Patents Issued in June 24, 2008
  • Patent number: 7389598
    Abstract: An identification system for file folders having a front panel and a rear panel with a fold therebetween forming a pocket into which paper may be placed includes a rail disposed in the vicinity of a top edge of the rear panel of the file folder and extending across a width thereof, and a tab, including a pocket for inserting a file identifier, supported in frictional engagement with the rail for sliding motion on the rail across the width of the file folder. This permits easy adjustment of tabs as file folders are inserted and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Bunger, Dennen John Bunger
  • Patent number: 7389599
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is shown a system and method of allowing a user to gain access to information pertaining to certain equipment by pulling a label out of an opening in a surface of the equipment, viewing information on the label; and pushing the label back into the opening. In a further embodiment, the label is captive to the equipment independent from a bezel surrounding the equipment. In a still further embodiment of the invention, the label has on it pre-established information pertaining to the equipment, as well as user added information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David S. Hishinuma, Ken G. Robertson, Dustin Rosing, Richard W. Davis, Harold Miyamura, Jorge E. Rocabado
  • Patent number: 7389600
    Abstract: A motor-driven decorative spinner rotatably supported by a housing configured for mounting on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Scott B. Baker, Arthur D. Hale, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7389601
    Abstract: A vehicle sign assembly includes a pair of elongated sign boards that are attached to a tow vehicle pulling a towed vehicle. The signs protrude away from side doors of the tow vehicle so that they are visible. Each sign has three transparent sides. One side is abutted against the tow vehicle while second and third sides converge outwardly from the tow vehicle doors so that the signs can be seen from a front and a rear of the tow vehicle. The second and third sides include indicia printed thereon, signaling that a vehicle is being towed. Each sign includes a chamber formed between the sides thereof. A mechanism is included for illuminating the signs so that one sign can remain illuminated when another sign is non-illuminated. A mechanism is included for affixing the signs to the doors of the tow vehicle such that signs can be adjusted as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Davis Guilmet
  • Patent number: 7389602
    Abstract: A handicap placard holder and method of use comprising a display surface for the placard, triangular side panels on sides of the display surface and bent at an angle from the display surface, means for holding the placard in place on the display surface, and means for attaching the holder to a dash of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Simoes
  • Patent number: 7389603
    Abstract: A modular signpost including a first section, a second section that mounts onto the first section, and a third section that mounts onto the second section. The first section includes a ground mounting structure, a base tube and a guide tube. The second section includes a bracket for holding a flyer box. The second section includes a body tube that is able to slide over the guide tube on the first section. The third section is slide fit into the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Donald U. Brumfield
  • Patent number: 7389604
    Abstract: A gun is disclosed having conventional components and a holster. The gun has means for detecting removal of the gun from the holster, means for processing the output of the detection means, and means for authenticating the user of the gun. The gun has means for notifying remote authorities that the gun has been removed from the holster, means for receiving remote commands to lock the trigger and/or initiate a global positioning system. The gun has means for selectively locking the trigger from a remote location and means for selectively activating a global positioning system from the remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Reginald Hill Newkirk, Toy M. Newkirk, Tony N. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 7389605
    Abstract: A self clearing single and/or multiple spent shell catcher for use on autoloading guns comprising a plurality of pivoting spring loaded jaws with cam features which are released by a jaw trigger means and thereby catch an ejected shell. Caught shells are automatically cleared from said jaws by a reciprocating parking handle which actuates said jaws into shell catching and shell holding/stabilizing positions and places caught shells in a retention area in preparation for catching a subsequent ejected shell. The spent shell catcher removably straddles the guns ejection port by means of a plurality of dovetail like connections which are adhesively or mechanically attached to the gun and automatically position the device in proper relation to the ejection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: R. John Clark
  • Patent number: 7389606
    Abstract: The hunting decoy includes first and second panels, each panel having an image formed on front and rear surfaces thereof to simulate an animal. Each of the first and second panels includes a pair of head portions, a main body portion, and a pair of legs. The first panel has a first slot formed therein, which extends from a top edge of the main body portion downward to a central region of the first main body portion. The second panel has a second slot formed therein, which extends from a bottom edge of the main body portion upward to a central region of the second main body portion. The first panel is releasably joined to the second panel at their respective slots and, preferably, the first panel is positioned substantially orthogonal to the second panel to form a freestanding cruciform decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: J. Douglas McLeod
  • Patent number: 7389607
    Abstract: The line cutter suitable for fitting to the body of a fishing rod is made as a single piece obtained by cutting out and stamping a metal plate. It comprises firstly a main body with a front portion, a rear portion, and two side portions, and secondly two longitudinal prongs extending the side portions of the main body rearwards. The plate is cut out and stamped in such a manner that, when the line cutter is mounted on the body of the fishing rod, the longitudinal prongs and at least the front portion of the main body are in contact with the body of the fishing rod, the rear portion of the main body being raised so as to allow the line to be pass thereunder, and in such a manner that between the rear portion of the main body and the longitudinal prongs, a cutout in the shape of an acute angle on one side defines a cutting zone, while on the other side there is provided a jamming zone for jamming the fishing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Promiles
    Inventor: Sébastien Zwierski
  • Patent number: 7389608
    Abstract: The invention is a fishing cooler that has wheels and a handle. The fishing cooler also features a plurality of cup holders, an externally removable and attachable rod holder, and a tackle box that can be attached either internally or externally. The fishing cooler has two internal compartments. The first compartment is for storing bait, and is smaller than the second compartment, which is for storing caught fish. Water can pass between each compartment, and a drain plug enables evacuation of all water inside of the cooler. Integrated on top of the cooler is a measuring line for such uses as measuring caught fish. The handle is hingedly connected at one side of the cooler, and extends when in use to enable the end user to pull the cooler behind he or she. The cooler may also include a drain cup and aerator that can be attached to either of the two drain plug holes. A portable light may be attached to the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Vincent MacKay
  • Patent number: 7389609
    Abstract: An louver rotation mechanism for use in rotating a louvered shutter having louvers rotationally engaged with a frame. The device features one or a plurality of gear modules which are positionable to a fixed location on one or a plurality of rack bars. The gear modules may be spaced on the rack bars to any number of positions wherein they will engage with louver gears from an array of louvers engaged with the frame. A high degree of customization is provided by allowing the use of the rack bars with any number of different sized louvers at different spacings in a frame by simply adjusting the positions of the rack modules for operative engagement with the louver gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Kim Charles Yorgason
  • Patent number: 7389610
    Abstract: A door system used in a doorway of a pressurizable compartment of a high temperature structure, having a screw for compressing the door and a thrust collar providing clearance between the thrust collar and a bearing member during decompression of the door such that in the event the pressurizable compartment is pressurized, the pressure is relieved through the doorway while the door remains in contact with the doorway. The screw includes a shoulder, and the thrust collar is carried on the screw between the shoulder and the bearing member. The collar is configured to bear against the bearing member and the shoulder upon compression of the door. A debris guard covers and protects the screw during advancement and retraction of the screw, and a door frame is provided having weld slots for facilitating welding of the door frame to the high temperature structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Boiler Tube Company of America
    Inventors: Russell L. McMakin, Kenneth A. Newton
  • Patent number: 7389611
    Abstract: An adjustable threshold has a lip portion with an adjustable vinyl insert to prevent material from becoming trapped or from engaging a seam present between a floor and a frame member portion adjacent to the floor. The adjustable threshold engages an H-rail trapped in the main U-shaped channel of the frame member which in turn covers and is generally supported by a substrate block. In a preferred embodiment, a first and generally front wall of the frame member is engaged only on one side by a threshold cap. The lip serves to help entrap a second descending wall of the threshold cap and to keep it in place to provide support and stability for the threshold cap. Alternative embodiments exist wherein a lip is advantageously present in a variety of embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Columbia Aluminum Products, LLC
    Inventor: Grant A. Palenske CI
  • Patent number: 7389612
    Abstract: A geodesic structure comprising convex-concave elements. The elements are easily manufactured, simple shapes that can be assembled randomly to form a geodesic structure, such as a dome. The geodesic structure can also be used to make flat maps of spherical bodies, exhibiting very little distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Richard D. Fischbeck
  • Patent number: 7389613
    Abstract: The edge protector, especially for stair edges, comprises of a step profile and a base profile being fixable on a stair. The step profile has a step part and a step riser flange that is formed thereat, and the base profile comprises a base plate on which a support arrangement is formed. The step profile being non destructively unlockably fixable onto the base profile by means of a continuously height adjustable mounting, comprises fastening means, and a downwardly directed rib being formed at the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Herm Friedr. Kunne GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Frank Sondermann
  • Patent number: 7389614
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rack apparatus and storage panel assembly for implementing across two or more beams. The storage panel assembly is most typically implemented in attic storage space lacking a flooring surface on which to place and store items. The storage panel assembly comprises at least one rack apparatus 10, two or more railings to be positioned onto a series of rack apparatus 10 and a panel 48 configured to rest on two parallel railings 46, 44. The assembly provides a continuous platform by sitting between the truss 42 creating a planer surface between the top of the panel 48 and the top of the truss 42. The method of assembly allows positioning of the rack apparatuses 10 between the truss connections and allows the railings 46, 44 and panel 48 to slide under any transverse obstructions bearing on top of truss 42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew P. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7389615
    Abstract: A sheet is removably positionable adjacent to a window. The sheet has upper, lower and side edges. A plurality of braces is secured to the sheet. Each brace has a metal base plate and a pair of fixed housings. A vertical push rod is slidably supported in each fixed housing for axial reciprocation. A cam is rotatably secured in each fixed housing. A swivel rod is secured to the handle and both of the cams. A reciprocable housing has an open upper face and a lower face. The housing is secured to the push rods. A rubber bumper is secured to the upper face. The bumper is adapted to contact an adjacent surface when in the extended operative orientation during operation and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Paul J. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7389616
    Abstract: A flashing panel mount for a plurality of air-conditioning lines of an air-conditioning unit located about an exterior of a building is provided. The plurality of air-conditioning lines defines an outer periphery. The panel mount may comprise a hood member and a cover. The hood member may be attachable to the building and may have a hood member aperture sized and configured to accommodate at least two of the plurality of air-conditioning lines so as to extend the air-conditioning lines from within the building to the air-conditioning unit located about the building exterior. The cover may be attached to the hood member aperture and may be sized and configured to accommodate the air-conditioning lines therethrough. The cover may be conformable to the outer periphery of the air-conditioning lines once the air conditioning lines are fed through the hood member aperture to prevent entrance of undesirable material from a building outside to a building inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: William J. Gilleran
  • Patent number: 7389617
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bridging member, formed of flexible or non-flexible material, for use with a curtain wall system for building exteriors. The curtain wall system includes a vertical mullion operable to attach to a horizontal member. A sealing member is secured in a void created by the intersection of the vertical mullion and the horizontal member. The sealing member includes a substantially planar top surface and a lip portion extending from a bottom surface of the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Oldcastle Windows, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Grunewald
  • Patent number: 7389618
    Abstract: The invention is a building panel and clip system, in which the building panel members are quickly and reversibly attached to other similar building panel members with clip members to form a temporary structure that provides shelter from the elements. Alternatively, the building panel members are erected interior an existing structure to provide partitioning of the space therein. The building panel members are used to form both vertical walls and the roof for such an exterior structure. The building panel members may incorporate a door or a window for added versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Shawn Herkstroeter, Nathan A. Mielke, Jerome E. Johnson, Jr., Andy Schieber
  • Patent number: 7389619
    Abstract: A venting system that is incorporated into the roof and/or wall allows the same to provide continuous air flow to ventilate the roofs and walls and prevent condensation build up and ultimate water damage to the structure. The venting system is adapted to allow air flow around air flow obstacles contained within the walls or roofs, such as, for example roof joists, and/or floor and ceiling supports in walls. The venting system can provide air flow around in wall obstacles by channeling in air from the outside or carrying air around the obstacle from within the wall or roof itself. The channeled venting system can be incorporated into the roof and/or wall sheathing and thereby is not prone to blockage by improper or amateur insulation installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne Willert
  • Patent number: 7389620
    Abstract: Composite pan end connections for composite beam-joist construction are disclosed. Two versions of the composite pan can be fabricated on a standard break machine. A third version disclosed makes use of a standard steel stud. All three versions provide an economical, easily installed horizontal platform secured to the top chord seat angles of either conventional or composite open-web joists. In addition to economy in fabrication, and ease of use, the resulting rectangular shape of the concrete slab over the beam is structurally more efficient than heretofore obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Ira J. McManus
  • Patent number: 7389621
    Abstract: Modular structural components and structural connections including chords and forming strips. Each chord has a generally elongated square main body of four main walls surrounding a central bore and having a T-slot structure adapted to accept a bolt type fastener extending along each exterior main surface. Each forming strip is an elongated plate formed into strip segments oriented at right angles to each other and forming a W-shaped corner region, a face region with a bolt hole and an attachment region, each region forming a mating bearing surface with a surface of a chord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: International Property Rights Ltd.
    Inventor: Raymond W. Hawes
  • Patent number: 7389622
    Abstract: A transfer system comprised of an air conveyor, a servo conveyor, and a fan feeder. In a typical configuration, the air conveyor is located at a first location where it receives packaged articles from a bagger system or a conveyor system. The servo conveyor abuts the air conveyor and extends to a second location adjacent to a destination point. The fan feeder is located adjacent to the servo conveyor at an end opposite the air conveyor. The fan feeder lies over a bucket conveyor for a cartoner system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Flom H Douglas
  • Patent number: 7389623
    Abstract: The sealing apparatus comprises (a) a heat seal jaw, (b) a heat seal bar having two heaters arranged in parallel, being provided in a front edge of said heat seal jaw and having a working surface, (c) a counter jaw disposed oppositely to the heat seal jaw, (d) a counter rail provided to said counter jaw and having the working surface, (e) a drive means for advancing/retracting the heat seal jaw and counter jaw relatively, (f) a heating means for actuating the heaters while clamping a packaging material by the working surface of the heat seal bar and the working of the counter rail and, (g) a cutter section comprising of a cutter disposed at the position between the two heaters and a resilient counter cutter, and is characterized in that the counter cutter is held by a holding section provided on the working surface of the heat seal bar or the counter rail and projecting from the holding working surface. The seal apparatus can improve hygiene and the flap formation of the packaging container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Keiji Yano, Kozo Yoshida, Takashige Yano
  • Patent number: 7389624
    Abstract: A high-speed envelope transport and packing system includes a conveyor for conveying an open envelope having a flap, a packing station for inserting an object into a conveyed open envelope, and a bending member disposed upstream of the packing station. The bending member is configured to impart a bend in a conveyed open envelope by displacing a center portion of the envelope relative to widthwise distal end portions of the envelope and to maintain a bend in the envelope until the open envelope is gripped by a gripping device in such a manner as to provide access to an interior of the open envelope or until an object is at least partially inserted into an interior of the open envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell Company
    Inventors: Bradford D. Henry, Frank Shinn
  • Patent number: 7389625
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a support unit having a first support shaft with a first open end portion, the first support shaft being adapted to rotatably support the film roll in a cantilevered manner; a packaging unit adapted to receive the film of the film roll supported by the support unit, the bag packaging unit being adapted to package items with the film; and a temporary holding unit. The temporary holding unit has a second support shaft that has a second open end portion, the second support shaft being adapted to support the film roll in a cantilevered manner, and a movement mechanism configured to controllably pass the film roll from the second support shaft to the first support shaft when the first open end portion of the first support shaft and the second open end portion of the second support shaft are substantially aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Nakagawa, Yoshio Iwasaki, Taro Hijikata
  • Patent number: 7389626
    Abstract: An apparatus for making inflated articles from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies. One version of the apparatus generally includes a first rotary sealing device for producing transverse seals that bond the film plies together, an inflation assembly for directing gas between the film plies, and a second rotary sealing device for producing a longitudinal seal between the film plies. The longitudinal seal intersects the transverse seals so that the gas is enclosed between the longitudinal seal, transverse seals, and film plies to thereby form an inflated article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Laurence B. Sperry, Eric A. Kane, Brian A. Murch, Ross Patterson
  • Patent number: 7389627
    Abstract: A shipping container is provided for transporting biologically hazardous materials. The shipping container includes a rigid gas permeable exterior enclosure and an interior positioned substantially gas impermeable flexible bag. Preferably, the exterior enclosure includes an outer cardboard box and inner foam box made of expanded polystyrene. Preferably, the inner bag is made of polyethylene and includes a conventional open top. Preferably, the bag also includes two laterally extending lines. A first line provides a visual indication to the user where air should be evacuated from the bag. A second line is provided to indicate where the bag should be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: David Miles
  • Patent number: 7389628
    Abstract: A method for joining an initial section (3) of a film tube (2) which is wound up in a band-like manner on a reel (1) with an end section (4) of a second film tube (5) extending over subsequent processing stations, especially a packaging system, in an at least partly band-like manner, in which it is provided that at least one upwardly pivoting tab (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) each is formed by the placement of a cut in the initial and end sections (3, 4) of the two film tubes (2, 5) to be joined, with a tab (4a, 4b) of the end section (4) being placed on a tab (3a, 3b) of the initial section (3) and the superimposed tabs (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) are mutually joined in a tension-proof manner. The production of a tension-proof connection of the initial and end sections (3, 4) of the film tubes (2, 5) occurs here by welding, with welding methods on the basis of ultrasonic sound being preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Karl Deininger
  • Patent number: 7389629
    Abstract: A portable vacuum unit for use with a resealable, evacuable container, comprising a vacuum pump housed within a body, an accumulator removably coupled to the body and in fluid communication with a vacuum port of the body, the accumulator comprising a receptacle, a tip, wherein a first end of the tip is coupled to a first end of the receptacle and in fluid communication therewith, the tip having a shape which facilitates interaction with a valve on the resealable, evacuable container, the tip comprising at least one support structure and a semi-rigid material coupled to a second end of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Reynolds Foil Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Tretina
  • Patent number: 7389630
    Abstract: The present invention automatically and continuously packs women's sanitary products, paper diapers, and the like in a sealed manner and is installed in toilets of hotels, public toilets, and the like used by general public. When a trash is put in, film pull-out rollers (50), (60) are rotated by a motor (70) and films (31), (41) are pulled out from film feed rollers (30), (40). When passing between film pull-out rollers (50), (60), the trash is sealingly packed between the two films (31), (41). Therefore, since the trash can be automatically packed in a sealed manner and a clean state is maintained, the present invention is suitable for installation in toilets of hotels, public toilets, and the like used by general public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Kyoritsu Siyaku Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Nakano
  • Patent number: 7389631
    Abstract: A unit and method for feeding containers, whereby the containers, arranged in two superimposed rows, are fed along a horizontal path and through a reject station; upstream from the reject station, two superimposed containers are parted, by translation in a vertical direction, so as to travel, separately and facing each other, along the next portion of the path; immediately downstream from the reject station, two facing containers are brought back into contact with each other so as to travel, superimposed, along the next portion of the path; and the reject station has a first reject device for expelling only one container in a bottom row from the path, and a second reject device for expelling only one container in a top row from the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: G.D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Andrea Assirelli, Roberto Parmeggiani
  • Patent number: 7389632
    Abstract: Small objects are loaded into blisters of a passing packaging film in a fill station of a packaging machine. An apparatus for distributing the objects to the blisters has a pair of generally parallel rods extending along respective axes and having inner and outer ends. Respective guides support the rods for movement parallel to their axes, and a bar extends transversely between the outer ends. An actuator mechanism periodically synchronously rotating the rods. Respective couplings between each of the outer ends and the bar transversely shifting the bar relative to the rods on rotation of the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Seiffert, Harald Litke, Diana Zugenmaier, Roland Koch
  • Patent number: 7389633
    Abstract: A wire rope is provided which has an independent wire rope core (IWRC) covered by a plastic jacket. Outer strands are laid on this plastic jacket and wormings or spacers extend from the plastic jacket in between the outer strands to form gaps between the outer strands. Another jacket is provided over the outer strands which also fills the gaps between the outer strands. Both the IWRC and the outer strands are preferably lubricated. A method is also disclosed for manufacturing such wire rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Wire Rope Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Misrachi
  • Patent number: 7389634
    Abstract: A chain comprising at least two links (15) having a generally oval or rounded shaped side profile, each of the links having a longitudinal axis (x-x) and linked together such that a force (16) is applied to each of the links when the chain is in tension, the force generally orientated along the longitudinal axis, each of the links having a cross-sectional profile (18) at the longitudinal axis and the cross-sectional profile having an outer width (19) generally along the longitudinal axis and an outer thickness (20) substantial transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the outer width is greater than the outer thickness. The cross-sectional profile may further comprise an inner thickness (30) substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis that is less than the outer thickness (29). The cross-sectional profile (26) may be substantially uniform around the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Columbus McKinnon Corporation
    Inventor: Johannes P. Van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 7389635
    Abstract: An exhaust mixer assembly having a twisted mixer and an open centerbody is provided. The open centerbody is centrally disposed within the twisted mixer and helps to provide efficient cooling of exhaust air from gas turbine engines. A method for cooling exhaust air from a gas turbine engine using the exhaust mixer assembly of the invention is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Morris G. Anderson, David F. Ross
  • Patent number: 7389636
    Abstract: A process and a system for delivering a propellant combination to a rocket engine is described. The process comprises the steps of providing a flow of a hydrocarbon propellant fuel, raising the pressure of the hydrocarbon propellant fuel, cracking the hydrocarbon propellant fuel in a cracker, introducing the cracked hydrocarbon propellant fuel into a combustion chamber of the rocket engine and introducing an oxidizer into the combustion chamber. A system for performing the process is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Fowler, Claude R. Joyner
  • Patent number: 7389637
    Abstract: A diagnostic equipment for an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus installed for an engine, comprising a misfire detector which detects the misfire of the engine, and a secondary-air-system failure detector which detects the failure of a secondary air system. An index corrector corrects a deterioration index calculated by a deterioration-index calculator, in accordance with the detected result of the detector. A deterioration decision unit decides if the diagnostic equipment has failed, by the use of the corrected deterioration index. In a case where the extent of the misfire or the like is severe, a decision interrupter interrupts the decision of the deterioration decision unit. Thus, even when the misfire of the engine or the failure of the secondary air system has occurred, the detection of the deterioration of a catalyst does not err. It is therefore avoided to erroneously replace the catalyst which has not deteriorated yet, or to run the engine in spite of the deterioration of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Takaku, Toshio Ishii
  • Patent number: 7389638
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved exhaust gas cleaning system and method for a combustion source comprising a hydrogen generation system, a sulfur oxides trap, and a nitrogen storage reduction (NSR) catalyst trap. The improved exhaust gas cleaning system and method of the present invention also provides for a water-gas-shift catalyst between the sulfur oxides trap and the NSR catalyst trap, and a clean-up catalyst downstream of the NSR catalyst trap. The invention provides also a sulfur trap regenerable at moderate temperatures with rich pulses, rather than at high temperatures. The improved exhaust gas cleaning system of the present invention provides for the sulfur released from the sulfur trap to pass through the nitrogen oxide trap with no or little poisoning of NOx storage and reduction sites, which significantly improves NSR catalyst trap lifetime and performance to meet future emissions standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Walter Weissman, El Mekki El Malki
  • Patent number: 7389639
    Abstract: A system for recovering and purifying water from a gas stream may include, a gas stream purification unit for purifying the gas stream, a water separation unit for separating water from the purified gas stream, and a water purification unit for purifying the water separated by the water separation unit. The gas stream purification unit may include comprise a soot reactor and a catalytic oxidation reactor or both. The water separation unit may include a condenser, a water extractor and a cyclic reverse osmosis system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Michalakos, Mark B. Koch, Russ Johnson, Francis S. Lupton
  • Patent number: 7389640
    Abstract: A hydraulic system including a multi-flow hydraulic pressure supply unit, especially a dual-flow hydraulic pressure supply unit, such as a pump, by which a volumetric flow of pressurized fluid is supplied to a hydraulic-fluid-operated device. A valve arrangement is provided either for switching between the individual pump flows or for interconnecting the individual pump flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Eric Müller, Reinhard Stehr, Manfred Homm, Michael Reuschel, Norbert Indlekofer, Ańdreas Englisch, Martin Vornehm, Christian Lauinger
  • Patent number: 7389641
    Abstract: A system configured to drive a fan of an agricultural applicator is provided. The fan is mounted on a wheeled chassis assembly propelled via a drive train by an engine in a forward direction of travel. The system includes a hydraulic pump mechanically driven by the engine. The hydraulic pump is connected to drive the fan in creating a pressurized air stream to distribute product from the applicator across a field. The system further includes a stroke limiter mechanically connected to the hydraulic pump. When the engine slows below a threshold speed, the stroke limiter automatically diverts a portion of a power demand by the hydraulic pump via the drive train to drive movement of the wheeled chassis assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Rex L. Ruppert
  • Patent number: 7389642
    Abstract: A brake lever assembly for actuating a hydraulic disc brake system is shown and described. The brake lever assembly provides two-stage braking by operatively connecting a lever to first and second pistons contained in a master cylinder. The first and second pistons are operatively connected to one another such that they move together until the first piston reaches a threshold distance from a top end of the master cylinder, after which the second piston moves with respect to the first piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Takizawa, Etsuyoshi Watarai, Tatsuya Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7389643
    Abstract: A double wall venturi chamber having a converging section, a diverging section and a cylindrical section wherein said chamber defines a venturi zone in which compressed air, fuel and combustion products flow downstream through converging section, diverging section and cylindrical section, and has a cooling gas passage between the walls of the venturi chamber, a least one cooling gas inlet in an outlet wall of the venturi chamber, and at least one cooling gas outlet in an inner wall of the venturi chamber, wherein said cooling gas outlet is in at least one of the diverging and the cylindrical section, and the outlet is downstream of the at least one cooling gas inlet and upstream of an axial end of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Derrick Walter Simons, Thomas Charles Amond, III, Ajay Kumar Gupta
  • Patent number: 7389644
    Abstract: A combustion turbine power generation system 10 includes a combustion turbine assembly 11 including a main compressor 12 constructed and arranged to receive ambient inlet air, a main expansion turbine 14 operatively associated with the main compressor, a combustor 16 constructed and arranged to receive compressed air from the main compressor and to feed the main expansion turbine, and an electric generator 15 associated with the main expansion turbine for generating electric power. Pressure reducing structure 28 is constructed and arranged to reduce pressure of compressed air from a source of compressed air to atmospheric pressure and thus to reduce a temperature of the compressed air from the source of compressed air to a temperature below ambient temperature when exhausted from the pressure reducing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Nakhamkin
  • Patent number: 7389645
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to shield a cryogenic pump in a physical vapor deposition chamber comprising a physical vapor deposition chamber, a gasket in thermal contact with the physical vapor deposition chamber, at least one post in contact with the gasket, a radiation shield connected at the top of the post, and at least one intermediate ring in contact with the post. A method and apparatus for a radiation shield for a cryogenic pump comprising a cryogenic pump with a region upstream from the cryogenic pump, a gasket in thermal contact the region upstream from the cryogenic pump, at least one post in contact with the gasket, a radiation shield connected at the top of the post, and at least one intermediate ring in contact with the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan A. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 7389646
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a desiccant wheel, wherein the wheel's speed varies with airflow, the wheel is energized for at least a set period at startup, and/or a heat recovery system (e.g., an air-to-air heat exchanger) upstream of the wheel enhances the system's ability to dehumidify air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Ronnie R. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 7389647
    Abstract: A closed system and method of cooling and remote dispensing beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) to a remote dispensing tower. The closed system employs a closed and sealed loop of continuously circulating coolant. The continuously circulating coolant is daisy chained through a bank of heat exchangers in the closed and sealed loop. Each heat exchanger flash chills a corresponding one beverage to be dispended at the remote dispensing tower via a primary trunk line. The primary trunk line communicates the flash chilled beverage in heat exchange relationship with a supply line of said coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Martin Joseph Abraham, III