Patents Issued in May 20, 2008
  • Patent number: 7373842
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser comprises a sprayer device and volume meter connected together to form an integral unit that prevents the sprayer device and volume meter from being disconnected without damaging the dispenser. The volume meter has an inlet end portion and a gauge member downstream of the inlet end portion that responds to liquid flowing through the dispenser to provide a visual readout indicating the volume of liquid flowing through the dispenser. A common passageway extends through the sprayer device and volume meter through which liquid flows from the inlet end portion of the volume meter, past the gauge member, and exits the sprayer device at a head end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: H2O Watch, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry I. Goldfarb
  • Patent number: 7373843
    Abstract: A sensor for a textured surface (e.g., a fingerprint) is provided. The sensor includes a flexible substrate and a flexible membrane supported above the substrate by one or more spacers. The sensor also includes multiple pressure sensor elements responsive to a separation between parts of the membrane and corresponding parts of the substrate. The membrane is conformable to the textured surface being sensed, so the variation in separation between substrate and membrane is representative of the textured surface being sensed. A preferred sensor array arrangement has a set of parallel substrate electrodes on the substrate facing the membrane and a set of parallel membrane electrodes on the membrane facing the substrate, where the substrate and membrane electrodes are perpendicular. The sensor array is preferably an entirely passive structure including no active electrical devices, to reduce cost. Row and column addressing circuitry can be provided as separate units (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Fidelica Microsystems
    Inventors: Srinivasan K. Ganapathi, Keith T. DeConde, Randolph S. Gluck
  • Patent number: 7373844
    Abstract: A measuring system that relate to the measurement of relatively small one degree of freedom mechanisms, such as pivoting and rotary switches, is disclosed. In particular end effectors and a kit for assembling various end effector assemblies is disclosed, that allow for accurate measurement of torque versus angular displacement curves for various types of pivoting and rotary switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yifan Chen, Pietro Buttolo, Basavaraj Tonshal, James Rankin, II, Gary Strumolo
  • Patent number: 7373845
    Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for use with a seat belt assembly. The sensor includes a housing that has a slot and a plate coupled with the housing. The plate has another slot and a cutout. The slots are connected with a seat belt. A sensor is retained by the housing and extends into the cutout. A portion of the plate is adapted to be engaged by the sensor as tension is increased on the seat belt. The sensor generates an electrical signal that is indicative of seat belt tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: Murray Kaijala
  • Patent number: 7373846
    Abstract: This load cell attachment structure includes a male screw which is formed on a load sensing part of the load cell, a nut which attaches the load cell to the attachment plate by engaging with the male screw, and a wave washer which is disposed between the attachment plate and the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Furukawa, Naotaka Kumakiri, Mikihito Kojima, Masashi Yoshifuku, Tatsuya Yamazaki, Toyohiko Shindo, Harutomi Nishide, Shigeru Endo, Kenji Sato
  • Patent number: 7373847
    Abstract: An analytical apparatus for automatically carrying out a plurality of analytical steps, which apparatus includes: a releasing device for releasing a sample from a sampling tube; device for analyzing a first portion of the released sample; a collecting device for collecting a second portion of the released sample; a device for re-released the collected said second portion of the sample; and a device for analyzing the re-released portion of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Markes International Limited
    Inventor: Alun Cole
  • Patent number: 7373848
    Abstract: The hand-held pipette comprises at least one track having increments, at least one brush, and a register area arranged to come into contact with each brush after it has traveled a predetermined number of increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Gilson S.A.S.
    Inventors: Francois Viot, Yves May
  • Patent number: 7373849
    Abstract: A method for deploying a reconnaissance sonde, including the steps of: incorporating at least one environmental sensor and an associated communication device into a robust, aerodynamically efficient casing; deploying the sonde by imparting a spin and a directional velocity to the casing, sufficient to carry the sonde into a region of interest; and establishing communication with the communication device, thereby enabling data from the sensor(s) to be transmitted to a remote location. A sonde for remote data collection is also provided, including at least one environmental sensor, an energy source and communication means. The sonde is generally shaped as a discus or saucer, a clay pigeon or skeet, for deployment by applying a spin and directional velocity to the sonde.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Roke Manor Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Gregory Lloyd, Paul Jonathan Stein
  • Patent number: 7373850
    Abstract: Test apparatus for bi-manual phaco needle apparatus are provided which includes a chamber for establishing a fluidic circuit between an irrigation needle and an aspiration needle. A first inlet into the chamber is provided for establishing a sealed communication with the irrigation needle and a second inlet is provided for establishing a sealed fluid communication with an aspiration needle. The apparatus enables a method for testing bi-manual phacoemulsification apparatus and priming thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Kadziauskas, Mark E. Steen
  • Patent number: 7373851
    Abstract: A test simulator for image evaluation of x-ray systems has a flexible test phantom connected by a single connection tube with a single pump that fills and empties the test phantom with a medium. The test phantom thus contracts (as in a real heartbeat) for simulation of systole and subsequently expands for simulation of diastole. Due to the use of only one connection tube and only one pump for control, a simply designed test simulator is obtained since the pump both fills and empties the test phantom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Alfred Faber, Robert Jorg, Andreas Melber, Thorsten Rombach
  • Patent number: 7373852
    Abstract: What is described is a length measurement system and method for measuring relative movements between first and second machine parts, said measurement system comprising a sensing head and a rule sensed by it, said sensing head being securely mountable on the first machine part and said rule being connectable with the second machine part during final assembly of the length measurement system, wherein the rule is mounted within a profiled part which is securely mountable on the second machine part in final assembly and into which the sensing head protrudes, said sensing head being preadjusted, via a removable mounting element, and being releasably connected with said profiled part, in a state prepared for final assembly, or said sensing head, when finally assembled, protruding into the profiled part without being supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Boge, Hans-Joachim Freitag, Heinz-Gunther Franz, Andreas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7373853
    Abstract: A power delivery system of a hybrid vehicle realizes a speed reduction route and a speed increase route, and thereby enhances fuel economy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Joo Woong Youn
  • Patent number: 7373854
    Abstract: A bicycle gear-shifting handgrip includes an inner tube fixedly fit over a bicycle handlebar and an outer tube rotatably fit over the inner tube. A casing that is fixed to the handlebar is fit over the inner tube and defines axially spaced front and rear chambers, both surrounding the outer tube. A toothed ring and a detent ring are axially stacked over each other and received in the front chamber. The toothed ring is rotatably fixed but axially movable in the front chamber and has a surface forming plural sets of teeth that are axially biased by a spring to respectively engage detent projections formed on the detent ring. The detent ring is rotatable in unison with the outer tube to induce a camming action between the teeth and the detent projection. A cable-driving ring is received in the rear chamber and is rotatable in unison with the outer tube for pulling a cable coupled to a bicycle derailleur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Po-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 7373855
    Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device for a parking brake, especially a commercial-vehicle parking brake, with a handle that can be moved between a pulled position for engaging the parking brake and a pushed position for releasing the parking brake, and to such a parking brake. The handle is subjected to a preload force toward a central position when it is in the pulled or pushed position. Depending on the position of the handle, an evaluation device outputs different control signals for an actuating device of the parking brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Heiko Claussen, Jürgen Eickhoff, Helmut Kortschakowski, Klaus Pape
  • Patent number: 7373856
    Abstract: The present application discloses a brake actuator for applying tension to a brake cable. The actuator includes: a mounting bracket; a brake actuator lever mounted for pivotal movement relative to the mounting bracket in brake applying and brake releasing directions; and a cam-and-drum member mounted for rotation relative to relative to the brake actuator lever. The cam-and-drum member is formed as one integral part including a protruding drum portion and a cam portion integral with the drum portion. The present application also discloses a brake actuator with a one-piece cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Sykes, Steven Demoe, Bob Bunker
  • Patent number: 7373857
    Abstract: A composite metal article from two dissimilar metals is prepared. A metal base is comprised of a first metal and having first and second opposing surfaces and a least one longitudinally-positioned depression in each of the first and second opposing surfaces for receiving a wire. An elongated metal element comprised of a second metal is introduced into each of the at least one first and second depressions of the metal base to form a composite assembly, and the composite assembly is heated under pressure to urge the adjacent surfaces of the second metal elements and the depressions together to form a bonded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: William Engineering LLC
    Inventors: Paul Armand Dion, Gregg Anthony Dion
  • Patent number: 7373858
    Abstract: A can opener for a pull top-type can includes a body comprising a forward surface, a rear surface, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is curved to define a rounded heel. The opener includes a starting notch and a finishing notch. The notches are both located along the front of the opener, and the finishing notch is spaced above the starting notch. The can opener is provided with a retainer to maintain the can lid on the opener after the lid has been removed from the can. The retainer can be a fixed or moveable retainer. The can opener can be provided with a vertically or horizontally cutting can opener mechanism to enable the opener to function as a dual purpose opener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Kerry L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7373859
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing roof shingles includes an elongated body having a handle at its upper end and a lift plate pivotally connected to its lower end. The lift plate includes a removable blade at its leading edge and a roller that parallels the leading edge. The lift plate is linked to a pneumatically powered actuator that causes the lift plate to pivot about the roller upon the activation of a trigger mounted in the handle. The handle both rotates around the body and is movable linearly along the body against a biasing compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Jack W. Shirlin, Samantha Kaiser, legal representative, Klai Y. Shirlin, Robert T. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 7373860
    Abstract: A screwdriver T-handle having an upright stem portion and a top horizontal cross-bar portion, and together they form a letter T shape in both face views thereof. A groove on each of those faces of the handle provides for reception of the user's thumb when the handle is being gripped by the remainder of the user's hand for rotation to apply a threaded fastener, and the cross-bar presents an S shape in top plan view thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: James A. Rinner
  • Patent number: 7373861
    Abstract: A pivoting assembly of a hand tool comprising a tool body, the tool body including a driving portion, a handle and a pivotal portion; the pivotal portion having a first pivoted end and a second pivoted end; the first pivoted end being installed to one of the handle and driving portion; and the second pivoted end being installed to the other one of the handle and driving portion so that an angle between the handle and driving portion is adjustable. The first pivoted end is formed with a buckling hole; a tooth portion is formed in the buckling hole; the second pivoted end is formed with a post; the post is axially moveable with respect to the tooth portion of the buckling hole; and a bottom of the post is formed with teeth with respect to the tooth portion of the buckling hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7373862
    Abstract: An improved clamp device having interchangeable quick release clamping members, said clamping members being moveable relative to the jaws of the device and being magnetic so as to retain the clamp device to a ferro-metallic work piece. The improvements allow increased flexibility of the device over traditionally configured clamps with regard to use of the device with difficult work pieces and environments. The interchangeable clamping members allow a single device to be used for multiple applications, thereby making the invention a low cost and convenient alternative to multiple special purpose tools, as well as permitting quick and inexpensive replacement of wear elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Maine Land Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Terence P. Tyler
  • Patent number: 7373863
    Abstract: A sensing mechanism (12) for detecting user contact with an active portion (26) of the power tool (10) is provided. In addition, a safety mechanism (14) for preventing prolonged user contact with the active portion (26) of a power tool (10) is provided. The safety mechanism (14) is configured to actuate upon receipt of a signal from the sensing mechanism (12). According to a first aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly displace the active portion (26) away from a user extremity. Alternatively, according to a second aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly urge an extremity of the user away from the active portion (26) of the power tool (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O'Banion, Warren A. Ceroll, Matthew Webster
  • Patent number: 7373864
    Abstract: A device for controlling outward movement of a cutting blade of a drum in wiping material dispensing equipment is distinctive in that one of the flanges of the casing is designed with rings having a fixed position and formed during molding of an inner side of the flange facing the drum and being applied against a facing edge of the drum. The end flange of the drum on its lateral edge has a projecting profile forming a bar arranged for the fixing and pivoting of the blade holder and having a cutout to receive a locking member formed on a lever mounted to pivot with the blade holder. Each of a first central ring and the lever located on the flange and the drum, respectively has two shaped protuberances which interact at certain stages of operation. One of the other rings formed on the flange is designed to interact with the locking member formed on said lever at certain stages of operation when the drum rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Maurice Granger
  • Patent number: 7373865
    Abstract: A saw table includes a clamping mechanism for clamping a work piece on the saw table. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping bar having a first end and a second end. A longitudinal axis is defined between the first and second ends. A first pivoting arm is operatively connected to one of the ends of the clamping bar to support the clamping bar for rotation about a pivot axis. A biasing device biases the clamping bar about the pivot axis to clamp the work piece between the clamping bar and a table base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Clyde G. Allen, Aundrea Nurenberg, Todd M. Lajewski, Michael C. Clark, Richard J. Logan
  • Patent number: 7373866
    Abstract: A cutter including a base, a holder, a cutter blade portion, and a laser generator. The holder is supported on the base portion in an upright posture. The cutter blade portion supports a moving blade. The cutter blade portion is supported on the holder movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cutter blade portion is moved into the lower position to cut a workpiece supported on the base using the moving blade. The laser generator is attached to the holder or the cutter blade portion in an orientation to direct at least a portion of the laser light onto a position on the workpiece that is directly beneath the cutter blade portion when the cutter blade portion is in the upper position. Alternatively, a holder has a shaft support portion, and a slide shaft is axially slidably supported by the shaft support portion. A front end of the slide shaft has a hinge holder which pivotally supports the cutting blade portion. A laser generator is fixed to a front side of the hinge holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeharu Ushiwata, Shinji Takano, Hideaki Terashima, Kenichi Matsunaga, Ryuichi Imamura
  • Patent number: 7373867
    Abstract: A system for neutralizing an explosive device concealed within an object by focusing a plurality of energies or fields including electromagnetic, electrostatic, magnetic, or acoustic toward the object thereby inducing detonation. A blast containment enclosure has means for focusing the energies or fields on the object, in a continuous fashion, to concentrate the energies at the contents of the object while protecting the surrounding by containment and/or redirection of a resulting explosion as well as feedback transducers for moderating the magnitude of the energies. A method for the neutralization of contained explosive devices is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory Carl Ryan
  • Patent number: 7373868
    Abstract: A semi-automatic sporting rifle is created by the modification of a fully automatic assault rifle Sa vz. 58. The semi-automatic rifle is constructed partly from original parts of the Sa vz. 58 assault rifle, i.e. bolt carrier, locking piece, striker, return mechanism, barrel, trigger, interrupter and left hand side striker catch, partly from modified parts of Sa vz. 58 assault rifle, i.e. bolt, trigger mechanism feather and safety catch and partly from newly manufactured parts, i.e. semi-automatic receiver with a narrowed magazine well for a single stack removable magazine with extended bridge, safety catch with one more groove on its lower left hand side, new sporting stock where grip part and butt-stock part form one unit and barrel extension permanently attached to the muzzle. Some parts of the Sa vz. 58 assault rifle are removed completely, i.e. muzzle thread protector, bayonet lug, original receiver, original stock, pistol grip, release, lever, trigger lever and right hand side striker catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Tomas Quis
  • Patent number: 7373869
    Abstract: Pressure trapped in an inactive hydraulic actuator can result in the actuator moving in a direction which is opposite to that desired upon subsequent activation. The present method detects a trapped pressure condition and takes remedial action before activating the hydraulic actuator for motion. The pressure differentials across valves that control the fluid flow to and from the hydraulic actuator are used to detect a trapped pressure condition. In response to that detection, a selected valve is initially opened in a manner that releases the trapped pressure while producing motion in the desired direction. After the trapped pressure condition has been resolved, one or more other valves are operated to produce the desired motion of the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: HUSCO International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Pfaff, Keith A. Tabor
  • Patent number: 7373870
    Abstract: The universal hybrid (26) comprises a two-cycle engine (28), boosted by the engine power reciprocating compressor (32) and a hydraulic pump (34). The pump plunger (148) fastened to engine piston (72) provide direct energy transmission to the compressor and pump. The plunger and compressor piston (94) moving in opposite direction coupled each to one of two diametrically opposite rotor's (36) axial rods, which double-sided interact with the pivotable swash plate (42). The swash plate turn provides simultaneously the engine, compressor and pump variable displacement volume with engine invariable compression ratio while the swash plate turn axis fixed. This increases the engine power range using the minimum specific fuel consumption. The swash plate turn axis shifting provides the engine compression ratio change for the either kind of fuel use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Grigoriy Epshteyn
  • Patent number: 7373871
    Abstract: A swash plate apparatus is provided for use in connection with the axial pistons of a rotatable cylinder block in a hydraulic device to modify the output of the cylinder block. The swash plate includes a first trunnion member extending in a first direction from the swash plate and a second member extending from the swash plate in a second direction, where the second direction is generally perpendicular to the first direction. The second member terminates in an arc segment forming a bearing surface to engage a bearing in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Ryan S. Buescher
  • Patent number: 7373872
    Abstract: A diaphragm pump (1) is provided with an annular working chamber (6) and an annular diaphragm (3), which is fixed on its outer peripheral region (12) and on its inner edge region (13). The inner and the outer diaphragm fixing points are stationary relative to each other, and a drive element (8) connected to a pump drive for deflection of the annular diaphragm (3) contacts between the outer and inner fixing points. The drive element (8) is formed facing the diaphragm with a sleeve or ring shape with a diameter corresponding approximately to the annular working chamber (6) and contacts with one of its annular ends perpendicular to the diaphragm plane on the side of the annular diaphragm (3) facing the pump drive for deflection and for transmission of a back-and-forth movement to the annular diaphragm (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: KNF Flodos AG
    Inventors: Robert Käch, Christian Kissling
  • Patent number: 7373873
    Abstract: A cylinder liner and ringless piston adapted to be combined therewith in an internal combustion engine are provided that have superior wear resistance, superior scuffing resistance, and superior properties for abating friction loss between the inside surface of the cylinder and the sliding surface of the ringless piston. These embodiments can also include a cylinder liner which has at least some portion of the inner circumferential surface coated with an iron oxide film, a metallic nitride film, or other physical vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition film, combined with a ringless piston with at least some portion of the exterior surface being coated with a metallic nitride film or other vapor deposition film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: David Maslar
  • Patent number: 7373874
    Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance for cooking food under pressure, the appliance comprising: a bowl and a lid; locking/unlocking means suitable for going between a locking position in which the lid (2) is locked relative to the bowl and an unlocking position; and decompression means (6) for decompressing the vessel; wherein said locking/unlocking means and said decompression means (6) are connected functionally to a single, common control member (7A), said control member (7A) being designed to be suitable for finding itself in a locking and decompression position in which the locking/unlocking means find themselves in their locking position, while the decompression means are activated. The invention is applicable to household appliances for cooking under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Seb S.A.
    Inventors: Claire Marie-Aurore Seurat Guiochet, Daniel Jean-Marie Anota, Eric Chameroy
  • Patent number: 7373875
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cooking grate for use within a barbecue grill assembly comprising a cooking chamber and a gas burner positioned in a lower portion of the cooking chamber. The grate has a plurality of elongated members defining a cooking surface and multiple openings. The grate further has a grease control assembly that is cooperatively positioned over a burner flame region to direct and control the flow of grease generated by cooking food on the grate. The grease control assembly has at least one rib group and at least one ledge. The rib group comprises a plurality of ribs, each rib having a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The grease control assembly also has an outer ridge and an inner ridge depending from a lower surface of the grate. With these structures, the grate prevents grease and byproducts from draining onto the burner flame region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products Co.
    Inventors: Adrian A. Bruno, Erich Schlosser, Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 7373876
    Abstract: A cook pot in which the lid acts as a supplementary heating device to heat the contents inside the pot quickly. The lid has a top and a long cylindrical piece which fits inside the pot body and extends all the way down to the bottom of the pot. A heating band is then located in the lower end of the cylindrical piece towards the bottom of the pot. This heating band heats the entire cylindrical piece, and thus the contents inside the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Byung Doo Kim
  • Patent number: 7373877
    Abstract: A wire strapping or tying device (46) is provided having a rotatable pinion-type knotter assembly (56) for twist-knotting of a pair of adjacent wire sections (50a, 50b), together with a shiftable knotter cover (266) movable between a home position for maintaining the sections (50a, 50b) within the assembly (56) and a remote knotter access position allowing ready access to the knotter assembly (56). The cover (266) is supported by arms (268, 270) which are pivotal about an axis spaced from and generally parallel with the cover (266). The cover (266) may be manually shifted to the remote knotter access position through an arc of at least 45°. Also, the knotter assembly (56) includes a primary body (128) supporting a rotatable, slotted knotter pinion (178). The body (128) is pivotally secured to frame plates (68, 70), allowing the body (128) to be pivoted to a convenient position for servicing of pinion (178).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Accent Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: John Wiedel
  • Patent number: 7373878
    Abstract: A digitally controlled can decorating apparatus (40) including digitally controlled print heads (50) arrayed around the blanket cylinder (20) of an offset type decorating apparatus for delivering ink in a selected pattern from each print head (50) to each blanket section (17) of the blanket cylinder (20), and the blanket cylinder sections (17) thereafter transferring the ink to the cans (22) being decorated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Ball Packaging Europe Holding GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Joseph Finan
  • Patent number: 7373879
    Abstract: Disclosed is a screen printing apparatus for screen printing the cream solder including a squeegee assembly (30) provided with comb blade members (35) and with solder leakage prohibiting guides (36). The comb blade members partition a cream solder (52) substantially vertically with respect to a contact slide surface between the squeegee (33) and the screen (21) to prevent the cream solder from passing in fluidity on the screen (21) in a direction substantially at right angles to the sliding direction as the squeegee sweeps and as the cream solder becomes twisted between the screen and the squeegee. The solder leakage prohibiting guides (36) prevent the cream solder from leaking to outside a printing sphere determined by the squeegee width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumi Kato, Masamichi Wada
  • Patent number: 7373880
    Abstract: A printing press includes a frame that supports one or more printing units. Each printing unit includes a retractable inker module cantileverly supported by the frame, an ink injection system having a pump, a sidelay registration mechanism for one or more plate cylinders of the printing unit, an extension sleeve extending a length of a plate cylinder sleeve, and an expandable layer for each blanket cylinder and plate cylinder that provides changing the inner diameter of the blanket cylinder and the plate cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Goss International Corporation
    Inventor: Thaddeus A. Niemiro
  • Patent number: 7373881
    Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying, altering, constructing, or retrofitting an existing newspaper press having a first cut-off length, to have a second cut-off length which is different from and generally less than the first. These systems and methods generally provide for the machining of new bore holes into the existing press unit frame. The new bore holes will generally completely encompass the old bore holes and allow for linear translation of the axes of rotation of the new cylinders relative to the positions of the axes for the old cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Pressline Services
    Inventors: Steve Brown, James Gore, Wayne Geske, Carlos F. Noa, Gregory F. Tabor, Tibor Holly
  • Patent number: 7373882
    Abstract: In a method of washing an anilox inking unit of a press, a washing agent is introduced into the anilox inking unit. The washing agent is introduced into the anilox inking unit via a dampening unit or a part of the dampening unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Jörg Heuschkel, Jens Hieronymus, Jürgen Michels, Dieter Schaffrath, Wolfgang Schönberger, Bernhard Schwaab, Michael Thielemann
  • Patent number: 7373883
    Abstract: A projectile is provided that includes a body having a front tip portion and a rear end portion. A combustion chamber base plate is operatively arranged with the rear end portion of the body and defines a combustion chamber. At least one radial discharge aperture is partially defined by the combustion chamber base plate and is arranged in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. A gas generated by igniting a combustible material is discharged through the at least one radial discharge aperture. The discharged gas impinges against a wall of a cavity formed by the moving projectile to form a reactive force that stabilizes the projectile thereby reducing the occurrence of tail-slap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gieseke
  • Patent number: 7373884
    Abstract: A rapid-fire weapon has a barrel with a projectile insertable into the barrel, which comprises several sub-projectiles disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the barrel and supporting each other. A propellant charge and an ignition means are provided behind each sub-projectile for the sequential ignition of the propellant charges so that the sub-projectiles are successively ejected from the barrel. The sub-projectiles (4) are firmly connected with each other in the area of the propellant charges (6, 6?) in each case by means of a mechanical connection and the connections have in each case at least one rated break point (7, 7?) which is broken in a defined fashion after the ignition of the respective propellant by the pressure of the propellant gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanna-Juergen Diederichs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Detlef Haeselich
  • Patent number: 7373885
    Abstract: A device for venting a container housing an energetic material includes an insulating portion, a charge holder disposed in the insulating portion, and an explosive cutting charge disposed in the charge holder. The device further includes a thermally activated initiation device, and a transfer line coupling the thermally activated initiation device and the explosive cutting charge. An apparatus includes a container, an energetic material disposed within the container, and a device, disposed within the container, for venting the container. The device for venting the container includes an insulating portion, a charge holder disposed in the insulating portion, and an explosive cutting charge disposed in the charge holder. The device for venting the container further includes a thermally activated initiation device, and a transfer line coupling the thermally activated initiation device and the explosive cutting charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony T. Skinner
  • Patent number: 7373886
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for discharging countermeasures from a carrier craft in the form of an aircraft or equivalent. The countermeasures are intended to be spread initially in the form of unit packs that, after they have left the carrier craft, are to screen the same from missiles approaching is guided by built-in sensors, or other threats. It is especially characteristic of the invention that the unit countermeasure packs are spread from the carrier transversely to the lying direction of the carrier craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Christer Zätterqvist, Johan Friede
  • Patent number: 7373887
    Abstract: A projectile comprising a body having a channel, one or more recesses in the channel, a plunger in the channel, and a fluid in the channel is provided. When the projectile impacts a target, the plunger is driven down the channel, exerting a force on the fluid. The fluid, in turn, exerts fluidic pressure within the recesses, promoting rapid yet predictable expansion of the projectile. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a projectile utilizing a non-Newtonian fluid to optimize expansion of the projectile upon impacting a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jason Stewart Jackson
  • Patent number: 7373888
    Abstract: A system which simulates a dragster which exposes a driver to both “G” forces and “wheelies”, and methodology of conducting a competition therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Namanny, Keith E. Namanny, Kerry T. Namanny
  • Patent number: 7373889
    Abstract: A collapsible table selectively positionable between an upright position above a surface and a collapsible position for storage. The table includes a table top having an envelope defining an interior cavity that is configured with an internal periphery sufficient for receiving one or more seating members therein when the table is positioned in the collapsed position. In operation, pedestals of the table may be pivoted between an extended position such that the pedestals support the table above a surface and a retracted position such that the pedestals are introduced within the interior cavity of the table and thereby substantially rest against the underside of the table top. The disposition of the seating members within the cavity of the table, and in relation to each other, further facilitates a means for securing the pedestals of the table in a collapsed position within the interior cavity of the table during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Nye, Lynn C. Strong
  • Patent number: 7373890
    Abstract: A seed planting unit provides a manifold connecting a vacuum to multiple metering disks. The manifold includes valves to sequentially connect the manifold branches to the seed unit so as to moderate the peak air flow necessary to be handled by the vacuum source reducing horsepower drain and cost of the vacuum source itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Trevor Lawrence Kowalchuk
  • Patent number: 7373891
    Abstract: A frame is provided for mounting a fabric layer stack and retaining it in a substantially taut condition. The frame is supported for manually guided movement beneath a fixedly located stitch head and a detector is provided to produce signals representing the magnitude of frame translation, and thus the magnitude of stack translation. The detector signals are applied to control circuitry to actuate the stitch head at a rate related to stack translation speed. The frame is supported by bearings; wheels, slides, etc, which permit the frame to be freely manually guided across a frame supporting surface beneath the stitch head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Ralph J. Koerner