Patents Issued in December 30, 2008
  • Patent number: 7469858
    Abstract: The present invention is a compound planetary gear system which has a moveable sun gear and a lockable sun gear to change the gear ratio between a high gear ratio and a pseudo 1:1 slipping ratio. The system makes use of a ratchet and pawl mechanism to provide a safety backup for when the lockable sun gear is locked. The invention may be used to move the aircraft from a stationary position, for taxiing, and for pre-rotating the wheels prior to landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Borealis Technical Limited
    Inventor: Jonathan Sidney Edelson
  • Patent number: 7469859
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improved transportation functionality. In one aspect, the invention comprises an improved and highly integrated transportation apparatus adapted to bring a plurality of different modalities in close physical proximity for enhanced efficiency. One exemplary embodiment comprises a multi-level structure disposed in a substantially contained low depth body of water (e.g., bay) and proximate one or more land masses to facilitate service via rail, land vehicle, ships, and ferries. Multiple long-length runways are also provided on the substantially planar top surface to accommodate air traffic. A monorail or similar system is also employed to allow ready movement between the various transportation interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Leon Edward Campbell
  • Patent number: 7469860
    Abstract: An architectural archway for an aircraft. The archways can be positioned individually, or in pairs or other sets along the length of an aircraft fuselage. The archways are used to run or connect various transport elements, such as electrical wiring, water lines, and environmental control system conduits, between the upper crown, lower bay and passenger cabin of the aircraft. The invention simplifies installation complexity and eliminates the installation and variability associated with running transport elements between the various sections of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David A. Young, Richard Fraker, R. Klaus Brauer, Peter S. Guard
  • Patent number: 7469861
    Abstract: A passenger seat assembly for a vehicle, particularly an aircraft, which is adapted to provide self-contained, individual seating and sleeping accommodation for a passenger, said seating assembly includes a supporting structure (42) for supporting said assembly off the floor of a vehicle; one or more movable, passenger-bearing, structural components (71,72); and means for connecting said movable, structural components to said structure such that said components can be selectively moved between a seat configuration, in which a plurality of passenger-bearing surfaces on said one or more structural, movable components (71,71) or said supporting structure form a seat for the passenger, and a bed configuration, in which a plurality of said bearing surfaces (47,48,67,74,76) are disposed substantially coplanarly and substantially contiguously to form a bed for the passenger; characterized in that at least one of said movable components (72) is double-sided, comprising first and second opposite sides, one of said sid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited
    Inventors: David Ferry, Adam Bernard Wells, Luke Miles, Andrew Leslie Lawler, David Edward Starkey, Simon Frederick Mills, Gary Doy
  • Patent number: 7469862
    Abstract: An aircraft engine nacelle inlet is provided with an inlet cowling. The inlet cowling includes an inner lip, an outer lip, and a leading edge portion connecting the inner and outer lips. Heating elements are provided proximate the leading edge, either on an inside surface of the cowling or on an outside surface. An inner barrel portion and an outer barrel portion of the nacelle inlet define a space therebetween. Ice protection-related equipment such as controllers, cables, switches, connectors, and the like, may reside in this space. One or more access openings are formed in the outer barrel to enable an operator to gain access to this equipment. The inlet cowling attaches to the inner and outer barrels with its outer lip extending sufficiently far in the aft direction to cover the access opening. When the cowling is removed, the access opening is uncovered, thereby permitting access to the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Layland, Keith Towers Brown
  • Patent number: 7469863
    Abstract: Aerial refueling systems and associated methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an operator input device configured to receive operator inputs and direct a first input signal corresponding to a target position for an aerial refueling device. A sensor can be positioned to detect a location of at least one of the aerial refueling device and a receiver aircraft, and can be configured to direct a second input signal. A controller can be operatively coupled to the operator input device and the sensor to receive the first and second input signals and direct a command signal to adjust the position of the aerial refueling device in response to both the first and second input signals, unless either or both of the input signals are absent or below a threshold value. Accordingly, the system can respond to both automatically generated sensor data and data input by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Speer
  • Patent number: 7469864
    Abstract: A method for assembling and landing a habitable module on an extraterrestrial mass is claimed. At least one inflatable module and a second module are placed into orbit about an extraterrestrial mass. Connecting nodes, propulsion busses, and landing pads are also placed into orbit. A habitable structure is constructed from the modules, busses, pads, and nodes. The structure can be robotically constructed. The habitable structure is then landed onto the surface of the extraterrestrial mass. The landing can be remotely controlled and the modules can be non-occupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Bigelow Aerospace
    Inventor: Robert Bigelow
  • Patent number: 7469865
    Abstract: The sprinkler anchor is designed to anchor and support a convention sprinkler head having a ground spike and includes an upper support plate and a hollow, tapered stake. The upper support plate and the stake form a continuous aperture for receiving the ground spike of the sprinkler head, with the stake being configured for engaging the ground. The sprinkler anchor may further include at least two linear channels, one or more hollow flanges, a plurality of anchoring studs, and a cap. The linear channels, hollow flanges, and anchoring studs are provided to further help the sprinkler anchor in receiving the sprinkler head and securing it into the ground. The cap is designed to cover the sprinkler anchor when not in use in order to prevent debris from entering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Pete Mayorga
  • Patent number: 7469866
    Abstract: Apparatus to permit handicapped persons with arm and/or hand injury to manipulate a variety of objects. A extension supports a clamp on one end opposite a hand rest on the other. Straps are used to secure the forearm and hand in place on the apparatus. A bar, which extends outwardly from the rest, can have a variety of items attached to permit manipulating them with the apparatus. A supplemental structure can be attached to the apparatus on the side opposite to the clamp and rest with an open channel along the extension to better engage elongated items. Straps can also be used to secure the elongated items within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Tyler M. Thompson, Joseph R. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7469867
    Abstract: An example of the present invention is a wall-mountable support bracket. The support bracket is configured to support a component unit of a base station for wireless telecommunications in use. The support bracket is also configured to removably engage with and support a hanger for a winch or pulley, so as to enable the component unit to be hoisted into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc
    Inventor: Mark Vivian Batten
  • Patent number: 7469868
    Abstract: A push button or turning type vacuum suction cup, especially for a windshield of mechanical vehicles comprising an elastic suction cup (1), integrally connected with a guiding spindle (2), a dome (3) connected with a guiding bushing (4), a return spring (5), and a guiding pin (6) in a transverse hole (7) of the guiding spindle (2). The push button suction cup has a push button (8) with guiding grooves (9) on its both side walls (8?) and sliding within a housing (10) of the suction cup. The turning suction cup has the guiding bushing (4) provided with cam surfaces (11) and a knob (12) fastened to the dome (3). The guiding pin (6) being forced into the transverse hole (7) of the guiding spindle (2) of the suction cup (1) is guided directly along guiding grooves (9) or cam surfaces (11) inside the housing (10, 12) of the suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Bury Sp. z o.o.
    Inventor: Henryk Bury
  • Patent number: 7469869
    Abstract: A two-piece magnetic holder for holding a non-magnetic sheet onto a magnetically attractive surface includes an upper half and a lower half joined at a releasable hinge. The lower half is adapted for magnetic retention onto a magnetically attractive surface while the upper half selectively pivots relative to the lower half to allow gripping and releasing of an object from between portions of the upper and lower halves. A first magnet member is disposed in the lower half of the holder for magnetically coupling the two-piece holder to the magnetically attractive surface while a second magnet member is disposed in the upper half of the holder for magnetically coupling the first end of the upper half to the lower half. The upper half has a curvilinear body that defines a first end and a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Killion
  • Patent number: 7469870
    Abstract: A holding device for liquid containers has at least one molding for receiving the liquid container, and a removable part that is releaseably connected to the holding device. The removable part comprises at least one tool (for example a bottle opener) or a slot which is suitable for receiving a card. The liquid container is held by moldings and sections. Fastening means are used to fix the holding device in the central console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Marko Brandin, Thorsten Schmolla, Reinhard Schweins
  • Patent number: 7469871
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible clipboard which may be mounted to a vehicle steering wheel by an elastic strap or removed and carried by a provided shoulder strap. The clipboard includes two writing portions that are hingedly connected so that the clipboard can be folded in half or expanded to provide a larger writing surface. A latch is provided to keep the clipboard securely folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: David T. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7469872
    Abstract: A device for positioning and assembling successive frames in a machine of a production line. The device is intended in particular for relative positioning of two adjacent frames, namely an upstream frame and a downstream frame. At least one link connects the upstream frame to the downstream frame and supports the upstream part of the downstream frame. The link comprises a cylinder that extends across the successive frames and is received in a bearing at each of the adjacent frames. A tightenable tension rod locks the selected relative positions of the successive frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Bobst S.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Compagnone, Alvise Cavallari
  • Patent number: 7469873
    Abstract: A re-usable modular formwork comprising at least one panel having edge ribs and transversal ribs, each of the ribs comprising two parallel walls perpendicular to the formwork panel and preferably perpendicular to the walls of the rib and to the panel. Said ribs are disposed along the perimeter of the panel and transversally to the panel. Other ribs of smaller height may be positioned diagonally within the square or rectangular areas delimited by the edge ribs and the transversal ribs. Where two or more main transversal ribs and/or edge ribs intersect, these ribs have rounded joints. Centrally in said rounded joints, there is an opening for introducing a containing rod. Other openings may be present on the edge ribs for inserting and locking closing keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Geoplast S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mirco Pegoraro
  • Patent number: 7469874
    Abstract: A tube valve 1 of the present invention includes a tube 6 defining a flow path therein through which a fluid flows, the tube 6 being arranged so that a part of the tube 6 forms at least one curved portion; and an opening/closing mechanism which closes the flow path by folding the tube 6 at the at least one curved portion and opens the flow path by releasing the fold of the tube 6. The curved portion has a bendable part (bending portion) 64 where the tube 6 can be bent, and the tube 6 is folded by bending the bendable part 64. Further, a tube valve apparatus may include the tube valve 1 of the present invention. Furthermore, a head cleaning apparatus for cleaning a head of a printer of the present invention may has one or more tube valve 1 or tube valve apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Akahori
  • Patent number: 7469875
    Abstract: A pinch valve for regulating fluid flow having a close mechanism using push-pull members and an open mechanism using open follower members in order to pinch a sleeve closed and to assist in opening it. In a particular embodiment, a four-bar linkage is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Bernstein
  • Patent number: 7469876
    Abstract: A method and system for securing the exposed valve actuation portion of the valve system in order to restrict the unauthorized use therefrom; including a first device keying the exposed valve actuation portion, a second device, containing the exposed portion of the keyed valve actuation, a third keyed device for locking the valve actuation portion within the second device, a fourth keyed device for actuating the pressure adjustment portion, a fifth device for maintaining ease of rotation, a sixth device for securing the third device to the existing valve system, and a seventh device for engaging and operating the first and/or third devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Michael Fox
  • Patent number: 7469877
    Abstract: A throttle device comprises a device housing with an inlet and an outlet and a throttle element arranged in a connecting duct connecting the inlet and the outlet, said throttle element comprising at least two throttle components to be adjusted relative to one another and by the relative position of which an opening surface of the throttle element is determined, at least the first throttle component being actively connected with a drive means for an adjustment relative to the second throttle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Biester
  • Patent number: 7469878
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive valve assembly includes a housing that defines a passage with a seat being formed therein. A magnetically-biased and axially-compressed magnetostrictive assembly slidingly fitted in the passage is configured as a hollow and open-ended conduit adapted to support a flow of a fluid therethrough. Current-carrying coil(s) disposed about the passage in the region of the magnetostrictive assembly generate a magnetic field in the passage when current flows through the coil(s). A hollow valve body with side ports is coupled on one end thereof to an axial end of the magnetostrictive assembly. The other end of the valve body is designed to seal with the seat formed in the housing's passage when brought into contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: James A. Richard
  • Patent number: 7469879
    Abstract: A motor is properly aligned with a throttle valve and vibration resistance of the motor is improved. In a throttle device having a motor for driving a throttle valve, the motor is inserted into a motor casing provided in a throttle body. A portion on the output-shaft side of the motor is held in its radial direction in the vicinity of the motor-insertion opening of the motor casing. A portion opposite to the output-shaft side of the motor is provided with elastic pieces or elastic projections. The motor and the elastic pieces or elastic projections are formed in a single piece, or the elastic pieces or elastic projections are attached to the motor. The elastic pieces or elastic projections are deformed inwardly of the radial direction of the motor so that the portion opposite to the output-shaft side of the motor is supported in its radial direction in the motor casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Sadayuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 7469880
    Abstract: A stub-out assembly includes a stub-out conduit that defines a major diameter and a minor diameter. The minor diameter defines an attachment groove for receipt of a mount housing and a valve housing. The mount housing includes a multitude of circumferential fingers which each include a barbed end that engage a corresponding internal groove within the valve housing of the valve assembly. The mount housing fits over the minor diameter and a retainer in the mount housing is aligned with the attachment groove. The retainer includes a partially annular set of conduit attachment legs and a set of housing attachment legs. The conduit attachment legs engage the attachment groove to axially retain the conduit therein. The housing attachment legs each include a barbed end which engage a corresponding surface located within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald D. Green, William Franklin Turnau, III, Joseph P. Schutte, David S. Malone, Michael J. Andre
  • Patent number: 7469881
    Abstract: A hoist is powered by a separate power unit. The hoist unit includes: a motor, a mounting connector, a spool, webbing, auto cut-off and a first portion of a mating electrical connector. The control unit includes a hollow pole, a hook, a second portion of the mating electrical connector, a control switch, electrical circuitry and a battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Unovo, Inc.
    Inventors: Ehsan Alipour, Mike Strasser, Benjamin Toru Mino, Thomas King, Clinton Slone
  • Patent number: 7469882
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hook-type bottom block for a crane, preferably a mobile crane, comprising a lower part to which the hook is fastened in a rotatable and tiltable manner and an upper part in which rollers are supported via which at least one hoist rope can be sheared in. In accordance with the present disclosure, the rollers are combined in a plurality of roller sets connectable to one another in a modular manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Frommelt
  • Patent number: 7469883
    Abstract: The present invention is a novel cleaning method and a solution for use in a single wafer cleaning process. According to the present invention the cleaning solution comprises ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), water (H2O) and a chelating agent. In an embodiment of the present invention the cleaning solution also contains a surfactant. And still yet another embodiment of the present invention the cleaning solution also comprises a dissolved gas such as H2. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, this solution is used by spraying or dispensing it on a spinning wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Verhaverbeke, Kelly Truman
  • Patent number: 7469884
    Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: LevTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre N. Terentiev, Sergey Terentyev
  • Patent number: 7469885
    Abstract: A force compliant mechanism (750) for a force control system (600) includes a housing (752). A force compliant volute spring member (754) that has an input end (790) and an output end (792) is disposed within the housing (752). A force actuator input shaft (798) operates in response to a force induced thereon. An output shaft (800) is coupled to the output end (792) and to a test object (802). A force transducer (780) is in operative coupling with the force actuator input shaft (798) and generates a force signal in response to the induced force. A method of reducing force transients and increasing stability within a force control system (660) includes applying a force on a test object (666). A force actuator (669) is decoupled from the test object (666). The overall stiffness of the force control system is reduced and dynamic energy is absorbed via a force compliant member (662) coupled to the test object (666) and the force actuator (669).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Norman J. Englund, John S. Finigan
  • Patent number: 7469886
    Abstract: A structure of a vacuum adsorbing working platform includes a lower body and an upper body. The lower body has a plurality of channels, and the top of the lower body has a plurality of cross grooves which extend transversely and longitudinally. The channels communicate with the grooves, and they connect to an induction pump. The upper body attached on the lower body has a plurality of ventilation holes passing through the upper body and relative to the grooves, thereby the structure of the working platform is formed which provides better suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Yung-Tsai Shen, Yen-Ping Shen
  • Patent number: 7469887
    Abstract: A system for producing removable portions for mass-distributable packets by single-pass manufacturing, in which a printed web is slit into two ribbons, one of which is then folded upon itself to create a multi-ply ribbon that appears to be of heavier stock than the original paper. Alternatively, the multi-ply ribbon can be created by gluing together multiple ribbons, or by a combination of folding ribbons and gluing together ribbons. The multi-ply ribbon is die cut into an inside portion and an outside portion and married to the other ribbon, after which the outside portion is removed, leaving the inner portion as removable portions. Alternatively, the folded ribbon can be kiss cut after it has been married to the other ribbon. The removable portions can be UV-coated to simulate plastic and printed with information personalized for the advertiser or for the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Lehigh Press, Inc.
    Inventors: John Romita, William Castillo
  • Patent number: 7469888
    Abstract: A transporting device and method for depositing sheet material on a tray, the transporting device including at least two rollers which can be displaced with respect to each other, with a belt extending between the rollers above the tray, the belt being connected at its ends to the two rollers, whereby the belt can be rolled up onto and unrolled from at least one of said rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Oce-Technologies B.V.
    Inventor: Ernest J. J. Clevers
  • Patent number: 7469889
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a sheet feed apparatus configured to sequentially separate sheets stacked on a sheet stacking member. The sheet feed apparatus includes a sheet feed roller configured to come in pressing contact with the uppermost sheet in order to feed the sheet. The sheet feed apparatus also includes a tilt member arranged to oppose the sheet feed roller. The sheet feed apparatus includes a contact face arranged to press against the sheet feed roller. The sheet feed apparatus also includes a tilt face arranged to contact an edge of the uppermost sheet. The tilt face and the contact face are formed from one of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene (PE), metal, poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK), and polyimide (PI) to provide superior wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiko Kamijoh
  • Patent number: 7469890
    Abstract: A paper money supply unit has a backup plate which presses paper money input to a first input unit to a pickup roller, and a support plate which supports a paper money additionally input to a second input unit. When the paper money additionally input to the second input unit is moved to the first input unit and joined with the paper money, the support plate supports the paper money by a pressing force in the direction reverse to a pressing force by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takeshi Aoki
  • Patent number: 7469891
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus, which comprises a sheet feed cassette adapted to be insertingly mounted in a sheet feed section of an apparatus body in such a manner that it can be pulled out frontward, a cover member attached to an upper edge of an opening which is formed in a rear portion of the apparatus body to allow a rear portion of the sheet feed cassette mounted in the sheet feed section to protrude rearward therefrom, and adapted such that, when the rear portion of the sheet feed cassette is located to protrude from the opening, it covers an upper surface of the protruded rear portion of the sheet feed cassette, and a noise absorbing material attached onto a surface of the cover member adapted to be located in opposed relation to the sheet feed cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7469892
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which a sheet containing device containing a sheet is detachably attached to a containing portion provided in an apparatus main body includes an engagement portion provided on the sheet containing device, a drawing device provided in the containing portion to be rotatable using one end thereof as a pivot, and a guide device which, when the drawing device rotates to draw the sheet containing device, guides a movement of the engagement portion in a drawing direction. The guide device is composed of a linear portion parallel to a direction in which the sheet containing device is inserted, and a curved portion provided on a downstream side of the linear portion with respect to a direction in which the sheet containing device is attached, the curved portion being curved not to extend away from the pivot of the drawing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Iwase, Yasuhiro Uchida, Minoru Kawanishi, Akira Matsushima
  • Patent number: 7469893
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet loading device, which comprises a sheet tray adapted to place thereon a sheet stack consisting of a plurality of stacked sheets, a pair of side fences disposed on the side on a top surface of the sheet tray to sandwich the sheet stack therebetween in a direction orthogonal to a sheet loading direction, a pair of racks attached to respective ones of the pair of side fences and disposed on the side of a bottom surface of the sheet tray to extend in mutually opposed directions of the pair of side fences, and a pinion adapted to be rotated about a pinion shaft penetrating the sheet tray and engaged with the racks. The pinion has a first surface opposite to the bottom surface of the sheet tray, and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface and provided coaxially with a flange having a diameter greater than that of an engaged portion of the pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Yamada
  • Patent number: 7469894
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus which conveys a sheet to a nip portion between an intermediate transfer belt and a secondary transfer out-roller to record an image includes a sheet conveying device which conveys the sheet to the nip portion, a CCD line sensor which detects a sheet size in a sheet width direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the sheet, and a transfer-side regulating device which is arranged near the nip portion and regulates the width direction of the conveyed sheet. The transfer-side regulating device can move the nip portion to a position where the width direction of the conveyed sheet is regulated based on a detection result obtained by the CCD line sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Seto
  • Patent number: 7469895
    Abstract: There is described a document feeding apparatus and an image reading apparatus, which are employed for a copier, a facsimile, a scanner, etc. The document feeding apparatus or the image reading apparatus includes: a document feeding tray on which documents are stacked; a paper forwarding device to forward the documents; a document detector to detect the documents; and a controller to control the paper forwarding device. When forwarding a document having a length equal to or greater than a predetermined length in a conveying direction, the controller activates the paper forwarding device so as to forward a next document based on a detected result acquired by the document detector. While, when forwarding a document having a length smaller than the predetermined length, the controller activates the paper forwarding device so as to forward a next document without being based on a detected result acquired by the document detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Masashi Aoki, Tsuyoshi Mizubata, Satoru Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7469896
    Abstract: An image forming system includes: a first sheet stacking device including a rack, provided downstream of an image forming apparatus in a conveyance direction of a recording sheet and connected with the image forming apparatus, for stacking the recording sheet delivered from the image forming apparatus; a second sheet stacking device, which is provided downstream of the first sheet stacking device and connected with the first sheet stacking device; and a controller for controlling the image forming apparatus and the first and second sheet stacking devices. At least one of the first and second sheet stacking devices has a job stop button for stopping a printing job, and when the job stop button is turned on while the printing job execution is in progress, the controller controls the sheet stacking device to stop a stack of a recording sheet to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Sato, Hisao Hosoya, Toshio Shida
  • Patent number: 7469897
    Abstract: A shifter is equipped with a rack and a stopper. A transmission gear transmits power from an electric motor to the rack. A retention pin extends vertically downward from the transmission gear. When the shifter slides to an origin, the retention pin locks the stopper, which causes the electric motor to step out. On detecting the step-out of the electric motor, the position control device recognizes that the shifter has reached the origin (the reference position) and has been fixed at the position, thus setting the shifter position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Hiramoto, Kayo Kamei, Masatsugu Hatanaka, Shigeru Yoshida, Motokazu Nakao
  • Patent number: 7469898
    Abstract: The invention provides a geometric puzzle having a plurality of flat square and rectangular elements with slots that allow the elements to be sequentially interlocked to form two separate geometric shapes, the smaller shape (4-D Qube) being capable of fitting into the larger (Archimedes Qube) to form one geometric structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Forakis
  • Patent number: 7469899
    Abstract: A game assembly that enables at least one person to play a board game against a computerized opponent. A game board is provided having a plurality of playing spaces. The game board is configured for a predetermined game having known rules of play. An animated figure is positioned proximate the game board. The animated figure has an arm that can be selectively moved. An automation mechanism is used to selectively move the arm of the figure over the game board during play without touching the game board. The animated figure therefore provides a false appearance that the figure is actually playing the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony R. Rogers, Paul Boxmeyer, Robert Butkiewicz, James Carty
  • Patent number: 7469900
    Abstract: A new variation of poker comprising a 20-card deck for use with poker games and a table and method therefor. The 20-card deck comprises the five highest ranked cards of 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace in each of the four suits of Diamonds, Clubs, Hearts and Spades. The 20-card deck is preferably used in conjunction with Texas Hold'em, but can be used with other poker games as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: New Poker Championships, LLC
    Inventor: Antonio Pantelis Patelidas
  • Patent number: 7469901
    Abstract: A battle play card game is disclosed. The battle play card game utilizes a card deck having multiple character playing cards each having an offense points section for displaying a numerical value for offense points and a protect points section for displaying a numerical value for protect points. In use, players sequentially play the cards offensively or protectively to add points to their own point total and/or deduct points from their opponent's point total.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Michael J. Hilliard
  • Patent number: 7469902
    Abstract: A motorized moving target device having a chassis with an attachable animal model is able to travel in a circuitous path, enabling hunters to practice bow hunting at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: David J. Hale
  • Patent number: 7469903
    Abstract: An improved target clamp more securely holds a target in place when impacted by bullets or moved quickly by a target actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Action Target Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall, Nicolas Stincelli, Thomas R. Wright, Kyle E. Bateman
  • Patent number: 7469904
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a front cover of target frames of dartboards with a tidy appearance and a long service life, which comprises a cylindrical housing frame provided with a flange at the bottom edge used for connection. A metal gauze or spider is integrated with the cylindrical housing frame at the circumference. The toroidal and radial bars of the metal gauze are all provided with inverted V-shaped grooves, which are in the back of the metal gauze and filled with an injection molding filler to form a flat back surface. The present invention adopts the stamped triangular metal gauze, the cylindrical housing frame made of ABS materials, an assembly nail and the flange, and produces the front cover of targets through injection molding. The present invention not only produces a tidy appearance especially applicable to metal darts, but also increases fun of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hefei Holding Sports Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Huakun Chen
  • Patent number: 7469905
    Abstract: A permanently lubricated film gasket for providing a fluid-tight seal between a corrugated pipe and a smooth annular section of an outer pipe or section when the corrugated pipe and the outer pipe or section are in a relative surrounded and surrounding relationship. A first portion of the gasket is shaped to fit within a groove or recess of the corrugated pipe. A second portion of the gasket extends from the first portion. The second portion is at least partially comprised of permanently lubricated film for facilitating in the connection of the pipes along a single direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Springseal Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Knapp
  • Patent number: 7469906
    Abstract: A lip seal has an internal spring element disposed in an elastomeric ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: C. Alan Peet, Igor Markov, Ibrahim Khalil
  • Patent number: 7469907
    Abstract: A mechanically actuated workpiece holding apparatus comprising a collet at least partially composed of a plastic material. The collet may include cantilevered leaves and may be a plastic coating over a metal substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hydra-Lock Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Laube, William M. Andre