Patents Issued in July 29, 2008
  • Patent number: 7404501
    Abstract: A positioning mechanism for a vending machine is provided to properly align product containers for vending purposes. The vending machine includes a cabinet that establishes a product storage zone, a product delivery zone and a dispensing chamber. Arranged within the product storage zone are a plurality of shelves which include dividers that separate the shelves into a plurality of product queues. Each product queue includes an dispensing mechanism that releases a selected product from the product queue for delivery to the dispensing chamber. In addition, each product queue includes a positioning mechanism to align products in the product queue. The positioning mechanism includes a support member secured to the divider and a spacer bar pivotally secured to the support member. The spacer bar automatically adjusts to a width of a product container placed in the product queue in order to assure proper alignment of the product for dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Dixie-Narco, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hayward Kelly
  • Patent number: 7404502
    Abstract: A hanger assembly is disclosed as including a main body with a male portion, a hook joined at an upper portion of the body, and a hook receiving element adapted to engage with the male portion. A hanger is also disclosed as being formed of engagement of the body and the hook receiving element of the hanger assembly. There is also disclosed a method of forming a hanger, including the steps of (a) providing a main body with a male portion; (b) providing a hook at an upper portion of the body; (c) providing a hook receiving element adapted to engage with the male portion; and (d) engaging the male portion with the hook receiving element to thereby engage the body with the hook receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Build-Up Plastics & Metal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Leung Ho, Alex Hin Ho
  • Patent number: 7404503
    Abstract: A compact clothes hanger having a straight member having a hooked end and an opposite end perpendicularly secured between a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end of a horizontal top arm. A recessed area centrally disposed between the first end and the second end and operatively aligned with the hooked end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew Cleaver, Myron D Osborn
  • Patent number: 7404504
    Abstract: Cargo carriers are disclosed, and more particularly adjustable cargo carriers that may be mounted on a rear of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Settelmayer
  • Patent number: 7404505
    Abstract: An enclosed carrier for a folded wheelchair, mounted on the outside side of an automobile, behind and adjacent to the driver's door, so that a wheelchair user can shift himself from his wheelchair to the driver's seat, then fold and store his own wheelchair, thus maintaining an economical independence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: William Paul Walther
  • Patent number: 7404506
    Abstract: A system and related methods for preventing back injury involving backpacks, wherein a weighing feature is provided for weighing the payload of the backpack and determining whether the payload is above a predetermined weight limit, and an alarm (e.g. audio, visual and/or tactile) is provided for alerting a user and/or a guardian that the weight of the payload is too great and must be reduced prior to safely carrying the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony C. Ross
  • Patent number: 7404507
    Abstract: A spring energized stapler includes a “high start” design wherein a striker has a rest position above the staple track. A handle is pressed to energize a power spring while the striker remains stationary. At a predetermined position of the handle, the striker is released to eject a staple. A subassembly of a cage and the power spring provides a preload to the power spring in the rest position. The subassembly is separately movable from the handle to allow a handle pressing end to move farther than the striker's distance of travel. The handle includes a movable pivot location to enable enhanced motion of the handle pressing end. Alternatively, an optional lever links the striker to the power spring to provide leverage upon the power spring. A release latch may be mounted in front of the striker to be engaged by the lever or the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Marks
  • Patent number: 7404508
    Abstract: A medical device includes a control handle, an end effector, and a passive articulating joint connecting the end effector to the handle. The handle has a stapling actuator, an articulation joint actuator different from the stapling actuator, and a body through which the stapling and articulation joint actuators traverse. The end effector has an anvil, a stapler cartridge with staples, and an anvil-cartridge control device connected thereto and to the stapling actuator and staples when the stapling actuator is actuated. The stapling actuator passes through the articulating joint and flexes correspondingly to articulation of the articulating joint. The articulation joint actuator, when unactuated, holds the articulation joint and, thereby, the end effector, in a substantially fixed articulation position, and, when actuated, releases the articulation joint into its freely articulating state to permit free articulation of the end effector dependent upon external forces acting upon the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, Korey Robert Kline, Derek Dee Deville
  • Patent number: 7404509
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a surgical stapler. In one embodiment, a surgical stapler is provided having a stapling mechanism or end effector that is movably coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling mechanism relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the staple applying assembly, thereby driving one or more staples, and preferably at least two linear rows of staples, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ortiz, Frederick Shelton, IV, Jeffrey Swayze
  • Patent number: 7404510
    Abstract: A method of friction stir welding and a non-consumable retractable shoulderless variable penetration friction stir welding tool. The tool includes a substantially cylindrical body portion, a head portion, and a tip section, each integral to the tool. The body portion has a longitudinal axis about which it is rotable, a diameter, a sidewall substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The head portion is located at the distal end of the body portion. The head portion has a base with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the body portion thereby forming a smooth transition between the body portion and the head portion, thus the tool has no shoulder. The head portion includes a face that converges to the tip section. The tool is retractable, reduces overheating, improves weld quality by reducing internal voids and lack of fusion, and facilitates variable penetration welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Trapp, James J. Fisher, Jr., Jeffrey J. Bemath
  • Patent number: 7404511
    Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus includes a substrate holding section that holds a semiconductor wafer substrate, a discharge mechanism that discharges liquid drops of metal paste from a discharge nozzle toward a surface of the semiconductor wafer substrate, and a driving mechanism that moves at least one of the substrate holding section and the discharge nozzle. A control section is provided to control the discharge and driving mechanisms so as to adhere the metal paste to the surface. The semiconductor wafer substrate includes a terminal unit formed from two or more electrically separated terminals connected to a device circuit and an insulation layer having an opening in a formation position of the terminal unit. Further, the control section controls the discharge and driving mechanisms to selectively coat the opening of the semiconductor wafer substrate with the metal paste overlying the terminal unit to be electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunari Kimino
  • Patent number: 7404512
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for clamping around a manufacturing tool engaging a work piece are described. In one embodiment, a clamp includes a moveable support arranged to at least partially surround a circumference defining a work area. A friction reducing element is attached to the support to apply pressure to the surface when the clamp is engaged with the work piece, and to allow the clamp to be moved with the manufacturing tool. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the clamp co-annularly or partially surrounds the manufacturing tool. In another embodiment, the manufacturing tool is a friction stir welding tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John A. Baumann, Richard J. Lederich
  • Patent number: 7404513
    Abstract: A semiconductor device with a chip having at least one metallic bond pad (101) over weak insulating material (102). In contact with this bond pad is a flattened metal ball (104) made of at least 99.999% pure metal such as gold, copper, or silver. The diameter (104a) of the flattened ball is less than or equal to the diameter (103a) of the bond pad. A wire (110) is connected to the bond pad so that the wire has a thickened portion (111) conductively attached to the flattened metal ball. The wire is preferably made of composed metal such as gold alloy. The composition of the flattened ball is softer than the wire. This softness of the flattened ball protects the underlying insulator against damage caused by pressure or stress, when the composed ball is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Sohichi Kadoguchi, Norihiro Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7404514
    Abstract: A nutrition indicator device includes a plurality of discs mounted on a pin, some of the discs being removable from the pin. Each side of each disc has an empty circular central area, and radially extending rows of numerical nutritional values for foods and the names of foods radially outwardly of such values. An opaque mask with a radially extending window is mounted on the pin for displaying the name of a single food and the nutritional values for a serving of the food when a disc below the mask is rotated to align a food name with the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Alexandre Ackaoui
  • Patent number: 7404515
    Abstract: A automated banking machine (10) and method of operating the machine is provided. The method comprises causing with a terminal application, at least one transaction function device of the automated banking machine to operate through at least one communication with an XFS layer of the automated banking machine. The automated banking machine may include a cash dispenser and the transaction function may include dispensing cash. The method further comprises causing with at least one diagnostic application, at least one internal component of the at least one transaction function device to perform at least one function without communicating with the at least one transaction function device through the XFS layer. The internal function may include operating a motor or sensor of the cash dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems divison of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven Shepley, Sergio Pellegrini, Marcelo Soares de Castro, Glenda Griswold, Aarthi Rao, Kristin Stewart, Deborah Arney, James Block
  • Patent number: 7404516
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a presentation instrument comprises a card body having machine readable information stored thereon. A protective device is coupled to the card body so as to be disposed over at least a portion of the machine readable information such that the machine readable information is incapable of being read by a machine when the protective device is in place and the machine readable information is readable by a machine when the protective device is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Chris McGee, Keith Newbrough, Kevin Harte
  • Patent number: 7404517
    Abstract: A non-contact-type access authorization reading device on an access control apparatus (1) reads an access authorization stored in a data carrier (9) received by an object (ski 7) which the user carries near the ground. The reading device has an antenna (11) disposed in the ground area and is connected to an evaluation unit which releases the access (2) upon reading of a valid access authorization. To provide the data carrier (9) with an access authorization, a copy-over data carrier (12) is acquired which stores a coding authorization for an access authorization. A copy-over reading device reads the coding authorization on the copy-over data carrier (12), and a coding device contactlessly codes the access authorization on the access authorization data carrier (9), the coding authorization being deleted after coding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: SkiData AG
    Inventors: Kurt Wallerstorfer, Gregor Ponert
  • Patent number: 7404518
    Abstract: A controller has a display unit for displaying commands used for controlling apparatuses, wherein the display unit includes a first area for displaying commands selected with a first operation unit and set with a second operation unit, and a second area for displaying commands selected and set at the same time with a third operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Nakamura, Shuichi Otsu, Mie Namai
  • Patent number: 7404519
    Abstract: A microwave oven including: a control panel; a scanner guide in the control panel; a scanner drawable into the scanner guide and pushable out of the scanner guide; and a driving section drawing the scanner into and pushing the scanner out of the scanner guide. The bar code scanner reads a bar code when in the scanner guide and when out of the scanner guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sei Ill Jeon
  • Patent number: 7404520
    Abstract: Real time location system functionality is provided in conjunction with bar codes and other coded information devices to provide location information in transaction processing systems. A system and method of the present invention may be used to track the location of objects which are coupled to coded information devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sarosh Vesuna
  • Patent number: 7404521
    Abstract: In paper based user interfaces to machines, a business machine receives user input from a digital pen and paper system and determines if such input is authorized. In another example, a business machine processes a batch of prewritten user inputs from a digital pen and paper system when the digital pen is collocated operatively connected to the business machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Parkos, Jean-Hiram Coffy, Jacques E. Hasbani
  • Patent number: 7404522
    Abstract: An information carrier in which the substrate, having a signal-forming portion for forming signals corresponding to specific information, is attached to a base material having a transfer portion for transferring signals. The specific information is recognized using signals transferred from the signal-forming portion through the transfer portion. The surface attached to the substrate is the surface for attaching the carrier and substrate to an object. When the information carrier is peeled off the object, the substrate remains on the object, thereby separating the substrate and the base material. Accordingly, the signals from the signal-forming portion are no longer transmitted to base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventor: Wakahiro Kawai
  • Patent number: 7404523
    Abstract: Information recorded by an application provider in an IC card can be referred to, read out or changed by another application provider. The IC card has a plurality of cipher keys for reading out or writing the information recorded in the IC card, and provides a cipher key conversion function for encryption with a file capable of being managed, read out or written by the application provider himself using the cipher key. By the cipher key conversion function, data can be read out or written from or in the file of the other application provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Takami, Shinichiro Fukushima, Kazunori Hashimoto, Makoto Aikawa, Tetsuharu Inamitsu
  • Patent number: 7404524
    Abstract: A traction aid for providing traction to a wheel of a vehicle relative a ground surface has two sections, composed of side members and traction members, connected by a connecting mechanism enabling pivotal unfolding and folding of sections between folded and unfolded configurations for device. In unfolded configuration, sections are longitudinally opposed end-to-end to allow wheel to pass over both sections when device is deployed on ground surface. In folded configuration, sections are folded together and extend substantially parallel one another. Each section has a plurality of gripping members attached to side members and extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Serge Mathieu
  • Patent number: 7404525
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler having a rotatable nozzle assembly for watering an arc of ground traversed or swept by the nozzle assembly as the nozzle assembly rotates is disclosed. Oscillating rotation is achieved via a drive train that includes a trip spring that is drivable between first and second positions for reversing the direction of nozzle rotation. The sprinkler also includes: a variable trajectory nozzle; secondary opening adjacent the variable trajectory nozzle; an automatic break up screw configuration; a substantially constant speed turbine assembly; a bypass stator; a reversing cluster gear planetary drive with a uni-directional turbine; an overcenter reversing mechanism; a nozzle base clutch; an adjustable arc mechanism, solid arc limit stops, a snap ring installation method and an adjustable pilot valve which uses visual indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Miguel Santiago, Jeff McKenzie, Peter Janku, Steven C. Renquist, Hyok Lee, Steve K. Kish, James T. Wright, III, Chad McCormick
  • Patent number: 7404526
    Abstract: An injection nozzle for an internal combustion engine, the injection nozzle including an outer valve needle which is engageable with an outer valve seating so as to control injection through a first nozzle outlet, an inner valve needle which is movable within the outer valve needle and engageable with an inner valve seating so as to control injection through a second nozzle outlet, and a coupling arrangement for coupling movement of the outer valve needle to the inner valve needle in circumstances in which the outer valve needle is moved away from the outer valve seating beyond a predetermined amount, thereby to permit fuel injection through both the first and second nozzle outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Cooke, Andrew J. Limmer, Louise A. Connelly
  • Patent number: 7404527
    Abstract: A safety shield (10) is adapted to be used in a machine having a blade assembly such as an ice shaving and dispensing machine (11). The machine (11) has an ice bin (13) carried by a pedestal (12). An ice shelf (31) has an opening (32) and is positioned in the bin (13). The opening (32) provides access to the blade assembly which includes a shaver wheel (35) which directs ice to a blade (40). The shield (10) has a ring-shaped sidewall (50) which is carried by the bin (13) and which can extend upwardly out of the bin (13) to increase the capacity thereof. The shield (10) also includes a disk-shaped hub (51) which is connected to the side wall (50) by a plurality of arms (52). The hub (51) is larger than the opening (32) and is positioned over the opening (32) to prevent direct human access thereto. But ice may still pass through openings (53) between the arms (52) and through the opening (32) in the shelf (31) to be received by the blade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Katz, Richard D. Boozer, Stephen P. Rukavina, Jim Lachendro, Robert M. Ulanski
  • Patent number: 7404528
    Abstract: A recording tape cartridge includes: a case accommodating a reel on which a recording tape is wound; a brake member provided non-rotatably with respect to the case; a lock member provided in a mounting portion on the inner surface of a top plate of the case to be slidable in a radial direction of the reel; and a falling-out preventing member for keeping the lock member from being removed from the mounting portion. The brake member is arranged to selectively assume a rotation locking position where the brake member is engaged with the reel to prevent the reel from being rotated and a rotation permitting position where the brake member is disengaged from the reel to permit the reel to be rotated. The lock member is arranged, when the brake member assumes the rotation locking position, to be interposed between the upper surface of the reel and a top plate of the case, thereby preventing the reel from being moved axially thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Hiraguchi
  • Patent number: 7404529
    Abstract: The rewinding machine includes a first winding roller; a second winding roller; a nip defined between the first and second winding rollers, through which the web material is fed; a roller surface, extending upstream of the nip in relation to the direction of feed of the web material and defining, with the first winding roller, a channel into which winding cores are fed, the channel having an inlet and an outlet; a feeder to feed winding cores into the channel; and a severing device to sever the web material upon termination of winding a log. The severing device is disposed to operate on the web material in a position upstream of the inlet end of the channel, in relation to the direction of feed of the web material. The first winding roller has suction openings on its cylindrical surface. Moreover, between the position in which the severing device operates and the inlet of the channel, a suction box is provided inside the first winding roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.
    Inventors: Guglielmo Biagiotti, Mauro Gelli
  • Patent number: 7404530
    Abstract: A refueling drogue adapted to connect to a refueling hose extending from a refueling aircraft. The refueling drogue may include an active control system, wherein, in an exemplary embodiment, the active control system is adapted to regulate the position of the drogue to maintain a substantially fixed orientation relative to a refueling aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: Frank Saggio, III, William B. Ribbens, Kean K. Ooi
  • Patent number: 7404531
    Abstract: An improved plastic trash bag holder is presented. The invention will hold a standard t-shirt shopping bag firmly and permit the bag to be held in the hand by means of an attached handle or placed on a vertical flat surface by means of screw or other attachments mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Peter McConnell
  • Patent number: 7404532
    Abstract: A safety gate mounting kit is disclosed for use in the installation of a safety gate to a post, such as a newel post or similar structure, such kit having a first pair of clamping members for attachment to a top portion of a rectangular post and a second pair of clamping members for attachment to a lower portion of a rectangular post. First and second round post adapters for positioning around opposite sides of a round section of the post are provided for insertion between one pair of the clamping members. A wooden gate attachment member is provided to be attached to the first and second clamping members to which wooden gate attachment member the assembly/attachment hardware of a safety gate can be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey Baril
  • Patent number: 7404533
    Abstract: A display bar assembly for mounting on spaced apart slotted uprights on a merchandising gondola or the like. A tubular display bar of polygonal cross section is fitted with a pair of mounting brackets, which are slidable along the bar to enable spacing of the mounting brackets to agree with the spacing between the slotted uprights, which can be somewhat variable. The mounting brackets are formed with openings which closely and non-rotatably receive the display bar and are provided with hook-like tabs which engage slots in the uprights. Flanged end plugs are received tightly in each end of the display bar to prevent removal of the slidable brackets, such that the display bar and bracket form a permanent assembly. The mounting brackets may have multiple hook-like tabs for installation on uprights of different thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Trion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Kologe
  • Patent number: 7404534
    Abstract: A bottle holder includes a first flexible strap that is clamped around a bottle, with an end of the strap being clamped by pivoting a locking lever in a locking block. A first version of the bottle holder has a clip for attachment to the belt or waistband of the user's clothing. A second version has a second belt for attachment to a stationary member, such as the rail of an exercise machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Zoya, Inc.
    Inventor: Zoya Hajianpour
  • Patent number: 7404535
    Abstract: A video monitor mount includes a first piece adapted to be fastened to a wall and a second piece adapted to be fastened to a video monitor. The first piece includes a bubble level and a first mating component and the second piece includes a second mating component. The first piece or the second piece comprises an extension arm having a rotation joint that comprises a brass bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Elexa Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Rob Mossman, Andy Davis
  • Patent number: 7404536
    Abstract: A suction cup removably attached to a housing lifts and moves an object. A venturi removably attached to the housing provides a vacuum effect to secure the suction cup to the object. The venturi includes a pair of opposing ears. When the venturi is inserted into a venturi hole of the housing, the ears compress a pin. When the venturi is rotated to an attached position, the ears do not contact the pin, and a spring biases the pin outwardly to secure the venturi to the housing. The pin is coupled to a button on the housing that can be slid to move the pin inwardly to allow rotation and removal of venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Syron Engineering & Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: James R. Kalb
  • Patent number: 7404537
    Abstract: A device for guiding two sub-assemblies of a motor vehicle displaceable in relation to one another. Said device comprises two guide elements positioned at a distance from one another in a transversal direction that is perpendicular to the guide direction and two guide units, in which a respective guide element is mounted so that it is displaceable in the guide direction. The guide elements are intercoupled and stops are allocated to the guide elements on the guide units, said stops limiting a displacement of the guide elements in relation to the respective guide units in the transversal direction, perpendicular to the guide direction. A first of the two guide elements in the allocated guide unit is mounted perpendicularly to the guide direction with a negligible displacement margin. The second guide element is mounted in the allocated guide unit with a greater displacement margin in the transversal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Bernhard Schrimpl, Andreas Schmid, Martin Schwarz, Günther Fletzberger
  • Patent number: 7404538
    Abstract: A shut-off valve for pressurized fluids in an air cooling/heating apparatus having a first duct receiving a first restrictor and a second restrictor. Both restrictors are coaxially formed with a capillary through which the pressurized fluid passes and which causes the rapid expansion of the fluid when the fluid exits from a distal end of the capillary. The outer surface of the restrictors is in direct contact with the interior surface of the first duct. The valve can further include a sampling instrument located between the restrictors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Scott D. Gill, Justin C. Miller, Frederick J. Pilon
  • Patent number: 7404539
    Abstract: An apparatus for the transmission of a deflection of an actuator, in particular of a piezoelectric actuator of an injection valve, comprises at least one first lever device which has a first transmission element which transmits the deflection of the actuator. In this case, there is provision for at least one first spring element to be provided for guiding or mounting the first transmission element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Volkswagen Mechatronic GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventor: Maximilian Kronberger
  • Patent number: 7404540
    Abstract: A primary pole piece (PPP) for an electrical solenoid linear actuator includes an inner skirt portion extending axially from a radial flange portion and having a substantially uniform cylindrical thickness and a non-uniform axial length. The skirt is formed into a plurality of “saw teeth” or other axially-extending and circumferentially tapered elements separated by axially extending notches or similar axial inlets along the terminal skirt edge. Whereas in the prior art the magnetic flux is intensified radially by conical formation of the skirt, in the present invention the magnetic flux is intensified azimuthally by being collected in and directed to terminal flats of the saw teeth. The entire PPP may be net-formed by conventional powdered metal press/sintering, requiring no post-forming machining. Preferably, the molded PPP is conventionally sintered to increase density and is impregnated for plating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Cocca, Dwight H. Overmoyer, Thomas H. Lichti, Jack E. Gerke
  • Patent number: 7404541
    Abstract: A solenoid valve comprises a valve chamber between a base body and a magnet head and in the valve chamber a magnet armature functioning as a valve member is located. The actuation of the magnet armature takes place by activation of an electromagnet means, which possesses a magnet core arrangement with a plurality of pole faces facing the magnet armature. In order to reduce the impact of the magnet armature a damping plate arrangement is located between the magnet armature and the pole faces, such plate arrangement being in the form of a material which is not ferromagnetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Berger, Volkart Diehl
  • Patent number: 7404542
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a valve for a flexible plastic container and more particularly to a valve for dispensing particulate containing liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Rapak, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Smith, Michael L. Wilford
  • Patent number: 7404543
    Abstract: A valve actuator is disclosed for use with short throw valves. The actuator includes a plate perpendicular to the valve stem that has a slot formed of regions having different radii of curvature centered on the valve stem. An eccentric cam is attached to a handle mounted on the valve stem. The cam extends through the slot and is rotatable for positioning at a radius corresponding to the radius of the different slot regions. When the cam is rotated so that it may traverse a slot region, the handle can be turned to move the valve closing member through an angle subtended by the slot region. This permits the valve to be opened or closed in a step-wise fashion and prevents rapid opening and closing of the valve that can cause a water hammer effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Richard R. Weston, Terrance M. Carom
  • Patent number: 7404544
    Abstract: A torque limiting clutch includes a drive shaft having central rotational axis, a disk-shaped spring member secured to the drive shaft for rotation therewith, and a plate adjacent the spring member and having a plurality of grooves receiving bosses of the spring member. The spring member has a plurality bosses formed at an outer edge of the spring member that each form a generally V-shaped engagement surface. The grooves each form a generally V-shaped engagement surface engaging the bosses. A retaining clip retains the plate relative to the spring member to obtain a predetermined spring pretension. Engagement of the bosses with the grooves causes rotation of the plate upon rotation of the drive shaft when below a predetermined torque limit and deflection of the bosses out of the grooves prevents rotation of the plate upon rotation of the drive shaft when above the predetermine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Joseph McDonald, Bruce Daniel Kingsbury
  • Patent number: 7404545
    Abstract: A tire carrier assembly includes a rotation shaft and a housing have a bottom wall including a first aperture for receiving the rotation shaft. The housing also includes a sidewall extending upward from the bottom wall defining an interior space. The sidewall includes inner and outer surfaces. A sheave is disposed within the interior space of the housing and has a second aperture that receives the rotation shaft. The sheave also includes a gear member associated with it. Also included is a torque plate having a base, the base having opposing first and second surfaces and a third aperture formed therein. The third aperture has a gear portion formed around a periphery of the aperture. The torque plate also includes an arm portion projecting radially from the base. The gear portion of the torque plate is in operable engagement with the gear member of the sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter J. Steiner, Anthony Paul Voegeli, Jr., Jeffrey Michael Stephens
  • Patent number: 7404546
    Abstract: A carburetor arrangement for a manually-guided implement operated by an internal combustion engine. A carburetor supplies a fuel/air mixture to the engine, with a butterfly valve being disposed in the intake duct of the carburetor and with a choke valve being disposed upstream of the butterfly valve. A start lever is provided for actuating the carburetor in a start phase, and acts upon the choke valve. The start lever can be shifted in a direction of actuation and in an unlocking direction that is independent of the direction of actuation. The start lever can be locked in a rest position relative to the direction of actuation, and after being shifted out of the rest position in the unlocking direction is shiftable in the direction of actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: André Prager, Thomas Sonnenkalb
  • Patent number: 7404547
    Abstract: An end member assembly includes a first end member and a second end member. An air spring assembly can be formed using an end member assembly on one end thereof. A method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7404548
    Abstract: A dampening clip assembly may include a spring mount, a clip member, and a sealing member. The spring mount may include a base, a piston cylinder extending from the base and defining an interior cavity, a mounting surface having a passage formed therethrough, and a spring positioned between the base and the mounting surface. The clip member is secured to the spring mount and configured to retain a tube. The clip member includes a piston extending from a main body. The piston may be disposed within the interior cavity of the piston cylinder. The sealing member may be secured to a portion of the piston, and forms a fluid-tight seal between the piston cylinder and the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Kwilosz
  • Patent number: 7404549
    Abstract: A transporting mechanism includes a link chain and clamps which are attached to a chain link of the link chain and which are capable of gripping at least one printed product. At least two clamps are attached to each chain link of the link chain, wherein the clamps in the link chain are spaced apart from one another by equal spacings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Müller Martini Holding AG
    Inventors: Jörg Meier, Jean-Claude Oppliger
  • Patent number: 7404550
    Abstract: A wire stitching machine and a method for wire-stitching print products with the wire-stitching machine. At least one stitching head is arranged to move along with a respective print product to be stitched during a stitching operation. A control device is arranged to control the stitching head so that the stitching head is displaced relative to the print product following placement of a first staple by the stitching head in a print product to drive in at least one second staple at a distance to the first staple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventors: Stephan Vogel, Roland Kost