Patents Issued in September 2, 2008
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Patent number: 7418762Abstract: A self-propelled cleaning device having a cylindrical side cover has a suction body capable of moving transversely to the forward direction. The side cover is held by a base via a suspension. When cleaning corners of a room, the suction body moves by a wall and as the suction body moves to a corner, the movement amount of the suction body is changed. When an obstacle touches the cleaning device, the side cover moves, and the article touches a side cover switch, and the direction of the article is detected.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Home & Life Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Yutaka Arai, Yuuji Hosoda, Saku Egawa, Hiroyuki Sadamori, Hirofumi Tanaka, Wataru Yamamoto, Taiji Tajima, Makoto Hattori
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Patent number: 7418763Abstract: A hand-held portable vacuum having a filter indicator that is coupled to an outlet housing and in fluid communication with a portion of the outlet housing between a fan inlet and an intake. The filter indicator includes a pressure differential indicator that is configured to indicate a pressure differential between air in the portion of the outlet housing and atmospheric air pressure. The filter indicator is employed to indicate to the user of the hand-held vacuum that replacement and/or cleaning of the filter is required. The vacuum may also be used in a blower mode with a set of inflator nozzles to permit a user to inflate an article.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: David M. Shaver, Jacob R. Prosper, Murray D. Hunter, Carolyn Martin, Patrick W. Mooney, Olga Makeev
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Patent number: 7418764Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is provided having a suction nozzle height adjustment arrangement controlled by a rotary mode control member located on the upper housing. The rotary mode control member controls a suction nozzle height adjustment motor and a rotary agitator drive disconnect arrangement. A wheel tensioner located on an idler arm is operatively connected to a cam on the suction nozzle height adjustment motor which tensions and de-tensions the agitator drive belt to control the rotary agitator. The rotary mode control member could have discrete settings for the various floor surfaces to be cleaned including bare floors and carpet of varying pile heights. Alternately, the rotary mode control member could be variable so that an infinite number of suction nozzle height settings can be selected.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: The Hoover CompanyInventors: Evan A. Gordon, Kenneth H. Cooper, Andrew C. Budd, Jack S. Stayer
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Patent number: 7418765Abstract: A grommet includes a first grommet, having a first insertion hole through which a wire harness passes, an inner cover, having a second insertion hole communicated to the first insertion hole, the inner cover being mounted into the first grommet and a second grommet, mounted on the inner cover, and having a harness containing portion between the second grommet and the inner cover. A rib is provided on one of the inner cover and the second grommet. A rib bearing portion is provided on the another of the inner cover and the second grommet so as to be disposed to face to the rib. The wire harness disposed on the rib is pushed out from the rib by the rib bearing portion when the second grommet is mounted on the inner cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Yasushi Kameyama
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Patent number: 7418766Abstract: An upper piggybacked unit of a tandem unit is provided with a hinge unit and at least one motion lock to prevent the upper unit from falling away from the lower unit when it is tandemly coupled to the lower unit and the lower unit is pivoted to a non-horizontal position. The motion lock may inhibit rotation and/or translation of the upper unit. The motion lock may also be self-actuating, such as a gravity dependent lock mechanism. A lock override mechanism may be provided to allow the lock to yield to excessive force without causing damage. The lock enable condition may be automatically reset after the override condition so that no special knowledge or action on the part of the user is required to return the hinge to normal operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Aaron T. Nelson, Keng Leong Ng, Brent R. Jones, Yin Mei (Regina) Sia, Sheau Ming Ng
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Patent number: 7418767Abstract: The apparatus for the preparation of an end-aligned fiber sample comprises an array of fiber combs, a first drive unit, a fiber collection device connected to the first drive unit, a suction device, a detection device and a control unit to control each of the foregoing components. The method for preparing an end-aligned fiber sample uses the control unit to operate each of the foregoing components to prepare an end-aligned fiber sample. The apparatus can be combined with testing units for testing the end-aligned fiber samples. One of the testing units can test for short fiber content. The testing for short fiber content also can employ the detection device of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Premier Evolvics Pvt. Ltd.Inventors: Shekaripuram Narayanaswamy Ramachandran, Varadarajan Srinivasan, Mariappan Anbarasan
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Patent number: 7418768Abstract: With a set, in particular for fixed combs or round combs on textile combing machines, comprising a plurality of needles which are arranged adjacent to each other, whereby each needle comprises a foot section and a tip section, and whereby between the tip sections of adjacent needles, a free opening area is formed, in which the fibres to be combed can penetrate during combing, it is provided that the needles are produced by punching, that at least the front end of the tip section is angular or previously bent, and that the needle density is >=33 needles per cm.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Staedtler & UHL KGInventor: Friedrich Henninger
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Patent number: 7418769Abstract: This invention relates to a kind of down branch fiber fabric, its fabricating method and device. The fabric is composed of 10-100% down branch fiber and 0-90% textile fiber by weight. The processing steps include material choosing, silver feeding, twisting, winding packages, heat setting and weaving. The device comprises a raw material tank, a feeding conveyer belt, a inclined feeding conveyer belt, a adjustable even roller, a brambly catching roller, a first subsiding room, an even roller, a brambly dividing roller, a second subsiding room, two dust cages. The present invention makes the down branch fiber spinnable and weavable. It solves the problem that the down branch fiber cannot be combed and drawn and drafted by the prior textile technique, so that chances the fact that the down branch fiber can only be used as the fiber stuffing to make down garments, quilts, ticks and other bedding. This new fabric is applicable to make thermal woven, hoses, quilts, ticks or other bedding.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Foshan Shengu Textile Company, Ltd.Inventor: Liwen Zhang
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Patent number: 7418770Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for securing couplings or fittings to the ends of hose of the type that has a smooth cylindrical interior and a spiral-reinforcing bead in conjunction with a more flexible hose body. The present invention relates to a segmented binding strip that is molded or cast in a generally opened or flat condition and is subsequently wrapped around the hose thus forming a generally cylindrical shape to fit the circumference of the hose when installed. Each segment is relatively rigid but is articulated or hinged to adjacent segments with a thinner hinge section allowing the entire binding strip to be bent in a circular form as it is wrapped around the hose. Once wrapped around the hose the binding strip is secured or bound to retain the coupling or fitting to the hose.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Task Force Tips, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Steingass, Alexander C. Yovanovich
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Patent number: 7418771Abstract: A clip for clamping a cloth according to the invention is mounted on an embroidery frame including an outer frame, and an inner frame which is internally engaged with the outer frame thereby to hold a cloth to be worked between the outer frame and the inner frame. The clip includes a leaf spring member which can be detachably mounted on the outer frame, and an urging member which is fitted to this leaf spring member and adapted to press the cloth to be worked onto the inner frame. The leaf spring member has a first engaging portion adapted to be engaged with a lower part of the outer frame from outside, a first plate portion extending upwardly from the first engaging portion, a second plate portion formed in an upper part of this first plate portion by way of a bent portion and downwardly inclined along an inner face of the outer frame, and a second engaging portion formed in this second plate portion and adapted to be engaged with an upper part of the outer frame from inside.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masayuki Hori
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Patent number: 7418772Abstract: In a manufacturing method for a SAW apparatus a first insulating layer is formed on the entire surface of a piezoelectric LiTaO3 substrate. By using a resist pattern used for forming an IDT electrode, the first insulating layer in which the IDT electrode is to be formed is removed. An electrode film made of a metal having a density higher than Al or an alloy primarily including such a metal is disposed in the area in which the first insulating layer is removed so as to form the IDT electrode. The resist pattern remaining on the first insulating layer is removed. A second insulating layer is formed to cover the first insulating layer and the IDT electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Nishiyama, Takeshi Nakao, Michio Kadota
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Patent number: 7418773Abstract: A machine is provided for making holes in the legs of a structural angle oriented lengthwise along the X-axis of a mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z-axis coordinate system. The machine includes a first or main frame, a second frame moveable along the Y-axis relative to the first frame, and a carriage moveable along the Z-axis relative to the second frame. A punch is mounted on the second frame for punching a first hole in the first leg of the angle. A drill is mounted on the carriage for drilling a second hole in the second leg of the angle. The punch has a punch operating axis along which the punch moves longitudinally to punch the first hole and which is parallel to the Z-axis. The drill has a drill feed operation axis along which the drill moves longitudinally to drill the second hole and which is parallel to the Y-axis. The drill and the punch are oriented with the drill feed operation axis and the punch operation axis together defining a common plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Peddinghaus CorporationInventor: Eric Christopher Simek
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Patent number: 7418774Abstract: An automatic rivet loading module which includes a pusher mechanism, a gripper mechanism, a mandrel receptacle, mechanisms for moving mandrels in the mandrel receptacle, and a tool activation device. The gripper mechanism receives a rivet, and a mandrel is moved through the rivet such that the rivet threads onto the mandrel. The gripper mechanism moves out of the way while the pusher mechanism pushes the mandrel down. The pusher mechanism then retracts, and the gripper mechanism closes and is ready to receive another rivet. This process is repeated until the mandrel is full of rivets. The mandrel receptacle is rotatable such that the loaded mandrel swings to a position under the tool activation device to be loaded into a rivet tool. As the loaded mandrel is swung under the tool activation block, a new mandrel is swung under the gripper mechanism, in position for loading with rivets.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Acument Intellectual Properties, LLCInventors: James W. Joseph, Wim Bouman
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Patent number: 7418775Abstract: A manifold for conveying injection molding material into a mold from a molding material supply and method for making same includes a main flow member having a central flow passage extending through the main flow member along a longitudinal axis of the main flow member. The main flow member also includes a plurality of branching passages each transverse to and in fluid communication with the central flow passage. The main flow member has an outer surface that is generally round in cross sectional shape. The outer surface is machined so as to be generally round in cross sectional shape.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Plastic Engineering & Technical Services, Inc.Inventor: Patrick A. Tooman
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Patent number: 7418776Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an antenna comprising a conductive wire, formed by a wire, made of a conductive material, whose path has a helical shape. In accordance with the invention, such a method is characterized in that a print is formed in relief on one side of an element of an electrically insulating material such that the helical shape is generated by depositing the conductive material in this print.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Jean-François Pintos, Philippe Minard, Ali Louzir, Philippe Chambelin
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Patent number: 7418777Abstract: A method of manufacturing a spin valve film, produces a large read out signal. After a completion of a film making process for forming a previous film of two films to be formed successively, but before an initiation of a film making process for forming a succeeding film of the two films, a step of decreasing an anisotropic magnetic field of the spin valve film is introduced by interrupting a film making process. This step may be performed by keeping a substrate within a sputtering vacuum chamber. The interruption can be shortened by exposing the substrate to a plasma, transferring the substrate in a separate vacuum chamber is lower or whose H2O or O2 concentration is higher than that in the sputtering vacuum chamber, conducting a surface treatment with a gas containing H2O or O2, or flowing a process gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: TDK CorporationInventors: Hajime Amano, Hiroaki Takezutsumi, Tetsuro Sasaki, Jun-ichi Sato
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Patent number: 7418778Abstract: A CPP thin-film magnetic head includes a bottom shield layer; a top shield layer, the bottom shield layer and the top shield layer being disposed at a predetermined interval; a thin-film magnetic head element between the bottom shield layer and the top shield layer; an insulating layer behind the thin-film magnetic head element in the height direction and disposed between the bottom shield layer and the top shield layer; and a metal layer in the insulating layer, the top shield layer including a first top shield sublayer on the thin-film magnetic head element; and a second top shield sublayer behind the first top shield sublayer in the height direction, the second top shield sublayer and the bottom shield layer being conductively connected through the metal layer, wherein a current flows in the direction orthogonal to a surface of a layer constituting the thin-film magnetic head element.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: TDK CorporationInventor: Yoshihiro Nishiyama
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Patent number: 7418779Abstract: A method and apparatus for balancing power plane pin currents in a printed wiring board (PWB) uses a set of collinear slots in the form of a dashed line to reduce pin counts required for power plane (including ground plane) connections and/or reduction in requirements for connector current handling per pin. The slots are introduced in the metal layer implementing the power plane that alter the current distribution in the power plane. The per-pin current profile for connector pins connected to the power plane is equalized by tuning the length of the slot(s). The slots may be shaped around a connector end when the power plane pin allocation is not uniform at the connector ends. The resulting equalization reduces either pin count required for carrying the power plane current or reduces connector pin current requirements.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Hubert Harrer, Andreas Huber, Thomas-Michael Winkel
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Patent number: 7418780Abstract: An exemplary method for forming stacked via-holes in a multilayer printed circuit board includes the steps of: providing a base circuit board; attaching a first copper-coated-substrate having a first substrate and a first copper layer thereon and a second copper-coated-substrate having a second substrate and a second copper layer thereon onto the base circuit board in a manner such that; forming at least one first window in the second copper layer, making at least one first hole in the second substrate through the at least one first window, forming at least one second window in the first copper layer through the at least one first hole, and making at least one second hole in the first substrate through the at least one second window, thus forming at least one part-finished stacked via-hole; and plating the at least one part-finished stacked via-hole thereby forming at least one stacked via-hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Foxconn Advanced Technology Inc.Inventors: Wen-Chin Lee, Cheng-Hsien Lin
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Patent number: 7418781Abstract: A peripheral, annular groove is incorporated into a throttle valve connector in one step. A first die and a second die are then inserted into the throttle valve connector and a first plastic material is introduced into a first cylindrical cavity formed thereby in a molten state and hardened, resulting in a plastic insert. The first die and the second die are subsequently removed from the throttle valve connector and a third die and a fourth die are inserted into the throttle valve connector. A second cavity is formed therebetween and filled with a second plastic material, whereby a throttle valve is formed and is fixed during the cooling process by shrinkage on the throttle valve shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Peter Volz
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Patent number: 7418782Abstract: The technique of the invention manufactures a gas storage tank, which includes a gas absorbent/adsorbent and is capable of storing a high-pressure gas. The manufacturing process of a hydrogen storage tank first assembles a heat exchanger unit and packs the particles of hydrogen storage alloy into the heat exchanger unit. The manufacturing process then blocks hydrogen storage alloy filling holes used for packing the hydrogen storage alloy in the heat exchanger unit and attaches a detachable cover member to a hydrogen inlet. The manufacturing process subsequently locates the heat exchange unit filled with the hydrogen storage alloy in a cylindrical tank and narrows both ends of the tank to form joint openings. The manufacturing process then heat-treating the tank under water cooling and detaches the cover member. The manufacturing process attaches joint assemblies to the joint openings and forms a reinforcement layer around the outer circumference of the tank to complete the hydrogen storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Masahiko Kimbara, Daigoro Mori, Takehiro Nito, Hidehito Kubo, Akiko Kumano, Makoto Tsuzuki, Yoshihiro Isogai
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Patent number: 7418783Abstract: For a spring sliding on the drawbar, the coil spring is used; the removal work for keeping the inner diameters of the coil springs aligned is performed such that the clearance between the outer diameter of the drawbar and the inner diameter of the coil spring becomes a minimum; and the coil springs are caused to be guided integrally with the drawbar. By doing so, the movement of the center of gravity of the spring that is caused by repeated rotational operation of the main spindle or repeated tool clamping operation will be reduced and the amplitude by vibration will be made smaller.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Fanuc LtdInventors: Akihiko Fujimoto, Norio Watanabe, Masahiro Murota
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Patent number: 7418784Abstract: A utility knife has a blade cartridge that has front and rear blade compartments. Each compartment stores a plurality of blades. Fresh blades are disposed in the front compartment and are advanced one at a time out of the compartment by a carrier that is controlled by an actuator on the handle. When the active blade is to be replaced, it is moved by the carrier into the rear compartment, and a new blade may then be withdrawn from the front compartment into the operative position. The active blade when not in use is withdrawn into the front compartment. The cartridge is reversed when the one end of all the blades in the front compartment are used, placing what was the rear compartment at the front, and the unused end of each blade is advanced into the operative position and when used they are each moved to the rear compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Repetto LLCInventor: Gregory Fossella
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Patent number: 7418785Abstract: A compact dispensing tube opener for accessing contents of a dispensing tube having a dispensing tip and an inner seal. The opener includes a housing with first and second passageways therein meeting at an angle at an intersection. A blade carriage is movable in the second passageway and across the intersection at one end thereof, a manually accessible portion at an opposite end thereof extending from the housing. A cooperative guide structure at the housing and the blade carriage maintains carriage slidability within the housing during use without binding. Return springs are maintained in the housing for returning the carriage after use. A dispenser tube tip locator is slidably maintained at the housing adjacent to an opening to the first passageway and has plurality of angled passages therethrough each with a different diameter. A lance is mounted at the housing for puncturing the seal, and is pivotable into and out of a channel defined crosswise in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Accurate Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Anthony F. Whitemiller, Ronald A. Angstead, Patrick M. Bertsch, Brent W. Murray
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Patent number: 7418786Abstract: A marking device is disclosed which efficiently reduces damage affecting the gimbal mechanism even when such is used under sever conditions and is dropped from a high position. A marking device has a support mounted inside a housing, a light source unit holder swingably suspended by the support through a gimbal mechanism, and a light source unit mounted on the light source unit holder so as to diffuse a light flux only in a single direction to radiate a line of light. The support is coupled with said housing 1 through dampers with upper portion and lower portion formed of an impact absorber, and when outside impact is applied, the damper absorbs impact energy to prevent the impact force from being transmitting to the support.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Mitsuo Miyata
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Patent number: 7418787Abstract: A cutting mat comprises: a baseboard defined with an assembling hole and at least one notch on a side of the assembling hole, a positioning member detachably disposed in the assembling hole, and a cutting board. The positioning member includes a circular body and at least one positioning protrusion formed on a side of the circular body and located in a corresponding position to the notch of the baseboard. The cutting board is formed at the bottom thereof with a circular recess for engaging the circular body of the positioning member, so that the cutting board is rotatably superposed on the baseboard.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: Tsai-Lian Chen Lin
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Patent number: 7418788Abstract: A fluid level indicator for determining the level of fluid in a container includes a dipstick that is entered into the fluid in the container and withdrawn from the fluid, a billet of thermochromic material having a reference temperature, a billet length extending along a portion of the dipstick, and a fluid level range marking on the dipstick along the length of the billet.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: George Herr, Derek Kinch
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Patent number: 7418789Abstract: A combination dryer and operation method are disclosed. The combination dryer and operation method for a combination dryer enable air in a drying drum and a cabinet for drying the laundry to circulate continuously and enable water generated in the circulation process to be used to perform a refreshing cycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Soung Bong Choi, Deug Hee Lee, Byung Hwan Ahn, Hung Myong Cho, Young Soo Kim
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Patent number: 7418790Abstract: A foot support includes a foot supporting structure having a lateral side and a medial side. The foot supporting structure is adapted to provide support to the underside of weight-bearing portions of a user's foot. An anchoring structure beneath the foot supporting structure is connected to the lateral side of the foot supporting structure and not connected to the medial side so that the medial side of the foot supporting structure forms a cantilever arm projecting out from the lateral side.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: D. Casey Kerrigan
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Patent number: 7418791Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for imbedding a durable outer layer of rubber in a second layer of rubber, polyurethane, or like material for use in various applications, including but not limited to shoe soles and tires. As depicted in FIG., the durable outer layer, which in the case of FIG. 4 is a shoe outsole, may comprise a plurality of lugs (2) connected with integral support bridges (3) imbedded in another rubber or rubber-like material (17). Alternatively, the durable outer layer may comprise a plurality of lugs anchored in the second layer of rubber, polyurethane or the like, using anchors, such as ribs or flanges, radiating from the perimeter of each lug.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: Charles D. Cole, III
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Patent number: 7418792Abstract: A composite shoe sole, composed of an upper layer and a lower layer, wherein the upper layer is integrally formed of a soft material and the lower layer is integrally formed of a hard material, the lower layer being formed with a notch at a location corresponding to a right side of thenar, or right-side region of phalanx, the upper layer being formed with a projection at a location corresponding to the notch, such that the upper layer and lower layer are joined to each other by means of engagement between the projection and notch to form a shoe sole having a soft upper layer with elastic and shock-absorbing effects for relieving foot pressure, and a hard lower layer for providing upward support to the soft upper layer so as to prevent cave-in, thereby providing good bottom support, elastic air cushioning and shock-absorbing effects.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Lar New International CorporationInventor: Chun-Shun Pai
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Patent number: 7418793Abstract: A novelty footwear item includes a mid-sole foot platform for supporting from below the foot of a user, an outer sole for providing the footwear item with turning traction and a stash assembly sandwiched between the mid-sole foot platform and the outer sole, wherein said stash assembly has disposed therein a slidably removable comb sufficient width, length and depth dimensions for storage therein of loose items.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventors: Bonnie Dominguez, James Darr Burress, Amy Lynn McMahan, Ryan William Quinn, Eric Simmons, Brett D. Ritter
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Patent number: 7418794Abstract: A three-dimensional display frame assembly for displaying planar display material in respective multiple planes. The frame assembly can be provided as a single-sheet preform and can be self-standing.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: Irvin A. Kittrell, III
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Patent number: 7418795Abstract: An illuminated sign includes a housing and/or a frame, a plate of a light-transmitting material and at least one three-dimensional body, likewise of a light-transmitting material such as a convex strip, in the form of figure, a sign, a decoration or the like, and a light source, which is mounted on the housing and/or the frame. The illuminated sign further includes one or more light guides for coupling light from the light source into the three-dimensional body or bodies. The light guide(s) make(s) it possible to capture light from, for example, one centrally disposed TL tube and couple said light into at least one three-dimensional body, so that an effective lighting of said body is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Illuminated Media Systems B.V.Inventors: Ronald Adrianus Caarls, Peter Van Der Plaat
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Patent number: 7418796Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a customized picture framing apparatus and method of making the same. The framing apparatus includes a window, a picture affixed to the window, and a custom cut piece of glass attached to the window through the application of an adhesive material to at least one of the sides of the custom cut piece of glass. Decorations such as paint, a decorative pattern, and three-dimensional items may be added to the framing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: Annmarie Anastasio
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Patent number: 7418797Abstract: A shoulder support is fabricated of a light weight material. The shoulder support has a generally cylindrical front portion. The shoulder support has a connecting end and a rear portion. In this manner a generally triangular configuration is formed. The shoulder support has a central extent having a top end and a rear end with an intermediate portion. The rear portion has a concaved resting member. The resting member is adapted to rest against the front of a shoulder of a user. A coupling means is rotatable about a vertical axis and is adapted to couple the shoulder support to an end of a rifle.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: Charles R. Crose
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Patent number: 7418798Abstract: A device, fashioned and formed to secure a long shafted object, primarily, but not limited to a fishing pole. The embodiment comprises of a shaft/distal end that enters a nonimpervious surface at the shores edge. Coils are used to support the fishing poles aft handle. A support arm extending to a cradle for supporting the forward handle or backbone of the fishing pole. The user simply slides the aft portion of the pole down into the coils and rests the pole into the cradle, thus provides hands free support.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: James Roy Barrett
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Patent number: 7418799Abstract: A plant management system allows a person to be able to swap plants out with ease whenever a new look is desired for a garden. The system uses a series of subterraneanly disposed receptors that each removably receive a plant pot therein. The receptors are fluid flow connected to one another and to a source of water such that water is introduced into the system and enters and fills each receptor in turn wherein the plant pot wicks the water to the plant the pot is holding. Each receptor has a well screen casing to channel out excess water out of the receptor and each pot is perforated to channel excess water out of the pot.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: Alfred W. Witt
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Patent number: 7418800Abstract: An automatic door opener (10) for opening or closing a door (28) includes a motor (14) driving a drive shaft (50) and an opener arm (18) connected to the door (28) and being responsive to rotation of the drive shaft (50) for moving the door (28) to an open or closed position. A clutch (46) operable to disengage the drive shaft (50) from the opener arm (18) is provided in the event of the door (28) engaging an obstacle, electric power being unavailable, or the door being fully open or fully closed. The door opener (10) may also include a brake (48) for selectively preventing movement of the door (28). Various embodiments of the invention are provided, including an electromagnet (80) and an electromagnetic brake (114).Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: Nils D. Sellman
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Patent number: 7418801Abstract: A bracket and strap assembly that permits a gutter to be attached to a standing seam on a metal roof without the use of roof-piercing screws and/or nails. A unitary bracket is mounted on the standing seam. A gutter-supporting strap is attached to the bracket. All attachments are made with setscrews.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: James Loveless
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Patent number: 7418802Abstract: A side expandable shelter system having a transport mode in which a side expandable section(s) is completely nested within an (ISO-style) main shelter section, and a deployment mode in which the side expandable section is completely protracted from the main shelter section. The side expandable shelter system comprises a flooring structure for the side expandable section provided by a hinged flooring panel assembly consisting of at least two floor panels hinged together so that they can be stacked compactly in a vertical direction when the side expandable section is retracted within the main shelter section, in a nested manner, so as to be completed contained therewithin its transport mode, and extended in horizontal direction when the side expandable section is projected from the main shelter section during the deployment mode. Both single and double side expandable shelter systems are provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Gichner Systems Group, Inc.Inventors: Scott Sarine, Richard Smith, Thomas Anderson
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Patent number: 7418803Abstract: A self-contained modular home a first section, a second section and a top section, each section having an interior which is 100% complete and an exterior which requires only siding or other exterior finish for completion. The three sections of the self-contained modular home are designed to be transported on a low boy trailer or other transport system to a permanent foundation site. The modular home incorporates a unique steel cable lifting system within the floor system which enables the modules to be set on the foundation with or without the use of a crane. The modular home is bolted to a permanent slab foundation by a steel strap securing arrangement in such a manner that a one and half inch air space is created under the home.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventors: William O. Jenkins, Terry L. Jenkins, Heath O. Jenkins
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Patent number: 7418804Abstract: A floor structure comprises a plurality of steel beams 4 arranged in parallel, each steel beam 4 including a web, an upper flange disposed at an upper end of the web, and a lower flange disposed at a lower end of the web, a floor surface being formed on the upper flange 2. The floor structure further includes displacement preventing spacers interposed between the upper flanges and/or lower flanges of the adjacent steel beams. Each displacement preventing spacer includes a load receiving part which is brought into engagement with the adjacent upper flanges and/or lower flanges to receive an active load incurred by the individual steel beams 4 so as to inhibit the steel beams 4 from displacing downward.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignees: Asahi Engineering Co., Ltd., ECO Japan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Tokuno, Kazutoshi Tsuda, Fumihiro Saito
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Patent number: 7418805Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of constructing a modular framing system where orthogonal frames are arranged adjacent to one another with their corresponding edges positioned next to one another. Each frame is formed from two horizontal and two vertical frame elements. A plurality of locks is inter-disposed between the adjacent vertical frame elements, each with a frame slot. At least two locks are double-locking type, one inter-disposed between the top sections of the vertical frame elements and the other between the bottom sections of the vertical frame elements. A plurality of locks is single-locking type, which is equi-distantly installed along the length of one vertical frame element in between the two double locks. The double locks lock both adjacent vertical frame elements. One side of the single locks lock only one vertical frame element and the other side inserts into the frame slot of the adjacent vertical frame element.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Quantum Linkage SDN BHDInventor: Chee Peng Tan
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Patent number: 7418806Abstract: A frame (20) for supporting an article includes a first frame section (36) and a first flange (62) extending to a first end (56). The frame (20) also includes a second frame section (38) and a second flange (64) extending to a second end (60). A notch (68) is formed in the first flange (62) and defines a flange finger (70) between the notch (68) and the first end (56). A retention opening (32) is formed in the second end (60) of the second frame section (38). A retention corner (94) for the frame (20) is formed between the first frame section (36) and the second frame section (38) by inserting the flange finger (70) of the first frame section (36) into the retention opening (32) of the second frame section (38).Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Quanex CorporationInventors: Robert C. Martineau, Brian Jensen
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Patent number: 7418807Abstract: A long-span decking panel that includes a first panel section, a second panel section, a first channel and a second channel which form a cell. The first panel section includes a first open channel and a first side flange integrally extending from a first edge of the first open channel and a second side flange integrally extending from a second edge of the first panel section. The second panel section includes a second open channel, a first side flange integrally extending from a first edge of the second open channel and a second side flange integrally extending from a second edge of the second open channel. The first channel and the second channel include a panel and two depending legs. Also disclosed is a system incorporating the long-span decking panels and methods for manufacturing the panels and the systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Epic Metals CorporationInventors: Thomas G. Ryan, Donald H. Landis
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Patent number: 7418808Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for placing patterns of product holders, more in particular placing stacks of layers of the holders, into boxes or crates, using a supporting band, cords or strips, whereby the use of complex gripper heads is avoided. Thus, a considerably cheaper packing process is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: FPS Food Processing Systems B.V.Inventor: Hendrikus Johannes Maria van Beusekom
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Patent number: 7418809Abstract: A device for picking and opening boxes suitable for packaging products, comprising at least one magazine for substantially parallelepipedal boxes in a flattened configuration, at least one rotating drum provided peripherally with elements for picking the boxes one by one from the magazine and with elements for opening the boxes, and at least one conveyor for conveying the boxes in the open configuration from the rotating drum toward successive production stations of the product packaging process, the box picking elements and the box opening elements being actuated by cams, the conveyor comprising at least one rotating carousel with a plurality of box seats.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: O.A.M. Societa' per AzioniInventor: Antonio Martelli
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Patent number: 7418810Abstract: An improved equine training halter includes a noseband and a headband. Left and right through openings are formed in the headband and located to receive therethrough the left and right ears, respectively, of an equine. Left and right lines are attached to the headband adjacent to its lower surface. Each line includes a hoop positioned substantially concentrically about one of the left and right through openings. A recoil mechanism is anchored to the central headband portion between the left and right through openings and is secured to the hoops of the left and right lines such that the hoops are pulled back to their original position when the lines are released after being pulled to apply pressure to areas of sensitivity around the equine's ears.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: Billy M. Barnes
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Patent number: 7418811Abstract: An agricultural machine for grouping products lying on the ground and in particular having a main frame carrying two gathering devices situated one beside the other during work and to which swathing devices are associated and having a separation device situated in front of the inner ends adjacent to the gathering devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Kuhn S.A.Inventors: Jeannot Hironimus, Olivier Stutzmann