Patents Issued in May 27, 2008
  • Patent number: 7377039
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant alloy metal tube sheet used to construct a shell and tube heat exchanger (50) for cooling fluids with sea water passing through corrosion-resistant alloy tubes (25) contained in a horizontal carbon steel outer shell (1) that are supported and sealed at each end by passing them through holes (27, 30) in a carbon steel tube sheet (28, 31) and axially aligned holes (36, 37) in alloy tube sheets (34, 35) that cover and protect the adjacent interior carbon steel tube sheets from sea water corrosion. The walls of the holes (27, 30, 36, 37) have at least one annular groove (45, 46) and the ends of each tube are radially expanded to form circumferential ridges (40, 41) on the outside of each tube at a mating location with each of said annular grooves (45, 46) where they are forcibly driven into the grooves to form a circumferential joint having good mechanical strength and water tightness, thereby eliminating the need for welding the external joint between the alloy tube sheets and alloy tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Salamah S. Al-Anizi, Abdulmalik A. Alghamdi
  • Patent number: 7377040
    Abstract: Various methodologies relating to a polymeric fuel injector are disclosed. One method provides for manufacturing the fuel injector by forming a polymeric housing over a coil assembly and electrical connectors to provide a polymeric passage extending from an inlet to an outlet along a longitudinal axis; inserting components into the polymeric passage from at least one of the inlet and outlet; and securing a polymeric support member of a metering assembly to the housing. Another method provides for manufacturing a fuel injector housing by hermetically enclosing a polymeric housing over a coil assembly and electrical connectors to provide a continuous polymeric passage, the polymeric passage directly facing the longitudinal axis. Yet another method provides for manufacturing a metering assembly by providing a seat; and molding at least a portion of the seat to provide a polymeric support member that surrounds the outer circumference of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Hornby
  • Patent number: 7377041
    Abstract: A torsion beam type suspension and a forming method of a torsion beam are disclosed. In the torsion beam type suspension comprising a pair of left and right trailing arms connected to each other through a torsion beam, front ends of the trailing arms being used to mount a vehicle body by using joints, the torsion beam is obtained by forming an overall length of a pipe having a certain wall thickness by using a pressure forming process. In this case, end sections defined at both end portions of the torsion beam have a cross-sectional shape of a hollow oval, a center section defined at a center portion of the torsion beam has a cross-sectional shape of a hollow open loop, and middle sections defined between the center portion and both the end portions of the torsion beam have a cross-sectional shape of a hollow open loop. The loop of the middle sections defines an inner space larger than that defined by the loop of the center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Donghee Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Choong-Suk Ok, Sung-Wook Han, Soon-Hyun Park, Jong-Rae Lee, Keun-Jae Park
  • Patent number: 7377042
    Abstract: A machine, method and tooling to precision cold-form roller blanks for anti-friction bearings. The machine is a multistage progressive former using floating die cavities to enable simultaneous shaping of the ends of the roller with high accuracy and without flash. The tools and staged forming create an improved roller with an advantageous grain pattern and devoid of structural defects previously attributable to the presence of sheared end face material in the radiused corners of the blank and flash at its mid-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: National Machinery LLC
    Inventors: Donald E. Krintzline, Mark W. Bordner
  • Patent number: 7377043
    Abstract: A shearing apparatus includes a pair of scissors including a first blade, a second blade, a first slide on the first blade and a second slide on the second blade. A first handle defines a groove for receiving the first slide, a first portion through which the pair of scissors can be retracted into and extended from the first handle, a second portion, a slot and two apertures in communication with the slot. A second handle is pivotally connected to the first handle. The second handle defines a groove for receiving the second slide. A positioning device is connected to the pair of scissors. The positioning device is normally located in one of the apertures to position the pair of scissors and can be pushed and then moved between the apertures along the slot to move the pair of scissors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Apex Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eric Tsai
  • Patent number: 7377044
    Abstract: This invention relates to an articulated iron cap for a hand plane. The iron cap pivotally mounts to a hand plane. The iron cap for the hand plane mates to either a beveled down iron or a bevel up iron. One embodiment of the invention has a chip breaker for engaging the iron where the chip breaker pivots approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hand plane. A nose piece on the chip breaker may be configured to extend and pivot so as to align with the grind angle on the iron. This invention places a mass near the cuffing edge of the iron which allows for preloading the iron and dampening vibration of the iron. In turn, this all creates a smoother more accurate cut and requires less effort to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Fine Tools, LLC
    Inventor: John J. Economaki
  • Patent number: 7377045
    Abstract: The laser reference tool of the invention consists of a base that can be releasably mounted to a surface. A housing is mounted on the base such that it can be repositioned relative to the base in a direction parallel to the surface. A turret carrying the laser module is rotatable about first and second orthogonal axes. The laser module is also rotatable relative to the turret about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: James Michael Burry, Derek J. Nash, John C. Smith, Douglas G. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7377046
    Abstract: A mobile device or the like having a 3-axis electronic compass is rotated, and the outputs from magnetic sensors disposed in the three axis directions are input to a first arithmetic processing unit (11) so as to obtain the magnetic data X, Y, and Z. By inputting the magnetic data X, Y, and Z to a second arithmetic processing unit (12), gains Gx and Gz can be obtained. A control unit (16) generates access codes x0 and z0 corresponding to the gains Gx and Gz. The correspondence between the access codes x0 and z0 and inclination angle (pitch angle) ? or between the gains Gx and Gz and inclination angle (pitch angle) ? is tabulated and stored in a memory unit (17). The control unit (16) accesses the memory unit (17) so as to obtain an inclination angle (pitch angle) ?0 corresponding to the access codes x0 and z0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukimitsu Yamada
  • Patent number: 7377047
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine tool with a workpiece measuring instrument which prevents the workpiece measuring instrument from being affected by chips or cutting heat during non-machining, while enabling a workpiece W to be measured near a machining position. A machine tool has a bed 9 and a cover 3 surrounding a machining area R. Workpiece supporting means 6, machining means 7, and workpiece measuring instrument 31 are provided in the machining area R. Position switching means 32 is provided which moves the workpiece measuring instrument 31 between a position inside the machining area R and a storage position B outside the machining area R. The workpiece supporting means 6 is movable in a lateral direction. The workpiece measuring instrument 31 is movable forward and backward so as to freely switch its position, and measures the workpiece W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kawai
  • Patent number: 7377048
    Abstract: The truss setting bracket has an elongated body member, a first cradle, and a second cradle. Each cradle is provided with a first and second finger that define a cradle face therebetween. The second cradle is designed to be secured, at ground level, to a truss that is to be set in place on top of a building structure. The first cradle is designed such that, as the truss is lifted into place by a crane, the second finger is used as a guide for spacing the current truss from the previously set truss. Each cradle allows successive trusses to temporarily held in place by the truss setting bracket until all the trusses have been set and they can be permanently nailed or tacked into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond E. Koetter
  • Patent number: 7377049
    Abstract: An aligning apparatus includes a loading plate to load at least one alignment object; first and second alignment bars to align the at least one alignment object loaded on the loading plate, wherein the first and second alignment bars are bent by a force greater than a threshold value when contacting the alignment object; and at least one driving unit to drive the first and second alignment bars in close and open directions toward and away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Go Lim, Jae-Gyu Jeong
  • Patent number: 7377050
    Abstract: A tape measure housing is comprised of two asymmetrical housing portions. The first housing portion comprises a receptacle in which the tape measure components are located. The second housing portion comprises a cover that encloses the first portion along a seam that is asymmetrically disposed on the assembled housing. The housing portions are weighted such that the center of gravity of the housing is oriented so that the housing will assume a predetermined orientation when dropped from a height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Matthew Shute, Steven R. Levine
  • Patent number: 7377051
    Abstract: A tubing counter for counting coiled tubing inserted into a well includes an outer housing having a through passage for receiving the coiled tubing therethrough. In some embodiments, pressure rated connectors at both of the ends of the outer housing sealably connect the outer housing in series between the coiled tubing injector head and the outer casing of the well. A plurality of counting wheels are rotatably supported within the outer housing for rolling engagement along coiled tubing inserted through the outer housing while a counting mechanism records a number of rotations of each counting wheel independently of the other wheels to minimize counting errors. Locating the counter below the injector head and below the tubing stripper ensures that the tubing is cleaner and less likely to slip in contact with the counting wheels while also accounting for stretching of the tubing for more accurate measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Count-Rite Oilfield Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Collin Rickey Morris, Joseph Henry Reck, Douglas Glen Boyd, Shawn Rodney Van Drecht
  • Patent number: 7377052
    Abstract: A low temperature clothes dryer having a drying chamber provides removable horizontal screens supporting clothing items and a hanging bar for hanging clothes to be dried. A timing control allows setting the time of operation of the drying cabinet. An electric heater with thermostat is provided to initially raise and maintain the air temperature within the drying chamber to at least about 90 degrees F. The dehumidifier is then operated, providing for circulation through the ducts and drying cabinet by an internal fan. The dehumidifier has an evaporator through which warm, humid air is passed, thereby cooling the air and condensing water therefrom, the water being collected in a removable container or drained through a drain hose. The fan forces the cooled, dried air through a condenser which heats the dried air for recirculation through the drying chamber by means of ducts, thereby drying the clothing therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Maruca
  • Patent number: 7377053
    Abstract: A device for drying substrate comprising a processing vessel housing a specified number of substrates such as semiconductor wafers installed erectedly in parallel to one another, a first substrate supporting member supporting substrates within the processing vessel, the processing fluid supplying section supplying to the processing vessel, the processing fluid for performing processing such as cleaning processing on the substrates, a processing fluid exhausting section exhausting processing fluid from the processing vessel, and a drying fluid supplying section supplying, to the processing vessel, the liquid drops of drying fluid for performing drying processing on the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Maeda, Koji Sumi, Hiroshi Aihara, Masao Oono, Takao Matsumoto, Naoaki Izutani
  • Patent number: 7377054
    Abstract: A disposable protective sole is adapted for wear on a foot or shoe of a user. The protective sole includes a multilayer composite having opposing inside and outside major surfaces. The outside major surface is textured to resist slippage of the protective sole on an underlying surface. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to the innside major surface of the composite, and is adapted for removably attaching the protective sole to the foot or shoe of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Tripco, Inc.
    Inventors: Tammy S. Milner, Curtis L. Milner
  • Patent number: 7377055
    Abstract: A sole for shoes, particularly for practicing sports, including a sole body that forms, at at least one perimetric portion, a recessed region for detachably accommodating at least one pad, which is provided with a first wing that overlaps the recessed region and with a second wing that forms a lateral rising portion that can be arranged so as to protect an outer profile of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Vibram S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Bramani
  • Patent number: 7377056
    Abstract: A shoe with increased flexibility in a forefoot portion that includes an upper, an upper lining, an outsole, a footbed and a flexible insole. The flexible insole is located in the forefoot portion of the upper and is stitched directly to the upper lining along a perimeter of the flexible insole. The footbed includes a heel pad that is located in the heel portion of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The Rockport Company, LLC
    Inventors: Rebecca E. Snow, Guilherme F. Roch, John Deem, Joanne M. Holmes, Kelly M. Myatt
  • Patent number: 7377057
    Abstract: A shoe sole is described that provides both cushioning and stability. The sole has a plurality of layers, including a transition layer which allows relative motion between the layers adjacent to the transition layer. The relative motion between the layers of the sole reduces the impact of horizontal shear stresses on the wearer's feet and ankles. One such transition layer includes pliable material and deformable holes within the pliable material. Another transition layer includes at least two rigid plates held together by less rigid grommets or sidewalls. The transition layer may be disposed beneath the entire shoe or only portions of the shoe, with either a more conventional sole structure or rigid support members completing the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Reebok International Ltd.
    Inventors: David Lacorazza, Paul M. Davis
  • Patent number: 7377058
    Abstract: A sports boot comprising an outer shell and an inner boot, with at least one opening in the outer shell and at least one projection on the inner boot assigned to each opening, where the opening(s) and the projection(s) serve to produce a positive fit connection between the inner boot and the outer shell. The outside of the inner boot is optionally made waterproof such that no water enters the inside of the inner boot, despite the presence of the openings in the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Goodwell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Elkington, Ralph Kohler
  • Patent number: 7377059
    Abstract: Improved ironing board which comprises an ironing surface supported by a frame having two legs which can be moved between an open configuration, where they support the ironing surface in a working position, and a closed configuration, where they are folded up against the bottom side of the board, for stowing away the ironing board. A carriage is mounted slidably on the bottom side of the ironing surface at one of its ends, having a pair of idle mounted wheels and being operated by the movement of the frame so as to be displaced between a retracted position with the frame open, where the wheel retracts substantially into the contour of the ironing surface, and a projecting position, with the frame closed, where the wheel projects from the contour of the ironing surface so as to allow displacement of the board resting on the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: BMI Bertollo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Domenico Bertollo
  • Patent number: 7377060
    Abstract: A display unit that does not use any characters, but uses pieces (or chips) that are housed within prearranged slots on a base unit to form human recognizable characters. The slots are arranged into a group, with each group of slots forming a specific topography within a group that enables a variety of characters to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Grigor Abramyan, Edgar Abramyan
  • Patent number: 7377061
    Abstract: A light box display for use in a retail environment including a light box, a graphic, and a graphic cover. The light box includes a base, a plurality of light sources secured within the base, and a light box cover. The light box cover includes an end wall, and the light box cover extends over the base to enclose the plurality of light sources between the base and the light box cover. The graphic extends over the end wall of the cover and is configured to be backlit by the plurality of light sources. The graphic cover extends over the graphic and the light box cover to secure the graphic to the light box. The graphic is viewable through the graphic cover. Retail displays and methods of presenting images to retail audiences provide additional advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Whittier, Jeremy A. Clark, William Y. Stafford
  • Patent number: 7377062
    Abstract: An improved illuminated airfield guidance sign of the type used for marking ground traffic routes on runways and taxiways has a curved face. The sign is capable of withstanding the prescribed wind load tests and at the same time has even illumination across each of its legend panels. The curved legend panels are preferably formed of sheets of acrylic or equivalent substrate with a thickness of about 0.354 inches except at the edges where the edge portion is about 0.220 inches. The edge portion i.e. peripheral flange fits into the grooves or channels along the base and end panels of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew B. Ellerton
  • Patent number: 7377063
    Abstract: A switching gesture display device for vehicles includes a main box and a shaft rotatably mounted in the main box with opposite ends extending through and outside the main box, the shaft being rotatable between an initial position and a rotated position. Two primary indicia displays are mounted on the opposite ends of the shaft, the two primary indicia displays being displayed in a generally upright position when the shaft is in the initial position, and two secondary indicia displays are mounted on the shaft generally adjacent the two primary indicia displays, the two secondary indicia displays being displayed in a generally upright position when the shaft is in the rotated position. A shaft rotation device rotates the shaft between the initial position and the rotated position to alternatively display the two primary indicia displays in the initial position and the two secondary indicia displays in the rotated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Meyer
  • Patent number: 7377064
    Abstract: A banner is displayed about a tower structure, such as a water tower, by a system that enables ready substitution or replacement of the banner, without the use of high-lift equipment. The fabric banner is segmented, of wind permeable stretchable fabric, and mounted on rings that are carried on cables, suspended from a capstan atop the tower. Cable guidance pulleys, mounted on trolleys that run on a peripheral track about the top of the tower, enable the banner to be reoriented about the tower. The capstan and trolleys may be remotely controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Edward A. Burke
  • Patent number: 7377065
    Abstract: A holder of product identification indicia incorporated with a specifically printed illuminated sign in a beverage vending machine. The holder allows enhanced product identification relating to a separate, existing selection button panel. The holder is securely attached to the back of the illuminated sign that has clear viewing windows registered to the holder. Specifically, it is intended as a retrofit kit for existing beverage vending machines to allow the display of product contained in the machine by use of significantly larger product identification indicia than the existing product identification indicia. The larger display windows may be specifically correlated to the existing selection mechanisms by way of numbers, letters, symbols, connecting lines and/or colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: DALB, Inc.
    Inventors: John Myatt, Kevin Steeley, Todd Washburn, Tom Holland
  • Patent number: 7377066
    Abstract: A readily replaceable bolt face for a firearm (10) with a movable slide (12) that strips a round from a magazine, extracts the spent round from the firing chamber and then ejects the round from the firearm by means of an ejector. A bolt face insert (32) has an external configuration that is common to a range of calibers, but with a bolt face side (66) designed to fit the rim of a specific caliber or calibers having the same rim dimension. The insert may be replaced to fit a different caliber without replacing the slide. The bolt face insert is provided with a slot (62) for the ejector and a groove (60) to accept an extractor for the specified caliber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Wildey J. Moore
  • Patent number: 7377067
    Abstract: For a trigger safety device 100 for firearms comprising a trigger 110 which is adapted for rotary reciprocation about a fulcrum 111 and whose free end is protected by a trigger guard 120, accidental firing is prevented in that a safety slide 130 is mounted on the trigger guard 120 for reciprocal displacement between a first end position 122 and a second end position 123 such that said trigger 110 is freely pivotal in a first end position 122 of the safety slide 130 and is blocked in a second end position 123 of the safety slide 130 respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Walther GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Werner
  • Patent number: 7377068
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining a proper firearm fit for a user. In an embodiment, a firearm alignment device is disclosed. The firearm alignment device comprises a reflective surface and an opening. In addition, the firearm alignment device includes a band. The band may be horizontally disposed on the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen R. Musser
  • Patent number: 7377069
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fishing rod holder, comprising a rod holder pivotably attached to a base member; the rod holder comprising a main pivot arm, a trigger pivot arm and a resilient member attachment point, a trigger pivotably attached to the rod holder at the trigger pivot arm; the base member comprises a main pivot support having at least one trigger groove disposed therein, which is attached to the base member, a trigger resilient member attached to a main pivot end of the main pivot support, wherein the trigger is dimensioned to releasingly engage the trigger groove, and wherein the trigger resilient member is dimensioned and arranged to engage the trigger, and a main resilient member attached between the base and the resilient member attachment point. The fishing rod holder has a cocked configuration and a released configuration. A method of using the fishing rod holder is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: LeRoy Morris
  • Patent number: 7377070
    Abstract: A modified reel and mounting assembly for attaching a fishing reel to a fishing rod. The assembly includes a cutout in the reel which conforms to the surface of the reel seat and an arcuate slot on both ends of the cutout. The cutout in the reel mates with surface of the reel seat, and the seat mounts are received by the arcuate slots. The arcuate slots create a lip which is clamped into place by the clamps of the rod seat. In the preferred embodiment, a clamp bar is also provided for increased stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Charles P. Bingham
  • Patent number: 7377071
    Abstract: An insulated minnow bucket with an attached ventilated lid. The bucket is fabricated from an outer shell and an inner shell that is placed within it, with both the outer shell and the inner shell preferably being cylindrical in nature. A lid that is ventilated with a number of holes is associated with the bucket. A handle is associated with the both of the shells and the lid and is inserted through a pair of holes located in the outer shell and inner shell to insure that the handle remains attached to the bucket. The handle also is inserted through a portion of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Roscoe Thompson
  • Patent number: 7377072
    Abstract: Bait stations are provided which present the ability to monitor bait and expand capacity of bait without materially adversely affecting feeding activity. In one form a slow acting toxicant-laced attractant is provided in the station. The station has an outer housing, an openable opaque lid, and a transparent window moveable relative to both the lid and housing. One can move the lid while leaving the window in place, or move both the lid and window. Removal of both permits attachment of a second such housing to the first, while the first remains in place. The lid and window can then be affixed to the second housing. These stations can be used to control termites and other crawling pests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Maude Christian Meier, Dirk K. Nickel, Donald J. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7377073
    Abstract: A plant stem support system having an adjustable base and adjustable top support assembly. The base is adjustable to optimally fit within pots or spaces between about two and six inches in diameter. The top support assembly includes a pair of curved arms that are pivotable to secure a range of plant sizes or number of plants. Anchors on the arms provide for attachment of the plant to the arms or attachment of a plant covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Grunnah
    Inventor: Robert Grunnah
  • Patent number: 7377074
    Abstract: A shutter having a frame and rotatable louvres of the type having a control rod connected to the louvres for moving said louvres, and having a control rod extending normal to the louvres, spaced apart from the louvres connector members on the louvres, having hinge formations extending outwardly from respective louvres, and having connector members for the control rod, having hinge formations and in which the hinge formations provide a hinge connection between the louvres and the control rod, with hinge axes spaced between the louvres and the control rod, and locating the control rod at a distance from the louvres sufficient to permit the louvres to be fully closed by the control rod without the control rod contacting the louvres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Norbert Marocco
  • Patent number: 7377075
    Abstract: A guide rail assembly for moving a closure panel of a motor vehicle between an open position and a closed position includes a guide rail fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A slide mechanism slidably engages the guide rail. A rod has one end coupled to the slide mechanism and an opposing end coupled to the closure panel to move the closure panel as the slide mechanism slides along the guide rail. A drive is fixedly secured to the guide rail for selectively driving the slide mechanism along the guide rail. A clasp is operatively secured to the slide mechanism for selectively coupling the drive to the slide mechanism such that the drive moves the slide mechanism along the guide rail to move the closure panel between the open and closed positions when the slide mechanism is coupled with the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventor: G. Clarke Oberheide
  • Patent number: 7377076
    Abstract: A handle-latch assembly mounted on a horizontal sliding door and coupled to a vertically movable latch bolt which protrudes outwardly from a top or bottom door edge, and which enables the inside and outside handles of the door to be respectively used for moving the door in closing and opening directions. The door has a manual lock actuator on the inside of the door, and an optional key-lock actuator on the outside of the door, whereby latching the door in the closed position requires a deliberate manual manipulation of either the inner lock actuator or the outer key actuator. The assembly permits sequential unlocking and opening of the door from the inside by application of a single horizontally-directed force to the inner handle. The handle-latch mechanism includes cooperating linkages, and the linkages are automatically reset into an unlocked position whenever the locked door is opened from the inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Haworth, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nathaniel S. Shedd
  • Patent number: 7377077
    Abstract: A grille shelter includes a housing comprising a rear wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A roof member is pivotally connected to a top edge of the housing and at least one pivoting panel is connected to one of the first side wall and second side wall. The pivoting panels are moveable between a first (open) position, wherein a user can access the grille within the shelter, and a second (closed) position, wherein the shelter conceals a grille contained therein. The roof member is also moveable between a first and second position. The grille shelter is configured to allow use of the grille while the grille remains positioned within the grille shelter and may optionally include a floor platform and other accessories to assist the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Robert G. Rebeck
  • Patent number: 7377078
    Abstract: A workstation (desk) 7 that can be assembled or disassembled without the use of tools or fasteners, mounted on casters 40, with adjustable integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14. In an open plan work environment a user of the workstation (desk) can create private, semi private and open personal workspace by pivoting the integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14, easily roll the workstation (desk) 7 to another location without disturbing other workstations (desks) 7, and create new workstation (desk) 7 configurations by connecting workstation together using the integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14 as common connecting elements. Thus a considerably more versatile workstation is provided that can enable users the ability to immediately create a multitude of workstation configurations and arrangements to suit their long term and immediate needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Michael John Golino, Zlatan Vukosavljevic
  • Patent number: 7377079
    Abstract: The invention relates to two panel elements which are flexibly connected to one another, at least one profiled lateral edge being provided on each of the panel elements for the flexible connection which, as connecting edges, have a suitable bearing and contact surface for an adhesive strip connecting the panel elements, so that the swivel axis is in the area of the adhesive strip. To prevent a transparent effect in the joint area, the connecting edges have a further profiling which enters a form-locking connection when the connecting edges are turned on one another. Furthermore, the invention comprises the method and the facility for producing the flexibly connected panel elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: W. Lehbrink GmbH & Co. KG, Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Burow
  • Patent number: 7377080
    Abstract: A staircase system (2) includes a rail element (40) and multiple stair elements (42). Baluster elements (44) are coupled to the rail element (40) and to the stair elements (42). A center support system (46) is coupled to and supports the rail element (40) and the stair elements (42). The center support system (46) has a stowed state and a deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher J. Mills
  • Patent number: 7377081
    Abstract: An arrangement of building elements capable of a snap-fastening interconnection comprises an element, especially the tongue, consisting of a different material from the other building elements. An MDF/HDF panel, is initially milled along the longitudinal and/or transverse sides, and the resulting groove is then provided and/or foam-filled with extrudates. Finally, the free ends of the extrudates are milled to form the profile of the tongue. Alternatively, or additionally, a groove may also be milled into the extrudates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kaindl Flooring GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Ruhdorfer
  • Patent number: 7377082
    Abstract: A panel for constructing patio rooms, and the like, has a reinforcing offset I-beam extending along a first edge of the insulative board. A second lateral edge of the board has a reduced thickness portion which fits into the open side of the I-beam and forms two pockets which accommodate the engagement of two sets of spring fingers which positionally locate and secure adjacent panels together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Richard D. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7377083
    Abstract: A structural clip includes two connecting legs extending from a resilient spring means with a securing loop at the end of each leg. The angles defined by the legs and by each leg and the spring means when the securing loops are connected to a bottom support member secure that member and a contacting top support member in any spatial relationship one to the other without auxiliary tools. An embodiment useful over a range of support member diameters for perpendicular or parallel reinforcement member alignment, and a method for using the clip also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Con-Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack McCafferty, Rod Dotson
  • Patent number: 7377084
    Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Ko Kuperus, Wendell B. Colson, Jason T. Throne
  • Patent number: 7377085
    Abstract: A device for applying a cap on the neck of a bottle or similar container comprises an applying head movable along an axis and provided with an assembly for gripping the cap having a tubular body with an end mouth which is adapted to receive and hold within it the cap. Inside said tubular body is mounted freely slidable an ejector member. Stop means are provided to limit the upwards displacement of the ejector member with respect to a fixed reference when the applying head moves upwards subsequent to an application of a cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Arol SpA
    Inventor: Sergio Cirio
  • Patent number: 7377086
    Abstract: The present invention is, in one embodiment, an apparatus for placing an insert within a nested group of taco shells. The insert placement apparatus comprises a vertical shaft, a horizontal shaft, a first pillow block, a second pillow block, a vacuum cup, a horizontal timing belt, an air cylinder, and a servomotor. The vacuum cup is adapted to transport the insert. The first pillow block has a bore therethrough for receiving the horizontal shaft. The second pillow block is supported off of the first pillow block and has a bore therethrough for receiving the vertical shaft. The vacuum cup is suspended off of the vertical shaft. The horizontal belt is routed around a drive pulley and a second pulley and is interconnected to the first pillow block. The servomotor is interconnected to the drive pulley. The servomotor causes the timing belt to displace the first pillow block along the horizontal shaft, thereby causing the vacuum cup to displace horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Cremers, Craig Gustafson, Ralph Stenvik
  • Patent number: 7377087
    Abstract: A method of preserving foodstuffs in a heat-sealable plastic bag wherein three of the bag's four peripheral edges are permanently sealed together and the fourth of the edges comprises a temporary interlocking linear seal. After foodstuffs are placed into the interior of the bag, the linear seal is interlocked to form an inner chamber and to isolate those foodstuffs therein from the outside environment. The bag is then pierced to provide an opening through which the inner chamber of the bag is evacuated. Then, while the inner chamber is evacuated, heat is applied to seal around the opening or between the opening and the portion of the inner chamber containing the foodstuffs to isolate the foodstuffs within said evacuated inner chamber from the outer environment. The foodstuffs may be removed from the bag by opening the interlocking seal and the bags may be reused numerous times by re-interlocking the seal and repeating the evacuating and sealing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products. Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Clarke, Chuck Boulos, John Chi Kin Mak
  • Patent number: 7377088
    Abstract: A package (10) for a bulb (12) having a bulbous, light-emitting end (14) and a socket end (16), has a first thin-walled plastic body (18a) arrayed along a longitudinal axis (20) and having a closed end (22) and an open end (24), the open end (24) having a diameter D transverse to the longitudinal axis sufficient to admit insertion of the bulbous, light emitting end (14) of the bulb (12), the closed end (22) of the first thin-walled plastic body (18a) formed with at least one internal surface support (26) extending away from the longitudinal axis (20) in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis and substantially contiguous with a curve of the bulbous light emitting end (14), the open end (24) providing a circumferential coupling area (28); and a second thin-walled plastic body (18b) formed with a socket receiving end (32) and a mating coupling area (34) formed to conform to the circumferential coupling area (28) and coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Buschmann, James E. Oetken