Patents Issued in February 26, 2008
  • Patent number: 7334766
    Abstract: A display panel mounting unit comprising a mounting plate and at least two mounting supports. The mounting plate includes first and second support flanges having a longitudinal first member for attachment to a display panel; and a longitudinal second member attached to the first member by a pivot to provide an axis of rotation of the second member relative to the first member. The second member having a first arm on one side of the pivot and a second arm on the other side of the pivot; the first arm having an anchorage at an end remote from the pivot and a first means for retaining the mounting support on the first support flange. The second arm having, at an end remote from the pivot, a second means for retaining the mounting support on the second support flange and a compression member extends between the first member and the anchorage and resiliently biases the anchorage away from the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Ligertwood
  • Patent number: 7334767
    Abstract: A frame assembly for mounting recessed fixtures that can be manually installed without the use of tools. One embodiment of the invention includes a primary mounting frame for recessed installation, the primary mounting frame defining an open interior to accommodate a fixture and including a border flange along the outer edge of the open interior. A ratcheting fastener is rotationally coupled to the primary mounting frame and can be manually secured by depressing it toward the border flange to secure the primary mounting frame between opposite surfaces of a substrate. The ratcheting fastener can be rotated to engaged or disengaged from ratcheting teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Doug S. Wright
  • Patent number: 7334768
    Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a collapsible desk top music book stand which includes hinged panels movable into an erect assembly with a pair of posts 36 and hole 38 forming releasable assembly securement. When in use, the music book stand 10 is positioned on a desk top at eye level vision and is easily portable. Additionally, the stand 10 has a front 13 and rear 15 side with the front side having opposing pivotal leafs 14, 16 increasing the article support area, which provide means to accommodate various size music books while limiting the consumption of desk space. The hinged panels include non-slip pads 30, 32 at each end to provide both improved stability of the stand and protection of the desktop surface. The construction of the music stand 10 may include separate hinges that are bolted or riveted to each panel or may include preformed hinges that are integral 40 to the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Samuel B. Y. Lum
  • Patent number: 7334769
    Abstract: A member for a resin molding machine wherein it has a face contacting with a molten resin, and at least a part of the face is covered with a film of an oxide of a base material of the face or a component contained in the base material. The use of the member in the molding of a resin allows the prevention of the incorporation of a contaminant associated with the deterioration of a melt of the resin into a molded article from the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Masafumi Kitano, Naoki Tanahashi
  • Patent number: 7334770
    Abstract: An improved pilot-operated, “instant-on”, solenoid isolation valve discloses a new fluid passage route to save cost of drilling a longitudinal hole within the primary piston. Also, a new feature of primary piston assembly with a movable seal piston having a specific circumferential surface matching to valve body chamber to restrict fluid from front side into back side of the primary piston to produce pressure difference to induce instant valve open when solenoid is energized initially. It also introduces a channel hole in the flange of the sleeve assembly as a communication channel of supply of gas into the chambers of the back side of primary piston assembly. The diameter of the channel hole is not critical to determine in this new invent. As long as the size of the hole is smaller than that of the bleed hole, it can maintain pressure difference between the front side and back side of primary piston during valve opening operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Wei-ching Wang, Chia-Ping Wang, Yu-ching Wang
  • Patent number: 7334771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blocking apparatus for blocking and/or sealing off a line for transporting—preferably hot—media, in particular dust-laden gases, preferably for blocking and/or sealing off a line for transporting hot gases which may be laden with solid particles, having a movable closure body (2) and at least one sealing element (9), in particular a seat ring, against which the closure body bears in the blocking position, and having a device for rotating the closure body (11) about an axis of rotation, in particular a shaft, to which the closure body is connected. In this blocking apparatus, the closure body, by means of a suitable flexible linkage to the device for rotating the closure body, is mounted such that it can move in the direction of the axis of rotation and/or in a direction which is perpendicular with respect thereto, such that it slides on the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rainer Dreier, Herbert Silbernagl
  • Patent number: 7334772
    Abstract: The high pressure gas inlet channel (6) of the pressure regulator (1) is formed upstream in a stationary valve element (7) having an enlarged terminal head (9) interacting with a seat edge of a movable seat (10) acted upon in closure position by a spring (23), the mounting of the pressure regulator (1) in the high pressure gas inlet tap body (3) causing the retraction of the seat (10) and the opening of the inlet channel normally kept blanked off during operations of storage and/or washing of the pressure regulator. Applies mainly to sea diving pressure regulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: La Spirotechnique Industrielle et Commerciale
    Inventor: Stéphane Carepa
  • Patent number: 7334773
    Abstract: An outflow valve includes a valve closure mechanism that automatically closes the outflow valve in the unlikely event the outflow valve actuator becomes inoperable. The valve closure mechanism includes a pulley, a load plate, a cable, and a spring. The pulley is coupled to a valve element is the outflow valve and is configured to eccentrically rotate therewith. The cable has a first end coupled to the pulley, and a second end coupled to the load plate. The spring is disposed between the valve and the load plate and surrounds a portion of the cable. The spring is configured to supply a bias force, via the load plate and the cable, to the pulley that biases the valve element toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Stout, Gregor McDowall, David R. Minke
  • Patent number: 7334774
    Abstract: An extensible and turnover handle structure for a jack comprises a pivot ear formed at the front end of a base. The pivot ear is provided for a pivot connection with the handle. Moreover, the handle includes an inner pipe inserted in an outer pipe and serves to draw out the inner pipe in use, thus elongating an arm of force relative to the base, and the handle can be turned to a position above a top plate to reduce volume during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Vincent W. Lin
  • Patent number: 7334775
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for opening, by way of force, an operating sash (100) which has a length (L) and which comprises an opening part (102) and a fixed frame (104), such as a door or window, comprising at least one frame (2) whose length can be extended and which is formed by one or several sliding parts (10,20) which can be adapted to the length (L) of the operating sash; a corner (12,22) which can be depressed and which is arranged in between the frame (104) and the opening part (102), a spreader ram (50) enabling the penetration of said corner (12,22) between the frame (104) and the opening part (102) in order to open the operating sash (100) by way of force; and a push ram (30) placed in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the frame (2). The rams (30;50) can be maneuvered at a distance with the aid of a remote control (80). The invention is characterized in that the push ram (30) is a continually thrusting percussion ram acting in a repetitive reciprocating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Bernard Jacquinot, Jean-Michel Gerard
  • Patent number: 7334776
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading an object into a vehicle, the vehicle having a trunk lid, the apparatus comprising: a line; an actuator adapted for applying a tensile force to the line in response to an actuator command, and disposed and adapted for transmitting at least a portion of the tensile force to the trunk lid; an end-effector mechanically coupled to the line and adapted for transmitting the tensile force and an operator force to the object and for generating an operator force measurement; and a controller adapted for generating the actuator command from the operator force measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Homayoon Kazerooni
  • Patent number: 7334777
    Abstract: An automobile pneumatic jacking system, that has integrated safety features as well as external safety adapters, for the purpose of conveniently and safely suspending a tire off the ground for changing and/or repairing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Clinton Lemont Jackson
  • Patent number: 7334778
    Abstract: A unitary stackable fence module having end assemblies and span members is provided for forming a perimeter fence having an inwardly inclined profile. A right angle end support has vertical and horizontal members and an angle arm, spaced from and attached to a side edge of the vertical and horizontal members adjacent the span members. The unique arrangement permits a plurality of fence modules to be stacked for transport or storage. Loops formed on the vertical members permit pivotal pinning of fence modules together to form perimeter fences of any polygonal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: 747379 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael J. Alberts
  • Patent number: 7334779
    Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket with a raised central area flanked by two lower lateral areas and a rail connector that, vertically or horizontally, slidingly engages the central area of the bracket. The lateral areas define locations for connecting the bracket to a vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted. The bracket may include indicia or characters for determining the correct position of attachment of the rail connector to the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector relative to the bracket, the angle of the rail receiving receptacle is altered, thereby changing the angle at which a rail may be attached to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7334780
    Abstract: Hot water (12) in a bath (11) is pumped up by a suction pump (9) and introduced into a carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through solution flow rate adjusting means (14) and then, poured into the bath (11). Carbon dioxide gas supplied from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder (1) is introduced into the carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through gas flow rate adjusting means (5). At this time, the quantity of bubbles existing in artificial carbonated spring in a take-out pipe (15) is measured with a measuring device (13), and the solution flow rate adjusting means (14), gas flow rate adjusting means (5) and the like are controlled by means of a control device (16) using a relational expression between a preliminarily set quantity of bubbles and carbon dioxide concentration to obtain a desired concentration of carbon dioxide gas in carbonated spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroki Sakakibara, Ken Ooyachi, Hiroshi Tasaka
  • Patent number: 7334781
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for increasing fuel efficiency in internal combustion engines by radially accelerating fuel prior to combustion. In one embodiment of the present invention, fuel is input, under pressure, to an enclosed fuel-acceleration chamber between a rotating rotor and stationary rotor housing. While in the acceleration chamber, the rotating rotor radially accelerates the fuel and the acceleration, in turn, may generate turbulence or cavitation within the fuel. The fuel is then output from the fuel-acceleration chamber to a treated-fuel reservoir and to a fuel-combustion site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Louis Donnelly
  • Patent number: 7334782
    Abstract: By evacuating the resin feed tank to a pressure below atmospheric pressure, employing cyclic compaction, and controlling the net compaction pressure, we are better able to control a resin infusion process, particularly a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process, and produce aerospace-grade fiber-reinforced resin composite having fiber volume fractions and tool-side surface finishes comparable to or exceeding those made using an autoclave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jack A Woods, Andrew E. Modin, Robert D. Hawkins, Dennis J. Hanks
  • Patent number: 7334783
    Abstract: A fluid filled vibration damping device including: a low-frequency orifice passage opening directly towards a pressure-receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber at either axial end surface of a first orifice member; a rubber partition plate disposed between a bottom surface of a center concavity of the first orifice member and a bottom end surface of a second orifice member, to create a seal mechanism that grasps an outer perimeter edge and a center diameter section of the rubber partition plate with a fluid-tight seal therebetween. Semicircular sections of the rubber partition plate surrounded by the areas grasped by the seal mechanism constituting a first deformable membrane section and a second deformable membrane section that respectively allow prescribed amounts of elastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Yoneyama, Shouji Akasa
  • Patent number: 7334784
    Abstract: Axial corrugated spring comprising an annular spring band 11 which describes a corrugation line oscillating about a radial reference plane around the circumference, wherein the corrugation line has maxima 12, 13, 17 of different height and minima 14, 15, 16 of different height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Muhr und Bender KG
    Inventors: Vladimir Kobelev, Bernfried Hesselmann, Andreas Rinsdorf
  • Patent number: 7334785
    Abstract: A locking vise for pipes, useful in operations for welding portions of plastic pipe by polywelding of the head portion. The vise comprises two mutually opposite jaws which form, when clamped, a circular locking seat for a portion of pipe. A slot is formed on the grip surface of each jaw in order to accommodate a corresponding portion of a body for reducing the diameter of the circular locking seat of the pipes. Elements for fixing to the corresponding jaw are further associated with each reduction body. The fixing elements comprise at least one locking pin, which can perform an axial translational motion and is inserted through the slot transversely to the slot. The locking pin has, in the axial direction, a first part, which forms, when arranged in the slot, an undercut for preventing extraction for the reduction body, and a second part, which is recessed with respect to the first part and forms, when arranged in the slot, a disengagement configuration for the reduction body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: RITMO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Renzo Bortoli
  • Patent number: 7334786
    Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet feeding tray, a lock mechanism that locks the sheet feeding tray, a sheet feeding unit that feeds sheets from the sheet feeding tray one by one, an opening and closing unit that opens and closes a conveyance path, a sheet detecting sensor that detects presence of a sheet at a position at which the opening and closing unit is arranged, and a state detecting unit that detects a state of the opening and closing unit. When the sheet detecting sensor detects that a sheet is stuck during conveyance of the sheet, the lock mechanism locks the sheet feeding tray not to be drawn out, and unlock the sheet feeding tray after the opening and closing unit opens the conveyance path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Shinga
  • Patent number: 7334787
    Abstract: When the sheets are taken out sheet by sheet and started to be fed, in a first predetermined section, a driving mode is set to a fixed PWM driving mode, and a DC motor is driven in response to a PWM signal of a fixed duty to perform the sheet feed operation (S110, S120). When the tip end of the fed sheet is detected by a registration sensor (S140: YES), the sheet feed operation is once stopped (S150), and the driving mode is changed to a position feedback control mode (S170). Thereafter, the sheet is fed to a registration position by a position feedback control, the sheet reaches the registration position, the sheet feed is completed (S200: YES), and the process enters the next transfer operation. The transfer operation is also performed in the position feedback control mode. When a control method is changed before/after the registration sensor in this manner, the speeding-up and noise reduction of the sheet feed operation are realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeki Akiyama, Masatoshi Kokubo
  • Patent number: 7334788
    Abstract: A sheet feeder is provided, which includes: a sheet feed member and a separating member which form a nip portion by pressing each other, the separating member rotates following the sheet feed member when a first recording sheet is inserted into the nip portion, and rotates reversely when a second recording sheet is inserted while being stacked under the first recording sheet; a sheet detection unit which detects the recording sheet inserted into the nip portion; a direction detection unit which detects a rotation direction of the separating member; and a separating force adjusting unit which gradually increases a reverse rotation torque of the separating member from a initial torque after the sheet detection unit detects the recording sheet, and stops the increase of the reverse rotation torque to maintain the reverse rotation torque when the direction detection unit detects reverse rotation of the separating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Sakamaki, Kazuyuki Tsukamoto, Shin Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7334789
    Abstract: In a sheet stacking and unloading system in which sheets are stacked on a stacking tray which is then moved from its sheet stacking position to an unloading position for removing the sheet stack from the stacking tray, and the stacking tray has a sheet stacking surface partially interrupted by at least one handhold area for allowing manual lifting access underneath a portion of a stack, there is automatically inserted into the handhold area at least one supplemental sheet stack supporting member to provide supplemental sheet stacking support, preventing the sheets from sagging in those areas, which supplemental sheet stack supporting member is automatically removed from the handhold area when the stacking tray is moved to its unloading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas K. Herrmann, Richard V. Williams, Steven D. Olson
  • Patent number: 7334790
    Abstract: Sheets are conveyed through a rotary press with linear travel grippers. The novel conveying apparatus prevents collisions between the grippers and printing unit cylinders. The grippers are fixed to circulating links to convey a sheet through a nip between two cylinders that interact during printing. The links and the cylinders are coupled to drives that can be activated separately. In each case a collision disk is mounted on a shaft journal of at least one cylinder. A slip clutch is provided between the collision disk and the cylinder. A braking element is coupled to the grippers which, in the event of non-synchronous running with the cylinder, runs onto the collision disk and prevents the collision disk from moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Peter Förch, Markus Möhringer
  • Patent number: 7334791
    Abstract: An ostensibly solid electronic die presents visual and/or sound effects when in use. Unlike known electronic dice, the disclosed electronic die retains the weight, feel and ruggedness of conventional non-electronic dice. The die includes an outer shell defining its shape. Electronics for producing the effects are located inside the shell. The shell is preferably filled with potting material and sealed shut. The use of potting material is a unique aspect of the invention that represents a significant advance over known electronic dice. The potting material gives the inventive die added weight and safely encases the electronics. Using miniaturized electronics and batteries, the die can have physical dimensions and weight that are the same as or similar to a conventional hand-tossed gaming die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Blinky Bones, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Lindsey, Stephen J. Pearson
  • Patent number: 7334792
    Abstract: A method of playing a dice game by a plurality of players using a plurality of dies includes the steps of rolling the dice so as to as to display dice values, assigning a point value corresponding to some of the dice, removing the dies that have an assigned point value, tallying a total value of the point values of the removed dies, re-rolling the remaining dies so as to display additional dice values, removing the dies that have the assigned point value, tallying the total point value of the removed dies, repeating the steps alternately between players until a final point value is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Ronnie J. Bermann
  • Patent number: 7334793
    Abstract: A method of playing a game having multiple rounds between a plurality of players. The method includes initiating a first phase of the game, the first phase including selecting a plurality of words, scrambling the letters from each word of the plurality of words on a game board, passing the game board to a second player, and unscrambling the letters provided by the first player into words. The method also includes awarding a score for the second player for the first phase based upon the success of the second player in unscrambling the letters into words. A second phase of the game is initiated, the second phase including utilizing the letters from the first phase to create new words of varying length. The method further includes awarding a score for the second player for the second phase based upon the success of the player in creating new words.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Playful Planet Games, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 7334794
    Abstract: A poker-type card game comprises at least one player making at least one ante wager in the poker-type game at least against a dealer/banker's hand. The player receives a first number of cards and the dealer receives a second number of cards that is at least one card more then the number of cards received by the player. A set of community cards is provided that are used by the dealer and the player. One of the dealer's cards is exposed to the table to provide an exposed dealer card. The dealer is compelled to discard the exposed dealer's card if the rank of the exposed dealer's card is within a first range of values and the dealer is compelled to discard an unexposed dealer's card if the exposed dealer's card is within a second range of values. After resolving the status of the dealer's hand, the player may be allowed to amend the initial one ante wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Snow
  • Patent number: 7334795
    Abstract: A method for playing a combination poker and lottery game with many players that allows players to receive at least two playing card designations that can be combined with three or more community cards to create at least one winning five card poker hand whereby no two players having the exact same at least two playing card designations even if one or more of the at least two playing card designations of one player is identical to one or more of the at least two playing card designations of another player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: John S. Wonpu
  • Patent number: 7334796
    Abstract: In a system and method for playing a game in conjunction with viewing an event, predictions are made regarding elements of the event, and physical activity simulating an element of the event is performed. The event may be a televised sporting event such as a football game. Predictions are preferably made before the event. Points are awarded for each correct prediction and for achieving a selected objective in physical activities, e.g., propelling a ball to a target. A referee's score sheet may be kept for recording actual results. Awards may be provided for each portion of the event, e.g., quarters, for the physical activities and for of the entire game. Equipment for the physical activity, prediction sheets, referee score sheets, a tote board, a rule book, markers for setting up the physical elements of the game and a container for the game system may further comprise the game system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Charles A. Wittwer
  • Patent number: 7334797
    Abstract: A deck of specially designed cards used to teach the rock cycle though easy to play games. The deck contains cards with the titles of various rock types along with the names and pictures of specific rocks that fit into each type. The cards are color-coded to aid in differentiation between types. The deck also contains cards that indicate the processes by which one rock type is changed into another. Colored squares on these cards that coincide with the color-coded rock cards reinforce the written explanation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Leanne Thomas
  • Patent number: 7334798
    Abstract: This invention relates to coin-operated amusement games referred to as cranes. Cranes have a plurality of prizes that are distributed across the play field of a container that has a claw or other engagement device suspended above the prizes. A player remotely controls the location of the claw above the prizes to a desired location and the claw is then lowered toward the prizes. The play field surface on which the prizes are distributed can be vertically moved as the prizes are withdrawn to maintain the appearance that the container is substantially full of prizes. The drive mechanism that moves the play field surface includes a motor coupled to an drive belt that drives a threaded nut. As the nut is driven, opposite threads on a threaded rod are engaged and the rod is caused to move upward or downward. One end of the threaded rod is received in a bushing on the bottom surface of the play field surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Benchmark Entertainment L.C.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Halliburton
  • Patent number: 7334799
    Abstract: A sealing device has a seal ring and a cylindrical bellows portion connected to the seal ring. The cylindrical bellows portion has a corrugated outer surface. A turbocharger utilizing the sealing device has a turbine wheel connected to a shaft and a compressor wheel connected to the shaft. The sealing device is sealingly engaged with the shaft. The sealing device provides a seal between a bearing housing of the turbocharger and either a turbine housing or a compressor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. O'Hara
  • Patent number: 7334800
    Abstract: A seal extending between adjacent slots of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The seal comprises a plurality of generally planar members fixed together along a central axis. The outer member further comprises rounded ends that encompass the second and plurality of third generally planar members. The seal disclosed herein improves sealing capability by providing a more compliant seal over the prior art while reducing the mechanical loads experienced along the seal weld joint, thereby improving seal durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Power Systems Mfg., LLC
    Inventor: Mark Minnich
  • Patent number: 7334801
    Abstract: An automated vehicle suspension system includes an elongated and linear drive axle having opposed end portions pivotally connected to a selected portion of a vehicle and laterally extending outwardly therefrom respectively. The system further includes a mechanism for detecting uneven road surfaces. The detecting mechanism is coupled to the drive axle and housed proximate to a vehicle's wheel. The system further includes a mechanism for automatically articulating the wheel about the drive axle such that the wheel can be selectively raised and lowered from equilibrium to offset an impact force associated with the uneven road surfaces when the vehicle travels thereover during driving conditions. A wheel hub interface is laterally secured to the detecting mechanism such that the drive axle can be maintained at a substantially stable position. A wheel mount is threadably coupled to one end portion of the drive axle and outwardly spaced from the wheel hub interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Michael F. Hohmann
  • Patent number: 7334802
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a portable, insulated container with lid; particularly towards a portable insulated container with lid and attached tray for movement between a stowed and elevated position above the surface of the container lid capable of supporting various items thereon while simultaneously allowing the user to lift the lid of the container to access the interior; more particularly to a portable cooler with an attached retractable tray constructed and arranged to be readily positioned by a single user at various elevations above the surface of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Ronda Kaplan
  • Patent number: 7334803
    Abstract: An improved wheelbarrow featuring a retractable configuration that permits ready emptying of a wheelbarrow receptacle, with reduced need to tilt, lift or invert the wheelbarrow. A wheelbarrow is disclosed with a retractable configuration that is optionally operable by the user to create an egress for wheelbarrow cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Jason Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7334804
    Abstract: A portable tire and wheel lifting apparatus includes a base, a pair of lifting arms pivotally coupled in a scissor configuration, pneumatic cylinders, an air input device, and an air outlet valve. In use, a tire and wheel are smoothly rolled from the ground to the lifting arms, which are in a retracted configuration. The air input device adds air to the pneumatic cylinders, causing the lifting arms to move from the retracted to an extended configuration, thus raising the tire and wheel. The tire and wheel are turned to line up the rim with the vehicle's hub and fastened to the vehicle. The air outlet valve selectively releases air from the pneumatic cylinders, allowing the lifting arms to move from the extended to the retracted configuration. The tire and wheel lifting apparatus is small enough to fit inside the cavern defined by a spare tire and wheel for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Knecole A. Mitchell, Tyler Russell, III
  • Patent number: 7334805
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wheel angle adjustment apparatus for automobile suspension systems. The wheel angle adjustment apparatus of the present invention has a structure such that upper, lower, left and right gaps between a spindle bracket and a wheel bracket are changed by tightening or loosening a plurality of locking bolts that couples the spindle bracket and the wheel bracket together. Therefore, toe and camber angles of each wheel are easily adjusted by tightening or loosening the locking bolts. In particular, when the present invention is used in a suspension system such as a torsion beam suspension system which has a structure such that a wheel alignment using a connection part provided between the automobile body and wheels is impossible, the wheels are easily aligned merely by adjusting the gap between the spindle bracket and the wheel bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Donghee Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Duk-Woo Nam
  • Patent number: 7334806
    Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle comprising a chassis, a rigid drive axle, an opposite axle and road wheels attached to the ends of each axle, a torque reaction control link positioned longitudinally of the motor vehicle with longitudinal control arms pivotally attached to the rigid drive axle, for controlling torque reaction of the rigid drive axle, in combination with the torque reaction control link. The torque reaction control Link has a longitudinal plane that extends longitudinally of the motor vehicle and whereby the effective projection lines of the longitudinal control arms and the longitudinal plane of the torque reaction control link Intersect each other forming a convergent angle at an instant center located closer to the opposite axle than to the rigid drive axle and that when a force moves the rigid drive axle vertically up the convergent angle does not increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Gordon A. Dreher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7334807
    Abstract: A vehicle step tube comprising a one-piece elongated extrusion having a plurality of vertical ribs extending from the upper surface, the ribs define a plurality of channels between the ribs. The ribs may be relatively short in a step portion of the extrusion to form a step platform, and may be relatively tall in the flanking portions flanking the step portion. The ribs may further define transverse recesses in the step portion to enhance traction and aesthetics. A pair of end caps may be provided to cover the ends of the extrusion. The ends caps include openings aligned with the channels to allow fluid flow through the channels and the openings and into an environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig C. Mulder, Charles J. Steffens
  • Patent number: 7334808
    Abstract: A tow device having a mounting bracket adapted for vehicle mounting, a spring-loaded bobbin, a hollow telescoping rod, a tow line, and a handle. The hollow telescoping rod, which can be automatically extended, has one end attached to the mounting bracket while the other end is mounted for pivotal movement. The tow line extends longitudinally through the hollow telescoping rod and is attached to the handle at one end and the spring-loaded bobbin at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Edward C. Fatzinger
  • Patent number: 7334809
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly better secures a trailer to a vehicle trailer hitch. By restricting vertical travel of the trailer coupling, a hitch ball on a draw bar is better engaged by the trailer coupling as any vertical dislodgement of the trailer coupling from the hitch ball is restricted by the underlying trailer hitch assembly. The underlying trailer hitch assembly cannot travel upward when locked into position as the draw bar obstructs its upward travel, thus preventing the trailer coupling from disengaging the hitch ball. The trailer hitch assembly is lockably pivotable away from the underside of the draw bar in order to allow controlled disengagement of the trailer coupling from the hitch ball. The trailer hitch assembly may act as a support when placed in the vertical or downward position with a wheel, pad, or skid providing support for the accompanying trailer and its load. Additionally, a new trailer hitch ball system is detachably attachable to the draw bar without a shank, nut, or washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Coy
  • Patent number: 7334810
    Abstract: A binding unit for a snowboard that permits an individual adjustment of angular position relative to the snowboard, includes, for fixing it to the snowboard, a substantially circular retaining disc, as seen in plan view, for a base plate of relatively large surface area. Coupling parts are mounted directly or indirectly on the base plate to provide a connection to a snowboard shoe which is releasable from the snowboard when the coupling parts are inactive or deactivated. At least one slide element on the retaining disc is displaceable between an extracted position, in which the at least one slide element at least partially covers the base plate, a portion of the slide element or elements projecting from a circular circumferential region of the retaining disc in the extracted position, and an inserted position, in which the at least one slide element does not at least partially cover the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Atomic Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Holzer, Max Luitz
  • Patent number: 7334811
    Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad, a trim cover including a first and second end adjacent each other to form a release seam, and an air bag assembly mounted on the frame. In accordance with this embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an inflator and air bag that is inflatable to project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further includes an air bag guide including an inner panel and an outer panel, a first member extending between and connecting the first end of the trim cover and the inner panel, a second member connecting the second end of the trim cover and the outer panel, and a connector engaged with and connecting the first member with the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Tracht, Mathias Klemm
  • Patent number: 7334812
    Abstract: To speed up the inflation of a second chamber of an airbag that is portioned into a first chamber including an inflator and the second chamber enclosing the first chamber and to facilitate the design of adjusting the shape and thickness of the inflated airbag, an airbag and airbag system are disclosed. In one form, the airbag includes therein first and second inner panels to partition the interior of the airbag into a first chamber and a second chamber that encloses the first chamber. The second inner panel has communication holes for communicating the first chamber and the second chamber with each other. The outer peripheries of the inner panels are joined together with a seam. A jet of gas emitted from gas ports of the inflator is supplied directly into the second chamber through the communication holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Abe
  • Patent number: 7334813
    Abstract: A motor vehicle (11) has a side door (14) having a side panel assembly (15) fitted with a pusher block arrangement (25) comprising an outer block (26) and an inner block (27). A pelvic airbag (35) is positioned between the side door (14) and the occupant (31) of a seat (16). In the event of an impact of sufficient severity, the pusher block arrangement pushes a trim panel (22) towards the seat while the pelvic airbag (35) is inflated between the trim panel and the pelvic region of the occupant to react the inertia loads on the occupant caused by the impact. A thorax airbag (41) is also inflated at the same time as the pelvic airbag (35) to support the thorax region of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Mellor
  • Patent number: 7334814
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). An inflation fluid source (18) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable volume (16) of the protection device (14). The apparatus (10) also includes a reaction plate (20) that includes at least one vent opening (40) and a retainer (60) that is connectable with the reaction plate (20). A vent part (80) has a first condition blocking inflation fluid flow through the at least one vent opening (40) and a second condition permitting inflation fluid flow through the at least one vent opening. The apparatus (10) further includes an actuator (120) for moving the vent part (80) from one of the first and second conditions to the other of the first and second conditions. The vent part (80) has a portion (104) that maintains the vent part in the other of the first and second conditions when moved to the other of the first and second conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt F. Fischer, Annmarie McMillan, Charles S. Pillsbury, IV, Ramakrishnan Srinivasan, Milind T. Gawas, Neal H. Delventhal
  • Patent number: 7334815
    Abstract: An airbag is provided in which connecting belts extending from opposed surfaces of a left airbag section and a right airbag section can be connected easily to each other and which can be manufactured easily. In one form, the airbag is composed of four panels; an inside panel, a right outside panel, a left outside panel and a proximal panel. Connecting belts are connected to the inside panel. The respective connecting belts are each formed with an insertion portion by folding a cloth fabric having a pair of end sides at about a midsection thereof. Rod-shaped jigs are inserted into the respective insertion portions. In a state in which the connecting belts are overlapped, the jibs are fixed in parallel at a predetermined distance, and width control tethers are pulled in the directions away from each other. Accordingly, a tensile force is applied to the respective connecting belts, and hence a tensed flatly extended state is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Hasebe, Yukitoshi Narimoto