Patents Issued in May 20, 2008
  • Patent number: 7374142
    Abstract: An apparatus for removably retaining by magnetic attraction any of various modem handheld devices. The magnetic mounting apparatus provides a magnetic mounting platform having a socket-like recessed support surface surrounded by a raised lip and backed by an interface structure that secures the magnetic mounting platform assembly to an external mounting surface. A permanent magnet is disposed within a cavity that positions magnet in close proximity to the flat support surface. A separate and distinct ferromagnetic adapter plate is adhered to a device to be supported, the adapter plate being structured for accommodation by the socket-like recessed support surface for removably retaining the device by magnetic attraction to the magnetic mounting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7374143
    Abstract: A removable cover for use with a clipboard, the cover comprising a transparent dome, the dome having two ends and two sides, each side of the dome meeting opposite sides of the clipboard, a closure at the spring-biased end of the clipboard, an aperture in the closure, a coverlet affixed to the aperture, the coverlet covering the spring-biased clip, an opening in a bottom of the coverlet, battery powered LED's illuminating the clipboard via low light sensors, a track around the sides and closure end of the cover providing slideably removable attachment to the clipboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Victor Wittke
  • Patent number: 7374144
    Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide an easel assembly reversibly transformable between a deployed position suitable for supporting at least one planar item thereon and a collapsed position suitable for transport and storage. The easel assembly includes a pair of support members. Each support member is pivotally interconnected for selective movement between a folded position where said support members are generally parallel and a deployed position where said support members divaricate. In addition, each support member is integrally connected to a base member which is constructed and arranged for removable, pivotal interconnection at the end opposite the support member. The connected base members are constructed and arranged for positioning on a planar surface when the easel assembly is in the deployed position, thereby distributing any downward load of the easel assembly along the planar surface to resist tipping and maintain the stability of the deployed easel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: James B. Wonderling
  • Patent number: 7374145
    Abstract: A reservoir for holding fluid of a vehicle includes a tank and two brackets integrated with the tank to install the tank in the vehicle in an upper portion of the engine compartment. An attaching portion is arranged with each of the brackets to be fixed to the vehicle. A connecting portion is arranged with each of the brackets to connect the attaching portion to the tank. One of the connecting portions has a notch that is deformed or fractured so that the tank can be moved with respect to the vehicle to absorb an impact force that acts on the tank when the tank receives an impact force larger than a predetermined value. The attaching portion has a plurality of rib portions that is deformable or fracturable so that the tank can be moved with respect to the vehicle to absorb force that acts to the tank when the tank receives a force larger than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ohashi, Yasuhisa Hirano, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Yasushi Kira
  • Patent number: 7374146
    Abstract: A hydraulic blowout preventer operator comprises a first piston rod coupled to a closure member. The operator further comprises a first operator housing coupled to a bonnet and a head. The first piston rod extends through the bonnet into the first operator housing where is couples to a first piston disposed within the first operator housing. The operator further comprises a second piston rod coupled to the closure member. The second piston rod has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first piston rod. The second piston rod extends through the bonnet into a second operator housing and is coupled to a second piston that is disposed within the second operator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Melvyn F. Whitby, John T. Mangan
  • Patent number: 7374147
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprises a rotatable valve, an electrically operated actuator, and an overstroke device. The actuator comprises a component configured to move in a direction to an actuator position so as to cause corresponding rotation of the valve to a valve position in response to electrical operation of the actuator. The overstroke device is configured to enable the component to move in the direction beyond the actuator position to an overstroke position while the valve remains in the valve position in response to electrical operation of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: ET US Holdings LLC
    Inventors: John Nohl, Robin Willats
  • Patent number: 7374148
    Abstract: A control system for a flow adjusting valve, it uses rotation of a motor as the power force to move a terminal output axle and then to change the openness of the latter; and further includes a magnet and a magnetic inductive element in opposition to the magnet to count the number of rotating turns of the terminal output axle to obtain different fed back signals, thus the openness of the flow adjusting valve can be known; clutch gears are provided between the motor and the terminal output axle, when the clutch gears generate a getting off action, the maximum and the minimum states of the openness of the flow adjusting valve can be known by rotating forwards and backwards of the motor, this can be a reference method to have the frequency signals of the control system for the flow adjusting valve set zero for correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: I-Hua Huang
  • Patent number: 7374149
    Abstract: A road crossing tool to assist in, and enable, a one-person installation of fiber optic cable which must be connected to a utility pole first, before being connected to a house on the opposite side of the road. Since fiber optic cable is not readily spliced in the field, as compared to copper wire cable which is readily spliceable, the fiber cable is supplied pre-connectorized with fixed lengths. This causes slack, or un-necessary cable length, which must be stored at the building/house site rather than atop the utility pole. This tool permits the installer to have good visibility of the roadway after making the cable connection to the utility pole and prior to hoisting the cable to its intended elevated height over the roadway before making the cable connection to the house and storing the slack at the house. This eliminates the need for a two person installation which would otherwise be required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Verizon New England Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Dacey
  • Patent number: 7374150
    Abstract: A fish tape reel has an ergonomic pistol grip and ergonomic hand grips at an inner periphery of a hollow housing. Fish tape is wound into the housing cavity by rotating the housing with respect to the pistol grip. This can be done manually by grasping the interior handle(s) or using a ratcheted winder that fits into the housing opening and has a lever handle for ratcheting the housing. The reel is held with the housing beneath the pistol grip which has a retainer shoe slidably sandwiched between halves of the housing. The pistol grip is positioned behind a vertical center line of the reel so that the weight of the reel is balanced in a neutral position in which the pistol grip can be grasped with the user's wrist being essentially straight and horizontal. A method of assembling the reel is also disclosed in which the fish tape is attached and wound after the housing is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Wiesemann, David A. Huebschen
  • Patent number: 7374151
    Abstract: A handheld guide for guiding a cable being wound onto a powered winch drum includes a split tubular member with opposed longitudinal slots. A pair of cable gripping members are positioned in the split tubular member and each gripping member includes a longitudinally extending actuating member extending outwardly through a slot in the split tubular member. Each of the cable gripping members includes a groove oriented in facing relationship to engage a cable being wound onto the winch drum. The split tubular member and cable gripping members are retained in assembled relation by a pair of slotted end caps threaded onto the ends of the split tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas J. Birdsall, Timothy J. James
  • Patent number: 7374152
    Abstract: A binding machine includes a tightening mechanism adapted to tension a belt and a limiting mechanism adapted to limit tensioning of the belt. The tightening mechanism includes, for example, a ratchet and a pawl coupled to a body of the tightening mechanism. A handle is adapted to rotate the ratchet in a first direction in response to a first force applied to the handle. The pawl is adapted to prevent the ratchet from returning in a second direction when the first force is released. A spring mechanism allows the handle to indicate when a second force opposing the first force achieves an established magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Bu Qing Ruan
  • Patent number: 7374153
    Abstract: A dual braking device for a power winch includes a first braking device and a second braking device, which is composed of a transmitting sleeve, a braking lining, an electromagnetic induction coil, a magnetic conduction member, and an elastic member. When the power winch is electrically connected for retracting or releasing steel ropes, the induction coil will produce magnetic force to attract the magnetic conductive member to move and compress the elastic member, and the braking lining cannot perform braking. When the power winch is electrically disconnected, the electromagnetic induction coil cannot produce magnetic force, and the magnetic conduction member will be actuated by the elastic member to contact with and force the braking lining to stop the rotating shaft and the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Shih Jyi Huang
  • Patent number: 7374154
    Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence. The rail clip has a base with a raised central area flanked by two lateral areas and a rail connector that, vertically or horizontally, slidingly engages the central area of the base. The lateral areas include apertures through which fasteners are inserted to connect the clip to the fence post. A cover snap-fits over each lateral area to hide the fasteners and give the rail clip a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7374155
    Abstract: A diaphragm carburetor for an internal combustion engine and method of assembly includes attaching an air-fuel mixing body to a fuel metering chamber assembly independent from assembling the fuel metering chamber assembly. The fuel metering chamber assembly has an upper body and a lower body attached to one another by at least one fastener with a diaphragm carried therebetween. A fuel metering chamber is defined on one side of the diaphragm and an atmospheric chamber is defined on another side of the diaphragm. Another fastener attaches the fuel metering chamber assembly to the air-fuel mixing body independently from the fastener attaching the upper and lower bodies together. Accordingly, the fuel metering chamber assembly is removable from the air-fuel mixing body without removing the fastener attaching the upper and lower bodies to one another preferably for cleaning of a fuel nozzle that when assembled projects into an air-fuel mixing passage in the mixing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Teruhiko Tobinai
  • Patent number: 7374156
    Abstract: A process for producing carbonated water having a high concentration, inexpensively and easily, involves using a static mixer having 20 to 100 elements so as to provide a value Re×N of 100,000 to 2,000,000, in with Re represents a Reynolds number, when a mixture of water and carbonic acid gas flow in the static mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Ooyachi, Hiroki Sakakibara, Satoshi Suzuki, Hiroshi Tasaka, Masaaki Satou
  • Patent number: 7374157
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a spring assembly, assembles an annular plate and a compression coil spring. The method includes forming a protrusion having a tapered portion on the annular plate, and inserting a punch including a first portion having a larger diameter than an inner diameter of a tip end of the tapered portion from the tip end side into the protrusion to expand the tip end of the tapered portion. The expansion of the tip end of the tapered portion involves expanding a base portion of the protrusion, which extends the tapered portion and has a larger inner diameter than that of the tip end of the tapered portion, along a surface of an end turn of the compression coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventors: Masami Wakamori, Toshie Fueki
  • Patent number: 7374158
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-purpose reversible clamp comprising a threaded rod having a handle fixed at a first end, a lower jaw mounted on the threaded rod above the handle, the lower jaw including a female corner receiving portion facing away from the handle, wherein the uppermost portions of the female corner receiving portion include a plurality of flattened surfaces that share a common plane. The clamp also includes an upper jaw with a male corner portion on a first end and a flat surface on a second end. In a corner clamping configuration, the upper jaw is mounted on the threaded rod with the male corner portion facing the female corner receiving portion of the lower jaw. In a parallel clamping configuration, the upper jaw is mounted on the threaded rod with the flat surface facing the flattened points of the lower jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventor: Daniel M. Deming
  • Patent number: 7374159
    Abstract: A lockable mount (10) constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for mounting a jewelry crafting attachment (12) to a workbench (B). The illustrated lockable mount (10) broadly includes a mount plate (14) configured to be coupled to the support (B) to receive the attachment (12) and a locking assembly (16) associated with the mount plate (14) for selectively preventing the attachment (12) from moving relative to the mount plate (14). The illustrated mount plate (14) is configured to provide a universal mount wherein several attachments can be quickly and readily interchanged for secure support thereon and comprises a six sided body presenting a generally trapezoidal configuration. The illustrated locking assembly (16) includes a flexible locking plate (36), an entrapped pin (38), and an actuating screw (40). The flexible locking plate (36) is shiftable between a flush position and a locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Glendo Corporation
    Inventors: Donald J. Glaser, Lon C. Tidwell
  • Patent number: 7374160
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus has a stapler for stapling a center of plural stacked sheets; a sheet folding mechanism for folding a set of the stapled sheets in half; a sheet recognizing portion for recognizing the number of sheets forming the set of sheets; a sheet transport mechanism for transporting the set of stapled sheets to a position where the center of the set of sheets is folded by the sheet folding mechanism; a transport distance determination table for associating the number of sheets with a distance by which the set of sheets is to be transported by the sheet transport mechanism; and a sheet transport control portion for transporting the set of sheets by a distance determined by the transport distance determination table according to the number of sheets through use of the sheet transport mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Raita Doi
  • Patent number: 7374161
    Abstract: A method for measuring substrate bending stiffness and thereby basis weight on a real time basis. Provided is a corrugator having a plurality of parallel ribs, with one or more sheets of the substrate provided below the corrugator wherein a predetermined gap exists between a topmost sheet of the sheets and the corrugator. A vacuum is applied between the corrugator and the topmost sheet, wherein the vacuum is sufficiently large to raise the topmost sheet, thereby deflecting and bending it into a profile corresponding to the arrangement and size of the corrugator ribs and bending stiffness of the substrate. One or more sensors are provided for measuring the deflection of the topmost sheet. The vacuum, an air knife output and/or a fluffer output are then adjusted according to predetermined rules and the measured deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Clark
  • Patent number: 7374162
    Abstract: A sheet material feeding apparatus includes a sheet stacking portion for stacking recording sheets; a feeding roller for feeding the recording sheets from the sheet stacking portion; separating means for separating the recording sheet fed out by the feeding roller; a holder for holding the separating means, the holder being rotatably supported on a main assembly of the apparatus; first urging means for urging the holder toward the feeding roller; a preliminary regulating member, rotatably supported on the holder, for regulating a gap relative to the feeding roller; second urging means for urging the preliminary regulating member toward the feeding roller; a first regulating member, supported by the holder, for regulating rotation of the preliminary regulating member relative to the holder; and a second regulating member, provided in the main assembly of apparatus, for regulating rotation of the preliminary regulating member relative to the main assembly of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Sonoda, Yasutsugu Saijo
  • Patent number: 7374163
    Abstract: A media stack height sensor in an image forming apparatus with a flag arm that is in contact with a top surface a media stack. The arm is coupled to a flag characterized by varying transmissivity. The flag is moveable by the flag arm so that as the position of the arm changes in relation to the stack height, a different portion of the flag is positioned between a transmitter and receiver of an optical sensor disposed within the body of the image forming apparatus. The flag accordingly reduces the amount of optical energy received by the receiver. The receiver output signal indicates the height of the media stack. The flag also includes features that further limit light transmission to the receiver to provide discrete stack height indications such as low, empty, full, or intermediate states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Willliam P. Cook, Daniel L. Carter, Niki J. Murrell, Raymond J. Barry
  • Patent number: 7374164
    Abstract: A configuration for the transport and simultaneous alignment of sheets has a straightedge, at least one conveyor belt disposed slightly at an angle to the straightedge in the direction of movement of the sheets, and an air suction device. The conveyor belt exhibits open transverse slots on its upper side carrying the sheets. The upper half of the conveyor belt runs in a guide channel that is open in an upward direction, and the transverse slots are connected to the air suction device in such a way as to permit the flow to take place. A controller is provided to control the supply of air in the area of the transverse slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Eberhard Gaissert, Wolfram Hofmann, Lars Rathjen, Rüdiger Schlien
  • Patent number: 7374165
    Abstract: In a sheet transport apparatus in which a skew feed correcting portion is provided so as to be able to pull out from the apparatus, the skew feed correcting portion including a sheet transport path through which a sheet is transported, and a skew feed correcting device for correcting skew feed of the sheet passing through the sheet transport path, a guide constituting an upper surface of the sheet transport path is divided into two guide members in a width direction orthogonal to a sheet transport direction so that the two guide members can each be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Agata
  • Patent number: 7374166
    Abstract: A sheet conveying unit includes a lower sheet conveying guide on which a sheet material is placed. The sheet conveying unit conveys the sheet material while the sheet material is being guided by the lower sheet conveying guide. The lower sheet conveying guide includes an opening. An elastic member projecting from above toward the lower sheet conveying guide is provided at a downstream side of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Nobuo Inoue
  • Patent number: 7374167
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the vacuum distribution in an exposer for recording printing originals. The recording material for the printing originals is held firmly on a supporting surface by negative pressure. The recording material being attracted by suction by a vacuum pump via suction grooves machined into the supporting surface and via suction ducts connected to the suction grooves. For opening and closing the suction ducts, valves are provided, the valves being closed by the mechanical action of force from an actuator on a piston rod and opened by the action of compressed air on a piston in the valve. For opening the valve, an outlet opening for the compressed air is integrated into the actuator. In a printing plate exposer with an exposure drum, the suction ducts and the valves are located in the exposure drum, and the actuator is located outside the exposure drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Gunnar Behrens, Lars Paulsen, Axel Trilk
  • Patent number: 7374168
    Abstract: A sheet deposition system having multiple supports detachably suspended in multiple guide members, wherein a support can be placed in a sheet deposition location or the distance between supports can be altered by driving the guide members. Multiple sheet deposition locations may be provided. The system enables that supports can be easily removed, added or relocated either manually or in an automated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Oce-Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Roger Johannes Maria Peeters, Nando Leerentveld
  • Patent number: 7374169
    Abstract: A table parlour game particularly a turbo-bowling comprising a turbo player unit (1), bowling pins (2) and a lane plate tilting to any direction (3). The turbo player unit (1) is a whirling top, namely a conical solid of rotation, the plate (1/a) of which is shaped to have a regular hexagonal pattern and furthermore equipped with a rotating tail (1/b) and tip (1/c) and the lane plate (3) is equipped by setting device (4) comprising centrally attached globe head (4/a) and globe shell (4/b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: József Szilágyi
  • Patent number: 7374170
    Abstract: A distinct dealing shoe having no shuffling functionality receives shuffled, randomized or ordered group of cards. The cards may be mechanically moved one at a time from a receiving area for the deck to a buffer area where more than one card is temporarily stored. The cards in the buffer area are then mechanically moved to a card delivery area where the cards may be manually removed, one-at-a-time, by a dealer. The cards are read one-at-a-time inside of the dealing shoe, either before the buffer area or after leaving the buffer area, but preferably before the cards are being manually removed from the card delivery area. The information from the card reading may be used for game tracking, hand tracking, player information, and other security issues at casino table card games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Paul K. Scheper
  • Patent number: 7374171
    Abstract: The present invention provides a board game and a method of playing a board game in which players follow a path while acquiring competition cards that are provided in certain classes and have varying game values and features. These cards are employed by players during a head-to-head competition phase in which players secretly select cards and the cumulative value of the selected cards determine which player wins a particular competition phase. The winning player may select one of the losing player's cards that were used in the competition. The game is won when a player acquires cards totaling over a certain value and that player reaches a final destination along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Dea A. Mencarelli
  • Patent number: 7374172
    Abstract: Gaming devices and methods of playing games wherein an indication of the cards which have already been discarded or dealt is displayed for a player to view prior to making a decision. One embodiment is directed to a gaming device comprising a video display which is designed for the play of Blackjack. Other embodiments are directed to table versions of the present invention wherein physical playing cards are actually dealt to one or more players. At the conclusion of each hand, an indication of the cards dealt is displayed for viewing by all of the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Randy Miller
  • Patent number: 7374173
    Abstract: A target apparatus includes a first rod having a first end and a second rod having a second end. The target apparatus further includes a tubular target receiver non-rotatably coupled to the first rod and the second rod. The first end and the second end are received within the tubular target receiver. A tubular target dispenser is coupled to the first rod and the second rod. A target is sized to be coupled between the tubular target receiver and the tubular target dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Randy Nasuti
  • Patent number: 7374174
    Abstract: A memory element comprising first and second electrodes is provided. The first electrode is tapered such that a first end of the first electrode is larger than a second end of the first electrode. A resistance variable material layer is located between the first and second electrodes, and the second end of the first electrode is in contact with the resistance variable material. Methods for forming the memory element are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Terry L. Gilton, John T. Moore
  • Patent number: 7374175
    Abstract: A shielding component, in particular a heat shield, has shield components (10, 12, 14) which are made flat, which lie at least partially on top of one another, and which are connected to one another at least partially along at least one common connecting line (16). Along the common connecting line (16), at least one shield component (14) encompassing another shield component (10, 12) in an overlap (18). Within the overlap (18), the shield components (10, 12, 14) are held at least partially by frictional engagement so as to be displaceable against one another relative to a compensation distance. A rigid connection of the shield components with their individual layers is avoided. Rather, depending on the thermal situation, they can mutually slide off one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: ElringKlinger AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Beutter, Harald Stauber
  • Patent number: 7374176
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of manufacturing a multi-layered steel gasket assembly including a plurality of steel gasket layers each having a predetermined electrical resistance and including at least one coating layer of a material having an electrical resistance substantially greater than that of the steel gasket layers. The method includes the steps of: applying the coating layer of the selected material to at least one surface of at least one of the steel gasket layers to provide at least one coated gasket layer; assembling the coated gasket layer with at least one other steel gasket layer such that the coating layer prevents the use of traditional resistance welding in joining the gasket layers; and thereafter welding the assembled gasket layers together by either a JAG or CO2 laser to form the multi-layered steel gasket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd Garrold Wade
  • Patent number: 7374177
    Abstract: A multilayer metal gasket, such as a multilayer steel head gasket, for an internal combustion engine has upper and lower functional layers and at least one intermediate layer. At least one of these layers has a circumferential compression control feature in the form of a protrusion or groove which varies in thickness or depth, respectively, around its circumference. The variable thickness of the compression control feature enables uniform sealing pressure on the sealing surfaces of the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhawani Tripathy, Daniel J. Vialard
  • Patent number: 7374178
    Abstract: A workholding apparatus including a body and a drive member carried by the body, so that the drive member and body partially define a fluid chamber therebetween for containing a fluid. The drive member includes an annular flange that axially abuts and that attaches to the body to resist torsional twisting of the drive member relative to the body. A driven member is also carried by the body and includes multiple displacement reliefs therein. Interengagement features are provided between the driven member and other components of the workholding apparatus, such as the drive member, to resist torsional twisting of the driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hydra-Lock Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Andre, Bruce W. Irwin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7374179
    Abstract: A truck assembly for a skateboard having an inner ring adapted to be attachable to a skateboard deck, and an outer ring adapted to be attachable to an axle extending from the outer ring, wherein the axle is configured to receive at least one wheel. The inner ring and the outer ring rotate relative to one another upon a change in an orientation of the skateboard deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Cole
  • Patent number: 7374180
    Abstract: A snowboard scooter formed of a one-piece platform wide enough to accommodate the width of two feet, with side-by-side but offset foot grips in the form of straps, as on a snowboard, requiring the user to place his or her feet in predetermined positions, a fixable post and a handlebar, and a brake system actuated either at the handlebar or by direct contact with one of the user's feet. Preferably a hydraulic brake system is used to drive a rear flange into the snow to stop the snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Tim Farmer
  • Patent number: 7374181
    Abstract: A pull-out recliner is disclosed to include a rear recliner frame unit equipped with a front pair of wheel assemblies and a rear pair of wheel assemblies, a front recliner frame unit coupled to the rear recliner frame unit and movable in and out of the rear recliner frame unit between the received position and the extended position, a rear cushion fixedly mounted on the rear recliner frame unit, a front cushion, and a movable rack affixed to the front side of the front cushion and pivoted to the front side of the front recliner frame unit such that the front cushion is kept in flush with the rear cushion when the pull-out recliner is extended out, or stacked on the rear cushion when the front recliner frame unit is received in the rear recliner frame unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Shinn Fu Corporation
    Inventor: Qing Yan Wu
  • Patent number: 7374182
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a baffler between contents transported in a shopping cart and potential pathogens and contaminates on the shopping cart upper surface. The invention is a cart liner which is placed between the contents and the shopping cart's upper surface to prevent the contents from contacting the surface. The shopping cart liner may be converted to a baglike structure for transporting the contents following transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Rsanecr, Inc.
    Inventors: Connie Gurley, Edward Buvalla, Rhonda Holbrook
  • Patent number: 7374183
    Abstract: A wheeled luggage case includes a main body having a rectangular housing so as to define an interior and the housing includes a back panel which has a back portion connected to the back panel by a zipper. A base frame is located in the main body and has two corner members. A wheel unit is connected to the base frame and has two wheels. A back plate is located in the main body and a lower edge of the back plate is connected between the corner members and the wheel unit. A handle unit is located between the back plate and the back portion of the housing, and includes two retractable tubes and a handle connected between the two retractable tubes. The handle extends through an opening defined in a top of the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Tsai Yen-Lung
  • Patent number: 7374184
    Abstract: A portable table for supporting a table saw. The invention itself consists, essentially, of a pair of horizontal or longitudinal struts that extend above the ground or floor and across the lower ends of the legs of the table. On one end of each of the horizontal struts are mounted a pair of wheels which are slightly above ground when the table is standing in its normal condition. Also provided are a pair of horizontally extending handles which are attached to the table just below the upper surface thereof for the purpose of tilting the table when such action is desired. Thus, the essence of the invention is a pair of wheels which are mounted to one side of the table in a non-touching relation with the ground. When the table is tilted, by lifting up on the handles, the wheels will touch the ground and permit the table to be lifted off the ground and wheeled to a convenient location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Michael W. Worthy
  • Patent number: 7374185
    Abstract: The present invention is a bilevel, cantilevered, welding cart with a rear cylinder rack and angled top platform. The cart frame is of a one piece heavy gauge steel that is capable of transporting in excess of 600 pounds. The front caster wheels and rear axle are welded to the frame leaving only the rear wheels to be attached. It has a single rear pillar support that can be offset in front of the gas cylinder support to allow easy connection of the gas, water air and or power lines to the welding unit. The gas cylinder support positions the weight of the gas cylinder adjacent the rear axle to prevent tipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Fred Borras Hollis
  • Patent number: 7374186
    Abstract: A system for moving a refrigeration device is disclosed and includes a frame for supporting the refrigeration device. At least one pair of stationary casters are removably coupled to the frame. At least one pair of adjustable casters are removably coupled to the frame and are adjustable relative to the frame within a range between an extended position and a retracted position. A positioner provided on at least one of the frame and the adjustable casters establishes a position for the adjustable casters relative to the frame within the range, so that the stationary casters and the adjustable casters are capable of providing a desired degree of stability during movement of the refrigeration device and the stationary casters and the adjustable casters are removable following movement of the refrigeration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Dover Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Mason, Steven O. Stubblefield, Steven L. Rembisz
  • Patent number: 7374187
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, at least one front wheel coupled to the front portion of the frame, and two drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame. Each drive wheel is coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel, and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel. The mower also includes at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. Each of the drive wheels are movable upward and downward relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Melone, William Decker, Brian Crossway, James Marshall, Frank Marshall
  • Patent number: 7374188
    Abstract: The specification herein discloses a tracking control system for a vehicle such as a snowmobile. Such a vehicle includes a chassis with at least one ride member, such as a ski. The tracking control system includes a suspension arm, a spindle, and a slide bar. The suspension arm extends outwardly from the chassis, the arm being pivotally secured to the chassis. The spindle is secured to an outward end of the suspension arm. The spindle has an upper end a lower end with the slide bar secured to the lower end. The slide bar is oriented generally transverse to the spindle and to a major axis of the ski. The ski is movably coupled to the slide bar and spring biased in a direction away from the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Artic Cat Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk D. Hibbert, Russell Ebert
  • Patent number: 7374189
    Abstract: An adjustable matrix wheelchair seat can be mounted on a pair of rods such as are provided on the seat rails of a typical wheelchair or on any pair of rods adapted to be rigidly fixed to and aligned in a longitudinal direction relative to the frame of the wheelchair. A lateral array of spaced apart substantially inelastic straps is extended between and engaged on the rods. A longitudinal array of spaced apart substantially inelastic straps is engaged on the forwardmost and rearwardmost straps of the lateral array. The longitudinal array traverses the lateral array to define a horizontal matrix of ventilating interstices. The length of any or all of the straps of the lateral and horizontal arrays is independently adjustable to permit alteration of the pressure pattern imposed on the arrays by the patient occupying the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Christina L. Adams
  • Patent number: 7374190
    Abstract: A tricycle includes a windshield and a second attaching device. The windshield has a shell part, a first attaching device at the lower part of the shell part, and the shell part includes a front portion and a rear portion, and the rear portion of the shell part is open. The second attaching device has one or more support beams extended outward from the outer rim substantially on the same plane of the attaching device. The shell part of the windshield is of a streamline shape. The support beams are fixed to the shell part. The windshield further includes a visor part, and the visor part is disposed at the top part of the windshield. The visor part of the windshield is made of plastic and transparent. The tricycle further includes a frame having a triangular truss, a frontal member, a rear wheel support bar, and a handle holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jae Hyun Hong
  • Patent number: 7374191
    Abstract: A bicycle frame has a front frame, a rear frame and a shock absorber. The front frame has a head tube, a down tube, a top tube, a bottom bracket shell and a seat tube. The seat tube is connected to and protrudes up from the bottom bracket shell, is connected to the top tube and has a jacket and a threaded hole. The jacket is connected to the shock absorber and has an opening and a chamber. The rear frame is connected pivotally to the front frame and has a lower fork, two dropouts and an upper fork. The upper fork is connected to the dropouts and the shock absorber and has two bottom ends, a top end and two fasteners. The shock absorber is mounted between the seat tube and the upper fork and has a sleeve, an elastomer, a connecting pipe and a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Merida Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Huang Tseng