Patents Issued in December 9, 2008
  • Patent number: 7461633
    Abstract: Method of controlling the combustion of an internal-combustion engine, in particular a direct-injection supercharged engine, notably of gasoline type, wherein the engine comprises at least one cylinder (12) with a combustion chamber (14) within which a compression stage takes place, followed by a stage of combustion of a fuel mixture by a spark-ignition means (34), characterized in that it consists in measuring a quantity related to at least one parameter representative of the state of the fuel mixture during said stages; in determining a value that depends on the amplitude of the measured quantity; in comparing the determined value with at least one threshold value representative of the quantity related to said parameter representative of the conventional state of the fuel mixture during said stages; in detecting the start of an abnormal combustion when the determined value exceeds said threshold value and when the ignition means is not actuated; in controlling the course of the abnormal combustion detected
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventors: Franck Vangraefschepe, Jean-Marc Zaccardi
  • Patent number: 7461634
    Abstract: A pressure boosting unit (110) is provided in each fuel injection valve of an engine (1). A pressure of fuel to be supplied to the fuel injection valve from a common rail (3) is boosted as required. An ECU (20) causes low pressure injection to be performed with the pressure boosting unit 110 being in a non-operated state, and high pressure injection to be performed with the pressure boosting unit (110) being in an operated state, and the pressure of the fuel being maintained at a boosted pressure. Based on the result, the ECU (20) corrects a fuel injection period of the fuel injection valve. Also, after the correction of the fuel injection period is completed, fuel injection is performed before the pressure of the fuel reaches the boosted pressure after the pressure boosting unit starts to be operated. Based on the result, operation starting timing of the pressure boosting unit is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Watanabe, Ichiro Sakata, Yoshifumi Wakisaka, Yoshihiro Hotta, Kiyomi Kawamura, Kiyomi Nakakita
  • Patent number: 7461635
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a vertical multi-cylinder diesel engine capable of conveniently protecting a common rail and its parts. On the assumption that a width direction of a cylinder block (2) is taken as a horizontal direction, when arranging the common rail (3) horizontally lateral of the cylinder block (2), there is disposed above the common rail (3) a passage forming means (23) which is the alternative of an intake air distributing means (5) and an exhaust air converging means (22). The passage forming means (23) above the common rail (3) may be formed into a box-shaped structure with no branch pipe. Further, an engine cooling fan (4) may be arranged in front of the common rail (3) so as to pass cooling air below the passage forming means (23) above the common rail (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Maegoya, Takatoshi Imai
  • Patent number: 7461636
    Abstract: The device includes a connection tube in communication with a hole of a rail for fuel under pressure, the tube being provided with an end swelling. The device has a first threaded element fixed to the rail in a position corresponding to the hole and a second threaded element designed to engage the first threaded element. Removably set between the hole and the swelling is a seal element designed to form a seal both with the hole and with the swelling. The seal element is a body of revolution equipped with a passage along a pre-set axis, and includes two end noses designed to be inserted in the swelling and in the hole, respectively, and two tapered seal stretches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Ricco, Sisto Luigi De Matthaeis, Raffaele Ricco, Alfonso Di Meo
  • Patent number: 7461637
    Abstract: A diesel engine (1) includes a fuel supply passage (4) via which fuel is supplied from a fuel tank (2) to an oil pan (3) through a supply pump (6), a lubrication-system fuel supply passage (8) via which fuel is supplied from the oil pan (3) to engine parts (7) to be lubricated through a lubricating oil pump (10), and an injection-system fuel supply passage (13) via which fuel is supplied from the oil pan (3) to an injection system (12) through an injection pump (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Yamashita, Motoichi Murakami, Tomoyuki Ono, Hiroshi Moritani, Toshihide Ohmori
  • Patent number: 7461638
    Abstract: A connector system, free of transverse forces, for a fuel injection valve to be inserted into a receiving orifice into a cylinder head for connection to a fuel distributor line that encompasses a connector to a tubing line leading to a fuel reservoir, has a connecting part for connection to the tubing line. The connector system includes a holddown claw having an elongated opening that completely surrounds the fuel injection valve but allows for a tolerance compensation in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the holddown claw, and provides that the connecting part to the tubing line leading to the fuel reservoir has a tube screw fitting having an end piece. The end piece is embodied so that before the tubing line is screwed down onto the fuel distributor line, it can be moved for tolerance compensation, in a seat on the inflow-side end of the fuel distributor line, in two directions perpendicular to the extent of the tubing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Scheffel, Andreas Eckbauer
  • Patent number: 7461639
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a housing with an exhaust inlet, an exhaust outlet, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. A plurality of heat exchange conduits has a first surface in fluid communication with the exhaust inlet and the exhaust outlet and has a second surface in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, wherein the first surface is coated with a material including Teflon®.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Forrest A. Jehlik
  • Patent number: 7461640
    Abstract: A cooling system comprises a cooler with a hot-side passage extending between hot-side inlet and outlets. The cooler further includes a cooling passage extending between cold-side inlet and outlets. A cooling medium is disposed within the cooling passage, and is in contact with the hot-side passage to reduce the temperature of the gas or liquid passing through the hot-side passage. The cooling system is configured to regulate the condition of the cooling medium within the cooler to reduce/eliminate unwanted boiling of the cooling medium being within the cooler. The cooling system can include controller that provides an output signal in response to a detected condition of the cooling medium, and a device that receives the output signal and changes the operation of the cooling system and/or operation of an internal combustion engine to reduce the occurrence of unwanted cooling medium boiling within the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Agee, Richard P. Beldam, William L. Klein
  • Patent number: 7461641
    Abstract: An EGR cooling system is provided. The EGR cooling system comprising a plurality of EGR coolers configured to cool the EGR to a plurality of successively lower temperatures, where at least one of the plurality of EGR coolers includes a finned EGR cooler that comprises a plurality of channels for dissipating heat in the EGR, the plurality of channels increasing heat transfer surface area while having sufficient fin spacing to avoid clogging. The EGR cooling system may further comprise a catalyst configured to remove particle matters and/or hydrocarbons from the EGR, the catalyst positioned upstream of at least one of the plurality of EGR coolers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, John William Hoard, Julia Giuliano, Robert Hornblower Meyer
  • Patent number: 7461642
    Abstract: Means for attenuating the seating force of a cam-actuated poppet valve such as an exhaust gas recirculation valve in an internal combustion engine including a shock-absorber disposed between the valve stem and valve head. In a currently preferred embodiment, the shock-absorber is a wave washer disposed around the valve stem and captured between the valve stem and the valve head, between which axial motion is allowed. After the valve head engages the valve seat to close the valve, any further travel of the actuator cam and valve stem is absorbed by compression of the wave washer, thus attenuating additional force on elements of the valve actuation train. In opening the valve, the reverse occurs, in that initial motion of the actuator cam and valve stem serves to relieve compression of the wave washer, followed by removal of the valve head from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raul A. Bircann, Joshua M. Haines
  • Patent number: 7461643
    Abstract: A rocker box assembly for a motorcycle engine having a cylinder head. The rocker box assembly includes a base, a cover, and a breather assembly. The base is configured to be coupled to the cylinder head. The cover is coupled to the base and cooperates with the base to at least partially define a rocker chamber and to at least partially define a breather assembly housing within the rocker chamber. The breather assembly is positioned within the breather assembly housing and is operable to vent a pressure pulse from within the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas D. Reichardt, Charles J. Lamb
  • Patent number: 7461644
    Abstract: A method for controlling a dethrottled internal combustion engine, which has a shared fresh gas line which supplies fresh gas to fresh gas pipes, which in turn supply fresh gas to each cylinder. The engine has at least one intake valve per cylinder, a clocked valve per fresh gas pipe for opening and closing the gas pipe and a fuel injector for each cylinder, for metered addition of fuel. The chronological location of the injection time of the fuel is adjusted for the respective cylinder as a function of a point in time of a change in the switch position of the respective clocked valve, to improve the emission values of the engine. In addition, the clocked valves are controlled so that the metered addition of fresh gas is accomplished for the respective cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Elsässer, Jörg Rückauf
  • Patent number: 7461645
    Abstract: A disc launcher for launching discs including a handle, a pivot arm pivotally attached to or proximate the handle. The pivot arm includes a disc holder. A frame is fixedly attached to or proximate the handle and extends forwardly. A spring mechanism is energized by pivoting the pivot arm to a launching position. The disc is placed in the disc holder such that when the pivot arm is released, the disc is launched into flight due to the force released by the spring mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hyper Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Williamson, Ward Myers
  • Patent number: 7461646
    Abstract: A bolt assembly for a paintball gun preferably includes a valve stem having an output port that can supply compressed gas to a compressed gas storage chamber. A bolt is preferably slidably mounted on the valve stem to move between a forward and a rearward position. The bolt can include one or more bolt ports configured to communicate compressed gas from the compressed gas storage chamber to a forward end of the bolt for launching a paintball when the bolt is in the forward position. When the bolt is in a rearward position, the bolt ports preferably communicate compressed gas from the outlet port of the valve stem into the compressed gas storage chamber. A sealing member can be arranged on the valve stem in communication with the bolt to prevent compressed gas in the compressed gas storage chamber from entering a forward bolt chamber when the bolt is in the rearward position and to permit compressed gas to enter the forward bolt chamber through the bolt ports when the bolt is in the forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: Danial Jones
  • Patent number: 7461647
    Abstract: An arrow holder comprises: a U-shaped bracket; an arrow catch extending from one side of the bracket toward the other leaving a vertical gap; a spring member for biasing an arrow stack within the bracket against the arrow catch; and opposed arrow guides at the front end of the bracket. The arrow guides extend vertically to constrain horizontally the top arrow of the stack. The bracket, arrow catch, arrow guides, and spring member are arranged for: enabling the top arrow to pivot about the arrow guides and pass through the gap; releasing the top arrow when it pivots sufficiently to clear the arrow catch; and biasing the remainder of the stack against the arrow catch if the top arrow is released. A method comprises pivoting the top arrow thereby releasing it from the arrow holder. The method may further comprise inserting the single stack of arrows into the arrow holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Michael D. Slinkard
  • Patent number: 7461648
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming a multiplicity of thin wafers from at least two similar blocks, the apparatus comprising a supply reel (1) to supply wire, an upper pair (3a, 3b) and a lower pair (3c, 3d) of parallel spaced roller guides and a collection reel (4); a wire from the supply reel passes around successive grooves along the roller guides from near the supply reel to near the collection reel, so to form a four sided continuous web of wires along the length of the roller guides. Part way along the roller guides, the wire is diverted around at least two pulley wheels(5a, 5b) removing the wire from the web after it has passed over a roller guide at a predetermined point, and reintroducing the wire into the web via a subsequent roller guide at a point laterally displaced from the point at which it left the web, so that there is a gap in the web of wire which divides the web into two separate sections, and no cutting action can occur in that gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Rec Scanwafer AS
    Inventor: David Ainsworth Hukin
  • Patent number: 7461649
    Abstract: An inhaler comprising a compressed gas, such as Heliox gas is provided. The disclosed inhaler includes a first chamber containing a compressed gas which is in communication with an equalization chamber having pressure lower than the pressure of the gas in the first chamber. The inhaler also includes a drug storage chamber which is detachably coupled to the equalization chamber and operable such that a portion of the compressed gas from the equalization chamber fluidizes and aerosolizes the drug to produce a drug cloud. The drug cloud is directed into a spacer where it can be inhaled by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan C. F. Gamard, Bryan R. Bielec, Royce S. Fishman, Alan Cheng
  • Patent number: 7461650
    Abstract: A medicament dispenser including a housing, a medicament container having a dispensing outlet; an agitator for agitating the contents; and a driver for driving the agitator independent of any container movement. The driver includes an energy storeage for storing energy releasable to drive the agitator. The medicament container may be a metered dose inhaler or delivering a suitable inhalable medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventor: Paul Kenneth Rand
  • Patent number: 7461651
    Abstract: A method of making an internal nasal apparatus (10) configured to retain and deliver a quantity of compound within the nose of a user over a minimum period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas W. Brown
  • Patent number: 7461652
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved anesthesia delivery systems that consistently and reliably deliver anesthesia gas to multiple gas outlets. The systems are particularly useful for anesthetizing multiple mammals and living specimens to be imaged by a low-light level imaging system. The anesthesia delivery systems are suitable for use with conventional oxygen sources, and convert the high pressures associated with a conventional oxygen source to lower pressures suitable for use with small mammals and suitable for combination with an anesthesia gas at low flow rates. The systems include an anesthesia gas source that combines anesthesia gas with the oxygen. The combination of anesthesia gas and oxygen is supplied to one or more multiple outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Xenogen Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Dalgetty, Brian R. Bates, Michael B. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7461653
    Abstract: An inhalator composed of a main body affording an inhalation conduit; a second body exhibiting a housing, into which a capsule can be at least partially inserted; the second body being rotatably coupled with the main body, and being able to rotate from an open position, in which the housing is accessible from outside for insertion of a capsule, and a closed position, in which the housing is in communication with the inhalation conduit; means for cutting off a portion of a capsule which projects from the housing during rotation of the second body from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Roberto Oliva
  • Patent number: 7461654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the generation of respirational air. The device according to the invention makes it possible to dehumidify air optimally. The dehumidification problem is achieved with a tapering passage, in particular with a nozzle. The nozzle is contained in a tube in which the mixture of air and water flows. A pressure which is higher on one side and which leads to a local increase in the flow rate in the nozzle and to a lower temperature prevails in the nozzle. These circumstances result in the water further condensing out of the air in the nozzle. The water which is condensed out is entrained by the air stream and can be separated off in a water separator connected directly after the nozzle, even before the gas or the air (after the nozzle) can become saturated again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: imt medical ag
    Inventors: Harri Friberg, Jakob Däscher
  • Patent number: 7461655
    Abstract: An inhaler operable to control a temperature of a medicament of the inhaler includes a medicament reservoir being configured to store a medicament therein. A medicament ejector is operably coupled to the medicament reservoir and is configured to eject the medicament from the reservoir to deliver the medicament to a patient. A controllable thermal source is in thermal communication with at least an inside portion of the medicament reservoir and is operable to controllably affect a temperature of the medicament. A thermal control system is in operable communication with the controllable thermal source and is configured to control the thermal source to maintain the medicament within a predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Sexton, Winthrop D. Childers
  • Patent number: 7461656
    Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michael K. Gunaratnam, Philip R. Kwok, Robin G. Hitchcock, Lee J. Veliss, Memduh Guney, Richard Sokolov, Perry D. Lithgow, Donald Darkin, Susan R. Lynch
  • Patent number: 7461657
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided to fix a thermoplastic mask to a patient. The apparatus includes a member having a teeth-receiving portion formed to be positioned adjacent to a cranio facial bone of the patient, a fixation member coupled to the member, the fixation member including a plate and a fastener, a distinct fastener plate formed for coupling with the fastener to couple the mask to the fixation member so that the member is in a fixed position relative to the mask, and a lower plate member positioned adjacent to the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Woodburn
  • Patent number: 7461658
    Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Biolase Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Jones, Marcia Angela Van Valen
  • Patent number: 7461659
    Abstract: A hair styling implement is comprised of a support and an extension mounted therefrom. The extension is preferably comprised of at least 75%, more preferably 90% and most preferably is comprised substantially completely of a material able to absorb water by wicking or capillary action. The extension is coil shaped, a die-cut sheet folded to encase at least a part of the support, a plurality of disks or a first series of disks separated from a second series of disks by a plurality of bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Avon Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Glynn, Jr., John S. Kurek, Derrick B. McKie, Shari Martin
  • Patent number: 7461660
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mascara brush. The present invention provides a mascara brush, wherein a single brush rod of the mascara brush is formed with both an application brush part with an application portion for applying a mascara liquid to eyelashes and an arrangement brush part with a comb for arranging the eyelashes in order to simultaneously perform the application of the mascara liquid and arrangement of the eyelashes, thereby conveniently imparting the effects of clean, long lash and curling to the eyelashes through a single process, the structure of the mascara brush is simplified so that a manufacturing process can be relatively simplified, and stability in use can be obtained due to the securely coupled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: RND Group LLC.
    Inventor: Yoon-Hoi Kim
  • Patent number: 7461661
    Abstract: A hair retaining clip includes a base, a locking arm, a hinge, and a locking mechanism. The base includes a first end, a second end and a first elongate section that is resiliently movable relative to the base. The locking arm includes a first end, a second end, and a second elongate section that operatively engages the first elongate section in a closed position. The hinge is disposed on and pivotally connects the first ends of the base and the locking arm. The locking mechanism is disposed on the second ends of the base and the locking arm for locking the clip in a closed position. At least one of the first and second elongate sections are entirely constructed from a high friction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Goody Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stan Chudzik, Michael Defenbaugh
  • Patent number: 7461662
    Abstract: A hair clip is provided. The hair clip has a lower clip piece and an upper clip piece connected through a pivot connection with a hinge pin and coil spring. The upper clip piece has a bottom portion that defines a concavity portion for defining a hair holding space to hold hair in a bundled state. A finger is connected to the upper clip piece through a pivot connection and for holding hair in a bundled state. A guide loop is connected to a rear end portion of the finger through a pivot connection. The guide loop prevents hair from entering a joint portion defined by the finger and the upper clip piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Chan Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 7461663
    Abstract: The cleaning apparatus of the invention includes first and second cleaning tanks cleaning a mask with a predetermined cleaning solution, a vacuum evaporator vacuum-distilling the cleaning solution of the first and second cleaning tanks, a first cooler cooling the vacuum-distilled cleaning solution to room temperature, a first return pipe returning the cleaning solution cooled by the first cooler to the second cleaning tank, first and second rinse tanks rinsing the mask with a predetermined rinse solution, an atmospheric evaporator distilling the rinse solution of the first and second rinse tanks at atmospheric pressure, a second cooler cooling the rinse solution distilled at atmospheric pressure to room temperature, and a second return pipe returning the rinse solution cooled by the second cooler to the second rinse tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Giga Tech Inc., Ohkawa & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Kinomura, Teruo Hiraoka, Kojiro Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 7461664
    Abstract: The plug is proposed for insertion into a hollow core of a roller cover to keep water from traveling through the hollow core, the plug comprising a body sized and configured to be received in the hollow core, and the body incorporating a peripheral lip thereon to keep the plug from being pushed into the hollow core by water pressure applied thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Collin Budron
  • Patent number: 7461665
    Abstract: Shading apparatus including: a standpost; a plurality of boom members slidably mounted to said standpost and extending therefrom for movement therealong between selected positions; and a shade canopy mounted to each boom member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Ekkehard Koehn
  • Patent number: 7461666
    Abstract: An automatic device for opening or closing multi-folding umbrella is provided, which comprises a umbrella shaft, a control handle, an upper and a lower nest, a rib assembly, a spring for closing, a spring for opening and a dragline in the shaft; a button with a reset spring and a snap convex is installed on the control handle and a rocker with a pushing spring can lock and release the step-cone; when the umbrella is closed, the snap convex of the button falls into the locking recess on the lower part of the upper tube; press the button, and it moves inwards but does not touch the rocker, the snap convex departs from the locking recess on the exterior wall of the upper tube and the umbrella is unfurled under the action of the spring for opening; press the button again, the step-cone is released, the spring for closing pulls the rib assembly to push downwards the lower nest back to the state of closing umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Lucai Huang
  • Patent number: 7461667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rib structure of a two-layer cover umbrella, which mainly includes an elastic rib having an inner folded end. A connector of a related primary rib of the umbrella is provided with an aperture, for that the inner folded end of the elastic rib is penetrated into the aperture and connected with a lateral rod of the connector. The elastic rib will be then extended outward alone the upper surface of the primary rib smoothly for connecting the upper cover and providing a utilized umbrella with two covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Chin Sung Ko
  • Patent number: 7461668
    Abstract: A party-tent with an illuminating device for providing outdoor leisure use at night comprises one roof assembly including one top positioned first multi-directional angle-joint 1, a plurality of inclined bars 14 and a plurality of transverse bars 13, the inclined bar 14, one end connects to a first multi-directional angle-joint 1, and other end to a second multi-directional angle-Joint 2; a plurality of second multi-directional angle-Joints 2 are horizontally arranged at each corner of the tent; a plurality of surrounding walls each formed by two adjacent upright corner members 3, each upright corner member 3 of the surrounding walls being formed by two crossed erect panels, the erect panel is a prefabricated, which is constructed by first erect pole 11 and second erect pole 15, and having a plurality of lateral short bars 12 connected there between; a plurality of inclined bars 14 having plurality of light bulbs thereon, which are energized by top positioned solar energy power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Weidan Wu
  • Patent number: 7461669
    Abstract: A faucet valve cartridge for controlling fluid flow through a dual-handle faucet, including a valving member supported within a valve body for rotation about a longitudinal axis. A first sealing surface and a first inlet opening is supported by the valving member. A seat includes a second sealing surface and a second inlet opening. The first inlet opening is configured to be in selective fluid communication with the second inlet opening upon rotation of the valving member. A retainer couples the seat to an outer wall of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Patrick B. Jonte, Matthew Elzea
  • Patent number: 7461670
    Abstract: A cycle indicator is provided for monitoring movement of a fluid control piston of a divider block for a fluid distribution system. The cycle indicator connects to the divider block in a manner that allows fluid communication between the divider block and the cycle indicator. The cycle indicator includes a spring-biased piston follower that extends into the divider block through a housing so that movement of the fluid control piston is translated to the piston follower. The piston follower extends into the divider block through an opening in the housing. The opening is not sealed allowing fluid within the divider block cylinder to flow past the piston follower and into the housing. Since there is no relative movement between the seal and any moving part such as the piston follower fluid leakage is eliminated or at least substantially reduced. An internal magnet is coupled to the piston follower and activates an external magnet that provides a visual indication of the movement of the fluid control piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis Roys
  • Patent number: 7461671
    Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic sample collector for liquids which are discharged from a chromatographic column, a dialysis apparatus, or a reaction container, for example, and are consecutively collected at a give volume division, a method for collecting samples of a liquid in a predefined chronological sequence, and uses of the inventive sample collector. The volume is divided by assigning one or several gas-permeable liquid barriers (4, 5) to each collection container (3). The sample collector can be produced as one piece which is for single use and is made of polypropylene, Teflon, or other suitable materials. The inventive sample collector has the advantage that it requires no source of energy and can be autoclaved and miniaturized, among other things. The design of the inventive sample collector makes it possible to keep the content of the collection containers free from oxygen or immediately freeze the liquid flowing into the collection containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignees: Humboldt-Universitaet Zu Berlin, L.U.M. GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Ehwald, Dietmar Lerche, Holger Woehlecke
  • Patent number: 7461672
    Abstract: Systems, methods and media for faster filling of bags with material are disclosed. An accelerating mechanism accelerates material flowing through a chute from a material supply to a bag of a bag supplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel Elvin Lockhart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7461673
    Abstract: A closure device for tank filler necks in motor vehicles. The closure device has the object of configuring the tank filling operation to be more comfortable. This objective is achieved in that at least two closure elements are swivel-mounted on the tank filler neck, the closure elements having insertion bevels on their top that are designed in such a way that when a fuel nozzle is placed on them the closure elements swivel and open the tank filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Alfred Engelmann Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Busch, Etzhard Bultmann
  • Patent number: 7461674
    Abstract: A workstation having an assembly that includes a support for holding a jamb positioned with the face thereof at a site for mortising a hinge pocket in the face, a support for receiving and holding a door with its hinge side edge at the site adjacent to and parallel with the jamb for mortising operations at that edge and a cutting tool carried by the assembly operating to form hinge mortises in an edge of the door and the jamb face at the site. The support for the door is operable to pivot the door about the hinge side edge of the door from a first angle for forming hinge mortises in the hinge edge of a door having a bevel and a second angle for forming hinge mortises in the hinge edge of a door having no bevel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Kval, Inc.
    Inventors: George Y. Kameoka, Jerry A. Kvalheim
  • Patent number: 7461675
    Abstract: The barking device includes a barking arm and a barking tool which is mounted in a tool seat of the barking arm. The barking tool has a convex mounting surface, while the seat surface of the barking arm is concave. The barking tool is movably mounted in the tool seat and displaceable by rotating displacement. It is connected to the tool seat by a screw and a sleeve-like nut. The head of one of the screw or nut is designed to prevent displacement and rotation of the barking tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Iggesund Tools AB
    Inventor: Bror Eriksson
  • Patent number: 7461676
    Abstract: A handbag system for efficient changing of handbag styles. The handbag system can include a first outer shell, a second outer shell and a removable liner. The removable liner can be configured for removable placement and attachment within either the first outer shell and the second outer shell. The removable liner can be filled with the typical belongings of the user including a wallet, cosmetics, keys and the like. The removable liner can be detached and removed from the outer shell while retaining the belongings of the user. The user can use the removable liner with the outer shell deemed most appropriate for use with a particular outfit or activity. In addition, the first outer shell can have a first style matching a first outfit and the second outer shell can have a second style matching a second outfit so as to form a fashion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Shawnee Huie
  • Patent number: 7461677
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire suitable for competitive sports has a specified tread pattern comprising a central region and both shoulder regions, in which a plurality of bell-shaped wide-width main grooves each extended substantially bell-shapedly into both sides approximately centering on an equator of the tire are disposed in the tread at a given interval in the circumferential direction of the tire wherein the bell-shaped wide-width main groove has specified inclination angles in the central region and the shoulder region and specified groove width and groove depth, and a width of a connecting land portion at a position coming the bells-shaped wide-width main grooves closest to each other is not less than 1.5 mm, and the tire has a given negative ratio at the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Youji Noguchi, Akira Yagi
  • Patent number: 7461678
    Abstract: A tire includes a radial carcass reinforcement surmounted radially by a crown reinforcement including a working reinforcement having two working crown plies of calendered inextensible metallic reinforcement elements and rubber mix. The reinforcement elements are parallel to each other within each ply and are crossed from one ply to the next, forming with the circumferential direction respective angles ?1 and ?2 of between 10° and 45°. The working crown plies have respective axial widths L1 and L2. The tire also includes a protective ply of metallic reinforcement elements with an axial width L3 such that L2<L3, L2 being the width of the working ply adjacent to the protective ply. A layer of cohesive rubber mix GB is arranged radially internal to the working reinforcement such that the axially outer end of the layer GB is at a distance from the equatorial plane greater than L1/2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Stèphane Callamand, Philippe Gervais
  • Patent number: 7461679
    Abstract: A heavy duty tire having a bead wind structure and comprising a bead reinforcing layer 15 having a U-shaped cross section disposed in each bead portion 4, wherein the axially outer portion 15o of the bead reinforcing layer 15 and its radially outer end Pe are protected by an axially inner rubber 20 disposed between the carcass main portion 6a and the outer portion 15o and an axially outer rubber 30 disposed between the outer portion 15o and the axially outer surface TS of the tire, in which the inner rubber 20 includes a first low modulus rubber portion 21 having a complex elastic modulus of 3.0 to 6.0 MPa, the thickness Ti of the inner rubber 20 measured on a first base line X1 drawn from the radially outer end Pe at right angles to the carcass main portion 6a is from 7.0 to 13.0 mm and the ti/Ti ratio of a thickness ti of the first low modulus rubber portion 21 on the first base line X1 to the thickness Ti is at least 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoto Maruoka
  • Patent number: 7461680
    Abstract: A system for accurately and repeatedly pulling a length of plastic fastener tape a predetermined distance. The system comprises an indexing gripper assembly and a stationary gripper assembly, the latter being disposed downstream of the former. The indexing gripper assembly is carried on a carriage that travels back and forth on a linear rail. The rotation of a lead screw is converted into linear displacement of the carriage, the lead screw being driven by a servomotor. While the stationary gripper is open, the indexing gripper grips the fastener tape; then the indexing gripper is advanced a predetermined distance, pulling the fastener tape with it. The stationary gripper is then actuated to grip the fastener tape, following which the indexing gripper is opened and returned to its home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7461681
    Abstract: A roller (1) for transferring labels of the suction type, comprising a lateral surface (21) having a plurality of openings (2) communicating with respective suction conduits (3) to maintain a label adhering to said lateral surface (21). Originally, at least one of the suction conduits (3) is provided with at least an additional opening (5) located in a position that cannot be obstructed by the label adhering to the lateral surface (21) of the roller (1), to maintain said conduit (3) in constant communication with the external environment. Said additional opening (5) is preferably positioned in an upper area (41) of the roller at a suction opening (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Sidel Holdings & Technology SA
    Inventor: Daniele Marastoni
  • Patent number: 7461682
    Abstract: Serial application of adhesive onto members of one or more wood stacks has controllable supply of pressurized adhesive dispensed onto one face of the member from the adhesive supply, and a mechanism operable to advance stacked supply of members to a platform for adhesive application and a conveyor operable to position a next stack, upon exhaustion of a current stack, in a position from which a member can be adhesively coated. The invention also provides a method in order to operate the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth Biktjorn, Espen Vige