Patents Issued in September 23, 2008
  • Patent number: 7426771
    Abstract: A child restraint assembly for a child vehicle seat includes a buckle assembly including a buckle and a pair of latches, a harness coupled to the buckle assembly, and a harness adjuster to adjust the harness. The child restraint assembly also can include a chest clip coupled to the harness. The chest clip can include a male member and a female member releasably coupled to the male member. The male member can have a pair of opposing grip surfaces of sufficient thickness to enable a user to grip the male member when decoupling the male member and the female member. The chest clip can also have a finger grip configured to grip and move the chest clip to a desired location along the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Patrizi, Patrick B. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7426772
    Abstract: A fastener element for a concealed type slide fastener having a substantially U shaped section including a side edge portion mounting groove for a fastener tape, comprising: a C shaped base portion; flat first and second tape nipping portions extended substantially in parallel from respective front ends of the C shaped base portion; and a coupling portion integrated with an engaging face side on the opposite side to a tape nipping face of the second tape nipping portion, wherein the first tape nipping portion has expanded portions expanded back and forth in a coupling direction, and a front end face of the first tape nipping portion is formed wider than a front end face of the second tape nipping portion, thereby having excellent concealed property and coupling strength and capable of preventing generation of a gap between right and left fastener tapes even if pulling stress is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Himi, Masayoshi Kojima
  • Patent number: 7426773
    Abstract: A post attachment device for connecting a helmet to a head and neck support. The device includes a post anchor having a base, a button, a resilient member, a post, a retainer and a catch having a slot with a larger first section connected by a channel to a smaller second section. The button is positioned in an indention in the base with the resilient member positioned therebetween. The post extends through the button, the base and the helmet. The retainer is secured on the post adjacent the inner surface of the helmet. To secure the post attachment device, the catch is orientated over the post. The button is then depressed into the base while the catch is moved backwards to move the post into the second section of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Hubbard/Downing, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Downing, Samuel V. Tidwell, Sr., Steve L. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7426774
    Abstract: A buckle device including a lock bar pushed by a release button for moving to a second position allowing rotation in a direction to release the engagement of a hook member, and a lock member rotated by a release button toward an unlock position at the time of releasing operation of a tongue plate. When the lock bar is butted against a first engagement part where the lock member is at a lock position, the lock member is rotated toward and held at the lock position, and a second engagement part enters a movement area of the lock bar, while an inertial force of the tongue plate in the direction of insertion thereof is exerted at a value exceeding a predetermined value, the release button is butted against a third engagement part to prevent the lock member from being rotated toward the unlock position to hold the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naohiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 7426775
    Abstract: Polymer melt compositions, especially polymer melt compositions that can be processed into polymeric structures, especially polymeric structures in the form of fibers are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter + Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Arlen Forshey, Gregory Charles Gordon, Larry Neil Mackey, Mark Ryan Richards
  • Patent number: 7426776
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process of forming a nonwoven fabric with microsponges comprising obtaining a nonwoven base comprising fibers having a first side and a second side and having a weight of greater than about 2 oz/yd2, stitching the nonwoven base with a stitching yarn in elongated spaced apart rows of stitches, the rows of stitching having a stitch shape factor greater than 0.54 wherein the stitching yarn has a tenacity greater than 1 gf/denier. Next, a plurality of microsponges is formed by impinging the first side of the stitched nonwoven fabric with a collimated fluid stream with from about 100 to 200 joules per gram while supporting the stitched nonwoven fabric on a supporting member having areas impervious to the collimated fluid and pores in the supporting member which are pervious to the collimated fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Franklin Sadler Love, III, Terry S. Taylor, Randy G. Meeks, Joseph L. Alexander, Karen H. Stavrakas
  • Patent number: 7426777
    Abstract: A method of producing a member with a face-geared surface. An example of the method includes an initial process preparing a work piece and a hob, and a geared surface forming process forming a geared surface on a part of the area. In addition, at least one of the hob and the work piece is retracted in the radial direction of the hob. Further, the geared surface forming process and the retracting process are repeated to produce a full face-geared surface on the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiri Nagata, Hidehiro Yoshino, Fumihiro Oshima
  • Patent number: 7426778
    Abstract: The disassembling tool (30) is constructed such that the grip 55b of the arm 55 is inclined relative to the fixed portion 55a and the bottom portion 53 downward to the base 31 at an angle ?1 (about 45° to 55°). Therefore, the vertical component Fv of the force F, which is force for pushing down the arm 55, may become larger and the horizontal component Fh of the force F may become smaller. And, the disassembling tool is prevented from slipping on the working bench S, causing easy and smooth disassembling work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Sanken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nobusawa
  • Patent number: 7426779
    Abstract: A wire member adapted to be used in a detection coil of an NMR spectrometer's probe. The wire member has a sleeve made of a copper tube having a high electrical conductivity, strands made of platinum, and a thin film of gold or rhodium formed on the surface of the sleeve by plating. The strands are mounted inside the sleeve and have a cross section to cancel the magnetic susceptibility due to the sleeve. The thin film cancels the total magnetic susceptibility of the sleeve and strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Jeol Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Kida, Ryoji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7426780
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a power module on a substrate. In one embodiment, the method includes providing power conversion circuitry including providing a magnetic device having a magnetic core and at least one switch on the substrate. The method also includes placing a shielding structure over the magnetic core to create a chamber thereabout. The method also includes depositing an encapsulant about the power conversion circuitry. The shielding structure limits the encapsulant entering the chamber thereby allowing the encapsulant to surround a portion of the magnetic core within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Enpirion, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashraf W. Lotfi, Mathew Wilkowski, John D. Weld
  • Patent number: 7426781
    Abstract: A placement unit for mounting electric components onto substrates has means for moving perpendicularly to the substrate, a housing, a built-in, rotatable holder for the components, and a rotary drive for the holder mounted within the housing. The holder is connected via an axially elastic coupling to the rotary drive in a manner which is at least temporarily torsionally rigid, wherein the coupling includes a separable coupling having coupling elements arranged to be uncoupled in an axial direction. The holder is pre-stressed axially toward the component against the rotary drive by an adjustable pressure device, wherein the coupling surfaces of the coupling elements form an axial stop for the holder, and wherein the coupling surfaces separate from one another by an axial application force that acts on the holder and prevails over the axial pre-stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Burger
  • Patent number: 7426782
    Abstract: A method for connecting first and second elongate conductors using a wedge connector includes: providing a wedge connector including a sleeve member, a wedge member, and a lubricant coating disposed on at least one of the sleeve member and the wedge member, the sleeve member defining a sleeve cavity; mounting the sleeve member on the first and second conductors; and driving the wedge member into the sleeve cavity using a hydraulic power drive tool assembly to secure the wedge connector to each of the first and second conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Johnson, Dmitry Ladin, Randy Cole
  • Patent number: 7426783
    Abstract: In order to avoid any positional misalignment between an ink passage hole formed on a manifold plate and a nozzle formed on a nozzle plate, the nozzle plate on which no nozzle has been formed, is stacked on and bonded to the manifold plate having the ink passage hole. After the nozzle plate is bonded to the manifold plate, the nozzle is formed on the nozzle plate. Then, a water-repellent film is formed on an ink-discharging surface of the nozzle plate. Further, a cavity plate or the like is bonded to the manifold plate and an ink jet head is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ito, Yasuo Okawa
  • Patent number: 7426784
    Abstract: The invention satisfies this need. The invention is an internally threaded insert for use with a polymetric pipe fitting in a fire sprinkler system. The insert comprises an outer side surface, an outer rearward surface and an outer forward surface. The outer forward surface is adapted to retain a fire sprinkler at a forward end of the insert. The outer side surface of the insert is sized and dimensioned so as to closely match the bores of standard polymeric pipe fittings, so as to be capable of being slidably and snugly received into the bores of a standard polymeric pipe fitting. The insert can be conveniently affixed within the bores by non-mechanical means, such as by gluing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Spears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Wayne Spears, Douglas Swingley
  • Patent number: 7426785
    Abstract: A multi type head moving shaver is disclosed. The multi type head moving shaver includes a housing provided with an ON/OFF switch and an inserting portion formed at a top of the housing, a connecting rod mounted inside the housing, the connecting rod being driven by a driving motor, a coupling member coupled to the inserting portion, the coupling member pivoting forward and backward, and a cutting head having a block coupled onto the coupling member, the cutting head pivoting together with the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Tae-Jun Ho
  • Patent number: 7426786
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a keyless shoe lock assembly for a reciprocating saw. The keyless shoe lock assembly is capable of engaging and releasing a shoe bracket for the positional adjustment of a shoe relative to a blade clamp of the reciprocating saw. The keyless shoe lock assembly includes a shoe bracket for positional adjustment relative to a lock plate, a pin for alternately engaging and releasing the shoe bracket, and a lever connected to the pin for the rotation therof. The keyless shoe lock assembly may be used to alternately engage and release a shoe bracket without additional hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Beville, John W. Schnell
  • Patent number: 7426787
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for lifting a retractable lower safety-guard on a circular saw. In one representative implementation, an actuator is attached to the circular saw and an elongated arm is coupled to the actuator such that operating the actuator causes the elongated arm to lift. In addition, an engagement element is attached to the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. When lifted, the elongated arm engages the engagement element, thereby retracting the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. Preferably, the actuator is configured, and is located sufficiently close to a power switch for the circular saw, so that the actuator can be operated simultaneously with the power switch using a single hand. Also provided are retrofitting techniques for attaching such a device to an existing circular saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: SJ2 Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Jack R. Tracy, Samuel Grimaldo, James M. Larkin
  • Patent number: 7426788
    Abstract: In a saddle-type vehicle having at least three wheels, a tilt angle sensor layout structure is provided which ensures that a tilt angle sensor is minimally influenced by a centrifugal force or vibration of a vehicle body while the vehicle is turned, and the tilt angle sensor is protected against flying stones and the like. The vehicle includes an engine, and a fuel injection system for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to the engine, with a steering mechanism including a steering shaft provided on the front side of the vehicle body. A plurality of frame members constituting the vehicle body frame supporting the steering mechanism are connected in the shape of a frame loop in vehicle side view, and the tilt angle sensor for detecting the tilt angle in the left-right direction of the vehicle body is attached to the loop-shaped portion of the vehicle body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Hasegawa, Seiji Hanafusa
  • Patent number: 7426789
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring an object includes a base member including a portion having a medial cavity and an extendible member that slidably engages the medial cavity of the base member. The extendible member includes a medial member having a mid point indicator defined by an elongate medial passageway, and a point locator defined by a passageway formed through an end portion thereof. The extendible member also includes a pair of opposing flexible members connected to the medial member. Each one of the pair of opposing flexible members have point locators defined by passageways formed through end portions thereof. The measuring apparatus also includes an intersection member connected to the point locaters on the pair of opposing flexible members, and a plurality of sets of measurement marks carried by at least one of the base member and the extendible member relating to a predetermined measurement of the object to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Engineered Devices & Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Patrick Kraus, David Michael Peltz
  • Patent number: 7426790
    Abstract: A method is for initializing a position-measuring system for an object movable in at least two degrees of freedom relative to a measuring frame. The position-measuring system includes one position-measuring device per degree of freedom, including a scale having an incremental track for measuring relative positions and an absolute track for measuring absolute positions, as well as scanning heads, assigned to the scales, for reading the incremental tracks and absolute tracks. In an initialization step, the incremental tracks are evaluated using a first evaluation procedure having a large tolerance with respect to the alignment of scanning head and associated scale, and in so doing, approximate absolute positions are determined per degree of freedom. In an alignment step, the movable object is aligned relative to the measuring frame based on the approximate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Holzapfel, Kai Rascher
  • Patent number: 7426791
    Abstract: An energy savings apparatus configured for use with a clothes dryer comprising an air duct and a damper assembly. The air duct has a first end and a second end. The damper assembly includes an air duct portion and a damper device mounting on the duct portion. The air duct portion of the damper assembly is attached at a first end thereof to the first end of the air duct. The second end of the air duct portion of the damper assembly is configured for being attached to an air inlet of a heater assembly of a clothes dryer. The damper assembly is configured for selectively enabling air to be routed to the air inlet of the heater assembly from the second end of the air duct and from an air inlet intermediate the ends of the air duct portion of the damper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Mack V. Martin
  • Patent number: 7426792
    Abstract: A sole component for footwear combining the desirable response characteristics of a fluid filled chamber and an elastomeric material is disclosed. The chamber can be formed as a single bladder chamber in contact with an elastomeric midsole or as a single chamber by a sealing a void in elastomeric material. Alternately, an insert having the shape of the bladder, and potentially formed from foam, may be positioned within the chamber. The interface between the chamber and elastomeric material is sloped and gradual so that the shape of the chamber and its placement in a midsole determine the combination of response characteristics in the sole component. The chamber has a relatively simple shape with one axis of symmetry with a rounded portion and a narrow portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Swigart, Bruce J. Kilgore
  • Patent number: 7426793
    Abstract: A combination shock absorbing and ventilating apparatus for a foot bed of a shoe, comprises an air chamber having at least one flexible wall located in the foot bed of the shoe, an air intake to the air chamber, an air outlet from the air chamber, a one-way valve on at least one of the air intake or the outlet, at least one of the intake or outlet being connected to the foot bed of the shoe and operative to circulate air with the foot bed, at least one resilient member within the chamber operative to re-inflate the air chamber, and a turbine on a sidewall of the shoe, the turbine having a wheel, one of the air inlet or the air outlet being connected to the turbine for directing air flow to spin the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: LL International Shoe Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Crary
  • Patent number: 7426794
    Abstract: A foot support insole having four different versions, each providing differing degrees of arch support for use in any shoe or boot. The insole is biomechanically shaped to support the medial arch, the lateral arch, the metatarsal arch, and the heel. In each of these versions, the principal variable is the extent of support for the medial arch. Low, medium, high, and extreme foot support versions are disclosed. The insole design effectively distributes the weight-generated forces provided by the user into a neutral plantigrade position. Supporting the neutral position for the foot obtains optimum balance and weight distribution by dispersing the forces applied by the foot over the greatest area possible within the shoe. The insole allows the three foot arches to work together and function as a structural support tripod, alternatively absorbing compressive forces and recoiling into a stable support state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Robert John Swensen
  • Patent number: 7426795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a snowplow system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for snowplowing with an all terrain vehicle. The system includes an all terrain vehicle, at least one control member, a latch, and a blade. The latch is configured to lock the blade at a particular horizontal rotational orientation. When the latch is released, the blade is coupled to the all terrain vehicle in a manner that allows for horizontal rotation. The at least one control member is coupled to the blade and positioned on the all terrain vehicle such that a user can horizontally rotate the blade from a sitting position on the all terrain vehicle. This allows a user to efficiently remove snow from an area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Max L. Raddon
  • Patent number: 7426796
    Abstract: A control system for controlling the release of an accessory from any quick hitch coupler coupling the accessory to a hydraulically operable arm of a machine, operated by a pressurized hydraulic system. The control system can be used with a coupler for coupling an accessory to a dipper arm and a control system for such a coupler, such as a quick hitch coupler for coupling an accessory to a dipper arm of a back actor such as may be used by an earth working apparatus. The quick hitch coupler comprises a body member adapted for coupling to the dipper arm, a fixed engaging means mounted on the body member for engaging a first one of a pair of coupling pins mounted on the accessory, and a moveable engaging means mounted on the body member for engaging a second one of the pair of coupling pins of the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Geith Patents Limited
    Inventors: Bartholomew James Cunningham, James David Barron, Anthony McKeown
  • Patent number: 7426797
    Abstract: A privacy tablet whereby an individual may make a written of other printed input information on a writing surface and thereafter immediately cover the portion of the writing surface so as to protect the confidentiality, security or privacy of the information from the view of subsequent users of the tablet. The covering operation may be manual or may be motorized and automated. Moreover, the motion of the cover may be restricted from unauthorized reversal and resultant observation of the information by a locking means. Lastly, any of the numerous generally planar surfaces of the tablet are well suited for and may be utilized for the imprinting of graphical or advertising material for the purposes of advertising or promotion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Genuity Concepts
    Inventor: John Delaney
  • Patent number: 7426798
    Abstract: A method and system for creating, updating, and displaying content on a plurality of paper and electronic signs is disclosed. A server receives and transmits content information that is associated with particular merchandise for the signs. The server transmits data for new signs and updates old signs automatically, either by directly changing the electronic display device, or by printing a new paper sign to a corresponding printer or CPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Johannes A. Koomen, Michael H. Wang
  • Patent number: 7426799
    Abstract: A display frame with a refill holder comprises a transparent block with front and rear faces. A U-shaped mounting member is attached to the rear face about an outer periphery of same. The U-shaped mounting member has an inwardly extending wall. A channel is formed in a space between the rear face and the inwardly extending wall. A protrusion is attached to the rear face of the frame, wherein the protrusion in combination with the inwardly extending wall are configured to distance the rear face from a support surface when the frame is in a substantially horizontal position and provide a substantially unimpeded air passage adjacent the rear face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Christianson, Marissa A. K. Schultz, Stephen B. Leonard, Stacey L. Forkner, Heather R. Schramm, Kara L. Lakatos
  • Patent number: 7426800
    Abstract: An apparatus and a system for a stabilization device are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventors: Rodney W. Pierce, Michael R. Fox
  • Patent number: 7426801
    Abstract: A live eel hook-insertion device. A hand-operated unit is disclosed that generally comprises a T-handle/trigger driving a spring-mounted plunger through a housing, an open-ended eel nesting tube at one end of the housing and defined by a lateral notch, and a distal yoke on the plunger for immobilizing an eel within the nesting tube. The T-handle trigger is actuated to trap the eel, whereupon a hook can be easily inserted into the eel. The nesting tube is further defined by a lengthwise notch to allow extraction of fishing line if the eel backs out of the nesting tube with hook attached. In use, the device is inserted into a bait well full of eels and the nesting tube is placed flat against the bottom. One eel will enter the nesting tube, whereupon the yoke is distended to trap the eel against the floor of the nesting tube. A hook with attached fishing line is inserted through the notch of the nesting tube and the eel is thereby hooked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Freburger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7426802
    Abstract: A seed germination and plant supporting utility are disclosed. The utility includes a spacer having a passageway therethrough between opposite spacer ends. Mesh is positioned at both ends of the spacer. First and second retainers are receivable at the ends of the spacer adjacent to the mesh positioned thereat and have openings therethrough in correspondence with the spacer passageway. The mesh is thus held apart a selected distance with the passageway through the spacer enshrouded by the mesh yet accessible at both ends through the mesh and the openings in the retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond E. Umbaugh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7426803
    Abstract: An angular lever for guiding and moving a door leaf is rotatably mounted in a horizontal plane in the direct vicinity of the door frame. One limb of the angular lever is permanently connected to a guide rail of the door leaf, and the other limb temporarily engages with a control element on a guide unit to swing the door leaf. In order to open completely and subsequently close the door leaf, a guide arm of the door leaf is operatively connected to the control element. During the closing movement of the door leaf, an operative connection of the guide arm to the control element is released and the other limb of the angular lever engages again with the control element. When the angular lever assumes its home position, it presses the door leaf firmly against a door seal and locks the door leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Fahrzeugtechnik Dessau AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Fronz, Holger Lenkeit, Wolfgang Steiniger
  • Patent number: 7426804
    Abstract: A window unit includes a window frame defining a frame perimeter and a window located within the frame perimeter. The window includes a display surface adapted to receive a display image. A display image source is disposed in the window frame and a speaker element is disposed in the window. The window can transform from a first transparent state to a second increased opacity state for receiving the display image on the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Russell John Pylkki, James Brian Libby, Kurt E. Heikkila
  • Patent number: 7426805
    Abstract: A block assembly including a plurality of first framing members each having a first longitudinal axis and a plurality of second framing members each having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis such that the first and second framing members together form a grid including a plurality of openings. The assembly further includes a plurality of blocks, such as glass, plastic or masonry blocks, each being received within a respective one of the openings, and a plurality of support rods, each of the support rods being inserted through a respective one or more of the first framing members along the first longitudinal axis of each of the one or more of the first framing members and being inserted through each of the second framing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Raymond A. McNally
  • Patent number: 7426806
    Abstract: A reverse molded wood composite door skin, comprises a molded wood composite panel having a first surface adapted to be exteriorly disposed and an opposite second surface adapted to be interiorly disposed in order to be adhesively secured to a surface. The panel comprises a major planar portion, at least one planar panel portion lying in a plane spaced from the plane of the major planar portion, and an outwardly extending contoured wall surrounding the planar panel portion and interconnecting and integral with the major planar portion and the at least one planar panel portion. The contoured wall extends outwardly from and relative to the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Dale E. Schafernak, Karine Luetgert, Bei-Hong Liang, Lee Braddock
  • Patent number: 7426807
    Abstract: A composite utility pole or the like is shown, having an elongate member, where a deformable material is co-extruded over the outer surface. The elongate member can have any configuration, but is shown as a circular cross section, and can have structural ribs. Concrete fills the substantial portion of the pole to give it rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E Cadwell, Carl Fischer
  • Patent number: 7426808
    Abstract: A method of constructing a concrete module having several interconnected walls and defining a portion of a building includes the steps of forming two pitch walls, each pitch wall having a wall upper end angled to match the pitch of the building roof to define an upper peak having a beam receiving notch, having a shorter lateral end and a longer lateral end, and a wall lower end [and an angled upper end], and having a notch at the intersection of the lower lateral end and the angled wall upper end; forming a linking wall having two linking wall lateral ends substantially matching the height of the pitch wall shorter lateral ends; providing a floor form platform having a horizontal platform surface and an upright floor form rail defining a side of the floor form; placing the two pitch walls and the linking wall on a floor form platform; pouring uncured concrete into the floor form; permitting the concrete within the floor form to cure and define a module floor jointed to the pitch walls and the linking wall; co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Wallace D. Sanger
  • Patent number: 7426809
    Abstract: In a packaging apparatus, when replacing a preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard (wrapping material) with a subsequent single-faced corrugated fiberboard, a draw-out roller is operated such that the preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard is drawn out to its trailing end. At this time, a reserve roller, around which the single-faced corrugated fiberboard is trained, is moved such that the single-faced corrugated fiberboard, which has been drawn out, is accumulated thereat. Then, the trailing end of the preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard and a leading end of the subsequent single-faced corrugated fiberboard are joined together at a joining device. In this way, the preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard can be used up until its final end, and thus there is no waste of the single-faced corrugated fiberboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Arima
  • Patent number: 7426810
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a pocket coil bag row has two or more coil spring producing apparatuses for producing springs having different wire diameters and has an apparatus for transporting coil springs from each coil spring producing apparatus to a coil chute section. The coil chute section has receiving chambers corresponding to coil springs having different diameters sent in from each coil spring producing apparatus, and opening/closing sections are provided in the lower portions of the receiving chambers. The coil chute section has one exit and has a control device for controlling opening/closing so that the opening/closing of the opening/closing sections is performed in accordance with a previously set arrangement pattern of the coil springs. The coil chute sends coil springs to the exit of the coil chute section in a preset order and individually seals the coil springs in continuous bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Dreambed Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Yuuji Kameda
  • Patent number: 7426811
    Abstract: In a clip apparatus (1) with a drive (2, 3) and a control (4), on the holder (6, 7, 17) of one of the clip closing work tools a force measuring device (9) is provided. Based on the measured force and through the control the drive is influenced and in the case of excessively high force values, the clip apparatus is stopped to avoid damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Tipper Tie Alpina AG
    Inventor: Max Pargätzi
  • Patent number: 7426812
    Abstract: A method for bagging ice using an ice-bagging apparatus comprising an ice maker for making ice and hopper for receiving the ice from the ice maker, a door and drawer system operatively associated with the hopper for measuring the ice and delivering of the ice, a bag delivery mechanism for placing the ice in a bag, a bag supply mechanism, a blower for opening the mouth of the bag to receive the ice, a sealer for sealing the mouth of the bag once the bag is filled with the ice, and a control device for managing and monitoring the drawer and bag delivery mechanism and allows transmission of the collected data to the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Reddy Ice Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Metzger
  • Patent number: 7426813
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to an erectable or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a floral easel for holding and/or supporting a floral object. In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of shipping a floral easel, methods of using a floral easel, methods of storing a floral easel, and methods of placing a floral object on a floral easel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Wanda M. Weder and William F. Staeter
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 7426814
    Abstract: A plurality of cassettes, each filed with a supply of pills and positioned over a target location. A platen is provided beneath the target location with receptacles configured to hold both vials and blister packs. The platen or the cassette is movable so that any blister of the blister pack or the vial can be positioned under the target location to receive a quantity of pills from the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: QEM, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman D. Knoth
  • Patent number: 7426815
    Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product which comprises the steps of a) closing off a perforation in a perforated plate; b) directing powder into said closed-off perforation by the action of a first leveller blade moveable in a sweeping path relative to the perforated plate; and c) transferring the contents of the perforation to said container, and an apparatus for achieving such method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Smithkline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Anthony Wilson, Phillip William Farr, Marcus Edward Pike
  • Patent number: 7426816
    Abstract: A rope halter apparatus, for use in conjunction with a rope, to form an adjustable halter, comprising: a body; a hook coupled to the body; a ring coupled to the body; and at least two bracket legs coupled to the body. A method of using the rope halter apparatus comprising: forming a first loop in a rope by placing a first end of the rope adjacent a first midpoint of the rope; placing the first end of the rope and the first midpoint of the rope between at least one set of bracket legs of a rope halter apparatus; placing a second end of the rope over an animal's neck; placing the first loop over the animal's nose; forming a second loop; placing the second loop through the ring and around the hook of the rope halter apparatus; and pulling the second end of the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Doug Richards
  • Patent number: 7426817
    Abstract: A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine includes a first platform section and a second platform section pivotally coupled together about a first axis. A first reel and a second reel are positioned in end-to-end juxtaposed relation to each other above the first platform and the second platform. A reel support arm is positioned between and carries each of the first reel and the second reel. The reel support arm is movable toward and away from the first platform section and the second platform section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Bruce Alan Coers
  • Patent number: 7426818
    Abstract: A cotton receiver for a cotton harvesting machine and a method of operation of the same. The receiver includes a cotton compacting chamber, a precompacting area above the chamber, and an accumulator deployable upwardly from the precompacting area to increase the cotton holding capacity thereof. Compactor apparatus is located in the compacting chamber and is configured for holding cotton thereabove separate from cotton therebelow. the compactor apparatus is movable downwardly against cotton therebelow for compacting it into a unitary body or module, including while holding cotton thereabove, and is controllably operable for conveying cotton held thereabove downwardly therethrough, subsequent to unloading a completed compacted body of cotton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Jesse H. Orsborn, Michael J. Covington, Kevin S. Richman
  • Patent number: 7426819
    Abstract: A finger for a crop gathering auger of a grain header for an agricultural combine, a forage harvester, or the like, the finger including a resilient elastomeric retainer retractor which spans a failure region of the finger and will retain a free end of the finger in connection with a mounting end thereof when the failure region is broken, and which is configured and operable for automatically retracting the broken off free end into an auger drum and retaining it therein during subsequent rotation of the drum for limiting potential damage from the broken end and preventing entry of the broken end into crop handling equipment of the combine or other machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Bich, Imants Ekis, Ryan Figgins, James F. Rayfield
  • Patent number: 7426820
    Abstract: The device has: a first interlacing jet (19); a feed path of the covering yarn (FT) and a feed path of the elastic yarn (F1; F2) towards the first interlacing jet; supporting elements (37A, 37B) for spools of elastic yarn (R1, R2); winding members (54) to wind the composite yarn (FC) on the cop being formed (BC); an interruption device to interrupt feed of composite yarn to the cop being formed and start winding the composite yarn on a new winding tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Giudici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nerino Grassi, Samuele Gorgaini