Patents Issued in October 21, 2008
-
Patent number: 7437983Abstract: A trimmer producing a profiled spine in a book. The device includes a first clamp element and a second clamp element contacting the second side and an actuating device moving the first clamp element with respect to the second clamp element so as to skew the spine. A trimming blade cuts the book.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Goss International Americas, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Andrew Burke, John Brian Duquette
-
Patent number: 7437984Abstract: A specimen slicing mechanism such as a microtome or an ultramicrotome in which a specimen is held by a specimen arm and is moved through a knife. The specimen arm is made of two segments which are secured to each other via a lockable hinge assembly. The lockable hinge assembly uses a hinge between the two segments as well as a locking mechanism. When locked, the two segments are in a fixed relationship which causes the specimen to be forced through the knife by the action of the motor. When the locking mechanism is unlocked, the segment of the specimen arm holding the specimen is able to rotate (“float”) around the hinge; thus allowing the specimen to be sliced by the knife as gravity pulls the segment downward.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Boeckeler Instruments Inc.Inventors: Raymond T. Gilchrist, Leonard J. Ness
-
Patent number: 7437985Abstract: The present invention is an arrow-shaped reconnaissance means, which is designed to be connected to the barrel of a weapon and launched by firing a round of ammunition from the weapon. The reconnaissance means is designed to penetrate and stick into a wall or other target and transmit video and additional data from its location, providing information gathered from an elevated position about the area around the target.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: O.D.F. Electronics Ltd.Inventor: Ehud Gal
-
Patent number: 7437986Abstract: A mine avoidance and protection device has a frame adapted to be secured to a source of a load, such as the foot of a person. Attached to the frame are at least three support legs each extending from the frame. Each leg has a releasable joint between the leg and the frame. At least one detector is operable to provide a detection capability for each support leg, operable to detect a characteristic of a mine when at least a portion of the support leg is located proximate to the mine. An actuator operable to provide an actuation capability at the joint of each leg, to: constrain the joint to allow a load to be transmitted from the frame, through the joint and the support to the terrain. The actuator can also release the joint such that a load can not be transmitted from the frame through the joint. The joint between the plate and each leg may be a one degree-of-freedom prismatic joint or revolute joint.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Nanyang Technological UniversityInventors: Franz Konstantin Fuss, Ming Adin Tan
-
Patent number: 7437987Abstract: A blast shockwave shield including an upright, monolithic body having a lateral center, and front and back sides, and a blast-facing, curved strike face formed on the upright, front side of the body, including a pair of companion, laterally spaced, laterally symmetric, non-coextensive, curved, strike-face portions, each of which defines a blast shockwave-deflection vector that is aimed upwardly, and laterally outwardly away from the shield's lateral center. This structure implements a method for blast shockwave deflection which includes the steps of engaging and intercepting such a shockwave with an upright, monolithic, solid-resistance instrumentality having a pair of laterally spaced, curved, non-coextensive strike-face portions, and, by those acts of engaging and intercepting, reversely deflecting an impinging shockwave.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: High Impact Technology LLCInventors: Thomas S. Ohnstad, Russell A. Monk, John P. Martin
-
Patent number: 7437988Abstract: A pressure activated piston-cylinder device includes a cylinder barrel with a cylinder bore, a piston with a piston rod movably guided in the cylinder bore, and a piston position sensing and indicating device. The piston position sensing and indicating device includes a magnetic activating element carried on the piston and an elongate electronic contact free transducer mounted on the cylinder barrel. The cylinder barrel includes a standard type extruded aluminum alloy barrel with an outer channel which extends in an offset parallel disposition relative to the cylinder bore, and a circuit board with electronic components connected to the transducer. The transducer as well as the circuit board are located in the groove in the cylinder barrel.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Parker Hannifin ABInventors: Bo Ake Andersson, Pär Gunnar Johan Johansson
-
Patent number: 7437989Abstract: A connecting rod for a hermetic compressor is provided. The connecting rod includes a piston connecting portion, a body having an end connected to the piston connecting portion, a crankshaft connecting portion connected to a different end of the body and extending a predetermined length so that a curved surface is formed, an inner peripheral surface of the crankshaft connecting portion making surface contact with an outer peripheral surface of a sleeve fitted to an off-center pin of a crankshaft, and a clamp fastened to both ends of the crankshaft connecting portion and exerting elastic force to retain the sleeve on the inner peripheral surface of the crankshaft connecting portion. The sleeve does not deform, even when retained on the crankshaft connecting portion, and makes uniform surface contact with the off-center pin, which is inserted into the sleeve. This substantially reduces the abrasion of the sleeve and the off-center pin and improves the compressor's efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung-Jae Yoon, Won-Il Cho, Dal Soo Kang
-
Patent number: 7437990Abstract: An all-in-one beverage container for providing a mixed beverage product. The container includes a cup for holding a liquid, and a percolating mechanism for holding a beverage mix at a predetermined location within the cup, the beverage mix being provided in a solid, granular, gel and/or packaged form. A filter may be coupled to the percolating mechanism for separating the beverage mix from liquid disposable in the cup, and a stem may be coupled to the percolating mechanism for enabling axial movement of the percolating mechanism relative to a longitudinal axis of the cup. The stem may enable mixing of the beverage mix with the liquid and enable removal of the percolating mechanism from the cup upon mixing of the beverage mix with the liquid for thereby providing the mixed beverage product. The invention thus provides an all-in-one beverage container which is easy to use, hygienic and disposable.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Enrique Gámez Duch
-
Patent number: 7437991Abstract: A system for pressing and vacuum treatment of cheese solids is disclosed. The system includes a device for continuously treating loaded cheese solids containers with mechanical pressure and vacuum during movement of the containers in a circular path. Preferably, mechanical pressure and vacuum treatment are applied simultaneously to the loaded cheese solids containers.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: D. R. Tech, Inc.Inventor: Ricky Leffelman
-
Patent number: 7437992Abstract: A compactor for compacting material includes a trough adapted to hold the material for compaction. A feed channel is coupled to the trough. A shearing die assembly having a first aperture aligned with the feed channel is adapted to receive material and a second aperture is adapted to receive a ramming portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Kurt Manufacuturing, Inc.Inventor: Duane G. Schroeder
-
Patent number: 7437993Abstract: A postage meter includes a slot to receive insertion of an envelope. A registration plate defines a top side of the slot. The registration plate has a window formed therein. The registration plate is for defining a printing location for a top surface of the envelope. A print head is mounted above the registration plate for printing a postage indicium on the top surface of the envelope. The postage meter includes a spring-loaded platform for pressing the envelope against the registration plate. The platform has a recess therein facing the window in the registration plate. The recess has a depth of at least about 5 mm. A cantilever spring is positioned between the window and the recess to apply an upward force to the envelope.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Walter J. Kulpa
-
Patent number: 7437994Abstract: The present invention provides a page for binding in an album. The page includes a blank, printer paper sheet and a hinge strip mounted along an edge of the printer paper sheet, the hinge strip including a flexible line for allowing the hinge strip to bend along the flexible line and a portion for binding to an album. The paper sheet and the hinge strip are adapted to go through a printer together to provide a ready-to-bind printed page.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Stone Editions, Inc.Inventor: John Ratzloff
-
Patent number: 7437995Abstract: An inertial igniter including: a first member having a wall and internal cavity; a second member slidable in the internal cavity, a striker disposed thereon and a first concave portion; a third member slidable on an exterior surface of the wall, a second concave portion; biasing springs for biasing the first and second members in a direction opposite an acceleration; locking balls in the first and second concave portions for preventing movement of the second and third members when the acceleration time profile is below a predetermined threshold; and a percussion cap primer on the first member; wherein when the acceleration time profile is greater than the predetermined threshold the locking balls are released from the concave portions to first permit relative movement of the third member with the first member and after a time delay to permit relative movement of the second member with the first member.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLCInventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Richard Murray, Gary Chen, Raymond Michael Hartley
-
Patent number: 7437996Abstract: A kinetic energy penetrator includes a plurality of penetrator segments, a penetrator segment sleeve for storing the plurality of penetrator segments, and means for moving the plurality of penetrator segments from the penetrator segment sleeve to locations substantially aligned along an axis of attack. A method includes storing a plurality of penetrator segments away from an axis of attack and moving the plurality of penetrator segments to locations substantially aligned along the axis of attack. A vehicle includes a body and a kinetic energy penetrator disposed in a forward portion of the vehicle. The kinetic energy penetrator includes a plurality of penetrator segments, a penetrator segment sleeve for storing the plurality of penetrator segments, and means for moving the plurality of penetrator segments from the penetrator segment sleeve to locations substantially aligned along an axis of attack.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Mark A. Turner, William R. Greisser
-
Patent number: 7437997Abstract: A method of efficiently delivering replacement railway ties for use in replacing ties that have deteriorated. GPS technology is used to obtain the GPS location of each tie that needs to be replaced. A tie train carrying replacement ties has a GPS monitor so that one or more ties can be unloaded at or near the location of each tie that requires replacement. A tie replacement crew can use a GPS monitor to locate each tie that requires replacement, and the crew can remove those ties and install a nearby replacement tie.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Herzog Contracting Corp.Inventors: Stanley M. Herzog, Ivan E. Bounds, Timothy M. Beers, Steve Pete, Ron Schmitz, Stephen L. Bedingfield, Daniel B. Laughlin, Joseph A. Kneib
-
Patent number: 7437998Abstract: A water ride containing at least one watercraft is described, having at least a floating body and a chassis which is connected thereto in an articulated manner and which serves as a guide unit, and a guide for the chassis which runs in the water, and a drive for the watercraft, wherein the floating body is connected to the chassis via a connection unit which comprises flexible elements and which allows relative movements of the floating body with respect to the chassis, wherein arranged on the floating body and on the chassis are associated coupling elements which serve for rigidly connecting the floating body and the chassis in at least one relative position, and in that the coupling elements are designed in such a way that the floating body is fixed on the chassis after being lowered.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Mack Rides GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Guenter Burger, Frank Sornik, Thorsten Koebele, Jens Gessner
-
Patent number: 7437999Abstract: A side buffer 40 is provided on a side of a traveling rail 6 of an overhead traveling vehicle 8. Multiple levels of racks 41, 42 are provided. The overhead traveling means 8 has elevating and lowering means including components such as a linear guide 32 and a ball screw 26 for elevating and lowering a lateral movement unit 16.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Nakao
-
Patent number: 7438000Abstract: The invention relates to a running gear for rail vehicles, especially for passenger traffic, wherein a frame (1) is supported, by means of primary springs, on wheels or sets of wheels, and whereon a superstructure (5) is supported, optionally with insertion of a bolster (4). The bolster (4) or the superstructure (5) is supported by means of secondary springs, in relation to the frame (1), on at least one spring carrier (2), the bolster (4) or the superstructure (5) is connected to the frame (1) by means of a shock absorber used to damp vertical and/or rolling movements, and the spring carrier (2) is suspended on the frame by means of pendulums (3). The fixing points of the pendulums (3) on the running gear frame (1) are inwardly staggered, unlike vertically arranged pendulums, in such a way that the longitudinal axes of the pendulums (3) extend diagonally.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbHInventors: Richard Schneider, Wolfgang Auer, Uwe Reimann, Siegmund Möhner
-
Patent number: 7438001Abstract: The invention provides a railway car with superior riding quality by improving the flexural rigidity of the car body structure while suppressing increase of body structure mass. A reinforcing plate 7 is attached to a roof construction 1 on the side facing an inner side of the car body at a longitudinal center portion of a railway car body structure 10 composed of a roof construction 1, a side construction 2, an underframe 3 and an end construction 4. The range in which the reinforcing plate 7 is adhered in the longitudinal direction of the railway car body structure 10 is between two body bolsters 6, and the range in which the plate 7 is adhered in the horizontal direction of the roof construction 1 is approximately half the length of the roof construction 1 in the horizontal direction. The thickness of the reinforcing plate 7 is increased gradually as the height of the roof construction 1 in the vertical direction increases.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hideyuki Nakamura, Takashi Furukawa, Takashi Yoshida
-
Patent number: 7438002Abstract: A desktop including a first portion and a diagonal portion oriented diagonally with respect to the first portion. Both the first portion and diagonal portion each have a top surface, a bottom surface opposite said top surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and first and second longitudinal axes, respectively, that substantially bisect each portion. The first portion and diagonal portion are oriented so that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are diagonal to one another. The desktop also includes a return portion having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a plurality of side surfaces. The return portion is joined with the first portion and has a third longitudinal axis that substantially bisects the top surface of the return portion. The third longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: David A. Murray
-
Patent number: 7438003Abstract: A burning device includes a plurality of interconnected chamber walls defining a burning chamber and a central axis, each chamber wall also defining a plurality of chamber apertures. A plurality of flanges extend radially from the chamber walls and substantially parallel to the central axis, and a plurality of circumferentially extending lips extending from a respective flange. Each lip is radially spaced apart from an associated chamber wall and defines therebetween an air flow passageway communicating with the burning chamber and affording air flow into the burning chamber. Ventilation apertures are defined in at least one of the plurality of lips and the plurality of flanges, the ventilation apertures providing communication between the air flow passageways and the burning chamber. A cover is removably supported by the chamber walls and defines a plurality of apertures.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Ronald R. Wilfer
-
Patent number: 7438004Abstract: A method includes containing a high-temperature alkali salt containing environment using a refractory containment liner containing MgAl2O4 spinel. A method, includes forming a refractory brick containing MgAl2O4 spinel having an exterior chill zone defined by substantially columnar crystallization and an interior zone defined by substantially equiaxed crystallization; and removing at least a portion of the exterior chill zone from the refractory brick containing MgAl2O4 spinel by scalping the refractory brick containing MgAl2O4 spinel to define at least one outer surface having an area of substantially equiaxed crystallization. A product of manufacture includes a refractory brick containing MgAl2O4 spinel including an interior zone defined by substantially equiaxed crystallization; and at least one outer surface having an area of substantially equiaxed crystallization.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Roberta A. Peascoe-Meisner, James R. Keiser, James G. Hemrick, Camden R. Hubbard, J. Peter Gorog, Amul Gupta
-
Patent number: 7438005Abstract: Combustion of hydrocarbon liquids and solids is achieved with less formation of NOx by feeding a small amount of oxygen into the fuel stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Hisashi Kobayashi, Lawrence E. Bool, III
-
Patent number: 7438006Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine movable in a planting direction includes a frame; a disc opener assembly carried by the frame and having a first axis of rotation; a gauge wheel assembly carried by the frame and having a second axis of rotation, and a press wheel assembly carried by the frame and having a third axis of rotation. The second axis is positioned forward of the first axis relative to the planting direction. The gauge wheel assembly overlaps the disc opener assembly relative to the planting direction. The third axis is positioned rearward of the first axis relative to the planting direction. The press wheel assembly overlaps the disc opener assembly relative to the planting direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Nathan A. Mariman, Ronald T. Flowers, Michael E. Frasier
-
Patent number: 7438007Abstract: A level cut loop looper or hook and clip for a tufting machine includes a looper body having a channel in which a clip is received. The clip is moved between extended and retracted positions by an actuator as the level cut loop looper or hook is reciprocated into engagement with a needle of the tufting machine, so as to selectively form cut and loop pile tufts in a backing material.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Card-Monroe Corp.Inventor: Wilton Hall
-
Patent number: 7438008Abstract: Sewing machine includes a needle bar that is vertically moved to perform a sewing operation, a fabric holder supported on the needle bar in such a manner that the fabric holder is vertically movable relative to the needle bar, and an urging member for normally urging downward the fabric holder on the needle bar. The sewing machine further includes a position restricting member for mechanically restricting a position of the fabric holder to prevent unwanted upward movement of the fabric holder having reached a lower dead point along with the vertical movement of the needle bar.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Mishin Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomoaki Anezaki
-
Patent number: 7438009Abstract: A sewing machine having a locking pin clutch mechanism allowing the user to selectively engage the flywheel or balance wheel for transmitting power to the main drive shaft. The locking pin may also have a line of weakness to function as a shear pin. The locking pin may be removable from the flywheel, and the flywheel retaining locking knob may include an aperture for storing the locking pin. In alternate embodiments, the locking pin may be held captive in the flywheel when the clutch is disengaged.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Matthew M. Grant
-
Patent number: 7438010Abstract: The present invention relates to thread storage and dispensing systems which protect the thread from damage. A spool system of the present invention includes a thread spool around which thread is wound. A spool cap is mounted to the thread spool in a manner which substantially encloses the thread. The spool cap may include an opening through which the thread is extended as it is fed into a sewing machine. The spool cap may be selectively and removably mounted to the thread spool in any of a variety of manners. For instance, detents may be provided on the cap to engage a corresponding groove in the thread spool. Optionally, a stopper is provided which may be inserted into the opening through which the thread is fed into a sewing machine. The stopper may frictionally engage the cap and thread, and secure the thread to prevent it from unraveling.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Hemingworth, Inc.Inventor: James Lyman
-
Patent number: 7438011Abstract: A cutting apparatus has a main body with a hook section, a fixed blade fixed to a predetermined position of the main body, a cutting blade that cuts a sewing material by moving toward the fixed blade, and a drive device that moves the main body between a predetermined retracted position that does not interfere with the sewing operation and a predetermined cutting position for cutting the sewing material. During sewing of the sewing material, the main body is held at the retracted position. To cut the sewing material, the drive device moves the main body from the retracted position to the cutting position, where the hook section hooks the sewing material, and the cutting blade moves toward the fixed blade in response to driving operation of the drive device. The cutting apparatus is disposed a predetermined distance away from the sewing position.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Mishin Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsurou Kondo
-
Patent number: 7438012Abstract: Gas supply arrangement of a marine vessel being adapted to carry liquefied gas in its gas tank having an ullage space section and a liquid phase section, which arrangement provides the gas for demands of the vessel, the arrangement comprising a gas supply line provided for delivering the gas formed in the gas tank to a consumption device, and a piping extending from the liquid phase section to the ullage space section of the gas tank being provided with at least a pump, for introducing gas into the ullage space section. The piping is provided with a heat transfer unit for effecting on the temperature of the introduced gas. The invention relates also to method of providing gas in a marine vessel with liquefied gas tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Wartsila Finland OyInventor: Johnny Kackur
-
Patent number: 7438013Abstract: A small boat comprises a steering wheel and a steering angle sensor that detects a steering angle of the steering wheel. A plurality of propulsion units are mounted to a transom of the boat. Electrically operable steering devices are coupled with the respective propulsion units. A control unit controls an output of each of the propulsion units. The controller adjusts the output, a trim angle or a height of a propeller of the propulsion units in accordance with the steering angle and a running condition of the boat to control a total thrust and a total running direction of the respective propulsion units.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Mizutani
-
Patent number: 7438014Abstract: A rigid inflatable boat adapted for ease of lifesaving includes an arc-shaped front tube fixedly installed at a front side of a hull and a rear tube slideably installed at a rear side of the hull. A respective sliding rail having a guiding member disposed therein extends longitudinally on an upper surface of the hull at one or both sides thereof The rear tube is slideable forward and backward along the sliding rail due to the operation of the guiding member. A first holding means for detachably supporting a rear end of the arc-shaped tube and a front end of the rear tube is installed between the rear end of the arc-shaped tube and the front end of the rear tube. An open space between a rear end of the arc-shaped front tube and a front end of the rear tube provides ease of lifesaving.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Woonam Marine Craft Co., Ltd.Inventor: Han jun Kim
-
Patent number: 7438015Abstract: A powered bimini top is raised and lowered via a remote control. A power actuator operating the top includes a bi-directional reversible pump turned in one direction to lower the top to a fully retracted position and turned in the other direction to raise the top via hydraulic actuators. The top may alternatively be raised and lowered by a spring or a screw actuator. A rigid link is provided on either the watercraft or one of the main struts of the top. The pump, spring or screw actuator causes the main strut to be held against the rigid link (or the rigid link against the watercraft) with sufficient force to prevent substantial relative movement during transport. Secondary struts are biased toward corresponding main struts by elongated elastic cords. A pressure-responsive switch is provided on one of the struts to reverse direction of the top if the strut encounters an obstruction.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Michael A. Schwindaman
-
Patent number: 7438016Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for launching into the water, from a height H greater than a predetermined height hmax, a life-saving object designed to be able to be launched into the water in free fall from this maximum height hmax. One end of a halyard is fixedly hooked to the life-saving object or to the launch site; the halyard functionally cooperates respectively with the launch site or the life-saving object so that the life-saving object falling by gravity is braked on and/or by the halyard over at least one part (H-hmax) of its drop height. By controlling the braking effect, the life-saving object, falling from the height H in a braked manner over at least one part (H-hmax) of this height hits the surface of the water (5) with a kinetic energy not exceeding that which it would have at the end of a non-braked free fall from at most the height hmax.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Zodiac InternationalInventors: Cédric Dronne, Pascal Michaud, Guillaume Simon-Bouhet, Marc Lavorata
-
Patent number: 7438017Abstract: A method and apparatus for coloring slats utilizes a roller, such as an Anilox roller, and enclosed doctor blade subassembly for metering an amount of colorant transferred to the object, and a felt-wiper subassembly for removing colorant from a roller, such as a discharge roller. The doctor blade subassembly includes a pair of side plates located at opposing ends of a doctor blade to enclose a portion of the roller and prevent colorant from building up on a side of the roller while the colorant is being applied to the roller and as excess colorant is being scraped off by the doctor blade. The felt-wiper subassembly includes a wiper blade and a felt insert that combine effectively to remove colorant that is deposited on a roller, such as a discharge roller, that contacts the object once the colorant has been transferred to the object.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventors: Cyrus A. Jabbari, Edwin Morales
-
Patent number: 7438018Abstract: A confinement ring assembly of a plasma treatment apparatus includes a cam ring disposed above the process chamber, a plurality of plungers disposed about a process chamber of the apparatus and operated by the cam ring, and a plurality of confinement rings coupled to the plungers. The plasma rings surround a plasma processing space in the process chamber. Each of the plungers includes a rod, a bearing block to which the rod is fixed and engaged with the cam ring such that the rod is moved up or down when the cam ring is rotated, a cylinder through which the rod extends, and a bushing fixed to the bottom of the cylinder. The confinement rings include an upper confinement ring fitted to the bushing of each of the plungers, and at least one lower confinement ring coupled to a lower end of the rod of each of the plungers. At least one lower confinement ring has an inner peripheral portion that extends upwardly to form a vertically extending inner wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sung-Ku Son
-
Patent number: 7438019Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for metering and dispensing selected materials. Selected materials may correspond to liquids, suspensions, emulsions and solids, and in selected embodiments may correspond to treatment compositions directed to the treatment of poultry eggs. Certain embodiments provide selective dispensing of selected metered material upon detection of the presence of an object to be treated.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignees: Compact Automation Products, LLC, Embrex, Inc.Inventors: Robert William Lofink, Jr., Frederic Paul Granson, Gordon Douglas James, Robert L. Ilich
-
Patent number: 7438020Abstract: A major appliance or cabinet unit integrates an automatically refillable water bowl including a liquid level sensor and an electrical or mechanical valve in fluid communication with a source or water. In the preferred embodiment the appliance is a refrigerator freezer with plumbing to an ice maker or other accessory to which the bowl can interconnect, though the invention is equally applicable to other appliances such as non-combined refrigerators and freezers, stoves, ranges, dishwashers, trash compactors, and cabinet units. Various optional accessories are disclosed, including a fan for drying water spilled from the bowl. The fan may be used for another purpose in the appliance, as in a condensing unit, or may be provided separately. A sensor may be included to disable the fan in the presence of a pet. The appliance preferably includes a cavity into which the bowl is situated, along with an optional light for illuminating the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventors: Anthony P. Palett, Justin Palett
-
Patent number: 7438021Abstract: An inhalation therapy enclosure includes a base with end walls joined by a rear wall. A cover having two panels joined perpendicularly is hinged to the top of the rear wall. When lowered, the cover forms an enclosure with the end wall, rear wall and base. Latches secure the cover to the base. A port in one end wall allows introduction of nebulized medication or anesthesia while a port of equal size in the opposing end wall allows exhaust from the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Bruce E. Dietrich
-
Patent number: 7438022Abstract: An access portal for a pet carrier allows a pet owner to insert a hand into the pet carrier but prevents the animal contained therein from escaping through the access portal. The access portal may be blocked by an elastic barrier with an aperture that stretches to allow the pet owner to gain access to the interior of the pet carrier. Doors covering the access portal on the inside and/or the outside of the carrier may also be used instead of, or in conjunction with the elastic barrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Jonathan Mirsky
-
Patent number: 7438023Abstract: A thermal cut-off circuit for a gas-fired device and method of operating the circuit. The thermal cut-off circuit includes a thermal cut-off switch and an ambient thermal switch. The thermal cut-off switch is positioned in a combustion chamber and the ambient thermal switch is preferably positioned in a flow of air entering the combustion chamber. The thermal cut-off circuit ensures a gas valve is closed upon detecting a possible incomplete combustion in the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: AOS Holding CompanyInventors: Hyungsik Lee, Dennis R. Hughes
-
Patent number: 7438024Abstract: A wood-burning boiler is provided, comprising a combustion chamber having a first air intake, and being adapted for holding combustible wood. An exhaust chamber is fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber, and is adapted to receive burnt gases from the combustion chamber. A preheat chamber is included, having a second air intake, and the preheat chamber is fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber and is conductively proximate to the exhaust chamber such that the burnt gases in the exhaust chamber heat the air within the preheat chamber prior to the air in the preheat chamber entering the combustion chamber. The boiler also includes a water jacket conductively proximate the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Robert Bast
-
Patent number: 7438025Abstract: An ultra-expansion four-stroke internal combustion engine, includes a cylinder and a piston, wherein the compression degree of the admission space that satisfies the power requirement is maintained at 1.8-5 Mpa at the end of compression stroke to form the condition of increasing combustion temperature and pressure. According to an ultra expansion ratio that can be achieved by the effective working pressure, the working volume of cylinder is designed to be larger than the admission space, so that the heat energy remained after constant volume expansion working of the combustion gas may be exploited for further expanding under adiabatic condition to form the ultra-expansion working condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Zengli Yang
-
Patent number: 7438026Abstract: In a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine, a water jacket in which coolant is circulated is formed around cylinder bores. In the cylinder block, an introduction passage, through which the coolant is introduced from the outside of the water jacket to the inside of the water jacket, is formed. A spacer, which extends along at least a portion of the periphery of the cylinder bores is provided in the water jacket. The spacer is disposed such that the inner wall surface of the spacer contacts the outer wall surfaces of the cylinder bores in an opening-side area of the cylinder block, where an opening of the introduction passage is formed, and the inner wall surface of the spacer does not contact the outer wall surfaces of the cylinder bores in an opposite opening-side area opposite to the opening-side area with respect to the cylinder bores.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takanori Nakada, Makoto Hatano
-
Patent number: 7438027Abstract: The disclosure relates to fluid working devices including reciprocating internal combustion engines and pumps. A number of arrangements for pistons and cylinders of unconventional configuration are described, many intended for use in IC engines operating without cooling. Included are toroidal combustion or working chambers, some with fluid flow through the core of the toroid, pistons reciprocating between pairs of working chambers, fluid processing volumes partly surrounding portions of the cylinder, tensile valve actuation, tensile links between piston and crankshaft, energy absorbing piston—crank links, crankshafts supported on gas bearings, cylinders rotating in housings, injectors having components reciprocate or rotate during fuel delivery. In some embodiments pistons may rotate while reciprocating.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Mitja V. Hinderks
-
Patent number: 7438028Abstract: A four stroke engine with piston strokes all of equal length whereby the intake stroke displacement and the compression stroke displacement are smaller than the expansion stroke displacement and the exhaust stroke displacement. This is accomplished using the fuel saving sleeve that has a projection on one end. A magnetic force is used to keep the fuel saving sleeve at the top of the engine cylinder during the intake and compression strokes. This makes the sleeve act as an air displacer during the intake and compression strokes. The projection transfers the pressure of burning gases on the sleeve to the piston during the expansion stroke. It also transfers force from the piston to the sleeve during the exhaust stroke. This makes the sleeve act as an enlargement of the piston during the expansion and exhaust strokes.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Edward Lawrence Warren
-
Patent number: 7438029Abstract: An assembly includes at least one piston, a rotating member, a transition arm, and a mechanism. The transition arm is configured to translate between rotational movement of the rotating member and a first linear motion of the piston. The mechanism is configured to superimpose a second linear motion of the piston onto the first linear motion of the piston. The assembly can be a hydraulic (or air) pump or hydraulic (or air) motor, with the second linear motion resulting in reduced output ripple or smooth torque vs. angular rotation, respectively. Also, the assembly can be an alternator or electric motor, with the additional linear motion resulting in an ac waveform that conforms substantially to a sinewave or a back emf that conforms to the input voltage or electric waveform. In addition, the assembly can be an internal combustion engine in which the second linear motion results in the pistons lingering about top dead center during the combustion process.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: R. Sanderson Management, Inc.Inventors: John Fox, Albert E. Sanderson, Robert A. Sanderson
-
Patent number: 7438030Abstract: An actuator operated microvalve and the method of making same is disclosed and claimed. The microvalve comprises a SiC housing which includes a first lower portion and a second upper portion. The lower portion of the SiC housing includes a passageway therethrough, a microvalve seat, and a moveable SiC diaphragm. The SiC diaphragm includes a centrally located boss and radially extending corrugations which may be sinusoidally shaped. The boss of the SiC diaphragm moves and modulates in a range of positions between a closed position wherein the boss interengages said microvalve seat prohibiting communication of fluid through the passageway and a fully open position when the boss is spaced apart from the seat at its maximum permitting communication of fluid through said passageway. The actuator includes a SiC top plate affixed to the boss of the diaphragm and a first electrode and the second upper portion of the SiC housing further includes a second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Robert S. Okojie
-
Patent number: 7438031Abstract: To provide a layout structure of a hydraulic control valve for a valve train in an internal combustion engine which can reduce the influence of heat from the cylinders and can avoid the impairment of the external appearance of the internal combustion engine. An internal combustion engine has a valve operation characteristics changing mechanism that changes the operation characteristics of at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve. A hydraulic control valve for a valve train controls the pressure of a hydraulic fluid supplied to the valve operation characteristics changing mechanism. The hydraulic control valve is located on the left side surface of right and left crankcases that support and cover a crankshaft at a position below cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Kono, Isamu Takahashi
-
Patent number: 7438032Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine comprising an inlet tract, leading to the inlet to a cylinder where a gas inlet valve is arranged. A valve drive for the gas inlet valve is provided, by means of which the valve stroke of the gas inlet may be adjusted using an actuator element, which permits differing cams to operate the gas inlet valve. An inductive actuator drive is arranged on the actuator element in which a voltage is induced during a switching process. A first unit is embodied for recognition of whether a switching of the valve stroke has occurred by means of the voltage induced in the inductive actuator drive which is characteristic of the switching process. A second unit is embodied for the control of at least one further actuator body depending on whether a switching of the valve is recognized in the first switching unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Frank Herold, Thomas Knorr, Frank Weiss