Patents Issued in August 5, 2008
  • Patent number: 7407088
    Abstract: A cardboard blank for constructing a first larger size food storage box and also constructing a smaller size food storage box is provided. The blank includes a first plurality of panels foldably connected to one another along a plurality of primary fold lines in order to foldably construct the larger box, and further includes a series of tearable line elements for defining removable portions of the blank and a second smaller blank. The second smaller blank includes a second plurality of panels foldably connected to one another along a plurality of secondary fold lines in order to foldably construct the smaller box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Amy Hafkin, David Ashen
  • Patent number: 7407089
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and system for determining packaging preference of a customer by identifying the customer using a customer identifier, and retrieving available packaging preference information using the customer identifier. In an embodiment, the customer's packaging preference information for a particular identified item is retrieved and graphically communicated. In another embodiment, customer packaging preference information based on a quantity of items is retrieved and graphically communicated. Customer packaging preference information based on both the identified items and the quantity of items may also be retrieved and graphically communicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Kyle N. Patrick
  • Patent number: 7407090
    Abstract: Among other features, a cash dispenser includes a paper path arranged between an opening in a money box through which currency can be withdrawn for dispensing to a customer at a dispensing location that is spaced apart from the opening in the money box, the paper path including rotational shafts arranged to transfer the currency, and a housing that supports the paper path and is configured to receive the money box, the housing comprising at least two parallel spaced-apart molded side walls, the paper path having a third molded wall between the two parallel molded side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Jantsch
  • Patent number: 7407091
    Abstract: An ATM can accept a bulk stack of currency notes for deposit from a customer. The ATM includes a stack transporter (400) that can rotate an accepted stack while relocating it to a predetermined location inside of the machine. The stack transporter includes a rotatable housing (406) in which a stack holder (404) is radially movable. The stack holder can receive a currency stack (411) deposited in a fascia opening (412) by a customer. The stack holder is retracted to move the stack away from the opening and into the housing to completely move the stack into the machine. The housing, having the bulk stack therein, is then rotated about an axis (408) to move the stack toward a stack processing area in the machine. The stack holder is then extended to expose a stack end out of the housing for stack processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, Natarajan Ramachandran, Pedro Tula
  • Patent number: 7407092
    Abstract: A system for printing gaming information on a print medium. The system comprises a mobile telecommunications device which includes a printer module to print the gaming information on the print medium and a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium. Information associated with the gaming information can be stored in an archive, and the sensor module can be used to link the gaming information to the print media identifier. The print medium is provided with coded data encoding information, at least some of the information being indicative of the print media identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Patent number: 7407093
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are used for packaging a stored value card that unviewably secures the secured value card in the package. The package includes a readable area allowing for purchasing of the stored value card without removing it from the package or viewing it within the package. This can allow for minimized fraud and illegal use of stored value cards. In one example, the package is scanned for purchasing, and once the purchase in approved, the purchaser can activate the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Ashby, Randall G. Beck, Nick C. Harris, Gail E. Larsen, Andrew R. Plitt
  • Patent number: 7407094
    Abstract: A method for conducting a transaction is disclosed. The method includes using a first portable electronic device, and directly transmitting a request for payment to a second portable electronic device through a wireless link. Then, the second portable electronic device transmits an approval of the request for payment to the first portable electronic device. One of the first and the second portable electronic devices then sends the request for payment to a payment hub service. The payment hub service then facilitates the transfer of funds from a payer institution to a payee institution to complete the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Visa U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Joan Myers, Sara Garrison, Mark Steven Carlson
  • Patent number: 7407095
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for translation processing. The apparatus may be a transaction system including a keypad, a circuit for interacting with the transaction customer and a link communicatively connecting the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. The cashier may interact with the keypad, while the customer (and not the cashier) may interact with the customer-interaction circuit. The link may communicate a dollar amount for the transaction between the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. Accessories for the keypad may include a display. Accessories for the customer-interaction circuit may include a smart-card reader, a magnetic-strip reader, a check reader, a receipt printer and a biometric-information circuit. The customer-interaction circuit may include a port for connection to a remote service provider. That port may be the only remote-access port in the transaction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Li Wen Liu, Gamaethige Francis Robert Sulak Soysa, James C. Lungaro, Llavanya Fernando, Simon Lee
  • Patent number: 7407096
    Abstract: A scanner or other data reader is equipped with means for determining characteristics of an operator's scanning technique. In a preferred configuration, the scanner is integrated with a weigh scale for obtaining a dynamic weight of an item as the item is moved across the weigh scale. Weight data produced by the scanning/weighing process includes information about the amount of lifting the operator performs on scanned items, the rate of scanning by the operator, and rescanning information. The scanner may be connected to a PC-based training system which uses the scanning technique information to provide feedback to the operator indicating the effectiveness of the operator's scanning technique, and may also provide information to management for analysis. The technique information may be collected by a store controller or other suitable collection device for later analysis and reporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, David L. Latimer
  • Patent number: 7407097
    Abstract: A toll fee tracking system comprising a toll authority adapted to collect data associated with at least one toll fee tracking device and a toll rental entity adapted to communicate with the toll authority and a third part entity. The toll rental entity further acts as a communication channel between the toll authority and the third party entity for forwarding data from the toll authority to the third party entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Rent a Toll, Ltd.
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Robinson, Debbie Lemon
  • Patent number: 7407098
    Abstract: A method for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including printing a bar code on each shipment to be tracked, wherein the bar code includes at least one part for identification of the shipper of the shipment, which is invariable for each shipper, and a shipment rank identification part of each shipment, which is variable for each shipment; and a device for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including at least one database having at least one user data table listing bar codes of the shipper and address information, and a data table of shipments being tracked listing each shipment by shipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Frédéroc Jouvin, Jean-Luc Jouvin
  • Patent number: 7407099
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for achieving a tailored content response based upon a product identifier coupled with a device identifier are provided. In one method embodiment, the present invention receives a machine readable indicia wherein at least a first portion of the machine readable indicia pertains to the product identifier and at least a second portion of the machine readable indicia pertains to the device identifier. Next, a product associated with the product identifier is identified in a database, wherein the database is not required to be formatted according to an extrinsic product identification standard. Moreover, a device profile associated with the device identifier is identified, the device profile comprising context information for the device. A tailored content response is then compiled for the device based upon the product and the context information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Nina Trappe Bhatti, Nicholas P. Lyons, John Charles Schettino, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7407100
    Abstract: A system and method for processing incoming mailed ballot packages having a voter ID code, a verification signature on the envelope, and a ballot enclosed within the envelope. Prior to receipt of the incoming ballots voter signatures have been electronically stored and associated with voter ID's. Ballot packages are fed and transported on automated machinery. Voter ID's are scanned and cameras are used for capturing images of the signatures from the ballot packages. Based on the scanned voter ID's, electronically stored voter signatures are retrieved. Next, the captured verification signatures are compared with the stored voter signatures corresponding to the scanned voter ID's. A validation file is generated that indicates which ballot packages had verification signatures that were successfully matched with stored voter signatures during the comparing step. Finally, the equipment sorts ballot packages to separate successfully matched and validated ballot packages from unvalidated ballot packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Valentino Guyett, Marc Grimm, Roger Hosler, William Greenway
  • Patent number: 7407101
    Abstract: A card embodying the invention includes marks which are randomly formed within a dedicated region of the surface of the card. The randomly formed marks may, for example, include; (a) partial-holes extending a short distance from a surface of the card; (b) through-holes extending between the top and bottom surfaces of the card; (c) burn marks, or (d) ink marks. The marks are of a size and nature such that they are not readily visible to the naked eye. The invention includes illumination apparatus for illuminating the card to reliably sense the optical pattern of the randomly formed marks. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a reader/writer includes apparatus for generating an array of light to uniformly illuminate the back surface of the card so as to pass light through the through-holes or through the partial holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Wenyu Han, Victor Zazzu
  • Patent number: 7407102
    Abstract: An XML processing system for use in a barcode printer apparatus includes a computer system operatively coupled to the barcode printer apparatus. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. The XML processor validates the XML data stream based upon the schema obtained. Also included is an XSLT processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also, an XSLFO processor formats the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet. A barcode rendering subsystem then receives the formatted XML data and generates a bit map representative of the bar code label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventor: Bruce N. Alleshouse
  • Patent number: 7407103
    Abstract: A bioptical holographic laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a holographic scanning disc having scanning facets with high and low elevation angle characteristics, as well as positive, negative and zero skew angle characteristics which strategically cooperate with groups of beam folding mirrors having optimized surface geometry characteristics. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generate a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of pairs of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, which include a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Check, LeRoy Dickson, John Groot, Timothy Good
  • Patent number: 7407104
    Abstract: A two-dimensional code detector detecting a two-dimensional code including a plurality of position identifying patterns and an information pattern and generating control information for an object provided with the two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code detector includes: an image input unit which inputs an acquired image obtained by an image pickup of the object; a pattern detection unit which detects position identifying patterns within the acquired image; a position/posture calculation unit which calculates position/posture information indicating a position and posture of the two-dimensional code in a three-dimensional space based on a two-dimensional position of the position identifying patterns detected by the pattern detection unit; a decoding device which decodes the information pattern; and a control information generating unit which generates the control information based on the decoded information decoded by the decoding device and the position/posture information calculated by the position/p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chiaki Aoyama
  • Patent number: 7407105
    Abstract: A laser scanner with a 2D resonant electrostatic micro-mirror has improved aiming visibility, reduced tilt dependence and improved read range. The laser scanner has a field of view that defines a 3D volume and utilizes a laser beam in a light path that is thin relative to the 3D volume. Physical pixel height is enlarged to aid optical imaging plane alignment. A selective filter centered on the lighting wavelength is placed in the image path. The height of the pixel may be artificially induced to be m*w, where m is the lens magnification and w is the light thickness. Diagonal progressive scanning is used to maximize the frequency values so shock resistance of the mirror is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Massieu
  • Patent number: 7407106
    Abstract: A marking carried by a physical object and discernible by an infrared (IR) sensor is at least partially concealed from the human eye. The marking is covered with a coating that is at least partially opaque in the visible spectrum and at least partially transparent in the IR spectrum (or other non-visible spectrum). The marking is thus not apparent to a human eye or to visible light sensors, while remaining discernible in the IR spectrum. Using the present invention to prevent a user from detecting the marking adds intrigue to the detection of the object, since the workings of the IR sensor that enable the sensor to identify the marking are not evident to a user. The present invention is also beneficially employed in games where it is desirable that an opponent be unable to see a marking that is detectable by the IR sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dawson Yee, Thomas D. Mehlhaff
  • Patent number: 7407107
    Abstract: An apparatus, system method, and computer program product for creating shortcuts to functions of a personal communication device that includes the use of an RF tag reader in personal communication device and RF tags placed different locations pertinent to a user. Upon receipt of the RF information, the personal communication device executes a preset shortcut stored in a memory, and prompts a user to select or create a new shortcut. The memory location for storing a shortcut can be the memory in the personal communication device, the memory in an RF tag or the memory in a network server. The shortcut includes at least a RF tag ID; a description of a command, macro or script and information defining the format and properties of the shortcut. Upon execution of the shortcut, and application program is selected for controlling a function of the personal communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Jyri Engeström, Marko Ahtisaari, Jyrki Hoisko
  • Patent number: 7407108
    Abstract: A network node in a communication path between a client station and a web content server determines or estimates a power consumption level associated with particular web content requested by the client station. The client station is preferably a wireless communications device operating on battery power. Based on the current battery level in the device, the battery type or total capacity, user preferences and determined or estimated power consumption level, the node sends a power consumption notification to the client station, either prior to or simultaneously with the transmission of the web content. The notification message alerts the user to the possibility of their battery being drawn down to a low level if they download the content, and thus allows the user to abort the download to preserve battery capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Euler, Jim F. Pearce
  • Patent number: 7407109
    Abstract: Digital-imaging based code symbol reading system employing a micro-computing platform supporting an event-driven multi-tier modular software architecture. The system includes: an image formation and detection subsystem; an illumination subsystem; an illumination control subsystem; an image processing subsystem; an input/output subsystem; and a system control subsystem. The image formation and detection subsystem has an area-type image sensing array for detecting digital images of objects formed thereon by image formation optics providing a field of view (FOV) for the system. Within the FOV of the image formation and detection subsystem, the illumination subsystem produces a field of illumination that illuminates the object during the image capture mode of operation, and one or more 2D digital images thereof are detected by an area-type image sensing array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Xi Tao, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Garrett Russell, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7407110
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification device (RFID) and method for authenticating RFIDs are disclosed. In RFIDs, data is stored in a form of data segments selectively associated with promiscuous and non-promiscuous regions of their memories. A randomly selected portion of a content of a non-promiscuous region is examined by an interrogating readers or a host computer after validating the data contained in a promiscuous region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Assa Abloy AB
    Inventors: Michael L. Davis, Tam Hulusi
  • Patent number: 7407111
    Abstract: A surface acoustic wave (SAW) identification tag and methods of operating and manufacturing the tag. In one embodiment, the tag includes: (1) a piezoelectric substrate having a SAW transducer located thereon, (2) a group of slots arranged by both pulse position and phase position on said substrate; and (3) a number of reflectors distributed among the slots such that the reflectors encode a number by both pulse position and phase position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: RF Saw Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton S. Hartmann
  • Patent number: 7407112
    Abstract: A card apparatus includes a card case housing a circuit substrate, a case main body and an extended portion made of resin material and being disposed integrally with the case main body. The extended portion accommodates one end side portion of the circuit substrate. The case main body includes a metal cover disposed opposite to at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the circuit substrate. A metal cover extension extending from the metal cover and constituted of a first conductive plate is embedded in a case wall constituting the extended portion, and a second conductive plate constituting an antenna element is embedded in the case wall constituting the extended portion, the second conductive plate being provided at a predetermined distance apart from the metal cover extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kanagawa, Masanobu Okada, Naoki Kitahora, Yutaka Ida
  • Patent number: 7407113
    Abstract: A thermostatic valve incorporated within a plumbing system for regulating the flow of fluid. The thermostatic valve includes two valve assemblies operatively cooperating to preclude the flow of scalding water. The first valve assembly and second valve assembly respond to different fluid temperatures, as well as, over separate periods of time. The thermostatic valve can be incorporated in an “end-line” device such as a showerhead or faucet assemblies to create an “anti-scaled” plumbing fixture. The invention includes a valve housing having a first compartment and a second compartment, a fluid passageway, a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, a first spring, a first stopper, a first flange, a first-thermostatic cylinder, a second spring, a second stopper, a second flange, a second thermostatic cylinder, and a third spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: American Valve, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Guterman
  • Patent number: 7407114
    Abstract: An air freshening apparatus comprises a plant pot-shaped main body, an end cap body and a scent-emitting composition. The plant pot-shaped main body has a cavity therein defining an open end portion of the plant pot-shaped main body and a closed end portion of the plant pot-shaped main body. The scented air passage extends through the closed end portion of the plant pot-shaped main body. The end cap body is rotatably mounted on an exterior portion of the plant pot-shaped main body. The end cap body has a scented air passage extending therethrough and the end cap body is movable between a position where the scented air passages are at least partially aligned and a position where the scented air passages are fully misaligned. The scent-emitting composition is disposed within the cavity of the plant pot-shaped main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Erica Lee Carter
  • Patent number: 7407115
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to a nozzle arrangement. Th nozzle arrangement of the present invention are adapted to be fitted to a container and actuate the release of the contents stored in the container. The nozzle arrangement has a body (101) which comprises an outlet through which, in use, fluid is ejected from the nozzle arrangement and is formed from at least a first part (102) and a second part (103), the first part having an inlet (120) through which the contents of the container admit fluid into the nozzle arrangement during use and an abutment surface (105) which contact an abutment surface (106) of the second part. The abutment surface (105,106) of the first and second parts define a fluid flow passageway (122,123) therebetween, which connects the inlet (120) to the outlet (124), as well as a seal that is adapted to contain any fluid that leaks from the inlet and/or at least a portion of the fluid flow passage (122,123) during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Incro Limited
    Inventor: Keith Laidler
  • Patent number: 7407116
    Abstract: A spray washer structure used for attaching to an aircraft and washing insulators on high-voltage transmission lines includes a pivot seat, a core tube, an inner tube, and a nozzle. The pivot seat is supported by a plurality of legs and a rear leg that are attached at the aircraft. The mid-section of the core tube is pivotally connected to the pivot seat by the use of a pivot, and an end portion of the core tube is connected to at least an inclined resilient buffer link at another end portion of the pivot. The innertube is passed through and pivoting within the core tube. The nozzle is secured at the front end of the inner tube by an adjustable joint. Moreover, the nozzle is also connected to a hose connected to a water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Emerald Pacific Airlines
    Inventor: James Lee
  • Patent number: 7407117
    Abstract: An improved liquid sprayer assembly for connection to a container (which preferably includes two liquid storage compartments) has a housing that includes a container mount having an underside with at least one structure that is operably interposed with corresponding structure on a neck portion of the container such that the container mount is fixed in a predetermined orientation relative to the container. A cap locks the container mount to the neck portion of the container. Preferably, the at least one structure of the container mount comprises a pair of wedge-shaped wall structures together with a plurality of wall structures that extend in a directional substantially parallel to the central axis of the mount/neck. The wedge-shaped wall structures are radially disposed opposite one another about the central axis of the container mount/neck and fit within wedge-shaped voids defined by the neck portion of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Calmar, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph K. Dodd
  • Patent number: 7407118
    Abstract: An improved atomization jet assembly for aromatherapy essential oil diffuser wells. It does not loose the cap during handling. It uses the capillary of liquids principal to draw essential oils between the exterior of the jet FIG. 12 and the inner cap profile FIG. 7. The flow of liquid is stopped by a capillary break 40. The Ventura principal is then used to create a low pressure area between the top of the jet ball 44 and the inside radius of the cap 65. An air/oil mixture blows out of the cap orifice 66 with the aid of an air pump. The net result is increased availability of air molecules attaching to oil molecules and making them airborne and breathable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Earl Vaughn Sevy
  • Patent number: 7407119
    Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine including a body, a stator member, an armature, an electromagnetic coil, and a diamagnetic member. The body includes a passage extending along a longitudinal axis between inlet and outlet ends. The armature member is movable with respect to the stator member between a first configuration and a second configuration, and includes a closure member proximate the outlet end and contiguous to a seat in the first configuration, and spaced from the seat in the second configuration. The electromagnetic coil surrounds the passage, is disposed in a housing, and is energizable to provide magnetic flux that moves the armature between the first and second configuration to permit fuel flow through the passage. The diamagnetic member is proximate the electromagnetic coil so that when the electromagnetic coil is energized the magnetic flux flows around the diamagnetic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Perry R. Czimmek
  • Patent number: 7407120
    Abstract: An adjustable racing injector injects fuel by carrying out an opening and closing of a fuel orifice in a valve seat. The fuel orifice is controlled by a signal, typically provided by an engine control unit, which energizes a magnetic circuit including coil which in turn will effect movement of a needle. The adjustable racing injector is field reconfigurable and may be provided as discrete components, or may be provided as an assembly together with a collection of replaceable components that are designed to controllably alter the performance of an engine to which the injector is attached. All of the performance components may be readily replaced in the field, while still obtaining repeatable performance across a plurality of injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Jack French
  • Patent number: 7407121
    Abstract: A method of providing a controlled batch of micrometer-sized or nanometer-sized coal material. This method includes the steps of: (a) specifying at least one desired physical and/or chemical parameter of the controlled batch of coal material; (b) specifying the desired range of the physical and/or chemical parameter in the controlled batch of coal material; (c) obtaining a feedstock batch of coal material; and (d) processing a feedstock batch of coal material to obtain the controlled batch of coal material having the at least one specified physical and/or chemical parameter in the specified range thereof. In a further step, the controlled batch of coal material can be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin C. Kerns, James R. Pagnotti
  • Patent number: 7407122
    Abstract: The nature of the method of treating multicomponent, composite and combined materials, consisting of organic and inorganic, non-metallic and metallic components and especially of waste from electronic and electric devices and equipments, consists in that the treated materials are pretreated by removing contaminating components containing toxic heavy metals and poly-chlorinated biphenyls, by grinding the waste to particles having the size of 5 to 25 mm at most, and they are subjected, in an inert or reducing environment at a temperature of 350° C. to 600° C. and at a pressure of 100 kPa to 10 MPa, to the action of blades of a rotational mechanism for 10 seconds to 10 minutes, and to the action of a moving bed of solid particles of a substance, performing whirling motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Ivan Madar, Martin Juriga
  • Patent number: 7407123
    Abstract: A special shape of bars on refining discs or plate segments (54) of a rotating disc refiner (10) is disclosed including a plurality of bars (76) generally extending outwards toward the outer end of the disk across its surface, arranged in a single, two or more radial zones (64, 66, 68), the plurality of the bars within a zone being curved with the shape of a logarithmic spiral. Disc refiners including such refining discs are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Durametal Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Antensteiner
  • Patent number: 7407124
    Abstract: The invention is a tablet crusher including a linkage that is operable to bring to bear a force on a platen so as to urge it against an anvil, wherein platen and anvil are shaped so as to bring about a crushing force upon a tablet disposed therebetween. The device comprises: (1) a base; (2) a fulcrum member integrally and immovably fixed to the base; (3) an anvil integrally fixed to the base, the anvil having a concave crushing face; (4) a movable handle pivotally coupled to the fulcrum member at a first pivot point; (5) a compression link, pivotally coupled at a first pivot to the base and coupled at a second pivot to the handle, for facilitating movement of the handle relative to the base; and (6) a platen having a convex crushing face, coupled at a third pivot to the base and coupled at a fourth pivot to the handle, whereby movement of the handle produces movement of the platen relative to the anvil, for crushing a tablet between the anvil and the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Health Care Logistics, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Layshon, Paul Reeder
  • Patent number: 7407125
    Abstract: In a recording tape cartridge provided with a reel having a hub at which a recording tape is wound, a case that accommodates the reel such that the reel is rotatable, and an opening formed at the case from which a leader member attached to a distal end of the recording tape is pulled out, the hub is formed in a substantial barrel shape. Further, the hub of a take-up reel of a drive device into which the recording tape cartridge is loaded is formed in a substantial barrel shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Shiga
  • Patent number: 7407126
    Abstract: A recording tape cartridge with a reel in a case, a hollow cylinder shaped hub and a recording tape wound around the hub has a braking member provided so as to be unrotatable within the case. The braking member can be set at a locking position, at which the braking member engages with an engaging portion formed at a top surface of a floor of the hub and impedes rotation of the reel, and a rotation permitting position, at which engagement with the engaging portion is cancelled due to the braking member moving away from the top surface of the floor of the hub due to pushing-up of an operation portion which is inserted through a pass-through hole of the hub. A guide wall, which extends toward the braking member and always opposes a side surface of the operation portion, is formed at a peripheral edge of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Hiraguchi
  • Patent number: 7407127
    Abstract: In one example of one aspect of the invention, a single reel data storage cartridge is provided. The single reel data storage cartridge includes a housing having an access window and a reel rotatably disposed within the housing and having storage tape wound on the reel. A guide surface is further disposed within the housing such that the tape extends from the reel to the guide surface before extending to the access window. The guide surface thereby increases the tape path from the reel to guiding elements within a tape drive to reduce the force imparted on the tape edge during guiding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel B. Sachuk
  • Patent number: 7407128
    Abstract: A press cord reel box is comprised of an upper casing, a press spring, a push button, a revolving cylinder, a wiring material, and a lower casing characterized in that through changed location of a pivot for the push button to press and supporting the push button by the turning axle from the lower casing, the present invention effectively prevents the push button from collapsing after longer period of repeated press; and that the purpose of product quality assurance is achieve; and that a longer service life is provided; furthermore, all structural members are reasonably disposed in the present invention to achieve simple, compact, and smaller sized assembly to provide powerful utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Hsi-Fan Chang
  • Patent number: 7407129
    Abstract: An apparatus to package a plurality of tape spools that can be also used to unwind the tape spools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Martin Robitaille, Steve Gagnon
  • Patent number: 7407130
    Abstract: A paper magazine includes a shaft portion for rotatably supporting a paper roll inside a box-like frame, a paper transporting system configured for pinching a paper drawn out of the paper roll supported on the shaft portion by transport rollers and delivering this paper through an opening formed in the frame, and a transmission mechanism for effecting the delivery and rewinding of the paper through the opening by transmitting a forward drive force and a reverse drive force to the transport rollers. A guide member is provided on an inner wall face of the frame disposed at a lower portion inside the paper magazine. The guide member is configured for coming into contact with a terminal end of the paper delivered from the paper magazine which end assumes a hanging-down posture as a result of a paper rewinding operation effected after detachment of the terminal end from said shaft portion as a result of a paper delivering operation effected with the paper magazine being set under a predetermined posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunobu Shimamura
  • Patent number: 7407131
    Abstract: The present invention blocks and/or attenuates the upstream travel of acoustic disturbances or sound waves from a flight vehicle or components of a flight vehicle traveling at subsonic speed using a local injection of a high molecular weight gas. Additional benefit may also be obtained by lowering the temperature of the gas. Preferably, the invention has a means of distributing the high molecular weight gas from the nose, wing, component, or other structure of the flight vehicle into the upstream or surrounding air flow. Two techniques for distribution are direct gas injection and sublimation of the high molecular weight solid material from the vehicle surface. The high molecular weight and low temperature of the gas significantly decreases the local speed of sound such that a localized region of supersonic flow and possibly shock waves are formed, preventing the upstream travel of sound waves from the flight vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stephen Corda, Mark Stephen Smith, David Daniel Myre
  • Patent number: 7407132
    Abstract: An aircraft which includes elements providing air circulation and directing the circulation along a housing. Different operational stages of the aircraft such as take off and level flight are achieved by using the same functionally inter-connected elements. The circulation is achieved by fan elements that allow adjusting the blow direction and the blowing force of the flow. A stagnation point (SP) associated with the circulation is also formed if necessary below the housing and the aircraft can be steered by controlling the circulation and the position of the stagnation point (SP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Lightway
    Inventor: Kari Kirjavainen
  • Patent number: 7407133
    Abstract: Methods of operating a multi-engine jet-aircraft. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first jet engine and a second jet engine are provided. One of the jet engines has a lesser maximum thrust capability than the other jet engine as a result of limiting the former's maximum thrust capability, but the two jet engines are otherwise equally powered. During various segments of flight, both the first jet engine and second jet engine are utilized. A thrust differential between the first jet engine and the second jet engine is created during one or more flight segments by continuing to run either the first jet engine or second jet engine, but running the other at a reduced power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: 3x Jet Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Richard J. Bacon
  • Patent number: 7407134
    Abstract: A steerable auxiliary nose undercarriage (2) for a rotary wing aircraft (1); the undercarriage (2) being retractable substantially rearwards. In the undercarriage (2), an oscillating system (13) presents a elevation stroke (58) about its hinged front end (52) that is greater than a shock absorbing stroke (59), and a shock-absorbing actuator (9) possesses retraction elements for going beyond a high abutment position of the oscillating system (13) so that the oscillating system (13) and the shock-absorbing actuator (9) provide both a shock-absorption function and an undercarriage retraction function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventor: Claude Bietenhader
  • Patent number: 7407135
    Abstract: In an aircraft comprising a fuselage and a belly fairing, the fairing is made of two independent parts. For example, a first part of the fairing comprises a front section, a central section and a first portion of a rear section. A second part of the fairing comprises a second portion of the rear section. The second part can shift relative to the first part of the fairing. Also disclosed is a belly fairing for aircraft comprising two independent parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: François Rouyre
  • Patent number: 7407136
    Abstract: A surface-mounted fuselage skin appliqué panel having an aperture to a reference static air input port is rugged, replaceable, and independently calibratable. The static port skin appliqué generally conforms to the fuselage surface, and is held in place either with adhesive or with a mounting frame. The appliqué size enables airflow in the vicinity of the static port to be substantially uniform. Because the appliqué is not part of the fuselage structure, distorting stress loads are avoided. The appliqué material resists scratches and bumps that can distort flow. A static port skin appliqué and its mounting provisions can be made using a range of materials, and can receive finishes to meet user preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Aerocontrolex Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Murg
  • Patent number: 7407137
    Abstract: An integrated power and attitude control system and method for a vehicle efficiently supplies electrical power to both low voltage and high voltage loads, and does not rely on relatively heavy batteries to supply power during the vehicle initialization process. The system includes an energy storage flywheel, and a solar array that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The energy storage flywheel is spun up, using electrical power supplied from a low voltage power source, to a rotational speed sufficient to provide attitude control. Then, after the solar array is moved to its deployed position, the energy storage flywheel is spun up, using electrical power supplied from a second power source, to a rotational speed sufficient to provide both attitude control and energy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: George J. Klupar, Calvin C. Potter, Sharon K. Brault, Robert J. Pinkerton, Norman Stanley Kolecki