Patents Issued in August 19, 2008
  • Patent number: 7413144
    Abstract: A positioning system, device, and method are provided to facilitate the in-flight positioning of two aircraft relative to one another such that a second aircraft is guided to an in-flight refueling position relative to a first aircraft. The system, device, and method of the present invention provide a signal emitted from a positioning device carried by the first aircraft, wherein the signal defines a signal envelope containing the in-flight refueling position. The signal is adapted to be receivable by the second aircraft such that the signal may guide the second aircraft to the in-flight refueling position relative to the first aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven B. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7413145
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerial fire suppression utilizing a potable fire retardant chemical dispensing system, readily adaptable, without extensive aircraft modification, to various makes of aircraft, for dispensing current types of forest and range fire fighting chemicals. The aerial delivery system is self contained and reusable. It enables cargo/utility aircraft to carry and dump a load, under control. The aerial delivery system is capable of attachment at the wing box, pressurized delivery from the nozzles, and nozzles directed straight downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Evergreen International Aviation, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Hale, Christopher B. Harris, Daniel A. Kottman
  • Patent number: 7413146
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a kite powered conveyance device. Port and starboard kite leads (28,32) and/or port and starboard kite control lines (30, 36) connect ends of a control bar (26, 26?) to port and starboard ends of a kite (12). A tether guide (34, 34?, 34?) is connected to one end of the control bar (26) or to one of the kite leads (28, 32). A harness (12) with a spreader bar (18) is adapted to be worn by a user of the kite powered conveyance device. An arm (20, 20?) is connected to the spreader bar (18). A tether connector (42, 42?) and a hook (22, 22?) are rotatably mounted on the arm (20, 20?) for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the arm (20, 20?). The hook (22, 22?) is hooked to the control bar (26, 26?) to connect the control bar (26, 26?) to the spreader bar (18). A tether (38) passes through the tether guide (34, 34?, 34?) and has its first end connected to the tether connector (42, 42?) and its second end connected to one of the Kite control lines (30, 36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Luis E. Quijano
  • Patent number: 7413147
    Abstract: The invention is a system and method for propellantless, ultrahigh precision satellite formation flying based on ultrahigh precision intracavity laser thrusters and tethers with an intersatellite distance accuracy of nanometers at maximum estimated distances of tens of kilometers. The repelling force of the intracavity laser thruster and the attracting force of tether tension between satellites form the basic forces to stabilize matrix structures of satellites. Users of the present invention can also use the laser thruster for ultrahigh precision laser interferometric metrology, resulting in simplification and payload weight reduction in integrating the thruster system and the metrology system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Young Kun Bae
  • Patent number: 7413148
    Abstract: A cryocooler is located on a spacecraft bus, such as a bus box, separate from the cryogenic propellant tanks disposed on a separable and distinct propellant cartridge system spacecraft docked to the spacecraft bus. In operation, propellant may be continuously pumped from the tanks through the cryocooler cold heat exchanger and then back to the tanks on the separable propellant cartridge system spacecraft through temporarily couplable lines. After the propellant tanks are depleted, the propellant cartridge system is then undocked from the bus and typically discarded. A new propellant cartridge system spacecraft comprising a full set of tanks may then be docked to the bus and the cryocooler supply/return lines coupled. The remote cryocooler may function as part of a larger space depot for spacecraft resupply, although it is not limited to such applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John W. Behrens, Frank O. Chandler, Jeffrey J. Cronick, Alfredo Lopez
  • Patent number: 7413149
    Abstract: A system for augmenting the apparent velocity and effectiveness of an airfoil, such as a wing, on a vehicle includes at least one ionizer or emitter positioned relative to the airfoil to ionize a fluid media in which the airfoil travels and at least one attractor/receiver for accelerating the flow of ionized fluid media over the airfoil. The system further includes a voltage source to which each ionizer and each attractor is electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Minick, Benjamin Goldberg, Larry Knauer
  • Patent number: 7413150
    Abstract: A flat panel display stand has a base, a post, a resilient assembly and a holding bracket. The post is securely mounted perpendicularly on the base and has a channel defined inside the post and two guide slots formed through the post opposite to each other. The resilient assembly is mounted slidably in the channel of the post and has two friction feet and a coil spring. The friction feet are mounted respectively in the guide slots and generate adequate friction to hold the resilient assembly in place. The coil spring has an end secured in the channel and provides a resilient force to hold the resilient assembly in position. The holding bracket is connected to a flat panel display and is attached to the resilient assembly through the guide slots. The flat panel display stand is compact and facilitates adjustment of the position of the flat panel display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Ching Hsu
  • Patent number: 7413151
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reconfigurable holding device comprising a first plate, a second plate and a joint piece. The first plate includes a first arm and a second arm to rest an electronic device on the first arm. The second plate includes a third arm and a fourth arm. The joint piece can be a hinge wherein one end of the hinge is fixed to the first arm and the other end is fixed to the third arm so that the first plate and the second plate can be held at a post-pivot angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Behavior Tech Computer Corp.
    Inventor: Chieh-Feng Wu
  • Patent number: 7413152
    Abstract: A carrier device includes a supporting base having one or more columns, a mounting seat for supporting an object and having an arm, and a linkage for adjustably coupling and supporting the mounting seat to the supporting base to the selected angular positions without spring members. Two or more fastener each include a non-circular shank engaged through one or more discs, and a pair of levers are disposed parallel to each other and pivotally coupled between the fasteners for forming a parallelogrammic structure and for adjustably and stably supporting the mounting seat to the columns of the supporting base at selected angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kernan Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 7413153
    Abstract: A removable fastening system comprising a first flexible flat metal spiral for wrapping around a first object and a second flexible flat metal spiral for wrapping around a second object. A non-removable rotating pin engages the first flexible flat metal spiral on a first side opposite the first object, and engages the second flexible flat metal spiral on a second side opposite the second object. The second object tensions the removable fastening system while the removable fastening system is connected to the first object. The first flexible flat metal spiral dissipates a first force along a longitudinal axis of the first object, and the second flexible flat metal spiral dissipates a second force along a longitudinal axis of the second object, enabling the first flexible flat metal spiral to support the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: GAF Innovative Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold Bennett Ghormley
  • Patent number: 7413154
    Abstract: A holder for receiving and supporting an article includes a sidewall defining a cavity for receiving the article. At least one resiliently deformable support member is attached to the sidewall. The support member has a surface inwardly extending into said cavity. The surface is operable to support the article. The support member includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion defines a convex surface and the upper surface defines one of a concave surface and a convex surface having a larger radius of curvature than the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Harshman, Ted Rickabus, Gerald Bekes, Ralph Provitz, Stewart MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7413155
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of holding an object in cooperation with a cup holder of a vehicle comprises a support (110), a post (120) coupled to the support, and a base (130). The post has a first end (221) and a second end (222), and the base is capable of receiving the first end of the post. The base is sized to fit within the cup holder of the vehicle. A distance between the support and the base may be adjusted, and an angle between the support and the post may also be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Duncan Seil, Ernesto Quinteros, Vijendra Nalwad
  • Patent number: 7413156
    Abstract: A hanger bar attachable between joists for supporting a fixture has an attaching plate at distal ends with a contact portion for bearing against a joist and a laterally extending portion that defines a recess. The extended portion defines an elongate slot that receives a bushing and a fastener extends through the bushing for securing the elongate bar to the joist. The hanger bar is selectively positionable after initial attachment to the joist by moving the attaching plate as guided by the bushing in the slot. A method of attaching a hanger bar to joists for supporting fixtures is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ilsung Moolsan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Woo Hyun (John) Cho
  • Patent number: 7413157
    Abstract: A surgical tray corner protector includes a base, a side wall that extends from an outer edge of the base, and support members extending from the top surface of the base to form a tray support surface, providing improved drainage and air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignees: Quadion Corporation, General Hospital Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Sam Curnow, Ted Eric Ahrenholtz
  • Patent number: 7413158
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing platform includes a bottom plate and a top plate joined to one another along at least two sides by elongate rigid links that enable the plates to remain in parallel relation to one another as the plates are displaced responsive to externally-imparted forces. An air spring resists relative vertical motion between the bottom and top plates as external forces are applied to the platform. A shock-absorbing damper damps the natural oscillation of the air spring. The resistance presented by the air spring is adjustable through an inlet and outlet port in fluid communication with a remote source of air under pressure. In a second embodiment, a seat bottom includes arched leaf springs that supplant the air spring to increase the range of relative movement between the top and bottom plates and to lower the profile of the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Peter J. Burer
  • Patent number: 7413159
    Abstract: A stand for supporting a computer chassis (100) includes a base frame (10), a pair of clamping arms (20), and a hinge (3) pivotally connecting the clamping arms to the base frame. The base frame includes a pair of levers (12), and a beam (14) disposed between the levers. The hinge includes a pair of first connecting portion (30), a pair of second connecting portions (40) assembled with first connecting portions, and a shaft (50) pivotally engaging with the first and second connecting portions. The first connecting portions respectively hold free ends of the levers of the base frame therein. The second connecting portions respectively hold free ends of the clamping arms therein. The computer chassis is supported by the stand, seating on the shaft and the beam of the base frame and retained by the clamping arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Chi Liang, Pin-Shian Wu, Ji-Guo Xu
  • Patent number: 7413160
    Abstract: In a method for determining the closure time for a valve, operated by a piezoelectric actuator, in order to record the closing time, the voltage at the piezoelectric actuator is recorded and the time is recorded at which the voltage has a maximum difference value from a comparison curve. The difference curve is generated between a start and an end point for a measured curve, having the voltage values applied to the piezoelectric actuator. A precise determination of the closing time can thus be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Beilharz, Sven Rebeschiess, Christian Rissler, Hans-Jörg Wiehoff
  • Patent number: 7413161
    Abstract: A tolerance compensated quick coupling comprises a projecting or bulging portion of a male coupling, which can be axially driven in a valve body, the coupling projecting or bulging portion ending with a flange inside the valve body, said flange in said valve body being followed by an axially movable annular body which, through a spring bearing on the bottom of the valve body, is pressed against the flange, the movable annular body having, on a side thereof facing the flange, a circumferential slot housing a sealing ring element contacting an inner surface of the flange, the movable annular body being moreover provided, on an outer circumferential side thereof, with a slot in which is engaged a circumferential sealing ring contacting an inner wall of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Faster S.p.A.
    Inventor: Massimo Arosio
  • Patent number: 7413162
    Abstract: A vacuum valve comprises a valve housing which has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, a valve disk which is located in the interior space of the valve housing and which is arranged at a carrying arm that is rigidly connected to a shaft which, for purposes of opening and closing the vacuum valve, is rotatable around its longitudinal axis and displaceable in axial direction, and a driving device for opening and closing the vacuum valve. The driving device comprises a rotary drive for rotating the shaft. The driving device further comprises a driving piston which is arranged in an inner cavity of the valve disk and which has, at least over portions of its circumference, a radial extension which is larger than the outlet opening with respect to the center longitudinal axis of the outlet opening and at which tappets are arranged on the side facing the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventor: Friedrich Geiser
  • Patent number: 7413163
    Abstract: This invention discloses improvements to a damper of the type used in industrial applications to open and close ducts carrying noxious or corrosive materials, such as combustion by-products. The improvements include a linear rack and wheeled pinion system to raise and lower a damper blade plate and improvements to the seal cartridge to prolong the life of the seal membrane and to prevent galling between the blade plate and the seal cartridge or damper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Senior Investments AG
    Inventors: Ronald K. Maxwell, David F. McGrath, Gregory Allyn Perkins
  • Patent number: 7413164
    Abstract: A rubber (elastic substance) is attached by vulcanization and an annular sealing member 4 is formed in an annular groove 3 having a step and provided in the bottom wall of a body 2 of a valve disc 1. The sealing member 4 has an annular portion 41 and an annular portion 42. Most of the annular portions 41, 42 are located in a deep groove portion 31 and a shallow groove portion 32, respectively, and the volume of the annular portion 41 is larger than the volume of the annular portion 42. Furthermore, an annular protrusion 43, which protrudes downward, is provided in the boundary region between the annular portions 41, 42. An inclined section that is inclined at the prescribed inner angle Q is also formed in the boundary region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Norio Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 7413165
    Abstract: An automatic-slide-forward-lift bridge for use with a jack stand power unit. The power unit has a rectangular frame base and a pair of parallel lift arms with forward ends for raising and lowering the jack stand. The lift arms have leveling pads attached to the forward ends. Each leveling pad includes a rectangular plate oriented vertically having a rearward edge and an upper surface with a flange extending outward for use with the lift bridge, and for use with a compression spring mechanism for biasing the bridge toward the forward ends of the lift arms. The lift bridge comprises a rectangular plate having an upper surface, a bottom surface, a forward end and a pair of sides. Each side of the lift bridge has an inner channel for engaging the outward flange of the respective leveling pad, and each side further has a finger extending rearward from the rectangular plate with a flange extended downward for abutting the rearward edge of the leveling pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: 7413166
    Abstract: An extendible jack stand comprises first, second, and third vertical frames arranged in telescoping relationship. A locking mechanism includes an upwardly extending finger fixedly secured to an outer surface of the upper end of the first frame. A guide member is secured to the upper end of the second frame and extends horizontally outward. A latch member is slideable within the guide member and has a slotted opening therein for receiving the finger, with springs urging the latching member inward. When the third frame is fully extended, the latch member is urged into a groove in the third frame and permits the second frame to be extended. The upper end of the finger has an outward surface that inclined at about 32° for sliding the latch member outward along the guide member. The inward surface then inclines at an angle of about 45°. The inward surface further extends inclined at an angle of about 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: 7413167
    Abstract: A trunk jack includes a rectangular frame base having a left shoe and a right shoe having a longitudinal track on their inner sides, a forward end has a support plate, and a rearward end has a rear plate with an aperture for receiving an actuator shaft. A screw-threaded actuator shaft has a distal portion, and a proximal end extending through the aperture of the rear plate. A lateral screw axel has a threaded aperture receiving the distal end of the actuator shaft, and has its ends extending into the respective left and right track of the shoes. Two parallel lift arms have forward ends, and have rearward ends pivotally attached to the lateral axel. Two connecting arms have forward ends pivotally attached to the forward ends of the shoes, and have rearward ends pivotally attached on the middle of the lift arms. A lifting plate is pivotally attached to the forward ends of the lift arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: 7413168
    Abstract: The power unit includes a generally rectangular frame having a pair of parallel lift arms with forward ends extendable upward therefrom. The lift arms have leveling pads pivotally attached to the outer sides thereof, wherein each leveling pad includes a generally rectangular plate oriented vertically having a rearward edge and an upper edge with a longitudinal flange extending outward from the upper edge. The lift bridge slides along the upper surface of the lift arms and includes a rectangular plate having a bottom surface and a pair of sides. Each side has an inner longitudinal channel for engaging the outward flange of the leveling pad, and has a finger extending rearward with a flange extended downward for abutting the rearward edge of the leveling pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: 7413169
    Abstract: A hydraulic floor jack includes a rectangular frame with side flanges and having an extended control handle with a control lever. A pivotal lifting mechanism is mounted on the frame including a pair of parallel lift arms having rearward ends interconnected by a lateral push bar. The forward ends of the lift arms are pivotable upward for lifting a load as the push bar is translated forward within a pair of longitudinal “U” channel tracks attached to the inner side flanges. A hydraulic cylinder is secured at the rearward end of the frame for pushing the lateral push bar forward, and for releasing the lateral push bar rearward along the tracks. The safety mechanism includes a toothed rack bar secured on the vertical wall of the tracks. The lateral push bar has bore holes in the ends thereof. A cylindrical dog is slidably supported within each of the bore holes and has a distal end that is extendable for engaging a tooth of the rack bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: 7413170
    Abstract: A split winch band shaft fast rotating device is provided herein. The device is disposed at the band shaft extension end at one side of the winch mount, and includes a band shaft joint and a rotator. At least one crowbar hole is set on the rotator. The rotator is coupled to one side of the band shaft joint with a unidirectional linkage mechanism set at the contact surface thereof. The band shaft extension end has at least one pin hole. The band shaft joint could be inserted into or covered on the band shaft extension end with a detachable connection mechanism arranged therebetween which could make the joint fixedly connected to the extension end by inserting one or more axle pins into the pin holes. The split winch band shaft fast rotating device is low in cost, convenient in maintenance, flexible in operation, and could improve the bundling speed of the winch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Boqin Ruan
  • Patent number: 7413171
    Abstract: A spare tire carrier assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having an aperture formed therein and a spool positioned in the housing. A drive shaft is connected to the spool, and a cable is wrapped about the spool. A cable guide assembly extends through the aperture and has a first portion positioned in the housing and a second portion positioned outside the housing. The first portion has an aperture extending therethrough. The second portion has an aperture extending therethrough that is in communication with the aperture in the first portion. The cable extends through the aperture in the first portion and the aperture in the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Reznar
  • Patent number: 7413172
    Abstract: Winch for a vehicle and method for coupling and/or uncoupling an anchoring device to and/or from a positionally fixed anchor part The invention relates to a winch for a vehicle, in particular for a piste maintenance vehicle, with an elongate flexible traction means which is assigned to a drive device which is configured for the introduction of tractive forces to the traction means, and with a guide device which is provided for feeding the traction means to the drive device, and also with an anchoring device which is mounted on a free end region, facing away from the drive device, of the traction means and is configured so as to be adjustable between an opening position and a locking position, in order to allow a positive anchoring of the traction means on a positionally fixed anchor part, and also to a method for coupling and/or uncoupling an anchoring device to and/or from the fixed anchor part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kaessbohrer Gelaendefahrzeug AG
    Inventors: Helmut Kanzler, Bernd Junginger
  • Patent number: 7413173
    Abstract: A molded base plate for use in a humidifier and ventilation assembly is disclosed. The base plate is connected to a cover which forms the water chamber of the humidifier. A thermally conductive material is used in the molding process of the base plate so that heat applied to the base plate is conducted into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Mark DiMatteo, William Perroz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7413174
    Abstract: A fluid-filled type vibration-damping device having: an elastic body connecting first and a second mounting members; a pressure-receiving chamber formed axially below the main rubber elastic body and partially defined by the main rubber elastic body; an equilibrium chamber formed between the main rubber elastic body and a flexible film by disposing the flexible film so as to cover an outside face of the main rubber elastic body; and an orifice passage through which both chambers communicate with each other. An equilibrium-chamber-side opening of the orifice passage is situated in proximity to an axial lower end of the outside face of the elastic body. A guide groove extending axially upward is formed in proximity to the equilibrium-chamber-side opening. A projecting rib projects from the flexible film towards the guide groove is formed extending along the guide groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Okumura, Tomohiro Kanaya
  • Patent number: 7413175
    Abstract: A cover-driven book production method and system are disclosed. The method of cover-driven book production includes providing a plurality of book covers. The book covers can be identified using, for example, a scanner. A book block can then be retrieved from a book repository based on the identified cover. After performing raster image processing (RIP) of the book block, copies of the book block can be printed. Finishing can be accomplished by binding the printed book blocks to the book covers using an in-line binder or off-line binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Levine, Michael Evan
  • Patent number: 7413176
    Abstract: A sheet finisher includes a sheet stacker for stacking sheets conveyed from an image forming apparatus to form a sheet bundle and a binding device for binding the sheet bundle with a staple, further includes a center folding device for center folding sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus, a first conveying device for conveying sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus to the sheet stacker without passing through the center folding device, and a second conveying device for conveying the sheets to the sheet stacker via the center folding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Hirata, Motoki Nakamichi, Norishige Kato, Takehiro Ogushi, Yasushi Saitsu
  • Patent number: 7413177
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus which makes it possible to carry out optimal bundling, such as bookbinding, according to sheet thickness, thereby enhancing the operability of the apparatus. A sensor LED control section 114 detects the thickness of a bundle of sheets to be processed. A post-processing control section 115 calculates a thickness of each sheet based on the thickness of the bundle of sheets detected by the sensor LED control section 114. The post-processing control section 115 changes the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be processed as a bundle based on the calculated thickness of each sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Mori, Nobuo Sekiguchi, Takashi Nagaya, Keita Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7413178
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus which is capable of accurately superimposing or aligning sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus during buffering even when the space intervals between the sheets are reduced. A sheet processing apparatus sequentially receives sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus and carries out post-processing on the sheets. During execution of the post-processing on the sheets, a plurality of sheets are discharged successively from the image forming apparatus and superimposed one upon another around a buffer roller. The conveying speed of the sheets is controlled such that a conveying time period over which a sheet preceding a final one of the sheets to be superimposed one upon another around the buffer roller is conveyed over a predetermined path section is shorter than a conveying time period over which the final one is conveyed over the predetermined path section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Fujii, Norifumi Miyake, Yasuo Fukatsu, Tsuyoshi Moriyama, Takako Hanada
  • Patent number: 7413179
    Abstract: In a bookbinding apparatus, an adhesive applying portion applies an adhesive to an end face of a sheet bundle allowed to stand in the substantially vertical direction, a storage portion that gathers and stores the sheet bundle which is applied with the adhesive and bound in the adhesive applying portion while letting the sheet bundle stand in the substantially vertical direction, transport means for conveying the sheet bundle while letting the sheet bundle stand in the substantially vertical direction from the adhesive applying portion to the storage portion along a substantially vertical transport path, and a cutting portion which is provided on the transport path between the adhesive applying portion and the storage portion, and which cuts an end face of the sheet bundle while letting the sheet bundle stand in the substantially vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignees: Canon Finetech Inc., Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Honmochi, Masayoshi Kubo, Toshiaki Nochi, Ken Yonekawa, Yuji Ueno, Keiichi Nagasawa, Hiroshi Nakagomi
  • Patent number: 7413180
    Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus includes a tray device for sequentially stacking and storing a sheet, a corner support device arranged between a discharge outlet and the tray device for supporting a corner of the sheet, and a finishing device for finishing the sheet on the corner support device. A first support device supports the corner support device to move between an operating position positioned in a sheet conveying path and a retracted position retracted from the operating position. A second support device supports the finishing device. The second support device is formed separately from the first support device and moves the finishing device between an operating position in the sheet conveying path to a retracted position retracted from the operating position. A drive device moves the first support device and the second support device from the operating positions to the retracted positions after finishing the sheet with the finishing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventor: Misao Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7413181
    Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus includes a conveying member configured to convey recording media and a tray configured to receive the recording media conveyed by the conveying member. The tray includes a holding member configured to hold the recording media therein and to contact a first edge of the recording media such that the recording media is positioned, a rotatable moving member configured to contact the recording media such that the holding member abuts against the recording media, a discharging member configured to discharge the recording media stacked by the holding member, and a protruding member mounted on the discharging member and configured to contact a second edge of the recording media such that the recording media is positioned. One of the rotatable moving member and the protruding member positions the recording media stacked in the tray in a travel direction of the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Iida, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Kenji Yamada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Naohiro Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7413182
    Abstract: A system and method includes a printing system assembly and controller. The printing system assembly is configured to separate media from a printer input during a separation time and then deliver it to a printer marking engine. The controller is configured to measure the separation time. The controller is further configured to adjust a plurality of parameter settings according to the measured separation time and according to the influence each of the parameter settings has on the separation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Wade A. Powell, Scott K. Carter, Ronald Slutz
  • Patent number: 7413183
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus including: a sheet-supply cassette which accommodates a stack of recording sheets and which is insertable into and removable from a main body of the apparatus; an end wall which is disposed at a downstream end of the cassette in a sheet-supply direction in which the sheets are supplied, so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the sheet-supply direction and which has a height larger than that of a maximum number of the sheets that can be accommodated in the cassette; an image recording unit disposed in the main body for recording an image on the sheets; an arm disposed in the main body and pivotable about a shaft which extends in the direction perpendicular to the sheet-supply direction; a sheet-feed roller which is disposed at a free end of the arm and which is, in a state in which the cassette is inserted into the main body, in contact with an uppermost one of the sheets accommodated in the cassette and which feeds the uppermost one of the sheets toward the image recordin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Asada, Takatoshi Takemoto
  • Patent number: 7413184
    Abstract: A pickup mechanism for a business machine. A support shaft is disposed in the business machine. An oscillating arm includes a first end and a second end opposite thereto. The first end is fitted on the support shaft. An inner-rotor type motor is disposed on the second end of the oscillating arm and includes a central rotating shaft extending beyond the inner-rotor type motor. A pickup roller is connected to the central rotating shaft. When the inner-rotor type motor operates, the pickup roller rotates by rotation of the central rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chung-Yi Lai
  • Patent number: 7413185
    Abstract: A paper sheet takeout apparatus has a memory which has several processing modes, and stores parameters of a supply speed of a supply unit, a pressing force of a delivering roller and a separating force of a separating roller for each processing mode, a setting unit which selects one of several processing modes, and a controller which reads the parameters from the memory in accordance with the processing mode selected by the setting unit and which controls at least one of supply speed of the supply unit, a pressing force of a delivering roller and a separating force of the separating roller, on the basis of the parameters read from the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yusuke Mitsuya, Shinichi Ito
  • Patent number: 7413186
    Abstract: A feeding device capable of feeding sheets one after another in a feed direction, including: (a) a sheet accommodator capable of accommodating the sheets piled therein; and (b) a dust remover including a contact portion which is held in contact with a surface of an uppermost one of the sheets piled in the sheet accommodator so as to remove dust from the surface of the uppermost sheet that is fed from the sheet accommodator in the feed direction. Also disclosed is a data processing apparatus including: (i) the above-described feeing device; and (ii) at least one of an image reader and a printer head, to which the sheets are fed to be subjected to respective operations achieved by the above-described at least one of the image reader and the printer head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Koga, Masahiko Sasa
  • Patent number: 7413187
    Abstract: A printer has a paper rest on which one or more paper sheet is placed, feed rollers for feeding the paper sheet placed on the paper rest, and a printing head for printing an image on the paper sheet. The paper rest has a fixed rest portion, the inclination of which is fixed and a movable rest portion rotatably supported on the fixed rest portion and a torsion spring is interposed between the fixed rest portion and the movable rest portion for generating elastic force according to rotation of the movable rest portion. Due to self-weight of the paper sheets placed on the paper rest and the elastic force of the torsion spring, the movable rest portion is inclined more steep when the number of the paper sheets placed on the paper rest smaller and is inclined more gentle when the number of the paper sheets is larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Mitsuhashi
  • Patent number: 7413188
    Abstract: A paper feed cassette capable of detecting the size of the recording medium loaded on the paper feed cassette, and an image formation device comprising this recording medium size detector. Side fences and an end fence are slidably provided to a cassette body detachably installed in the body case, and a first movable member which moves in synchronization with the sliding motion of the side fences, and a second movable member which moves in synchronization with the sliding motion of the end fence are provided to the cassette body in an overlapping state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Miki
  • Patent number: 7413189
    Abstract: An ATM includes a currency note dispenser having a currency cassette, a note picker, a note transporter, and a note presenter. A cassette tambour door automatically opens during insertion of the cassette into the dispenser. The picker can pick notes through the opening. A spring loaded housing wall tab retains the picker shaft in mating connection with a drive pin. The transporter can move notes vertically and horizontally. The transporter includes belts between an idle shaft and a drive shaft. The idle shaft is vertically movable relative to a drive shaft to maintain belt tension. The transporter also includes convexly tapered rollers that automatically recenter a loose belt. A presenter gate is at a note dispensing outlet of the ATM. The gate is opened by actuating a lever linked with an arm connected to the gate. The gate opens by moving a pin upward in an angled slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Thomas Graef, Damon J. Blackford, Michael S. Johnson, Kenneth Kontor, Thomas A. VanKirk
  • Patent number: 7413190
    Abstract: A playing surface may include a first boundary wall, a second boundary wall, a first zone separator and a second zone separator. The second zone separator may be spaced apart from the first zone separator in order to provide a first zone area residing between the first zone separator and the second zone separator. The zone separators may each have an angled surface which are positioned so that a sphere may be rolled toward the angled surface of the zone separator, roll over the zone separator and into a zone area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony DiFrancesco, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7413191
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into plural hands of cards, wherein each of the hands contains a random arrangement of cards. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack, and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanism and the elevator so that an individual card is moved into an identified compartment. The number of compartments receiving cards and the number of cards moved to each compartment may be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James Bernard Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7413192
    Abstract: A board game based on the popular child's outdoor game of hide and seek wherein players, as hiders, maneuver with respect to a primary hiding place and seek to reach the home base of a seeker. The board game includes a playing board configured in a circular path around a series of hiding places. Based on starting location, the players in response to random number generated moves and card instructions move through a proscribed path leading to the “safe” home base. Concurrently, the seeker moves to capture the hiders by landing on their occupied spaces. Certain of the spaces on the path require the drawing of a card which allows beneficial or detrimental moves for either the hider or the seeker, adding complexity to the mission of reaching the home base. The game continues in accordance with game rules until a hider reaches home base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy J. Van Buren
  • Patent number: 7413193
    Abstract: An otherwise conventional craps table comprises a segment with an alternative betting option to the traditional “Big 6” and “Big 8” wagers. One embodiment provides a low portion which allows a player to wager that a two, three, four, five, or six will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during play of a craps game and a high portion which allows a player to wager that an eight, a nine, ten, eleven, or twelve will thrown on the next roll of the dice during play of a craps game. The payout received by a wagering player is determined according to the bet placed and the method by which the desired numbers are thrown on the next roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Clay T. Cacas