Patents Issued in August 5, 2008
  • Patent number: 7406987
    Abstract: A fuel filling apparatus is provided. The fuel filling apparatus comprises an overfilling protective valve arranged in a fuel gas supply path for supplying a fuel gas to an automobile. The overfilling protective valve further comprises a fuel gas path, a valve unit for opening and closing the fuel gas path by a valve body, a valve body displacement means for displacing the valve body according to a filling pressure of the fuel gas, and a temperature modulating unit for modulating a temperature of the valve body displacement means. Even though a difference between the temperature of the fuel gas and the operation temperature of the overfilling protective valve is large, the temperature of the valve body displacement means can be maintained within the preset temperature range by the temperature modulating unit and the overfilling protective valve can be exactly operated under the preset pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Takano, Kazutoshi Sato, Kanji Omori
  • Patent number: 7406988
    Abstract: An interconnect for a fuel dispensing nozzle which provides for sustained shut off of a nozzle when its spout is not inserted into the fill pipe of a fuel tank. When the spout inserts within the fill pipe its bellows or splashguard is forced rearwardly, for urging an interconnecting rod to move rearwardly, against the bias of a spring, to force a pivotal link to disengage from the automatic shut-off diaphragm, to allow it to function normally. But when the nozzle is removed from the fuel tank, the pivotal link contacts against the diaphragm structure, of the automatic shut-off, and prevents the nozzle from dispensing or delivering any fuel from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas O. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7406989
    Abstract: A wheel for a cart has a static dissipative mechanism. The wheel has a hub that has a central bore for receiving one or more bearings. The outer periphery of the hub has a conductive ring that has projections extending radially outward. The projections are surrounded by a tread material. A conductive wire extends from the central bore where the bearings are, on the outside of the hub, to the conductive ring. A conductive path is provided for the cart through the bearings, the wire, the conductive ring to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: P & H Casters Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jorge Casaus
  • Patent number: 7406990
    Abstract: A pneumatic runflat tire comprising a sidewall component comprising a rubber composition comprising at least one diene based elastomer and from about 1 to about 40 phr of glass bubbles having a crush strength of at least 10,000 psi as measured by ASTM D3102-78 in glycerol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Andrew David Brown, David John Zanzig, Bina Patel Botts, David Mark Frantz
  • Patent number: 7406991
    Abstract: A run-flat tire has a radial carcass reinforcement ply extending through a pair of opposing sidewalls and anchored in opposing bead portions. At least one of the bead portions having a bead heel and a bead toe wherein the bead heel is radially outward and axially inward from the bead toe. At least one of the bead portions has a bead composite and a bead apex therein. The bead composite has a maximum axial width WB, the axial width being measured perpendicular to the tire equatorial plane. The maximum axial width WB is greater than 50% of the maximum axial width W of the at least one bead portion, as measured from the opposing axial sides of the bead portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: David Charles Poling
  • Patent number: 7406992
    Abstract: A tire comprising at least one reinforcement structure of the carcass type anchored on either side of the tire in a bead, the base of which bead is intended to be mounted on a rim seat, the reinforcement structure extending circumferentially from the bead towards the sidewall, at least one arrangement of main cords along a substantially circumferential path being arranged substantially adjacent to the structure, the arrangement of the cords of the at least one arrangement being such that the number of main cords arranged on the axially inner side relative to the structure is greater than the number of main cords arranged on the axially outer side relative to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Pedro Costa Pereira, Bernard Guerinon
  • Patent number: 7406993
    Abstract: A gear assembly of a laminating apparatus includes a fixed gear device and an adjustable gear device connected between a motor and the fixed gear. The adjustable gear device includes a transmission shaft driven by the motor to rotate, a movable gear sleeved on and slidable along the axial direction of the transmission shaft, and an urging device coupled to the movable gear. The movable gear engages with a fixed gear in an object laminating mode but disengages from the fixed gear in an object releasing mode. For disengaging the movable gear from the fixed gear, an external force is exerted to force the movable gear to move toward and sustain against the urging device, and for restoring the engagement of the movable gear with the fixed gear, the external force is released to have the urging device push the moveable gear back to the engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Transpacific Plasma LLC
    Inventor: Shin-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 7406994
    Abstract: An automatic high-precision layer cutting device for separating a layer from a semiconductor substrate. The device includes a fixed positioning member for receiving at least a portion of a semiconductor substrate that has a weakened area therein and a peripheral annular notch located below the weakened area. The positioning member maintains the position of the substrate on a moveable support. A cutting mechanism having at least one blade is provided for contacting the substrate and inducing a cleaving wave therein. The cutting mechanism is operatively associated with the positioning member so that the as at least one blade contacts the annular notch, the positioning member prevents movement of the substrate and the moveable support moves away from the substrate to allow the cleaving wave to both divide the substrate at the notch into first and second parts and detach the layer from the substrate along the weakened area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: S.O.I.Tec Silicon on Insulator Technologies
    Inventors: Muriel Martinez, Thierry Barge, Alain Soubie, Chrystelle Lagahe-Blanchard, Cécile Berne, Olivier Rayssac
  • Patent number: 7406995
    Abstract: A pull cord device for controlling raising and lowering of a base rail of a window covering includes a locking wheel having a toothed segment turnable between locked and unlocked positions to engage and disengage from a cord spool, respectively, a cord-release controlling member having a cord retaining region to engage a pull cord to be movable along a linear running path when the pull cord is pulled in the unlocked position, a guideway disposed in the locking wheel, and including an angularly extending first route and a looped route, a guided member having a key end disposed in the guideway, and a linkage coupling the controlling member with the locking wheel such that when the controlling member is moved, the locking wheel is turned from the locked position to the unlocked position, and such that, in the unlocked position, the cord retaining region remains unmoved in each of regions in the looped route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Tai-Long Huang
  • Patent number: 7406996
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tarpaulin mounting frame, in particular for a truck or a truck trailer comprising a chassis profile (4) and an anchor profile (5) which is provided with a round foot (17, 17?) on the longitudinal edge thereof oriented towards the tarpaulin (19). Said foot is insertable or introducible in one or several round slots (16, 16?) of the chassis profile (4) or an intermediate profile (35) connected thereto. The anchor profile (5) is arranged in a parallel direction with respect to the tensed tarpaulin by rotating around the foot thereof (17, 17?). The anchor profile (5) or weatherstrip profile (26), which is connected in such a way that it is displaceable, is provided with at least one weather-strip reception device (22). Said invention is characterized in that the anchor profile (5) contacts the chassis profile (4) or the intermediate profile (35) connected thereto between the foot (17, 17?) of the anchor profile (5) and the weather-strip reception device (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Rainer Karl Schuh
  • Patent number: 7406997
    Abstract: An aluminum ingot casting machine comprising a source of molten metal, a rotatable annular ring, carrying ingot casting moulds and a drive means for indexing the moulds. The machine includes a vacuum demoulder having a vacuum seal arrangement comprising a sealing element having a flexible core which can deform to form a vacuum seal against an ingot and a flexible abrasion resistant outer layer on said core, and retaining elements located on a lower face of the vacuum lifting head for releasably retaining the sealing element onto the lifting head. The vacuum seal comprises a flexible ring shaped body, being rounded in cross section, having a fiber cord core and an abrasion resistant flexible sheathing surrounding the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: David James Beale, Matthew James Astill Holmes
  • Patent number: 7406998
    Abstract: A heat storing device for exchanging heat energy between a heat storing material and a fluid. The heat storing device has a heat storing module having heat storing material spaces filled with a heat storing material and fluid passages for a fluid to flow through adjacent to the heat storing material spaces. The heat storing module includes multiple plates in a stack. Each of the multiple plates has fluid passages in one side thereof. In mutually adjacent pairs of plates, the sides having the fluid passages face each other. When each pair of plates is seen face-on, with respect to the fluid passages of one of the plates, the fluid passages of the other plate intersect substantially at right angles, and the fluid passages of the two plates connect at these positions where they intersect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohide Kudo
  • Patent number: 7406999
    Abstract: A thermosiphon cooling assembly cools an electronic device with a conical condensing tube disposed about a curved central axis curving upwardly from a top of the evaporating unit to an upper distal end and a shroud disposed outward of an exterior surface of the condensing tube at the upper distal end extending axially along the central axis from the upper distal end to a lower edge spaced from the top defining an air opening. An air moving device moves air about the central axis within the shroud to the air opening. A plurality of condensing fins are disposed in the condensing tube and each condensing fin forms a pair of corners with an interior surface of the condensing tube and a wick material is disposed in each of the corners to return condensed vapor to the evaporating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohinder Singh Bhatti, Ilya Reyzin, Debashis Ghosh
  • Patent number: 7407000
    Abstract: A liquid cooling device includes a heat-dissipating unit (1) and a heat-absorbing unit (2). The heat-dissipating unit (1) connects with the heat-absorbing unit (2) by an inlet pipe (4) and an outlet pipe (3) to form a closed circulation loop. The heat-dissipating unit (1) includes a base (10), a tank (20), a heat-dissipating body (30) beside the tank (20) and a cover (40), which are assembled together as a single unit. A pump (23) is placed in the tank (20) and operated to pump liquid coolant to flow in the circulation loop. During flowing through the base (10) and the cover (40), the liquid coolant transfers heat to the heat-dissipating body (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsieh-Kun Lee, Cheng-Tien Lai, Zhi-Yong Zhou, Jiang-Jian Wen
  • Patent number: 7407001
    Abstract: A structure to provide air flow an mixture in an HVAC unit utilizing a separate piece air deflector located within the lower housing of the HVAC unit and ribs to direct airflow, the separate piece air deflector configured to cause air deflection and airflow towards the distribution area of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: David S. Newman, Richard E. Delplace, Steven B. Marshall
  • Patent number: 7407002
    Abstract: An air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit and an indoor unit provided with an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor expansion device, wherein the outdoor unit comprises a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger for heat-exchanging a refrigerant, a four-way valve adjacently arranged to the compressor for circulating a refrigerant discharged from the compressor according to a heating cycle or a cooling cycle, a refrigerant detouring path for detouring a refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor at the time of a defrosting operation, an outdoor expansion device installed in the middle of the detouring path for reducing a pressure of a refrigerant which flows in the refrigerant detouring path, and a heat exchanging device installed in the middle of the detouring path for heat-exchanging between a refrigerant introduced from the outdoor expansion device and a refrigerant discharged from the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sae-Dong Jang, Il-Nahm Hwang, Jin-Seob Song, Bong-Soo Park, Dong-Jun Yang, Ho-Jong Jeong
  • Patent number: 7407003
    Abstract: A ground source heat exchange system includes an upstream manifold and a downstream manifold. More than one heat exchange flow circuit can be connected to the upstream and downstream manifolds for burial in the ground. A control valve associated with each heat exchange flow circuit is mounted on at least one of the manifolds. Each control valve controls flow of heat exchange fluid through a respective heat exchange flow circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: 1438253 Ontario Inc.
    Inventor: Mark G. Ross
  • Patent number: 7407004
    Abstract: A structure utilizing geothermal energy capable of effectively utilizing a thermal energy in an underground constant temperature layer while using a supplementary heater and an air conditioner and natural energies such as solar heat or solar light, wind power, and water power in order to prevent limited fossil energies such as petroleum, gases, and coal from being exhausted, wherein an insulating wall (A) formed of a plurality of insulation panels (1) connected to each other and extending from a ground surface (4) to the underground constant temperature layer (21) is buried in the ground while surrounding a building (22) adhesively to the ground exposed portion and the underground buried portion of a foundation (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Kenji Kugemoto
  • Patent number: 7407005
    Abstract: A cable release apparatus includes a housing and latch mounted at one end of the housing. The latch has a central opening and a plurality of projecting members extending into the housing. A releasable connector is mounted inside the housing. An actuator has one end disposed in the central opening in the latch and another end in contact with the releasable connector. The actuator is movable between a first position prior to activation of the releaseable connector and a second position wherein the releasable connector is activated. Prior to activation of the releasable connector, the latch is held in place by an interference fit between the projecting members and the housing. When the releasable connector is activated, the projecting members are deflected by applying tension to the latch, thereby releasing the latch from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Zanca, Ryan Daniel, Todor K. Sheiretov, Pete Howard
  • Patent number: 7407006
    Abstract: A system and method for logging a formation adjacent to a borehole. The system includes a conveyance member, a memory module in communication with the conveyance member, a communications module in communication with the memory module, and a logging tool in communication with the communications module, wherein the communications module is configured to facilitate communication between the memory module and the logging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Wilson, Robert Malloy, Stephen Senn, Tom Standley, Robert Pitts
  • Patent number: 7407007
    Abstract: A technique is provided to selectively control flow along shunt tubes, such as those used in gravel pack operations. The technique utilizes a swellable material valve that comprises a swellable material deployed along the shunt tube flow path. When flow through a specific shunt tube is no longer desired, the swellable material valve can be exposed to a substance that induces swelling of the swellable material. The expanded or swollen material blocks further flow along the shunt tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Tibbles
  • Patent number: 7407008
    Abstract: Loss circulation fluids contain aqueous based compositions having at least one alkali metal formate and at least one thermally activated self-crosslinkable gel forming material, wherein the composition is easily transported to a loss circulation zone and yet has ability to close off the loss circulation zone once thermally activated to reduce the loss of circulation fluids into flow passages of a subterranean formation. In addition, packer fluids contain aqueous based compositions which contain at least one alkali metal formate and at least one thermally activated self-crosslinkable gel forming material, wherein the packer fluid forms a thermal insulating fully hydrated gel once thermally activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cabot Specialty Fluids, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Benton
  • Patent number: 7407009
    Abstract: Methods of using cement compositions comprising phosphate compounds in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method is a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. Other examples of methods include methods of avoiding the loss of circulation in a subterranean formation. Other examples of methods include methods of drilling in a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok K. Santra, Ronald J. Crook, Bobby J. King
  • Patent number: 7407010
    Abstract: Methods comprising: providing at least a plurality of liquid hardenable resin coated particulates that have been at least partially coated with a liquid hardenable resin component; providing at least a plurality of liquid hardening agent coated particulates that have been at least partially coated with a liquid hardening agent component; suspending the liquid hardenable resin coated particulates and the liquid hardening agent coated particulates in a treatment fluid; and placing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Methods comprising: providing at least a plurality of coated particulates that have been at least partially coated with one component of a two component resin system; coating at least a plurality of the coated particulates on a job site with a second component of a two component resin system; suspending the coated particulates in a treatment fluid; and placing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Rickman, Philip D. Nguyen, Jimmie D. Weaver, Johnny A. Barton, Bhadra D. Desai, Max L. Phillippi
  • Patent number: 7407011
    Abstract: A tubing hanger lands in a tubular outer wellhead member and supports a string of production tubing. The tubing hanger has a production passage for communicating with the interior of the production tubing and an annulus passage for communicating with a tubing annulus on the exterior of the production tubing. An access port leads from the annulus passage to an exterior portion of the body for communicating the tubing annulus with the annulus passage. A valve stem is movable along an axis of the annulus passage between a closed position, blocking the access port, and an open position, exposing the annulus port. A pressure equalizing passage extends from the annulus passage above the valve stem to the annulus passage below the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Kent
  • Patent number: 7407012
    Abstract: A roller cone drill bit for drilling earth formations includes a bit body having at least one roller cone rotably attached to the bit body and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the at least one roller cone in a plurality of rows arranged circumferentially around the at least one roller cone, wherein at least one cutting element in the gage row, the heel row, or a surface of the at least one roller cone bounded by the gage and heel rows comprises thermally stable polycrystalline diamond or a thermally stable polycrystalline diamond composite. The at least one cutting element may be a TSD insert or a TSD composite insert and may be formed by brazing, sintering, or bonding by other technologies known in the art a thermally stable polycrystalline diamond table to a substrate. The interface between the diamond table and the substrate may be non-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Madapusi K. Keshavan, Anthony Griffo
  • Patent number: 7407013
    Abstract: An expandable well screen system includes a screen assembly having a base pipe, a strut, and a screen expandable from a retracted position to an expanded position in the wellbore; and an insert guide disposed in the base pipe when the screen is in the expanded position, wherein the base pipe maintains substantially the same geometric dimensions when the screen is in the retracted position and the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: John Whitsitt
  • Patent number: 7407014
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent. A distribution system receives the fire suppression agent from the reservoir and conducts the agent to at least one location about the vehicle's body in response to the determination by a sensor system and controller that the vehicle has been subjected to a significant impact. The reservoir includes a discharge port which is positioned in part by a tensile member extending through the reservoir to an anchor incorporated in an external wall section of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Thompson
  • Patent number: 7407015
    Abstract: A safety mechanism for a hedge trimmer is disclosed. Thumb catches 1032, 1048, together with corresponding locking members are initially biased downwardly relative to corresponding actuator levers 1010, 1014, as a result of which actuation of a motor of the hedge trimmer is prevented. This prevents inadvertent one-handed actuation of the hedge trimmer. In order to actuate the hedge trimmer, the user holds one of the actuator levers 1010, 1014 the corresponding thumb catch 1032 or 1048 upwardly, which causes movement of the other thumb catch towards its release position to allow pivotable movement of the actuator levers 1010, 1014 relative to a handle of the hedge trimmer. Movement of one of the actuator levers 1010, 1014 relative to the handle brings the lever 1018 into engagement with the electrical switch assembly 1008 to actuate the motor of the hedge trimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Stones
  • Patent number: 7407016
    Abstract: The present invention provides a grading boot attachment which when attached to a roadway grading moldboard allows for more accurate and uniform grade cutting or leveling with the moldboard. The attachment includes amounting plate for mounting to the moldboard, a winged section and an adjustable leveling gate which may be adjusted to the appropriate angular position for any desired task. A compressive strut retains the leveling gate in an operable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Corey A. Kvalo
  • Patent number: 7407017
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of securing a shaft at any point along its substantially vertical axis of movement, wherein the method includes a locking device that is moveable with respect to the shaft. The method is characterised by the step of moving the locking device into a position wherein at least one face of the locking device mates against at least one point on the shaft so as to secure the shaft at any point along its substantially vertical axis of movement. In particular this invention relates to a method of securing a drop hammer at any point along its substantially vertical axis by use of a hydraulically controlled cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Rocktec Limited
    Inventor: Angus Peter Robson
  • Patent number: 7407018
    Abstract: A hedge trimmer is provided which performs a trimming operation on a hedge. The hedge trimmer includes a machine body, a handle rotatably attached to the machine body, a throttle lever provided in the handle, a locking mechanism for preventing the handle from rotating relative to the machine body, and an unlocking member for unlocking the locking mechanism from the machine body. The unlocking of the locking mechanism from the machine body is effected by a slide movement of the unlocking member towards a rear part of the handle. When unlocking the locking mechanism from the machine body, the unlocking member surrounds the throttle lever so that the throttle lever can be inoperable with the result that the throttle lever is prevented from being erroneously operated during the rotational operation of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideshi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7407019
    Abstract: A method of dynamically controlling open hole pressure within a wellbore having a drill string positioned therein. The method comprising the steps of pumping a fluid down the drill string, into an annulus formed by the drill string and the interior of the wellbore, and then subsequently up the annulus to the surface of the ground; selectively applying wellhead pressure to the annulus through selectively pumping an additional quantity of the fluid or a quantity of a secondary fluid across the annulus; and, controlling the application of wellhead pressure applied to the annulus by controlling one, or both, of (a) the operation of a wellhead pressure control choke, and (b) the flow rate of the additional quantity of fluid or the secondary fluid pumped across the annulus, to thereby maintain open hole pressure within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford Canada Partnership
    Inventors: Joe Kinder, Robert Graham
  • Patent number: 7407020
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drilling a borehole are disclosed. An electric motor electrically and mechanically coupled to a wired drill pipe is provided. The electric motor couples to a shaft that rotates when power is supplied to the electric motor. The shaft is couplable to a drill bit. The wired drill pipe transfers electricity to the electric motor from the surface. Operation of the electric motor rotates the shaft. The drill bit wears away earth to form the borehole in the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Gleitman, Paul F. Rodney, James H. Dudley
  • Patent number: 7407021
    Abstract: An adapter attachment for an auger which includes an connecting shaft sized and shaped to be attached to the pilot bit hole present in the end of an auger, after the removal of pilot bit. The adapter also includes a bolt flange for connection to a foundation anchor installation plate/tool such as a locking dog assembly. The adapter obviates the need to remove the auger from the Kelly bar during anchor installation. A modification includes eliminating the bolt flange and placing the connecting shaft directly to the locking dog assembly to form a pilot hole locking dog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Philip D. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7407022
    Abstract: A dual cylinder positive displacement pump is used to move drill cuttings. The pump may include one or more of a self-sealing wear ring member/wear plate member interface, stainless steel pumping cylinders, and a hopper with an inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Clarke UK, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Mundell, David Stephen Garrick
  • Patent number: 7407023
    Abstract: An assist mechanism of a steering apparatus for a working machine includes right and left operational arm members for selectively engaging and disengaging right and left clutches. Right and left cam grooves are formed in the right and left operational arm members, respectively. A bar-shaped member has opposite ends disposed within the right cam groove and the left cam groove, respectively. A compression spring is disposed along a central axis of the bar-shaped member for urging the right and left operational arm members in directions away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sueshige, Seishu Sakai
  • Patent number: 7407024
    Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support. The traction device includes a storage position and a use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
  • Patent number: 7407025
    Abstract: This invention provides a power unit for an automobile including a motor 6 for starting an engine by transmitting a power thereto and generating a power by receiving a power from the engine during rotation thereof, a power converting circuit 5 for transmitting a power to the motor 6, a battery 1, an energy storing source 20 for storing energy, and a DC/DC converter including at least two switching elements 10, 11, charging the energy storing source 20, and recovering energy in the energy storing source 20 to the battery 1. Since the switch provided in the DC/DC converter is normally turned on when the motor 6 generates power by receiving a power from the engine and charges the battery 1 through the power converting circuit 5 and the DC/DC converter, generation of heat from the DC/DC converter circuit part can be suppressed greatly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Urakabe, Tatsuya Okuda, Yoshikazu Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 7407026
    Abstract: A parallel hybrid electric vehicle method and system including an internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric traction motor/generator, and a controller. A control strategy is provided to prevent unpredicted or undesired engine starts by anticipating the need for the vehicle engine, while avoiding “false starting” the engine or allowing an annoying lag in performance that will occur if the engine is not started in advance of an actual requirement. The invention anticipates the need for engine starts by monitoring vehicle speed and driver demand and their rates of change. The invention allows consistent performance and establishes seamless transitions between engine driving and electromotive driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Tamor
  • Patent number: 7407027
    Abstract: In driving force control apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, an internal combustion engine drives mainly driven wheels of the vehicle, a generator is driven by the internal combustion engine, a motor is driven by a power of the generator, the motor is capable of driving other wheels than the mainly driven wheels, a condenser electrically connected to the generator in parallel with the motor, and a condenser controlling section (8G) connects the condenser to the motor in a case where a vehicle speed (Vv) is equal to or lower than a predetermined vehicle speed and disconnects the condenser from the motor and the generator in a case where the vehicle speed is in excess of the predetermined vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiro Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7407028
    Abstract: A safety restraint system for use in a vehicle. The system includes a safety restraint component coupled to a navigational module. The navigational module is adapted to determine a location of the vehicle. The component is adapted to be actuated in response to the determination. The safety restraint component may be a safety belt pretensioner. The component may be adapted to be actuated when the navigational module determines the vehicle has entered or is approaching a zone meeting a predefined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7407029
    Abstract: Weight sensor for determining the weight of an occupant of a seat including a bladder arranged in a seat portion of the seat and including material or structure in an interior thereof which constrains fluid flow therein and one or more transducers for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the bladder. The material or structure might be open cell foam. The bladder may include one or more chambers, and if more than one chamber is formed, each chamber can be arranged at a different location in the seat portion of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Breed, Wilbur E. DuVall, Jeffrey L. Morin
  • Patent number: 7407030
    Abstract: A pump system includes a housing, an input shaft, a pump shaft; a hydraulic pump body, a PTO shaft, a power transmission gear train, and a PTO clutch mechanism. The housing has a narrow gear accommodating space surrounding a region including a mesh point between the first and second transmission gears of the power transmission gear train, a PTO clutch accommodating space which surrounds the PTO clutch mechanism and which is fluidly communicated with the gear accommodating space, and a pair of first and second suction/discharge ports which communicate the internal space of the housing with an outside of the housing. The first suction/discharge port is arranged within the gear accommodating space so as to be positioned in an opposite side to the PTO clutch accommodating space with the mesh point between the first and second transmission gears interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshifumi Yasuda, Shigenori Sakikawa, Hiroshi Kitagawara
  • Patent number: 7407031
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle has necessary rigidity despite a split-type body frame being used. A body frame is split into front and rear subframes along a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, the subframes being detachably linked to each other via bolts. An upper linking section between the subframes is disposed between an engine upper suspension section for suspending an upper portion of an engine unit and an engine rear suspension section for suspending a rear portion of the engine unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Hayashi, Masayuki Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 7407032
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a practical and entertaining form of recreational transportation, easily transportable to weekend events. It is a compact transport kart (10), designed to carry at least one human passenger. It also transports its passenger across open road, or off-road terrain. The transport kart provides advantages and benefits over the prior art through use of a most unique type of body element (20), comprising of, or substantially resembling, a common ice-chest or common cooler. The body element can be selected of sufficient size and shape to also carry additional passengers, plus can be configured to carry ice and refreshments. The transport kart includes a power source (23) for propulsion, plus a set of wheels (21) and (22) mounted for rotation. A rotational output from the power source is drivingly connected to at least one of those wheels, therefore providing for a most unique and entertaining form of transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: GCC Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Gary C. Chambers, Chance A. Chambers
  • Patent number: 7407033
    Abstract: A monitor display carried by a vehicle. The monitor display is mounted proximate a rim of a corresponding motive wheel of a vehicle. A rim of the motive wheel has a surface which is contoured to substantially conform to an inner surface of the monitor display. The monitor display is rigidly maintained in a non-rotating fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Michael T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7407034
    Abstract: Method and device for controlling a vehicle's operation by sensing a vehicle driver's operation of a control element of the vehicle, and the steering angle of the vehicle being regulated depending on the operation of the control element. The speed of the vehicle is sensed, a procedure for changing the steering angle of the vehicle is defined based on the sensed operation of the control element and the sensed vehicle speed, and the steering angle of the vehicle is regulated according to the defined procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Bo Vigholm
  • Patent number: 7407035
    Abstract: An in-the-ear hearing aid has a housing with an audio input end and an audio output end. The housing is formed of two sections which are coupled together along a seam which extends between the two ends. An elastomeric sheath can enclose the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: GN ReSound A/S
    Inventors: Robert Stinauer, Erik Lindberg, Michael Haberman, Roman Klyachman, Russell Lee Schreiner, James R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7407036
    Abstract: To provide a muffler for a compact combustion engine, which is simple in structure and effective to sufficiently reduce the temperature of exhaust gases while avoiding contact with an external air, an exhaust guide passage 7 for communicating the exhaust gases (G) to a discharge port (63) is provided within an interior hollow of a muffler housing 6 defining an exhaust chamber (61) therein, and a side wall of this exhaust guide passage (7) is constituted by a portion (6W) of the muffler housing (6) and a duct wall (71) jointed to the muffler housing (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Kobayashi, Tsuneyoshi Yuasa