Patents Issued in March 18, 2008
  • Patent number: 7343835
    Abstract: Safety Opener is a device having a toothed opening corresponding to the ridges of a standard twist off bottle cap. To use Safety Opener, a consumer simply places a twist off bottle cap attached to a bottle underneath the toothed opening. When the bottle opener or bottle is rotated in the appropriate direction, the twist off bottle cap will loosen. It can then easily be removed by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher G. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7343836
    Abstract: A bender wrench for removing fasteners from hard to reach places. The bender wrench includes a wrench having a pair of first ends coupled to a plurality of head members that are positionable with respect to the handle. Each of the head members is designed to remove or tighten a fastener without slipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jess G. Ward
  • Patent number: 7343837
    Abstract: An improved wrench for loosening and tightening objects having flexibility in two different planes of movement. The flexible drive wrench consists of an adjustable handle capable of rotating to achieve different angles along with a flexible shaft comprising of numerous steel links. The handle rotates around the flexible links when the release is engaged and locks when the release is disengaged. In addition, the steel links allow for flexibility along another plane of movement. Numerous links are connected together to form a flexible wrench by inserting a stud with a rounded end into the slotted cavity of the next link with a mushroom head steel pin connecting them. To the last link of the flexible wrench is connected a link with an open-end wrench head, closed-end wrench head, ratcheting head, or other fastening tool head for the removal of fasteners such as bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: James Anthony Domanico, Joseph Allen Domanico
  • Patent number: 7343838
    Abstract: A tool device comprising two sides connected by two axles on which one or several functional tools and two covers are arranged. The tool device is configured to provide a stable T-construction by opening a first cover arranged on a first axle, rotating one of the functional tools arranged on the second axle (such as a thread tap) to 90°, closing the first cover and rotating the second cover 180°. The covers preferably include notches for engaging the functional tool rotated to 90° in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Owe Tansbo, Hans Hallberg
  • Patent number: 7343839
    Abstract: A bar feeder includes a feeder tube mounted on a machine base, a transmission mechanism, a driving mechanism having a rotary shaft, a projecting rod connected to the driving mechanism and rotatable with the rotary shaft to engage or disengage from the transmission mechanism, a pushing rod, and a driven mechanism rotatable with the rotary shaft to move the pushing rod into engagement or away from the transmission mechanism. When the pushing rod and the transmission mechanism are coupled together, the pushing rod is movable along the feeder tube, and the projecting rod is disengaged from the transmission mechanism and moved away from the feeder tube. When the pushing rod and the transmission mechanism are disconnected, the pushing rod is not movable along the feeder tube, and the projecting rod is coupled to the transmission mechanism and movable along the feeder tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Barload Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Chin Lu
  • Patent number: 7343840
    Abstract: A sawing machine has a cutting angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the cutting angle of a saw blade. The adjustment mechanism includes a handwheel for rotation by the user to bias a bracket on which a saw unit having the saw blade is mounted so as to further adjust the cutting angle of the saw blade, and a positioning member, which is rotatable between a first position to lock the bracket in position and stop the handwheel from biasing the bracket and a second position to allow operation of the handwheel to bias the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Duro Machinery Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-Sheng Liu, Yuan-Chih Ting
  • Patent number: 7343841
    Abstract: A blade clamp assembly for retaining a rotary blade on the arbor of a rotary tool includes a blade washer for engaging the blade to hold the blade on the arbor and a clamp assembly threaded into the arbor to clamp the blade washer against the blade. The clamp assembly includes a planetary gear system for transmitting torque applied to the clamp assembly to the blade washer, wherein the planetary gear system multiplies the torque transmitted to the blade washer so that the torque transmitted to the blade washer is greater than the torque applied to the clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Phillips, John W. Schnell
  • Patent number: 7343842
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting film tubing in a machine for applying tubular labels to each of a series of containers that are transported on a conveyor. The film tubing is advanced incrementally through a ring gear and a bore in a platform on which the ring gear is rotatably mounted. A number of pinions with attached cutting blades are rotatably mounted to the platform in positions to mesh with the ring gear. One of the pinions is driven to rotate a single revolution when the film tubing has been advanced. The driven pinion causes the additional pinions to rotate through rotation of the ring gear, causing the blades to cut the film tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Axon LLC
    Inventor: Kuo-Raid Grant Chen
  • Patent number: 7343843
    Abstract: Containers and enclosing devices such as pipes or tires can be protected from explosive shocks and blasts by incorporating blast mitigating material in at least one of the top and bottom sides of a container, or by wrapping or lining the enclosing device with a blast mitigating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Blast Gard International
    Inventors: Kevin John Sharpe, Jack Waddell, James F. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7343844
    Abstract: An anti-recoil system for counteracting recoil in firearms and weapons using a gas actuated piston assembly is disclosed. A recoil piston is acted upon by gas pressure routed from the receiver/barrel. High pressure gas causes forward movement of the recoil piston thereby generating a force opposing the recoil generated upon firing. A shock absorbing bumper connected to the piston engages the weapon's rearwardly moving bolt assembly. The bolt assembly forces the recoil piston rearward and compresses the bumper and expanded gas in the recoil piston chamber thereby absorbing additional recoil forces. Upon reaching a rear most position a gas relief valve is opened allowing venting of the compressed gases at which point the bolt operating main spring propels the bolt assembly forward, stripping the top round out of the ammunition magazine, loading the next round, locking the bolt and freeing the firing pin to fire the next round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Poff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7343845
    Abstract: A fluid operated position regulator comprises a servo means, arranged in a regulator housing and by which a supply connection, a venting connection and a power connection can be placed in circuit in an adjustable manner. To predetermine or set its position the servo means possesses two mutually oppositely orientated fluid actuating faces of equal size, which respectively delimit a control chamber. The two control chambers are connected by way of an intermediately placed choke means with a common control pressure connection. Downstream from the two choke means each control chamber is connected with a venting connection. A control valve means can control the two venting connections and in particular simultaneously close them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Hannes Wirtl, Martin Maichl, Herbert Frisch
  • Patent number: 7343846
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuator is provided for supporting a load. The actuator includes a cylinder, a lower end closed by a base, and an annular side wall connected between the base and the upper wall. A piston is disposed partially within the cylinder, and includes a rod extending through the upper end of the cylinder, and a piston head that defines a hydraulic chamber with the base. A cylinder chamber is disposed between the base and the piston head and communicates with a fluid source and a fluid return to correspondingly extend and retract the piston. A support member is connected to the cylinder wall, and can be raised to support a tilt saddle member between the piston rod and the load after the piston has been extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Frantz D. Stanford, Jesus Salvador Gonzalez Sanz, Bruce Edwin Knuth
  • Patent number: 7343847
    Abstract: In an actuator for a brake system or a method for making a brake actuator, an attachment mechanism for attaching a diaphragm to a piston includes a plurality of protrusions on one of the piston and diaphragm and a plurality of cavities on the other of the piston and diaphragm, each protrusion being insertable into a corresponding cavity to attach the diaphragm to the piston. Alternatively, a retaining ring is provided that need not be precisely made and yet can attach the diaphragm to the piston securely and sealingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC
    Inventors: Ken E. Scheckelhoff, Ron S. Plantan
  • Patent number: 7343848
    Abstract: A self-vacuum arrangement for pneumatic equipment is provided. A Venturi device having first and second ports and a central tap is provided. A first check valve having a first port operably coupled with the central tap of the Venturi device is configured to prevent pneumatic flow from the central tap through the first check valve. Optionally included is a second valve having a first port operably coupled with the first port of the Venturi device, and a second port operably coupled with the second port of the Venturi device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Norgren, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Maher, Jeffrey S. Stephens
  • Patent number: 7343849
    Abstract: A piston, which is provided in a cylinder tube, is connected to a pair of guide rods by the aid of a plate. The guide rods are arranged displaceably in the axial direction along guide holes of the cylinder tube. The displacement of the piston is guided by the guide rods. The guide holes are communicated with the outside via a tube connected to an air hole. The air is sucked into and discharged from the guide holes via the tube in accordance with the reciprocating motion of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Asaba
  • Patent number: 7343850
    Abstract: A cooking appliance including at least one heating unit for heating a cooking area and including at least one extractor fan. At least one parameter of the extractor fan can be controlled to different values by a control unit, regardless of the selected cooking mode. At least one parameter value is stored in an electronic storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Gerl
  • Patent number: 7343851
    Abstract: A twine knotter (10) for bale compactors comprises a knotting frame (11) with a knotting hook (9), supported rotatably on a knotting hook shaft (40), which forms a swivel pin in the knotting frame (11); with a hook part (41), projecting laterally from the knotting hook shaft (40), which hook part has a continuous through-opening (52) with an approximately rectangular cross section, this opening extending in the plane formed by the knotting hook shaft (40) and the hook part (41), the side boundaries of the opening being formed by cheeks (63, 64). A knotting tongue (44) is supported on the knotting hook (9) with freedom to pivot around a pivot pin (43), which is perpendicular to the plane formed by the knotting hook shaft (40) and the hook part (41) and which passes transversely through cooperating bores (65, 66, 67) in the cheeks (63, 64) and the knotting tongue (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Rasspe Systemtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz-Günter Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7343852
    Abstract: A loose media compacting apparatus including a charging chamber with retractable walls where variable geometry components including pivotable opposed front and rear retractable charging chamber walls of a closed and compact charging chamber are retractably and expandingly positioned to present a large capacity open and expanded charging chamber having a volume sufficiently exceeding the capacity of the charging chamber in the closed and compact position. Upon accommodation of loose media by the expanded geometry of the open and expanded charging chamber, the front and rear retractable charging chamber walls are forcibly repositioned, whereby loose media is compressed in the reconfigured closed and compact charging chamber to form precompressed media which can subsequently be further compressed by an onboard ram or other compression devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Emory L. Olds
  • Patent number: 7343853
    Abstract: A press, especially a multilevel press, has a press stand of one or more press frames whose head and foot pieces are of cast iron and whose vertical uprights or tension shanks are of steel plate construction and formed with T or hammerheads bearing on the head piece or foot piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siempelkamp Maschinen-Und Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Schmitz, Klaus Schürmann, Klaus Wollny
  • Patent number: 7343854
    Abstract: A food press for pressing plantains has a base having an arcuate-shaped side, a press support connected to the base, a pressing mechanism having a first end, a second end, a pressing surface and a handle, the first end of the pressing mechanism being operably connected to the press support, a press plate in communication with the pressing surface of the pressing mechanism, and a food retaining base plate having a first side containing a plurality of edible material recesses, the food retaining base plate having an arcuate-shaped portion where the arcuate-shaped portion is configured to mate with the arcuate-shaped side of the base and positioned to substantially align with the press plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Elizabeth Nadal-Linares, Rafael A. Linares
  • Patent number: 7343855
    Abstract: A rotary printing press has at least one printing group with at least one waterless planographic printing forme. An inking unit is assigned to the printing group as is provided with a screen roller for use in conveying printing ink to the printing group. The screen roller has line engraving or cross-hatchings, with an angle of inclination or an angle of rise of between 50° and 80° and preferably also has a raster frequency of less than 80 lines or cross hatchings per centimeter on its surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georg Schneider, Wolfgang Reder
  • Patent number: 7343856
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a recording material, in particular a printing plate, in an exposer for recording printing originals. An exposer has an exposure drum for holding the printing plate, and has a cylinder. An internal pipe and webs connect the cylinder to the internal pipe. Using a rotary lead-through, a temperature-control liquid is led into the internal tube of the exposure drum and, by thermal conduction via the webs and the cylinder, keeps the printing plate at a constant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Fritz Blöhdorn
  • Patent number: 7343857
    Abstract: An imprint apparatus configured such that it can press a laminate structure in which a magnetic film and a resist film are sequentially laminated on a substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a first press plate configured to mount the laminate structure, a second press plate adapted for sandwiching the laminate structure, a stamper placed on a surface of the second press plate, and has projections and recesses configured to be transferred onto the resist film, and a light source configured to dispose on the same plane as the laminate structure, and is oriented so that the light source can shine the resist film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masatoshi Sakuarai, Akira Kikitsu, Naoko Kihara
  • Patent number: 7343858
    Abstract: A method of applying a registered pattern to a continuous web of material involves determining a position of a next pattern such that the next pattern is in registration with a previous pattern, adjusting the position to maintain a transverse location relative to the web, and adjusting a rotation of the pattern so that the pattern is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the web. Registration features of the web and registration features of the next pattern are used to determine longitudinal, transverse, and rotational errors between the registered position of the next pattern and the path of the web. The registered position of the next pattern is adjusted along a transverse axis of the web according to a transverse error to maintain the transverse location. A rotation of the registered position is adjusted according to an angle that is determined using the transverse error and a distance from a registration feature to a center of the pattern along a longitudinal axis of the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Preco Industries, Inc
    Inventors: Dana E. Poulain, Ted Teuscher
  • Patent number: 7343859
    Abstract: A squib for bus connection includes a communication and ignition unit which is connected via a pin to a bus line and is received within an inner cap, along with a quantity of a first explosive which does not emit corrosive gas. Furthermore, between this inner cap and an outer cap in which it is received, there is charged a quantity of a second explosive which is of a different type from the first explosive, the second explosive being of a type which is used in a squib in a conventional inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Matsuda, Kazutaka Saito, Etsuya Miyake, Junichi Nishimura, Hiromi Aida
  • Patent number: 7343860
    Abstract: A safe and arm (S&A) device is disclosed. The device utilizes a no-fire separation distance and a mechanical configuration of primary explosive/booster explosive and secondary explosive to establish a safe mode. While in safe mode, the device would allow no more than 1 in 1 million detonation transfers to occur from primary to secondary. In armed mode, the no-fire separation distance is taken away, allowing reliable detonation transfer. Two arming environments, which occur after launch and safe separation, are used to move the S&A device to armed mode. The first environment is the release event of the projectiles from their packed state in a dispenser. The second environment is a target sense mechanism. If either arming environment returns to its original state, the mechanism returns to safe mode. The S&A device will not allow inadvertent packing into the dispenser of explosive devices in the armed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Michel, Joseph R. Mayersak, Lance Benedict
  • Patent number: 7343861
    Abstract: An infrared emitting device produces a certain heat emission. The device has a heat source for generating a specific amount of heat for heating inert material to a given temperature and expelling this heated material to form a cloud. The heated inert material produces an infrared emission for anti-missile operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: James J. Baker
  • Patent number: 7343862
    Abstract: A gas generating system (10) including a baffle system for cooling a gas generated by the gas generating system. The baffle system (40) includes a first enclosure and a second enclosure (80) spaced apart from a wall (14) of the first enclosure to define a first fluid flow passage (86) extending between the second enclosure (80) and the wall (14). The second enclosure (80) defines a baffle chamber (92) therein. The second enclosure (80) also includes at least one opening (94) for enabling fluid communication between a gas source and the second enclosure baffle chamber (92), and at least one opening (96) for enabling fluid communication between the second enclosure baffle chamber (92) and the first fluid flow passage (86). A third enclosure (32) is also provided spaced apart from the wall (14) of the first enclosure to define a second fluid flow passage (98) extending between the third enclosure (32) and the wall (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. McCormick
  • Patent number: 7343863
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a payload along the inside of a substantially horizontal pipe. The apparatus includes vertically aligned upper and lower roller elements which are relationally pivotably connected to each other, both of which contact the inside surface of the pipe into which the apparatus is inserted. The apparatus further includes a steering pendulum which enables the apparatus to maintain a substantially vertical orientation as it is pushed or pulled through the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: James Louis
  • Patent number: 7343864
    Abstract: A modular worktable assembly and a shelving unit are described. The modular worktable assembly has a pair of side panels with a tabletop secured over a top end thereof. A rear, hollow cross-channel is secured between rear vertical end posts of the side panels and has an open top end with a removable cover member for access to an interior thereof. The table platform is held horizontal and elevated above the top edge of the side panels and flush with a top end of the rear hollow cross-channel. The modular shelving unit is characterized in that it has vertical side panels which are formed by a pair of symmetrical side walls immovably secured back-to-back and these side walls each have a pair of outwardly projecting elongated formations formed in a front and rear portion thereof. A plurality of horizontally aligned connecting slots are provided in these formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Fabrice Canin, Eric Belleau, Michel Morelli
  • Patent number: 7343865
    Abstract: A plastic twin sheet pallet and a method of forming the pallet. The pallet includes an upper plastic sheet and a lower plastic sheet selectively fused together to form a generally rectangular pallet having an upper platform structure. The pallet further includes a metallic support structure positioned beneath the platform structure between the upper and lower sheets and including a plurality of beam members arranged end to end in a rectangular frame configuration with each beam member generally parallel to and spaced inboard from the respective outer edge of the pallet. The pallet further includes a peripheral groove structure opening upwardly in the platform structure between each beam member and the respective outer edge of the pallet. The pallet defines a peripheral groove structure opening upwardly in the platform structure between each beam member and their respective outer edge of the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Schuert Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Lyle H. Shuert
  • Patent number: 7343866
    Abstract: Waste-throughput limiting control device (MBR) comprising at least one averaging unit (ME), a waste-throughput limiting controller (MBr) and a minimum unit (MIN). Starting from a waste weight (MG) applied to a charging system of the waste incineration plant and a predetermined maximum waste throughput, the waste-throughput limiting control device (MBR) adapts a steam output setpoint (DS). which is intended for further processing at a downstream primary combustion control (FLR), in such a way that an economically appropriate (time-limited) operation, acceptable from the plant engineering point of view, within a defined overload region is made possible and prolonged overloading due to an unhindered increase in the waste feed during the incineration of waste having a low calorific value is efficiently prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Von Roll Umwelttechnik, AG
    Inventor: Josef Mercx
  • Patent number: 7343867
    Abstract: A map of site-specific amounts of a soil nutrient, to be applied in fertilizer to an agricultural field is created using a map of site-specific amounts of the soil nutrient needed to produce the maximum possible yield at the particular site. Subtracted from the site-specific amounts of nutrient needed are site-specific amounts of the nutrient currently existing in the field, thus producing the map of site-specific nutrient amounts to be added. The nutrient amounts may be added to the soil using the map and conventional variable-rate fertilizer application methods. In one embodiment, the amounts of the soil nutrient needed to produce the maximum possible yield at each site is created using a map of site-specific measures of biomass produced by the field in a past growing season or seasons, which in turn is created from a remotely sensed biomass image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Mosaic Company
    Inventors: Clyde Fraisse, Haiping Su, Paul Joseph Harroun, Timothy A. Lindgren
  • Patent number: 7343868
    Abstract: A seeding machine includes at least one seed metering system and at least one seed placement system. Each seed placement system is in communication with a corresponding seed metering system. Each seed placement system includes a housing having a seed slide, and a wheel at least partly disposed within the housing. The wheel has a circumferential periphery with a plurality of contiguous disc joint surfaces. The periphery is positioned adjacent to at least part of the seed slide. The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a method of placing seeds with a seeding machine in a trench formed in soil. Seeds are received at a predetermined rate at a seed placement system. The seed placement system includes a seed slide, and a wheel having a conferential periphery position closely adjacent to at least part of the seed slide. The seeds are engaged at the predetermined rate against the wheel periphery. The seeds are carried past a closely adjacent area of the seed slide using the wheel periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Lyle E. Stephens, Miles R. Keaton, Robert J. Roman, Jose M. Valdez
  • Patent number: 7343869
    Abstract: A storage space can be defined above an engine hatch of a hull. A rear end portion of the hatch cover can have an opening into which a seat can be retracted into the storage space. A rear end portion of the seat can define part of the hatch cover when the seat is retracted within the storage space. A rail section can be disposed within the storage space. The seat can be movable between the inside and outside of the storage space by moving along the rail section in a fore to aft direction. Also, a support unit can engage with a bottom end of a guide groove to support the seat when the seat extends from the hatch cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiki Futaki
  • Patent number: 7343870
    Abstract: The invention comprises a boat hawse pipe and accessory tray combined in a single-piece unit for mounting on a boat's gunnel boards to provide a means for holding beverage cups, bottles, or personal and marine accessories, and for receiving the dock lines or cables to be tied to cleats on the sidewalls of a boat while preventing damage to the fiberglass body of the boat through frictional contact with those dock lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Boston Whaler, Inc.
    Inventors: Lenn M. Scholz, Harry Wood
  • Patent number: 7343871
    Abstract: An apparatus for surveying the pressure of fluids housed in tanks or flowing through ducts comprises a device (100), an envelope (1) with axial symmetry which forms the external covering of the device (100), said envelope (1) being kept in distal position with respect to a connecting body (2) by a counter spring (3); the envelope (1) axially slides with respect to the body (2) to allow the commutation of the apparatus (100) from a non-active to an active condition; the commutation of the device (100) is due to an external force (F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Sistec S.r.l.
    Inventor: Marcello Pellicciari
  • Patent number: 7343872
    Abstract: A freeze indicator employs, as active indicator element, dispersion of solid particles in a liquid medium which can be water or aqueous and which coagulates to provide an irreversible appearance change when subject to freezing. The liquid dispersion can be contained in an indicator volume around which extends a vapor block layer. The vapor block layer can prevent loss of liquid vapor from the dispersion and consequent drying out and dysfunctionality of the freeze indicator. For containing an aqueous medium, bilayer and trilayer laminate materials can be used which have a low water vapor transmission rate. The active indicator element can be a dilute colloidal dispersion of a metal such as gold or silver or other inorganic pigment material in water or an aqueous medium. Some embodiments avoid use of dispersants and the like and employ an active indicator element consisting of inorganic pigment particles, water and optionally an ice nucleating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Temptime Corporation
    Inventors: Dene H. Taylor, Thaddeus Prusik, Dawn Smith
  • Patent number: 7343873
    Abstract: A position indicator may include a position indicator display and mechanism. A polymer housing houses the position indicator display and mechanism and a one-piece clear polymer cover encloses the position indicator display and mechanism in the polymer housing. The position indicator may further include a hinge and hand-operated latch that secures the one-piece clear polymer cover to the polymer housing such that the one-piece clear polymer cover can be opened without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Augusto D. Hernandez, Jr., legal representative, Jonathan M. Schaar, Kurt L. Lindsey, Augusto D. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7343874
    Abstract: A litter composition comprising a substantially particulate primary absorbent material and a binding agent, the binding agent comprising approximately 0.01%-40% of the litter composition. In one embodiment, the primary absorbent material comprises silica gel and the binding agent comprises a galactomannan. In additional embodiments, the litter composition also includes at least one of the following components: fixing agent, colorant agent, anti-bacterial agent, fragrance and/or supplemental absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: David DeLeeuw, Roger V. Lee, Charles F. Fritter, Dennis B. Jenkins, Ananth N. Shenoy, Ramesh Hernlem
  • Patent number: 7343875
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Pathway Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Anderson, Donald E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7343876
    Abstract: A collapsible corner animal cage is provided. The collapsible cage comprises a first set of side walls fastened together to define the rear corner of the cage; a second set of side walls fastened to the first set of side walls to define the side corners of the cage; a door panel fastened to the second set of side walls to define the front of the cage, the door panel positioned diametrically opposite the rear corner of the cage; a floor fastened to the side walls and the door panel; and a roof fastened to the side walls and the door panel; wherein the side walls, door panel, floor and roof are fastened together to define a collapsible structure for use in a corner. The cage may also be collapsed into a one-piece, substantially flat unit with a carrying handle for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Linda Susan Frisbee
  • Patent number: 7343877
    Abstract: A bird cage has at least one flush mounted door for the cage when door is opened; and an accessible feed receiver for the cage, which can be retrieved and serviced without reaching inside the cage. An arcuate perch permits access to the feed receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: John Scott McDonald
  • Patent number: 7343878
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the risk that a thrown toy will injure an animal. The apparatus consists of a toy which when thrown bounces erratically, which compressively elastically deforms, which includes a soft fabric outer surface that compresses to absorb blows, and which can withstand being bitten or chewed by a dog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Sharon A. Ritchey, Jon K. Curry
  • Patent number: 7343879
    Abstract: A method of altering a stimulation level of an animal behavior modification device including the steps of detecting compliant behavior of the animal and reducing a stimulation level an incremental amount between a current stimulation level and a minimum level dependent upon the detecting step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Innotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane A. Gerig, Curtis McLay, John J. Brynda
  • Patent number: 7343880
    Abstract: A child harness has two strap loops which pass around respective shoulders of the wearer and which are mutually connected by a fastener on the rear side of the harness. The harness has a child carrying pouch on the front side, so as to be supported on the chest side of the wearer. The fastener slides readily along the strap loops to assume a position that is controlled by the magnitude and the direction of the forces applied via the strap portions that connect with the fastener. The harness has a waist belt which connects with the fastener on the rear side of the harness so as to limit the distance of the fastener from the waist belt. The back piece is generally triangular in shape, with the top of the triangle connected to the fastener, and functions to transfer load to the lower part of the wearer's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Baby Bjorn AB
    Inventor: Hakan Bergkvist
  • Patent number: 7343881
    Abstract: An animal harness includes a chest and girth panel with a front side, a rear-end or tail side, an abdominal or girth strap section connecting the sides to form left and right side leg openings. Lateral side straps extend from the front of the chest panel to the tail of the harness where they may be joined to together and attached to a seat belt. Adjustable buckle straps are provided to connect the top of the lateral sides of the harness to retain the harness fitted on an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad L. Schantz, Donald E. Godshaw, Du Hai
  • Patent number: 7343882
    Abstract: A fluid valve for use in proportioning/mixing fluid between at least one input and at least one output. The fluid valve including a rotary actuated diverter for controlling fluid flow between the inlet(s) and outlet(s). The fluid valve may be configured to support proportioning any number of fluids, including liquids and gases, for any number of applications, including automotive and industrial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: EMP Advanced Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas T. Pipkorn, David J. Allen, Mark S. Bader, Stephen J. Shiverski
  • Patent number: 7343883
    Abstract: A coolant pump arrangement for an internal-combustion engine of a motor vehicle is provided, which includes engine shafts. The coolant pump arrangement encompasses a pump housing and a pump shaft, one end of which is provided with a pump impeller. The pump shaft is essentially cantilevered by way of a bearing that is disposed inside the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Georg Emmersberger
  • Patent number: 7343884
    Abstract: A cooling system for a hybrid power system that includes an engine such as a generator engine, and a power converter such as an inverter, includes an engine cooling circuit, a power converter cooling circuit and a common coolant tank operatively coupled to both the engine and the power converter via the engine cooling circuit and the power converter cooling circuit respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Allen B. Carney, Tommy J. Harder, David A. Overland, Bradley D. Padget