Patents Issued in February 19, 2008
  • Patent number: 7331416
    Abstract: This invention provides an oil-hydraulic vehicle whose driving force can be adjusted finely and which can be run smoothly and comfortably. The oil-hydraulic vehicle comprises a wheel-driving means 40 for driving a wheel 31, which includes an oil-hydraulic motor 45 to drive the wheel 31 and a means 41 for controlling the rotational frequency of the oil-hydraulic motor 45. The oil-hydraulic motor 45 includes an output shaft 45s on which the wheel 31 is mounted and a plurality of oil chambers 45a-45e. Each oil chamber contains (i) a driving cogwheel 46 which is mounted on, and drives, the output shaft 45s and (ii) a driven cogwheel 47 which engages with the driving cogwheel 46. The means 41 for controlling the rotational frequency of the oil-hydraulic motor 45 includes a housing 42 with a circular rotor chamber 42h in it and a rotor 43 fitted in the circular rotor chamber 42h for free rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Asahi Corporation
    Inventor: Shigetomi Kumon
  • Patent number: 7331417
    Abstract: A frame structure for a vehicle body frame includes a first and second hollow member, wherein a plate thickness of the second hollow member is greater than the plate thickness of the first hollow member. A heavy body is supported on a side of the first hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7331418
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle has a passenger seat directly behind the driver's seat. The passenger seat comprises a contoured seat portion that serves as a back rest to the driver's seat and a foldable back rest portion. The seat portion is linked to the back rest portion so that it retracts vertically when the back rest portion is folded down, so that the back rest portion is level with the rear cargo rack and able to carry a load of cargo. The back rest may be locked in both the upright and folded position. It may be contoured to provide back support to the driver while folded, and may have an auxiliary cargo rack in its rear face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Mathieu Audet
  • Patent number: 7331419
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steer-by-wire steering system comprising a hydraulic control unit that acts on the steerable wheels (1, 20), the control unit having at least one cradle (4, 23), which is displaceably mounted on at least one guide rod (5, 24) that passes through the respective cradle (4, 23). The respective cradle (4, 23) and the corresponding guide rod(s) (5, 24) form working chambers (A11, A12, A21, A22) of a piston-cylinder system, whereby each respective guide rod (5, 24) has at least one channel (KA11, KA12, KA21, KA22), each terminating in the vicinity of a working chamber (A11, A12, A21, A22). The cradle or cradles (4, 23) adjust the steerable wheels (1, 20) directly or by means of steering tie rods (2, 21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta Steertec GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Sikora, Jochen Horwath
  • Patent number: 7331420
    Abstract: A frame for a speaker device includes a magnetic circuit housing unit which houses a magnetic circuit, a substantially annular outer peripheral portion which is arranged on an outer side of the magnetic circuit housing unit, and plural arm portions which connect the magnetic circuit housing unit and the outer peripheral portion. Each of the plural arm portions has a sectional shape of a one-open-end shape having a connected end and an open end, and the plural arm portions include an arm portion having the open end oriented to one direction and an arm portion having the open end oriented to a direction opposite to the one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignees: Pioneer Corporation, Toroku Pioneer Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Sasaki, Yutaka Moriyama, Eiji Sakaguchi, Hidehito Oki
  • Patent number: 7331421
    Abstract: Flow restrictors for aircraft inlet acoustic cores, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an inlet flow surface having multiple openings, and an acoustic treatment positioned adjacent to the inlet flow surface. The acoustic treatment can have multiple cells in fluid communication with the openings in the inlet flow surface. A fluid collector passage can be positioned to collect liquid entering the acoustic treatment through the multiple openings, and can have an exit aperture through which the liquid drains. The fluid collector passage can include at least one flow restrictor positioned to at least restrict the flow of air from the exit aperture through the fluid collector passage to the multiple openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ronald F. Olsen, Marlin D. Breer
  • Patent number: 7331422
    Abstract: A muffler includes an inner passage residing in an outer shell, and a stationary fan residing in the inner passage. The fan creates a vortex in a flow through the inner passage thus improving the flow and reducing the exhaust sound level. The inner passage includes an inner passage shell and the fan comprises vanes extending inward from the inner passage shell and turned at approximately a 45 degree angle to a centerline of the inner passage. Pinch zones at the entrance and exit from the inner passage further reduce the exhaust sound level. The inner passage shell is preferably a perforated inner passage shell, and a sound deadening material resides between perforated inner passage shell and the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Alan Wall
  • Patent number: 7331423
    Abstract: An oil supply system for a transmission includes a transmission casing; a transmission shaft disposed in the transmission casing; a plurality of gears relatively rotatably fitted on the transmission shaft; an oil passage axially formed in the transmission shaft; a trough portion formed on an inside wall of the transmission casing so as to receive oil splashed from the gears; and a connection passage formed in a side wall of the transmission casing and extending downwardly from the trough portion to the oil passage. The oil passage is opened at outer peripheral portions of the transmission shaft adjacent to the gears, and opened at one axial end of the transmission shaft. The trough portion is disposed above the transmission shaft and is extended axially along the transmission shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Inoue, Toshiyuki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7331424
    Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, multiple cars are raised and lowered within a hoistway. The cars within the hoistway are adjacent to each other when located at the same height. If at least one of the cars is defined as a first car and a car adjacent to the first car is defined as a second car, the first car includes, in a face facing the second car a recess when projected onto a horizontal plane. At least a part of a car guide shoe is disposed in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Hashiguchi
  • Patent number: 7331425
    Abstract: A lift machine comprises a base, a support for supporting a load above the base, a lift actuator operatively connected between the base and the support for raising and lowering the support relative to the base, and a support stabilization mechanism operatively connected between the base and the support for stabilizing the support relative to the base during raising and lowering of the support by the lift actuator. The support stabilization mechanism comprises a pair of opposed linkages, with each of the pair of opposed linkages having a lower torque tube link and an upper torque tube link. The lower torque tube link has a torque tube operatively pivoted to the base. The upper torque tube link has a torque tube operatively pivoted to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., KUKA Flexible Production Systems, Corp.
    Inventors: Larry Bukowski, Andrew Griesser, Vincent Sisti, Detlev Ziesel
  • Patent number: 7331426
    Abstract: An elevator system uses a supercapacitor to store electric energy. Furthermore, the supercapacitor can be used as a source of reserve power in emergency situations, such as power failures. The supercapacitor is connected together with three switching branches to a rectified signal of the power supply of the motor. By closing and opening the switches, the supercapacitor can be charged when the motor load is small. When the motor load is large or when the power supply fails, the electric energy contained in the supercapacitor can be discharged for use by the motor. In an emergency, the motor drives the elevator at a speed lower than normal, and therefore a supply voltage lower than normal is sufficient. Also, energy obtained from braking of the elevator can be stored in the supercapacitor, which has a storage capacity of considerable magnitude as compared to an ordinary capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventor: Pekka Jahkonen
  • Patent number: 7331427
    Abstract: A disc brake (10) is described, comprising a brake disc (12) and two brake shoes (20), which are pressable against both sides of the brake disc (12) and which in relation to a peripheral force (C?) generated upon application of the brake shoes (20) against the brake disc (12) are supported against a vehicle-fixed carrier (14). The disc brake (10) moreover comprises at least one device (34) for measuring and/or converting the peripheral force (C?), which device is disposed in a force transmission chain between the brake shoe (20) and the carrier (14). A force transmission member in the form of e.g. a swivel element (30) is disposed between the brake shoe (20) and the device (34) for measuring and/or converting the peripheral force (C?) and is movable under guidance parallel to the brake disc (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Mohr
  • Patent number: 7331428
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for a luggage includes switch member provided on a base of the wheel assembly at a fixed location. The switch member is connected to a driven shaft, and the driven shaft is connected to a brake member. The brake member has a stop portion associated with a wheel. When the switch member is moved, the brake member is moved proximal to or distal to the wheel via the driven shaft so as to brake or release the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: C & C Luggage Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi-Wu Chiang
  • Patent number: 7331429
    Abstract: A brake includes two rockers, two shoes attached to the rockers and two linings attached to the shoes. The brake pinches a rim without overheating the rim. The rim includes two walls and a bridge. Each of the walls includes a first portion within the bridge, a second portion beside the bridge so that the bridge performs as a heat sink and supports the second portion and a third portion beyond the bridge in order to clamp a tire. The two linings pinch the second portions of the walls. An anchor attaches the top of each of the shoes to the related rocker and is vertically spaced from the linings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Gigantex Composite Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Steve Lee
  • Patent number: 7331430
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-disc brake for a vehicle having a knuckle for supporting a wheel of a vehicle and a hub mounted for rotation on the knuckle about a rotation axis. The multi-disc brake also includes a pair of discs mounted for rotation with and sliding movement on the hub along the rotation axis. Each disc includes inboard and outboard engaging surfaces. The multi-disc brake also includes a plurality of brake pad assemblies disposed in alternating arrangement between the discs. The multi-disc brake also includes a caliper disposed for sliding movement relative to the knuckle and having an inboard wall and a bridge portion extending from the inboard wall around the discs and the brake pad assemblies to an outboard wall adjacent to the outboard brake pad assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas V. Valvano, Marshall D. Snyder
  • Patent number: 7331431
    Abstract: A pneumatically or electromotively operable disc brake, including a brake caliper that straddles a brake disc, at least one brake application device for tensioning the brake disc by way of a displaceably guided element, particularly a cross member. The displaceably guided element has at least one threaded borehole into which an adjusting spindle is screwed. This adjusting spindle supports a pressing piece by which a brake pad can be pressed against the brake disc. A wear adjusting device is provided for resetting the clearance and is actively connected to the adjusting spindle. A securing element acts upon the adjusting spindle, thus preventing turning up to a specified torque. The securing element is provided in the form of a spring clip with at least one or more spring saddles, which are distributed over the periphery and which rest in a frictional contact against the adjusting spindle outside the internal thread of the displaceably guided element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Fischer, Dietmar Knoop
  • Patent number: 7331432
    Abstract: Axial grooves 8e and circumferential groove 8f intersecting with he axial grooves are provided in a cylinder bore 8e. A fixed-side cam plate 12 has anti-rotation projections 12c, which are projected from the fixed-side cam plate 12 and inserted into the axial grooves 8e, and fastening grooves 12d, which are formed at circumferential areas of the bottom side of the fixed-side cam plate 12 at a circumferential side of each of anti-rotation projections 12c. The housing 16 has engagement ribs 16e which are projected from the housing 16 to be engaged with the axial grooves 8e, and fastening pieces 12f, which are formed at a circumferential side of each of the engagement ribs 16e, the fastening pieces 12f being fitted in the fastening grooves 12d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akifumi Watada
  • Patent number: 7331433
    Abstract: There is provided a brake disc in a disc brake for a vehicle, which can be manufactured lightweight, suppress the thermal deformation and is effective to prevent the brake noises. This brake disc (2) is supported by a wheel 4 through a plurality of support members (10) and is operable to exert a braking force when sandwiched by frictional pads (8, 8). The brake disc (2) has an outer peripheral face (2b) formed with a plurality of outer recesses (11) deploying in a circumferential direction. Accordingly, the radial width (f) of the braking surfaces (9), with which the frictional pads (8) is engageable, varies in a direction circumferentially thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhisa Okabe
  • Patent number: 7331434
    Abstract: An impact absorber is provided for absorbing impact forces especially in case of a collision of a motor vehicle. The impact absorber includes an inner tube (1), which can be pushed into an outer tube (2) in a telescopic manner and which is closed with a bottom plate (3) at its free end projecting from the outer tube (2). Starting from the bottom plate (3) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (4) of the impact absorber, a gas space (5) filled with pressurized gas and a first, a fluid-filled liquid space (7), which is separated from the gas space (5) by a wall (6) displaceable in the inner tube (1), are arranged in the interior of the inner tube (1). The liquid space (7) is in connection through a throttle element with a second, fluid-filled liquid space (13), which adjoins the first liquid space (7) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (4) and is closed by a piston (9) fixed in the outer tube (2) towards the free end of the outer tube (2) in a liquid-tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Guido Steinbach
  • Patent number: 7331435
    Abstract: A continuously blockable arresting device includes a housing and a shaft having an end received in the housing and which may be externally acted upon causing rotation thereof. The housing has a fluid-filled working space and two subchambers which can be connected to the working space. The subchambers lie next to each other. First and second pistons are guided respectively in a displaceable manner in the subchambers and can be displaced therein by a swash plate. The shaft is connected to the swash plate for rotating the swash plate. Respective control devices of the subchambers include blocking valves for respectively connecting the subchambers to the working space and passage valves for respectively connecting the working space to the subchambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Mintgen, Wilhelm Schwab, Paul Muders
  • Patent number: 7331436
    Abstract: A cable handling system mounted to a mobile robot to dispense and retrieve cable at zero tension includes a cable reel drive and a downstream tension roller drive that includes an idler. As a cable passes through the tension roller drive, position along the length of the cable and/or the cable speed is monitored accurately by a sensor attached to the idler. A system controller in communication with the sensor controls the cable reel drive and the tension roller drive for dispensing and retrieving cable downstream of the tension roller drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Irobot Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Todd Pack, Tyson Sawyer, Chikyung Won, Grinnell More
  • Patent number: 7331437
    Abstract: A friction clutch assembly for use in an on/off fan drive is provided having a simplified method for retention of the friction liner between the clutch housing and rotating drive shaft. The friction clutch assembly introduces a groove within the inner rearward portion of the clutch housing. A spiral snap ring is installed into the groove to retain the friction liner between the clutch housing and rotating drive shaft. The spiral snap ring functions to axially retain the friction liner between the clutch housing and rotating drive shaft during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Nathaniel Eric Wayman
  • Patent number: 7331438
    Abstract: To prevent coupling breakage between an elastic body and an outer ring due to friction heat of an armature and a rotor, an solenoid clutch coupling is provided with an elastic body (3) elastically coupling a hub (10) attached to a rotation shaft (6), and an outer ring (20) coupled to an armature (5) solenoidally moved close to and apart from a rotor (4), a sleeve (40) buried in an outer peripheral portion of the elastic body (30), a fit layer (32) constituted by a part of the elastic body (30) in an outer peripheral side of the sleeve (40) and attached to an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring (20), and non-cylindrical surfaces (21a) engaging with the fit layer (32) in a circumferential direction, and axial stoppers (23, 24) to an outer periphery of the elastic body (30) in a sleeve (21) of the outer ring (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventor: Junichiro Yanagi
  • Patent number: 7331439
    Abstract: A manufacturing plant (1) is provided for vehicle body parts (2, 3). The manufacturing plant includes a number of processing stations (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), which are situated one behind the other along a transfer line (22), and of a number of multiaxial robots (18, 19). In at least one processing station (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), one or more handling robots (18) for transporting parts is/are arranged on at least one axis of travel (20, 21). Next to the handling robot (18), one or more processing robots (19) is/are displaceably arranged on the same axis of travel (20). Working locations (11, 12) are arranged on both sides of a common axis of travel (20), whereby another common axis of travel can be provided on the rear side of the working locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: KUKA Schweissanlagen GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Degain, Robert Long, Hans Moser
  • Patent number: 7331440
    Abstract: An automated order mixing system includes a mixing sub-system having a plurality of angled vertically stacked product guides feeding a mixing conveyor whereon a client's order of product cases is processed, the vertical stacking enabling the creation of a number of product feed paths within a relatively small floor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel R. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 7331441
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus (10) for pushing a number of packaging containers (12) which are supported in cassettes (18) in motion in a first direction in a packaging machine. The apparatus (10) comprises carriers (40) by means of which the packaging containers may be pushed from a first position to a second position in relation to said cassettes (18). According to the invention, the apparatus (10) comprises at least one belt (30, 32) which, in a first portion of the apparatus (10) moves in a second direction and in the second portion of the apparatus (10) moves in a third direction, and, between the first and the second portions, there is disposed a bending roller (24), and the second and third directions each make an angle (?) with the first direction, and finally the carrier (40) is connected to a shaft (38) which is secured to the belt (30, 32) by means of a clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Richard Persson
  • Patent number: 7331442
    Abstract: A chip components feeding apparatus is provided to be able to lessen a push load applied to a leading electronic part from succeeding electronic chip component to favorably take out the leading electronic part even in the case where a residual pressure phenomenon occurs in a conveyance passage. Since a chip component conveyance tube is provided with an ascending portion, in which an air flow based on an action of negative pressure causes electronic chip component to move climbing against dead weight, it is possible to restrict a pushing force applied to electronic chip component forwardly from those electronic chip component in the ascending portion, which are acted by dead weight, to lessen a push load applied to a leading electronic part by succeeding electronic chip component even in the case where a residual pressure phenomenon occurs in a conveyance passage including a chip component conveyance tube when the action of negative pressure is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Saito
  • Patent number: 7331443
    Abstract: A device for conveying closures (D) made from metallic sheet in an essentially vertical direction from a collecting point (1) to a release point (6) is proposed. The closures are selected to be in correct position during conveying in order to release at the release point (6) only same-lying closures in a row of closures following one another closely. A conveyer belt (10) serves for the transport (v1, v2) of the closures. A sensor and discharge device (17, 16, 19, 18; 3) serves for detecting wrong-position closures and for lateral discharge (q1, q2) of individual wrong-position closures. In the course of the conveyer belt (10) upstream of the sensor and discharge device, a bar (15) is arranged above the conveyer belt, which terminates after the sensor and discharge device (17, 16, 19, 18; 3). More than one row (R1, R2) of closures next to one another may be supplied separately to the sensor and discharge device (17, 16, 19, 18; 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Schoenke
  • Patent number: 7331444
    Abstract: A transfer system that laterally grips an open container at a position along a first belt upstream of a conveyor transfer and then transfers the container across the interface between belts before depositing the container on a second belt downstream of the conveyor transfer. The container is protected against lateral tipping and spillage during the transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Barvit Industrial, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Barilovits, Thomas Barilovits
  • Patent number: 7331445
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a conveyor system that includes a rotatably-mounted drum and a conveyor belt that is movable along a path that includes a helical portion around the drum. During movement of the conveyor belt, a surface of the drum frictionally engages an inside edge of the conveyor belt along the helical portion of the path. Finally, a peripheral surface of a rotating driving element directly engages the drum and to rotate the drum thereby operatively to move the conveyor belt along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Pride Conveyance
    Inventor: Bruce Roland
  • Patent number: 7331446
    Abstract: A chain module (1) for a modular chain conveyor comprising a substantially sheet-shaped body part (2), provided with a conveying surface (3) located at an upper side of the body part (2), with hinge holes (4A1, 4A2, 4B) included in the body part (2) and with two projections (15A, 15B) provided at the underside (14) of the body part (2), wherein sliding faces (17A, 17B) located at the sides (16A, 16B) facing each other of the projections (15A, 15B), together with a sliding face (18) located between the projections (15A, 15B) at the underside (14) of the body part (2), form a guide with substantially U-shaped cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Rexnord Flattop Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Gijsbertus Johannes Verduijn, Leonardus Adrianus Cornelissen
  • Patent number: 7331447
    Abstract: A modular belt having modules intercalated and locked into position by a pivot rod having a retaining ring disposed in spaced apart relation relative to the end of the rod along the longitudinal axis. An outermost link end of the first plurality of link ends of the module has an opening that is larger in diameter and offset from the openings in the remaining link ends. The opening in the outermost link end may be substantially oblong-shaped with a portion of the opening coinciding with the remaining openings. The oblong shape improves the rod retaining function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventors: Michal Krisl, Dietmar Elsner
  • Patent number: 7331448
    Abstract: A roller cradle for use in a modular conveying assembly having a direction of travel in which an object is conveyed includes a first half and a second half. Each of the halves include integral hinge members defining a space therebetween. A roller having an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel is retained in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Stebnicki, Dean A. Wieting, Kevin S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7331449
    Abstract: Storage device for storing contact lenses and contact lens solution including a case defining a reservoir for contact lens solution and a pair of contact lens retaining compartments for retaining contact lenses. The case includes a mechanism for causing a stream of contact lens solution to flow from the reservoir to an exterior of the case (for use when rinsing and/or cleaning the contact lens) and another mechanism for causing the contact lens solution to flow from the reservoir into the compartments (for use when storing the contact lenses in the compartments). These mechanisms can be alternatively enabled depending on the particular use sought for the contact lens solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventors: Eli Pinchassi Dar, Irit Dar
  • Patent number: 7331450
    Abstract: A tray for dispensing a material to be applied with an applicator having a plurality of applicator support openings. The applicator support openings have a depth and width sufficient so that when an applicator is placed therein, it is held substantially upright. The material and applicator support wells may be funnel shaped. The relatively deep narrow funnel shape protects the material placed therein from ambient light, contamination, evaporation, and spilling. The invention is particularly well suited to use in a dental procedure that may require the application of multiple different materials or materials that react with one another or that are light activated. The plurality of different material wells are readily identifiable and keep the different materials separate and ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Centrix, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Discko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7331451
    Abstract: A cuboidal cigarette pack with a large-surface-area pack side, namely rear side (13), is provided with a blank (23), which serves as a printing carrier, in the region of this rear side (13). The blank is positioned between an outer wrapper (19) of film and the pack (10). A top region of the blank (23) is connected to a detachable top part of the outer wrapper, namely a film cap (22), and is also removed when the pack (10) is opened for the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Focke & Co., (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Jurgen Focke, legal representative, Doris Focke, legal representative, Irmin Steinkamp, Heinz Focke
  • Patent number: 7331452
    Abstract: This invention relates to a sleeve for holding two or more digital video discs in a vertically aligned or stacked relationship on a first side of a carrying sleeve and the accompanying graphics on an opposing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Thule Organization Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: James Allen Bergh, Terrence Martin Drew
  • Patent number: 7331453
    Abstract: A transportation case is provided for an automotive engine, transmission, or the like. The transportation case includes a one-piece molded plastic base and a one-piece molded plastic lid. The base includes a substantial uniform wall thickness and comprises an outer peripheral wall connected to a formed bottom to provide an upwardly opening space. The formed bottom defines a wall for receiving an automotive engine, transmission, or the like, and has opposite longitudinally extending feet for resting on a support surface and a fork lift opening between the feet. The lid includes a substantially uniform wall thickness comprising an outer peripheral wall connected to a top wall. The lid outer peripheral wall is received on the base outer peripheral wall to close the upwardly opening space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventors: James P. Burra, Susan A. Sherman, Carlos A. Castrejon
  • Patent number: 7331454
    Abstract: A tool bag with wheels includes a base and back side reinforced by a polymeric board covered with a fabric material. Wheel wells and telescoping handle affixed to the polymeric sheet or board facilitate maintenance of the configuration of the open topped tool bag. Additional polymeric boards and/or ribs are included in the lateral side walls and a front wall to further facilitate the maintenance of the configuration of the open topped, wheeled tool bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Travel Caddy Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj M. Redzisz
  • Patent number: 7331455
    Abstract: A tool box includes a main body, and a plurality of juxtaposed receiving members each pivotally mounted in the main body for receiving a plurality of screwdriver tips. Thus, each of the screwdriver tips is locked on the respective receiving member efficiently by the clamping effect of the elastic press piece of each of the receiving members, thereby preventing each of the screwdriver tips from being detached from the tool box when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Yih Cheng Factory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Patent number: 7331456
    Abstract: A storage container for housing drill bits can include a front housing portion and a rear housing portion. The front and rear housing portions can be pivotally connected through a hinge for moving between open and closed positions. The front and rear housing portions can define a body cavity therebetween in the closed position. A front bit holder can be pivotally connected to the hinge and lie adjacent to the front housing portion. A rear bit holder can be pivotally connected to the hinge and lie adjacent the rear housing portion. An intermediate bit holder can be pivotally connected to the hinge and lie between the front and rear bit holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James E Pengerc, William Bredlow, David L Wikle
  • Patent number: 7331457
    Abstract: The cardboard box for containing and dispensing large quantities of wire, especially metal wire for welding, comprises a cubic external container with an open top side, an octagonal-base internal container, fitting snugly into the external container and being destined to contain a coil of wire, and a bag-type wrapper made of a flexible airtight material, which is interposed between the external and the internal containers so as completely to cover the internal container and able to be closed and sealed there-upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: C.I.F.E. S.r.L.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Cipriani
  • Patent number: 7331458
    Abstract: A sealed container system for packaging and displaying a live plant for sale. The system has a subcontainer that is partially filled with a hydrogel, or has a divider lid that separates the hydrogel from the rest of the container system. A lid covers the subcontainer, where the lid has a tapered or elongate lumen to accommodate the plant roots while preventing the leakage of the hydrogel. The clear or transparent container, with the hydrogel, allows the container to operate as a miniature greenhouse allowing the plant to be displayed for an extended period of time without the need for interventional care by a human.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Walter Scott
  • Patent number: 7331459
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, the secondary usefulness of a pizza spacer is increased by providing a coupling mechanism that is configured to attach the pizza spacer to other pizza spacers in order to form larger objects that have a purpose beyond that of merely functioning as a pizza spacer. For example, a pizza spacer according to some embodiments of the invention may be connected to other pizza spacers to complete a jigsaw puzzle. Other embodiments of the invention are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Jason Hilbourne
  • Patent number: 7331460
    Abstract: A shielded medication package including a blister portion and a blister shield attached to a backing substrate. Accessing a medicament is easy for an adult to accomplish, yet the package resists children biting and picking at the blister portion. The blister portion contains a base layer and a blister layer. The blister layer includes an article receiving blister designed for holding the medicament. A blister shield overlays the blister portion. The blister shield includes a blister well that cooperates with the article receiving blister. The blister shield protects the article receiving blister from substantially lateral forces. To eject the medicament, application of a substantially orthogonal force to the article receiving blister is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: R.P. Scherer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Barndt, Dennis H. Chadwick, Victor Gherdan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7331461
    Abstract: Food preparation kits and organizing systems include a case for containing combinations of spices and/or utensils and cooking accessories. A case may take the form of a book including front and back covers connected by a spine portion. Spices may be organized and retained inside the case along with utensils such as knives, tongs and measuring spoons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Mary Ann MacKinnon
  • Patent number: 7331462
    Abstract: A kit management system for use in microsurgery is disclosed. The kit management system includes a plurality of tubing, surgical instruments, connectors, an instrument tray, a connector tray, and a tubing organizer. A tubing organizer for removably receiving and holding a plurality of tubing in a spaced relationship during microsurgery is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis L. Steppe
  • Patent number: 7331463
    Abstract: A medical procedure kit includes a saleable package including: an outer wrap defining at least one sealed and sterile interior portion; at least one sterilized surgical tool located within the at least one interior portion and sterilized after insertion into the at least one interior portion by a sterilization process that sterilizes both the at least one interior portion and the at least one sterilized surgical tool; a container having a medical adhesive therein, wherein the adhesive is also sterilized; and a medical adhesive applicator for applying the medical adhesive, wherein the at least one sterilized surgical tool forms part of a wound closure system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Closure Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy Hickey
  • Patent number: 7331464
    Abstract: A medical record keeping system includes a housing that has a bottom wall and peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the housing. A cover is hingedly coupled to an upper edge of the peripheral wall for selectively opening or closing the bottom wall. A panel has a first side, a second side, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A fold line extends from the lower edge to the upper edge and is positioned between the first and second lateral edges. A pair of cavities extends into the first side and extends downward toward the lower edge. Each of a plurality of containers has an open upper end and each s is attached to an inner surface of the peripheral wall so that the upper ends of the container are directed upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Marjorie A. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7331465
    Abstract: A package-forming device comprising a box-forming element and a lid-forming element, wherein the lid-forming element includes a blister-type portion forming a packaging element provided with one or more recesses for receiving one or more articles to be packaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: COSFIBEL
    Inventor: Nicolas Parrington