Patents Issued in February 19, 2008
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Patent number: 7331116Abstract: A multi-line chalk reel is disclosed that may be comprised of three or more line reels disposed in a polar arrangement of parallel but distinct rotation axes that has a single method for engaging and disengaging a single drive arrangement to any one spool. This arrangement provides a variety of advantages, including a package solution of useful dimensions and a low part count to minimize parts in assembly. The single drive arrangement reduces cost, and provides for convenient access to individual spools.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventors: John Johnston, William Anderson, Andrew Butler, David Titzler, Edward Cooper, Christopher Tackind, Heather Fleming
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Patent number: 7331117Abstract: A calcaneal bisector for indicating a calcaneal bisection line of a heel firstly includes a frame and a first plate mounted relative to the frame. One side of the heel can be aligned to the first plate when the bisector is in use. The bisector also includes a second plate movably mounted to the frame, and the second plate is slidable relative to the first plate for aligning to the other side of the heel. The bisector further includes an indicator movably mounted relative to the frame for indicating the calcaneal bisection line and a transmission mechanism disposed between the plates and the indicator for correlating movements of the indicator and the relative movements of the plates so as to ascertain the calcaneal bisection line.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityInventors: Chun-Pong Lau, Kam-Lun Leung
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Patent number: 7331118Abstract: A conditioning system for a vehicle comprises an evaporator, positioned in an air conducting channel means, of an air conditioning unit, by means of which evaporator heat and/or moisture can be removed from the air to be introduced into a vehicle interior, a heating means being provided at the evaporator for at least local heating of the same.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: J. Eberspächer GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Günter Eberspäch
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Patent number: 7331119Abstract: An apparatus for thermally de-coating and/or drying coated and/or contaminated materials comprises a support and an oven pivotally mounted to the support. The oven has charging portion for receiving material to be treated and a changeover portion. Incorporated within the changeover portion is a heat treatment chamber through which a stream of hot gasses can be passed. The oven is pivotally moveable between a first position in which the changeover portion is higher than the charging portion and a second position in which the charging portion is higher than the changeover portion. The arrangement is such that the oven can be repeatedly moved between the first and second positions so that material within the oven falls from one portion to the other portion, passing through the stream of hot gasses in the heat treatment chamber. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventors: Ophneil Henry Perry, Rifat Alchalabi
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Patent number: 7331120Abstract: A throughflow cylinder made at least partly of fiber-reinforced plastic including glass fibers, aramide fibers, carbon fibers, and/or carbon-reinforced plastic (CRP). The matrix material of the fiber-reinforced plastic includes a material heat resistant at least up to 300° C. such as a resin. At least one fiber layer is provided such that the coefficient of thermal expansion ? of the fiber-reinforced plastic is lower than that of steel at approximately 300° C. and preferably lies in a region of 0??<9·10?6·1/Kelvin. The manufacture of the fiber-reinforced plastic, for example carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, is such that more than approximately 30%, in particular more than approximately 50% and preferably more than approximately 70% of the fibers are oriented at least substantially in the peripheral direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbHInventors: Thomas Thoröe Scherb, Harald Schmidt-Hebbel
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Patent number: 7331121Abstract: A shoe sole includes a chamber which is inflated by a pumping device via a connection tube. The connection tube includes a first valve to prevent air from flowing back into the pumping device and an inlet tube extends from the pumping device to introduce air from outside into the pumping device. A plurality of outlets are defined in a distal end of the connection tube and located corresponding to toes of the wearer. The connection tube has a neck portion which defines a narrowed path in the connection tube so that air is stopped at the neck portion to inflate the chamber, when the pressure of the air reaches to a pre-decided value, air passes through the neck portions and blows out from the outlets to cool the toes of the wearers.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Chie-Fang Lo
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Patent number: 7331122Abstract: An article of footwear to be used as a convertible sandal comprising a sole, a forefoot cover, and heel strap. The forefoot cover is securely attached to the sole and extends over the forefoot portion of the sole. The heel strap is linked to the sole and extends over the heel portion of the sole. Further, the sole includes a sidewall having an interlocking section along the heel portion of the sole. The heel strap is adapted to be set within the interlocking section of the sidewall of the sole to thereby hold the rear heel support to the sidewall of the sole. As such, a user has the option of using the heel strap to secure his heel to the heel portion of the sandal, or alternatively setting the heel strap within the interlocking section of the sidewall and thereafter using the sandal in a “flip-flop” style.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Reebok International Ltd.Inventors: John J. Januszewski, Andre Mossiat, Robert Ruth, Brian Foresta
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Patent number: 7331123Abstract: A shoe has a thin cavity in the bottom surface of its sole which releasably receives a thin sole plate. The sidewall of the cavity includes flaps which extend into the cavity. The sole plate has depressions which receive the flaps when the sole plate is placed in the cavity and pushed past the flaps.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Omni Trax Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert Workman, Brian Chaney
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Patent number: 7331124Abstract: A plate support for supporting a wearer's foot. The heel support includes a flexible central plate joined at its periphery to one or more tubular portions. The heel support provides cushioning without the need for an air-tight enclosure in the rear sole of a shoe.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: AKEVA L.L.C.Inventor: David F. Meschan
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Patent number: 7331125Abstract: An insole is described that can be placed with an insole receiving area of a slipper. The insole can be prepared by compression molding a structure comprising a foam layer having a first foam side and a second foam side. The insole includes a heel region, an arch region, and a toe region. The heel region includes a heel cushioning portion and a heel perimeter portion. The heel perimeter portion includes a retaining wall that extends above the top surface of the heel cushioning portion. The arch region includes an arch cushioning portion and an arch perimeter portion. The arch perimeter portion includes an arch support that extends above the top surface of the arch cushioning portion. The toe region includes a toe cushioning portion and a toe perimeter portion. A slipper and a method for manufacturing a slipper are described.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: R.G. Barry CorporationInventors: Walter Thomas Bray, Jr., Theresa Stewart
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Patent number: 7331126Abstract: An automated tightening shoe is provided where a tightening mechanism operates to cause automatic tightening of the shoe laces about a wearer's foot and which releases the laces to allow loosening of the shoe. The shoe laces travel to the interior of the tightening mechanism located at the heel whereat the laces are operatively associated in a tightening or a loosening direction with the tightening mechanism. The tightening shoe further has a locking mechanism for locking said at least one lace in a tightened condition and a release mechanism for unlocking the locking mechanism and releasing the shoe laces. The release mechanism includes a lever arm which projects rearwardly from the rear of said shoe. Depression upon the lever arm causes the locking mechanism to unlock and release the shoe laces from being in a tightened condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Gregory G. Johnson
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Patent number: 7331127Abstract: The present invention relates to a reduced abrasion shoe. The reduced abrasion shoe comprises strategically removing seams from the interior cavity of the shoe. In particular, the tongue traversing the throat is attached to the exterior surface of the upper about the toe box. A full liner between the upper and the interior cavity is coupled to the upper about the shoe mid-point. Finally, exterior surface patches are coupled to the exterior surface using a fusion bond instead of a stitch to remove the corresponding interior seam.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: DashAmerica, Inc.Inventors: Tracy Byrnes, Sean Sullivan
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Patent number: 7331128Abstract: A decorative vamp system for shoes. The decorative vamp system allows the appearance of the vamp of a shoe to be changed to match the clothing of the wearer. The decorative vamp system includes the shoe with a fixed vamp, a removable vamp insert, a tongue flap and a receiving lip. The removable vamp insert is held in place by the receiving lip and the tongue flap. The removable vamp insert is removable from the shoe to allow changing of the appearance of the vamp of the shoe. Additional materials can be used between the removable vamp insert and the fixed vamp to provide a frictional force between the removable vamp insert and the fixed vamp to further hold the removable vamp insert in place.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventors: Edward Navasky, Stephanie Williams
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Patent number: 7331129Abstract: A snowshoe of the type with a peripheral frame formed of metal tubing and a stretched and suspended deck connected to the frame has different regions of the frame partially flattened into an approximate elliptical cross section, the major dimensions of the ellipses being in different planes in different regions of the frame. Most of the nose loop at the front end of the snowshoe frame is elongated in cross section within the plane of the nose loop, while the sides of the frame, aft of the binding suspension, may be elongated in a generally vertical plane. The orientation of these elongated cross sections in specific regions affords more strength to the frame where needed, enabling the frame to be produced of lighter material. In addition, selected local regions of the frame can be swaged to form recesses at desired sides of the frame to receive and hold the binding suspension bands or deck connecting material that wraps over the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: KZ Snowshoes, Inc.Inventors: Peter W. Chapman, Daniel T. Emerson
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Patent number: 7331130Abstract: An information ring for use with a catheter is disclosed. The information ring includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body has a first body face extending between the first end and the second end, and a second, generally convex face extending between the first end and the second end. The body has an opening extending therethrough between the first body face and the second face. A first indicia portion is located at the first end. The first indicia portion has a first indicia face sized to allow indicia to be printed on the first indicia face.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.Inventor: Timothy Schweikert
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Patent number: 7331131Abstract: A display assembly for removably mounting to a vehicle. The display assembly includes a base member having opposite end portions and an accessory item having a predetermined configuration such that when the vehicle reaches a sufficient speed the accessory item rises a distance above an adjacent surface of the vehicle. The display assembly includes a releaseable connection between the accessory item and an end portion of the base member.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Terrance Staples
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Patent number: 7331132Abstract: A rotatable animation device with a first substrate member rotatable relative to a second substrate member. A plurality of coded images are disposed on one substrate member, and a plurality of shutter elements and interposed viewing sections are disposed on the other substrate member to establish a viewing area. The coded images are sequentially completed in response to a relative rotation between the substrate members. The first substrate member can be flexible to enable a deflection into contact with the second substrate member. The inner surface of the first substrate member can have a resiliently compressible concave portion, which can include at least a ring portion of the first substrate member. The concave portion can be induced by at least one biasing surface deformation, such as a crease. A case, a centrally disposed fastening arrangement, or another mechanism can induce a compression of the first substrate member.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Rufus Butler Seder
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Patent number: 7331133Abstract: A consistent and effective method of identifying and documenting vehicle dent damage includes the steps of identifying dents on a damaged vehicle, applying an easily visible magnetic marker over each dent on the damaged vehicle, counting the markers on the damaged vehicle, photographing the markers on the damaged vehicle and removing the markers from the damaged vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Jason Bauernfeind
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Patent number: 7331134Abstract: A label display system includes a deployable label base to display labels, such as regulatory and/or certification marking labels, for an electronic and/or portable computing device. The deployable label base moves between a first position and a second position, where the labels are viewable in the first position, and where at least some of the labels are concealed from view in the second position. The deployable label base includes a first side to display labels and at least a second side to display labels. The deployable label base can be flexible and include or encase a security cable to secure the electronic and/or portable computing device.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Glen A Oross, Memphis Zhihong Yin, Neal D Buchanan, Robert P Bliven
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Patent number: 7331135Abstract: A bolt locking housing (16) on a gun, behind the chamber (4) thereof, for receiving a bolt (6) including an extractor (10) having an extractor hook that grips a corresponding extractor groove (21) of a cartridge (2) within said chamber (4), characterized by said bolt locking housing (16) being asymmetrically machined internally, such that there is provided at least a first protrusion (18) that becomes co-aligned with and serves to support head of extractor (10), when bolt (6) is fully closed and lugs (7) thereon are interlocked into bolt locking housing (16), thereby preventing deformation of casing of said cartridge (2) after detonation.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Israel Weapon Industries (I.W.I.) Ltd.Inventor: Eitan Shimi
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Patent number: 7331136Abstract: A dual stage trigger assembly for a firearm. The trigger assembly comprises a spring loaded lightweight hammer, a spring loaded trigger, a spring loaded disconnector, a spring follower for the disconnector spring and two adjustment screws that allow the user the ability to adjust the sear face of the trigger that is engaged with the hammer in the cocked position and adjust the force imparted to the disconnector by the disconnector spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: William Hugo Geissele
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Patent number: 7331137Abstract: A laser pointer on a seat of a firearm as an auxiliary sight is disclosed. The pointer comprises a cylindrical housing comprising a forward aperture; a light emitting mechanism in the housing, the mechanism being adapted to emit laser beam through the aperture to impinge on a target; and an adjustment ring rotatably put on the housing, the adjustment ring comprising an outer knurled ring, and an inner cam ring comprising an outer projection secured to the knurled ring, an eccentric bore for receiving a rear portion of the mechanism, and a rear narrow shoulder as a stop. A firearm user can rotate the adjustment ring to adjust the laser beam direction and thus the light spot on the target. The corrected adjustment ring can be fastened. Hence, the invention can aid the eyes to quickly line up the firearm on the target.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Yao-Hsi Hsu
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Patent number: 7331138Abstract: An integrally formed rod holder. The rod holder includes a tube open at one end and an internal stop, distal to the end. Also, the rod holder may include any one of a taper, a mounting feature, or both.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: C.E. Smith Co., Inc.Inventor: Charles Wegman
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Patent number: 7331139Abstract: A collapsible fishing pole holder that provides enhanced performance characteristics for holding multiple fishing poles. A collapsible fishing pole holder includes an adjustable vertical member and horizontal member having a plurality of adjustable clamps, a panel member, an indicator for alerting user of a line catch and an attachment member for securing holder to a base.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Washington Moses
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Patent number: 7331140Abstract: A plant support stake has a bottom point for insertion in the ground and a series of vertically spaced holes along the length of the stake spaced at intervals appropriate to securing a plant at different stages in the growth of the plant. A plant support tie, preferably a wire, has one end inserted in a hole at a desired height and a peg inserted in the hole to bind the end of the wire in the hole with an outer portion of the peg protruding from the opening so that the tie encircles the plant and secures to the protruding end of the peg with a tie stop to prevent the tie from slipping off.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Paul G. Mason
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Patent number: 7331141Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus for automatic sliding doors that can be used with a plurality of door brands and models. The invention includes a control box and an idler pulley mounted to the door header. Both the control box and idler pulley can be mounted on a variety of door models by means of specific header brackets that are configured for each door model. The control box also provides a universal signal interface that can interpret sensor signals from a plurality of door models. A drive belt revolves on the idler pulley and is moved by a motorized pulley controlled by the control box. At least one belt bracket is fastened to the drive belt with a belt clamp, wherein the belt bracket is attached to a sliding door panel. Like the control box and idler pulley, the belt bracket can be used with a variety of door models and is attached to the sliding panel by means of a door bracket that is specific to the door model in question.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Door Control Services, Inc.Inventor: Jimmy Don Gilchrist
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Patent number: 7331142Abstract: A window frame including a pair of identical frame halves that can be interconnected without fasteners. Two different connector systems are integrally formed with the frame halves, and the frame halves have two possible orientations with respect to one another—a ship orientation and an install orientation. The first connector system releasably interconnects the frame halves in either orientation. The second connector system essentially permanently interconnects the frame halves only in the install orientation—not in the ship orientation.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: ODL, IncorporatedInventor: Philip O. Gerard
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Patent number: 7331143Abstract: A structure is isolated from a seismic event by inducing soil liquefaction in an isolation layer beneath the structure and soil foundation zone, such as by activating an electro-osmosis gradient toward the isolation layer, during the seismic event, based on detection of movements associated with the seismic event.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Grant Hocking
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Patent number: 7331144Abstract: A pause profile is stored in a memory. An ambient condition is determined. The pause profile is accessed in the memory and a pause time is determined based upon the measured ambient condition. A moveable barrier is caused to remain in an open position for the pause time that is obtained from the memory.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Walter Parsadayan
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Patent number: 7331145Abstract: The flashing component comprises a rigid flashing frame arrangeable against outer side faces of the main frame component and foldable resilient side flashing members, which can be folded to allow packing of the flashing component together with the window and main frame components into a single unit comprising all components needed for installation of the roof window assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: VKR Holding A/SInventors: Mark Albert Feucht, Samuel Howard Darmer, Jeffrey Joseph Ronan, Elizabeth Ferol Talcott, Gregory Foster Collins, Claes Lindgren, Kaj Nissen
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Patent number: 7331146Abstract: A window and door jamb adjustment system for accurately installing windows and doors and providing for later adjustment of the same. The window and door jamb adjustment system includes a support member attachable to a building frame, an alignment member slidably attached to the support member and attachable to an extension jamb, a door or window, and a threaded shaft attached to the support member and threadably engaging the alignment member. As the threaded shaft is rotated, the rotational motion is converted to linear motion of the alignment member. As the alignment member is moved with respect to the support member, the extension jamb, a door or window, is correspondingly moved inwardly or outwardly for proper alignment with plasterboard.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: B3 Products, Inc.Inventors: William A. Beutler, Gary O. Berg
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Patent number: 7331147Abstract: A hexagonal paving panel, the sides of which are alternately provided with upper and lower connecting elements in the form of tab or overlap elements (102, 103) and fixing pins. The panel (100) is provided with a central aperture (109) and with a downwardly extending collar (101) on its periphery. The central aperture serves as a drain hole, stabilizes the panel on a ground and improves storage of the panels in a stack. The bottom surface (114) of the panel is provided with recesses (20) having small depth and large obtuse angle, while the top surface is anti-slip. Upper overlap elements (103) alternately protrude from sides of the panel beyond the collar (101) while lower overlap elements (103) are formed by reduction of thickness of the collar.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Jerzy KalisiakInventors: Jerzy Kalisiak, Jerzy Szulc
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Patent number: 7331148Abstract: A concrete form comprises cross members, plywood, and metal studs. The studs include a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls, the walls arranged to form a generally rectangular cross-section. A pair of inner walls extends between and perpendicular to the pair of side walls. A pair of flanges extends from the side walls. The flanges are aligned with each other and positioned between the front wall and the pair of inner walls. A portion of each stud is adapted for complementary engagement with the cross members. The cross members are attached to at least one of the inner walls and the flanges of the cut portion of the studs, and the plywood is mounted to the rear wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Brentmuir Developments (1993) Ltd.Inventor: Nick Di Lorenzo
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Patent number: 7331149Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing backing in walls which include a first, second and third upright U-shaped stud. A first backing member has a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The first backing member is disposed between the first and second studs. A second backing member has a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The second backing member is disposed between said second and third studs. A hinge is operatively attached to the first side of the first and second backing members for permitting the second backing member to pivot with respect the first backing member between a first position wherein the first side of each of the first and second backing members are substantially in the same plane and a second position whereby the first and second backing members are not in the same plane. This permits the first backing member to be placed between a first and second adjacent vertical stud.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Daniel W. Tollenaar
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Patent number: 7331150Abstract: A shingle includes a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, an upper end, a lower end, a first side, and a second side. The body has a width defined as the distance between the first and second sides and a length defined by the distance between the upper and lower ends: In a preferred embodiment, the shingle also includes a water diverter tab attached to the first side for channeling water onto the top surface of a lower adjacent shingle, and a recess adjacent to the second side for receiving the water diverter tab of a laterally adjacent shingle in an interlocking manner. An anchor tab attached to the second side secures the lower ends of adjacent, interlocked shingles.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: DaVinci Roofscapes, LLCInventor: Jeff Martinique
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Patent number: 7331151Abstract: An automatic medicine packaging machine having a driving setting device for conveniently setting driving values and delay times of driving devices is disclosed. The driving setting device includes a touch screen to display a user operating program and to receive manipulation commands from a user, a memory to store the user operation program, a communication unit to transmit and receive data to and from the main controller, and a sub-controlling unit to control operation of the driving setting device according to the user operating program stored in the memory. The sub-controlling unit includes an interface supplying unit to supply a user interface, a driving value setting unit to receive driving values of the medicine packaging machine, a delay time setting unit to set the delay times of the medicine packaging machine, and a setting value transmission unit to transmit the values set by the setting units to the main controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jun-ho Kim
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Patent number: 7331152Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles having a beverage bottle orientation and positioning arrangement. The orientation and positioning arrangement includes the use of cameras, and an evaluation and control system. A first camera is configured and disposed to scan the external or peripheral surface of the beverage bottle over a wide area. A second camera is configured and disposed to scan the external or peripheral surface of the beverage bottle over a narrower area than the first camera.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AGInventor: Herbert Menke
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Patent number: 7331153Abstract: A product packaging apparatus that includes a notch former and a tab setter for creating an integrated tab on a product package. The notch former and tab setter are capable of forming a tab or an exposed area at any location of the product package, including creating a tab or an exposed area adjacent a longitudinal edge of the package. The notch former and the tab setter allow a tab to be created that has a length that extends beyond the longitudinal edge of the package. As a result, the present invention is capable of generating simple, easy to open packages that may also be re-used for re-mailing purposes.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: Laurence Sperry, Mario V. DiVasta, Brian A. Murch
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Patent number: 7331154Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a box having four top flaps initially disposed in an open position. The apparatus includes a conveying system for conveying the box from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a flap folding system for folding the top flaps of the box into folded and horizontal positions as the box is conveyed from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The flap folding system has a first flap folding member configured to fold a fourth top flap of the box, a second flap folding member configured to fold a second top flap of the box, and a pair of oppositely disposed side flap folding members configured to fold a first and third top flaps of the box so as to abut each other. A tape dispensing system is configured to dispense tape across at least a portion of the third and fourth top flaps of the box in order to maintain the third and fourth top flaps in abutment with each other, thereby sealing the box.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Dole Food Company, Inc.Inventors: Leon Ventura, Serafin Albarran
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Patent number: 7331155Abstract: A clip feed arrangement including a magazine bar for guiding a line of clips from a clip supply to a separating device of a closure apparatus, and a clip drive arranged in the region of the magazine bar. The clip drive has two drive elements which can be successively brought into engagement with the line of clips and which separately produce the advance.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Poly-Clip System GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Klaus Töpfer
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Patent number: 7331156Abstract: A system is disclosed for conveying articles for processing, the system including a conveyor configured to convey articles to the processing station. The conveyor includes a plurality of links, each link including at least one movable gripper for gripping an article, articles being gripped by adjacent links so as to achieve a predetermined spacing between the articles. A processing station is disposed along the conveyor, the conveyor being driven so as to move the articles through the processing station maintaining the predetermined spacing via the movable grippers, the processing station including mating elements spaced according to the predetermined spacing for processing the articles. The articles may be containers, and the processing station may be a filler or other container processing elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Hartness International, Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Hartness, William R. Hartness, III, Mark W. Davidson
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Patent number: 7331157Abstract: A capping device fits caps onto containers by applying an axial force to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. The capping device utilizes a drive member rotatable about an operational axis for imparting rotation to a capper body slidably coupled to the drive member. A helical spring urges the capper body away from the drive member with a biasing force. An adjustment mechanism adjusts the biasing force thereby adjusting the axial force applied to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. A pair of retaining pins move between a latched position to prevent adjustment of the biasing force and an unlatched position to allow adjustment of the biasing force. The retaining pins are biased in the latched position to prevent inadvertent adjustment of the biasing force during use.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: ADCOR Industries, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Brown
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Patent number: 7331158Abstract: A process and system are provided for printing variable data on packaging material at a package printer and machine reading the variable data on a packaging facility packaging line and associating the variable data with other information in a computer database. The process and system render unnecessary the use of a printing stage at the packaging facility, thereby improving packaging efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: David A. Mantell
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Patent number: 7331159Abstract: There is described a method for wrapping an article using a web of packaging film having at least one tar line thereon in the MD, the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming at regular intervals in the MD a tab on the film, the tab having a free end connected by free sides to an opposite end of the tab attached to the film, the tab being positioned on the film so the axis of at least one tear line in the MD passes through both ends of the tab; (b) severing the film web to form sheets by cutting substantially along an axis across the TD of the web, the axis passing across the tab between its ends, where the tab along said axis is not substantially severed there through so the tab protrudes from the leading edge of the sheet; (c) wrapping a sheet formed from step (b) around an article to form a tube with the cut sides of the sheet overlapping, where the free end of the tab lies on the top of the overlap on the outside of the tube and where the cut sides of the sheet overlap at least to the extent that the tType: GrantFiled: February 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Innovia Films LimitedInventor: Dave Osgood
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Patent number: 7331160Abstract: A method of forming and sealing a flexible, reclosable package having a zipper closure and a slider mounted thereon. The reclosable package is initially formed having a pair of opposing side panels and a zipper closure extending between the pair of side panels. The zipper closure is initially attached to the side panels only along a pair of spaced side seals. The reclosable package is filled with product through a fill opening created between the zipper closure and either one of the side panels. Once the package is filled with product, the attachment flanges of the zipper closure are sealed to both of the side panels. Thus, the zipper closure is sealed to the side panels only after product has been inserted into the product package.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.Inventor: Greg W. Melchoir
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Patent number: 7331161Abstract: A vacuum packaging system includes a series of vacuum chambers that are carried by a movable combination support member and vacuum manifold, which defines an interior connected to a vacuum source. The vacuum chambers are in communication with the interior of the combination support member and vacuum manifold, through vacuum valves carried by the combination support member and vacuum manifold and conduits that extend between the vacuum valves and the vacuum chambers. The combination support member and vacuum manifold is movable between a lowered position and a raised position, to move the vacuum chambers into and out of engagement with platens that support packages located below the vacuum chambers. The vacuum chambers and platens are movable in an upstream to downstream direction, to advance the packages while the packages are being evacuated by the vacuum chambers.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: CP Packaging, Inc.Inventor: Raymond G. Buchko
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Patent number: 7331162Abstract: A slicing machine has a deposition surface adapted to support a fusible bottom sheet. Slices are cut from a foodstuff and deposited as a stack on the bottom sheet on the surface between edges of the surface so that a fusible top sheet can be placed atop the stack. Respective bars at the surface edges have bar edges and are each pivotal between a working position projecting over the surface with the bar edges aligned vertically with the respective surface edges and rest positions retracted from above the sheet on the surface. Actuators can pivot the bars from their rest positions into their working positions. Heaters are provided in at least some of the edges. In the working positions the sheet edges are pinched between the bar edges and the heated surface to bond the edges together.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Fritz Kuchler
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Patent number: 7331163Abstract: The present invention is a vacuum packaging system that is comprised of a very convenient vacuum pump and canister-sealing device that is an integral component of a refrigerator. The device is comprised of: 1) one or more external vacuum hose input ports or retractable combination hose/input ports, for applying a vacuum for packaging canisters, bottles or jars, or a remote bag sealing unit; 2) an internal configuration comprised of one or more vacuum hose input ports or retractable combination hose/input ports, canister lid storage attachments and/or carousel storage attachments; and/or 3) an external, integral or removable bagging unit (recessed into the refrigerator door) for vacuum sealing and cutting plastic bagging material.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventors: Joseph A. Hau, Sephanie Hau Novak
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Patent number: 7331164Abstract: An apparatus for strapping a packaged item using at least two strapping elements, which can be placed crosswise on the packaged item. A transport unit moves the packaged item into a strapping position a guide device for the strapping elements. The guide device arranges the strapping elements around the packaged item and and defines intersecting areas of movement for the strapping elements. A binding device inserts and/or tensions the strapping elements and connects overlapping areas of the strapping elements. In order to permit the strapping of a greater number applications, a connection mechanism is provided to connect the strapping elements in the immediate environment of a crossover location of the strapping elements and/or at the crossover location of the strapping elements. It is also possible to effect the connection using a single sealing stamp.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Georg Lang
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Patent number: 7331165Abstract: A packing machine with an adjustable band-compressing stroke includes a compressing base provided with an accommodating chamber for installing a pulley, and a compressing device. A shaft passes through the pulley and two penetrating holes bored in two sides of the accommodating chamber. A compressing block is set under the pulley. The compressing device is composed of a compressing handle, a compressing bar, an eccentric shaft fitted in the compressing bar and having a polygonal bar on its bottom, and an adjusting board having a polygonal hole and an arc-like hole. The polygonal bar is engaged with the polygonal hole to enable the adjusting board to turn the eccentric shaft for altering the band-compressing stroke.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventors: Teng-Chi Yu, Hsiu-Tzu Lin