Patents Issued in November 18, 2008
  • Patent number: 7451668
    Abstract: A starter for cranking an internal combustion engine includes an electric motor, a planetary gear speed reduction device for reducing a rotational speed of the electric motor and an excessive-torque-absorbing device. The excessive-torque-absorbing device is composed of plural rotatable disks that form an internal gear of the speed reduction device, plural fixed disks and a disk spring. Both disks are alternately laminated and pressed in the laminated direction by the disk spring. When a rotational torque of the electric motor to be transmitted to a pinion gear of the starter exceeds a predetermined level, slippage occurs between the rotatable disks and the fixed disks, and thereby the excessive torque is absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Youichi Hasegawa, Sadayoshi Kajino
  • Patent number: 7451669
    Abstract: A non-slip continuously variable speed transmission which includes a circular pin carrier in a housing having input and output drive shafts in which multiple pins extend from the inner hub to the outer rim of the pin carrier and the pins are positioned adjacent each other so as to create a substantially solid body of pins moveable vertically relative to each other and engageable with the gear mechanism by means of a pin lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Clint L. Ayler
  • Patent number: 7451670
    Abstract: A manually controlled shifting conversion apparatus for a multistage transmission having multiple shifting packets wherein gears for successive, non-adjacent gear ratios are located in each shifting packet and gears for successive, adjacent gear ratios are located in different shifting packets. The gears located in each shifting packet are respectively engaged by opposing axial displacements of the shifting packet controlled by a gear shift lever (4). The gear shift level (4) has a shifting pattern wherein the shifting positions of successive gear ratios are located in opposing positions in the shifting pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Ebenhoch, Martin Flückiger
  • Patent number: 7451671
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for urging a flooring strip into close or tight engagement with the adjacent flooring strip, which has already been fixed into position, and holding the flooring strip securely in position for nailing or otherwise fixing the flooring strip. The invented device has a base plate with having holes therein for attachment to a floor (subfloor), a rack and pinion gear arrangement where the rack has an angle iron style pusher-puller ram pusher at the end of the rack, the end of the base plate having a removable shoe, and a rack housing situated on the base plate with an associated pinion gear engaging the rack and operated by a levering handle for urging the flooring strip into position for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Porta-Nails, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry D. Coleman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7451672
    Abstract: A link attachment to a torque wrench providing coaxial action in the reaction turning forces in opposite directions at equal torque, the link attachment has a housing, a ratchet mechanism including a ratchet engageable with a fastener and a drive plate turning the ratchet, a first connecting structure for connecting the housing to a part of the torque wrench providing a reaction turning force and a second connecting structure for connecting a part of the torque wrench providing an action turning force for the at least one lever drive plate, so that a turning action of the torque wrench is converted into a linear action applied to the at least lever drive plate so as to turn the at least one lever drive plate and thereby to turn a fastener by the ratchet, while abutting against a nearby stationary object with the housing to stop the torque wrench from turning around the fastener to be tightened or loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: JETYD Corp.
    Inventor: Jason Junkers
  • Patent number: 7451673
    Abstract: An indexable pliers-type tool with selectable first and second jaw tool structures comprising opposing jaw elements having first and second portions with handles, the first portions defining a first tool structure, the second portions defining a second tool structure, the jaw elements are adapted to be pivotally moveable relative to each other about an axis, each handle has a handle aperture therein coaxial with jaw apertures, and a pivot pin is disposed axially through the jaw apertures and the handle apertures and is axially movable between locked and unlocked positions, wherein when the pin is in the locked position, the first or second tool structure can be used, and when the pin is disposed in the unlocked position, the jaw elements can be rotated for tool structure selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: Keith A. Petersen
  • Patent number: 7451674
    Abstract: A torque wrench is disclosed that includes a drive head that defines a torque transfer axis and that is adapted to transfer torque to a workpiece. The torque wrench includes a tubular handle that is operative, upon rotation relative to a lever, to increase the bias on a spring upon lengthening a distance between the drive head and the opposite end of the handle, and to decrease the bias on the spring upon shortening the distance thereby setting the predetermined operating force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Todd Edgar
  • Patent number: 7451675
    Abstract: A power-operable cutting board includes a plurality of stainless steel walls and a plurality of legs selectively attached thereto. One of the walls has an elongated height and defines a back board. A plurality of juxtaposed conveyor belts are positioned between the walls and define a substantially linear gap therebetween. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for rotating the belts in sync and a front wall having a plurality of slots formed therein. A cutting mechanism for selectively separating food products or their associated packages into multiple portions is also included. Such a cutting mechanism is adaptable between raised and lowered positions corresponding to operating and non-operating modes respectively. The cutting mechanism is independently operable from the rotating mechanism such that an operator can slice the food products and their associated packages manually as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Sherry D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7451676
    Abstract: Apparatus for dividing medicinal tablets is disclosed. Such apparatus may include a plurality of tablet dividing members disposed along a common axis, a tablet retention mechanism adapted to hold a plurality of oral solid medicinal tablets, and a controller that causes the tablet retention mechanism to move relative to the tablet dividing members. Each medicinal tablet may have a respective initial dosage of an active constituent. The tablet dividing members may be disposed relative to one another along the common axis to divide each of the medicinal tablets into a respective plurality of tablet portions. The partial dosages of all the tablet portions may be equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Precisionsmeds
    Inventors: John Edward Thurston, Jason Alan Lilly
  • Patent number: 7451677
    Abstract: A saw comprising a planar body includes at least one cutting edge with serrated teeth. The planar body has cutout portions displaced from the outer cutting edges which include sets of secondary teeth which are aligned generally parallel to or in an arc concentric with the outer cutting edge or edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Eugene Carbide Saw & Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: John Souza, Ross Souza, Rod Souza
  • Patent number: 7451678
    Abstract: A cutting tool includes a base made of metal having a plurality to cutting teeth along an edge of the base, wherein at least one cutting tooth has at least one notch in the cutting edge of the at least one cutting tooth. A tool is prepared by introducing a notch running longitudinally along the length of the tool in the cutting edge of the cutting teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The L.S. Starrett Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Dion, John T. Caron
  • Patent number: 7451679
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for initiating and dispensing an incendiary comprises a feed mechanism (12) for advancing a line of series connected incendiaries to a dispensing location D; an injection device (14); and a cutter (16). The injection device (14) injects a substance such as glycol into the incendiary as it is moved toward, but prior to reaching, the dispensing location D. The glycol reacts exothermically with another substance such as potassium permanganate in the incendiary. The cutter (16) cuts the incendiary into which the glycol has been injected from the line of series connected incendiary. After the incendiary has been injected with the glycol and cut by the cutter (16) from the line, the feed mechanism (12) advances the incendiary to the dispensing location D where it is dispensed by the action of gravity from the apparatus (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Raindance Systems Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Stevenson, Peter Hanbury
  • Patent number: 7451680
    Abstract: A steam generator missile ejection system has a vessel that contains water that becomes the pressurized steam source for missile ejection. A heating system within the vessel heats the water to steam and to the desired launch pressure. The heater is controlled to sequence operation and heat generation with a command from a controller shortly before initiation of a firing valve. A valve controls piping from the vessel to direct steam to a piping header and onto the ejection chamber of a launch tube. This event provides the launch pulse required to eject the payload from the missile tube. The launch energy requirements can be modulated by varying the pre-launch temperature of the water in the pressure vessel and can be controlled by an opening rate and length of open duration of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: John H. Pelto
  • Patent number: 7451681
    Abstract: Paintball or non-lethal gun or marker apparatuses are disclosed to prevent projectiles from being inadvertently discharged from a paintball or other non-lethal gun or markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Avalon Advanced Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Ho, Kheng Phang
  • Patent number: 7451682
    Abstract: A semi-automatic sporting rifle is created by the modification of a fully automatic assault rifle Sa vz. 58. The semi-automatic rifle is constructed partly from original parts of the Sa vz. 58 assault rifle, i.e. bolt carrier, locking piece, striker, return mechanism, barrel, trigger, interrupter and left hand side striker catch, partly from modified parts of Sa vz. 58 assault rifle, i.e. bolt, trigger mechanism feather and safety catch and partly from newly manufactured parts, i.e. semi-automatic receiver with a narrowed magazine well for a single stack removable magazine with extended bridge, safety catch with one more groove on its lower left hand side, new sporting stock where grip part and butt-stock part form one unit and barrel extension permanently attached to the muzzle. Some parts of the Sa vz. 58 assault rifle are removed completely, i.e. muzzle thread protector, bayonet lug, original receiver, original stock, pistol grip, release lever, trigger lever and right hand side striker catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Tomas Quis
  • Patent number: 7451683
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pistol with a housing (1), breech part (4) movable relative to housing (1), a barrel (5) arranged within breech part (4) and a trigger system (14, 15 16). The housing (1) according to the invention contains a receiver (2) and an upper housing part (3) designed in one part with it, which encloses the breech part (4) with the barrel (5) arranged in it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: J.P. Sauer & Sohn GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Kellermann, Adrian Thomele
  • Patent number: 7451684
    Abstract: An actuator or servo device comprises an actuator member adapted to move linearly in the motion space of an actuator housing, a microwave position detecting device for detecting the position of the actuator member in the motion space, the actuator member being capable of producing a pressure wave acting on the position detecting device on approaching the position detecting device and a high frequency microwave antenna arrangement for emitting and receiving microwaves, which are at least partially reflected by the actuator member. The actuator device includes dielectric guard cover means, arranged in front of the microwave antenna arrangement. For mechanically uncoupling the guard cover means from the microwave antenna arrangement between the guard cover means and the microwave antenna arrangement a clearance is maintained to allow deformation of the guard cover means thereinto owing to pressure waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerald Müller, Wolfgang Rammler, Thomas Reininger
  • Patent number: 7451685
    Abstract: A system operates a hydraulic actuator, such as a cylinder, in one of several modes that include powered extension and retraction, self-powering regeneration modes in which fluid exhausting from one cylinder chamber is routed into the other cylinder chamber, and cross function regeneration modes wherein the fluid exhausted from one actuator is routed in the supply conduit to power a different actuator. A controller determines which modes are viable based on existing system conditions and selects from among the viable available modes. That determination is a function of the desired velocity for the actuator, the hydraulic load on the actuator, and pressures in the supply and return hydraulic conduits. The system also can recover potential or kinetic energy through pressure intensification which recovered energy can be used to power another simultaneously active hydraulic function or to drive the prime mover via an over-center variable pump/motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: HUSCO International, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith A. Tabor
  • Patent number: 7451686
    Abstract: A fluid system comprises a static LS valve, a dynamic LS valve, a priority valve biased to preferentially supply pressurized fluid to both the static LS valve and the dynamic LS valve, and a signal-mimicking device fluidly coupled to a static LS port of the static LS valve, a dynamic LS port of the dynamic LS valve, and a dynamic LS pilot port of the priority valve for mimicking a static LS signal from the static LS port of the static LS valve into a dynamic LS signal from the dynamic LS port of the dynamic LS valve to produce a combined LS signal communicated to the dynamic LS pilot port of the priority valve. Such a fluid system may be applied to a steering system. An associated method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Joshua Dean Graeve, Eric Richard Anderson, Mark Edward Breutzman
  • Patent number: 7451687
    Abstract: A nutating pump for creating pressure or a vacuum. The nutating pump includes a housing with a center support positioned within said housing. The center support includes a semi-spherical recess. The pump also includes a drive shaft adapted to be connected to an electric motor and an eccentric adapted to be connected to the drive shaft. The pump further includes a ball adapted to form a ball joint and is adapted to be positioned within the semi-spherical recess of said center support. In addition the pump includes a nutating yoke positioned within the housing. The yoke includes a semi-spherical recess adapted to accept said pivot ball. The nutating yoke is adapted to be connected to the eccentric, such that rotation of the eccentric causes the yoke to move about the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William Harry Lynn, Roy Razek
  • Patent number: 7451688
    Abstract: A lock mechanism is provided in a head cover of a cylinder tube. The lock mechanism comprises a holder, which is installed in the head cover, a plurality of balls that are retained displaceably in a radial direction with respect to the holder, and a displacement member that displaces the balls under a resilient action of an elastic member. The balls engage with a ball groove of a lock pin. The balls are retained by a resilient force of the elastic member, in order to restrict displacement of the lock pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Takahashi, Atsushi Tamai
  • Patent number: 7451689
    Abstract: A combined service brake and spring brake cylinder for the braking system of a motor vehicle, in particular for utility vehicles, includes service and spring brake pistons guided inside a casing which is common for the two brake cylinders. The spring brake piston is loaded by at least one storage spring and has an external diameter greater than that of the service brake piston. The spring brake piston is in the form of an annular piston, and at least a part of the rod thereof is constructed in the form of a piston tube, which surrounds the service brake piston and forms an external radial running and sealing surface therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Nicolas Savagner, Thierry Maille, Alain Fantazi
  • Patent number: 7451690
    Abstract: A spring-actuated air-brake cylinder as the diaphragm cylinder for vehicle brake systems includes a diaphragm, an actuator-spring chamber in which there is received a spring-actuated piston, which is acted on by a compression spring as the actuator spring and is actively connected to the diaphragm, which is disposed between the actuator-spring chamber and a pressure chamber, in which there is guided moveably a sealed push rod, which can include a pressure member on its diaphragm side. The spring-actuated diaphragm is connected to the push rod or to the pressure member or to the spring-actuated piston by means of vulcanization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Schrader, Oliver Brandt, Jürgen Ewald, Wilfried Matthias, Andreas Richter
  • Patent number: 7451691
    Abstract: A multifunctional cooking oven for the preparation of food products including a cooking chamber, racks within the cooking chamber to support products to be prepared in the oven and a primary convection heat source. There is a drainable collection pan positioned below the racks to collect by-products rendered from the food products during preparation for later use. A steam source is positioned below the collection pan as well as a flavored smoke generator at the bottom of the preparation chamber. Airflow paths within the preparation chamber allow for the circulation of heat, steam and flavored smoke around the racks. The oven includes a programmable controller to control the primary heat source, the steam source and the flavored smoke generator that is programmed to operate any one of the heat source, the steam source and the flavor generator in any predetermined sequence, and for any predetermined duration of time to provide optimum preparation and flavoring of the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Michael L. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7451692
    Abstract: A pressure cooking appliance with a bowl and lid therefor, a temperature sensor, a pressure regulating valve, and a steam outlet in communication with the valve. The temperature sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the valve to sense an increase in temperature from steam exiting the outlet for triggering a timer that signals the beginning of and counts down the cooking time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Laurent Baraille, Michel Pierre Cartigny, Thierry Rene Gailhard
  • Patent number: 7451693
    Abstract: Compacting machine comprising a compaction chamber connected to introduction means arranged to forcedly introduce a predetermined quantity of material to be compacted into the compaction chamber by conferring on the material a substantially rotary movement, the compaction chamber comprising at least one plate made to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the plate and arranged to at least partly close the compaction chamber laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: CAEB International S.r.l.
    Inventor: Guido Rota
  • Patent number: 7451694
    Abstract: A roll pressing machine includes a support, a stationary roller unit disposed on the support and having a stationary roller, a self-modulating roller unit, a swingable body, and a biasing unit. The self-modulating roller is disposed movably on the support and has a moving roller adapted for pressing a blank against the stationary roller. The moving roller is movable toward or away from the stationary roller to vary a gap between the stationary and moving rollers. The swingable body is coupled to the moving roller. The biasing unit includes a pusher member pushing resiliently the swingable body so that the moving roller moves toward the stationary roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Boltun Corporation
    Inventor: Spencer Wang
  • Patent number: 7451695
    Abstract: An apparatus serves for pressing sheet-like printed products, in particular for pressing folded printed products. The apparatus has a first pair of pressing rollers, with a first, lower pressing roller and a second, upper pressing roller. A further pair of pressing rollers arranged downstream has a third, lower pressing roller and a fourth, upper pressing roller. A drive for driving the pressing rollers is also provided. It is proposed that one pressing roller of each pair of pressing rollers can be moved away from, and toward, the other pressing roller via a mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Palamides GmbH
    Inventors: Stefano Palamides, Johannes Oldenkott, Wolfgang Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 7451696
    Abstract: A press unit (20) for a manufactured wood press (60) is provided. The press unit includes a housing (80), a platen (90), and a drive assembly (76) disposed within the housing. The drive assembly is coupled to the platen to drive the platen in a non-linear motion. More specifically, the drive assembly includes a shaft having concentric and eccentric portions which are disposed on separate axes. Rotation of the eccentric portion about its respective axis causes movement of the platen in the non-linear motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Norbert Kott, Steven Rempel, Orlando C. Janzen, Ayodele Adeleye, Edmond Tam, James Cheng
  • Patent number: 7451697
    Abstract: A printing system is provided that includes one or more printing modules, the one or more printing modules including a media web transport input; a media web image transfer point; a media web transport output; a primary image transfer system; a secondary image transfer system; and an intermediate image transfer point coupling the primary image transfer system and a secondary image transfer system. The secondary image transfer system is adapted to accept an image from the primary image transfer system at the intermediate image transfer point, and the secondary image transfer system is adapted to transfer the image from the secondary image transfer system to a media web at the media transfer point. The media web transport input and media web transport output provide a media web path to route the media web from the media web transport input to the media web transfer-point, and from the media web transfer point to the media web transport output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Steven R. Moore
  • Patent number: 7451698
    Abstract: A device for producing a coating on printed products from a printing press is provided. The coating device can be actuated digitally via printing image data thereby allowing the coating motif to be designed in a variable manner The coating device can include an inkjet printer in the form of an inkjet head array or an inkjet head bar acting as a varnishing unit that operates line-by-line on large-format printing material. The coating device can also be integrated in a rotary press having a varnishing unit for coating a printing material that has been processed in the printing press. The coating device can also be integrated with a dryer. The printing material can be passed under the outlet openings of the inkjet heads and the dryer can be arranged directly after the inkjet printer in the transport direction of the printing material in order to dry the liquid coating material on the printing material after the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: manroland AG
    Inventors: Josef Schneider, Rainer Stamme, Michael Schönert
  • Patent number: 7451699
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying ink, according to a soldermask pattern, to a printed circuit board having elevated pads defining pad edges, the method including flooding the printed circuit board with ink such that the ink advances to the pad edges and is stopped thereby and thereat, without climbing onto the elevated pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Printar Ltd.
    Inventors: Ron Zohar, Jacob Mozel, Ran Vilk
  • Patent number: 7451700
    Abstract: Disclosed is a detonation initiator that can form part of a demolition assembly. The detonation initiator can include a linear actuator assembly having a core with a permanent magnet disposed with respect to a coil, and a firing pin coupled to the core and disposed along a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator assembly. A capacitor can be used to store electrical energy derived from an electrical pulse received by the detonation initiator. An electrical circuit can be used to monitor the charge on the capacitor and to discharge the capacitor through the coil of the linear actuator assembly to propel the core along the longitudinal axis of the linear actuator assembly when the charge on the capacitor reaches a charge threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: David G. Land
  • Patent number: 7451701
    Abstract: A system for the securing of road flares in order to maintain continuous burning of the flares and not allow them to roll away. The system includes first and second holding means aligned either in the same plane, or offset from each other. The first holding means holds a flare by a first end of the flare. The second holding means is connected to the first holding means in either the same plane or else at a distance from the first holding means. The second holding means holds a second flare by the second end of the flare. Once the first flare has burned the entire length of the flare, it ignites the second end of the second flare so that the second flare is ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas L. Garner
  • Patent number: 7451702
    Abstract: An electrically-fired round includes a case sized to fit in a conventional large caliber gun; a launch tube disposed in the case; a plurality of projectiles axially stacked in the launch tube; each projectile comprising a cylindrical body having a circular lid that closes the forward end and a circular base that closes the rear end, the circular lid and the circular base defining a payload volume therebetween, the circular base including a cavity formed therein, a propellant charge disposed in the cavity, and an igniter disposed in the propellant charge; a case base plate that closes a rear end of the case; and electrical connections between the case base plate and each igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Frank Dindl, Peter Georgantzis, Hugh MacMillan, Kenneth Jones, Richard Beckman
  • Patent number: 7451703
    Abstract: Apparatus for venting munitions exposed to high ambient temperatures. The munition includes a casing having a nose end and an opening in the nose end; a lifting plug disposed in the opening in the nose end, the lifting plug including a bore therethrough; and a seal disposed in the bore in the lifting plug, the seal comprising an ionomer. The munition may further include a fuze well disposed in the casing, the opening in the nose end leading into the fuze well; and a second seal disposed in the fuze well. The seals will rupture and vent the munition's explosive to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Shahram Dabiri
  • Patent number: 7451704
    Abstract: An explosive fragmentation munition having a longitudinal axis which includes a cylindrical shell portion having a thickness and an interior; a rounded shell portion having a thickness and an interior, the rounded shell portion being disposed at a front end of the cylindrical shell portion; an explosive disposed in the interiors of the cylindrical shell portion and the rounded shell portion; wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion equals the thickness of the cylindrical shell portion where the rounded shell portion joins the cylindrical shell portion, and wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion increases in a forward direction along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Vladimir Gold, Ernest L. Baker, William J. Poulos
  • Patent number: 7451705
    Abstract: This present invention relates to a non-discarding sabot projectile system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to coupling the sabot to the core at one or both of an upper sidewall region and a bottom region. The upper sidewall coupling between the sabot and the core utilizes a keyed groove system in which the sabot is hooked into a recess on the core. The bottom coupling between the sabot and the core utilizes a lower member that extends below the core and through the sabot. The lower member is configured to be punched to expand into the sabot. In addition, a cup member is disposed on the sabot below the core. The cup member scrapes carbon material off of the inside of the gun barrel as the system is loaded. In addition, the cup member minimizes fouling and improves accuracy by providing an additional seal between the sabot and the barrel during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Grant R. Fry
  • Patent number: 7451706
    Abstract: A sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge and firing assembly including a barrel or barrel insert for firing the sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge. The shotshell cartridge includes a cylindrical hull, a sub-caliber projectile, a propellant charge, and a sabot. A central pathway or thin membrane is defined within the base of the sabot between the sub-caliber projectile and propellant charge. The barrel or barrel insert for firing the cartridge includes a transitional area between chamber and sub-caliber rifled bore to retain sabot in the cartridge. Upon cartridge firing, propellant gases flow through central portion of sabot base propelling projectile out of the sabot and into sub-caliber rifled bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen W. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7451707
    Abstract: The present gun barrel cleaning device provides a special cartridge with a casing filled with a carbon dioxide charge which forwardly propels a push pin having a sliding seal near the firing pin and a two-pieced break-away seal at the opposite end, which separates to push a cloth rag and metal brush through the bore when the cartridge is loaded into the gun and the gun is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Trent Hadden
  • Patent number: 7451708
    Abstract: On-board model railroad speaker enclosure designs are presented that allow maximum sized speakers, improve impedance matching of sound to the outside of the locomotive, and isolate back and front speaker waves while maintaining the standard horizontal drive-train in model train locomotives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: QS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick E. Severson
  • Patent number: 7451709
    Abstract: A portable cooler and table assembly that may be easily transported in a single, self-contained unit is disclosed. The assembly may be converted for use as a table for a variety of recreational activities, e.g., dining, drinking, games such as ping pong, beer pong, table hockey, card games, board games, preparation for sporting events and meals. The table and cooler may be permanently attached to each other, or alternatively, the cooler may be detachable from the table. The table may fold or collapse to assist in converting the assembly from a compact, lightweight transportable unit into a fully extended and operable table and cooler. The table surface may contain surface features such as grooves, indentations, nets, game pieces, etc. The cooler may comprise any container that is capable of containing ice or some other refrigeration or heating system, e.g., a conventional 54 quart beverage cooler. Alternatively, the cooler may be replaced with a storage container or other storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Allen Swartfager, Andrew William Shilling, Christopher David Senard, Michael Joseph Slifko
  • Patent number: 7451710
    Abstract: In order to achieve miniaturization and high accuracy in movement, an actuator comprises a stationary shaft extending in a predetermined direction, a needle movable along the stationary shaft, one of the stationary shaft and the needle having a permanent magnet, and the other of the stationary shaft and the needle comprising a linear motor having a coil, a guide rail extending in parallel to the stationary shaft and interposing the needle inside to guide the same, and a pair of support means interposed between the guide rail and the needle to movably support the needle, points of action of the pair of support means and an axis of the stationary shaft being consistent with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Shigehiro Arai
  • Patent number: 7451711
    Abstract: A no-till drill liquid fertilizer applicator system for effectively protecting a fertilizer dispensing tube on a no-till drill while dispensing liquid fertilizer with small grain seed. The no-till drill liquid fertilizer applicator system includes a receiver tube, a guide tube attached to the receiver tube to receive a fertilizer tube, and a wear member removably received within the receiver tube. The fertilizer tube extends through the guide tube to within a guide channel within an upper portion of the wear member and continues to a rear portion of the wear member to dispense the liquid fertilizer upon a seed bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Thunder Bird H.B. Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew S. Wollmann
  • Patent number: 7451712
    Abstract: An agricultural implement for clearing and tilling soil to be planted includes a residue-clearing sub-assembly including a first rotatable coulter wheel and at least one toothed wheel mounted for rotation about an axis located rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the first coulter wheel of forward portion of the toothed wheel overlaps a rear portion of the first coulter wheel. A tillage sub-assembly includes second and third coulter wheels that are offset from each other both laterally and fore and aft, and are mounted for rotation about axes of rotation that are located rearwardly of the axes of rotation of the toothed wheels. A depth control device is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation located rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the rearmost of the second and third coulter wheels. A common frame carries the residue-clearing sub-assembly, the tillage sub-assembly, and the depth control device so that all of the axes of rotation are fixed relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventors: James H. Bassett, Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 7451713
    Abstract: A seed metering system having a housing and a disk rotatably positioned within the housing and having a plurality of holes extending from a first face to a second face thereof, the holes being substantially uniformly placed from one another around the circumference of the disk and each sized to receive a single seed. A pressure differential is maintained between the first and second face of the disk within the housing, the pressure on the first face being higher than the pressure on the second face to urge seeds against the first face of the disk. A plurality of seeds are distributed against the first face of the disk, whereby the pressure differential substantially urges a single seed into a single hole on the disk. A device is provided for releasing the single seeds from the holes on the disk at substantially the same location for sequential distribution of seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nathan A. Mariman, Miles R. Keaton, Paul R. Riewerts, Michael E. Friestad
  • Patent number: 7451714
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a doorway, more particularly, an all purpose gasket structure capable of sealing a doorway against the entry of water, smoke, and fire. The gasket is primarily an elongated silicone rubber structure having a ridged rectangular cross section for mounting to a gasket retainer. The gasket also includes a crush zone which collapses inwardly when pressure is applied to the gasket surface, resulting in improved sealing and the blockage of water intrusion paths. The gasket may further include an intumescent section within the elongated silicone rubber structure. In the sealing arrangement, the gasket is arranged within a gasket retainer that surrounds the doorway, thereby sealing boundaries between areas of personal egress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Redfern, Constantine Pappas, Luke Cassario
  • Patent number: 7451715
    Abstract: The invention relates to an active roll stabilization system for ships, including at least one stabilization element extending below the water line, which is mounted on a rotary shaft that extends through the ship's hull, a sensor for sensing the ship's movements and delivering control signals on the basis thereof to rotation member for rotating the rotary shaft for the purpose of damping the ship's movements that are being sensed through the stabilization element. The object of the invention is to provide an active roll stabilization system for ships that can be used both with ships which are underway and with ships that are at anchor. According to the invention, the active roll stabilization system is to that end wherein the stabilization element is provided with a sub-element that is movable with respect to the stabilization element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Quantum Controls B.V.
    Inventors: Mattheus Theodorus Koop, Lambertus Johannes Maria Dinnissen, Johannes Ooms
  • Patent number: 7451716
    Abstract: A water intake riser that can be suspended from a vessel having a riser connected to a riser hanger, which riser hanger includes a first tubular element, a second tubular element to which the riser is connected, a flexible load transfer element joining the tubular elements, and a hose of which the ends are secured to the adjacent ends of the tubular elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ali Joseph Cox, Michalakis Efthymiou
  • Patent number: 7451717
    Abstract: Systems and processes for closing openings in marine vessel hulls are provided. The systems and processes facilitate repairs and maintenance of marine vessels by closing openings in the marine vessel hulls to permit dry access to compartments in communication with the openings. The processes and systems incorporate a cover constructed from a lightweight material such as fiberglass, a viscoelastic material such as polyethylene or polyurethane, and blends thereof. The cover is guided in place to effectuate closure of the opening by a track device that receives at least two of the peripheral edges of the cover and directs the cover to the proper position to close the hull opening. The cover may be lowered into place by use of a hoisting device such as a davit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Robert A. Levine, A. Stefan Bern, Joseph P. Madden, Christopher T. Chipuk