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Fluid Power GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Schneider, Andreas Hilgert
  • Patent number: 7328921
    Abstract: A device which allows fluid to enter and/or exit the device axially or radially thru multiple ports, on and/or offset from the axis of rotation. One end of the assembly can be rotated axially with respect to the other while keeping fluids isolated from each other. Compared to existing multi-path fluid swivel joint designs, this approach is simple in construction, compact in size, and exhibits a relatively low pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Miciukiewicz
  • Patent number: 7328922
    Abstract: A quick connector includes: a cylindrical connector housing having a tube connecting portion and a pipe retainer portion that has a retainer; and an annular seal member fitted on an inner circumferential surface of the connector housing. The retainer is integrally formed with the pipe retainer portion and having an engagement portion projecting toward the interior of the pipe retainer portion, and a disengagement operating portion adapted to move the engagement portion radially outwardly. The connector housing is formed by engaging with each other end side in an axial direction of a tube side member having the tube connecting portion, and one end side in the axial direction of a pipe side member having the pipe retainer portion. The annular seal member is axially positioned in an annular recess formed in the connector housing when the tube side member and the pipe side member are engaged with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Takayanagi, Atsuo Miyajima
  • Patent number: 7328923
    Abstract: A tool is provided for minimizing operator bending while lifting an elongated circular object, such as lengths of pipe. With one hand, the operator manipulates a slidable pin while grasping the tool handle. The slidable pin allows a rotatable grapple to move outward from the tool for positioning about the object, and, alternatively, to return the grapple toward the tool and secure the grapple in a position across from a positioning member, the grapple and positioning member being shaped to closely receive the object and hold the object between the grapple and the positioning member. A biasing element forces the slidable pin toward the rotatable grapple, the grapple being configured to receive the pin and be held in a position opposite the positioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Gilberto Urdiales
  • Patent number: 7328924
    Abstract: A clamp having an adjustable tip assembly is provided. The adjustable tip assembly includes a finger, wedge and spreader. The finger is configured to engage the workpiece. The wedge is configured to engage the finger. The spreader is configured to engage the wedge, and applies a force against the wedge. The wedge, in turn, applies a force against the finger to hold the finger while engaging the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: PHD, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Moilanen, Bruce D. McIntosh, William D. Givens, William E. Davenport
  • Patent number: 7328925
    Abstract: A bag grip includes a movable jaw for securing handles of plastic or other bags therein. A battery powered light is contained within the body of the grip for use at night or other times when artificial light is required. The grip is molded from a conventional durable plastic and will allow the user to easily, manually transport multiple shopping or other bags having handles. A shoulder strap is attached to the body for additional convenience while carrying heavy loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Bouncing Brain Innovations Season Two Subsidiary 17, LLC
    Inventor: James H. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7328926
    Abstract: A patient support system adapted for attachment to the chassis of a vehicle. The vehicle has a cargo bed and a midline bisecting the cargo bed. The assembly includes a chassis mounting portion adapted to be attached to a side wall in the bed of the vehicle, a lateral adjustment mechanism attached to the chassis mounting portion and a litter supporting portion attached to the lateral adjustment mechanism. The assembly permits the litter supporting portion to be positioned near or over the midline of the cargo bed to facilitate the loading of a litter onto the litter supporting portion. After the litter lockingly engages the litter supporting portion, the litter supporting portion can be repositioned laterally with respect to the midline of the vehicle bed. In a preferred embodiment, two assemblies, each of which is a mirror image of the other, are attached to opposing walls in the cargo bed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventors: Will J. Myers, Russell Frieder, Srirangam Kumaresan, Anthony Sances, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7328927
    Abstract: A securing mechanism for use with a recreational vehicle (RV) slide out assembly. The securing mechanism structurally interconnects the slide out assembly to the RV when the slide out assembly is in a retracted position and when it is in an extended position. Specifically, loads in the RV induced from the road, from passengers, from equipment, and other various sources are distributed through the slide out assembly. Advantageously, flexure of the RV walls around the slide out opening is reduced. As a result, walls and their fixtures are less likely to be damaged due to flexure, seals between the RV walls and the slide out are more likely to stay intact, and the size of slide outs can be increased without compromising the structural integrity of the RV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Patent number: 7328928
    Abstract: A rear tray 1 separates a vehicle room and a trunk from each other and includes a closed section part 6 formed integrally with the rear tray 1, the closed section part 6 extending in the width direction of a vehicle and having a polygonal section shape. In the rear tray 1, there is provided a connecting member 4 which connects together the opposite corners of the inside of the closed section part 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Aizawa, Jun Horiguchi, Eiji Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 7328929
    Abstract: The vehicle seat comprises a seat back, a seat proper, and a support mounted on a vehicle floor. The seat proper is connected to the support via a front link leg. The seat back is connected to the support via a rear link leg and via an intermediate link leg. A rear portion of the seat proper is mounted to pivot relative to the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile S.A.
    Inventor: David Epaud
  • Patent number: 7328930
    Abstract: The seat includes a backrest (2) installed so as to pivot on the seat pan (1) and arranged to be placed in a table position where the rear wall of the backrest is maintained in horizontal position, more or less parallel to a seat support frame (3) arranged to be attached to the floor (5) of the vehicle, the seat pan (1) being itself installed on the said frame in a tiltable manner, so that it can be positioned, with a sufficient tilt angle, the rear of the seat pan being raised, so that the backrest tilted on the seat pan can be placed in the said table position. The seat pan (1) is attached to the frame (3) by a set of links (6, 7) forming, with the frame and the seat pan, a deformable quadrilateral (ABCD) such that a pivoting of the links leads to the deformation of the said quadrilateral to place the seat pan in the said sufficient tilt angle position, and locking means (10) are provided to lock the pivoting of the links in relation to the seat pan or the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Christophe Aufrere, Pierre Bequet
  • Patent number: 7328931
    Abstract: A sun visor apparatus for vehicle including a wiper apparatus that wipes a wipe area defined on an outer surface of a windshield. A light receiving sensor is arranged in the vehicle compartment facing toward the wipe area. When the windshield is stained by mud or bird feces, this does not interfere with the incident light received by the light receiving sensor as long as the wiper apparatus wipes the outer surface of the windshield. Accordingly, the light receiving sensor outputs an incident light detection signal that accurately corresponds to the incident light. A light shield body is properly extended and retracted in accordance with the incident light detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideshi Sahara, Hiromi Suzuki, Hidetoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7328932
    Abstract: A vehicle door and hinging is described that allow for the door of a vehicle to be translated forward and rotated upward upon being opened in order to improve occupant ingress and egress. In addition, the doors and hinges of embodiments of the present invention allow for the door to be translated slightly outward for increased body panel clearance. In one embodiment of the present invention, a door has a four bar link hinge where the first and second pivots of a first bar of the four bar link hinge each allow for a single degree of motion. The pivot points are not co-axial and allow the door to translate vertically and horizontally. A second bar has first and second pivot points that each allow for three degrees of rotation to allow for the vertical and horizontal translation of the door member when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Design America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Plavetich, John Cupit
  • Patent number: 7328933
    Abstract: The present invention provides a door assist pedal assembly including a housing member that is mountable to a vehicle floor panel. A pedal is pivotably secured to the housing member, and a cam is also rotatably secured to the housing member such that the cam is engaged by the pedal. A spring configured to bias the pedal into a fully depressed position is disposed between the pedal and the housing member. A cable couples the cam with a vehicle door. Actuation of the pedal by a vehicle occupant causes the cam to rotate and thereby retract the cable such that the vehicle door is pulled toward a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Vitale, Richard J. Hodges, Thomas H. Hipp, Dan W. Figlioli
  • Patent number: 7328934
    Abstract: There is provided a sliding door opening and closing device that improves layout flexibility of a driving unit in a self-propelled sliding door opening and closing device in which the driving unit is disposed on a sliding door side and that can protect a cable member without adding a component such as a decorative sheet. A lower rail is fixed to the vehicle body, and a lower arm guided along the lower rail is fixed to the sliding door. A driving unit for driving the sliding door for opening and closing has a drum driven by an electric motor for rotation. A cable is wound around the drum, wherein one end of the cable is fixed to the vehicle body on a vehicle-front side of the lower rail and the other end thereof is fixed to the vehicle body on a vehicle-rear side of the lower rail. This driving unit is incorporated inside the lower arm so as to be integrally formed with the lower arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Masaei Sato
  • Patent number: 7328935
    Abstract: A trailer canopy system for providing an area adjacent a trailer that is protected from inclement weather includes a canopy that is extendable from a side of a trailer. The canopy protects an area under the canopy from inclement weather when the canopy is extended from the trailer. A support bar is coupled to a free edge of the canopy positioned opposite of the trailer. Each of a pair of bracing assemblies is pivotally coupled to each of the support bar and the trailer. Each of the bracing assemblies pivots between a stored position and a deployed position. The stored position is defined when each of the bracing assemblies is positioned adjacent the side of the trailer. The deployed positioned is defined when each of the bracing assemblies extends away from the trailer and supports the support bar and the canopy over a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Tarin