Patents Issued in November 20, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080284087
    Abstract: A paper feeder 30 includes at ray 5 for placing and holding a bundle of sticky notes 4 formed by stacking plural sticky notes 4P having an adhesive part 4a, an adhesive part side positioning part 32a for pressing the adhesive part 4a of the bundle of sticky notes 4, and a pickup roller 35 located at the side of the free end part of the sticky notes 4P for transporting and bending the sticky notes 4P toward the adhesive part side positioning part 32a to separate them from the bundle of sticky notes 4, and a bottom plate 52 has a horizontal surface part 52a that receives the side of the adhesive part 4a and a slope part 52b that receives the side of the free end part of the sticky notes 4P at respectively different positions in the height direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinsaku KOSUGE
  • Publication number: 20080284088
    Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting sheet material from a first transport direction to a second transport direction while maintaining the orientation of the sheet material comprises a deflecting area (5) with a sheet-material supply zone (5a) and a sheet-material removal zone (5b), as well as at least one slider (11) with slider elements (12), which engages on the trailing edge of the sheet material to be deflected. By moving the slider from the sheet-material supply zone to the sheet-material removal zone around a rotation axis (13) the sheet material is deflected by the desired deflection angle. The sheet-material transport path preferably has two steps and the rotation axis (13) of the sliders (11) is preferably arranged in such a fashion that the slider elements (12) substantially only engage with the sheet-material transport path in the deflecting area (5) and emerge from the sheet-material transport path both upstream of the sheet-material supply zone (5a) and downstream of the sheet-material removal zone (5b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: August Hausler
  • Publication number: 20080284089
    Abstract: Equipment for transferring sheets with change of direction for sheets entering along a first direction comprising output rollers to move the sheets along a second direction, right-angled with respect to the first direction, and members of engagement and movement, actuatable for engaging and moving the sheets entering along the first direction along the second direction up to the engagement with the output rollers. The members of engagement and movement provide a condition of reception which define a space of reception for the entering sheets and a condition of engagement and movement which engage and move the sheets for the engagement with the output rollers. The members of engagement and movement return to the condition of reception upon the engagement of the entered sheet with the output rollers for enabling a following sheet to enter and to be moved along the first direction jointly with the movement of the previously entered sheet along the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: TECNAU S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giuliano DE MARCO, Alberto MASSUCCO, Francesco TERRUSI, Armando APRATO
  • Publication number: 20080284090
    Abstract: In a color printer in which a drive force of a fixed gear that rotates not in both a forward direction and a reverse direction but in either one direction only is transmitted to a discharging unit, a swing gear is attached to a branch guide via a switching link and a transmission link as a link mechanism. When a solenoid mechanism starts driving, the transmission link rotates. In accordance with the rotation of the transmission link, the switching link rotates, so that a switching among a discharge conveying path, a duplex-printing conveying path, and a switchback conveying path by the branch guide and a switching of a rotating direction of a transmission gear can be simultaneously performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Haruyuki Honda, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Yasuhide Ohkubo, Ippei Kimura, Toshikane Nishii, Shigeo Nanno, Mizuna Tanaka, Tomoyoshi Yamazaki, Masafumi Takahira
  • Publication number: 20080284091
    Abstract: Provided is a sheet delivery apparatus for delivering a sheet to a delivery tray, including: a pair of delivery rotary members for nipping and delivering the sheet guided by the guide portion; and a projection that rotates about an axis being the same as an axis of one of the pair of delivery rotary members, is abutted against a trailing end of the sheet, and pushes out the trailing end of the sheet toward a delivery tray side. The guide portion deforms the sheet so that the sheet does not contact the projection, and after the trailing end of the sheet has passed through the guide portion, the projection and the trailing end of the sheet are abutted against each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: JUNICHI SEKIYAMA, MASAYOSHI FUKATSU, ATSUSHI OGATA, HIROHARU TSUJI
  • Publication number: 20080284092
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus for an image forming apparatus is configured so as to be capable of preventing the misalignment of the end edge of sheets to be scooped and transported from an intermediate tray, and reliably preventing the so-called displacement of end edges in the post-processing steps of sheets as a recording medium with an image formed thereon, and thereby preventing the inferior appearance during binding. A sheet folding apparatus enables a user to easily adjust the misalignment of the fold line of sheets that occurs during actual use, in the middle folding processing steps of sheets as a recording medium with an image formed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi SUZUKI, Kenji Yamada, Hiromoto Saitoh, Naohiro Kikkawa, Junichi Iida, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita, Masahiro Tamura, Shuuya Nagasako
  • Publication number: 20080284093
    Abstract: A sheet transporting device including: a sheet feeding section that feeds plural sheets to a transporting path; three or more roller pairs that are arranged along the transporting path; a double feed detecting section that detects a length of a double feed portion when sheets are fed in an overlapped manner; a selecting section that selects two of the three or more roller pairs based on the length of the double feed portion; and a transport control section that can change a transporting speed of at least one of the selected roller pairs, wherein the selecting section selects two roller pairs that have a space between which the double feed portion can be positioned, and the transport control section controls the transporting speeds of the selected roller pairs such that the speeds differ from each other to separate the delaying sheet from the preceding sheet
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Manabu Itoh, Satoshi Murakami, Kazumasa Tonami
  • Publication number: 20080284094
    Abstract: The present invention provides a work sheet conveying and housing system which can efficiently convey and house work sheets and which, in a housed condition, prevents formed parts of the work sheets from being crushed. The work sheet conveying and holding system includes a work sheet stocker 4 and a work sheet conveying device 2. The work sheet stocker 4 has trays 34 in a plurality of stages the position of which can be switched between an inner position A where the trays 34 are housed in a tray housing portion 32 in a stocker frame 30 and an outer position B where the trays 34 are drawn out of the tray housing portion 32. The work sheet conveying device has work sheet holding means 20 capable of holding a work sheet W2, and moving means having a function of moving the work sheet holding means 20 parallel to a position switching direction corresponding to a direction in which the trays are drawn out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Hirokazu ICHIOKA
  • Publication number: 20080284095
    Abstract: Fortune Dice is a casino game that allows players to play with 3 dices. This game adds a whole new twist for playing a dice game at casino by offering players to play with its betting system. Players can enjoy the different payout styles that Fortune Dice has to offer from the regular dice games and share the excitement with a plurality of players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Yung Chuan Tuan, Marianne Tuan, Stephanie Wang, Yu-May Tuan
  • Publication number: 20080284096
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of automatically shuffling a deck of playing cards is described. The apparatus includes three compartments disposed laterally with respect to each other and at least one compartment movable vertically with respect to another other compartment. Cards placed in one of the compartments are dispensed into the other two compartments so as to cut or strip the deck, and are returned to the original compartment by interleaving cards from the other compartments. The process may be repeated to substantially randomize the deck for use in playing a game of cards. The cards may be removed either through a top aperture through which the cards were introduced into the apparatus or using a removable tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Hirohide Toyama, Stephen C. Jones
  • Publication number: 20080284097
    Abstract: Apparatus for playing a game includes question cards (36) having questions (37) which are separated into levels of difficulty, a playing area (4) which is separated into geometrically shaped pathways (18, 20, 22, 24, 26) of consecutive playing spaces (8) corresponding to the levels of difficulty of the questions (37), playing pieces (48) for occupying the playing spaces (8) in the pathways (18, 20, 22, 24, 26), and at least one random number indicator (50) for determining movement of the playing pieces (48) around the pathways. The pathways (18, 20, 22, 24, 26) have different numbers and sequences of the playing spaces (8) corresponding to particular levels of difficulty of the questions (37) whereby the pathways determine different levels of difficulty of the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: BEL-AMAND BRE ENTERPRISES PTY LTD
    Inventor: Sara Jillian Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20080284098
    Abstract: Multi-player board game includes a substrate defining eight receptacles, each receptacle being associated with a respective one of eight designations of winning hands of a traditional poker game, each receptacle being receivable of chips representing wagers by the players on their attaining the winning hands, a traditional deck of fifty-four playing cards including fifty-two suit cards and two jokers, and thirteen boards. Each board has a different representation of twenty-five different playing cards arranged in a 5×5 grid with the eight winning hands formed thereon, the winning hands including one pair, two pair, three of a kind, a straight, a full house, a flush, a royal and straight flush and four of a kind. A ninth winning hand, a wild card, can also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Serafina Verde
  • Publication number: 20080284099
    Abstract: A casino wagering game which consists of a board, a plurality of tokens, each token having a primary side and a secondary side, each token having one of at least two characteristics, and wherein there is a means for shaking the tokens, casting the tokens such that the tokens land with either their primary side up or their secondary side up; and, and wherein the payout is determined by the number of tokens exhibiting their primary side up. The payout is determined by the number of tokens of each characteristic that lands primary side up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Denver Forester
  • Publication number: 20080284100
    Abstract: A pack of playing cards for visually impaired persons has a small narrow indicator along the outside edge of the card, and large indicators at the top and bottom of the card, that indicate the suit of the card. These indicators are colored dark for all cards in the Spade suit, colored reddish for all cards in the Heart suit, are broken patterns of dark and white coloring for all cards in the Club suit, and are broken patterns of reddish and white coloring for all cards in the Diamond suit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Fredrick Clement
  • Publication number: 20080284101
    Abstract: A fencing match is simulated by a card game that includes a plurality of action cards and a plurality of judgment cards. Each action card includes an indication of a movement distance, a reach distance and a relative strength of an action. Each judgment card includes an indication of a successful play, an unsuccessful play or a penalty. Each action card also includes an indication of a type of movement and a direction of movement that is associated with the movement distance, the reach distance and the relative strength, and whether the type of movement is an offensive movement or a defensive movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Fencers On Deck, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert G. Marx, Suzanne M. Marx, Anthony G. D'Agnese, Susanne L. D'Agnese
  • Publication number: 20080284102
    Abstract: A method for playing cards, the method includes: defining an arithmetic correlation between at least two cards out of multiple cards; dealing at least one card out of the multiple cards to each participant of the game; allowing each participant to arrange participant cards or to discard at least one participant card in response to an arithmetic correlation between at least one participant card and at least one other card; and repeating the stage of allowing until at least one game winner is defined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Schlomo Mizrahi
  • Publication number: 20080284103
    Abstract: A method and a system for playing a political game include distributing a number of PROPs to the players and establishing a first campaign for votes in voting districts. A general election is held where a country leader is determined by a majority of electoral votes won, a first legislative leader is determined by a majority of voting districts won and a minority of electoral votes won determines a second legislative leader. A judicial court is established. Money is distributed from a central bank. Voting district campaigning is engaged in where one player opposes a second player in a voting district. Legislative bills are submitted to the second legislative leader, the first legislative leader and to the country leader for approval. A subsequent general election is held and a winner of the political game is determined where the winner is the player that achieves a mandate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Moshe Cohen
  • Publication number: 20080284104
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of game play and game components that in one embodiment are in the form of a board game with education cards which have actual information about the topic, along with game information such that learning becomes fun, and learning happens as a side effect of fun. In one version, the game components comprise chemistry element cards that attack with power based upon their oxidation state and move on the board based upon their physical state. In another version, these elements also have their real world reaction properties, but expressed in a form that applies to the game itself. In another version, the chemistry element cards can be combined and replaced by compound cards. In another version, there is another set of cards called as the Alchemy cards which impact the game from outside the battlefield. The game components may take other forms, such as electronic games, video games, computer games, and inter-active network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Anshul Samar
    Inventor: Anshul Samar
  • Publication number: 20080284105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Thurai Manik VASAGAR, Alan D. McNickle, Diane R. McNickle, Glenn M. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20080284106
    Abstract: A moisture curable composition capable of cure to an elastomeric body comprising (a) a diluted polymer comprising (i) a silicon containing polymer of the formula X-A-X1 where X and X1 are independently selected from silyl groups which contain one or more condensable substituents per group and A is a polymeric chain having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 132 000; and a degree of polymerisation of at least 1800. (ii) an organic extender and/or plasticiser ?which diluted polymer is obtained by polymerisation in the presence of the said organic extender and/or plasticiser (b) a suitable cross-linking agent which comprises at least two groups which are reactable with the condensable groups in the diluted polymer, (c) a suitable condensation catalyst and optionally (e) one or more fillers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Isabelle Maton, Guiseppina Lavinaro, Jean Willieme, Tommy Detemmerman, Robert Drake, Jary Jensen
  • Publication number: 20080284107
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic brush seal including a plurality of ceramic bristles and a support member supporting the plurality of ceramic bristles. Each of the plurality of ceramic bristles extending from a first end to a second end. The plurality of bristles are bent over the support member such that the first end and the second end form a brushing surface on a side of the support member and a fold on an other side of the support member. The plurality of ceramic bristles is made from a ceramic material selected to operate at temperatures in excess of 1500° F.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew L. Flaherty, Rainer F. Engelmann, Amitava Datta
  • Publication number: 20080284108
    Abstract: A bellows type seal for a quick connect coupling. The bellows seal has a torroidal portion (20) with a substantially planar sealing surface at one end of the torroidal portion (20) and a bellows portion (14) at the other end of the torroidal portion (20). The bellows portion (14) extends away from the torroidal portion (20) and is semicircular in cross-section and terminates in a circumferential bead (24) extending radially outward from the bellows portion (14). The bellows portion (14) may also include a circumferential sealing bead (26) at an apex of the bellows portion (14). The torroidal portion (20) may have a metal reinforcement ring (22). The termination bead (24) of the bellows portion (14) has a part circular cross-section with a diameter greater than that of the thickness of the bellows portion (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Brenton James Davey
  • Publication number: 20080284109
    Abstract: This invention provides a seal assembly for sealing a gap between first and second relatively movable members. The first member is provided with a sealing surface, and the second member is provided with a sacrificial abradable layer that is positioned opposite the sealing surface of the first member. When the seal assembly is in operation the sealing surface of the first member moves relative to, and abrades, the abradable layer of the second member thereby maintaining a seal between the members. The present invention is characterised in that, the second member and the abradable layer comprise the same composite material. The second member and the abradable layer may be co-cured together during manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Quinten J. Northfield
  • Publication number: 20080284110
    Abstract: A radial shaft seal is provided for accommodating large radial offset of the shaft relative to a housing. The seal includes an annular retainer insert provided for engaging the seal to a fixed housing. An annular elastomeric seal body is molded to the retainer insert and includes a flexible axially extending portion extending from an inner surface of the retainer insert. A seal portion extends from a radially inward end of the flexible portion and includes first and second seal lips and an elastomeric bearing surface disposed between the first and second sealing lips. The bearing surface includes a plurality of raised pads adapted to engage the shaft. The pads each include a rounded edge on lateral sides thereof for encouraging the creation of a lubricating film between the pads and shaft. The pads are lubricated by a lubricant disposed in a lubricant chamber disposed between the first and second seal lips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: FREUDENBERG-NOK GENERAL PARTNERSHIP
    Inventor: John C. Dahlheimer
  • Publication number: 20080284111
    Abstract: Hole-sealing cover wherewith, while securing space for a moving part such as the end of a suspension arm, the size of a hole in a member being attached to can be made small. The hole-sealing cover is shaped so that it can be inserted into a hole in a bracket, includes a vessel-shaped main cover body which has a space for an end to move in formed inside, and a flange, formed at the peripheral edges of the main cover body, for preventing excessive insertion, in which main cover body, at the top part thereof forming a vessel-shaped bottom surface, a hinge is formed which extends, crossing the top part linearly, which hinge exhibits elasticity wherewith the width in a direction crossing the hinge can be reduced by a pressing force and wherewith the width is restored to the original width when the pressing force is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Takahiro SANO
  • Publication number: 20080284112
    Abstract: A gasket is provided with a metallic or plastic substrate formed to provide a raised bead portion that has a concave surface that is filled with over molded elastomeric material to create a load bearing compression limiting feature to control compression on the over molded gasket material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventors: Steve G. Koch, Thomas A. Boardman
  • Publication number: 20080284113
    Abstract: A gasket is provided with a metallic substrate formed from a flat sheet of metal and is deformed to provide a raised beam portion that creates a load bearing compression limiting feature to control stresses on the over molded gasket material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: FREUDENBERG-NOK GENERAL PARTNERSHIP
    Inventor: Thomas A. Boardman
  • Publication number: 20080284114
    Abstract: A motor driven seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures. The seal assembly includes a seal cap having a seal positioned within a housing, the housing includes a lower seal ring having a track which supports an upper seal ring for rotational motion relative thereto. The seal is supported between the upper seal ring and the lower seal ring for rotation between an open orientation and a closed orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Gregory W. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080284115
    Abstract: A device for holding an essentially cylindrical work piece (22), in particular a jewelry ring, for machining with a laser beam (L) has at least one chuck (20) that is supported so that it is able to rotate around a rotation axis (18) and that is provided for centrally holding the work piece (22) by means of first clamping elements (30), which automatically fix the work piece (22) in position through the exertion of a spring force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bauer, Gunther Friedmann
  • Publication number: 20080284116
    Abstract: An apparatus for chucking workpieces (13; 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h, 13i, 13j) on a machining center (1) includes a base plate (22) having a holding fixture for a clamping jaw (10) of the machining center (1) and at least one clamping surface protruding upwardly from the base plate (22) in the used position and including a plurality of workpiece holding fixtures. An improved possibility for use can be achieved in such a way that the clamping surface is arranged in an integral manner with the base plate (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Armin Muser, Josef Muser, Miguel Muser
  • Publication number: 20080284117
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tool holder interchangeably attached to a machine tool such as a combined machining lathe. A combined machining lathe 1 comprises main spindles 20 and 30 for gripping a workpiece, and a machining main spindle head 50 which rotates around a B axis. There are provided stockers S1 and S2 inside the lathe, and tool holders 200 and 300 are respectively stored in the stockers S1 and S2. The tool holder 200 comprises a taper shank portion 230 of a main shaft in a housing 210 and four pull studs PS2 around the taper shank portion 230 of a main shaft, and is gripped by collet chucks of the machining main spindle head 50. Rotation of the taper shank portion 230 of a main shaft is transmitted to a shaft 250 via a gear mechanism, to drive a drill tool 252 to drill a deep hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Naoya TANAKA, Yoshiya KATSU, Takamori IZAKI
  • Publication number: 20080284118
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a vehicle body, a suspension system coupled to the vehicle body, and a plurality of wheels coupled to the suspension system comprising at least one pair of wheels, each wheel of the at least one pair of wheels being located on opposite sides of the vehicle. The suspension system comprises a changeable wheel track width for the at least one pair of wheels and the wheel track width is changeable between a narrow wheel track width setting and a wide wheel track width setting by pivoting a suspension link about a vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Roy Venton-Walters, Brian J. Taylor, Bradley C. Squires
  • Publication number: 20080284119
    Abstract: A device that serves multiple purposes by being transformable between various states. In one state, the device operates as a cart such as is typical for transporting items to the beach for fishing or sunbathing. In another state, the device operates as a chair with a back to provide seating for a user. Finally, the device can also be adjusted to a storage state which decreases its size for easy storage. The device can be adjusted between the various states without having to use tools or without having to worry about storing, securing or keeping track of a bunch of lose parts. The device is particular well suited for fishing and can include fishing pole holders, a shade panel and cup holders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: John Thomas Williamson
  • Publication number: 20080284120
    Abstract: A handtruck includes a tower having upper and lower ends and a handle adjacent the tower upper end. A support plate is generally adjacent the tower lower end and extends outwardly, the support plate configured to support a load. At least one wheel is operatively coupled to the tower or support plate. The handtruck includes an ejection member for moving the load from the support plate. The ejection member includes an elongate lever having upper and lower ends and being pivotally coupled to the tower. The ejection member includes a pushplate pivotally coupled to the lever and is movable between a rest configuration when the elongate lever upper end is relatively adjacent the tower and an offload configuration when the elongate lever upper end is relatively distant to the tower. A distal end of the pushplate is in slidable contact with the pushplate when moving between rest and offload configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Steven J. Butler
  • Publication number: 20080284121
    Abstract: An all-terrain board has a platform which is supported on two wheel axles connected to the platform by pairs of flexible links. The links in each pair are spaced on either side of a longitudinal axis of the platform. The links are biased so that they have a horizontal dimension when the platform is loaded with a rider. When the rider tilts the platform, this shortens the horizontal dimension on the tilted side, and lengthens it on the other, so that a steering effect is created. The biased links also provide the board's suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: George French
  • Publication number: 20080284122
    Abstract: A ball joint integrated knuckle and an assembling method thereof is provided. The ball joint integrated knuckle includes: a knuckle integrating a housing formed with a first screw thread on its one side surface; and a ball joint having a thread seat formed with a second screw thread, wherein the ball joint is integrated into the knuckle by combining the first screw thread of the housing of the knuckle with the second screw thread of the thread seat of the ball joint. Thus, it is possible to easily attach/detach the ball joint with respect to the knuckle by combining/removing the ball joint using the first screw thread, formed in an inner circumferential surface of the housing integrally formed with the knuckle, and the second screw thread formed in an external circumferential surface of the thread seat. Also, according to the present invention, the ball joint is not manufactured as a finished product, but provided as kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Tae Sung Kwon
  • Publication number: 20080284123
    Abstract: A suspension air spring lift kit has a trailing arm having an end that is pivotally connected to a hanger bracket. A vertically oriented air bag is connected between another end of the trailing arm and a frame member of a vehicle, for example, a dump truck or a trailer in a tractor-trailer combination. An air spring system having a lower bracket and an upper bracket, with an air spring bag positioned between these two brackets, is attached between the frame member and the trailing arm. When the air spring bag is inflated, the air spring system lifts the trailing arm. When the air spring bag is deflated, the air spring system allows the trailing arm to be lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Randal M. Billian, Aaron M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080284124
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Louis James Brady, Jeffrey David Bennett, Benjamin J. Dieter, Sean E. Sherrod, Ryan K. Lovold, Harry Pongo
  • Publication number: 20080284125
    Abstract: This invention relates to a kneeling walker comprising a frame; a steering assembly coupled to a frame of the kneeling walker and having a steering stem and a control assembly; and a handle assembly coupled to the steering stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Sharalyn S. Ramm, Anton Donald Ptacek
  • Publication number: 20080284126
    Abstract: The adaptive system in combination includes a handlebar configured with stub end portions which angle slightly toward each other in the direction of the shoulders of the user. Grip shift members are configured to fit against the palm of the user's hand and mounted at the free ends of the handle bar, the grip shift members including a base portion which mates with an existing gear mechanism on the bicycle for shifting of the bicycle gears. A brake mechanism includes a base member mounted on the ends of the handlebar. The brake mechanism further includes a T-shaped member and two connecting members which are each rotatably mounted to the base member and to the T-shaped handle member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: STEPHEN T. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20080284127
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure includes a shaft member, a head member, and a lever member. The shaft member has a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion disposed between the first and second end portions with a center axis extending between the first and second end portions. The head member is disposed on the second end portion of the shaft member. The lever member is operatively mounted to move the shaft member in an axial direction relative to the head member in response to movement of the lever member. The central portion of the shaft member has a radial thickness smaller than the first and second end portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Etsuyoshi WATARAI
  • Publication number: 20080284128
    Abstract: Rear bicycle frame structure of the kind comprised of different rear triangles that make up a common tubular structure (C) that forms part of the front frame, an upper tie bolt (ts) and a lower tie bolt (ti); characterised because the upper tie bolt (ts) and the lower tie bolt (ti) are joined by means of a fourth side (t4) forming a four-sided piece. The rear axle (P2) is placed on the fourth side (t4) of each rear four-sided piece formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: ORBEA, S. COOP. LTDA
    Inventor: Xabier Narbaiza Gomez
  • Publication number: 20080284129
    Abstract: A motorcycle-stance alteration kit is described. The kit includes a handlebar clamp, a fork clamp, and a footpeg extension. The handlebar clamp is formed to connect with a motorcycle's fork clamp and reposition the motorcycle's handlebar to alter a user's riding stance. The fork clamp is configured to be attached with motorcycle forks to the motorcycle's frame. The fork clamp includes a horizontal mounting surface that is formed to offset the fork's rake angle to cause the horizontal mounting surface to rest in a substantially horizontal alignment with respect to a ground surface. Finally, the footpeg extension is formed to connect with and between a motorcycle frame and footpeg. Thus, the footpeg extension effectively repositions the footpeg to alter the user's riding stance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew McVickar
  • Publication number: 20080284130
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a first person and one or more riders over a surface. The transporter includes a first support platform for supporting the first person, the first support platform having left and right sides and defining a fore-aft vertical plane and a lateral plane. At least one ground-contacting element is coupled to the first support platform such that the first support platform is capable of tilting in the fore-aft plane about a tilt axis. The at least one ground-contacting element is driven by a motorized drive arrangement so as to cause locomotion of the transporter. A controller commands the motorized drive arrangement. The controller is configured so that at least one of fore and aft sustained motion of the transporter is based at least on fore-aft tilting of the first support platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann
  • Publication number: 20080284131
    Abstract: A tube shaped cargo container and method of manufacture. The cargo container is manufactured by a process that includes pultruding or extruding a seamless container with two sides, a roof, and a floor. Doors, landing gear, structural supports, another side, and a wheel assembly may be added after the pultrusion/extrusion process. The cargo container may include rounded side/floor and side/roof connections. The cargo container may include one or two rounded ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: VANGUARD NATIONAL TRAILER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark A. Roush
  • Publication number: 20080284132
    Abstract: A light-weight plastic protective covering for a kingpin of a transport trailer which prevents grease from adhering to or sticking to the locking device added to the kingpin to prevent stealing the transport trailer when it is decoupled from a road tractor. The protective covering is placed over the kingpin and the antitheft locking device is placed over the protective covering and secured to the kingpin on the outside of the protective covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Edmund R. Kirkland, Denton E. Howard
  • Publication number: 20080284133
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drawbar support assembly. There is a need for a drawbar support assembly which can adapt to different types of drawbars. An adaptable drawbar support assembly includes a generally U-shaped front support member for coupling to and supporting the front end of the drawbar. A front spacer member mounts in the front support member above or below the front end of the drawbar. A generally U-shaped rear support member couples to and supports the drawbar. A rear spacer member mounts in the rear support member below the drawbar. The rear spacer member is removable from the rear support member when the front spacer member is mounted above the front end of the drawbar. A ball coupler is attached to the rear end of the drawbar when the front spacer member is mounted above the front end of the drawbar. A clevis coupler is attached to the rear end of the drawbar when the front spacer member is mounted below the front end of the drawbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Rodney D. Lair, Edwin R. Kreis, Michael C. Harting, Michael D. Kollath
  • Publication number: 20080284134
    Abstract: A tow hook configured according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising: at least two hooks wherein each hook comprises a shank, a hook and an axis; a main shaft further comprising an inside surface and an axis, wherein the shanks of the at least two hooks are permanently coupled to the inside surface of the main shaft; wherein at least one cross rod is coupled to the shanks of the at least two hooks and the main shaft, wherein the axis of the at least one cross rod is perpendicular to the axis of the at least two hooks and the axis of the main shaft; at least one centering rod comprising an axis, wherein the axis is parallel to the axis of the at least two hooks and the axis of the main shaft; and wherein the main shaft is configured to couple to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Temple
  • Publication number: 20080284135
    Abstract: A system for protecting a trailer coupler contains a first arm rotatably connected to a second arm. The first arm contains a top portion, a side portion, and a bottom portion, the top portion of the first arm containing a first opening. The second arm contains a top portion, a side portion, and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of the second arm contains a first opening. The trailer coupler fits within the system and aligning the said first opening of the first arm and the first opening of the second arm forms a system top portion opening that allows access to a hitch of the trailer coupler while not allowing access to other top portions of the trailer coupler or side portions of the trailer coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Adam J. Pappalardo
  • Publication number: 20080284136
    Abstract: A retractable frame structure of a baby stroller includes a frame, a pair of scissors-type linking sets, a push rod and a linking rod. Each scissors-type linking set is connected with the push rod and the link rod, respectively. When pushing the pushing rod, the scissors-type linking set will be collapsed and the linking rod will urge front wheels to move backward towards rear wheels, thus the collapsed stroller has a compact size which is convenient to carry and to store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond Tsai