Patents Issued in July 8, 2008
  • Patent number: 7395986
    Abstract: A dispenser for readily attaching to a roll-type toilet-tissue holder and dispensing moist towelettes from a roll of the moist towelettes. The roll-type toilet-tissue holder is disposed in a wall and has a spindle that is axially spring loaded to facilitate insertion into and removal from the roll-type toilet-tissue holder. The dispenser includes a container. The container contains the roll of the moist towelettes to prevent dehydration thereof prior to dispensing, dispenses the moist towelettes from the roll of the moist towelettes contained in the container, and has the spindle of the roll-type toilet-tissue holder pass freely therethrough and attach to the roll-type toilet-tissue holder so as to allow the container to readily attach to the roll-type toilet-tissue holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Ernest L. Haering
  • Patent number: 7395987
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of gun-launched guidance systems and to a navigation system based on inertial sensors mounted in a spinning projectile using at least one rotation sensing device with input components perpendicular to the spinning body's longitudinal axis, and an appertaining method for upfinding. The phase of the sinusoidal angular rate as detected by a phase-locked loop or correlator is used to determine the local vertical orientation. This invention may be used to align the inertial navigation system in spinning projectiles in ballistic trajectories, which can include artillery shells, satellites or underwater torpedoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Lindquist, Ruth D. Kreichauf
  • Patent number: 7395988
    Abstract: Aircraft including an airframe having a fuselage extending between a forward end and an aft end and a fixed wing extending laterally from the fuselage. The aircraft includes a power plant mounted on the airframe producing exhaust during operation. The aircraft includes a rotor/wing rotatably mounted on the airframe including a plurality of blades and an adjustable nozzle mounted on the airframe downstream from the power plant exhaust for selectively directing the power plant exhaust to exit the aircraft at a pre-selected angle with respect to the airframe within a range of angles extending from about horizontally rearward to about vertically downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven D. Richardson, Eric W. Walliser
  • Patent number: 7395989
    Abstract: An aircraft fuselage includes an outer skin and at least one main deck separating an interior space of the aircraft fuselage longitudinally into a first space and a second space. At least one portion of the first space is divided into at least three longitudinal zones, and the at least three longitudinal zones include at least one central zone and at least two lateral zones. The at least one central zone is divided into three sectors, and the three sectors include a front sector, a central sector, and a rear sector. The at least two lateral zones include a first and second lateral zone configuration, the front sector includes a first and second front sector configuration, the central sector includes a first and second central sector configuration, and the rear sector includes a first and second rear sector configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventors: Bruno Saint-Jalmes, André Rezag, Jason Zaneboni
  • Patent number: 7395990
    Abstract: In order to make it easier to use a garbage can, a self-bagging mechanism is placed in the bottom of the garbage can with an opening provided for a plurality of bags to be placed within a housing. The empty bags will be taken from the housing and will provide garbage bags to the trash cans at all times. The bag holder is designed to be refillable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Geoffrey Stevens
  • Patent number: 7395991
    Abstract: An automatic support mechanism. The automatic support mechanism includes a fixed base, a first supporting member, a second supporting member and an extendable supporting member. The first supporting member is rotatably connected to the fixed base. The second supporting member is rotatably connected to the fixed base and is slidably connected to the first supporting member. The extendable supporting member is movably disposed between the first supporting member and the second supporting member. The extendable supporting member automatically moves between a received position and an extended position by relative rotation and sliding of the first and second supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: QISDA Corporation
    Inventor: Ying-Hsien Kuo
  • Patent number: 7395992
    Abstract: A monitor stand includes a base, a cylindrical housing located on the base, the housing having an opened top and bottom, and a packing assembly in the base for opening/closing the bottom of the housing. A piston is located in the housing, the piston being movable up/down. A first elastic member is located under the piston, for being compressed when the piston moves down. A bracket is located on a top of the piston, and a tilt/swivel adjusting device has one end fixedly secured to a front of the bracket, and the other end provided to a rear of the monitor. The tilt/swivel adjusting device permits the monitor to tilt forward/backward, or swivel left/right when an external force is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Gil Sik Jung
  • Patent number: 7395993
    Abstract: A height-adjustable support for semitrailers wherein the foot plate is suspended on tension springs which are arranged in two parallel planes situated in each case between the track roller and the wall of the inner support tube, and is fastened to the foot plate by one eyelet in each case in the inner support tube and the other eyelet in the vicinity of the transverse axis, and in that the foot plate corresponds with the inner support tube by a retaining device which is not permanently in engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Verkehrstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhold Riedl
  • Patent number: 7395994
    Abstract: A percussion instrument arm adapter, comprising in combination, a support at one end of an arm, the support including rod clamping elements positioned for relative adjustment to clamp a rod, structure for effecting the relative adjustment, one of the elements swingable relatively away from the other element when at least part of the structure is moved out of element adjusting position, and against a shoulder or shoulders resisting such movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Drum Workshop, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Sikra
  • Patent number: 7395995
    Abstract: A monitor support structure generally comprises a clamping unit, a rotatable arm, a support arm, a pivotal connecting unit, a linking rod, and a shiftable unit. The clamping unit is provided for fixing so as to allow the monitor support structure to hold and support an article. The pivotal connecting unit allows the support arm to shift upward or downward for adjusting the tilt angle of the article. Besides, the elastic devices provide the elastic force for pulling the support arm downward so as to share the weight of the article. Moreover, the linking rod can balance the weight of the article for steadily supporting the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hoolin Research Company Limited
    Inventor: Wen-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 7395996
    Abstract: A self-balanced adjustable mounting system for a flat panel display. When a flat panel display is attached to the mounting system, the display is adapted to revolve about a substantially horizontal axis extending proximate a center of gravity of the display. The system may be self-balancing at a plurality of locations about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: CSAV, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Dittmer
  • Patent number: 7395997
    Abstract: The article hanger is formed of a wire or rod and is configured for removable attachment to parallel posts, such as the posts supporting an adjustable height headrest above the seatback of an automobile. Each end of the device includes a multiple element clip attachable about the corresponding headrest support post, with the multiple elements precluding angular deflection of the remainder of the device and firmly attaching it to the posts. An arm extends from each attachment clip, with a spring coil loop formed in each arm to allow the two clips to be deflected for installation and removal. An article support hook is formed medially in the wire or rod, between the two spring coils. The device may be coated with a resilient or nonabrasive material to preclude metal-to-metal contact between the device and the headrest support rods, and/or other metal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Dean J. Padden
  • Patent number: 7395998
    Abstract: A picture hanger for use with gypsum board comprises a strip of steel bent into a V to provide two legs. The first leg is arcuate and functions as an anchor upon insertion into the gypsum board. The second leg is straight, with a hook at its terminus for hanging pictures and the like. An installation tool is provided which enables the arcuate anchor leg to be driven into the gypsum board along an arcuate path corresponding to the arcuate anchor leg until the second leg is held firmly against the surface of the gypsum board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Nesson Enterprises
    Inventor: Francis C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7395999
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing reinforced wall panels and reinforced roof panels and using the pre-manufactured reinforced wall and roof panels in the construction of a building structure at a building site. The reinforced wall and roof panels are molded using a molding medium consisting of two part polyurethane which is mixed with Portland cement. Reinforcing members and exterior weather resistant materials are placed within a mold and the mold is filled with the molding medium by injection or by pouring. The filled mold is then placed within a press to ensure against expansion by internal pressure caused by curing of the molding medium, thus ensuring dimensional accuracy of the finished panel. After hardening of the molding medium, the mold is removed from the press, opened and the finished panel is removed from the mold and is stored until the molding medium has completely cured. The reinforcing members and weather resistant material constitute integral components of the building panel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Polycrete Systems, Ltd
    Inventor: Herbert Walpole
  • Patent number: 7396000
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel optical sensors and novel methods for sensing optical radiation. The novel optical sensors and the novel optical sensing methods are used, for example, for controlling the operation of automatic faucets and flushers. The novel sensors and flow controllers (including control electronics and valves) require only small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. A passive optical sensor includes a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies Inc
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, Haiou Wu, Yue Zhang
  • Patent number: 7396001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve, in particular a shuffle or sliding valve, for essentially gastight closing of a flow path (F). The valve includes a valve housing (1;1a) having a first wall (2) which has a first opening (3) and a first valve seat (4), a valve disk (5) having a closing side (6) with a sealing ring (7) and at least one drive (8). Through the drive (8), the valve disk (5) is pivotable or displaceable from an opened position (A) essentially parallel to the first valve seat (4), and the perpendicular distance between the valve disk (5), and the first valve seat (4) can be reduced so that, in the closed position (C), the flow path (F) is closed essentially gastight by an axially sealing contact between the sealing ring (7) and the first valve seat (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Vat Holding AG
    Inventor: Friedrich Geiser
  • Patent number: 7396002
    Abstract: A bracket is formed from a channel-shaped lower section adapted for attachment to the post, and a channel-shaped upper section pivotably joined to the lower section at its upper end. The bracket is used in fence assembly to connect the end of a channel-shaped rail and a post. The upper section may be pivoted with respect to the lower section, as required to align the upper section with the terrain upon which the rail and post are to be installed. The upper section and lower sections of the bracket cooperate to define a pair of spaced pockets adapted to receive the spaced side walls of a rail. Engagement of the side walls of the upper section of the bracket with internally projecting longitudinal ridges in the rail channel interfere with lifting of the rail from the bracket. Externally projecting tabs on the side walls of the upper section interfere with longitudinal withdrawal of the rail from the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Edward L. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 7396003
    Abstract: A fluid-filled vibration-damping device includes an elastic body elastically connects a first mounting member and a cylindrical second mounting member bonded to opposite side thereof; a diaphragm supported by the second mounting member so that the diaphragm cooperates with the elastic body to define therebetween a fluid chamber; and a partition member supported by the second mounting member so that the partition member divides the fluid chamber into a primary fluid chamber and an auxiliary fluid chamber which are held in communication through an orifice passage defined by an orifice-defining member having a movable rubber plate disposed in its central hole. The surface of the orifice-defining member is coated at a primary-fluid-chamber-defining area by a coating rubber layer, thereby minimizing noises caused by bubbles in the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Hibi, Chiyaki Inoue
  • Patent number: 7396004
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bar clamps, and more specifically, to attachments for extending the length of such clamps and enabling such clamps to be adaptable to a wider array of clamping needs. The accessories include an extension bar, a coupling that attaches one end of the extension bar to the clamp primary bar locking the bars in longitudinal alignment, and a stop that attaches to the primary bar or extension for fixing the location of a clamp jaw along the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: John M. Kern
  • Patent number: 7396005
    Abstract: A clamping device contains a clamp jaw fixed in vertical direction, a clamp jaw moveable in vertical direction and a force transducer for applying a force to the moveable clamp jaw. The moveable clamp jaw is curved. The force transducer preferably comprises a coil and an iron core. In the non-clamping condition of the clamping device, the moveable clamp jaw is loaded with the weight of the iron core. For clamping, a current is applied to the coil that produces a magnetic field that presses the iron core against the moveable clamp jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Unaxis International Trading Ltd.
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Berset, Martin Deflorin, Pascal Menet
  • Patent number: 7396006
    Abstract: A collating apparatus and method to merge different types of document sets into a single collated packet prior to a mail processing insertion operation. The collating device utilizes a synchronous conveyor pathway for conveying different types of document sets serially down the pathway and merging them into a single collated packet. The document sets are delivered downstream with a combination of pivotable and fixed position pusher members and are combined into a single collated packet in any desired order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Kapturowski, Richard D. Johnson, Joseph I. Zuech
  • Patent number: 7396007
    Abstract: A positioning device for a positioning element, which is rotationally displaceable about a first axis, including a positioning member engaged with the positioning element. The positioning member is rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to and spaced from the first axis. The positioning device further includes a slotted link disposed on the positioning element and arranged radially about the first axis, a threaded spindle rotatable about a fixed point, and a link block inserted into the slotted link it cannot be turned. The link block is defined by a spindle nut engaged with the threaded spindle. The thread pitch of the threaded spindle corresponds to a predefined range of the positioning angle of the positioning element such that the positioning element is displaceable within the range of the positioning angle by two rotations of the threaded spindle or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Sommerer, Jörg Werner
  • Patent number: 7396008
    Abstract: A stapler unit has a staple section, a cutter section, and a receiving section. A stapling device further includes a staple recovery box which is disposed at a staple discarding position and which recovers the tip ends to be discarded from the receiving section; and a staple discarding mechanism which delivers the tip ends received in the receiving section of the stapler unit to the staple recovery box. One of the plural stapling positions is identical with the staple discarding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Sato, Yoshiyuki Takaishi
  • Patent number: 7396009
    Abstract: Methods and devices for moving a media sheet along a media path from an input area to a toner transfer area. One method comprises initially determining that the media sheet is to be moved from the input area. After making the determination, the media path is detected to ensure it is capable of moving the media sheet. If the media path is available, the media sheet is picked and moved along the path. If the media path is not available, the media sheet remains in the input area until the path is available. When required to wait for the path, an amount of delay is determined. Once the path is available, the delayed media sheet is picked from the input area and then accelerated to compensate for the delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert Lester Elliott, Benjamin C. DeVore, Christopher E. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 7396010
    Abstract: A sheet take-out apparatus has a stacker that houses sheets in the stacked state, a take-out roller for taking out sheets by rotating in contact with a sheet at one end in the stacking direction of housed sheets, and sensors for detecting a contact pressure of the take-out roller to sheets. A controller monitors a contact pressure of the take-out roller to sheets, energizes a motor so as to adjust a contact pressure to a proper value and moves the take-out roller in the stacking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Naruoka, Yukio Asari
  • Patent number: 7396011
    Abstract: A modular bin or pocket has an integrated transport assembly and mail piece diverter assembly and is usable in a bin stacker section in mail handling and sorting systems. The modular bin is individually removable, interchangeable and replaceable from the bin stacker sections of the mail processing system to allow for repair or maintenance of malfunctioning bins leading to reduced down time of the mail processing system. The modular bin further enables vertical and/or horizontal progressive modularity, i.e., vertical and/or horizontal expansion, of the bin stacker sections of the mail processing system which allows for cost-effective expansion of mail handling systems. Further, there is disclosed a tray management system and a tier diverter system that are usable in mail handling systems that use the modular bin with double sided bin stacker sections or single sided bin stacker sections with or without a turnaround section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Bowe Bell + Howell Company
    Inventors: Ed Svyatsky, Walter S. Conard, Tomasz Bednarek, John Overman, Tony Estis, Mike Stollenwerck, Manny Panopoulos, Gary vanErmen, Mike Swift, Richard Szewczyk
  • Patent number: 7396012
    Abstract: A modular flexible media handling apparatus includes an input module (28) through which flexible media enters the apparatus, at least one main path module (28, 30, 32, 34) through which flexible media passes along a main path (24), at least one lookaside module (36, 38) through which flexible media selectively passes along a lookaside path, and an output module (34) in which flexible media from the lookaside path and main path are merged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel G. Bobrow
  • Patent number: 7396013
    Abstract: A lottery device has a turntable 12 with a plurality of ball pockets 13 and balls 2 each to be dropped onto the turntable 12, rolls on the turntable 12 and eventually falls into one of the ball pockets 13 to determine a winner ball pocket 13. The lottery device includes sets of sensors 24 and 25 combined with the ball pockets 13, respectively, to detect the ball that has fallen into the corresponding ball pocket 13, light-emitting rings 23 combined with the ball pockets 13, respectively, a ball identifying mechanism 41 for identifying the balls by type, and a computer 100 including a storage unit storing control programs and controlling lottery operations according to the control programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Sega Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Ito, Yuji Shimada, Makoto Tanaka, Naoki Kawajiri
  • Patent number: 7396014
    Abstract: Paired playing pieces move on steps along a path of a playing area through sections representing stages in a couple relationship in response to matching couple answers on writing surfaces in response to questions on cards from a beginning step through the stages to a winning step. Two individual pieces of each paired playing piece may be separated with one of the individual pieces placed in the dog house area for a mismatch to a question card bearing a dog house insignia. Timed tasks on get out of the dog house cards when performed successfully enable a player's piece to be removed from the dog house and reconnected with the other couple members playing piece to form the paired playing piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Barbara Elaine Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7396015
    Abstract: A method of playing a poker-type game where two cards are revealed in each of a plurality of hands followed by a player wagering on at least one of the hands. Three community cards are revealed followed by a second round of wagering where the player must either raise or fold each hand wagered on in the previous wager round. The three community cards are part of each hand. Two more community cards are revealed and the winning hand is determined where each hand is a combination of the first two cards and the five community cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: New Vision Gaming & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: John Feola
  • Patent number: 7396016
    Abstract: A sealing device includes an inner race, an outer race capped on and rotatable relatively to the inner race, a rubber oil seal mounted between the inner race and the outer race, a lubricating oil received between the inner race and the outer race, radiation holes formed in the outer race, and a spoiler provided between the inner race and the outer race for causing convection of the lubricating oil to lower the temperature of the lubricating oil upon rotation of the outer race relatively to the inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Nak Sealing Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Liao, Chiang-Ling Chien, Fu-Chih Huang
  • Patent number: 7396017
    Abstract: A shaft seal assembly for maintaining a seal during shaft misalignment comprising a first sealing means adjacent said shaft with a defined clearance between said shaft and said sealing means, said shaft moveable axially in relation to said first sealing means; a second sealing means, said first sealing means partially encompassed within second sealing means and in cooperative communication with said second sealing means; a third sealing means, said second sealing means partially encompassed within third sealing means and in cooperative communication with said third sealing means, said third sealing means attached to said housing or vessel and allowing said first sealing means and second sealing means to cooperatively respond to said forces produced by angular misalignment of said shaft during rotation of said shaft while maintaining defined clearance between said shaft and said sealing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Isotech of Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoelhe
  • Patent number: 7396018
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil scraper ring for pistons of internal combustion engines. The oil scraper ring comprises a disc that is provided with parallel flanks and a bearing surface having an asymmetrical crowned form with a vertex line extending over the periphery of the disc. A bracing spring arranged in a ring groove of the piston and comprising a spring groove side opposing the piston head and a spring groove side facing the piston head presses the disc radially against the friction and the abrasion of the bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: MAHLE GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf-Gerhard Fiedler
  • Patent number: 7396019
    Abstract: A valve gasket for sealing a fluid dispenser device comprising a valve, in particular a metering valve, mounted on a fluid reservoir, said gasket being characterized in that it comprises an alloy of vulcanized ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and/or of butyl (IIR) or of vulcanized halobutyl (CIIR or BIIR) with one or more materials selected from the group constituted by polyoctene ethylene (POE), ethylene propylene (EP), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and chloroprene rubber (CR), all of these materials being vulcanized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S
    Inventors: Sandrine Barranco, Patrice Leone
  • Patent number: 7396021
    Abstract: A roll stub is rotatable relative to a stationary support and has a rotatable support fixed to the roll stub, an annular and radially directed seal surface fixed on one of the supports, and a seal ring on the other of the supports having a lip engageable with the seal surface. A support element that is substantially less stiff than the seal ring is provided between the other support and the seal ring for biasing the lip against the seal surface while permitting of the seal ring relative to the other support. A clamp body rotationally fixed to the other support directly engages the seal ring and presses the seal ring directly against an abutment. Interengaging tooth formations on the clamp body and on the seal ring arrest the seal ring on the other support against angular movement thereon while permitting relative radial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: SMS Demag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Keller, Konrad Roeingh
  • Patent number: 7396022
    Abstract: The present invention is a chuck having a vacuum groove that is capable of holding a wafer as the chuck rotates on a spindle. As the chuck rotates the air pressure above the center of the wafer is reduced. In order to reduce the bowing of the wafer that can result from this low pressure area above the wafer, the present invention introduces venturi holes in the chuck which reduces the air pressure in the area below the wafer. In order to prevent the air pressure in the area below the wafer from decreasing too far, the present invention uses air inlet holes to balance the affect of the venturi holes in order to substantially balance the air pressure above and below the wafer which results in significantly less bowing of the wafer when compared to conventional systems. The present invention accomplishes this without requiring sensors or other active measuring devices to help reduce the bowing of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Alireza Shahdoost Moghadam, Vamsi Mohan Velidandla
  • Patent number: 7396023
    Abstract: A driving system allows an invalid chair having a seating structure, wheels on both sides of the seating structure and at least one front stabilizing wheel, to pass obstacles. The driving system has arms secured to both sides of the seating structure and on which shafts of the wheels are arranged slidingly within two extreme positions. Cranks are on both sides of the seating structure and rotary cross engagement members are at the rear and on both sides of the seating structure and have arms which are terminated with adhesive end pieces. Each crank is connected to a respective rotary cross engagement member through a geared transmission for transmission of rotary movement of the crank to the rotary cross engagement member, and the geared transmission is provided with a flap for preventing reverse rotating of the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Stairbike A.S.
    Inventor: Josef Vlk
  • Patent number: 7396024
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus for stabilizers controls hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic communication path hydraulically connecting cylinders each operatively connected to each stabilizer of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a spool valve provided in the hydraulic communication path. The spool valve includes a housing, a spool accommodated in the housing, first and second spool chambers defined by the spool and the housing, and a biasing member for biasing the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Mizukoshi, Hideyuki Kobayashi, Akira Kasamatsu
  • Patent number: 7396025
    Abstract: A shopping cart has a wheeled base, a rear frame projecting upwardly from the rear end of the base with a handle at its upper end, a basket having a rear end secured to the frame and projecting forwardly from the frame at spacing above the base, and a fixed child seat secured to the rear frame. The basket is closed by a pivoted rear gate at its rear end. Two or more carts can be nested together by pushing the front wall of the basket of a first cart through the rear frame beneath the fixed child seat of a second cart, simultaneously pivoting the rear gate upwardly to allow the basket of the first cart to enter the basket of the second cart. The side walls are inclined upwardly from the child seat to the front end of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: V. John Ondrasik
  • Patent number: 7396026
    Abstract: A cable operated shopping cart brake apparatus for fitting to an existing shopping cart or other like wheeled vehicle to provide selectively impeded movement. The cable assembly connects a master brake assembly to a slave brake assembly. The cable attachment on the master assembly is reversible, whereby in one mode the resting position of the actuator engages the cart brake, thereby impeding cart movement. The reversed mode provides disengagement of the brake in the rest position of the actuator. The actuator position is lockable so that the above 2 modes are possible. A button of the lock provides disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Erik L. Munson
  • Patent number: 7396027
    Abstract: The self-braking wheelbarrow of the present invention comprises a wheelbarrow bin assembly mounted so as to pivot relative to an undercarriage assembly whereby the bin assembly interferes with the wheels on the undercarriage assembly causing a friction on the tread of the wheel and restricting the rotation of the wheel. In normal usage the undercarriage assembly is secured to the wheelbarrow bin assembly by securing latches. Braking is accomplished by selectively releasing securing latches, thereby permitting the wheelbarrow to pivot, and lifting the handles as if to move the wheelbarrow. The braking force applied to the tread on the wheel is proportional to the bin load thereby resulting in higher braking force with higher bin loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: August Otto Lovmark
  • Patent number: 7396028
    Abstract: An apparatus and lifting method for a vehicle axle having a first bracket, a second bracket, an air spring and at least one connector. The first bracket has two substantially vertically oriented slots. The second bracket has a substantially horizontal plate and a bar secured to the plate. The ends of the bar extend through the vertically oriented slots. The air spring is located under the horizontal plate. Connectors connect the bar to the axle housing so that when the air bag is inflated the second bracket, with the bar, is moved upwardly. The axle housing, being connected to the bar via the connectors is also drawn upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group LLC
    Inventor: Aaron M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7396029
    Abstract: An air-suspension device for vehicles, e.g., commercial vehicles, includes a valve block that is assigned to a rear axle and contains a central valve for aerating and venting air-spring bellows of the rear axle, and a valve block assigned to a front axle for aerating and venting air-spring bellows of the front axle. The central valve of the valve block assigned to the rear axle selectively connects: a) a compressed-air supply to the air-spring bellows of the rear axle and to a supply-pressure connection of the valve block assigned to the front axle; or b) the supply-pressure connection of the valve block assigned to the front axle and the air-spring bellows of the rear axle to an air vent. The valve block assigned to the front axle has a pneumatic pilot-operation connection for pneumatic-electric pilot operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Falk Hecker, Günther Fecht, Friedbert Röther, Winfried Geiger
  • Patent number: 7396030
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a device that is adapted for selective engagement with existing hardware on a vehicle to provide a step. More specifically, the present invention is a device that is engages a towing mechanism used on some sport utility and outdoor vehicles, such as the HUMMER® recovery loop that allows for interconnection with towing hardware, such as chains or straps. One embodiment of the present invention engages the loop to retain it in a generally horizontal orientation to thus provide a step that facilitates access to the roof of the vehicle that is often 5-7 feet from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Intelligent Designs 2000 Corp.
    Inventor: Paul Badillo
  • Patent number: 7396031
    Abstract: A mobility device for use by the elderly or disabled persons, that does not require standing, balancing or walking and is propelled by leg paddling of a user, is disclosed. The mobility device comprises a pair of base members, an inverted U-shaped member disposed between the base members, front legs extending downwardly at 45 degrees with respect to the base members with swiveling wheels, a front cross bar disposed between the front legs, such that the front cross bar and the front legs define an opening receiving a user's legs while paddling. Also provided are rear legs with fixed wheels, handles extending outwardly at 70 degrees with respect to the base members, brakes engaging rear wheels, the brakes actuated by levers disposed on the handles, a seat, a back rest and arm rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Dean Huynh
  • Patent number: 7396032
    Abstract: A bicycle headset structure is provided to aid in the mounting of a steerer tube of a front fork to a head tube of a bicycle frame. The bicycle headset structure is configured such that a device can be mounted in the steerer tube and the headset is appropriately loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 7396033
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes at least a first auxiliary member mounted on a body of the motorcycle for contacting a road and providing assistance to the motorcycle body to support itself, when necessary, and a second auxiliary member mounted on the motorcycle body, wherein the second auxiliary member is inflatable, in order to contact the road to support the motorcycle body, in addition to the first auxiliary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Murata, Yukiya Ueda, Yasuji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7396034
    Abstract: A jack with an optionally pivoting foot provides a trailer owner the ability to change between a wheel and a flat foot or a flat foot and a wheel upon a jack depending from a trailer tongue. The present invention has an optional foot attached to a jack that rotates from a horizontal position to underneath an existing foot. The foot has two parallel spaced apart flanges extending upwards from a base. The flanges have a bolt through a centered hole near the wheel about which the pivoting foot rotates. Opposite the base, the flanges have three holes about the perimeter through which a handle inserts. The handle secures the foot in either horizontal or vertical configurations. When in a vertical configuration, a wheeled jack does not move upon nor embed into the ground. A jack with a flat foot prevents a trailer from moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Jimmy A. Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7396035
    Abstract: The present invention includes a first laser light source mounted to a towing vehicle and oriented to direct a first laser light beam towards a trailer to impinge on a first marker spot located on a hitch coupler mounted to the trailer. A second laser light source is also mounted to the towing vehicle in spaced apart relation with the first laser light source and oriented to direct a second laser light beam towards the trailer at an angle to the first light beam to impinge on a second marker spot on the trailer when the hitch and hitch coupler are aligned. When the towing vehicle is moved towards the trailer with the first laser beam impinging on the first marker spot and further moved towards the trailer until the second laser beam impinges on the second marker spot, the hitch coupler is aligned with the hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Rick L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7396036
    Abstract: A gliding board, such as a snowboard, has improved lift or float in certain conditions, e.g., when gliding in powdered snow. A nose and/or tail of the gliding board may have a variable bending property to provide the improved float. In one embodiment, the nose and/or tail may have a tapered thickness or other features so that the nose and/or tail is more flexible toward the tip of the nose or tail. Other variable bending properties in the nose and/or tail may be provided for reasons other than improved float, such as to enhance trick or other maneuver performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Barbieri, Peter J. Bergendahl