Patents Issued in July 29, 2008
  • Patent number: 7404451
    Abstract: A wobble device (20) for a hand-held power tool (2) and which includes a rotatable drive member (22), a driven member (26) oscillatingly pivotable about a wobble axis (T) and a wobble bearing (30) for connecting the driven member (26) with the drive member (22) and having a drive-side bearing region with a drive-side guide (34) circumferentially arranged about the drive axis (A) and provided on the drive member (22), a driven-side bearing region with a driven-side guide (38) circumferentially arranged about the drive axis (A) and provided on the driven member (26) and roll elements (28) guided simultaneously in both guides (34, 38), and with one of the bearing regions having on its first side (46, 48; 50, 52) with respect to an associated guide (34; 38), a reinforced cross-section in comparison with a second side (48, 46; 52, 50) of the one region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jens Neumann
  • Patent number: 7404452
    Abstract: A percussion power tool apparatus includes a body relative to which an impacting tool is moved to effect an impacting operation, the apparatus further including an operating member by means of which an operating load is applied in an operating direction to the apparatus, a support structure for the operating member including a piston received in a cylinder, the operating load acting to move the piston inwardly of the cylinder whilst such movement is resisted by fluid pressure in the cylinder at one side of the piston, relative movement between the piston and the cylinder being permitted in response to vibrations arising in the body and/or impacting tool, by controlling fluid flow between the one side of the piston and a pressurised fluid support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventors: Anthony A. Malkin, Ilya Sokolov, Vladimir Babitsky
  • Patent number: 7404453
    Abstract: A tool for expanding a hole having a vertical axis in the earth has at least one set of two opposed compactor units constrained to separate and retract in a direction at a right angle to the axis of the hole, and a drive mechanism coupled to the set of compactor units providing force to separate the compactor units, urging the units against a wall or walls of the hole, compacting the earth and enlarging the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Donald R. Boys
  • Patent number: 7404454
    Abstract: A system for selectively orienting a bit at the end of a drillstring in a wellbore, the system, in certain aspects, having: motive apparatus for rotating a drillstring and a bit connected to an end of the drillstring; a control member manually movable to effect a change in orientation of the bit; a control system in communication with the motive apparatus and the control member for translating a signal from the control member indicative of manual movement of the control member into a command to the motive apparatus, the command commanding the motive apparatus to rotate the drillstring and the bit in correspondence to the movement of the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent Erin Hulick
  • Patent number: 7404455
    Abstract: An apparatus is used with an impact hammer penetration assemble such as standard penetration test (SPT) in geotechnical engineering. The impact hammer penetration assembly comprises a penetration sample, a series of rods coupled together and an impact hammer apparatus. The drop of the hammer from a constant height hits the coupled rods and sampler in series and forces the sampler deeper into the ground. The apparatus includes a tip depth transducer and sampler to output a first electrical signal that is a function of the sampler tip position. A shock force transducer communicates the axial shock force in the rod to output a second electrical signal that is a function of the rod shock force and hammer blows. A shock penetration transducer communicates the movement of the coupled rods and sampler to output a third electrical signal that is a function of the sampler penetration due to the hammer blows. A micro-process controller monitors and processes the first, second and third signals in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Zhong Qi Yue, Chack Fan Lee, Peter Kai Kwong Lee, Leslie George Tham
  • Patent number: 7404456
    Abstract: Acoustic signals generated by drilling a bore hole with a drill bit are received at sensors placed in the drill string. The acoustic signals received by the sensors are processed, e.g. using a Fourier transform, and a characteristic of the acoustic signals is used to identify lithology, rock strength, presence of oil, presence of gas, change in lithology, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Weaver, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 7404457
    Abstract: A downhole abrading tool has a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling fluid passageway, and a fusible material disposed within the body. The fusible material is capable of igniting and combusting in response to a selected temperature increase due to excessive wear on the cutting end. Combustion of the fusible material provides an indication to an operator of the downhole abrading tool of the excessive wear on the cutting end of the downhole abrading tool so that the downhole abrading tool can be removed from the well and replaced. The indication to the operator of the downhole abrading tool can be a temperature change or a pressure change in a drilling fluid flowing through the drilling fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Huges Incorporated
    Inventors: Yang Xu, Gerald Lynde
  • Patent number: 7404458
    Abstract: The device has a drill body, of generally cylindrical shape, connected by a flexible pipe to a high-pressure water pump placed on a low-height carrying vehicle. A striking piston is mounted movably, and is resiliently returned, in the drill body, and is subjected to a pulsed high water pressure so as to be moved with a percussive movement against a bit-carrying anvil, the pipe simultaneously transmitting to the drill body an alternating rotary movement about its principal axis. A solenoid valve, interposed between the pump and the point of departure of the pipe, receives successive electrical pulses causing opening and closing, which create shock waves in the water column contained in the pipe, which transmits these shock waves to the striking piston of the drill body. Applications: underground workings, mine workings, particularly for use in low-height galleries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Lyon SAS
    Inventors: Franck Leon, Frederic Brongniart
  • Patent number: 7404459
    Abstract: A positive side main contactor serving as a contact switching device on the positive side, which is connected between a positive electrode terminal of a battery pack and a high potential input terminal of an inverter, and a negative side main contactor serving as a contact switching device on the negative side, which is connected between a negative electrode terminal of the battery pack and a low potential input terminal of the inverter, are arranged so that moving contacts of these are moved forward and backward in directions that are different from each other, e.g. by 90 degrees. Thus, a situation in which the two main contactors are simultaneously turned ON upon external impact can be avoided, and consequently, it is possible to achieve the same impact resistance as was previously possible with a smaller spring force than was previously required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Nakanishi, Tadao Kimura
  • Patent number: 7404460
    Abstract: In mode switch control apparatus and method for a hybrid transmission, both of a torque transmission capacity of one of a predetermined clutch and a predetermined brake which is engaged when a mode switch is carried out and a torque change of one of motor/generators along with a polarity reversal in the one of the motor/generators when the polarity reversal is involved in the motor/generator before and after the mode switch is carried out are mutually interlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 7404461
    Abstract: An electrical power train for a vehicle, the power train comprising an electrical line (61), a fuel cell (3) connected to the electrical line (61), an electrical energy management unit (6) comprising a module controlling the fuel cell, a control device available to the driver of the vehicle for controlling deceleration of the latter, the control device being connected to the management unit, at least one electrical machine (4) connected to at least one driving wheel (40) connected to the electrical line (61) by means of an electronic module controlling the electrical machine, the electrical machine (4) being connected to a second cooling circuit (2) in which a cooling liquid circulates, independent of the first cooling circuit (1), an electrical dissipation element (8), and means for ordering the control module of the fuel battery to stop the process of producing electrical energy while connecting the said dissipation element (8) to the electrical line (61), in the event of a deceleration demand and when the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: Conception Et Developpement Michelin, S.A., Paul Scherrer Institut
    Inventor: Pierre Varenne
  • Patent number: 7404462
    Abstract: A fuel cell electric vehicle that can secure a sufficient stroke of a rocked driving wheel, lowering the center of the gravity of the vehicle. A fuel cell is provided for generating electric power by reacting hydrogen and oxygen with a hydrogen cylinder for supplying gaseous hydrogen to the fuel cell and a motor for generating motive power supplied to a rear wheel which is a driving wheel based upon electric power generated by the fuel cell. The hydrogen cylinder is arranged above the rear wheel so that its longitudinal direction is along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle with an axis in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen cylinder being located off a center line in a direction of the width of the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Tokumura, Yoshiyuki Horii, Junya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7404463
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to improve the motorcycle radiator arranging construction with a view to improving the external appearance characteristic of a motorcycle. In a motorcycle having a water-cooled engine 12 installed thereon, a radiator 75 is arranged erect in a space 87 defined between the engine 12 and a rear wheel 16 in such a manner that a front surface 75a thereof is directed in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is supported on a body frame 11, whereby the radiator 75 is made difficult to see from the outside compared with a case where the radiator is arranged at the front of the body frame to thereby make conspicuous, for example, the design of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Terunari Saiki, Hideo Amino, Masayuki Iwata, Shigeki Saimei
  • Patent number: 7404464
    Abstract: A traction device includes a continuous traction belt provided on a pair of opposing rollers. The traction belt includes openings such that a vacuum may be applied through the traction belt causing the traction device to cling to a working surface. A motor may be provided to drive one of the rollers and thereby drive the belt. A plurality of such traction devices may be coupled with a control mechanism to form a robot. A system is described for performing work or maintenance on a structure having an inclined working surface that includes a support robot for positioning at a high point on the structure and a payload robot attached to the support robot by an umbilical or tension cord for maneuvering along the working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mobile Robot Integration, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Imus, Marc S. Imus, Paul A. Mittmann, John L. Mittmann
  • Patent number: 7404465
    Abstract: A cruise control system for an electric wheelchair includes: a drive unit for driving the electric wheelchair; a user control unit for transmitting user control signals; a controller selectively operable in a normal control mode for controlling the drive unit such that a speed of the electric wheelchair is adjusted in accordance with the user control signals; and a current detecting unit for detecting a load current of the electric wheelchair and outputting a corresponding current signal. The controller has parameter relation information loaded therein, and is further selectively operable in a cruise control mode for controlling the drive unit with reference to the current signal and the parameter relation information to maintain the speed of the electric wheelchair within a desired speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Chia Hsieh, I-Nan Lin
  • Patent number: 7404466
    Abstract: A compact, portable locking pin locator device adapted to assist the driver of a semi truck including a tractor and a trailer to locate the trailer over the tandem axle under the back end of the trailer to achieve proper weight and balance of the load carried in the trailer over the wheels of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Arnold Wayne Diehl
  • Patent number: 7404467
    Abstract: A device for transferring two-wheel motorbike into three-wheel vehicle includes a rectangle frame directly connected to the frame of the two-wheel motorbike and two side frames are connected to two ends of the rectangle frame. Two wing rods ARE connected to the two side frames respectively and an arm is pivotably connected to each of the side rods. A cushion means is connected between the side frame and the arm. A differential frame is connected between the two side frames so as to be connected with a differential which has an input end connected to an output shaft of an engine, and an output end of the differential is connected to two transmitting shafts which are connected to two rear wheels. The rear wheels each have a brake mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Shine Far Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jih-Kuei Cho
  • Patent number: 7404468
    Abstract: An elevator includes an elevator car guided to move up and down relative to a supporting member, a screw shaft having an upper end attached to the supporting member, a driving nut rotatably supported in a coupling device and threaded with the screw shaft, one driving device coupled to rotate the screw shaft and to move the driving nut up and down along the screw shaft, and a coupling device rotatably attached onto the driving nut and coupled to the elevator car. Another spare driving device may further be coupled to drive the screw shaft for moving the elevator car to a lower level or a safe location when the driving device either fails or is damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Chang Hsin Kuo
  • Patent number: 7404469
    Abstract: An elevator call registration device selectively switches between display of an operation screen for allowing a user to designate a registration for moving a car to an arbitrary destination floor from among a plurality of destination floors and display of a registered-floor screen for displaying the destination floor that is designated through operation on the operation screen and registered with an elevator control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobukazu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7404470
    Abstract: An elevator car operating panel has push buttons corresponding to floors of a building, wherein the push buttons act on switch contacts registering elevator calls, and wherein the push buttons are mounted on the switch contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Hugo Felder, Dennys Taiana, Marco Aluisetti
  • Patent number: 7404471
    Abstract: An elevator car operating panel includes a plurality of push buttons corresponding to floors of a building, wherein the push buttons act on a touch screen to register elevator calls. The push buttons are mounted on an outer surface of the touch screen at locations corresponding to sensors behind the touch screen. A method to modernize and/or update a touch screen elevator car operating panel includes mounting at least one push button on a touch screen to act on the touch screen to register elevator calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Hugo Felder, Dennys Taiana
  • Patent number: 7404472
    Abstract: An opposed piston disc brake caliper has a caliper housing arranged for mounting brake shoes on each of opposite sides of a rotor. The rotor in use is disposed between the brake shoes with each brake shoe having a backing plate and a friction lining applied to the backing plate. The caliper housing has side walls extending generally in a plane parallel to a plane of the rotor and on opposite sides of the plane of the rotor which accommodate a piston. The caliper housing has mounting members for engagement with each of the side edges of each backing plate between the radially inner edge and the radially outer edge of the friction lining. The engagement is such as to substantially limit movement of each brake shoe other than in a direction toward or away from the rotor with at least one of the mounting members being removable from the caliper housing to facilitate removal of the brake shoe from the caliper housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: PBR Australia PTY Ltd
    Inventor: Keith Clarkson Reeves
  • Patent number: 7404473
    Abstract: A manual brake release and status indicator device for a parking brake for a rail vehicle, the manual brake release can include a positioner rod having a handle at one end and a second end connected to a positioner assembly which is associated with a parking brake clamp mechanism. The positioner assembly is movable via the handle to manually release the parking brake clamp from an applied position. The handle is associated with the status indicator, which can include a face plate positioned in proximity to the handle, wherein the position of the handle relative to the face plate indicates whether the parking brake is applied or released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Engle
  • Patent number: 7404474
    Abstract: A shock absorbing component used as a structural component which realizes a larger energy absorption volume compared to the conventional shock absorbing component is provided. According to the present invention, with regards to the shock absorbing component, a sheet-shaped longitudinal component is formed by placing two or more types of sheet-shaped part materials alternately in the longitudinal direction, and this sheet-shaped longitudinal component is implemented in all of the layers or a part of the layers in the surface component of the shock absorbing component. Therefore, when load due to impact if applied to this shock absorbing component, unlike cases wherein the surface component is formed from a single component, the direction of the load and strain is intricately dispersed by two or more types of sheet-shaped longitudinal components and the concentration of load and deformation is prevented, thereby replacing impact energy with energy which destroys a wide area of the shock absorbing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jogen Yamaki, Daisei Abe, Yuta Urushiyama
  • Patent number: 7404475
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bidirectional drive for rotating in the one or the other direction of drive a drive wheel which is linked with an adjusting device. The bidirectional drive includes a drive lever which can be rotated about a drive axis, starting from an initial position, in the one or the other direction. The lever is linked with a coupling element for expanding a spring element that is at least partially supported by the cylindrical drive surface of the drive wheel and that entrains the drive wheel in the peripheral direction when the drive lever is moved away from the initial position, while the spring element is no longer supported by the cylindrical drive surface of the drive wheel and the drive wheel is not entrained when the drive lever is returned to the initial position. The coupling element includes expansion cams that can be tilted about an axis spaced apart from the drive axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Georg Scheck, Frieder Krüger, Marcus Klopp, Stephanie Angermüller, Matthias Weiss
  • Patent number: 7404476
    Abstract: An escalator, having a pair of balustrades disposed on both sides of traveling steps, includes a balustrade end, a skirt end portion, and an indicator. The balustrade end is configured to turn back a handrail belt wound around each of the balustrades. The skirt end portion has a belt entrance port configured to receive the handrail belt, and an outer edge of the skirt end portion furthest away from the traveling steps extends further in an axial direction of the traveling steps than an inner edge of the skirt end portion closest to the traveling steps to guide items towards the traveling steps. The indicator is configured to indicate operating conditions of the escalator. A front face of the skirt end portion includes an inclined surface at a predetermined angle with a vertical plane. A display face of the indicator conforms to the inclination of the inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Elevator Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masato Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7404477
    Abstract: The present invention discloses and teaches method and apparatus for the detection of a disengaged, moving, handrail on a people moving walkway particularly an escalator. By the present invention a proximity sensor is positioned beneath the handrail for detection of a handrail that has become disengaged from its underlying guide rail. Upon detection of a disengaged handrail, the proximity sensor sends an electrical signal to a controller which stops the escalator or walkway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: H. Eugene Toennisson, Kyle A. Apperson, Richard D. Rodich
  • Patent number: 7404478
    Abstract: A distributor apparatus for products having an infeed belt and an outfeed belt which are aligned with each other in a conveying direction. A distributor belt is arranged in the conveying direction between the infeed belt and the outfeed belt and this conveyor belt is movable transversely with respect to the conveying direction. The distributor belt includes at least two belt parts which are transversely positioned with respect to each other and movable transversely in unison with each other as a unit. Two independent operable dives mechanically drive the parts of the distributor belt so that products may be outfeed from the infeed belt and to the outfeed belt in transversely arranged groups of product. By controlling the operation of the belt parts of the distributor belt, the number of transverse groups of product on the outfeed belt may be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gunther Weber
  • Patent number: 7404479
    Abstract: The apparatus is a coupling device that couples a cart to a continuously moving towline which is recessed into the cart support surface. A vertically movable coupling pin engages the towline and is lifted away from the towline to disengage the cart from the towline. To prevent irregularities in the support surface from accidentally lifting the pin away from the towline, the pin is attached to the cart through a structure that also permits the cart to move freely relative to the pin but maintain the pin engaged with the towline. The preferred embodiment attaches the coupling pin to a movable tube that moves within a fixed tube, and the movable tube also can be lifted by a cam and locked into a position with the pin disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John Shoemaker, David M. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7404480
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a belt for overhead conveyor systems, of the type provided with regularly spaced openings (F), characterised by the fact that it has a close series of brackets (1) fixed to the upper longitudinal edge of the belt, each bracket being composed by an opposite pair of identical curved jaws (2, 3) and designed to support an opposite pair of wheels (10) with horizontal axis in central position and a single wheel with vertical axis at each end; it being provided that the wheels (8) allow the belt to remain coupled and slide inside a boxed rail that is the bearing structure of the overhead conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Immobiliare Metalprogetti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Enrico Maria Santicchi
  • Patent number: 7404481
    Abstract: A stacking conveyor for receiving slices cut from a food loaf or slab includes a frame, an endless belt conveying surface, a carrier, a plurality of pins, and a motive mechanism. The endless belt conveying surface is supported by the frame. The carrier is arranged beneath the top surface of the endless belt conveying surface. The plurality of pins protrude upward from the carrier, each of the pins having a sharp top end. The motive mechanism is configured for raising the carrier to elevate the top ends of the pins above the top surface of the endless belt conveying surface to receive and impale a first slice of a stack. The pins are then retracted beneath the conveying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Formax, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Sandberg, Glen F. Pryor
  • Patent number: 7404482
    Abstract: A lateral guidance device including a hollow guide located along the conveyor track of a goods handling system on which products are guided laterally, composed of profiles that fit together with each other, each with an inner face and outer face, one of which is used for guidance purposes. An expandable chamber, housed in the hollow guide, is supplied with expansion fluid from a supply means. The outer faces are returned in to a position of minimum distance (dmin) between these faces by return means, when the fluid feed to the expandable chamber ceases. Thus, the distance between the outer faces is proportional to the supplying of the chamber with expansion fluid, between a minimum distance (dmin) and maximum (dmax).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Hervé Deflandre
  • Patent number: 7404483
    Abstract: An adhesive system and method of making same includes a package that defines a chamber, a resin component disposed within the chamber, and a hardener component disposed within the chamber. At least one of the resin component and the hardener component includes a photo-curable ingredient and is through cured to thereby prevent chemical reaction between the resin component and the hardener component within the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: ND Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard B. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7404484
    Abstract: Apparatus (19) for holding information storage media, such as a CD or DVD, in combination with a releasable security member (8) insertable into the apparatus for inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, e.g. by inhibiting access to the storage media by locking the apparatus in a closed configuration and/or by locking the storage media to the apparatus. The apparatus is adapted, e.g. by knowing one or more slots (12, 24) therein, to receive part of the security member therein and the security has at least one projection (9A, 10A) for inserting into the apparatus, e.g. through the slot (12, 24). Modification t the apparatus to enable it to receive a security member are described as well as different types of security members. Apparatus for releasing the security member from the apparatus holding the storage media is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Antony Farrar, Anthony Henry Joseph Fraser, Stefan Alexander Pijanowski, Robert Johnston
  • Patent number: 7404485
    Abstract: A roll wrap for wrapping a paper roll is provided. The roll wrap includes an outer wrapper and a header. The outer wrapper is constructed for circumscribing the periphery of the paper roll long a length of the paper roll from a first end of the paper roll to a second end of the paper roll. The outer wrapper includes a peripheral wrapper portion, a first edge region for forming a first crimp, a second edge region for forming a second crimp, an interior surface for contacting the paper roll, and an exterior surface. At least one of the exterior surface first edge region and the exterior surface second edge region or the interior surface first edge region and the interior surface second edge region includes a self seal adhesive. The header includes a first surface and a second surface. At least one of the first header first surface and the header second surface includes a self seal adhesive. A wrapped paper roll and a method for wrapping a paper roll are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: David Uitenbroek
  • Patent number: 7404486
    Abstract: A modular beverage can interlocking device which is adapted for forming a plurality of conventional beverage cans into a building block for use as a toy or in display applications. The device generally comprises a plurality of ring-shaped members, each having an upper and lower orifice which is optimally contoured to hold the lower and upper end of a conventional beverage can respectively via at least a snug friction-fit. Preferably, the lower orifice has an inwardly facing annular slot for releasable retention of the upper lip of a conventional can via a snap-fit, and most preferably, has multiple inwardly facing annular slots of varying diameter in order to provide a snap-fit for cans of varying outer dimensions. Optional designs are provided which enable the use of thermoplastic materials having a wide range of hardnesses as well as end-cap means which provide for rigid securement to any generally flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew Charles Smithers
  • Patent number: 7404487
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a commodity package, comprising a hanging member that has a hole for hanging, and a holding body for holding an article. The holding body has a first cutting portion for separating a first recess and the upper part of a first brim portion from each other, and a second cutting portion for separating a second recess and the upper part of a second brim portion from each other. The hanging member has a third cutting portion for separating the upper part and the lower part thereof from each other. The first, second and third cutting portions are provided at different heights. This makes it possible for the commodity package, when hung, to maintain favorable balance and obtain sufficient intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kumakura, Yoshikazu Yukami, Masaru Kanda
  • Patent number: 7404488
    Abstract: In packaging 10 comprising three layers of material 14, 16, 18 adhered together, the middle layer 16 has at east one portion 20 removed, defining a void inside the packaging. The three layers are the same size and shape. Partial cut-lines 22 extend width layers through all layers, at the edge of the packaging, to aid opening. A further perforation 32 may be applied to the two outer layers, substantially bridging the gap between the outer cuts. The first layer of the packaging is initially not completely joined to the middle layer, and can be folded back about a fold line 44, to allow insertion of an object before closing. A tapered gap 56 maybe provided in the edge of the middle layer, connecting to the removed portion. One of the outer layers 14, 18 may be provided with a printed, perforated portion, overlying the void space in the middle layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Logistix Limited
    Inventors: Antonius Cornelius Verbruggen, Marco Bakker, Mary Aiken
  • Patent number: 7404489
    Abstract: A stable pharmaceutical mercury-free aqueous solution of cyanocobalamin comprised of cyanocobalamin and water wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin is suitable for intranasal administration, has a viscosity less than about 1000 cPs, and wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of cyanocobalamin when administered intranasally of at least about 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of cyanocobalamin with the proviso that the solution is essentially free of mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The present invention is also directed towards a method for elevating the vitamin B12 levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) comprising administering intranasally a sufficient amount of a mercury-free cyanocobalamin solution so as to increase the average ratio of vitamin B12 in the CSF to that in the blood serum (B12 CSF/B12 Serum×100) to at least about 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: QOL Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Quay, Peter C. Aprile, Zenaida O. Go, Anthony P. Sileno
  • Patent number: 7404490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for assembly for a cylindrical split-flow thin separation channel that is capable of continuously separating particles of interest from a suspension flowing through the channel. The apparatus provides better precision in the separation process by providing better flow characteristics at the inlet, outlet, and in the zone of separation. Splitter surfaces are provided that match the calculated theoretical Inlet Splitter Surface (ISS) and Outlet Splitter Surface (OSS). A flow distributor diverts the inlet carrier flow into a stable, circumferentially uniform, laminar annular flow. The design enables manufacturing and assembly methods to ensure precise alignment of the components to further improve the flow profiles within the separation channel and to ensure repeatability device-to-device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: SHOT, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Kennedy, Eric W. Taylor, John C. Vellinger
  • Patent number: 7404491
    Abstract: Cyclones having abrasion resistant liners with a system and method for replacing the liners when they worn out due to the destructive nature of the materials being classified in the cyclone. The cyclone includes segmented inlet housing liners which are separately removable through the opened top of the cyclone housing. A lifting ring in the bottom of a conical housing has an apex cone and plural cone liners supported in a stacked array thereon within the conical housing and hoisting straps are used to lift the lifting ring, the apex cone and the array of cone liners out of the opened top of the cyclone housing without having to remove the cyclone from its operating position and completely disassemble the cyclone. Wear detector bolts attach the inlet head liners and a cage-like conical housing allows direct viewing of wear detecting weep holes provided in the liners mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Gordon R. Hakola
  • Patent number: 7404492
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone unit for separating a fibre pulp suspension containing relatively heavy contaminants has an elongate tapering separation chamber, an inlet member that feeds the suspension tangentially into the separation chamber at a base end, so as to form a vortex in the separation chamber, a reject fraction outlet at the apex end of the separation chamber for discharging a reject fraction containing heavy contaminants, and a central accept fraction outlet at the base end for discharging a central fraction containing fibres. A fluid injection member is adapted to inject a fluid tangentially into the separation chamber at a distance from the apex end which is at least 40% of the length of the separation chamber, such that the injected fluid increases the rotational speed of a portion of the vortex in the chamber to increase the separation efficiency with respect to fibres existing in the vortex portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: GLV Finance Hungary KFT
    Inventors: Valentina Kucher, Jan Backman
  • Patent number: 7404493
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filter that can minimize the amount of residual liquid within the housing or container with a simplified construction. The article includes a cylinder portion having a cylindrical internal space with both ends open, a cylindrically formed pleated filter 5 inserted in the internal space of the cylinder portion 3 in contact with the inner wall of the cylinder portion 3 and having upper and lower edges liquid-tightly sealed. A perforate inner core 7 supports the inner surface of the pleated filter 5, lower and upper end caps 9, 11 are liquid-tightly bonded to the respective ends of the cylinder portion 3. A liquid distribution passage 21 communicates with gaps between the pleats of the pleated filter 5 from the lower portion of the cylinder portion 3. A liquid feed inlet 15 communicates with the liquid distribution passage 21 formed between the periphery of the pleated filter and a tapered inner wall surface 8 of the cylinder portion 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Fumio Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7404494
    Abstract: A system for front facing products without the use of product pushers or shelf dividers includes a generally flat panel which supports products and a motion providing device adapted to come into contact with the panel. The motion providing device may include a motor-driven cam that moves the panel quickly in one direction and then slowly in the opposite direction. During the quick movement of the panel, the friction between the panel and the products resting on the panel is released and the panel generally moves under the products while the products remain generally stationary. In this manner, products can be moved to the front end of a panel without use of a product pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Patent number: 7404495
    Abstract: A child-resistant dispensing closure includes a base having a deck with a dispensing opening and a peripheral skirt. A lid is integrally molded with the base and coupled by a hinge to a periphery of the base so as to be pivotable between closed and open positions. One of the base and the lid has a latch arm resiliently extending from its periphery diametrically opposite the hinge. The latch arm has a pair of oppositely extending tabs adjacent to a free end of the arm. The other of the base and the lid has an axial passage for receiving the latch arm, and a pair of laterally spaced ledges in the passage for engagement by the tabs to lock the lid in the closed position. The latch arm is directly manually engageable by a user from a radial direction external to the closure to pivot the latch arm radially inwardly within the passage and release the tabs from the ledges so that the lid can be pivoted to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Rexam Closure Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Wing-Kwong Keung
  • Patent number: 7404496
    Abstract: A ceramic discharge vessel in a green state prior to assembly includes a first discharge vessel part in a green state, a second discharge vessel part in a green state, wherein the first and second discharge vessel parts form a discharge vessel when joined together, and a first capillary attached to the first discharge vessel part and a second capillary attached to one of the first and second discharge vessel parts. To facilitate joining the first and second discharge vessel parts, a first removable handle is temporarily attached to the first discharge vessel part for maneuvering the first discharge vessel part, and a second removable handle is temporarily attached to the second discharge vessel part for maneuvering the second discharge vessel part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Neil, Gregory Zaslavsky, Victor E. Perez, Joseph V. Lima
  • Patent number: 7404497
    Abstract: There is provided a container system adapted to withstand a single impact or repeated impacts. The container system features a first container having a first container body. The container system further features a second container which has a second container body. The second container defines a second body height and a second body wall thickness. A body recess which is adapted to releasibly engage the first container body of the first container is formed on the second container body and is extended along the second body height. The body recess defines at least one recess bottom corner having a recess bottom corner wall thickness which is at least identical to the second body wall thickness of the second container body. This specified bottom corner wall thickness of the body recess allows the second container to withstand the single impact or repeated impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Philip D. Lowance
  • Patent number: 7404498
    Abstract: A fuel supply pipe device for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a fuel supply pipe connected to the fuel tank, and a filler pipe connected to the fuel supply pipe. A hose intrusion preventing member is situated inside the fuel supply pipe. The hose intrusion preventing member includes plural obstructing plates extending parallel to each other following an axial line of the fuel supply pipe, and an annular member attached to the obstructing plates. A metal pipe member is disposed inside the fuel supply pipe adjacent to the hose intrusion preventing member to locate the hose intrusion preventing member inside the fuel supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventors: Toshio Hattori, Takeshi Kojima
  • Patent number: 7404499
    Abstract: A trashcan assembly includes a container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from said bottom wall, a rim of said peripheral wall defining an opening extending into said container; and a bag engaging member located in an area of said peripheral wall The bag engaging member includes a housing separate from said peripheral wall, said housing having a surface that is generally parallel to a plane of said peripheral wall in said area and is configured for receiving a portion of a trash bag for securing the trash bag to an outer surface of said peripheral wall. A trash bag may be extended over said rim and secured to said peripheral wall with said bag engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Pressix Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Franklin M. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 7404500
    Abstract: A pill dispensing cap for a bottle has an inner sleeve with a divider panel and a first base panel rotatable within an outer sleeve having a second base panel. First and second window openings are defined in the first and second base panels. A plate moveable across and within the two sleeves defines a third window opening and a fourth window opening is defined in the divider panel. The plate can be held in an initial position wherein the first and second windows are aligned, whilst the third and fourth windows are not aligned. The outer sleeve is rotatable to a condition wherein the first and second windows are not aligned and the plate can then be slid across to a condition wherein the third and fourth windows are aligned to allow pills in a bottle to enter the inner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Owen Mumford Limited
    Inventors: Dennis Marteau, Steven Mark Rolfe