Patents Issued in October 14, 2008
  • Patent number: 7434483
    Abstract: Sample pipettes used in particular for injecting samples into high pressure liquid chromatography apparatuses, which are provided with a hollow needle for drawing a sample and expelling same into a container or into a sample receiving device of the apparatus. An interchangeable cannula is mounted on the hollow needle of such a pipette, said cannula being capable of containing additional functional elements such as filters, chemically active phases and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: CTC Analytics AG
    Inventors: Hansjörg Cueni, Heiner Scherrer
  • Patent number: 7434484
    Abstract: Pipetting device with a base body, at least one attachment protruding from the base body mounted axially movably on the base body for mounting a pipette tip, a spring via which the attachment is supported on the base, a stop associated with the attachment, beyond which the attachment protrudes axially, when it is not loaded toward the spring and a throw-off device to release the pipette tip from the attachment which comprises a throw-off device associated with the attachment, the attachment and throw-off device being movable relative to one another and which comprises a drive device cooperating with the throw-off device and/or the attachment for the relative movement of the throw-off device and attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventor: Herbert Belgardt
  • Patent number: 7434485
    Abstract: A battery powered sensing device for diagnosing a processing system and method for using the same are provided. The support platform generally has physical characteristics, such as size, profile height, mass, flexibility and/or strength, substantially similar to those of the substrates that are to be processed in the processing system, so the sensor device can be transferred through the processing system in a manner similar to the manner in which production substrates are transferred through the processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Reginald Hunter
  • Patent number: 7434486
    Abstract: A bearing assembly includes a housing having a substantially round throughbore, a first side, and a second side. A sleeve bearing is situated within the throughbore. A first spring washer is situated adjacent the first side of the housing and the sleeve bearing, and similarly, a second spring washer is situated adjacent the second side of the housing and the sleeve bearing. A bushing extends into an opening of the first spring washer, an opening of the sleeve bearing, and the throughbore of the housing. A thrust washer is situated adjacent to the second spring washer and a fastener is situated adjacent to the thrust washer. A kit including the aforementioned components is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Analytical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Czarnek
  • Patent number: 7434487
    Abstract: A twin-clutch manual gearbox has a first input shaft and a second input shaft to which engine rotation is selectively input via individual clutches. The second input shaft is rotatably fitted onto the first input shaft so that the first input shaft protrudes from an end of the second input shaft farthest from the engine. First gearsets are located between the protruding end of the first input shaft and a layshaft located between the first and second input shafts. Second gearsets are located between the second input shaft and the layshaft. The second gearsets are positioned such that the gearset of the lowest gearbox speed which is capable of providing a bearing retaining space between the first input shaft and the second input shaft is positioned farthest from the engine, and the gearset of the highest gearbox speed is positioned closest to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromu Terai
  • Patent number: 7434488
    Abstract: A transmission for a tractor comprises a transmission case having an opening that opens to exterior of the transmission case and a speed change device that is housed in the transmission case. The transmission also includes a cover removably attached to the transmission case for closing the opening of the transmission, a main speed change shift fork supported by the cover and capable of engaging with and moving a main speed change shifter, and a sub speed change shift fork supported by the cover and capable of engaging with and moving a sub speed change shifter. The cover is capable of mounting a creep speed change device having a creep speed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Tsuji, Toshimitsu Yazaki, Toshinobu Owada
  • Patent number: 7434489
    Abstract: A bicycle drive system includes a front gear face, a rear gear face, a front guide assembly, a rear guide assembly, and a drive shaft coupled to a rear-suspension frame via a rear hub and a crank spindle. The bicycle drive system operates independently of the frame. Shifting from one gear to another is controlled by a shift controller. Each shift of the shift controller shifts both the front and rear guide assemblies at the same time. The shift controller is preferably coupled to the front and rear guide assemblies via a cable system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Scranton
  • Patent number: 7434490
    Abstract: In a turning drive apparatus (10) for turning a movable portion (3) of a model (1) by transmitting power from a drive source to the movable portion (3) through a gear train (11), a pair of gears (16, 17) included in the gear train (11) are coupled concentrically with each other through a common slip plate (18). A friction transmitting portion (30) is arranged by combining at least any one (17) of the gears with the slip plate (18) so that it makes a slip motion to the slip plate (18) in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7434491
    Abstract: A workpiece positioner assembly comprises a headstock apparatus that is configured to rotate a workpiece A headstock interface assembly is configured to secure the workpiece to the headstock apparatus and comprises a bearing configured to enable pitch, yaw and roll movement of the headstock interface assembly relative to the headstock apparatus. The workpiece positioner assembly further comprises a tailstock apparatus configured to support the workpiece in cooperation with the headstock apparatus. The tailstock apparatus comprises a tailstock interface assembly that is configured to secure the workpiece to the tailstock apparatus. The tailstock interface assembly further comprises a tailstock bearing configured to enable axial movement of the workpiece relative to the tailstock apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Motoman, Inc.
    Inventors: George H. Sutton, Jr., Donald J. Metz, Daniel W. Slanker
  • Patent number: 7434492
    Abstract: A clamp member is described for attaching a component to a handlebar. The clamp member includes a substantially rigid body having a concave surface and a liner having a relatively low coefficient of friction. The liner has opposed first and second surfaces. The first surface is adapted for contacting the concave surface of the body, and the second surface is adapted for contacting an adjacent portion of an outer surface of the handlebar. A lever assembly is disclosed that includes the clamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Morales
  • Patent number: 7434493
    Abstract: A ratchet driving mechanism includes a main body, an adjusting ring, and a ratchet wheel. The main body includes a grip-connecting member and a rotary seat connected fixedly to the grip-connecting member. The rotary seat is formed with two parallel insertion slots, in each of which two pawls are biased by a spring to move away from each other. The adjusting ring and the ratchet wheel are sleeved rotatably on the rotary seat. When the adjusting ring is disposed in an anchoring position, the pawls engage the ratchet wheel so as to prevent rotation of the ratchet wheel on the rotary seat. When the adjusting ring is disposed in a first-direction position or a second-direction position, two of the pawls engage the ratchet wheel so as to allow for rotation of the ratchet wheel on the rotary seat in only a corresponding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-Tan Huang
  • Patent number: 7434494
    Abstract: A socket driving tool (10) that is designed to be inserted to a chuck (92) attached to an electric motor (94) or to a handle (96). The tool (10) is comprised of four major elements: a drive shaft (12), a magnet (18) attached to the front end (14) of the drive shaft (12), and a pair of sockets (50) consisting of a first socket (52) and a second socket (54). Preferably, the first socket (52) has a first fastener cavity (62) having a 5/16-inch (7.937 mm) opening, and a second fastener cavity (72) having a ¼-inch (6.350 mm) opening. The second socket (54) has a first fastener cavity (62) having a ?-inch (9.525 mm) opening, and a second fastener cavity (72) having a 7/16-inch (11.113 mm) opening. The socket pair (50) is designed to be arranged on the drive shaft (12) in four different configurations that provide four fastener gripping diameters. The four gripping diameters allow four different diameter fasteners (90) to be tightened or loosened by the socket driving tool (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Richard H. Snider
  • Patent number: 7434495
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a first part including a head and a shank. Three first holes are defined in the shank and each receive a first stop and a first spring therein. A second hole is defined in shank and located at an axis different from an axis of the first holes, a second stop and a second spring are received in the second hole. A second part is movably mounted to the shank and includes a positioning hole with which one of the first stop is removably engaged. The second stop is slidably engaged with a groove in the second part. A third part is mounted to the second part and includes button which is pushed to remove the first stop from the position hole so that the second part and the third part can be moved relative to the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Yi-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 7434496
    Abstract: A screwdriver handle includes first and second handle parts each having an end face with a pivotal coupling portion. The second handle part is pivotable between two positions relative to the first handle part such that the screwdriver handle is switchable between an in-line state and an angled state. Two positioning holes are defined in one of the end faces and a receptacle is defined in the other end face and aligned with one of the positioning holes. A positioning member is mounted in the receptacle and includes an end releasably engaged with one of the positioning holes to retain the second handle part in one of the positions. A control member is mounted on one of the first and second handle parts and operable to disengage the positioning member from the positioning holes to thereby allow the second handle part to pivot relative to the first handle part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7434497
    Abstract: A cutting or gripping tool capable of producing high leverage force using compound linkage and with a wide range of motion using an adjustable rack system that forms an adjustable triangular shape without changing the compound force. The tool is designed such that it could be operated with one hand to cut a material with successive squeezing of the handles. It embodies an automatic or manual adjustment to a desired opening with linkage that amplifies the mechanical force of the handles. Its uses include but are not limited to: cutting animal hooves, pruning branches, gripping/cutting bolts and clamping objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Paul E. Caravello
  • Patent number: 7434498
    Abstract: A toggle locking tool is provided with an adjustment screw assembly comprising a force-enhancing shank that enables the holding force of the tool to be multiplied manifold. The adjustment screw assembly comprises an adjustment screw conventionally adapted to be fed into and to engage a threaded bore in the outer end of the fixed handle of the tool; however said adjustment screw itself comprises an internal, fine-threaded bore that extends through the length of said screw, and that receives a threaded force-enhancing shank having a head portion adapted for turning manually or with a turning tool. An end portion of said shank extends beyond the adjustment screw to form the bearing surface which, in a conventional toggle locking tool, is provided by the tip of the adjustment screw. Rotation of the adjustment screw provides rapid, low-force locking adjustment of the tool, and subsequent torquing of the force-enhancing shank results in the application of a multiplied locking force to the jaws of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Allen Johnson
  • Patent number: 7434499
    Abstract: A lathe includes a stock, a shaft, a power source, gripping bars, and a platform; the stock has a shaft seat secured therein, which has a hollow holding portion, and an inner protrusion; the shaft is passed in the shaft seat in a movable manner, and has a head having a step-shaped portion and projecting into the holding space; the power source is used for actuating the shaft; the gripping bars are spaced around the shaft head, and each have inner and outer recesses; the platform has a hollow portion, and an inner protrusion right above and facing the inner protrusion of the shaft seat; when the shaft is moved upwards, the step-shaped portion will be pressed against upper edges of the inner recesses to raise the gripping bars; thus, both the protrusions are tightly held within the outer recesses of the gripping bars, and the working platform secured in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Factory Automation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Lu, Chung-Lung Lin
  • Patent number: 7434500
    Abstract: A method for cutting a ribbon of rubber-coated fabric includes dragging a free end of the ribbon past a working position of a punching device, forming a notch between two adjacent reinforcing cords of the ribbon using the punching device, moving a counter-blade of the punching device away from the working position, inserting at least one cutting blade through the notch, and performing first and second cuts of the ribbon. An associated apparatus includes a punching device and a cutting device. The punching device includes an incision tool, an abutting counter-blade, and control devices for moving the incision tool and the abutting counter-blade toward and away from the ribbon. The cutting device includes at least one cutting blade and a control device for moving the at least one cutting blade toward and away from the ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pietro Dale', Stefano Bellini
  • Patent number: 7434501
    Abstract: A quickly collapsible protective cover unit for a table sawing machine includes two protective covers, two connecting rods, an elongate base and a dividing plate. The dividing plate has its upper end combined between two lengthwise sides of one end portion of the base, provided with plural slots for a fitting rod of plural fixing blocks located at one end portion of the base to fit therein. The slots respectively have a stop edge for retaining the fitting rod therein, not to loosen out of the slots when the fitting rods are pushed in the slots. Then the compress bolt and the fitting rods can tightly force the base and the dividing plate combined with each other. So the protective cover unit can be assembled or collapsed quickly, without using any tool, by handling the compress bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Bor-Yann Chuang
  • Patent number: 7434502
    Abstract: A chain saw includes a retaining assembly for a tensioning arrangement for adjusting the tension of the cutting chain in the chain saw. The retaining assembly includes a rotatable knob for operation with the chain saw's engine chassis, clutch cover, and guide bar and is rotatable about an axis of rotation between a tightening position for holding the guide bar in place and a loosening position enabling the guide bar to be repositioned whereby the tension in the cutting chain is adjusted. A locking mechanism is provided for locking and unlocking the knob. When the locking mechanism is in a locking position, moveable engagement points of the locking mechanism extended beyond the confines of the knob and engage fixed engagement points. When the locking mechanism is in the unlocking position, the moveable engagement points, having moved inwardly of the confines of the knob, are disengaged from the fixed engagement points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Husqvarna Outdoor Products Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Keeton, Paul A. Warfel
  • Patent number: 7434503
    Abstract: A percussive apparatus comprises a body inside of which a striking piston is mounted in a cylinder bore. Two axially offset pieces are mounted inside the cylinder bore of the body while being concentric to the piston, and a deformable washer is placed between said pieces. One of the pieces is stationary with regard to the other piece that, however, is mounted in a manner that enables it to slide inside the cylinder bore and to be displaced in the direction of the stationary piece while being subjected to the action of the supply pressure of the hydraulic fluid that acts upon the surface of the moving piece facing away from the side opposite the stationary piece. The displacement of the moving piece causes the elastic washer to deform in order to create a passage with a variable cross-section on the return circuit of the hydraulic fluid to the reservoir or on a circuit that diverts, to the return circuit, a portion of the delivery flow of the apparatus whereby regulating the input pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Montabert
    Inventor: Jean-Sylvain Comarmond
  • Patent number: 7434504
    Abstract: A Cylinder for pressurized fluids, such as oil, air or the like, including of a cylindrical nozzle and a pair of heads designed to be attached to the ends of the nozzle, characterized in that two annular grooves are made partly in the cylinder liner and partly in each of the two heads for the purpose of locking the heads, and that elements designed to be inserted into the grooves to lock the heads into position are filled. In particular the locking elements are constituted by roller bearings the axis of which is parallel to the axis of the nozzle and which engage with the walls of the grooves, preventing axial movements of the heads in relation to the nozzle. Preferably the grooves are made partly on the inner surface of nozzle and partly on the outer surface of a head element which is inserted into the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Franco Fanaletti
  • Patent number: 7434505
    Abstract: High production processing and high accuracy processing are selectively performed with a single press. To this end, there are provided a system and method for controlling a servo press 1 in which an eccentric rotation mechanism 20 is driven by a servo motor 21 and the rotating power of the eccentric rotation mechanism 20 is transmitted to a slide 3 through a toggle linkage 15, thereby vertically moving the slide 3. In the control system and method, the rotation of the servo motor 21 is controlled in response to a motor speed command rm calculated based on the deviation ? p of the position of the slide 3 and a positional gain G(?) preset according to a speed ratio of the slide 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Suzuki, Yukio Hata
  • Patent number: 7434506
    Abstract: A propane bottle recycler comprising a bottle station, first and second propane collection tank, compressor, liquid propane storage tank, bottle crusher, and crushed bottle storage compartment. The bottle station comprises a bottle manifold and bottle station frame, and the bottle manifold is pivotally connected to the bottle station frame. Propane bottles are placed in receiving cavities in the bottle manifold and held in place with cam levers, and the bottle manifold is raised to a vertical position. The propane drains out of the propane bottles, through propane hoses into a propane manifold, into the first and second collection tanks, and to a compressor, which repressurizes the propane. The propane is then stored in a liquid propane storage tank. The used propane bottles are crushed by the bottle crusher and stored in the crushed bottle storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Wayne William Wilson, Bradley Morris Fimrite, James Schmid
  • Patent number: 7434507
    Abstract: A system and trash receptacle for compacting trash within the trash receptacle including a receptacle having upstanding front, side and back panels, a closed bottom, and a lid. The front panel is pivotably movable about a lower pivot axis located at a lower margin thereof by a drivable power unit operably connected between one side panel and front panel. This pivotal movement of the front panel into the interior volume of the receptacle compacts the trash within the receptacle to minimize the frequency of receptacle emptying required. A vehicle includes a power output which is temporarily engagable with the power unit as the vehicle is driven up to the trash receptacle, the power output driving the power unit to close the front panel to compact the trash within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher R. Sherwood, Lisa Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7434508
    Abstract: Disclosed is a die press with a base, at least two cam members spaced from the base, an upper platen located between the base and the two cam members to define a space for a die, the upper platen being generally parallel to the base, the upper platen also being attached to the two cam members so that when the two cam members are actuated, the upper platen is moveable relative to the base, and a linkage connecting the two cam members so that the two cam members move in unison relative to each other when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Ellison Educational Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Corcoran, Carl Von Hirsch, David L. Hughes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7434509
    Abstract: A guide system comprising a plurality of guide members, where each guide member comprises an exposed surface and an intermediate portion between first and second end portions. The first end portion comprises a deformable detent member defining a detent projection. The second end portion defines at least first, second, and third detent edges defining a detent opening. The guide system operates in storage configuration and a plurality of use configurations. In the storage configuration, detent members of two guide members extend through detent opening of the two guide members. In the use configurations, a detent member extends through one of the detent openings such that longitudinal axes of the first and second guide members are substantially co-linear or perpendicular and the exposed faces of the first and second guide members are substantially coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Clearsnap Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Winston
  • Patent number: 7434510
    Abstract: A cleaning method for the screen stencil of a silk-screen printing machine. According to the method, prior to an intermediate printing process designed to clean the screen stencil, the underside of the stencil is wetted with a cleaning agent that dissolves dye. An intermediate printing device includes an intermediate printing roll that can be displaced back and forth. A rotating roll that is immersed in a cleaning bath is situated at the front end of the intermediate printing roll. The rotating roll can be brought into contact with the underside of the screen stencil prior to the intermediate printing process by means of a pivoting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Thieme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Messmer, Ewald Koenig, Dietmar Weber
  • Patent number: 7434511
    Abstract: Punches 44 of punchers 41a to 41d each punch a plate P lying immediately thereunder to form a notch. Then, stopper pins 47 of the punchers 41c and 41d abut with the deepest portion of the notch, such that the plate P is further inserted. The punches 44 of the punchers 41a and 41b each punch the plate P lying immediately thereunder to form a deeper notch. In other words, the puncher 41 is capable of forming notches of different depths along one end face of the plate P, whereby it is possible to realize various methods for positioning the plate P on the recording drum 5 in a suitable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiro Kitawaki, Yoshitomo Wada
  • Patent number: 7434512
    Abstract: A method for transferring a pattern from an elastic stamp to a substrate in the presence of a third medium is described. A proximity contact is achieved between the stamp and the substrate. A layer of the third medium between the stamp and the substrate is controlled to a predetermined thickness. Stamps for carrying out this method are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Bietsch, Emmanuel Delamarche, Bruno Michel, Heinz Schmid, Heiko Wolf
  • Patent number: 7434513
    Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning High Density Array (“HDA”) pin plates, substrates and reservoirs with respect to each other. The system includes a flexure having a flexible print head, elongated members flexibly connected off-axis to the system and a pin plate support assembly detachably connected to the flexure allowing the pin plate assembly to adapt its position during a printing operation. The pin plate has alignment ball receptacles on its surface and the reservoir has alignment balls on its surface facing the pin plate. The pin plate is positioned with respect to the reservoir such that each of the alignment balls is located within one of the alignment ball receptacles to achieve the alignment. Once the pin plate is aligned, it is secured to a supporting assembly such as a vacuum bridge, and inking and printing operations are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Thierry L. A. Dannoux, Jean-Pierre Lereboullet, Romain Ramel, Xavier Tellier
  • Patent number: 7434514
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition device for an explosive charge or pyrotechnic composition. This device comprises at least two ignition means connected to a power source. It is characterized in that it comprises a single insulating support carrying the ignition means as well as the conductors ensuring their connection to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Renaud-Bezot, Jerome Loison
  • Patent number: 7434515
    Abstract: A small diameter shock tube of unique internal surface configuration such that the powder loading per meter of tubing can be higher than achieved with conventional shock tube. The outside diameter of the tube is less than 0.10?, preferably 0.085? with inner and outer layers of different polymeric material bonded together in a coextrusion process. The inside surface of the shock tube has radially inwardly projecting ribs or protuberances that result in an increase of the internal perphi of the inner surface cross section achieving a 30% increase so that powder loading per meter of the tube can be kept in a safe range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Detotec North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7434516
    Abstract: A shock-triggered warhead fragment transmitter is described. The transmitter is designed to radiate a pulse upon either detonation of the warhead or impact of the fragment with the target. The pulse energy is obtained by shock de-poling of a ferroelectric material and is radiated using a dipole antenna. Detection of the radiated pulses may be used to confirm detonation of the warhead and determine the time and location of the detonation and facilitate battle damage assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jason T. Drotar, Raymond M. Gamache, Kenneth A. Conley
  • Patent number: 7434517
    Abstract: A stun gun dart includes a base, having an interior cavity, an energy storage assembly and an actuator. Also, a spear is supported by the base and the actuator, when actuated, causes the energy storage assembly to retract the spear into the cavity. In a preferred embodiment a conductive wire extends through the base and is electrically connected to the spear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Carson R. Linker
  • Patent number: 7434518
    Abstract: A truck for use on a piece of model railroad rolling stock, the truck having axle/wheels sets associated therewith includes two identical truck portions, which, when joined, form a model railroad truck frame, which is held together by mechanical impedance by a frame retainer located in a central mounting structure formed by joining the two truck portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Kadee Quality Products
    Inventor: Michael Nathan Dunham
  • Patent number: 7434519
    Abstract: A rail road freight car may have a body for carrying lading. The body may be a gondola car body. The car body may include a decking or floor structure, and may include longitudinally extending side beams bordering the floor structure. The connection of the side beams to the floor structure may be may without the use of a dedicated side sill. The car body structure may include cross-bearers and side beam stiffeners that are joined together by structural knees. The car body may also include clean out ports to facilitate cleaning of the lading receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: National Steel Car Limited
    Inventors: James W. Forbes, Tomasz Bis, Mohammed Al-Kaabi
  • Patent number: 7434520
    Abstract: A method to insulate an existing door for an existing cargo container, such as a boxcar. In one implementation, the method includes attaching a liner to at least one surface of the door, incorporating an insulating layer, and attaching a gasket to the liner. A door retrofit by this method will have improved thermal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Zupancich, Joseph A. Seiter
  • Patent number: 7434521
    Abstract: An adjustable, articulable platform, changeable to and from a “U” shape to an “H” shape, is attachable to the distal end of an articulable support arm of a transport vehicle. The platform is arranged to adjustably surround an elevated chimney on at least three sides thereof. The platform comprises: a lower anchor plate centrally disposed within an elongated lower support frame; a rear anchor plate connected perpendicularly to the lower anchor plate, the rear anchor plate centrally and connectively disposed within an elongated rear wall frame, comprising bridging portions of the platform. A right sidewall frame and a left sidewall frame is connected to respective end portions of the elongated rear wall frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Donald F. Lombardi
  • Patent number: 7434522
    Abstract: A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl R. Stanford
  • Patent number: 7434523
    Abstract: A multi-hull speedboat hull design suitable for racing craft. The apparatus is a polygonal boat hull apparatus having a bow and stern wave penetrating feature. The bow has an additional triangular section to add strength and wave penetration capability. The hull is made from triangular-shaped essentially flat panels which provides for substantially stability and strength. The invention includes a drive pod system having a plurality of propulsion units. Each engine has a pair of hydro pneumatic cylinders that adjust the angle of attack of the propulsion unit. Each engine also has a pair of synchronized rudders. A top deck mounted aircraft-type of “tail assembly” having a rudder, elevators and/or ailerons assist in maneuvering the craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Kingsbury
  • Patent number: 7434524
    Abstract: A machine and method of operation to get rid of hurricanes. The general idea is to get rid of the low pressure in the center of the hurricane. No low pressure equals no circulation. No circulation equals no hurricane. The machine is a ship consisting of two main parts, an upper part and a lower part. The lower part consists of four submersible torpedo shaped hulls. The upper part is V shaped with three fan tubes stacked vertically on each side of the V. Method of operation. The machine is placed in the hurricane eyewall near the hurricane eye. The machine would mechanically blow air from the eyewall to the eye. The machine would bend the eyewall so that the eyewall would be diverted into the eye. The machine would slow down the air in the eyewall and the low pressure in the eye would suck the air in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Peter Sandler
  • Patent number: 7434525
    Abstract: A suspension system (2) for a boat (4), which suspension system (2) is for mounting to a hull (6) of the boat (4), and which suspension system (2) comprises a single accommodation unit (8) for at least one person travelling on the boat (4), and suspension means (10) for providing suspension for the accommodation unit (8) with respect to the hull (6) of the boat (4), and the suspension system (2) being such that is prevents or reduces shocks to the hull (6) caused by the boat (4) travelling through the water from being transmitted to the accommodation unit (8), and the suspension system (2) being such that is enables weight transfer between the accommodation unit (8) and the hull (6) for enhancing handling and ride characteristics of the boat (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Graham Hodge
  • Patent number: 7434526
    Abstract: The invention relates to a double shell tank ship comprising an outer skin made of steel and an inner shell made of steel, which surrounds the individual holds spaced from the outer skin, wherein outer skin and inner shell are rigidly interconnected by means of vertically and horizontally extending elements. The connecting elements are provided with rated break points or perforations, and the inner shell has been made of a steel comprising high breaking elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Lindenau GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Steen
  • Patent number: 7434527
    Abstract: Steering and/or stabilising device for motorised watercraft, with at least two operating units comprising each a retractable fin (4), characterised in that the retractable fins of each operating unit are contained in tubular watertight casings (5) open on the bottom or on the underwater area of the hull sides and located completely or for their prevailing portion inside the hull, one on the starboard side and the other on the port side, each fin (4) being guided axially in the associated tubular casing (5) and being movable by an actuator (10) outwards and inwards in the casing (5), so that it can be retracted in the casing (5) or projected out of the hull for a variable extent in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Giorgio Brighi
  • Patent number: 7434528
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved self draining boat plug which does not need to be repetitively removed and reinserted into a boat. The boat plug is specifically designed to allow water to escape from the boat while the boat is at cruising speed or removed from the water. Additionally, the drain plug blocks water from entering the boat while the boat is in the water. The drain plug is designed for durability, and continued performance when exposed to the hazards typically encountered in its working environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Larry G. McKibben
  • Patent number: 7434529
    Abstract: A sport or pleasure fishing boat having a closed live well for holding a selected volume of water and a live well ventilation vent unit mounted in a top wall overlying well. The live well vent unit is an open ended elongate sleeve that projects through the wall into the well. There is a partition dividing the interior of the sleeve into first and second separate vertical disposed air flow passages. Baffles extend from the upper end of the partition and overlying a portion of the respective passages exposed to atmosphere. The baffles slope upwardly and outwardly away from the partition and terminate in a free outer edge spaced a selected distance from the adjacently disposed end of the sleeve. The space between the baffle and sleeve defines a crescent shaped opening for the flow of air there through. The free outer edge of the baffle is spaced vertically from the upper end of the sleeve to catch and deflect a current of air into the well above the water therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Judy L. Tipton
  • Patent number: 7434530
    Abstract: A collapsible or compactable hydrofoil device having front and rear foils, a support structure and a steering mechanism that may be collapsed into a compact size for transport and storage. The steering mechanism includes several releasably coupled components that are in turn coupled to a drive platform and drive foil. The drive platform may be configured in a plurality of embodiments that each achieve ready disassembly and reassembly. The drive foil may be configured of multiple releasably couplable sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 7434531
    Abstract: A boat with a controllable wake, including a boat hull with a propulsion system. A wake controlling device includes first and second plates with a bottom surface which is convexly curved between their forward and rear ends, and first and second mounts secured to the port and starboard sides, respectively, of the boat transom and securing the forward ends of the plates for pivoting about axes which are behind the boat transom and generally lie parallel to the plane of the aft boat bottom adjacent the first and second mounts. Plate controls extend between the transom and the plates to adjustably pivot the plates relative to the mounts. A plurality of generally triangular fins extend from the plates at substantially right angles to the plate bottom surfaces and extend at substantially right angles from the axes. Side plates are on the lateral edges of the first and second plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Pivotal Designs Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Zsido, Thomas C. Earl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7434532
    Abstract: A small planning boat includes a filler opening for a fuel tank and an opening section that are formed on the deck of the boat body. The filler opening and the opening section are covered with a hatch cover when the hatch cover is closed. A fuel-receiving concave section is formed around the filler opening, so that the filler opening is positioned at the bottom surface section of a fuel-receiving concave section. A guide groove that declines downward from the bottom surface section on an outer side of the boat body can be formed as one piece with the fuel-receiving concave section. A storage section can also be formed inside the opening section. In addition, the filler opening can be positioned on the starboard side rearward from the opening section, and the guide groove can be formed in a section on an outer side of the opening section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kaneko