Patents Issued in July 29, 2008
  • Patent number: 7404551
    Abstract: An improved method for monitoring stack quality in a finisher of a printer includes examining the net displacement of a compiling tray after each set has been ejected. A deviation from the normal increments of displacement for each set triggers a “tray full” condition which alerts a user to empty the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Brown, Raymond M. Ruthenberg, Wayne R. Jordan, Richard Biasutto, Michel Loiselle, Perry C. Dong, Mathieu King
  • Patent number: 7404552
    Abstract: Paper sheets or the like inserted in a bundled state from the outside are conveyed in that state to an advancing section. Then, the paper sheets or the like, advanced on sheet by sheet basis from the advancing section, are conveyed to temporary holding section and received there. The reception of the paper sheets or the like, received in the temporary holding section in a stacked manner, is made by conveying them in a bundled state from the advancing section and advancing them on sheet by sheet basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Hayami Abe, Kazuto Kitano, Hayato Minamishin, Hiroshi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7404553
    Abstract: Sheets (12, 14) of a medium stored in a stack (10) are separated and fed into an office machine. The edge of the top sheet (12) is lifted off the corresponding edge of the following second sheet (14). At least one separator (26) is inserted into the gap (32) resulting from the lifting of the top-sheet (12) and the top sheet (12) is lifted by the separator from the following sheet (14). This causes a reduction of the friction between the top sheet (12) and the following sheet (14) during separation of the top sheet (12), so that the electrical charge of the sheets (12, 14) generated by this friction is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Helmut Steinhilber
  • Patent number: 7404554
    Abstract: A magazine pressure control is provided with pressure control wheels that are designed to regulate pressure on carton blanks being fed to a folder/gluer in a carton forming operation. These wheels are disposed around the periphery of the carton blank to urge the edges of the cartons forward and to straighten misaligned cartons. A separately controlled motor operates each half of the magazine pressure control. Each motor is controlled by a pressure sensor assembly and regulates the progression of the carton blanks through the magazine pressure control to equalize the pressure around the periphery of the carton blanks as they are presented to the pick face of the folder/gluer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Hendricks, Jeff Disrud, Frank Moncrief
  • Patent number: 7404555
    Abstract: A tray positioning mechanism S contacts one of a paper feed tray 2 and a main apparatus body as the paper feed tray 2 is attached to a tray receiver 52, to restrict movement in an attaching direction of the paper feed tray 2. The tray positioning mechanism S is attached to the other of the paper feed tray 2 and the main apparatus body. The tray positioning mechanism S includes a fixed member Sf fixed to the other of the paper feed tray 2 and the main apparatus body, and a contact member St having a contact portion Sh. The fixed member Sf and contact member St are relatively movably connected to each other. At least one of the fixed member Sf and the contact member St has a plurality of reaction force receiving surfaces Ss formed continuously for receiving a contact reaction force of the tray positioning mechanism S when the fixed member Sf and the contact member St are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Yonemoto
  • Patent number: 7404556
    Abstract: A device for stacking sheets includes a layboy, a transfer conveyor, a main conveyor, a diverting apparatus, and an accumulator. The main conveyor is pivotably mounted to a base to that it may be pivoted between an upper position and a lower position. The diverting apparatus has a plurality of diverting slats pivotably mounted to a support shaft so that the slats may be raised and lowered. When the main conveyor is in the upper position, the diverting slats are not activated, that is, they are not raised. Accordingly, when sheets are transferred along and discharged from the main conveyor, the trajectory of the sheets is basically the same as the angle of the conveyor. In contrast, when the main conveyor is in a lower position, the slats are raised. Accordingly, discharged sheets are diverted so that the trajectory of the sheets is different than the angle of the conveyor. The slats may be placed at any chosen angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: A. G. Stacker, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence C. Allen, Jr., Walter R. Dent, Joseph W. Bush, Jr., Sharon L. Myers
  • Patent number: 7404557
    Abstract: A sheet transporting apparatus, includes: a sheet transportation path; a predetermined number of transport members disposed in a sheet transportation path; a side position regulating mechanism which regulates a position of a side edge of a sheet in the sheet transportation path, the side position regulating mechanism having a reference member configured to change a sheet regulation position; a base member on which at least the reference member is mounted; a first adjusting mechanism which adjusts a position of the reference member; and a second adjusting mechanism which adjusts a position of a base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Tada, Yoshimasa Sasaoka, Takashi Abe, Akira Iwasaka, Takuyoshi Kimura, Satoshi Shino
  • Patent number: 7404558
    Abstract: A sheet supplying device has a sheet delivering roller for delivering sheets one by one; a feeding roller for feeding the sheet delivered by the sheet delivering roller; a pinch roller urged by the feeding roller to be rotated by the feeding roller; a detecting lever swingable by being contacted by a leading of the sheet delivered by the sheet delivering roller; and a sensor for detecting the swing motion of the detecting lever. An area of said detecting lever to which the leading end of the sheet is contactable is such a curved surface that a distance from a nip between the feeding roller and the pinch roller is substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Kanome
  • Patent number: 7404559
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet feeding apparatus comprises: a multiple feed detecting section; a temperature detecting section; and a control section. The multiple feed detecting section has an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver arranged on opposite sides of the conveyance path for conveying the sheets, and detects the feed of multiple sheets by, transmitting an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic transmitter to the ultrasonic receiver through at least one sheet traveling along the conveyance path, and comparing the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver with a reference level. The temperature detecting section detects a temperature of the apparatus, and the control section adjusts a detecting condition of the multiple feed detecting section based on the detected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Yoshimura, Kazumichi Yamauchi, Akira Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7404560
    Abstract: A variation of baccarat card game is played with six or eight decks standard 53 playing cards with one joker in each deck. It is playing as the traditional baccarat game. It provides variety optional side bets, such as, banker blackjack, banker 21, banker 17, player blackjack, player 21 and player 16 beside the main wagering areas, Banker, Player and Tie. The jokers serve as winning cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Hui Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7404561
    Abstract: A Lemonade Stand playing card game has a box; playing cards and a set of rules and a die, the playing cards including financial cards which constitute the majority of the playing cards and which teach the value of money in business, timing cards which constitute the minority of the playing cards and which teach the value of time in business, and activity cards which constitute less than ten percent of the playing cards and which teach the value of actions in business; a set of rules; and a die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Clay Savage
  • Patent number: 7404562
    Abstract: A quick detachable basketball machine comprising a front cabinet unit and a rear cabinet unit is disclosed. The front cabinet unit has an electronic coin slot box, two lower side panels, two upper side panels detachably connected to the lower side panels at the top, an oblique baffle obliquely detachably coupled between the upper side panels, an outer guide board detachably supported between the lower side panels, and two stop blocks mounted on the outer guide board. The rear cabinet unit has a bottom box, a vertical back rack hinged to the rear side of the top wall of the bottom box and holding a rim hoop ring, two side panels respectively hinged to two opposite lateral sides of the top wall of the bottom box and connectable to the bottom side of the vertical back rack, and a top plate bridging the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Saint-Fun International Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan-Yih Chen, Cheng-Chun Chiang
  • Patent number: 7404563
    Abstract: A tool includes a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel arms carrying a mounting member to which are detachably connected axially oriented driver and drill elements. The mounting member is moveable along the arms reciprocally between a first position where it is manually rotated to select the axial orientation of the driver and drill elements and a second locked position to hold the driver and drill elements in a selected axial orientation until the mounting member is return to the first position. The locking function is provided by a spring element actuated upon the mounting member being moved from the first position to the second position to apply pressure against the mounting member while in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Alltrade Tools LLC
    Inventors: Hector Ray Hernandez, Jr., George Hillinger
  • Patent number: 7404564
    Abstract: A snow gliding board (1) comprises, in particular, an upper surface consisting of an upper decorative and protective element (16) having a recess in which an insert (21, 22, 23) is fitted. The insert (21, 22, 23) comprises at least one first part made of an elastomer material (24) juxtaposed on the upper surface with at least one second part made of a metallic material (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol
    Inventors: Vincent Bregeon, Max Mermet, Lionel Degasperi, David Bouvier, Philippe Largeuze, Benjamin Cuier
  • Patent number: 7404565
    Abstract: A guide fixed at the front of a ski of a snow vehicle (22) and including two wings (40) of reversed U-Shape, whose web (60) is linked to the lower face of the ski, the guide including means of initialization (64) of a rectangular runner (48) which is laid out sideways, in continuation and in line with the guide. A ski of a snow vehicle used in combination with a wear runner which is laid out longitudinally of the ski, the bottom face of the ski having in its fore end a pair of downward wings (40) acting as knives and spaced to guide the snow on the two sides of the wear runner. The existing methods of stabilization of snow vehicle implying a sole carbide runner are improved by the presence of the guide, which guides the runner through the trails left by the passage of skis of other snow vehicles. The runner is further improved by a rectangular section thereof, which is laid out sideways and longitudinally of the ski and by its being self sharpening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Ghislain Lachance
  • Patent number: 7404566
    Abstract: A caster suspension system that employs a linkage between the two casters constraining one to rise when the other falls while keeping moment internal to the system such that there is no tipping of the load carried by the caster suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Erwin Ruiz
  • Patent number: 7404567
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the art of personal mobility vehicles, particularly vehicles for the physically impaired. Particular application is found in children's wheelchairs which grow and expand with the child. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention may also be applicable to wheelchairs for adults and may be utilized to custom fit wheelchairs to adults, may enable the chair to be utilized by adults or children of different sizes, or may be applicable to other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: R82 A/S
    Inventor: Flemming Møller
  • Patent number: 7404568
    Abstract: A two-seater all-terrain vehicle (ATV) has straddle-type driver and rear passenger seats, and a pair of movable rear footrests to support the feet of a rear passenger. The rear footrests pivot from a stowed non-supporting position to a supporting position. When folded into the non-supporting position, the rear footrests become substantially flush with side paneling of the vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may further include a pair of vertical and horizontal adjustment mechanisms for independently vertically adjusting each of the rear passenger footrests so that passengers of varying height can be comfortably accommodated on the rear seat. A cargo space is provided under the passenger's footrest, the cargo space being enlarged when the passenger's footrests are in the stowed position. Restraints and other holding mechanisms are also provided. The flip-down adjustable rear footrests may be used on other types of straddle-type recreational vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Portelance, Daniel Nadeau, Eric Dube, Mathieu Audet, Jamie Ibbett
  • Patent number: 7404569
    Abstract: A collapsible stroller has a frame assembly with a front, a back, and left and right sides when in an in-use configuration. A seat is positioned between the left and right sides. Each of the left and right sides has an elongate bottom part and each bottom part has a front end and a back end. A back wheel is supported for rotation at the back end of each of the bottom parts. Each of the left and right sides has a front leg with a lower end pivotally connected to the front end of the respective bottom part. Each front leg extends upward from the bottom part and rearward toward the back of the frame assembly and terminates at an upper end. Each of the left and right sides also has a push arm pivotally coupled relative to the upper end of the respective front leg. Each push arm extends upward and rearward from the upper end of the respective front leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc
    Inventors: Curtis M. Hartenstine, Daniel N. Newhard, Matthew J. Ransil
  • Patent number: 7404570
    Abstract: An air bag apparatus is provided on a motorcycle. The apparatus includes an air bag that is restricted so as not to be expanded toward a body constituent part, and is guided to be expanded toward a rider protection region in the expansion direction by providing the air bag so it is rolled and folded outwardly from the body constituent part of the motorcycle, allowing it to be expanded and inflated toward the rider protection region, which is formed in front of a motorcycle rider, and above the body constituent part of the motorcycle in the case of the forward collision of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhito Miyata
  • Patent number: 7404571
    Abstract: An inflator (10) for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system. In one aspect, the inflator (10) includes a longitudinal enclosure (22) having a substantially uniform cross-sectional area along at least a portion of the enclosure, and a gas generant composition (24) positioned along the portion of the enclosure (22). The gas generant composition (24) is distributed substantially uniformly along the portion of the enclosure (22). A plurality of gas exit apertures (40) is formed along the portion of the enclosure (22) to enable fluid communication between the enclosure (22) and an exterior of the enclosure. The apertures (40) are spaced apart a distance proportional to a desired rate of propagation of a combustion reaction of gas generant positioned between the apertures (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7404572
    Abstract: A new and useful curtain air bag having an inflatable fluid cushion with inflatable fluid sections, and a flexible bladder located within the inflatable cushion. A fluid inlet conduit is configured to direct inflation fluid into the bladder from an inflation fluid source. The bladder is configured to redirect, diffuse and distribute the inflation fluid to the inflatable sections of the inflatable cushion, to inflate the portions of the inflatable cushion in a predetermined manner. Another type of curtain air bag assembly includes an inflatable cushion with a pair of similar volume inflatable sections, on opposite sides of an inlet conduit. In each type of air bag assembly, the fluid can be redirected by the bladder or the inflatable cushion, or by a transverse fluid conduit disposed in the bladder or the inflatable cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Shakir M. Salmo, Pongdet P. Wipasuramonton, Mark Otto Olson, Jovica J. Jakovski, Charles Stanley Emil Walczak
  • Patent number: 7404573
    Abstract: A gas generator includes a cylindrical housing having an initiator shell provided with a plurality of igniter devices and a closure shell; a combustion chamber formed in the housing and loaded with gas generants; a cylindrical member that partitions the combustion chamber into two or more combustion chambers; and filter elements provided in the respective combustion chambers of the partitioned chamber wherein at least one of the filter elements is disk-shaped, and the respective combustion chambers are independent from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki-Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuyokazu Nishimura, Koji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7404574
    Abstract: A gas generator, relating to a gas generator for a side air bag or the like, is provided. The gas generator has an inner cylindrical member stored in a housing, wherein the inner cylindrical member has a second outside diameter portion abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the housing, and a first outside diameter portion smaller in outside diameter than the second outside diameter portion, the tip end of the first outside diameter portion side abuts against the closed end portion (one end portion) of the housing, the filter is provided on the outside of the inner cylindrical member in the radial direction of the first outside diameter portion, and the ignition means is provided on the opposite end portion (the other end) from the closed end portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masoto Hirooka, Naoki Matsuda, Kenji Numoto
  • Patent number: 7404575
    Abstract: An air bag apparatus having a constitution of developing an air bag folded to contain in a case to a rear side of a vehicle by making an expanding gas flow from a gas flow inlet in expanding to develop the air bag. The air bag is arranged with a through hole. The air bag is constituted by a ring-like member arranged with a lower expanded portion arranged with a gas flow inlet, an upper expanded portion arranged to an upper side of the lower expanded portion to communicate with a front side of the lower expanded portion, and a rear expanded portion arranged to connect to a rear part of the lower expanded portion and a rear part of the upper expanded portion at a surrounding of the through hole. The air bag is constituted to finish to expand by closing the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Bito, Kazutoshi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7404576
    Abstract: A pillar trim component is provided that has a pillar trim member with at least one surface and an attachment member projecting from the surface of the pillar trim member. The pillar trim component includes an attachment member adapted to connect to a portion of the vehicle. The pillar trim component further has a region defined by at least a portion of the surface of the pillar trim member and at least a portion of a surface of the attachment member. A raised portion is positioned in the region that extends between the portion of the surface of the pillar trim member and the portion of the surface of the attachment member. The raised portion is adapted to facilitate a deployment of a tether of an airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel G. Lizak
  • Patent number: 7404577
    Abstract: A seat belt anchoring system for a vehicle seat includes an anchor for seat belt webbing having a mounting portion positionable with respect to the seat to face rearward and rigidly securable with respect to the seat from behind the seat. The anchor also has a belt retaining portion angled with respect to the mounting portion so that it is operatively connectable with the seat belt webbing outboard of the seat. A method of installing a seat belt system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Tilly, Gregory S. Ches, Damond N. Hinatsu, Mark A. Rychlicki
  • Patent number: 7404578
    Abstract: A securing device for a seatbelt, in particular a motor vehicle seatbelt, includes a receiving device for receiving a plug-in element and a locking device for retaining the plug-in element in the receiving device for the purpose of securing the seatbelt. The securing device, which can be manufactured in a particularly simple manner, enjoys reduced production costs. The locking device reduces manufacturing costs by being formed exclusively of a single-part closure spring that is secured in or on the receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Takata-Petri (Ulm) GmbH
    Inventor: Armin Rothkugel
  • Patent number: 7404579
    Abstract: An arrangement for step-by-step height adjustment of a holding or deflecting fitting of a seat belt on a hollow body part of a motor vehicle, particularly on a B-column or a C-column, includes a guide rail mounted on the body part, and a carriage which can be displaced along the guide rail, which can be fixed in defined adjusting positions, and which has a fastening device for the holding or deflecting fitting. The guide rail, which is arranged behind a column covering, is mountable on the vehicle body part by way of two mutually spaced fastenings. In the event of a vehicle collision, particularly a side impact, the forces acting upon a vehicle occupant's head are to be kept below a permissible limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.f. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias Zierle, Juergen Ohnmacht, Markus Osswald
  • Patent number: 7404580
    Abstract: A hollow walled structure (22) includes a shell (36) having a wall defining an interior compartment (46). A first support, in the form of a baffle (48), is disposed within the interior compartment (46) and engages the shell (36) at two locations (52, 54). A second support, in the form of a post (83), engages the shell (36) and extends through the interior compartment (46) to intersect the baffle (48). The shell (36), baffle (48), and post (83) are formed concurrently from a thermoplastic material by a rotational molding process. The rotational molding process can entail operations of pre-heating interior portions of the mold, delivering heat to the interior portions of the mold, and/or filling the mold with excess thermoplastic material prior to preheating the mold. The rotationally molded structure (22) has sufficient strength to function as a tank for carrying a liquid (34) in a liquid transport apparatus (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: William J. Michael
  • Patent number: 7404581
    Abstract: A plug-in connector comprising a base body (6), an annular sealing element (12), a clamping ring (50) and an annular body (20) which can be connected to the base body (6). A pipe end (4, 5) against which the sealing element (12) is arranged in a sealing manner, can be secured in the plug-in connector by the clamping ring (50). The plug-in connector of the invention can be connected to an end (4, 5) of at least one pipe in a simple manner and with a high degree of functional reliability, excluding the risk of assembly errors. For this purpose, the sealing ring (12) is arranged in an annular groove (14) of the base body (6) and comprises two sealing beads (60, 62) which are situated against the inner surface of the inserted pipe end (4, 5) in the manner of two o-ring seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Friatec Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Baving, Gudrun Mannweiler, Peer Milnazik, Lars Schiedhering, Henrik Zeller
  • Patent number: 7404582
    Abstract: A coupling system for conduit and pipe for carrying insulated electrical cable, more particularly, a conduit coupling assembly for connecting multiple lengths of conduit in coaxial relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Allied Tube & Conduit Corporation
    Inventors: Giulio Scartozzi, Edward Mild
  • Patent number: 7404583
    Abstract: A shoe tying device or apparatus comprising a ring and a method of using same to facilitate the tying of laces in lace-up shoes and also a method of using same. The shoe tying device is lightweight and unobtrusive, allowing the shoe to often stay tied longer than typical without the device while generally maintaining a normal “bow” appearance. Further, the device is economical and reusable. The shoe tying device is particularly helpful for children, the visually impaired, and the mentally and physically handicapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Mendy K. Hassen
  • Patent number: 7404584
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seat apparatus for a vehicle, which has the functions of supporting a seat main body being placed on a floor and behind pedals in the vehicle in such a way that the seat main body is movable forward, backward, upward and downward and that the seat main body is made higher in height as it moves forward, and adjusting a position of the seat main body forward, backward, upward and downward in a predetermined adjusting orbit, so that the position fits different builds of drivers. Furthermore, the adjusting orbit is determined based on hip points of the drivers, and the hip points are set on the condition that a viewpoint and heels of the drivers are fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Maruyama, Yoshiyuki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7404585
    Abstract: A motorcycle fairing comprised of plastic or composite material fabricated and assembled to form: a front, substantially hemisphere shaped fender or nacelle fairing section which substantially encloses the front wheel of the motorcycle and is affixed to the upper front fork assembly of the motorcycle allowing the front wheel to be turned laterally independent of the attitude of the main frame of the motorcycle; and a frame mounted fairing which intersects and substantially encompasses the hemispherical front wheel fender section within a matching hemispherical shaped socket located in the frontal portion of said frame mounted fairing, which fairing then extends rearward along, and substantially parallel to the main frame of the motorcycle, with both fairing sections together substantially enclosing the front wheel, headlight, and engine of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Dominic Bugni
  • Patent number: 7404586
    Abstract: A truck topper having a pair of sidewalls in parallel spaced relation and adapted to be mounted to the bed of a truck at one end and having grooves at an opposite end. The grooves receive a retractable roof such that when attached to a retraction assembly the roof will retract to open the top of the truck topper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Mitch Seiberling
  • Patent number: 7404587
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a roof having at least one part which can be moved as a whole between an opened position and a closed position and which, in the closed position, extends between an area near a wind shield frame and a rear rigid roof part. The rear rigid roof part includes two lateral tips which, when the roof is closed, are overlapped on their upper side by frame parts which can be moved upward to create an opening for the passage of the movable roof part. The roof has a rear window which is mounted relatively far towards the front so that the rear window is not window is not moved upwardly when the frame parts are moved upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Franz-Ulrich Brockhoff
  • Patent number: 7404588
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle door having a lining that faces the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The lining can be joined to a bracket inside of which an actuating lever is mounted in a manner that enables it to swivel around a pin. A gap is provided at least in areas between the actuating lever and the lining. In addition, the pin is joined to the lining via fixing bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Gabsch, Martin Voigt, Rainer Klusmann
  • Patent number: 7404589
    Abstract: A convertible and drapable fabric article for use in a vehicle. The fabric includes a first fabric half and a second fabric half separated by an intermediate section exhibiting a plurality of parallel spaced fold lines. The intermediate section supports the fabric article upon a ledge associated with a door window opening of the vehicle in a first configuration, and such that the first half drapes over an exterior of the vehicle adjacent the window opening. At least one element is associated with at least one of the first and second fabric halves, these typically being releasably attachable magnets to support the paws of a canine perched upon the door window opening and extending across an open window. The fabric article is further converted to a second configuration whereby hook-and-loop fasteners associated with extending straps secure the fabric halves to seat back and seat bottom interior locations of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Carter
  • Patent number: 7404590
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a collapsible shelter to be used in conventional truck beds. The shelter is comprised of a horizontal base that straddles the truck bed and a frame that pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the truck bed. The frame is comprised of a rear A-shaped frame, a front support post and a ridge pole. The apparatus has bunks slidably, or hingedly, attached to the base that move from a first position on top of the base to a second position whereby they extend horizontally out and away from the side walls of the truck. Angled support members support the bunks in their horizontal position. A shell stretches over the frame and around the bunks. Quick erection of the shelter is facilitated by the pivoting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Fabien Loranger
  • Patent number: 7404591
    Abstract: A utilities connecting unit for connecting motor vans and house trailers with networks or sources of electricity, gas, water, antenna voltage and the like, is inserted into an opening in the floor of the motor van or house trailer. The connecting unit includes a rotatable and/or pivotable arm with integrated utility leads and pipelines, which can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position in such a manner, that, in the extended position, it protrudes laterally from the outline of the motor van or house trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Reich KG
    Inventor: Steffen Bender
  • Patent number: 7404592
    Abstract: A combination of vehicle fairing structures forming a fairing system having a front end structure, a rear end structure, and first and second side structures, for optimizing the aerodynamic profile of vehicles, especially tractor-trailer combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Aerofficient, LLC
    Inventors: James Reiman, Peter Heppel
  • Patent number: 7404593
    Abstract: A modular energy absorber 10 that is tunable. It comprises one or more energy absorbing modules 12. The energy absorbing modules have means for coordinating energy absorbing units 16 of the one or more modules. The means 14 for coordinating position and support the units in relation to each other before, during and after relative motion between an incident object and the energy absorber. A crushable member 16 is provided that has an upper perimeter 22, a lower perimeter 24 and an intermediate wall 26 extending therebetween. It also includes a number (m) of breaches defined therein before impact. A method for configuring the modular energy absorber is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Oakwood Energy Management Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Matthew Cormier, Richard Francois Audi
  • Patent number: 7404594
    Abstract: A vehicle support structure is provided with a floor impact restriction device coupled between a structural floor member of a vehicle floor and a vehicle suspension member supporting the vehicle floor. The floor impact restriction device basically has a suspension attachment member and a floor attachment member. The suspension attachment member has a suspension mounting portion fixedly attached to the vehicle suspension member and a first connecting portion rigidly coupled to the suspension mounting portion. The floor attachment member has a floor mounting portion fixedly attached to the structural floor member and a second connecting portion rigidly coupled to the floor mounting portion. The first and second connecting portions are interlinked together with a limited range of non-contacting movement between the first and second connecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: David Coakley
  • Patent number: 7404595
    Abstract: A construction machine and a projecting member thereof are provided which can be manufactured at low cost and restrict deformation of an operator's cab without impairing visibility in case of tumbling of the construction machine. To this end, there are provided, on a revolving superstructure frame (3), a work implement (30) located on the cross-wise mid position of a front part, a counterweight (7) located at a rear part and an operator's cab located at either the right or left side of the front part. At least one of the revolving superstructure frame, the work implement and the counterweight is provided with a projecting member (31-38) that projects outward. An operator's cab space (10a, 20a) is kept in an inner position of a vehicle body compared to a virtual plane defined by the at least one projecting member and positions where no projecting members are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Mori
  • Patent number: 7404596
    Abstract: A front body structure for a vehicle including: a cowl box extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle and having a curved shape with its central portion in the transverse direction of the vehicle situated at a front end thereof; and a cowl top extension tying tops of strut towers, extending in front of the cowl box at a height substantially equal to that of each of the tops of strut towers, and having a curved shape with its central portion in the transverse direction of the vehicle situated at a rear end thereof. The cowl top extension and the cowl box are connected to each other at the central portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daizou Miyata, Fumitaka Uto
  • Patent number: 7404597
    Abstract: A vehicle mounting arrangement is provided for a vehicle having a sunroof with a sunroof drain tube and an inflatable airbag. The drain tube and the inflatable airbag are mounted to a vehicle roof rail of the vehicle. The vehicle mounting arrangement includes an inflatable airbag mounted to the vehicle roof rail. The inflatable airbag is expandable toward an interior side of the vehicle. A sunroof drain tube is pivotally mounted to the vehicle roof rail and positioned adjacent the inflatable airbag so that the drain tube is pivotally displaced upon expansion of the inflatable airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joel Romig
  • Patent number: 7404598
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle with a roof opening (12) located in a fixed roof surface (10) and a cover (13) for closing the roof opening, the cover has an at least partially transparent pane (14) and a frame which is connected to the pane and which extends over at least one part of the edge of the pane. The pane (14) is a plastic pane and the frame is formed by in situ foaming (20) of a foam material onto the periphery of the pane, the shape of the pane, in at least one partial area of a connecting region between the pane and the peripheral foam, is configured such that a permanent mechanical, positive interlocking connection is created between the pane and the peripheral foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Roland Huebner, Friedhelm Wulf, Martin Pollak, Ralf Schwaighofer, Rudolf Muttenhammer, Andreas Lang
  • Patent number: 7404599
    Abstract: A sunroof apparatus includes a pair of arms being arranged along respective sides in a vehicle width direction of an opening portion formed on a roof of a vehicle, a rear portion of the arm being pivotally connected to the roof, a front portion of the arm being biased by a first spring in a rising direction, a pair of arm holding members operating so as to follow a movement of a sunroof panel that opens or closes the opening portion, the arm holding member being in contact with the arm when the sunroof panel is closed, a wind deflector being pivotally connected to a front end of the arm, and a second spring for biasing a front edge of the wind deflector in a direction opposite to the rising direction. A rotation of the wind deflector by means of the second spring is restricted by the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyozumi Fukami
  • Patent number: 7404600
    Abstract: Motor vehicle roof with a roof opening, a movable closing element to selectively close or at least partially clear the roof opening, a wind deflector in a front edge area of the roof opening and which is movable between lowered and filly raised positions, and a positioning device for setting intermediate positions of the wind deflector which has a holder which engages the wind deflector and a driven displacement mechanism for vertically displacing the wind deflector into the intermediate positions. The adjustment mechanism has a guide element which is driven by the drive into motion along the wind deflector with an inclined guideway along which an engagement element which is connected to the holder is movably guided. The engagement element is supported on a body-mounted carrier such that it can be moved with respect to the carrier only normal to the direction of motion of the guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Jadi Karami, Martin Kiedl, Christian Gallner