Patents Issued in June 24, 2008
  • Patent number: 7389850
    Abstract: An auxiliary power assisted steering system of a motor vehicle is provided. When a power limit for the system supplying the auxiliary power assist (or a limit for the specified steering angle) is exceeded, at least when considered over time, the gear ratio between the steering angle selected by the driver and the travel of the tie rod pivot point is adjusted to be more indirect in comparison with the preselected gear ratio. The superimposing unit may superimpose an additional steering angle acting in the opposite direction on the driver's steering angle, so that the displacement speed of the tie rod pivot point is reduced or the travel of the tie rod pivot point may be readjusted to the steering angle selected by the driver with a time delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reidar Fleck, Tilo Meister, Michael Glanzer
  • Patent number: 7389851
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus controlling an operation of an electric motor by a control unit based on a torque signal from a torque sensor and executing a steering assist of a steering shaft via a reduction mechanism. The control unit includes a power supply voltage detector for detecting a power supply voltage signal of an in-vehicle power supply, and an output inhibitor for inhibiting an output in multiple stages based on a power supply voltage detected by the detector. A maximum driving current of the motor is limited when the voltage is decreased by the inhibitor to reach a first reference value (V1), a motor control output gain is decreased when the voltage reaches a second reference value (V2), and the output is turned off when the voltage reaches a third reference value (V3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignees: NSK Ltd., NSK Steering Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Miyaura
  • Patent number: 7389852
    Abstract: An integrated heat exchanger and muffler unit (50,120,140) is provided for transferring heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, and for muffling the noise of the first fluid. The unit includes a housing (52) including a first inlet (60) for the first fluid, a first outlet (62) for the first fluid, a second inlet (64) for the second fluid, and a second outlet (66) for the second fluid. The unit (50,120,140) further includes a resonator (76) in the housing (52) and connected between the first inlet and outlet (60,62) to muffle noise in the first fluid, and a heat exchanger core (11,122) in the housing (52) connected to the first and second inlets and outlets to transfer heat between the first and second fluids. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger core surrounds the resonator. In another embodiment, the resonator surrounds the heat exchanger core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark G. Voss, Liping Cao, Gregory A. Mross
  • Patent number: 7389853
    Abstract: A muffler suited for use in discharging exhaust gas from an engine. The muffler generally includes a housing that defines a muffler interior, an inlet aperture, and an outlet aperture. A baffle that defines a baffle interior is positioned to divide the muffler interior into an inlet space and an intermediate space. A first aperture is defined within the baffle to provide fluid communication between the inlet space and the intermediate space and a second aperture is formed within the baffle to provide for fluid communication between the intermediate space and the baffle interior. A flow guide is integrally formed with the baffle and is positioned to direct exhaust gas from the baffle interior through the outlet aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen
  • Patent number: 7389854
    Abstract: A collapsible hunting stand for multi-terrain vehicles includes racks having connected tubes and support plates attached thereto and a frame having leg members with bottom ends disposed adjacent to the racks. The stand further includes a first plurality of cross braces defining steps and a second plurality of cross braces to maintain the frame at a stable position when adapted to a raised position. Locking flange portions are selectively spaced along the second plurality of cross braces and the leg members. A seat section is attached to the frame and an elastic strap traverses across the width of the frame for assisting to maintain the stand at a stable position during non-operating conditions. The stand further includes an elongated support rod attached to a tow ball of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Doug R. Johnson, Randy Futch
  • Patent number: 7389855
    Abstract: A free standing perimeter net system is disclosed. The perimeter net system is comprised of a support arm, a support cable, an uplift brace, at least one net system brace, a back plate, a pivot, a vertical support, a strut, and a pair of strut brackets. These components work together to allow a safety net system to easily be installed around a structure without directly attaching to the structure. The support arm rotates between an open and a closed position on the pivot. This configuration allows the net, which is attached to the support arm, to be deployed at various angles. When the support arm rotates, the uplift brace also adjusts and aids in securing the support arm and net in the desired position. The vertical support couples the net system to the building or structure via the back plate and strut. The net system braces are also attached to the vertical support and provide added rigidity to the net system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: John Rexroad
  • Patent number: 7389856
    Abstract: An elevated work platform to support workers thereon comprising a plurality of support sections held in operative relationship relative to each other by a peripheral frame wherein each support section comprises a plurality of transverse support members held in spaced relationship relative to each other by a plurality of longitudinal members and the peripheral frame comprises a pair of side frame members each including a channel to receive opposite end portions of the transverse support members of each support section to hold the support sections in operative position relative to the other support sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Grady J. Irvin
  • Patent number: 7389857
    Abstract: An elevator group control apparatus to control an elevator system in which an upper car and a lower car serve in a single shaft and go up and down independently. If a new destination call is registered, a car travel range calculator provisionally assigns a car to the new destination call and calculates the travel range of the provisionally assigned car and the travel range of the other car in the same shaft. Based on the calculated travel ranges, an assignment candidate selector selects or rejects the car as a candidate for assignment to the new destination call. Later, several evaluation index values are calculated for each of the selected candidate cars. By comprehensively evaluating these calculated evaluation index values, a determination is made as to which car is to be assigned to the new destination call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shiro Hikita
  • Patent number: 7389858
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disc brake having a housing, a clamping device, a push rod, and a self-activating adjustment device, whereby the adjustment device includes a first subassembly and a second subassembly. According to the invention the adjustment device includes an assembling joint, which makes possible the transmission of a rotary motion from the first subassembly to the second subassembly, whereby the assembling joint allows an axial relative motion between the first subassembly and the second subassembly, whereby the assembling joint permits an axial relative motion between the first subassembly and the second subassembly of the adjustment device. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a misalignment of the push rod inside a place, which lies parallel to the brake disc, can occur with respect to the housing, without resulting in jamming of the cylindrical element with respect to the push rod and housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products AB
    Inventors: Stefan Sandberg, Lars Severinsson
  • Patent number: 7389859
    Abstract: A golf car having a hydraulic fluid brake system. The hydraulic fluid brake system is implemented as a disk brake system which is responsive to hydraulic fluid pressure generated from a master cylinder. A brake pedal and associated linkage provides input to a master cylinder to generate a hydraulic fluid pressure to control a brake caliper assembly. The brake pedal has a range of travel, where a first portion of the range defines a service mode of operation and a second portion of the range defines a parking mode of operation. In the parking mode of operation, the brake pedal and linkage engages a detent to maintain application of the brake to provide a parking mode of operation. An accumulator in the brake system provides an input force to maintain hydraulic fluid pressure sufficient to retain a parking mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Susan R Lang, legal representative, Terry L Reese, James M Criscuolo, Donald D Brown, James A. Buckley, Scott A. Walterman, Joseph A. Lang
  • Patent number: 7389860
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an energy-absorbing device includes a section of material having a plurality of crush zones along a longitudinal length thereof, a first crush zone of the plurality of crush zones including a pair of opposed first bends formed in a first side and a second side of the section, a pair of opposed second bends formed in a third side and a fourth side of the section, and a first set of notches spaced around a perimeter of the section at a longitudinal location corresponding to the first bends and second bends. The first bends project in a direction that is one of inward and outward and the second bends project in a direction opposite that of the first bends. At least one of the other crush zones includes a second set of notches spaced around the perimeter of the section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Roger P. Bligh, Dean C. Alberson, Jacob R. Ness
  • Patent number: 7389861
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device includes a clutch housing connected to a drive, a pump wheel connected to the clutch housing, and a turbine wheel connected to a takeoff, the turbine wheel and the pump wheel forming a hydrodynamic circuit. A bridging clutch which is essentially surrounded by the hydrodynamic circuit includes a piston and at least one friction surface which can be acted on by the piston to connect the drive to the takeoff independently of the hydrodynamic circuit, the piston having one surface facing the hydrodynamic circuit and an opposite surface facing a pressure space. A pressure circuit includes a first pressure medium line to supply the hydrodynamic circuit with clutch fluid and a second pressure medium line to supply the pressure space with clutch fluid. A seal at least reduces the exchange of fluid between the hydrodynamic circuit and the pressure space, and a throttle allows a defined exchange of fluid between the hydrodynamic circuit and the pressure space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7389862
    Abstract: A continuously adjustable rotation device includes a base, a first connection element combined with the base, a ring buckle, a transmission disc, a second connection element, and a rotation controller. The transmission disc is formed on the contacting portion of the base, forming an inclination angle and contacting the second connection element for transmission of force. By using the rotation controller, one can select a rotation direction by properly contacting with the transmission disc. When the rotation direction is selected, the second connection element and the transmission disc then drive the first connection element to rotate in the designated direction. One can thus perform a continuously adjustable rotation. Therefore, no alignment is needed when assembling the rotation device, which will enhance the production yield and lower the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Chun-Lung Chen, Yu-Sheng Chen, Chien-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 7389863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bi-directional overrunning clutch that enables movement of an object between multiple rotational bodies in either direction using a single motor. The clutch includes a pair of cam discs disposed about a driven shaft extending from the motor and spaced from one another, outer races disposed outwardly of each cam disc and rollers disposed between the cam discs and outer races. The cam discs are oriented such that rotation of the shaft in one rotation direction causes rotation of one outer race and freewheeling of the other outer race while rotation of the shaft in the opposite rotational direction causes rotation of the other outer face and freewheeling of the one outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Warner Electric Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Marcos Thomaz Rubino, Jack Eric Pederson, Charles Peterson
  • Patent number: 7389864
    Abstract: A one-way clutch spring intended to reduce drag torque of one-way clutches. Tongues extend within pockets in which engagement members are disposed are bent in advance radially inward when they are disposed in an annular space so as to have bends at a proximal end and to form an angle of inclination (?) of 20°-30° with a base. Further, the angle of inclination (?) with the base increases to exceed the angle of inclination (?) by an amount of 5°-15° when engagement members contact the tongues. Further, the height of the front end of the tongue relative to the base is greater than that of a top of the second bend to the base, and the three bends each have their center of curvature positioned on the side of an inner ring with the base used as a reference and their radius of curvature is 0.2 mm-0.6 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Miura
  • Patent number: 7389865
    Abstract: An abrasion resistant and chemical resistant damper is provided for installation in the sludge transport section of a wastewater treatment system of the type having a damper inlet chute and a damper outlet chute and a damper between the damper inlet chute and the damper outlet chute. The damper is formed from a fabric woven substantially of yarns of high performance material selected from the group consisting of aramid, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymer. The damper includes a body having an inlet end and an outlet end, whereby the body creates a volume for sludge to move through. An inlet flange is formed about the inlet end and an outlet flange is formed about the outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: BGF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael I. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7389866
    Abstract: A moving handrail is provided on a railing of a passenger conveyor. A surface portion of the moving handrail is made of a thermoplastic material. A moving handrail repairing device has heating means for melting the surface portion through heating. When the surface portion is damaged, a target spot to be repaired of the surface portion is melted through heating. After that, the target spot is cured again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7389867
    Abstract: Systems and methods for article conveyance and orientation are provided. The system includes first and second conveyors, which convey articles in a conveying direction. The system also includes first and second sensors, which detect articles conveyed on the first and second conveyors, and which are coupled to a controller. The controller, based on information received from the first and second sensors, controls the first and second conveyors to orient the articles so that the articles have a size in a direction of conveyance which is greater than a size in a direction transverse to the direction of conveyance. The controller also controls the system to prevent another article from being conveyed onto the first and second conveyors when an article is being oriented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Scandia Technologies
    Inventors: Albin J. Hillmantel, Joseph J. Hanlon
  • Patent number: 7389868
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a jewelry storage and concealment device having rigid frame which is substantially thin and planar and which is suitable for attachment to a standard hanger, over which any ordinary article of clothing may be placed, for concealing the device between clothes in a closet. Or, it may be provided with a mirrored door on its front or a decorative picture and picture frame so that it may be hung on a wall and the device may be obscured from the view of thieves or unauthorized users. The present invention contains a plurality of square or rectangular compartments which are provided with hooks, posts or curtain walls so that the device can easily hold earrings, either pierced or clip on style, bracelets, necklaces, rings, etc. In such a manner, a highly secure jewelry organizing and storage system is shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Ashley C. Lewand, James Allen Lewand
  • Patent number: 7389869
    Abstract: A kit apparatus has a molded support card holding a plurality of film sheets each having an adhesive layer on one side, a spray bottle containing a cleaning and activating solution enabled for activating the adhesive layers of the film sheets, and a squeegee. The film sheets are secured within a first pocket in the support card, the squeegee secured within a second pocket in the support card, and the spray bottle is secured within a recess in the support card. Plural tabs extend over the recess for holding the spray bottle securely within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew C. Mason, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7389870
    Abstract: An instrument caddy and protection device is disclosed having a retentive pocket configured to closely adapted to, retain against displacement and protect an electronic instrument therein such as, for example, a multi-meter. The instrument caddy includes at least one magnet that enables the caddy to hold an instrument against a metallic surface during use while simultaneously protecting the instrument against breakage. Alternate embodiments of the caddy are disclosed wherein the retentive pocket is initially filled with sectioned and removable foam insert material enabling custom sizing of the retentive pocket so as to adapt to an instrument having given dimensions. In addition, preferred embodiments of the caddy provide for passageways for test cables and/or instrument straps to be attached to the instrument while it is held with the retentive pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Slappay
  • Patent number: 7389871
    Abstract: A base for holding a disk on which data may be recorded. The base includes a skirt from which elastic tabs depend, free ends of the skirt forming a rim. The rim includes a clipping structure that releasably engages another base. The bases, when engagedly stacked, are fed to a machine for gluing to supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Moulage Industriel de Perseigne “MIP”
    Inventor: Alain Crouan
  • Patent number: 7389872
    Abstract: A clean room covering or enclosure for a portable computer, wherein the computer has a keyboard portion and a screen portion connected by a hinge foldable between closed and open positions. The enclosure comprises a flexible sleeve for receiving the keyboard portion of the portable computer, with the sleeve having an opening through which the keyboard portion is inserted and removed, a transparent portion for viewing and operating the keyboard and a gas permeable vent portion adapted to restrict flow of contaminant particles. A flexible flap extends from the sleeve portion and is adapted to wrap around and over the screen portion of the portable computer, and has a transparent portion for viewing the screen. The enclosure also includes a reclosable seal for securing the flexible flap around the screen portion. The reclosable seal preferably secures the flexible sleeve opening to restrict flow of contaminant particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Wheeler, Jeffrey P. Gifford, Peter J. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 7389873
    Abstract: A device for severing syringe needles and storing the same for later disposal includes a lower box portion with a substantially flat bottom hinged to an upper lid portion, and a guillotine-like mechanism and an adjacent diaphragm spanning the two portions of an opposing side of the device. The guillotine preferably includes an angled blade in cross section such that when the needle is cut it is projected further through the diaphragm and into the device. The overall configuration and severing operation is in some ways akin to that of a stapler, in that a used syringe needle is inserted into a small gap between the two portions, and the top pushed down operating the guillotine to remove and retain the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Evelyne Johnson aka Mindes
  • Patent number: 7389874
    Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting a replacement heart valve are presented herein. A bioprosthesis may be stored in a storage container by suspending the bioprosthesis from a support structure. The volume of storage solution may be reduced by using a lid with a boss extending therefrom to displace some of the volume of the storage container. The support structure may rest on the base of the storage container. Additionally, there may be a holder attached to the bioprosthesis above the support structure. The holder-bioprosthesis-support structure may be constrained between the lid and base of the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Quest, Bob Allan
  • Patent number: 7389875
    Abstract: A package includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel connecting the top panel and the bottom panel to each other and a second side panel also connecting the top panel and the bottom panel to each other. The bottom panel, the first side panel, the top panel and the second side panel form a sleeve having a cross-section essentially formed as a rectangle. The sleeve is adapted to slidably receive an insert along a sliding direction normal to the rectangle. The package includes a locking member which includes an arch-shaped portion extending into the rectangular cross section to releasably retain the insert. The present disclosure also relates to a blank for forming the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Stora Enso AB
    Inventors: Lars Sandberg, Marcus Dehlin, Antje Rosentreter
  • Patent number: 7389876
    Abstract: Artificial fingernail packages are provided that contain a collection of artificial fingernails, that enable a potential user to easily inspect the size, shape and other features of the included artificial fingernails, to compare the features of the included artificial fingernails to the user's natural fingernails, and to simulate trying on one or more of the artificial fingernails without opening the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Kiss Nail Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Hong, Grace Tallon
  • Patent number: 7389877
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging electronic components, particularly integrated circuits, which includes a carrier tape into or on which the integrated circuits can be secured, a packing reel, to which is secured the carrier tape, wherein one or more components of the packing reel is composed of a plastic material and a desiccating material, and preferably a copolymer, and optionally an electrostatic dissipating product. The packing reel may further include a humidity indicating system. The apparatus may also be placed within a water and moisture-proof barrier bag for shipment purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Sud-Chemie Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Dick, Michelle Martin, Francois Dessus
  • Patent number: 7389878
    Abstract: A protective enclosure for a portable electronic data storage device includes an outer shell having a base and a lid movable between open and closed conditions relative to the base. An insert is receivable within the shell. The insert has an interior compartment for accommodating the electronic data storage device and an opening formed through an upper end of the insert in communication with the compartment for extending the storage device therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: James R. Torrico
  • Patent number: 7389879
    Abstract: A device for sorting particles. The device may include a channel structure that defines a channel having an inlet and first and second outlets. The device also may include first and second transport mechanisms. The first transport mechanism may be configured to create a particle stream of first particles and one or more second particles. Each particle may move along the channel from the inlet toward the first outlet and may be disposed in a fluid supported by the channel structure. The second transport mechanism may be configured to be pulse-activated to selectively move at least one of the second particles from the particle stream and toward the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Tyvoll, Winthrop D. Childers, Paul Crivelli
  • Patent number: 7389880
    Abstract: A method and system are for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular of body shells Shredder residues are separated into a shredder light fraction and a non-ferromagnetic fraction (shredder heavy fraction). During the sorting of the shredder light fraction and the shredder heavy fraction in preliminary processes and a main process, a crude-sand fraction is produced by separating out at least a ferromagnetic fraction, a fraction containing nonferrous metals, a fiber fraction, and a granulate fraction. In a refining process, the crude-sand fraction is separated into a residual fraction rich in organics, a dust fraction containing heavy metals, a sand fraction depleted in organics and metals, and a metallic fraction, using the sequential process steps of density separation and metal separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Daniel Goldmann, Bram den Dunnen, Michael Knust
  • Patent number: 7389881
    Abstract: A method of recovering a valuable component from a feed slurry in minerals processing plant for a mined material is disclosed. The method includes separating the feed slurry on the basis of particle size into at least two streams, of which one stream is a fines stream. The pH of the fines stream is then adjusted to be within a range in which contaminants on the surface of the fines are soluble so that contaminants dissolve from the surface of the fines. Thereafter, the valuable component is floated from the pH adjusted fines stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Pty Ltd
    Inventors: John Patrick Andreatidis, Christofo Torrisi
  • Patent number: 7389882
    Abstract: A self-cleaning screen assembly for a vibratory separator is disclosed. The self-cleaning screen assembly includes a peripheral frame having a top mounting surface to which at least one screen cloth is affixed and a bottom mounting surface to which a flow through support screen is affixed. One or more cleaning elements are freely located between the support screen and the screen cloth. The peripheral frame includes a rigid support section, a cushioned top strain relief zone, and a cushioned bottom strain relief zone. The top strain relief zone, the bottom strain relief zone and the rigid support section may be discrete components wherein the strain relief zones are formed by strain relief pads that are located adjacent to a rigid support member. The top strain relief zone provides cushioned support to the screen cloth around the edge of the screen frame adjacent to the opening. The bottom strain relief zone provides cushioning for the support screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Eric Cady, Brian Carr
  • Patent number: 7389883
    Abstract: A filter cartridge which comprises a filter pack (3) formed by a flat filtering medium, a tubular sheath (2) with a perforated wall, surrounding the filtering pack, and two respective end caps (5) having a first disc (16) and a second disc (17) placed one on top of the other, each made from thermoplastic, with a portion of the filtering pack (3) situated along one of its edges and a portion of the sheath (2) situated along one of its edges (33) which are embedded in the second disc (17), with the first disc (16) having a peripheral rim (19) which surrounds the relevant portion of the sheath (2) and with the sheath having a shoulder (34) opposite the edge of the rim (19) of the first disc (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Nolwenn Stephan, Sylvie Chavanne
  • Patent number: 7389884
    Abstract: Multi-section retaining/sorting/browsing apparatus including a base including a plurality of parallel slots and a plurality of dividers each arranged in connection with a respective slot. Adjacent dividers define object-retaining sections therebetween. Each divider has a pair of separated anchor portions and an object support portion coupled to the anchor portions and extending through a respective slot to provide a support for retaining objects. The anchor portions are rotatably retained in connection with the base to enable the dividers to be flipped forward and backward in a longitudinal direction. When file folders or other objects are retained in the object-retaining sections, it becomes possible to sort papers, documents or files in the sections and to browse through the contents of a file folder without removing them from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: David M. Stravitz
  • Patent number: 7389885
    Abstract: A hanger is injection-molded in one piece from a suitable polymer. At each of a plurality of gripping locations, a stationary gripping member and a mobile gripping member are provided, each of which preferably terminate in inwardly directed article supporting fingers. For each pair of gripping members, a fastening arm is provided on one of the members while a channel is provided in the other of the gripping members. A pawl engages with an array of teeth to fasten the gripping members together and to secure e.g. a pair of vehicle floor mats therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Frederick W. Masanek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7389886
    Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. The system includes shelves, product dividers and front retaining walls of a height and position to inhibit access to displayed products. Individual taller retaining tabs may be added in front of taller product to inhibit access. Rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls to further restrict access. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred. An alert device may be configured to detect and monitor movement of the moveable barriers and to provide an alert signal corresponding to the management of product or to a potential theft situation. The alert device may communicate with a security camera to monitor the vicinity and provide a notification to store computer, pager, cellular telephone, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max E. Syvuk, John W. Swafford
  • Patent number: 7389887
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable shelf including a pair of shelf plates each having two folding members pivotally connected with each other by inner edges, a pair of side frames pivotally connecting the two plates to form a rectangular body, and a folding arrangement including two connecting guiders spacedly extended from the inner edges of the upper folding member to the inner edges of the lower folding member, and two reinforcement sliders which are pivotally coupled with the bottom frame and slidably mounted along the connecting guiders respectively, adapted to fold the foldable shelf between an unfolded position and a folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Lin Liang
  • Patent number: 7389888
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mobile crane comprising an undercarriage and a superstructure arranged in a revolving manner thereon with a device for the reception of ballast. In accordance with the present disclosure, the device for the reception of ballast comprising at least three pulling means which can be moved up and down vertically and which can be connected to a pallet or base plate carrying the ballast and located beneath the total center of gravity of the ballast to pull the pallet or base plate toward the superstructure and to connect it to it or to let it down from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Liebherr Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Willim
  • Patent number: 7389889
    Abstract: The embodied hoisting mechanism has a hoisting cable, a hoisting-cable drive, a frame and a jib that can be topped. Hoisting-cable drive means form a path for the hoisting cable. A displaceable hoisting-cable guide is used with the hoisting cable so that the displacement of the displaceable hoisting-cable guide changes the length of the path. The displaceable hoisting-cable guide has an associated first hydraulic component with a first chamber that can be connected to a second hydraulic component with a second chamber of variable volume. A pressure source is coupled to the second hydraulic component in order to maintain a substantially constant hydraulic pressure in the second chamber. A pressure-limiting valve assembly, which is partially actuated by a topping-means loading sensor, is incorporated in the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Itrec B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Eric Romein
  • Patent number: 7389890
    Abstract: A tank suitable for containing cryogenic propellant includes an inner liner structure comprised of two layers forming a gap. An intermediary layer comprised of micro-particles is disposed in the gap formed between the two layers of the inner liner structure. A structural overwrap layer covers the inner liner structure in a manner that enables the inner liner structure to float within the structural overwrap layer. The inner floating liner structure can be formed by two thin interlocking (outer and inner) shell s formed in a cylindrical, end dome geometry. The inner and outer shells are both sectioned beyond the tank midpoints. The micro-particles can be comprised of PTFE. An outer structural overwrap comprised of graphite/epoxy covers the double shell liner. A pair of separately fabricated polar bosses seal against the inner of the two interlocking floating liner shells are then each bonded to the tank, fittings, and piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Hampsten
  • Patent number: 7389891
    Abstract: A septic system tank vertical wall has vertically overlapping grooved rings having specific diameters for receiving existing sealing couplers for septic system pipe. One wall of the groove has portions at different angles from the wall. The grooves are at the same depth and discontinuous at their intersections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The Peter Gavin Spray Trust
    Inventor: Norman W. Gavin
  • Patent number: 7389892
    Abstract: A cup part with a top open for containing a dye therein is included, and comb teeth are provided side by side at an upper end surface of the cup part or an inner surface of the cup part. By utilizing the comb teeth, operations of scraping an unnecessary dye off a brush or the like and settling the shape of the brush portion or the like can be facilitated, and hair, dust and the like attaching to the brush or the like can be removed without contaminating hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Park Way Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-soo Park
  • Patent number: 7389893
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a pump body configured to couple to a container. The pump body defines fluid inlet openings and a pump cavity. A shroud cover covers the pump body to draw fluid from the container. An inlet valve allows fluid from the container to enter the pump cavity through the fluid inlet openings. A plunger is slidably received in the pump cavity, and the plunger defines a fluid passage with a dispensing opening through which the fluid is dispensed. A shipping seal seals the fluid passage during shipping to minimize leakage of the fluid during shipping. An outlet valve is disposed inside the fluid passage to minimize the height of the fluid between the outlet valve and the dispensing opening so as to minimize dripping of fluid from the dispensing opening. The pump body includes a venting structure to normalize the air pressure inside the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kasting
  • Patent number: 7389894
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for a cream-type material or material which can be deposited by applying it to a surface, comprising a chamber with a discharge opening for receiving and storing said material, a spindle which is rotationally and longitudinally -axially arranged in the chamber, a piston which can move inside said chamber along the spindle by rotation thereof, and an operating element fixedly connected to the spindle for rotation, said spindle being provided with a least two regions having various thread pitches along the length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien
    Inventors: Ulrike Danne, Norbert Hoefel, Wolfgang Heukamp
  • Patent number: 7389895
    Abstract: A drink supply canister for beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of the drink supply canisters, and a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters, and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Beverage Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Lee Crisp, III
  • Patent number: 7389896
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for jetting droplets of a particle filled viscous medium. The device has a nozzle, an eject mechanism connected to the nozzle, a medium feeding mechanism connected to the eject mechanism, a particle filled viscous medium container connected to the medium feeding mechanism, and a filter arranged between an outlet of the particle filled viscous medium container and the medium feeding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Mydata Automation AB
    Inventors: Tommy Andersson, Johan Berg, Nils Fyhr, Johan Kronstedt, Kenth Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7389897
    Abstract: A baby bag that is convertible to a baby carrier includes a base that is movable between a folded configuration for storage and transport of the baby bag, and an unfolded configuration for receiving a baby. In an embodiment, a harness is connected to the base for restraining a baby received upon the base such that a back of the baby is maintained in close proximity to the base. In the same or another embodiment, a shoulder strap is attached to the base for suspension of the base, whereby a baby received upon the base may be carried by a person utilizing the shoulder strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Snuggle Nest, LLC
    Inventors: Maria P. Pistiolis, Louis J. Foreman, Daniel L. Bizzell, Ian D. Kovacevich
  • Patent number: 7389898
    Abstract: A spare-wheel carrier for a motor vehicle is pivotable at a body of the motor vehicle and arranged in a region of a tailgate of the motor vehicle. The spare-wheel carrier includes at least one sensor configured to detect at least one position of the spare-wheel carrier and to transmit the at least one position to a control unit. The control unit is configured to enable and block at least one function of the motor vehicle in accordance with the position of the spare-wheel carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Volkswagon AG
    Inventors: Holger Riemer, Frank Babel, Oliver Burnus
  • Patent number: 7389899
    Abstract: A holster is tailored to receive articles of cylindrical configuration, such as flashlights, pepper spray cans, collapsible batons, etc., provided the articles have similar diameters for a given holster. The holster provides for adjustable tension to be placed on the article in the holster and forms a generally cylindrical cavity drawn to a smaller diameter collar spaced upward from its lower end upon which the tail or the bezel of a flashlight may rest to provide additional protection to the bezel. The holster may form a generally cylindrical cavity extending the full length of the holster. The holster is configured to hold the flashlight at a forward or backward angle for smooth, ergonomic draw of the light by the user. A one-way snap strap is provided for attachment over waist belts of a variety of widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew L. Johnson