Patents Issued in May 27, 2008
  • Patent number: 7377491
    Abstract: Disclosed is a construction bracket supporting temporary construction structures such as safety railings and scaffolding which are composed of construction members such as steel or wooden beams. The bracket has a support plate and a substantially hollow column member extending upwardly from the support plate. The column member is provided with at least one aperture adapted to receive a tightening member for securing the construction members to the column member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Maurizio Fuoco
  • Patent number: 7377492
    Abstract: A system for concentrating gas, using the concentrated gas to pump liquid, and recycling the gas and liquid is disclosed. The system comprises a body of liquid, a down pipe in fluid communication with the body of liquid, a gas injection apparatus for introducing gas into the liquid that passes through the down pipe, a separator for separating compressed gas from the liquid, and a gas-liquid recycle loop. The down pipe and the gas injection apparatus are structured and arranged to compress the gas. The gas-liquid recycle loop comprises a compressed gas storage vessel containing the separated gas, a reservoir containing liquid separated from the compressed gas, and a gas-liquid pump. The gas-liquid pump has a gas inlet in communication with the gas storage vessel, and a fluid inlet in communication with the reservoir. The gas-liquid pump is structured and arranged for pumping the liquid back to the body of liquid and delivering the gas to the gas injection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: A Better Power, LLC
    Inventors: Julius S. Vrana, William W. Timmons, David J. Walters
  • Patent number: 7377493
    Abstract: System and method for emanating fragrance vapor into a region. Fragrance liquid within a receptacle exhibits a liquid phase-vapor phase interface surface when in a quiescent state. Utilizing sub-pressure generators such as fan driven systems, the pressure above the interface is lowered to promote the escape of vapor molecules for dissemination into the atmosphere. The surface area of the fragrance fluid may be increased through the use of a bubbling technique to derive an effective area permitting a larger vapor molecule escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Innovative Product Management, LLC
    Inventor: Cheriyan B. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7377494
    Abstract: The present invention is a family of portable humidifiers. Each of the portable humidifiers has a housing, a number of wick assemblies, and a fan. The housing has an air inlet, an air outlet and a reservoir for holding water. The number of wick assemblies are positioned within the housing to contact the water in the reservoir. The wick assemblies are arranged in parallel between the air inlet and the fan. The fan is provided within the housing for creating an airflow. The airflow enters the air inlet, passes through the wick assemblies for adding moisture to the airflow from the water in the reservoir, and exits through the air outlet. The number for at least one of the portable humidifiers is different from the number for another of the portable humidifiers. Preferably each of the portable humidifiers includes a wick frame seated within the reservoir for supporting the wick assemblies. Each of the wick assemblies preferably has a wick element and a button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon French, Robert A. Barker, Don Bryce, Francis E. Marino, Tsuguji Nakano, Gregory W. Bachmann
  • Patent number: 7377495
    Abstract: A pressure regulator that regulates the pressure at which carbon dioxide is introduced to water in a carbonated beverage system based on the temperature of the water. The regulator may be capable of operating in a first mode in which the carbon dioxide pressure varies substantially linearly over a first water temperature range, and a second mode in which the carbon dioxide pressure is substantially constant over a second water temperature range. A first flow path having a relatively small gas flow capacity may serve as a pilot to control the gas flow through a second flow path having a larger gas flow capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Thompson Design Innovation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Scott M. Thompson, Steven R. Christoffersen, Samuel Durham, David E. Green
  • Patent number: 7377496
    Abstract: An interlocking lever having first and second cam faces is mounted on a throttle valve stem, and a throttle valve is arbitrarily opened to perform start-up in a state in which the first cam face makes contact with the choke valve lever and the interlocking lever is stopped during low-temperature start-up with the choke valve closed. After the choke valve has been returned to the fully open position, the throttle valve alone is opened with a small degree of opening to perform low-load operation; and in the mid- and high-load region, the interlocking lever integrally turns with the throttle valve, the second cam face pushes the air valve lever, and the throttle valve and air valve are caused to open and close proportionally. Preferably, the degree of opening of the throttle valve for low load operation is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Zama Japan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Toda, Satoru Araki
  • Patent number: 7377497
    Abstract: A system for introducing air into a slurry in a flue gas desulphurization process includes a stationary lance and an impeller. The lance include an outlet portion and a vane assembly. The outlet directs air away from the impeller. The vane assembly may produce turbulence and may convert a portion of the swirling flow from the impeller into longitudinal flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Philadelphia Gear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Peter Dowd, Wojciech Wyczalkowski, Peter John Knights
  • Patent number: 7377498
    Abstract: The liquid distributor includes a plurality of parallel spaced apart passages for receiving liquid, at least one carrier beam disposed transversely of and over the walls of the passages and at least one sheet metal plate slidably mounted on one of walls of the carrier beam in parallel relation to the wall. The walls of the carrier beam have hooks disposed in apertures of the passages and elevations disposed in recesses in the metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Emil Fehr, Bruno Keller, Wilhelmus Cornelis Van Leeuwen, John Heggen
  • Patent number: 7377499
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the gas enrichment of fluids, to a method for producing fluids that are enriched with gases and to the use of the aforementioned device in human and veterinary medicine and the pharmaceutical, foodstuff cosmetic and environmental industries. The invention has a wide range of applications as a result of the salutary and prophylactic action produced by the effective gas enrichment of the fluids enriched by means of the inventive device. In addition, the inventive device has a simple construction, making it cost-effective to produce, easy to operate and portable and allowing the fluids thus enriched to be rapidly available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Abolghassem Pakdaman
  • Patent number: 7377500
    Abstract: A shock absorbing device uses a damper including a cylinder enclosing a viscous fluid; a piston rod; and a piston dividing the interior of the cylinder in two axially separated parts. The piston is connected to the piston rod and has an orifice communicating the two parts. The piston includes an inner member integrally connected with the piston rod, and an outer member disposed about an outer perimeter of the inner member and configured to be axially movable with respect to the inner member. The inner and outer members are configured to define a gap therebetween through which the viscous fluid can flow, and to be biased away from each other by a spring disposed therebetween. The inner and outer members are arranged so that the gap is reduced as the amount that the inner member protrudes into the outer member increases, to thereby define a variable orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Katsuyasu Tomiji, Takefumi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7377501
    Abstract: An aerostatic suspension system (1) for rolling equipment and vehicles that takes advantage of atmospheric pressure to create, via cylinder and piston sets, forces that are transmitted by levers having an adjustable point of application of force and that at their distal ends are articulated with wheel support rods. The forces, acting individually on each wheel, aerostatically suspend the weight plus its load of the equipment or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel Hugo Castez
  • Patent number: 7377502
    Abstract: A stand comprising a bar adjustably connected to two opposite placed existing carrying plats being adjustably connected to respective bolts a adjustable handle engaging the bar and two existing handles engaging to respective carrying plats to holding engine and gearbox from three directions; two L-shaped bars adjustably engaged with two pairs of bolts, two pairs of long bolts, two pairs of frames and two supports forming support for engine while engine is on the stand released of the handles enabling a rear engine plate and fly wheel to be removed and returned without removing engine from stand; further enabling secure holding of engine regardless of type, size and weight thereof, and centring engine without adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Ljubomir Nikolic
  • Patent number: 7377503
    Abstract: The disclosed clamp device for clamping blank pieces may comprise a mounting table, first and second clamping units, positioning units, and lock units. The mounting table is for placing thereon first and second blank pieces. The first and second clamping units have respective clamp plates that are able to be put on the first and second blank pieces while permitting a guided movement of the first and second blank pieces on the mounting table. The positioning units move the first and second blank pieces to establish a positioning of the first and second blank pieces on the mounting table. The lock units apply a given force to the first and second clamp plates to lock the first and second blank pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Yajima, Shouhei Imai, Norio Kawano, Masamichi Miwa
  • Patent number: 7377504
    Abstract: A foldable work piece support assembly (10) incorporating at least one rapid locking and quick release of article retaining means (26) for enabling rapid locking and quick release of articles required to be supported by the foldable support assembly/structure (1) the rapid locking and quick release article retaining means (26), including first and second clamp members (87, 79) providing first and second operationally co-operable clamping surfaces (81, 84) an elongate thrust member (60) supporting the second clamp member (79) for axial movement in a predetermined direction relative to the first clamp member (67) to enable variation of the separation between the clamping faces along said axial direction, a manually operable unidirectional drive means (89) for producing relative movement between the first and second clamp members (87, 79) to produce a required relative clamping, displacement between the first and second clamp members, means (95, 97, 98) for preventing movement of the thrust means (60) the revers
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Framex Concepts, Limited
    Inventor: Mik Houldsworth
  • Patent number: 7377505
    Abstract: A housing (15) fixed to a reference block (1) is provided with a guide hole (20) into which a plug portion (3) of a movable member (2) is allowed to be inserted. Inside this guide hole (20) is arranged an outer sleeve (21) vertically movably, and this outer sleeve (21) is advanced upward by a predetermined advancing stroke by a coned disc spring (25). An inner sleeve (31) which is allowed to fit outside the plug portion (3) is wedge-engaged with the outer sleeve (21) from above, and this inner sleeve (31) is adapted to be diametrically expandable and diametrically contractible. The inner sleeve (31) is moved vertically by an output member (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kosmek, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keitaro Yonezawa, Yosuke Haruna
  • Patent number: 7377506
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a plurality of paper feed units setting index sheets. A storage section stores size information and index number information indicating the number of index sheets per set of paper sheet set in each paper feed unit, and a control section automatically changes the paper feed unit to be used from a first paper feed unit to a second paper feed unit and does not automatically change the paper feed unit to a third paper feed unit when the index sheets in the first paper feed unit are exhausted, the size information and the index number information of the first paper feed unit coinciding with those of the second paper feed unit and at least one of the size information and the index number information of the first paper feed unit not coinciding with those of the third paper feed unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Miyajima
  • Patent number: 7377507
    Abstract: An automatic flat-article dispensing apparatus which can dispense a relatively large and heavy flat articles without damaging the articles and without increasing the size of the apparatus and significantly increasing the energy consumption. The apparatus for dispensing a flat article, has a table which supports stacked flat articles and suction ports disposed over the table and facing the flat articles. A suction device provides suctions to hold the top flat article of the stacked flat articles by sucking air through the suction ports. A conveyance device conveys the flat article sucked via the suction port in a lateral direction with respect to the direction of the stack. The suction ports are a first suction port and a second suction port which are disposed in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Takahito Yamamiya
  • Patent number: 7377508
    Abstract: A pick mechanism, having a clutch mechanism, for picking media sheets from an input tray and introducing them into a paper path of an image forming apparatus. The clutch mechanism comprises a plurality of balls positioned between an inner race and an outer race. Angular backlash between the inner race and the outer race may result in variations in the timing of the media sheets. An algorithm is further included to estimate the pick timing of the media sheets. The algorithm calculates an estimated pick time for a subsequent media sheet that incorporates the known engagement variations of the ball clutch pick mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Rhoads, John Spicer, Darin M. Gettelfinger, Scott S. Williams, Michael W. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7377509
    Abstract: A sheet feed cassette includes a case, and right and left guide members that are disposed in the case and guide edges of a sheet parallel with a sheet feeding direction. The guide members are movable in a sheet width direction in synchronization with each other. The guide members are adjusted in association with a size of the sheet to be accommodated in a sheet accommodation area. The right guide member includes a slide member and a leaf spring attached to the slide member. As the right guide member is moved toward a side wall of the case, a protrusion extending from the side wall contacts the leaf spring, through a slit formed on the slide member. The leaf spring is deformed and the sheet accommodation area in the case gradually becomes larger toward a sheet stacking direction from a bottom of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Ito
  • Patent number: 7377510
    Abstract: In a delivery apparatus having a delivery conveyor for receiving and transporting a signature discharged from a printing press, the delivery conveyor is continuously driven if the drive speed of the printing press is higher than a predetermined speed, or the delivery conveyor is intermittently driven if the drive speed of the printing press is lower than the predetermined speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Komori Corporation
    Inventor: Fuminori Sato
  • Patent number: 7377511
    Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus including a first tray on which sheets discharged form an outlet are stacked, the first tray being movable between a stacking position at which sheets discharged from an outlet are stacked and a first retracted position above the staking position; a second tray on which sheets discharged from an outlet are stacked, the first tray being disposed below the first tray and being movable independently of the first tray, the second tray being movable between the stacking position and a second retracted position below the stacking position; and a controller that causes the second tray to descend when the sheets are to be stacked on the first tray, the controller causing the second tray to stop descending when the second tray reaches a standby position where a distance between the outlet and a top surface of the sheets stacked on the second tray is a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Canon Finetech Inc.
    Inventors: Naoto Watanabe, Yoshinori Isobe, Masahiro Yonenuma, Tetsuya Terada
  • Patent number: 7377512
    Abstract: A lottery ticket is printed onto a conventional paper, card or similar substrate to provide game information printed on the substrate and game data printed on the substrate where some or all of the game data is covered by a removable covering which can be removed by the player generally by scratching a latex covering layer to expose the covered data for playing the game. In addition, a battery is printed on the substrate together with printed conductive paths, a powered element such lights or sound or a changeable ink formed on the substrate and a switch responsive to an action on the substrate by the player, generally scratching of the covering layer for conducting power from the battery to the powered element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Pollard Banknote Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael John Brickwood, Lyle Harold Scrymgeour
  • Patent number: 7377513
    Abstract: A craps side wager. The player can choose whether the next roll will be even or odd. If the player chose wrong, the player loses the wager. If the player chose right, then the player can win even money on the wager, unless the roll is a craps number, in which the player can win less than even money.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Olympian Gaming LLC
    Inventor: Stacy Friedman
  • Patent number: 7377514
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for conducting a supplemental proposition wager on base games utilizing a plurality of community, or shared, cards. Optionally, supplemental proposition wagers may be placed by non-participants of the base game. Supplemental proposition wagers are placed before a set or subset of community cards are revealed. Supplemental proposition wagers are resolved by issuing rewards if the community cards form a winning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Bruno Michael Timpano, Arthur Manfredi
  • Patent number: 7377515
    Abstract: An apparatus that is used to convert a surface of a table into a card table, that can later be removed, stowed and easily transported. In its preferred embodiment, the device would be comprised of four major components: a thin flat piece of padding; a piece of cloth with a constricting perimeter, a long, soft, flexible border; and a strap with a joining mechanism. The device would be installed onto a table by laying the piece of padding flat on a table surface; covering the padding with the cloth; wrapping the border around the common edges of the cloth, padding and table; and securing the padding, cloth and border in place around the perimeter of a table surface edge through tension afforded by the strap, with the ends of the strap being connected by the joining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Chandler Barker
  • Patent number: 7377516
    Abstract: A ball tossing game consists of a tossing device that is thrown at a target device. The tossing device may consist of a string or other flexible connector, having a ball on each end thereof. The target has at least one and preferably multiple horizontally-oriented rungs, onto which the tossing device may be wrapped. Additional targets are provided, including a target defined by a vertically oriented post positioned proximate an end of a horizontal rung and perpendicular thereto. In another embodiment, a reduced-length horizontal rung is coupled to at least one of the rungs, and is oriented either above or below the rung. It may be desired to provide, for a single rung, vertically oriented posts and at least one reduced-length horizontal rung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Jean Paul Vallee, Misty M. Vallee, Nicole R. Kosier, Danielle R. Jones
  • Patent number: 7377517
    Abstract: A target device for firing practice. At least one thermal target surface is heated by an electrically current passing through same. The thermal target surface includes a number of current coils arranged so as to conduct the current from a first area of the target surface to a second area. Each current coil includes current conductors disposed essentially in parallel with one another at a first distance from one another. The current conductors are connected to one another at their ends so that they form the current coil from the first area to the second area. Proximate current coils are mutually connected via bridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Robert Andrén, Ronnie Larsson
  • Patent number: 7377518
    Abstract: A seal ring configuration adapted to be disposed about a shaft to seal a fluid at a pressure differentials across the seal. The seal ring configuration comprises a mating ring and an axially movable primary ring. The primary ring includes a seal face in opposing relationship to the mating ring seal face to define a seal interface. The mating ring seal face or the primary ring seal face defines an annular axially recessed section and a dam section. The recessed section is axially disposed further from the cooperating seal face relative to the dam section. The axially recessed section further includes a face pattern axially spaced further from the dam section than the recessed portion and is capable of generating a hydrodynamic force between the mating ring seal face and the primary ring seal face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: John Crane Inc.
    Inventor: Wei-Tang Lai
  • Patent number: 7377519
    Abstract: A shielding component, in particular a heat shield, includes shield components (10, 12, 14) made flat, lying at least partially on top of one another, and connected to one another at least partially along at least one common connecting line (16). Since the shield components (10, 12) at least partially form a gasket (30) by at least one shield component (10) having a projection relative to its remaining superficial extent, a further function in the form of a sealing function is implemented in a heat shield for acoustic and heat insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: ElringKlinger AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Beutter, Harald Stauber
  • Patent number: 7377520
    Abstract: A cylinder head gasket is used for an engine having a cylinder liner and a cylinder block. The gasket includes first to third metal plates laminated together. The first metal plate includes a base portion, a curved portion, a flange extending from the curved portion, and a first damper bead formed on the base portion around a cylinder liner. The first damper bead is formed of a full bead, extends toward the flange and crosses a border portion between the cylinder liner and the cylinder block. The second metal plate is disposed over the base portion, and has an inner portion inserted between the flange and the base portion, an outer portion outside the inner portion, and a second damper bead formed on the outer portion to extend toward the first damper bead. The third metal plate is placed between the first damper bead and the second damper bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Ishikawa Gasket Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiro Imai
  • Patent number: 7377521
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a metallic sheet containing at least one raised surface zone. The process including the steps of making at least one cutout (20) in said metallic sheet (10) to obtain at least one flap (22), subjecting the said at least one flap (22) to deformation with bending and extension so as to form an overlap, and flattening and calibrating the protruding height of said at least one flap (22) to form a raised surface zone (24) of adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Jean-Pascal Burg
  • Patent number: 7377522
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle (50c) having a body (52c) and a plurality of wheel support assemblies (56c, 58c) includes a tie structure (60c) interposed between the body and the wheel support assemblies. A first interconnection system (68c) interconnects the tie structure to the wheel support assemblies, and the second interconnection system (302) interconnects the tie structure and the body. The second interconnection system includes a plurality of link structures (304, 320) pivotally connected at one end to the tie structure, and pivotally connected at the opposite end to the body. Such link structures are oriented relative to the tie structure to extend towards a common point along a longitudinal axis (33B) of the tie structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: William L. MacIsaac
  • Patent number: 7377523
    Abstract: A vehicle has an axle connected to a frame by at least one hydraulic cylinder with two chambers separated by a piston. A hydraulic circuit controls flow of fluid between two cylinder chambers and between the chambers and an accumulator to dampen motion of the frame relative to the axle. The hydraulic circuit includes a control valve and a pair of check valves arranged so that the single control valve is able to lock-out the cylinder to emulate a rigid connection of the frame to the axle, as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: HUSCO International, Inc.
    Inventors: David James Schedgick, Douglas Carl Blotz, Matthew James Rades
  • Patent number: 7377524
    Abstract: A roller skate includes a shoe body and a wheel portion comprising a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly can be easily attached to or detached from an underside of the shoe body without tools. The present invention provides a shoe that can be easily converted from a walking or running shoe to a roller skate and vice versa. It is comfortable for the wearer to skate with such roller skate. Moreover, there is no limitation to the size of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Pak Yan Lok
  • Patent number: 7377525
    Abstract: A portable worktable has a frame, top, legs, and latches. The frame has rails, a plate perpendicular to the rails, and supports beneath the rails for wheels. The top mounts upon runners hinged to the front and rear upper legs at the corners of the worktable. The worktable secures the top and the front upper legs perpendicular with a hinge assembly. The top holds cargo upon hooks. The front lower legs have casters while the rear lower legs end near the wheels. The hinge assemblies secure the upper and lower legs individually but have hinges for folding the legs towards the center of each rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew Whitmore
  • Patent number: 7377526
    Abstract: A wheel-mounting assembly includes: a pivot shaft; a frame-connecting part; a wheel-mounting part pivoted to the frame-connecting part through the pivot shaft and formed with a retaining hole; a limiting member mounted movably on the frame-connecting part and extendable into the retaining hole; an urging member for urging the limiting member to move toward the retaining hole; a controlling member pivoted to and rotatable relative to the frame-connecting part between a retaining position to retain the limiting member, and a releasing position to free the limiting member therefrom; and a locking member pivoted to and rotatable relative to the controlling member between a locking position to retain the controlling member at the retaining position, and an unlocking position to release the controlling member therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Red Lan
  • Patent number: 7377527
    Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle having a reversed tricycle configuration provides a means of transporting a quadraped pet, such as a dog, to accompany the pet owner while he or she jogs or runs behind the vehicle pushing and steering it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Stacey Lee Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7377528
    Abstract: The inventive device includes a tricycle frame comprising a front wheel steering mechanism, the left and right trailing arms with folding mechanism, the left and right rear wheel brake systems, and a cambering mechanism. The improvements have been made to the construction and operation of cambering mechanism, the trailing arm folding and locking mechanism and the handlebar. It provides better maneuverability and stability during cambering maneuver, easier operation of folding, and quick assembly and disassembly of a one-piece handlebar. This is achieved through an original cambering mechanism with a rocking-bar connecting spherical bearings and a polymer energy-storing element, and an original, easy to operate and anti-disengagement sleeve-type folding mechanism, and a one-piece steering handlebar with quick handlebar locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Jingbo Xie
  • Patent number: 7377529
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for an active chassis of a motor vehicle that includes an actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes a first rack and a second rack, and a drive pinion that is in operative engagement with the first and second racks. Substantially linear movement of the first and second racks in opposite directions causes rotational movement of the drive pinion. The assembly also includes a locking mechanism wherein the locking mechanism prevents rotation of the drive pinion and linear movement of the racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Steve J. Green
  • Patent number: 7377530
    Abstract: A suspension is provided that eliminates welded connections between the suspension control arm and the axle. The suspension includes a control arm coupled to a vehicle frame. The control arm has a first sleeve, through which an axle is received. The first sleeve of the control arm has a radially inner surface that tapers. The suspension further includes a second sleeve configured to be received within the first sleeve, about the axle. The second sleeve has a radially outer surface that tapers complementary to the radially surface of the first sleeve. As the second sleeve is urged inward within the first sleeve, the second sleeve clamps down upon the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: James Ziech, Michael Chamberlin
  • Patent number: 7377531
    Abstract: A retractable running board assembly is mounted to the frame of a vehicle. The running board is selectively extendable between a retracted position, which is close to the vehicle's frame, and a lower, laterally-outward extended position that facilitates easy entrance into and exit from the vehicle. A plurality of longitudinally spaced, selectively-actuated links connect the running board to the frame. A selectively-operable driving mechanism concertedly actuates each of the links to extend and retract the running board. When the driving mechanism is not operated, each link resists actuation and holds the running board in a fixed position relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Ventra Group Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Fabiano, Joseph F Scheuring, III, Terry L Reid, Larry Downs
  • Patent number: 7377532
    Abstract: A vehicle and in particular a scooter in which there is present a first and a second element separated from each other and movable relative to a base frame, the elements defining respective actuating surfaces disposed substantially in side by side relationship with each other with respect to a longitudinal extension axis of the vehicle; an alternated operation of the first and second movable elements (6, 7) allows a motion-transmitting unit (8) to convert the reciprocating motion into a rotatory motion imparted to one of the scooter wheels thereby causing advancing of the vehicle. The particular positioning and configuration of the movable elements (6, 7) allows a steady and efficient use of the scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Giovanni Battista Bauce
  • Patent number: 7377533
    Abstract: A steering damper is provided coaxially with a steering shaft, and a handlebar load is provided by causing a variable valve to generate damping force, using rotation of the steering shaft. The damping force is variably controlled in response to vehicle speed. The damping force is fixed to a minimum value C1 for vehicle speeds equal to or below first reference speed V1, fixed to a maximum value C2 for vehicle speeds equal to or above second reference speed V2, and variably controlled in response to vehicle speed and acceleration in an intermediate speed range. Fine maneuverability of a vehicle body is achieved by reducing a load on a handlebar at low vehicle speeds, and a stable movement of the vehicle body is maintained at high vehicle speed by increasing the load on the handlebar and thereby suppressing deflection of the handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takeuchi, Makoto Ono, Kenichi Machida
  • Patent number: 7377534
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a head tube, a top tube, a down tube, a pair of chainstays, a pair of seatstays, and a rear wheel fender providing structural support to the bicycle frame. A seat tube is provided that does not extend to a bottom bracket of the bicycle. For example, the seat tube can be attached only to the top tube. The bottom bracket can be an integral component of the down tube. Bicycles are also described that include the present bicycle frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony S Ellsworth
  • Patent number: 7377535
    Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly including a down tube and a monolithic down tube support. The down tube support preferably defines a pocket configured to receive an end portion of the down tube such that the tube support overlaps at least a portion of a side surface of the end portion of the down tube. In one embodiment, a weld bead joins both of the tube support and the down tube. Preferably, the down tube support also defines an opening configured to receive and support a pedal crank assembly relative to the bicycle frame. Furthermore, preferably the down tube support also includes a pivot mount portion configured to rotatably support a sub-frame of the frame assembly or a rear shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 7377536
    Abstract: Shock-absorbing trailer hitches each include a mounting member mountable on a towing vehicle; a hitch member which includes a coupler and which is mountable on a towed vehicle and pivotally mounted on the mounting member; and a shock absorbing mechanism for reacting pivotal movement of the hitch member. The shock absorbing mechanism preferably includes one or more non-pressurized hollow elastomeric springs. One of the hitches is a compact receiver hitch wherein the mounting member is insertable into a hollow receiving member mounted on the towing vehicle and wherein the shock absorbing mechanism includes a housing mounted below the receiving member. Another of the hitches is configured as a fifth wheel or a gooseneck hitch and is adjustable for use with towed vehicles of varying weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Mark L. Rehme
  • Patent number: 7377537
    Abstract: An adjustable seat for a baby stroller with one-handed inclination control has a seat, a pair of rotating joints, and a one-handed adjusting mechanism. The pair of rotating joints are rotatively mounted on both sides of the seat and have a pair of connectors for detachably insertion into a pair of hold sockets firmly mounted on two sides of a baby stroller frame. A clutch member is movably received and engaged inside the rotating joint, and operatively associated with the one-handed adjusting mechanism via a flexible element. When a user actuates the clutch member by manipulating the one-handed adjusting mechanism, the rotating joint can rotatively modify its inclination relative to the baby stroller frame, so as to modify the inclination of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Link Treasure Limited
    Inventor: Wei-Yeh Li
  • Patent number: 7377538
    Abstract: A portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier has a folding frame and a flexible basket and bottom shelf which can be folded to a compact size and shape for storage when not in us and can be readily unfolded for use. Wheels permit the cart to be easily transported. The basket and shelf are capable of carrying loads of about seventy-five pounds and fifty pounds, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Myrna Lea Stuart, Gordon Henry Stuart
  • Patent number: 7377539
    Abstract: A case of an airbag unit includes a case body for forming a storage room for accommodating an airbag, and a movable component attached to the case body for forming at least a part of an edge of an opening of the case body. The movable component has a lower end portion bent in a direction away from the case body. The movable component is movable toward the bottom when an external force is applied to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Tsujimoto, Yoshitaka Matsui, Wataru Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 7377540
    Abstract: A case of an airbag unit has a case body for forming a storage room for accommodating an airbag. The case body has a bottom section, a pair of first side walls, and a pair of second side walls. The case also has a movable component disposed adjacent to an outer surface of one of the first side walls, and retractable toward a base end along the case body in response to an external force applied to the case. One of the first side walls has a plurality of pillars extending upwardly from the bottom to form cut-off portions therebetween extending downwardly from the upper opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Tsujimoto, Yoshitaka Matsui, Wataru Nakazawa