Patents Issued in February 26, 2008
  • Patent number: 7334665
    Abstract: The systems and methods of present invention invoke an elevator communication system for providing communication between a plurality of hall fixture devices and at least one elevator system controller. The elevator communication system includes at least one elevator door interlock wiring circuit, which has a first and a second portion. A first transceiver device is coupled to the first portion of the door interlock wiring for transmitting and receiving signals between the at least one elevator system controller and the plurality of hall fixture devices over the interlock wiring. A second transceiver device is coupled to the second portion of the door interlock wiring for transmitting and receiving the signals between the at least one elevator system controller and the plurality of hall fixture devices over the interlock wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Elevator Capital Corporation
    Inventors: Rory Smith, San Aranggi Soemardjan, James A. Nickerson, Randolph W. Huff
  • Patent number: 7334666
    Abstract: A disk brake including friction pads disposed opposite to a brake disk, a bracket provided with support portions for movably supporting the friction pads so as to permit sliding along the axial direction of the brake disk, and retainers each interposed between the friction pad and the support portions, to restrain at least movements of the retainers relative to the support portions of the bracket. Of a pad holding force with which the retainer holds the friction pad, and a retainer supporting force for supporting the retainer on the support portion, at least the retainer supporting force is set to be not less than a received force exerted on the friction pad due to vibration. The resulting configuration prevents generation of rattling sounds due to the vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokatsu Nakaie, Yoshinobu Honda
  • Patent number: 7334667
    Abstract: Selective actuation device (1) including an actuator (5) operating on an actuation mechanism (2). The mechanism (2) is equipped with at least one shaft (7) connected to a pusher element (8) to actuate a first operating group (12, 13) and with a rotating element (53) that moves between an activation mode, in which said element (53) acts on a second operating group (9, 10), and a rest mode where the activation of the first operating group (12, 13) is disengaged by the second operating group (9, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Piaggio & C. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Marcacci
  • Patent number: 7334669
    Abstract: Wheeled luggage having a telescopically expandable body is disclosed. The luggage body may be manually adjusted from a normally sized carry-on configuration during transit, to a vertically enlarged configuration once the final destination, such as a hotel room, is reached. The body further includes a plurality of interior horizontally disposed, vertically stacked shelves connected in accordion fashion to an internal liner so as to automatically expand from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration when the main body is telescopically expanded thereby providing a series of vertically spaced shelves which provide convenient access to the contents. A garment folding apparatus may be incorporated with the luggage to provide a tool that assists the user in quickly folding clothing to dimensions compatible with storage spaced within the luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Deborah Barker, Bradd Barker
  • Patent number: 7334670
    Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) fluid coupling for vectoring torque with respect to a shaft capable of rotary motion is disclosed. The coupling includes a stator, a rotor having a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the stator and configured for physical communication with the shaft, and a magnetic field generator. The stator and rotor define an annular space therebetween and are coupled via a MR fluid disposed within the annular space. The magnetic field generator is in field communication with the MR fluid and is disposed to produce a substantially radially directed magnetic field across the annular space. The rotor is rotationally responsive to the application of a magnetic field at the MR fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Chandra S. Namuduri, Balarama V. Murty, Anthony L. Smith, Jie Tong, Mark A. Golden, John C. Ulicny
  • Patent number: 7334671
    Abstract: An actuating device (18) or a clutch (16) of a motor vehicle (2) comprising one electric motor (34), one gearing (36, 40, 42, 44) which converts rotational motion of the electric motor (34) into a translatory motion and one accumulator (52). The converter gearing comprises one recirculating ball spindle (44). The accumulator (52) is at least partly situated within the recirculating ball spindle (44), and at least parts (58, 60) of a displacement sensor (56) are situated within the recirculating ball spindle (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Olaf Langwald
  • Patent number: 7334672
    Abstract: A combplate closes the terminal ends of a continuous belt transport system having grooved carrier plates. The combplate has a plurality of protrusions and a communications board. The plurality of spaced apart projections are located along the one lateral edge with a portion thereof extending forward of the one lateral edge, shaped to align with and pass between the carrier plate grooves, and provided with a detector that senses a break in its integrity and a circuit for communicating its status externally. The communications board is in electrical contact with each of the projections for repeatedly monitoring the status of each projection to detect a break in a projection's integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Motor Drives & Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Sheehan, Paul J. Gandolfo, Lou Filo
  • Patent number: 7334673
    Abstract: A system and method for machining an elongate workpiece in a plurality of work cells are provided. The work cells are positioned along a substantially linear process flow path so that the work operations can be performed on different lengthwise portions of the workpiece simultaneously. A transport system advances the workpiece from an infeed system along the process flow path, thereby moving the lengthwise portions of the workpiece successively through the work cells. The transport system includes a plurality of pallets that can be engaged to the workpiece so that the workpiece is supported by the pallets throughout at least part of the machining system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark C. Boberg, Mark P. Proulx, Hugh R. Schlosstein, Gayle L. Turner, legal representative, C. Warren Turner
  • Patent number: 7334674
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling information carriers has at least one longitudinally movable striplike belt which holds information carriers detachably and successively, and at least one device for detaching at least some information carriers from the belt, removing selected information carriers from the detached information carriers, and transferring other information carriers from the detached information carriers back onto the belt for being transported onwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Atlantic Zeiser GmbH
    Inventors: Anders Berndtsson, Hans Wyssmann
  • Patent number: 7334675
    Abstract: A flexible discharge attachment for the discharge a feeding machine to deliver the items being discharged at different orientations ranging from horizontal to vertical. The attachment have a multiplicity of brackets each pivotally connected to each other for simulating a curved path of items though the attachment. Each bracket has adjustable height shafts for engaging and guiding belts, which engage and move items along the length of the flexible discharge attachment. The flexible discharge attachment can be quickly and easily attached to a feeding machine and can be quickly and easily adjusted for the angle of discharge of items desired. The flexible discharge attachment is also quickly and easily adjustable to adjust the shafts and belts for different item thicknesses and for different forces applied to the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Multifeeder Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Arild Vedoy
  • Patent number: 7334676
    Abstract: A compensating roller system is adapted to adjust to size variation of product moving through a conveyor system. In one example, the compensating roller system is used to control a force resulting in deflection of a conveyor belt. In a specific implementation of such an example, a first rail is configured to support a first conveyor belt. A plurality of rollers is attached to the first rail and supports a conveyor belt moving over the rollers. The attachment allows each roller to pivot independently of movement of other rollers. Each of the rollers' movement is against a bias, and allows for deflection of the conveyor belt. A second rail may be configured as the first rail, and oriented define a channel for product movement between conveyor belts carried by the first and second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Pearson Packaging Systems
    Inventors: Casey L. McGourin, Richard A. McQuary, Jacob M. Culley, Michael J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7334677
    Abstract: In a conveyor chain, which includes chain links (1) being connected to one another via pivoting bearings (4), each chain link (1) has two link plates (2 and 3) and a bolt (5) which connects the two bolt ends (2.2 and 3.2) of the link plates (2 and 3) and is articulately mounted in the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.1) of the link plates (2 and 3) of an adjacent chain link. The bearing housing of the pivoting bearing (4) comprises two bearing housing parts (8 and 9), and each bearing housing part (8 and 9) comprises a part flange (17). The part flange (17) of the bearing housing parts (8 and 9), and the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.1) of the link plates (2 and 3) are held together with the help of a common fixation means, in a manner such that, alone by way of this fixation means, the bearing housing parts (8 and 9) firmly enclose the bearing body (6) and are fastened in the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.1) of the link plates (2 and 3), secured against rotation and axial displacement, and the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Carl Conrad Mader
  • Patent number: 7334678
    Abstract: A device comprising an elongated tubular member having a first open end, a second open end and a lumen therebetween, the first end and the second end facing in the same direction and positioned so that a first end of a guidewire can extend beyond the device out of the first open end and a second end of the guidewire can extend beyond the device out of the second open end and parallel to the first end of the guidewire and a method of manufacturing and packaging a guidewire comprising the steps of providing a dual distal tip guidewire having a first tip and a second tip, providing a coiled elongated tubular device having a first open end positioned proximate and facing in the same direction as a second open end, and positioning the guidewire in the tubular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Kesler, Yudit Candocia, Otto E. Anderhub
  • Patent number: 7334679
    Abstract: A tear open package for a catheter having an insertion end and a funnel end includes a pair of thin elongated sheets of gas impermeable material joined about their edges by a perimeter heat seal. The elongated sheets of material form a catheter-receiving cavity in which the catheter insertion end is near one end of the cavity and the funnel end is near the other end of the cavity. The perimeter heat seal includes at least an insertion end heat seal, a funnel end heat seal, and a pair of side heat seals which extend along each side of the package from the insertion end heat seal to the funnel end heat seal. The elongated sheets of material each include a tear line extending at least from one side of the package toward the other side of the package through at least one of the side heat seals. The tear lines extend between the catheter insertion end and the insertion end heat seal for opening at least the insertion end of the package by controlled tearing for removal and use of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hollister Incorporated
    Inventor: William L. Givens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7334680
    Abstract: A toolbox having modular components for additional storage and functionality includes modular attachments that are adapted to removably fit various attachments, such as a cooler, cup holder, saw blades holder, drill bit holders, and the like. In addition, the toolbox includes a three-quarter length tray that allows the craftsman to overstuff the inside of the toolbox and additional storage compartments in the lid of the toolbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Ian W. Cunningham, Craig Roberts
  • Patent number: 7334681
    Abstract: A storable gas inflation/evacuation system and sealing system. The systems are removably connectible to a proximal portion of a guidewire assembly which has an occlusive balloon at a distal portion. The invention includes provision for indicating the presence of oxygen which is undesirable. The storable aspect concerns a sealable container isolating systems components from ambient atmosphere and an oxygen-sensitive material located within the sealable container. The oxygen-sensitive material is initially inactive but activated by exposure to radiation so as to visually change in response to post-radiation oxygen exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Possis Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Bonnette, Eric J. Thor, Mark L. Jenson
  • Patent number: 7334682
    Abstract: A pack for products that can be dispensed from the pack, such as a pack for paper handkerchiefs and a method of making such a pack. The pack includes a flexible film material wherein the body of the pack has a first thickness and overlapping portions of film material providing the orifice have second and third thicknesses. The second and third thicknesses are each less than the first thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Sandra Goepfert
  • Patent number: 7334683
    Abstract: A portable storage container that both stacks and nests with similar containers includes a plurality of walls extending upwardly from a floor. At least one of the walls includes an inner wall portion and an outer wall portion. At least one of the inner and outer wall portions has an elongated pin opening. A pair of bail members are each movable among a nest position, an upper stack position, a middle stack position and a lower stack position. Each bail member includes a support portion and arm extending transversely from outer ends of the support portion. A pin extends transversely from an outer end of each arm. Each pin is received in one of the pin openings, with the arm received between the inner and outer wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Jon P. Hassell, William P. Apps, Matthew L. Dannenfeldt
  • Patent number: 7334684
    Abstract: A versatile lunch box is provided, comprising a rectangular inner box unit with removably mounted compartment dividers within guide slots, an outer fabric cover with a zippered front flap having utensil and napkin holders and an inner pouch, with the outside of the fabric cover having a side pocket and pouch and a handle connected to the top. The versatile lunch box has particular utility in connection with accommodating large food items or multiple food items at different temperatures in a compact design that can easily fit inside a school bag or small office refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Elisea A. Fontanilla, Erica Ayroso Fontanilla
  • Patent number: 7334685
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a cover (6) for a packaging for a cosmetic and/or a pharmaceutical composition. The cover (6) comprises means of attachment on a container of the packaging and a sealing wall for sealing an opening of the container (3). The sealing wall is a flexible wall that is elastically deformable by a difference in pressure exerted on its two main sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Coty Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Mathiez
  • Patent number: 7334686
    Abstract: A box includes a bottom, a plurality of collapsible sides affixed to the bottom, and a lid for holding them in place. A support structure provided for the box includes sides that drop away from the center where an item or gift is stored. The bottom and sides are typically formed from a single piece of support material that may be scored where the side and bottom meet. This thickness of the scored area is thinner than that of the sides and bottom. This operates to allow the sides to be rotated upward to form around the item or gift stored within the box. Removal of the lid allows the sides to drop away from the stored item that rests on the bottom of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Natalie Filardi
  • Patent number: 7334687
    Abstract: A gate assembly for diverting substantially flat articles is provided. The gate assembly comprises a mounting bracket having an upright support member and a mounting member secured to the upright support member and a diverter vane having a slot for slidably receiving at least a portion of the upright support member of the mounting bracket. A least one protrusion is formed on the mounting bracket and at least one recessed area is formed in the diverter vane with each recessed area receiving a corresponding protrusion of the mounting member. A motion mechanism secured to the mounting bracket for selectively moving the combined mounting bracket and diverter vane thereby diverting the articles to a predetermined desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: James D. Yurko
  • Patent number: 7334688
    Abstract: A filtration system includes a filter medium that has two side edges. The filter medium is moveable in a longitudinal direction, and at least a segment of the filter medium is used to filter a fluid. Seals are used to seal the filter medium segment's side edges, and the seals are moveable with the filter medium in the longitudinal direction. Consequently, the seal may not need to be raised or deflated during indexing of the filter medium. Additionally, the indexing of the filter medium does not create wear on the filter medium and seal and does not cause distortion or tear of the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Brian W. Pahl, Stephen Haub
  • Patent number: 7334689
    Abstract: An overflow launder for a separation cell where particles are fluidiZEd and rise to the top of the cell, has a primary trough (1) surrounding the rim of the cell (2), and an array of secondary troughs (4) extending across the fluid surface from the side (5) of the rim to the opposite side (6). FluidiZed particles can report directly to the secondary troughs (4) without travelling across the surface of the cell, reducing the incidence configurations with radial secondary troughs and external and/or internal primary troughs are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Newcastle Research Associates Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Galvin, Maurice Munro
  • Patent number: 7334690
    Abstract: A substrate-supporting rod (4) includes a resin body (41) and a metal rod (43). The resin body (41) includes a body portion (411) being cylinder-shaped and having a first through hole (413) in a direction of the axis thereof, and a number of shelves (415, 415?) arising from said body portion and extending in parallel away from said body portion at a predetermined pitch. The body portion and the number of shelves are unitary portions of the resin body. The metal rod is received in the first through hole. A projection (4151) is defined on the end of each of shelf to support a substrate (45). The projection is cylindrical in shape of which the diameter is larger than the thickness of the corresponding shelf, and a central axis thereof is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun-Kai Huang, Wei-Cheng Tien
  • Patent number: 7334691
    Abstract: A glass substrate cassette includes a bottom structure, a top structure, and a pair of side supports affixed to space the bottom structure and the top structure for forming an accommodation space in between. A plurality of support plates are horizontally affixed between the side supports. Each of the support plates is shaped as a corrugated plate structure for supporting thereon a glass substrate. The corrugated support plate has recess portions for allowing a delivering device to load and/or unload the glass substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventor: Shiang-Chiang Liu
  • Patent number: 7334692
    Abstract: A modular stand-alone shelving system comprising left and right vertical support members, each having front and rear corner posts connected by a welded grid of horizontal and vertical rods. A plurality of shelves formed of sheet metal are disposed between the vertical support members, each shelf including hook elements formed near the corners thereof for engaging and resting on horizontal rods of the grid. A back member extends between the vertical support members and also includes hook elements formed near the corners thereof for engaging and resting on horizontal rods in the grid. Upper corners of the back member include first and second hooks disposed in planes spaced apart by the thickness of the vertical rods. When installed, the hooks rest on horizontal rods and straddle a vertical rod, preventing motion of the back member and rhombic distortion. The back member prevents rhombic distortion in the X and Z directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Wire Weld, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Black
  • Patent number: 7334693
    Abstract: A biased support for booms that can pivot about a pin, for pivoting travel tracks for vehicles that run on rails, such as trolley travel tracks on booms. The booms are mounted to pivot via pins, the lock on the boom and slide plates on the upper and lower bearing points of the lock. At least one of the two slide plates in the upper bearing point is mounted elastically, so that when the boom is pivoted into the operating position, the entire lock is biased vertically and the pin is relieved of stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Noell Crane Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Conrad Müller, Alexander Hoffmann, Manfred Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7334694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure cap (1) which cooperates with a bottle container (4). A catching protection (5) is disposed on the neck (3) of the bottle container (4) and a lower-engaging projection (6?) is disposed on the closure cap (1). An insert (2) is associated with the closure cap (1). Said insert (2) can be fixed to the neck (3) of the bottle, resulting in a structurally advantageous, functionally reliable solution whereby the insert (2) is provided with means (22, 26) for rotationally secure retention on the neck (3) of the bottle and the closure cap (1) which can be pressed onto said insert (2) can be unscrewed from the insert (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Alpla-Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventor: Udo Suffa
  • Patent number: 7334695
    Abstract: A plastic container is provided. The plastic container has a substantially cylindrical sidewall, a base attached to a lower portion of the sidewall, a finish attached to an upper portion of the sidewall, and a vacuum panel located in the sidewall. The container also has a raised island protruding from the vacuum panel and surrounded by the vacuum panel, cross sectional areas of the island being defined as areas in horizontal planes of the container. The island has an upper portion, a middle portion adjacent to the upper portion, and a lower portion adjacent to the middle portion. A cross sectional area of the middle portion is less than a cross sectional area of the upper portion and less than a cross sectional area of the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Scott Bysick, Raymond Pritchett, John Denner
  • Patent number: 7334696
    Abstract: A square-sectioned synthetic resin container includes a body having a square cross-section defined by four cornered pillar portions and four flat walls joining the adjacent pillars, wherein the body is provided with a waist for dividing the body at least into upper and lower sections. According to the present invention, the waist is formed by a circumferential groove having a profile that protrudes convexly inwards of the container. The groove has an arcuate groove wall with a constant radius of curvature, at least at the pillar portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimasa Tanaka, Takao Iizuka
  • Patent number: 7334697
    Abstract: A lightweight transportable container is disclosed in which the wall, roof, and floor of the container are laminated panels bonded together to form a rigid monolithic structure. The container is formed of nonmetallic materials, is stackable, and has a payload more than eight times greater than the tare weight of the container. The container is particularly useful in hostile and extreme temperature environments and is designed to withstand the application of numerous forces from various directions, such as those typically applied, for example, in ISO certification testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Alkan Shelter, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald D. Myers, Paul Steinert
  • Patent number: 7334698
    Abstract: A protective sleeve for an ampoule having an elastic sidewall, a proximal end and a distal end is disclosed. The elastic sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a chamber adapted for receiving the ampoule. The proximal end has an opening through which the ampoule can be accessed. The distal end is at least partially closed for retaining the ampoule within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Renee Tobias
  • Patent number: 7334699
    Abstract: A filler assembly capable of filling unit-of-use medication containers or dispensers. In an embodiment, the filler assembly includes a generally trough-shaped top with a generally horizontal bottom including apertures surrounded by multiple sidewalls. Further, a body including a plurality of sides and ends is coupled to the top for transferring medication from the top to the medication dispenser. The plurality of sides includes a plurality of chutes covered by a transparent cover. Additionally, a base for supporting the filler assembly is included. The base bottom includes a plurality of apertures and positioners. The plurality of apertures extend through the base whereby each aperture aligns with one of the plurality of chutes. Moreover, a slide is coupled to at least one of the body and the base for controlling the dispensing of medication by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Mark G. Keffeler, David P. Keffeler
  • Patent number: 7334700
    Abstract: There is disclosed a medicine supplying apparatus which can effectively eliminate medicine clogging in a nozzle for releasing a medicine into a package paper or the like. The medicine supplying apparatus supplies the medicine discharged from a tablet case which contains the medicine, and comprises the nozzle for releasing the medicine discharged from the tablet case; a shutter which is rotatably disposed in the nozzle and which opens/closes a medicine falling passage in the nozzle; and a roller which is rotatably disposed facing the medicine falling passage in the nozzle. The roller is disposed in a position at a height facing the shutter, and rotates in conjunction with the opening/closing of the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Biomedical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Hatsuno, Atsuo Inamura, Hideyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7334701
    Abstract: An article handling apparatus having an article storage area (215) includes a movable storage structure (219). The movable storage structure (219) has a bin segment guidance structure to form a plurality of axially aligned article storage columns (216). The guidance structure includes a receiving device providing individual coupling to article storage bin segments (1202) so as to allow grouping of bin segments into the plurality of aligned article storage columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Munroe Chirnomas, David K. Giegerich, Raymond B. Leski
  • Patent number: 7334702
    Abstract: A method for dispensing a liquid includes providing a container having a top, a bottom, a first opening at the top and a second opening proximal the bottom; providing a liquid dispensing bag including a flexible pouch having a top, a bottom, and first and second panels, the first and second panels defining an interior and a first opening to the interior at the bag top, wherein at least one of the first and second panels defines a second opening to the interior near the bag bottom, and wherein the bag further includes liquid dispensing apparatus including a tube connected to the pouch to permit a controlled flow of liquid from the second opening of the pouch, and wherein the first and second panels are connected together at the pouch top to releasably close the first pouch opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Parish Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Cunningham, Richard W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7334703
    Abstract: A pressure container filled with a propellant (22) includes an outer container (10), an inner bag (20) arrangeable in the outer container, and a cover (15) for closing the outer container (10) and provided with an inlet/outlet valve element (16), with the propellant (22) being formed in the propellant chamber (21) of the inner bag (20) by a mixture of an inert gas (23) in the propellant chamber (21) with a gaseous phase (18) of a filling material (12) in the filling material chamber (11) of the outer container (10); and the method of forming the pressure container includes inserting an inner bag (20) filled with an inert gas (23) into the outer container (10), closing the outer container (10) with a cover (15), and filling the filling material chamber (11) of the outer container (10) with a filling material (12) having a gaseous phase (18) that migrates from the filling material chamber (11) into the propellant chamber (21) of the inner bag (20), and forms therein, together with the inert gas (23), the propel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengsellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Schiestl
  • Patent number: 7334704
    Abstract: An apparatus for flattening a flexible tube sidewall comprises a frame, a gripping roller and a handle. The frame includes a central portion extending transversely between first and second end walls. A first brake element is formed on an inner face of one wall. The roller is rotatably mounted to the walls and includes first and second ends and a cylindrical surface disposed parallel to the frame central portion to define a transverse slot. The roller end adjacent to the first brake element includes a second brake element that is engageable therewith to resist relative rotation between the roller and frame. The handle extends from the roller through the end wall for manually rotating the roller relative to the frame and drawing the tube through the slot. The brake elements cooperate to resist retrogressive movement of the tube through the slot when the handle is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: William C Bynum
  • Patent number: 7334705
    Abstract: The invention provides a container 10 which simultaneously discharges agents A and B respectively charged in an outer container 11 and an inner container 21 from an outer nozzle portion 40C and an inner nozzle portion 40D in accordance with a tilting of the container 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Noboru Yashima, Yoshinori Inagawa
  • Patent number: 7334706
    Abstract: A reconstituting device including a control system reconstitutes product concentrates. The reconstituting device is further able to pre-wet a mixing device of the dispense circuit, dispense the reconstituted product, and rinse the mixing device during a dispense interval without affecting the mix ratio of the reconstituted dispense. Pre-wetting and rinsing of the mixing device of the dispense circuit is accomplished by moving a portion of a concentrate dispense from an earliest and a latest dispense interval to a mid-range dispense interval, thereby flowing reconstituting fluid alone during the earliest and latest dispense intervals. Pre-wetting allows the reconstituting fluid to form a boundary layer on contact surfaces of the mixing device. Rinsing is accomplished by flowing reconstituting fluid through the mixing device after the mixing sequence of the dispense is completed. The control system may conduct the pre-wet or the post-rinse sequence, or may conduct both within a same dispense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership Ltd.
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn
  • Patent number: 7334707
    Abstract: A hydration pack has a reservoir for holding fluid, a fluid conduit extending from the reservoir for passage of the fluid from the reservoir, and a bite valve connected to a distal end of the fluid conduit. The bite valve includes a deformable sleeve having an open end defining an inlet and a closed end. At least one outlet is formed between the inlet and the closed end. A sheath is shrouded over all of the outlets and seals the same. The closed end of the sleeve extends beyond the sheath to provide a bite engagement area for opening the valve. Deforming the sleeve at the bite engagement area moves at least one of the outlets away from the sheath to allow fluid flow through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hines Enterprise L.L.C.
    Inventor: Matthew Hoskins
  • Patent number: 7334708
    Abstract: Integral blocks, chemical delivery systems and methods for delivering an ultrapure chemical to a point of use or to another integral block are provided. More particularly, the integral blocks include a recharge container block, a pressurization gas block, a purge gas block, a waste recovery block, a vacuum block, a solvent supply block, a degas block, a control block, and a filtration block. Various integral blocks may be selected to form a chemical delivery system, which is particularly suited for a given application. A chemical delivery system will typically comprise a chemical container block, a chemical delivery block, and a point of use in line with the chemical container block and chemical delivery block, as well as one or more integral blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, Air Liquide America Corporation, American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mindi Xu, Tay Sayasane, Joseph E. Paganessi, Gregory M. Jursich, Naoyuki Nakamoto, Yukinobu Nishikawa, Herve E. Dulphy, Guillaume Rameau, Lorrin Honda
  • Patent number: 7334709
    Abstract: A pneumatic caulking gun includes a gun body, an air valve, a control unit, a trigger, a barrel, a push plate, a connecting base, a safety valve, and a push rod. Thus, the trigger is pressed to fill the pressurized air with the barrel successively to push the push plate forward to compress and squeeze the silicone gel, thereby injecting the silicone gel outward from the nozzle of the barrel automatically. In addition, the user only needs to slightly press the trigger by his one hand to squeeze the silicone gel outward, thereby facilitating the user operating the caulking gun, and thereby saving the manual work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kai Shyun Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7334710
    Abstract: The closure assembly comprises a first closure device in the form of a cone valve typically having a downwardly diverging upper surface and a second closure device in the form of a plug which is vertically slidable relative to the first closure device so that when in use the closure assembly is opened by a closure operating member acting on the plug, the plug will move upwardly from a closed to an open condition while the cone valve remains in a closed condition and subsequently the cone valve will move upwardly from its closed to an open condition. The cone valve comprises first and second parts, the first part being more flexible than the second part and being arranged to adopt a closed position relative to the store prior to the second part adopting a closed position relative to the store during a closing operation of the closure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Ivan Semenenko
  • Patent number: 7334711
    Abstract: An article to transport one or more small electronic devices on a wearer is provided whereby each electronic device is portable and is readily accessible. The electronic device can be, for example, a mobile telephone, a personal data assistant (“PDA”), a global positioning system (“GPS”), a personal gaming system, and the like, attached to the worn article by means such as an adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, a snap system, or a clip assembly, and securable to the wearer by one or more flexible, elastic straps which conform to the contours of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffery B. Winters
  • Patent number: 7334712
    Abstract: The present invention relates to personal storage devices that are adapted to interconnection to personal mobility devices such as wheelchairs. In one embodiment an accessory bag is interconnected to a docking station with a tethering device that may stretch or be retractable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Thule Organization Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Hassett, Virgit U. Lippert, Douglas D. Matthews, Geoffrey T. Hyatt
  • Patent number: 7334713
    Abstract: A rack support assembly for an ATV for a rack and shock assembly that is removably attachable to a hitch and rack posts of an all terrain vehicle. The assembly comprises an upper bar and a lower bar. A pair of shock absorbers is coupled to and extends between the upper and lower bars so that the upper and lower bars are orientated parallel to each other. A coupler removably attaches the lower bar to the hitch so that the lower bar is horizontally orientated. Each of a pair of supports is attached to the upper bar. The supports are each removably attachable to one of the rack posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: David W. Turner
  • Patent number: 7334714
    Abstract: An assembly that enables a person to flexibly position and hold in place an item of personal property for which the user desires to have frequent and immediate access is provided. The assembly includes a strap that extends diagonally along the front of the user, over one shoulder of the user, and diagonally across the back of the user, wherein the strap has end portions that come together near the person's midsection and attach, via a mechanism, to an item of apparel worn by the user. The strap can also be opened to extend around a person's waist or midsection. A carrier slideably engages the strap for example at a portion of the strap along the front side of the user. The carrier houses one or more personal items, such as a cell phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: CallKeeper Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Worth Brown
  • Patent number: 7334715
    Abstract: A stationary annular abutting member 14E is provided with a first projecting section that operates as part of a ratchet mechanism. A rotational flange section is provided with a second projecting section that operates as part of the ratchet mechanism. The first projecting section projects in the direction from the ON position toward the OFF position of a plunger of a solenoid. The second projecting section projects in the direction from the OFF position toward the ON position of the plunger. When a driven rotor starts rotating and comes to a rotary position slightly short of the rotary position of about ¾ of a full turn in the ON state of the solenoid, the projecting end of the first projecting section and that of the second projecting section are located opposite to each other and the second projecting section rides on the first projecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Oda, Takashi Ueda, Yoshihiro Nakano, Hideyuki Tanimoto