Patents Issued in October 14, 2008
  • Patent number: 7434734
    Abstract: A plastic support with a transponder having a data memory for the wireless transmission data from and to the plate-like plastic support is provided with attachment means for attachment to objects to be electronically marked. The transponder is arranged on or in a transponder support separate from the plastic support, which is able to be joined to the plastic support by catch or clamping means. Accordingly a transponder support provided with the transponder is able to be reused, after its intended first use, in a new plastic support. Accordingly overall costs may be substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Johann Huber
  • Patent number: 7434735
    Abstract: A stored-value card includes an electrical assembly and a housing. The electrical assembly is configured to store an audio file and includes a light and a speaker. The housing encloses the electrical assembly and includes an account identifier signifying an account or record linked to the stored-value card and an activation area. The activation area and the electrical assembly are adapted such that user interaction with the activation area causes the electrical assembly to both play the audio file via the speaker and illuminate the light to collectively provide an audio and visual presentation to a user. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods, of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaye B. Dean, Ted C. Halbur, Dave B. Smith, Timothy P. Clegg
  • Patent number: 7434736
    Abstract: The aim of this invention is to control the change of a security module and deactivate the apparatus in the event of the non-authorized removal or replacement of said module. A protection device for a security module connector is proposed, said connector forming part of an acceptor placed on a printed circuit board and integrated into an apparatus whose functioning, controlled by a processor, depends on the security module connected to the acceptor. The device comprises a first part made up of a label attached in a way to block the security module on the printed circuit board, said label including at least one chip and a first antenna. The device further comprises a second part positioned in the vicinity of the connector, said part including a second antenna of a transducer in communication with the apparatus processor. The chip of the label is able to exchange digital signals by means of the first antenna with the second antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: NagraCard SA
    Inventor: Christophe Nicolas
  • Patent number: 7434737
    Abstract: A passive memory device includes a plurality of resonant members, e.g. of a cantilever or bridge-type form, that may have different resonant frequencies and that may be held against vibrations by end or side tethers. Data may be recorded in the device by removing various of the tethers, so that, on applying an excitation signal, e.g. from a transmitter, untethered resonant members vibrate strongly in response to their resonant frequencies, and provide a response signal that can be picked up e.g. by a receiver and correlated with the excitation signal frequencies to determine which resonant members have been untethered. The response by an untethered resonant member can correspond to a logical “1”, whilst the lack of a response signal at a known resonant member frequency can correspond to a logical “0”, or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Mems-Id Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald Barry Zmood
  • Patent number: 7434738
    Abstract: A method of configuring a communication card in a computer system comprises retrieving information relating to a country in which the computer system will be used from the computer system into the communication card. Based on the retrieved information, the communication card selects a configuration setting from a plurality of configuration settings stored in the communication card, and loads the selected configuration setting into memory in the communication card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd
    Inventors: Daryl Carvis Cromer, Philip John Jakes, Raymond Gary Octaviano, II
  • Patent number: 7434739
    Abstract: An IC tag and an IC card are provided to achieve reduction in size, improvement on workability and the yield rate when manufacturing, reduction of manufacturing cost, etc., The IC tag of this invention is formed for transmitting information in non-contact manner, and two pieces of antenna circuits 2 are folded and superposed on each other therebetween. One of the two pieces of antenna circuits 2 is a mounted circuit 2A on which an IC chip 6 is not mounted, and the other is an opened circuit 2B on which on IC chip 6 is mounted. On one surface of the antenna circuit 2 is provided a surface printing material 10 on which visible information is printed. On the other surface of the antenna circuit 2 is provided an adhesive member, so that the antenna circuit 2 can be stuck with each other by folding a circuit support portion 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Lintec Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Matsuura, Taiga Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7434740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (4) for detecting the position of a sequence of markings (2) on a carrier (1) in relation to a detector (3) for detecting the markings (2). In accordance with one embodiment, the sequence of markings (2) detected by the detector are compared with at least one reference sequence (5) corresponding to the arrangement of the markings (2) on the carrier (1). In order to be able to reliably detect the position and rapidly identify errors, a comparison of a sensing sequence of markings (2) detected by the detector (3) with sections of the reference sequence (5) is carried out and an error signal is generated if the comparison does not result in complete correspondence. In this way, the function of the detector (3) can be checked particularly reliably. This method is advantageously implemented in a data processing device (4) that is present anyway, with the result that no additional components are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Patent number: 7434741
    Abstract: A forced airflow air conditioning system includes a humidifier which is operable to humidify air bypassed from a supply air plenum to a return air duct or vice versa, the humidifier airflow being controlled by a damper closure member which is operably connected to a bimetal spring actuator or to an electric motor, both responsive to temperature of air flowing through the system. One embodiment includes an electric motor connected to the damper closure member and in circuit with a humidistat for opening the damper when humidification is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Helt, Karl J. Mutchnik
  • Patent number: 7434742
    Abstract: A thermostat for controlling a climate control system is provided that comprises a network interface for establishing an Internet connection with a website of a remote service provider, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of a climate control system. The microprocessor is in communication with the network interface for establishing an Internet connection and receiving user-specified information from a remote service provider that maintains a user-profile of information requested by the user. The thermostat further comprises a display device responsive to the microprocessor for displaying user-specified information received via the network controller from the remote service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Carl J. Mueller, John M. Sartain, Steven L. Carey, Thomas J. Fredrioks, Ron Miles, G. Scott Vogel, James P. Garozzo
  • Patent number: 7434743
    Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a reversible fan of an electronic module that rotates in a clockwise direction if the electronic module is communicatively coupled in a first position and a counterclockwise direction if the electronic module is communicatively coupled in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephan Karl Barsun, Jeff Evans, Glenn C. Simon, Robert William Dobbs, Andrew Michael Cherniski
  • Patent number: 7434744
    Abstract: A system for controlling one or more components of a climate control system is provided that includes one or more controllers in connection with low voltage power lines for powering the one or more controllers. The controllers are further capable of transmitting one or more communication signals via the low voltage waveform. The system includes a thermostat controller, at least one system controller for a heating or cooling system, and a controller for a circulating air blower. The thermostat controller, system controller and circulating air blower controller are connected to each other only through each controller's individual connection to the hot and common low voltage power transmission lines. Each controller is capable of transmitting one or more signals that are superimposed onto the low-frequency low-voltage waveform and include information identifying a destination controller that the signals are intended for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: James P. Garozzo, William P. Butler
  • Patent number: 7434745
    Abstract: A method and system for supplying temperature-controlled water to emergency shower and/or eyewash units (“SS/EWs”). In one embodiment, the water is circulated through a normally closed system containing a heat source such as a heat exchanger, a tank and pipes leading to the SS/EWs. Sensors in the system detect the temperature of the water and controllers regulate the amount of heat supplied to the heat exchanger to keep the temperature of the water in the system within a desired range of temperatures. A timer-controlled drainage subsystem periodically drains some or all of the water in the system. Water drained or supplied to the SS/EWs is made up by a cold water supply that feeds the heat exchanger. The system may use an alarm to signal water out of the desired temperature range, improper drainage, or water leaking from the system or being used by an SS/EW.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: CH2M Hill Industrial Design & Construction, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Deiss, Larry L. Thornton
  • Patent number: 7434746
    Abstract: A heating device, particularly for a vehicle, includes a burner for producing combustion heat, and also a heat exchanger for transferring combustion heat produced in the burner to a medium to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: J. Eberspächer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Patric Schlecht, Andreas Collmer, Günter Gerlach
  • Patent number: 7434747
    Abstract: A sprinkler that restricts foreign particulate matter from interfering with and/or damaging the operating components of a sprinkler is disclosed. The sprinkler may be a pop-up sprinkler such that the outlet or nozzle is not in a fixed position and is moved from a position above the ground to a position generally below or flush with the ground. To prevent particulate matter from entering, such as through the nozzle or outlet, when the flow of water is shut off, the sprinkler may include a protective member located within the sprinkler head to prevent the particulate matter from have an undesirable effect. The protective member forms a one-way obstruction that permits flow to the nozzle and obstructs flow back into the sprinkler such that particulate matter in the water beyond the protective member is restricted from coming in contact with the internal operating components of the sprinkler. The protective member may be a resiliently deformable flap or a hinged flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley D. Helzer, Jonathan Yeh
  • Patent number: 7434748
    Abstract: There are disposed a spray nozzle 12 which includes a supported section 13 and a spray section 14 for spraying cleaning water; a nozzle holder 9 into which the supported section 13 of the spray nozzle 12 is inserted and which supports the spray nozzle 12 so as to allow rotation only about an axis extending in the direction in which the spray nozzle 12 is inserted into the nozzle holder 9; and a water-supply unit 5 which has a fluid passage for supplying cleaning water to the spray nozzle 12 and to which the nozzle holder 9 is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromasa Takada, Masato Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 7434749
    Abstract: A direct-current sprayer includes a shell with an outlet therein, a valve in the outlet, a pipe leading to the valve from a pump in the shell and a hose detachably connected to the valve so that water can flow from a pump in the shell into the hose through the valve. The valve automatically blocks the flow of the water after the hose is detached from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Patent number: 7434750
    Abstract: A liquid spraying pistol for gardening including an external casing passed through by a channel within which a valve is slidingly housed which is biased by a spring and is operable by a start lever which is turnable between a closing position and a maximum opening position of said valve and a device for the locking/unlocking of said lever in the maximum opening position. The device is made up of a button elastically supported by the lever in such a way as to be able to provide, with the lever in the maximum opening position, a locking engagement between the lever and the external casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Claber S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Roman
  • Patent number: 7434751
    Abstract: A water spraying gun includes a main body, a water supply member, a water outlet seat, a nozzle module, a control switch, and a rotation member. Thus, the water is injected outwardly from the water injection hole of the nozzle module or sprinkled outwardly from the water sprinkling holes of the nozzle module, so that the water spraying gun have different water outlet modes, thereby enhancing the versatility of the water spraying gun. In addition, the different water outlet modes are changed and controlled by rotation of the rotation member, thereby facilitating the user controlling the different water outlet modes. Further, the water flow rate from the nozzle module is controlled independently by rotation of the control handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Shin Tai Spurt Water of the Garden Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7434752
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve is provided that includes a valve seat member (3) having provided therein a conical valve seat (8) and a valve seat hole (7) communicating with the downstream end of the valve seat (8), a flat fuel diffusion chamber (43) radially extending from the valve seat hole (7), the fuel diffusion chamber (43) being formed between the valve seat member (3) and an injector plate (10), and a plurality of fuel injection holes (11) bored in the injector plate (10) so as to open in the fuel diffusion chamber (43), wherein the fuel injection holes (11) are arranged so as to be radially outwardly separated from the valve seat hole (7), and when the height of the fuel diffusion chamber (43) is t1 and the length of the valve seat hole (7) is t2, t2/t1?2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Eishi Matsumoto, Koji Kitamura, Gaku Sato
  • Patent number: 7434753
    Abstract: A novel hub design that enables removal of nozzle core for disposal while the hub is retained for reuse. The reusable hub provides a cost advantage over a one-piece metal design, enabling the use of a dispensing system that is of high quality and low cost to proliferate the use of the technology in the industry. Using this method, a nozzle hub dispensing system has a very favorable impact on the environment, 90% less hazardous waste with a reusable hub system, as only the lightweight cores are disposed. This nozzle hub provides a positive locking, tool-less mechanical connection of nozzle core to hub, which offers a financial advantage over competitive products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Brian L. Verrilli
  • Patent number: 7434754
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an agitator (10) positioned near the screen (4) of a hogger to increase turbulence in that region. The induced turbulence from the driven blades (15) of the agitator (10) reorients material contained within the hogger (1), thereby representing the material to the screen (4) and grinding disc (5) with potential improvements in both screening and comminuting efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Progressive IP Limited
    Inventor: Rodney Warwick Sharp
  • Patent number: 7434755
    Abstract: Apparatus for shredding or pulling pieces of meat, which includes a feed hopper carried on a body, a removable shredder roller assembly in the body for shredding the meat, which includes a shredder roller, and a backer plate, which can be adjusted to vary the texture of the shredder meat product, and an electric motor to rotate the shredder roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Terry A. Bridge
  • Patent number: 7434756
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a single shaft rotary grinder with an improved cutter and combination “comb” rotor and counter knife configuration for reducing film, fibrous material and other material which has a tendency to wrap around the rotor, rubber, solid plastics and wood. Reducing this type of material, such as plastic film, into small pieces has been problematic. This invention provides one or more comb shaped counter knives and a rotor having a plurality of geometrically shaped cutters mounted in a plurality of partial or full rows longitudinally along the rotor. The comb shaped counter knives and the rows of cutters work in cooperation to reduce film and other material into small pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Republic Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: George R. Sotsky
  • Patent number: 7434757
    Abstract: A fishing reel directly measuring line travel (not velocity or acceleration) past two or more points along the line, with said data being fed back in real time to a comparative control loop which initiates a direct contact spool brake to slow or near-instantaneously halt spool rotation in order to maximize casting distance while eliminating backlash under all casting conditions. During the cast, the line length fed from the spool is prevented from exceeding (to the point of backlash) the line length being pulled out from the spool. During a cast in which the lure is suddenly halted (as in the case of the lure striking a structure or object), the system senses control instability and fully halts the spool rotation so that backlash is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: James P. Beckham
  • Patent number: 7434758
    Abstract: A construction kit for a spring-driven cable drum includes a pre-assembled drum core, the housing of which constitutes a winding surface for the cable and containing at least one spiral spring and at least one spring anchor hub. The pre-assembled drum core is provided with an axle channel passing right through it but no axle. The spring anchor hub is maintained to all intents and purposes coaxial with this axle channel by the spiral springs. The construction kit further includes a separate axle which can be inserted from either side into the axle channel of the pre-assembled drum core, insertion of the axle into the axle channel establishing a form-fit rotary coupling between the spring anchor hub and the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: IPALCO B.V.
    Inventor: Christoph Gieseke
  • Patent number: 7434759
    Abstract: The present invention concerns forming wire coils by simultaneously winding a plurality of wires onto a dynamo-electric machine component. In order to maximize the amount of wire that can be placed in the spacings of the dynamo-electric machine component, the turns of the wire coil must be regularly disposed without twisting the plurality of wires onto each other. Current winding apparatus may allow certain portions of the wire turns to unevenly accumulate and locally bulge outward from the collection of wire coils. Such bulges, especially in consideration of the limited spacings available on an dynamo-electric machine component, may interfere with or access to the spacings by a wire dispensing member during the winding process. The present invention proposes to perform multiple-wire winding processes that avoid wire twisting and improper disposition of the wires. Further, the present invention proposes to improve the ability of the wire dispensing member to traverse the spacings on the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: ATOP S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Stratico, Antonio Lumini
  • Patent number: 7434760
    Abstract: A paper towel dispenser includes a housing with an inner chamber configured to support a paper supply and a dispensing aperture for dispensing paper from the paper supply. The paper supply includes a side that is formed by superimposed edge portions of paper from the paper supply. An indicator mechanism is affixed to the housing within the inner chamber and is disposed adjacent the paper supply. The indicator mechanism includes an indicator operably connected to a release mechanism. The indicator is movable between a retracted position and an indicating position. The release mechanism is pivotally biased away from the housing and is releasable in response to the paper supply being reduced below a predetermined amount. Upon release of the release mechanism, the release mechanism causes the indicator to move to the indicating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Gregory D. Budz, Thomas N. Kershaw, John R. Moody
  • Patent number: 7434761
    Abstract: A cable deployment and storage system includes a cable reel mounting device, and a cable reel for carrying a length of cable. The cable reel includes a hub that may be rotatably mounted on the cable reel mounting device during deployment of the length of cable, a pair of inner end flanges carried by respective opposing ends of the hub, and a pair of removable outer end flanges carried by respective inner end flanges to contain the length of cable therebetween during deployment. The outer end flanges may thereafter be removed to reduce a size of the cable reel. The pair of inner end flanges may store any remaining length of cable therebetween after deployment. The cable may include connectors installed at each end during manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Commscope Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Mark O. Vogel, Christopher P. Gemme, Mark E. Alrutz, Martin B. Lee
  • Patent number: 7434762
    Abstract: A retractable thrust vector control system (10) for a rocket motor (26) that can generate an exhaust plume comprises at least one control vane (12) connectable to an attitude control assembly (20) that rotates the vane (12) about a control axis (44). The system also includes a retraction mechanism (14) for withdrawing the control vane (12) along the control axis (44) from an extended position at least partially within a path of a rocket exhaust plume and a retracted position substantially out of a path of a rocket exhaust plume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: William M. Hatalsky, Gregory A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7434763
    Abstract: A hub fairing system (12) for a stopped-rotor aircraft (10) having a fuselage (14) including a hub (16). The hub (16) is mechanically coupled to the fuselage (14) and to multiple blades (40) and is rotated by an engine (22). A retractable fairing (60, 64) covers a portion of the hub (16). An actuator (26) is coupled to the fairing (60, 64). A controller (28) is coupled to the actuator (26) and retracts the fairing (60, 64). A method of reducing drag on the aircraft includes transitioning between a rotary-wing mode and a fixed-wing mode. The fairing (60, 64) is deployed over a portion of the hub (16) upon the completion of the transition between flight modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eric W. Walliser, Robert A. Nowak
  • Patent number: 7434764
    Abstract: A gearbox of a rotary-wing aircraft includes at least one variable speed system which optimizes the main rotor speed for different flight regimes such as a hover flight profile and a high speed cruise flight profile for any rotary wing aircraft while maintaining an independently variable tail rotor speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Lappos, Edward Karedes, Harsh Vinayak, Yuriy Gmirya
  • Patent number: 7434765
    Abstract: Heat exchanger systems and associated systems and methods for cooling aircraft starters/generators are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes a first fluid flow path for a first fluid, a second fluid flow path for a second fluid, and a third fluid flow path for a third fluid. The first and second flow paths are positioned proximate to the third flow path to transfer heat between the third fluid and both the first and second fluids. The third flow path is configured to allow a transfer of heat between the second and third fluids at a first transfer rate when the first fluid carries heat at a first rate, and at a second transfer rate different than the first transfer rate when the first fluid does not carry heat, or carries heat at a second rate less than the first rate. Accordingly, when the heat to be rejected by one fluid is decreased, the heat transfer rate for the remaining fluid can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward Zielinski, Thomas M. Murray
  • Patent number: 7434766
    Abstract: Systems for supplying emergency oxygen or other gases to persons are addressed. The systems may include pod assemblies mounted on fixed-position masts between or adjacent passenger seats or pop-up modules installed within upper portions of seat backs. The pod assemblies and pop-up modules additionally may include other passenger-service equipment. Also optionally included in the systems are modular central gas supplies and alternative oxygen mask designs for passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignees: Weber Aircraft LP, Intertechnique
    Inventors: Alexander N. Pozzi, Scott F. Carbary, Paul R. Bentley, Marc Andre Coutu, Vincent Greter
  • Patent number: 7434767
    Abstract: A spacecraft adapter having embedded resources for supporting a non-primary payload on a launch vehicle. The spacecraft adapter includes a battery, a power distribution and control system, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the non-primary payload. Other modules/subsystems such as data storage, sensor and data interface and communications may be included to suit the needs of a particular non-primary payload and/or particular mission of the non-primary payload. The adaptor does not require any interfacing with the bus of the primary payload and can be scaled/modified as needed to provide only that degree of functionality needed for a given non-primary payload being carried by the launch vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert A Smith, Kim S Wright, Gregory P Bowman, Leigh A Hanback
  • Patent number: 7434768
    Abstract: A portable turnout system for temporary connection of a rail line to a spur line includes a ramp section having a frame and two parallel rails mounted thereon, the parallel rails each having a forward end and a rearward end higher than the forward end such that the parallel rails have a positive grade from forward end to rearward end and a portable transfer track including at least one portable track section having a frame and two parallel rails mounted thereon, the portable transfer track releasably connectable at one end thereof to the rearward end of the parallel rails of the ramp section in an elevated position above the rail line. At least one portable transfer track support device supports the portable transfer track in the elevated position above the rail line and the portable transfer track is releasably connectable at the opposite end thereof to a spur line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: John J. Humphrey, Dean Wieser
  • Patent number: 7434769
    Abstract: An articulated hollow arm is disclosed. The arm has a hollow center with an opening along the length of the arm. The hollow accepts electrical wires or tubes or mechanical wires depending on the application. A removable top is inserted into the opening and is designed to be retained by the mechanical interference between the top and the edges of the opening. Flanges or grooves may be placed to accommodate such retention of the top. In addition an external clip or an end piece may be used to retain the top while allowing the wires, etc. to emerge from either end. Any termination or connector at the ends of the wires, etc. do not have to fit through the hollow. Such wires, etc. can be removed, repaired and/or replaced via the elongated opening by removing the top. The top may be of a flexible material that provides strain relief for any cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: O.C. White Co.
    Inventor: Richard L. May
  • Patent number: 7434770
    Abstract: A device for retaining and supporting pipes having a central curved section between two linear ends and being open to receive one or more pipes therein and serving to protect the pipe from being kinked or bent during construction and post-construction activities. The sides or arms of the device may be extended and bendable such that a pipe may be inserted between the arms and therefore held in place by a spring force. The device may be attached to wall studs or other structures through the use of plumbing straps, which can be weaved through slots in the device to securely hold the pipe(s) in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: William R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7434771
    Abstract: The supports of the present invention further comprise a frame strut extending across a lower portion of the support frame. Two openings are defined in the frame strut which are adapted to receive ends of an expansion limiter piece. This limiter piece is generally V-shaped and has connection means at the end of each of the V legs for connection to frame struts of adjacent hose supports. The vertex of the limiter piece is located proximal to a vertex formed by the hinge of adjacent hose supports. At the vertex of the limiter piece and at locations near the connection means, living hinges are formed so that a user will experience relatively little resistance to opening, accordion-style, the invention hose supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Double Color Industrial Ltd.
    Inventor: Lo Yun Tai
  • Patent number: 7434772
    Abstract: A rack for driers includes a support with a post assembly connected thereto. An inlet unit is connected to the post assembly. A rotatable unit is connected to the post assembly and includes a horizontal sleeve through which a horizontal tube extends. Two drier bases are pivotably connected to the horizontal tube so as to be connected with two driers. Two spiral hoses are connected between the driers and the inlet unit. The horizontal tube and the two driers are able to rotate about an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Wuu-Cheau Jou
  • Patent number: 7434773
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a shaft, a head connected to the shaft, and a connector capable of connecting the head to a supported object, such as an archery bow. The head is connected to the shaft to allow pivoting movement between the shaft and the head at a joint in pivotally in three dimensions. In one embodiment, the connector further includes a vibration and noise damper with a magnetic connection adapted to releaseably connect to the head. The connection between the head and the connector may allow axial rotation there between. A brake assembly controls extension of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Rory Minjares
  • Patent number: 7434774
    Abstract: A monitor mounting apparatus includes a base assembly having a first fixed portion and a second rotatable portion that is rotatably coupled to the first fixed portion about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first fixed portion. The apparatus further includes a tensioning mechanism for operably and selectively adjusting frictional resistance to the rotatable coupling between the second rotatable portion and the first fixed portion. The apparatus also includes a monitor mounting plate that is operably coupled to the second rotatable portion of the base assembly, which monitor mounting plate is configured to operably receive display monitors thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Engineered Network Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Floersch, Mark W. Wacker, Gregory J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7434775
    Abstract: A bracket in combination with a boat surface for holding a boat accessory on a boat includes a boat surface, a mounting plate having a first side and a second side, a slotted exterior surface extending through the first side and defined by raised portions on either side thereof, each of the raised portions having an opening therethrough, a plurality of connectors, wherein each one of the connectors extends through one of each the openings to connect the mounting plate to the boat surface, wherein the boat surface and the slotted surface and raised portions define a slotted area therebetween, and a support plate having a first end configured to be removably received and retained in the slotted area in a manner which provides a second end of the support plate to operably connect an accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Kennth Wilcox
  • Patent number: 7434776
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed, may include a mounting device for a piece of equipment having an accessory receptacle. The mounting device may include at least two arms connected together providing at least two rotation axes, a mounting stud for mating with the accessory receptacle and connected to one of the two arms providing at least one rotation axis, and a mount for mating with an accessory of the equipment and connected to the other one of the two arms providing at least two rotation axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Shawn T. Dennison, Stanely C. Aguilar
  • Patent number: 7434777
    Abstract: A roll support and spacing member has parallel, connected and nestable first and second sections foldable upon a hinge to provide support structure in the middle of a stack of rolls. The roll support and spacing member has upwardly and downwardly facing, roll-engaging indentations with the sections being separable to provide top and bottom support pieces for engaging rolls in the stack. The sections are movable into superposed relationship with one another. The first and second sections have peripheral flanges located along opposed sides and opposed ends thereof and formed with cooperable interlocking structure positively retaining the sections together when the sections are placed in superposed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Great Northern Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Swannell, David B. Rosten
  • Patent number: 7434778
    Abstract: A breakaway signpost connector enables a sign support member to be fastened to an anchor member. The connector includes at least one shear member and a coupler assembly. The shear member has a first end, a second end, and a necked down section between the first and second ends. The coupler assembly surrounds the shear member and includes a first opening and a second opening. The shear member first end extends through the first opening, and the shear member second end extends through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Xcessories Squared
    Inventors: Matthew Edward Leahy, Lawrence Edward Leahy
  • Patent number: 7434779
    Abstract: A conduit clamp has an upper member and a lower member selectively connectable around a flexible tube. The upper member and lower member has interconnecting pivot points for pivotally connecting to each other. The lower member has a pair of opposing sidewalls with rocker arms integrally formed therein for receiving and moving a locking protuberance extending on outer surfaces of the upper member as the conduit is depressed into a locked and closed position. The rocker arms are flexible to allow the locking protuberances to move in and out of gaps formed around the rocker arms for closing and opening the conduit clamp. The upper member has a pair of sidewalls and a lower extending projection therebetween. The extending projection closes the pathway in the flexible tube as the conduit clamp moves to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Twin Bay Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert A. Werth
  • Patent number: 7434780
    Abstract: A pilot-type two-port valve is disclosed having a water hammer preventing mechanism, operative to prevent a water hammer during valve-closing operation, which includes a valve member operative to open or close a valve and a piston driven by pilot fluid for operating the valve member for opening and closing movements. The water hammer preventing mechanism comprises a piston drive chamber, from which fluid is discharged during valve-closing operation, which has an orifice for restricting the flow rate of discharge fluid whereby when the piston moves to a position to allow the valve member to be close to a valve seat, a portion of an discharge flow passage of the piston drive chamber is blocked to restrict the flow rate of the discharge fluid to the flow rate of fluid flowing through the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bunya Hayashi, Shinji Miyazoe, Shinichi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7434781
    Abstract: A water flushing system for a pressurized subterranean water distribution system includes an inlet conduit for receiving pressurized water from the subterranean water distribution system; an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet conduit for discharging pressurized water in the inlet conduit downwardly towards a drain; and a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized water in the inlet conduit. The water flushing system further includes one or more of the following features: a freeze protection assembly, a detachable coupling system, a dechlorination system, and a backflow prevention system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas M. Taylor, David Goslin
  • Patent number: 7434782
    Abstract: A handle and control mechanism on a mobile power unit for positioning extending, retracting and extracting a jack stand. The jack stand includes an alignment hole and a pair of ratchet release arms at the lower sides. The power unit includes a frame having a forward end with separated extensions for supporting the jack stand, and a rearward end having a tubular handle with a T bar hand grip with an operating lever on the right side. The handle has a rotatable control knob extending through the T bar hand grip for controlling a valve on a hydraulic cylinder. The forward extensions have an alignment block and pin for engaging the alignment hole of the stand. A pair of rectangular flippers are pivotally mounted at the inner rearward corners of the pin blocks, and have the outer rearward corners linked to the operating lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman
  • Patent number: 7434783
    Abstract: A jack stand is for use with a power unit. The power unit includes a rectangular frame and a pair of parallel lift arms having forward ends extendable vertically over the frame. The forward ends of each lift arm have a frusta-conical disc pivotally attached to the inner sides thereof, so that the upper surface of the disc inclines upwardly at an acute angle. The jack stand includes a base plate with a first tubular frame attached thereto and extending vertically therefrom. An upper tubular frame is positioned in telescoping relationship relative to the first tubular frame and has a rectangular lifting plate attached to the upper end thereof. The lifting plate has parallel sides with flanges extending downwardly, with the lower ends of the flanges having an acute angle for engaging the upper surface of the frusta-conical discs of the power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Harry H. Arzouman