Patents Issued in May 27, 2008
  • Patent number: 7377441
    Abstract: A portable end device, such as a bar code scanner, may be equipped with auxiliary interfaces. The auxiliary interfaces may be easily added to the end device as a replaceable cover, such as a replaceable battery door. A signal path conducts signals to and from the replaceable cover. One auxiliary interface is a Bluetooth radio. Data integrity protocols may be selected to guarantee delivery and guarantee no duplicate deliveries. Host pairing algorithms may provide standard or strong pairing with a host computer. Ergonomic interface features allow a user to control and monitor the operation of the end device and the data link with minimal hardware cost and battery life impact. Host software programs provide data routing, automatic reestablishment of the data link, and other functions. The system is adaptable to a wide array of use environments through the selection of timer parameters in the end device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Wiklof, Gregory T. Gibson, Edward M. Millet, Scott A. Ellerthorpe
  • Patent number: 7377442
    Abstract: Multi-mode integrated circuit devices on an integrated circuit substrate include a controller configured to operate in a first mode compliant with the International Standard Organization (ISO) specification ISO 7816 and a second mode different from ISO 7816 responsive to a mode selection signal. A first plurality of input/output pads are associated with operations in the first mode and a second plurality of input/output pads are associated with operations in the second mode. A mode detector circuit is coupled to at least one of the second plurality of input/output pads and configured to detect connection of the at least one of the second plurality of input/output pads to an external device and to activate the mode selection signal to select the second mode responsive to detection of connection of the at least one of the second plurality of input/output pads to the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Yong Kim, Jong-Cheol Kim
  • Patent number: 7377443
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an opaque, transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features, such as a holographic foil, integrated circuit chip, silver magnetic stripe with text on the magnetic stripe, opacity gradient, an invisible optically recognizable compound, a translucent signature field such that the signature on back of the card is visible from the front of the card and an active thru date on the front of the card. The invisible optically recognizable compound is an infrared ink and/or film, which can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen Lasch, Lisa Webb, Judy Vigiletti, William J. Faenza, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7377444
    Abstract: A halftone image original is converted into a line screen halftone image including regularly spaced-apart screen lines 5 that are modulated in their width y in accordance with the tonal value to be represented. According to the invention, width y of screen lines 5 is modulated only on one side so that screen lines 5 are flat on one side and width-modulated on one side. Various examples are stated for how this screen line modulation permits effective copy protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Franz, Ruediger Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7377445
    Abstract: The circuitry introduced in this invention selectively slows down the functioning of an electronic circuit by maintaining a particular state for a prolonged period of time. This circuitry is used not only to achieve the desired effect in maintaining security from electronic thieves trying to circumvent codes but also in other applications such as enabling a circuit to continue to function in the event of a brief loss of power. For example, in an RFID system, if a reader is frequency hopping, a tag loses power for as long as about 400 milliseconds when the reader changes to other frequencies. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed circuitry is used in conjunction with a destruct sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Alien Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Roger G. Stewart, John Rolin
  • Patent number: 7377446
    Abstract: To provide an IC card, which secures satisfied flatness of the card surface to achieve good printing properties on the card surface. An IC card has a core layer which includes a plurality of sheet materials wherein inner core sheets adjacent to an IC module have through holes formed in a region corresponding to the IC mounted portion, wherein a relationship A=(B1+C1)±30 ?m is satisfied, where A (?m) represents the sum of heights of the through holes, B1 represents a projection height on an IC mounted surface of the IC module, and C1 represents a projection height on an IC non-mounted surface. By virtue of having this structure, the IC card can secure card flatness sufficient to obtain satisfied printing properties with respect to the rewrite sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Ohta, Shinichi Matsumura
  • Patent number: 7377447
    Abstract: A tamper evident RFID circuit uses a fold section that forms a capacitive element when folded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: RCD Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Oberle
  • Patent number: 7377448
    Abstract: A card device has a generally rectangular body formed from flexible material and including electronic circuitry electrically connected to a set of electrical contacts. At least part of the card device is flexed, bent or folded in such a manner that the inherent resilience of the card material provides a force for pressing the set of contacts against the electrical contacts of a USB receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sandisk IL Ltd
    Inventors: Raz Dan, Itzhak Pomerantz
  • Patent number: 7377449
    Abstract: A system for a two dimension bar code for synchronous omni-directional information and its identifying method are disclosed with advantages of simple in identifying, low requirement on scanner synchronization and high in ability to identifying with anti-aberration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: LP Technologies (Shanghai) Inc.
    Inventor: Longxiang Bian
  • Patent number: 7377450
    Abstract: A control for controlling a multi-zone HVAC system, wherein the heating or cooling equipment is operable in multiple stages, takes the demand on the system over time into account when determining an appropriate stage. In particular, a time integral of the system demands is utilized along with a current system demand to determine an appropriate stage. In this manner, a weakness in the prior art of allowing a long-term, small difference between the desired set point and the actual temperature in the various zones is addressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Van Ostrand, Rajendra K. Shah, Laurie L. Werbowsky
  • Patent number: 7377451
    Abstract: A jet dispersing device includes a high pressure region having a flow inlet and a low pressure region having a flow outlet. A partition wall is positioned within the high pressure region such that the high pressure region is partitioned from the low pressure region. Additionally, the partition wall may be provided with at least one nozzle hole configured to jet a liquid from the high pressure region to the low pressure region such that the liquid is dispersed as fine particles. The partitioning wall may also have a cleaning fluid communication port having an opening area which is larger than an opening area of the at least one nozzle. Additionally, a valve mechanism configured to open and close the cleaning fluid communication port may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Trinity Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Nomura, Katsuhiro Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7377452
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning a paint cup, spray tip, and wetted parts from a hand held paint spray gun wherein the gun is disassembled after use and internal wetted parts needing cleaning are inserted into the paint cup, a cleaning cap is attached to the paint cup, and a garden hose is used to flush paint from the interior of the paint cup and the parts contained therein. In another aspect, the cleaning cap is attached to and used to flush an extended suction set having an elongated double lumen hose and adapter. The cleaning cap has a fitting adapted to receive a conventional garden hose and further has a passageway to allow water to exit from the cap after flushing the interior of the paint cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Michael B. Jones, Wayne Robens
  • Patent number: 7377453
    Abstract: A dry material surface applicator comprising: a plurality of receptacles for attaching hoses from an air seeder cart; a plurality of towers mounted on a boom; a plurality of smaller distribution tubes emanating from each tower; a plurality of deflector shields mounted to the rear side of the boom; two boom wheels at either end of the boom; a center section comprising a single axle, two center wheels, an inside support bar, and two outside support bars; two swing arms, each of which is pivotally connected to one of the outside support bars of the center section proximate the center wheels; two main arms, each of which is releasably attached to a swing arm on one end and a bracket mounted to the boom on the other end; and a latching mechanism that locks the swing arm in place when the applicator is in a field or highway position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: A&E Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie L. Auer, Bart A. Erickson, Mitchell R. Auer
  • Patent number: 7377454
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pumping a liquid from a packaging, for the distribution thereof in a heated, foamed or emulsified form, comprising a sub-assembly for aspiration by venturi effect which can be connected to the tubing of a pressurized liquid flow generator. Said sub-assembly comprises a body with a liquid flow inlet duct, opening out in an aspiration chamber and at least one aspiration duct for the liquid contained in the packaging. The invention is characterized in that the aspiration sub-assembly comprises a nozzle and fixing and opening means, connecting the nozzle to the packaging and connecting the aspiration duct with the liquid inside the packaging. The invention is of application to the production of cappuccinos or other foamed drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: André Klopfenstein, Elmar Mock, Naomi Bitmead, Emmanuel Simont-Vermot
  • Patent number: 7377455
    Abstract: A portable sprayer comprising a generally cylindrically shaped tube and an air volume chamber, a piston rod inserted in the cylinder, a container for holding a material, a spray nozzle, and a delivery tube inserted in the container and extended to the spray nozzle is contained in a single unit. The spraying operation is activated by applying a pumping action to the piston rod. An air control valve mounted to the sprayer allows for the rapid bleed off of air from the unit. The preferred embodiment of the invention is of a size and weight so that it may easily carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Scott A. Fyfe
  • Patent number: 7377456
    Abstract: The water flow control structure of a water gun includes a movable control tube, stepwise positioning unit, oblique guide and resilient component. When the control tube is moved by the control component, it is turned by the oblique guide and stepwise positioning unit. Each time the first guide of the control tube coordinates with the position of the stepwise positioning unit, it makes the space between the stopper head of the control tube and the water control outlet of the water holder close or open in different degrees to control water flow. The entire control structure is hidden inside the water gun. The repeated movements of the control component can switch the water flow mode, which is convenient and practical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Hsin-Fa Wang
  • Patent number: 7377457
    Abstract: An agricultural bale cutter has a scoop shaped lower jaw frame supporting a first set of teeth at a lower end and is pivotally mounted to an upper jaw frame. A second set of teeth mounted on the upper jaw frame may therefore be moved between distal and proximal positions relative to the first set of horizontal teeth for cutting a bale that is held between the upper and lower jaw frames. The frames are manipulated by hydraulic linear actuators so that both the lower and upper frames may be lifted by a front end loader mounted on a tractor and the upper jaw may be moved relative to the lower jaw for picking up a bale, cutting the bale and dropping a first cut portion of the bale at a first location and a second portion at a different location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Allan Wesley Schierman
  • Patent number: 7377458
    Abstract: A grinder includes a body, an upper sleeve-shaped member pivoting on the body and dividing an inside of the body into inner and outer rooms, a cover pivoting on the sleeve-shaped member, a connecting rod joined to a middle of the cover and extending through the inner room, an inner toothed ring joined to a lower end of the connecting rod, an intermediate toothed ring secured to a lower end of the sleeve-shaped member, and an outer toothed ring secured in a lower end of the body; the intermediate toothed ring has grinding teeth on inner and outer sides; the inner toothed ring and the inner grinding teeth of the intermediate toothed ring constitute an inner grinding mechanism for grinding seasoning pellets held in the inner room of the body; the outer grinding teeth of the intermediate toothed ring and the outer toothed ring constitute an outer grinding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Yienn Lih Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hua-Te Wu
  • Patent number: 7377459
    Abstract: A tooth construction for a mineral bear, the tooth construction including a tooth shaped support body covered by a shell which defines the outer shape of the tooth construction, the shell being composed of a plurality of covers which are fixedly secured to one another and/or to the support body by welding to define a unitary tooth construction the support body having a front face and an opposed rear face and the plurality of covers including at least a front cover which is weldingly secured to and seated in face to face contact with the front face of the support body and a separate rear cover which is weldingly secured to and seated in face to face contact with the rear face of the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: NMD Design & Consultancy Limited
    Inventor: Alan Potts
  • Patent number: 7377460
    Abstract: A tape cartridge capable of recording and reading out large and small tape cartridges with different widths is provided. The tape cartridge comprises a pair of right and left hubs for winding a tape which is winded off from one hub and is wound around the other hub via tape guides. A passage for light injection and a passage for light ejecting of the tape end detection light are opened respectively on a side wall of a case of a main body facing a tape traveling path between the tape guide and the hub, and an optical path inverted body facing a pair of passages across the tape traveling path is arranged in the case of the main body. One of the passages for light injection and the passages for light ejecting in the large and small tape cartridges is formed at a prescribed distance from the reference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosuke Amano, Toshiro Nishiwaki, Kenji Ota, Akihiro Yasui
  • Patent number: 7377461
    Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus includes a deck to which a head drum is mounted to record and reproduce information with respect to a running tape, and a tape-end sensor to sense starting and finishing ends of the running tape. The tape-end sensor includes a light emitter mounted on the deck to project a light onto the tape being drawn and run from the tape cassette, a light receiver receiving light projected from the light emitter and transmitted through the tape, and a light interrupter blocking light projected to the light receiver that does not pass through the running tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byeng-bae Park, Jae-hoon Sim, Hyeong-seok Choi
  • Patent number: 7377462
    Abstract: A single reel tape cartridge capable of achieving high-speed read/write access to tapes at high density by enhancing the molding accuracy of lower flange and eliminating inclination and waviness of flange walls is provided. A reel incorporated in a main case is composed of an upper flange, a lower flange, and a boss which is integrally plastic-molded with the lower flange for taking up a magnetic tape. An exit port for allowing an operating nail of an unlock tool to get in and out is open on the bottom wall of the boss. The lower flange is molded in the state that a bridging piece extending along radial direction of the lower flange is formed in the exit port, so that resin flow to the flange wall radially outside the exit port is promoted. The bridging piece is removed after the lower flange is molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Inugai, Kousuke Amano
  • Patent number: 7377463
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a spool for carrying seat belt webbing rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axle and biased in a seat belt webbing rewinding direction. A toothed ratchet wheel is mounted to rotate with the spool. A sensor is provided for detecting an emergency condition, and a vehicle acceleration sensor lever is responsive to the sensor to engage the ratchet wheel in an emergency. The retractor can operate in a first, emergency locking mode in which the spool is not locked and can rotate to pay-out and to rewind seat belt webbing. In a second, automatic locking mode the spool is locked against pay-out of the seat belt webbing. A switching means has a subassembly attached to an end of the seat belt retractors. The subassembly has an axially directed spring to reduce axial spacing between the housing, an eccentric cam and axially adjacent disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Morgan, Bayard C. Temple
  • Patent number: 7377464
    Abstract: A seatbelt retractor assembly (10) has a seatbelt retractor (14) and an actuator (26) for locking and unlocking the seatbelt retractor (1). An inertial sensor mass (30, 32, 33) detects changes in vehicle speed. The mass (30, 32, 33) has a guide surface (34, 35, 36) for interacting with the actuator (26). The guide surface (34, 35, 36) moves between an unlocking position in which the actuator (26) unlocks the seatbelt retractor (14) and a locking position in which the actuator (26) locks the seatbelt retractor (14). The guide surface (30) has an inner profile portion (62) and at least an outer profile portion (64). The actuator (26) is in contact with the inner profile portion (62) in the unlocking position while moving into contact with the outer profile portion (64) as the actuator (26) moves towards the locking position. The inner profile portion (62) causes a different acceleration of the actuator (26) than the outer profile portion (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7377465
    Abstract: A wire/fiber ring having two layers applied in four clock positions. Each layer includes a first material strand having a first diameter and a second material strand having a second diameter different from the first diameter. A second or any subsequent layer is disposed such that there is unambiguous nesting between strands in adjacent layers. After the array is built-up, wire is over-wrapped around the array to hold it in place during subsequent consolidation steps, which take place after the built-up array is sealed in an air-tight container and evacuated. After heating and application of pressure a wire/fiber array having a void content of about 12% and a fiber content of between about 0% to 70% and preferably between about 30% and 45% can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sequa Corporation
    Inventors: William Hanusiak, Lisa Hanusiak, Steven Spear, Charles Rowe, Jeffery Parnell
  • Patent number: 7377466
    Abstract: A propulsion system for miniature vehicles, such as model airplanes, having multiple direct-current motors arranged radially about a central axis of the propulsion system that drive a propeller system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph James Smith
  • Patent number: 7377467
    Abstract: An aircraft luggage locker is disposed in a compartment under a seat cushion which pivots about a horizontal axis. The locker includes a rack to receive luggage has a back wall from which extends a bottom wall and an opening at the end opposite the back wall. The rack is movable between a lying down position in which the back is in a generally vertical plane, the bottom wall is in a generally horizontal plane, and the opening is facing a wall of the compartment, and an inclined position in which the bottom wall is inclined to the horizontal and the opening of the rack is in a raised position relative to the back. Movement of the rack between the lying down position and the inclined position is a combination of a movement in translation in a horizontal plane and rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the direction of movement in translation of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventor: Bruno Saint-Jalmes
  • Patent number: 7377468
    Abstract: A refueling drogue adapted to connect to a refueling hose extending from a refueling aircraft. The drogue may include an active stabilization system adapted to effectively stabilize the refueling drogue via control surfaces on the refueling drogue when the refueling drogue is placed in an airstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Smiths Aerospace LLC
    Inventors: Frank Saggio, III, William B. Ribbens, Kean K. Ooi
  • Patent number: 7377469
    Abstract: The invention discloses systems for mounting heat shields onto a spacecraft. It shows a number of ways to attach heat shield tiles in a way that allows for and accommodates the thermal expansion and contraction of the tiles without overstressing them and without loosing them due to delamination of adhesives. Shown also are various fasteners, which are flexible in several directions and which should preferably be oriented to provide the least resistance to the expected deformations of the tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Gabe Cherian
  • Patent number: 7377470
    Abstract: A wireless-controlled airplane includes a flying unit and an on-ground controller which is connected to the flying unit through a communication section and flies the flying unit. The flying unit includes a body, a drive section installed on the body, a propulsion apparatus which generates a propulsive force when driven by the drive section, a main wing including a plurality of wing elements which are installed so as to be able to move with respect to each other, an opening and closing mechanism which changes the relative positions of the wing elements to change the effective area of the main wing, and a dropping apparatus which selectively holds and drops a load. By changing the effective area of the main wing, the flight speed can be changed, so the capacity and size of the drive section for rotating the propulsion apparatus can be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Haru Miyake
  • Patent number: 7377471
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for opening and securing a railroad frog. The system is provided with a body member and a plurality of attachment members, which are selectively securable with the body member. The attachment members are structurally configured to secure to different structural features along spring wing rails and fixed structures positioned opposite the spring wing rail. Manual actuation of a tensioning mechanism that is coupled with the body member advances opposing first and second attachment members toward one another, moving the spring wing rail into an open position. Wedge members, coated in a non-slip material are provided as an additional means for securing the spring wing rail in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Harry L. Compton, Jeffery E. Cole
  • Patent number: 7377472
    Abstract: A clamp assembly releasably secures a plumbing pipe to a support. The assembly has a clamp base releasably connected to a clamping block by pawls that releasably engage a pair of ratchet arms extending from the base. Each of the base and clamping block has two inclined surfaces forming a generally V-shaped notch that opens toward the pipe. A cap is optionally placed over one or both of the V-shaped notches and is interposed between the notch and the pipe. At least one resilient leg or a flange may extend from the base opposite the ratchet arms, with the flange and/or the arms resiliently engaging opposite sides of the support to hold the clamp assembly in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Securus, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Brown, Dennis L. Hart
  • Patent number: 7377473
    Abstract: A decorative lawn ornament for supporting an object, such as a rain gauge, comprises an assembly featuring a decorative member, a support device and a support mechanism. The decorative member comprises a metal plate shaped to have visual appeal having a hole therein for mounting on the support device. The support device features a receiving portion for supporting the object, a mounting portion for detachably engaging the plate and a reinforcing portion for supporting said receiving portion on said mounting portion. The mounting portion features a groove in the top surface of a protruding member which extends from one side of the plate to the other through the hole. To mount the plate on the support device, the top edge of the hole in the plate fits within the groove and the bottom edge of the hole slides over the bottom surface of the protruding member and snaps into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Crystal Spring Colony Farms Ltd.
    Inventor: David Waldner
  • Patent number: 7377474
    Abstract: Described is a removable assembly for use on a fixed surface. The assembly includes a post having a base (42) and an attachment assembly (8). The attachment assembly includes a base plate (10) and a magnet assembly (12), both capable of carrying a magnetic current. The magnet assembly includes a housing (20) and a magnet (22) disposed within the housing. To use, the magnet assembly is placed adjacent the base plate, the magnetic forces attracting and holding them together. The magnet is positioned apart from the base plate while the housing contacts the base plate to form the magnet circuit. An attachment plate (30) is connected to the housing upper wall adjacent its outer surface. The attachment plate includes one or more outwardly projecting attachment bolts (26). As assembled, the bolts engage corresponding openings (48) in the post base (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Pacific Cascade Parking Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Curtis
  • Patent number: 7377475
    Abstract: A television mount assembly includes an elongated railing has a first end and second end. The railing is attached to a ceiling with a plurality of brackets. A pole has a top end and a bottom end. The pole has a pair of bends therein so that the pole includes a first arm, a second arm and a middle section extending between the first and second arms. A mounting is attached to the top end and secures the pole to the railing. The pole is movable along the railing. A first motor is mounted on the pole and a drive wheel is mechanically coupled to the motor. The drive wheel is in communication with the railing. The first motor is configured to selectively rotate the drive wheel in a first direction or a second direction so that the top end of the pole is moved along the railing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Rodovaldo Lopez
  • Patent number: 7377476
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable easel designed for use with a standard photographic tripod as a means for painting on location. The easel is equipped with an angled retaining ledge, a retractable brush holder mounted on the left and right side for easy access, a retractable hook for suspending a container, and a base mount for connection to a tripod. By utilizing the angle adjustments of the tripod, the work surface can be adjusted to the preferred angle of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: William Chase Almond, Eric Iain Michaels
  • Patent number: 7377477
    Abstract: Product forming molds have surfaces conformally coated with a coating composite comprising superabrasive particles. In one embodiment, the mold surface is plated (electrolessly or electrolytically) or coated with a metal having superabrasive particles dispersed therein. In another embodiment, the composite is a SiC composite having superabrasive particles dispersed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Diamond Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: John William Lucek, Marc Gary Davidson, Timothy F. Dumm
  • Patent number: 7377478
    Abstract: A light guide plate which is made of a transparent resin and has a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to said first main surface, said first main surface having a surface portion provided with convex portions having a height of 5×10?7 m to 6×10?5 m each and a pitch of 5×10?7 m to 4×10?4 m, each convex portion having a tip portion, and the convex portions of at least 80% of the total convex portions having the tip portions having a radius of curvature of 2×10?6 m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Tahara, Akimasa Kaneishi
  • Patent number: 7377479
    Abstract: A position restoring apparatus for an open and close device includes a casing base, a first actuating member, a second actuating member, a first end cover, a second end cover, an output shaft and a motor. The casing base has main member with a hollow seat. The first actuating member has a first disk part with a first block and a first rack at a lateral side of the first block. The second actuating member has a second disk part with a second block and a second rack. The first end cover provides a plurality of first elastic components. The second end cover provides a plurality of second elastic components. The output shaft provides a joining part to mesh with the first and second racks. The motor shaft extends upward a rod part with an electromagnet, a stationary disk member and a movable disk member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Shui-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 7377480
    Abstract: A servomechanism includes a controller which dynamically estimates the resistance of the solenoid coil in an electrohydraulic valve as part of determining a level of electric voltage to apply to open the valve. The servomechanism receives a current setpoint designating a desired electric current level and senses the actual level of current flowing through the coil. A proportional term is derived from the current setpoint and the actual level of current. Creation of a derivative term is based on the difference between the current setpoint and the actual level of current. A feedforward term is produced by estimating the resistance of the electrohydraulic valve and limiting the feedforward term to a predefined range of acceptable values. The proportional term, derivative term, and the feedforward term are summed to define a desired voltage level, and a PWM signal for driving the electrohydraulic valve is generated based on the desired voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: HUSCO International, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Tabor, Joseph L. Pfaff
  • Patent number: 7377481
    Abstract: A pair of terminal insertion holes are formed to the end wall portion of an magnetic cover in an electromagnetic manipulator, a pair of coil terminals electrically conductive to an exiting coil are extended from a first flange portion of a bobbin in parallel with the axial line of the bobbin as well as extended to the outside of the end wall portion passing through the terminal insertion holes in an electrically insulated state due to the interposition of rubber bushes, a print board electrically connected to the coil terminals and an electrically insulating protection cover for covering the print board are disposed above the outside surface of the end wall portion, and power receiving terminals to which a power supply external connector is connected are disposed to the print board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Narita, Hideharu Sato
  • Patent number: 7377482
    Abstract: A gasket ring assembly for use with the rotating ball in a ball valve, the gasket ring assembly including a substantially L-shaped support and a toroidal elastomer gasket. The substantially L-shaped support includes a horizontal section and a vertical section. The horizontal section includes a groove and a tooth for holding the toroidal elastomer gasket in place. The toroidal elastomer gasket is fixedly attached to the substantially L-shaped support and is in direct contact with the outer surface of the rotating ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Giovanni Cipolla, Sandro Bonomi
  • Patent number: 7377483
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve for opening or closing itself through making direct contact of or through breaking the direct contract of a metal diaphragm with a valve seat disposed inside a body provided with an inlet port and an outlet port. The diaphragm valve includes an elevating member which serves to make or break the direct contact of the metal diaphragm with the valve seat and which is fusion-bonded to the metal diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kitz SCT Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Iwabuchi, Katsuhiko Honma
  • Patent number: 7377484
    Abstract: A multi-functional ratchet includes first and second bars with left and right axially opposed ends respectively. Each bar is provided with a channel formed therein with a longitudinal length that is less than the longitudinal length of the bar. The apparatus further includes first and second beams with axially opposed proximal and distal ends. The beams are pivotally attached to the bars. Each beam is provided with a channel formed therein with a longitudinal length that is less than a longitudinal length of the beam. A mechanism winds a strap about a central portion of the ratchet when the first and second beams are laterally displaced away from equilibrium. The winding mechanism is connected to the bars and the beams respectively. The strap is freely rotated about the central portion while the first and second beams are maintained at a static position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Marcus Williams
  • Patent number: 7377485
    Abstract: A three-phase drive motor is utilized to operate a boat lift. In one example, a drive motor arrangement for replacing manual drives on an existing boat lift winch shaft comprises a worm gear box with a worm driven by an integrally mounted motor on the worm gear box. A worm gear is mounted on a tubular cross shaft extending outwardly on opposite ends of the gear box. The bore of the cross shaft is of size to slide over an existing winch drive shaft. The tubular shaft has a drive connection that mates with the existing drive connection on the winch box shaft. As shown a disc that effects drives to a mating disc on the winch box shaft. After removing the manual ratchet and wheel on an existing winch shaft, the tubular shaft of the worm gear box can be put into place and a suitable fastener is used to hold the drive connection on the tubular shaft in engagement with the drive member on the winch shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Commander Products LLC
    Inventor: Ellis W. Davis
  • Patent number: 7377486
    Abstract: A hoisting machine, such as a cable block, includes a support frame having at least two face plates, which are detachably joined together and spaced apart by at least two longitudinal members. The support frame includes a simple structural design, in which the longitudinal members are detachably joined to the face plates such that the ends of the longitudinal members are pressed against a bearing surface of the face plates in the direction of their lengthwise axis, transversely to the longitudinal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Jürgen Winter, Jürgen Backsmann
  • Patent number: 7377487
    Abstract: A holding device is designed to compensate for the weight of a tool using a non-vertical length of an elastic rope. The elastic rope may be redirected using a pulley mounted to a carrier that is mounted to a support structure. The user is able to use the tool without supporting the entire weight of the tool during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Otten
  • Patent number: 7377488
    Abstract: A landing gear assembly comprises a first leg member adapted to couple to a vehicle frame member, and a second member operably coupled to the first leg member and moveable between a raised storage position and a lowered in-use position. The landing gear assembly further comprises a flexible member operably coupled with the drive mechanism and the second leg, such that the drive mechanism extends the flexible member and moves the second leg from the storage position to the in-use position, and wherein the flexible member is adapted to support a weight exerted on the first and second legs. In certain embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible member comprises a ribbon constructed of natural fibers. Other embodiments comprise additional pulleys and flexible members adapted to raise the second leg member from the in-use position to the raised storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy L. Schutt
  • Patent number: 7377489
    Abstract: A guide for aligning pickets during the building of a picket fence. The guide having a picket stand to attach to a first end of an alignment beam. The guide having a beam stand to attach to a second end of the alignment beam. A method is also disclosed to construct the picket fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Eric M. Houseman
  • Patent number: 7377490
    Abstract: A fence assembly includes anchor brackets mountable to a first support wall. An anchor post is conjoined to the anchor brackets, has opposed top and bottom ends and is formed from rigid and non-corrosive material. Couplings are conjoined to the anchor post, are detachable therefrom and positional along a length thereof. A cylindrical housing defines a cavity therein, is provided with a slot and is formed from rigid and non-corrosive material. A screen passes through the slot, is formed from transparent material and can be adapted along at least a 180 degree arcuate path when extended. A rectilinear auxiliary post is permanently attached to a distal screen end, travels along an entire length thereof and is situated to an exterior of the housing. Latching brackets are connected to the auxiliary post and are engageable to a second support wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Bahman Khosravian