Patents Issued in December 30, 2008
  • Patent number: 7470058
    Abstract: Substance analysis based upon observed reponse to excitation described herein. When a substance is subjected to an excitation and a response is observed, a relational evaluation is made based on the concept that the parameters of a mathematical model may be determined, which emulate the relationship between the excitation and the response, and that characteristic substance properties are subsequently determined/calculated from the time series of estimated values of the mathematical model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Thomas Hütter, Christoph Heitz, Jürgen Schawe
  • Patent number: 7470059
    Abstract: A fault diagnostic apparatus is provided that enables improving estimate accuracy of the temperature of an object to be examined and to improve fault diagnosis accuracy of a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the object to be examined. The fault diagnostic apparatus is for diagnosing a fault of a water temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of cooling water and includes a fault diagnostic device for diagnosing a fault of the water temperature sensor based on a change in temperature detected by the water temperature sensor in a situation where a parameter to be a chief source of heating the cooling water (such as an engine temperature) decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Hideo Yoshida, Takayuki Satou
  • Patent number: 7470060
    Abstract: A detection apparatus for measuring fluid in a vessel, comprising: at least one processor for receiving, processing and storing data from sensors in the vessel, at least one vertical support disposed within the vessel and at least one pair of sensors connected to the at least one vertical support. The sensors continuously provide measurement data to the processor, wherein the processor synchronously polls measurement data from the sensors, continuously calculates values, and compares the calculated values to at least one predetermined range of values for the fluid in the vessel to identify whether the calculated values are within the predetermined values. The processor communicates the compared value to a data collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Innovative Measurement Methods, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Hoben, Allen Ray Westmoreland, Alexander Bukhman, Israel Bukhman
  • Patent number: 7470061
    Abstract: A method of making slider end stops on zippers comprising two interlockable profiled closure members. The method comprises the steps of: opening a section of a zipper tape to form a gap between the profiled closure members; inserting a first portion of a body into the gap with a second portion of the body projecting above the tops of the profiled closure members; and joining the first portion of the body to adjoining sections of the profiled closure members. Then the body is narrowed down the middle to form a neck where the zipper tape will later be cut, each half of the body forming a respective slider end stop, but on different zipper segments. Alternatively, two bodies can be inserted into the gap and then joined to adjoining sections of the closure members. The zipper tape is cut between the two bodies, which will ultimately form respective slider end stops on different zipper segments. In an alternative embodiment, the zipper tape and the bag making film can be integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Paul Plourde, James H. Pool
  • Patent number: 7470062
    Abstract: A packaging member (1, 80, 100) is provided with easy-opening means (7, 85, 107, 108) for allowing the packaging member to be opened easily, wherein the easy-opening means is either positionally or structurally improved. As one example, the packaging member is a packaging bag (1, 80), in which the easy-opening means serves as a tearing start point when opened with the use of the easy-opening means. The easy-opening portion is formed at a position slightly shifted inward from a perimeter edge of the packaging bag. As another example, the packaging member is a packaging container (100), in which the easy-opening means is structurally improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiji Moteki, Tooru Ichikawa, Masahiro Ito, Kou Go
  • Patent number: 7470063
    Abstract: A reclosable bag (22) has a top seal (26) and a reclosable zipper (14). A tear string (16) passes through the top seal (26) and has a free end which can be grasped to open the top seal. The bag is made using cross-web technology with the tear strings (16) being attached to the lengths of zipper and the free ends of the strings being concertinaed in the top seal zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Murray Edward Bruce Leighton
  • Patent number: 7470064
    Abstract: An axial thrust bearing for axially supporting a rotating shaft of an exhaust gas turbocharger connected to a lubricating oil circuit includes a profiled annular bearing surface which contacts an essentially flat sliding surface, the bearing surface having a plurality of radially extending grooves which are open on the outside circumference, a plurality of coplanar flat trap surfaces located between respective pairs of adjacent grooves, and a plurality of wedge surfaces located between adjacent pairs of respective grooves. Each wedge surface forms a lubricating oil gap which narrows circumferentially toward an adjacent flat trap surface and which narrows radially toward the outside circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: MAN B&W Diesel AG
    Inventors: Hermann Link, Ferdinand Werdecker
  • Patent number: 7470065
    Abstract: A method for producing a wrapped bushing, includes cutting a metal blank to size: introducing holes into the blank, each hole being provided with at least one inwardly projecting protrusion: inserting plugs of plastics material exhibiting sliding characteristics into the holes; and shaping the blank to form the bushing. The resultant bushing has a substrate of at least one metal in which the holes are provided and filled with the plastics material. Each hole comprises at least one inwardly projecting protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Deva GmbH
    Inventors: August Stadlmayr, Achim Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7470066
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission pump bearing assembly having an integral seal. The apparatus preferably includes an outer race retained by a pump body such that the outer race is fixed relative thereto. An inner race is disposed radially within the outer race, and is engaged by a damper hub such that the inner race rotates along with the damper hub. The inner race includes a radially recessed portion adapted to accommodate a seal and maintain tight clearance to control leakage. A plurality of bearing members are disposed radially between the inner race and the outer race. The seal disposed within the radially recessed portion of the inner race is configured to engage the pump body and thereby seal an interface between the inner race and the pump body such that leaked hydraulic fluid is restricted from passing therebetween. A bearing cage is configured to axially retain and/or to maintain circumferential spacing of the plurality of bearing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Robert E. Rhein
  • Patent number: 7470067
    Abstract: A support member (14) for rotatably coupling a first element to a second element. The support member includes a sleeve (50) for rotatably supporting the first element, and a flange (56) having a concave central portion. The flange (56) is coupled to the sleeve (50). The flange (56) has bearing surfaces (68a, 68b) formed thereon along which the flange (56) is mounted to the second element. In one embodiment, the first element is a spindle (12) of a vehicle wheel assembly (11) and is rotatably supported in the sleeve (50) by rollable bearing elements positioned therein. Multiple tapered lobes (64) extend outwardly from the sleeve (50), and the support member (14) is mounted to a vehicle via bearing surfaces (68a, 68b) along the lobes (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Kyklos Bearing International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Meeker, David B. Mischler
  • Patent number: 7470068
    Abstract: A coupling (1) for receiving at least two plug-in connectors (2) which are joined to glass fiber cables, comprising at least one moveable cover (14) which is associated with a sheath opening (121), said cover covering the opening (121) of the sheath in a first position, and being able to be moved into a second position by introducing a plug-in connector (2), whereupon the cover (14) releases the opening (121) in the sheath, said cover (14) comprising a bent metallic leaf spring (141) and said leaf spring (141) being unstressed in the first position and the curvature of the leaf spring (141) being selected in such a way that a ferrule (23) of the plug-in connector (2) never comes into contact with the leaf spring (141) during the insertion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Kahle, Anne Kramer, Jörg Adomeit
  • Patent number: 7470069
    Abstract: A structure for electronics package for module packaging and a method of manufacturing a single chip module (SCM) or multi-chip module (MCM) for an opto-electronic package having an improved structure for heat dissipation and testing is disclosed. The optical transceivers are ideally located on a surface opposite to the electrical portion of the package. Variations on the module package include pluggable or socketed optical transceivers and card pacers that allow for the installation of multiple optical transceivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bert Jan Offrein, Folkert Horst, Laurent Dellmann, Casimer M DeCusatis
  • Patent number: 7470070
    Abstract: A first wall is installed on a bottom portion of a housing along an outer peripheral thereof orthogonally to the bottom portion. A second wall is installed opposite to the first wall at a predetermined interval. Between the first wall and the second wall, a first rib parallel with the bottom portion for connecting the first wall and second wall is installed. Further, under the first rib, second ribs orthogonal to the bottom portion for connecting the first wall, second wall, and first rib are installed at fixed intervals. Furthermore, above the first rib, third ribs orthogonal to the bottom portion having the same height as that of the first wall and second wall for connecting the first wall and second wall are arranged so as to be shifted in position from the second ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Kojima
  • Patent number: 7470071
    Abstract: A pan head apparatus includes a head unit for mounting a camera, a base unit having a stationary portion, a rotating mechanism, and a rotary portion which is rotated with respect to the stationary portion by the rotating mechanism, and a connecting member which pivotally connects the head unit and the rotary portion of the base unit. In addition, a detector detects whether or not the head unit is set in an upright state with respect to the base unit by pivot motion of the connecting member. When the detector detects that the head unit is upright, rotation of the rotary portion by the rotating mechanism is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoichi Ibaraki, Masaru Kuwabara, Zhen Liang
  • Patent number: 7470072
    Abstract: A platen gap adjustment assembly for a printing apparatus including a printer using the platen gap adjustment assembly to adjust the platen gap between a platen and a print head when printing on a print medium transported between the platen and the print head. The platen gap adjustment assembly includes a guide shaft, which slidably supports a carriage carrying the print head and a pair of mounting members each supporting the guide shaft. The mounting members have positioning engagement parts for holding or maintaining the position of an eccentric shaft in a given position which controls the position of the positioning engagement parts relative to the mounting members. An urging member urges one of the mounting members with the guide shaft fit therein in the direction for causing the positioning engagement parts into one of a given set of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Furihata
  • Patent number: 7470073
    Abstract: A computer-readable storage medium is provided to have a print control program embedded thereon. The program is executable by a print control apparatus that includes an information memory that memorizes an outer diameter for each of a plural different cylindrical members. The program, when being executed by the print control apparatus and when an outer diameter is selected from a plurality of outer diameters of cylindrical members by a user and a cylindrical member associated with the user-selected outer diameter corresponds to one of the plural cylindrical members memorized in the information memory, causes the print control apparatus to determine at least part of a label configuration based on the dimension of the selected cylindrical member and arrange a print image within at least one of a range corresponding to the at least part of the determined label configuration and a second range adjacent to the first range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshijiro Yamamoto, Hideo Ueno, Mizue Terai, Naruhito Muto
  • Patent number: 7470074
    Abstract: A web printer is provided for printing web patterns on print media. The web printer includes a cabinet. A plurality of ink reservoirs is mounted, in a releasable manner, within the cabinet and store respective types of ink to be printed. A print media cartridge is mounted, in a releasable manner, within the cabinet and carries a wound length of print media. A platen extends away from the print media cartridge to support print media provided from the print media cartridge along a print media travel path. A stationary printhead is mounted within the cabinet to extend transverse to the print media. The printhead is configured to print a web pattern with the ink and upon print media provided from the platen. In use, the print media travel path from the print media cartridge to the printhead forms a substantially straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King, Janette Faye Lee
  • Patent number: 7470075
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multipurpose case used as a case of cosmetic tools or stationery materials which allows withdrawal of cosmetic tools or stationery materials as required by a user. The multipurpose case has a simple structure and a core accommodated in the multipurpose case may be withdrawn at once. The multipurpose case includes a core fixing section, to which first and second tubes are coupled from upper and lower portions thereof. A third tube is arranged between the first and second tubes and the core fixing section is coupled to a lower end of the third tube. When the third tube is moved up, the core fixing section is simultaneously moved up, so that the core provided at an upper end of the core fixing section is easily withdrawn to an exterior. The multipurpose case having the simple structure reduces the manufacturing cost and improves the convenience of use by allowing for easy withdrawal of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Joung chul Kim
  • Patent number: 7470076
    Abstract: A pen retention device for releasably securing a pen to a tether is disclosed. The device includes a pen having an end, a collar defining an internal cavity surrounding the end and an orifice having a diameter, an elastic retainer disposed within the internal cavity, and an anvil securedly attached to the tether. An outer surface of the elastic retainer defines an internal dimension and an external dimension of the elastic retainer, the external dimension greater than the diameter of the orifice such that the internal cavity retains the elastic retainer. The anvil includes an angled retention surface having an external diameter greater than the internal dimension of the elastic retainer and less than the diameter of the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley D. Dickover, Dean F. Herring
  • Patent number: 7470077
    Abstract: An applicator device for a cosmetic product includes a backing sheet in which at least one applicator is cut out or pre-cut. The backing sheet includes a first face which, over at least part of the applicator, holds the cosmetic product, and a second face having an adhesive associated therewith over at least part of the applicator. In addition, a film extends over at least the adhesive-coated part of the second face, with the film capable of being at least partially detached from the backing sheet to give access to the applicator and enabling the applicator to be lifted off by its adhesive face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Laure Thiebaut, Roger Chapelle
  • Patent number: 7470078
    Abstract: A cleaning implement that provides multiple functions useful in cleaning windows and similar surfaces is disclosed. There is a support head mounting a squeegee blade and (optionally) a scrubber and/or touch-up pad. There is also a collector absorbent pad that is mounted to the support head adjacent the squeegee blade, a sprayer linked to the support head, and a container connectable to the sprayer. The implement can spray cleaning fluid on a window to be cleaned. The scrubber can then be applied, followed by the squeegee. Liquid being removed from the window using the squeegee is then collected in the absorbent pad, which is replaceable when saturated. Any remaining streaks on the surface being cleaned can then be removed by the touch-up pad. Replacement pads and replacement containers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Banco, Peter M. Neumann, Kenneth W. Michaels, Kevin Harrity
  • Patent number: 7470079
    Abstract: A writing instrument having a body, a main reservoir containing ink and housed in said body, a writing head projecting from the front part of said body, and a capillary connector for transferring ink from the main reservoir to the writing head. The instrument has an auxiliary reservoir containing an ink carrier liquid, and an actuator for releasing said liquid from the auxiliary reservoir so that said liquid flows into the main reservoir and expels the ink towards the connector. The carrier liquid contains the ink solvent, in particular water in the case of a water-based ink, and preferably contains all or any of the components of the ink in the main reservoir, whereby the original writing properties of the residual ink carried by the carrier liquid are preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Conte
    Inventors: Vincent Rene Michel Bedhome, Didier Lange
  • Patent number: 7470080
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism for securing a hollow shaft on a solid shaft, the hollow shaft having, at least one of its ends, an inner cone for receiving an adapter bushing that has a corresponding outer cone and rests on the solid shaft; and the adapter bushing having an axial longitudinal slot; and a contraction disk, including at least one pressure ring, exerting a contraction force on the hollow shaft with the aid of the at least one pressure ring; and the pressure ring having an axial longitudinal slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Sew-Eurodrive GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Heinrich Zimmermann, Uwe Häcker, Joachim Sander, René Richert
  • Patent number: 7470081
    Abstract: A first annular frame is formed on the bottom surface of an engine cover. A mount rubber of columnar shape is inserted into the first annular frame. Projections of the mount rubber are fitted into holes of the first annular frame. A through hole is formed in the mount rubber. An engagement projection is formed on the inner surface of the through hole. An adapter has a small-diameter part formed in the vicinity of the top end and a predetermined distance away from the top end toward the root thereof. The adapter has a flange formed below the smaller-diameter part. The top end part of the adapter is inserted into the through hole of the mount rubber to fit the engagement projection into the small-diameter part and bring the flange into abutment on the bottom surface of the mount rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignees: Daikyonishikawa Corporation, Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Yutaka Miyahara, Tatsuzo Hashimoto, Ryou Aoki, Oomi Arisaka
  • Patent number: 7470082
    Abstract: A process and device for the recycling of asphalt including at least one preheater unit. The preheater having a heater, scarifying rakes, and a bin to dispense aggregate. Also include is a recycling machine having a heater, scarifying rakes, a plurality of extension mills, a main mill, as well as a pug mill having first and second downwardly rotating rotors, the pug mill mixes asphalt and liquid additives together to form a homogenous mix; and at least one screed for laying the homogeneously mixed asphalt to grade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Enviro-Pave, Inc
    Inventor: Peter Lloyd
  • Patent number: 7470083
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for creating a sloped surface comprising at least one leveling member (12) and at least one guide member (36) for guiding the at least one leveling member (12). The at least one leveling member (12) changes the slope of the surface depending on a distance between a point of low elevation (54) to a point of higher elevation as the at least one leveling member (12) travels across the at least one guide member (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Black
  • Patent number: 7470084
    Abstract: An ergonomically-shaped hand screed for levelling and finishing concrete is provided. The screed has a finger relief groove on its rear face and a thumb relief groove on its front face. Both the finger and thumb grooves are positioned nearer the top surface of the screed to form an ergonomically comfortable handgrip. A concrete relief groove is located on the front face near the bottom surface to form a scraper edge. A ridge separates the thumb relief groove and the concrete groove. When the screed is used, the scraper edge and concrete relief groove draw up the concrete overburden from a concrete surface and deflect it away from the operator's hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Precise Tech Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Norman Brotzel
  • Patent number: 7470085
    Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show one or more improved ditch liners removably assembled into an improved ditch liner system. The improved ditch liner system includes a first liner section and a second liner section. Both liner sections are formed with a plurality of tightly peaked arc-and-ridge corrugations. Also included is a novel and unique overlap connection assembly for removably connecting one liner section to another liner section. In addition, various ways for sealing the overlap connection assembly are included. The interconnected system of improved ditch liner sections may be secured in a ditch by one or more removably rods. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure, but this abstract is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: FastDitch, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Suazo
  • Patent number: 7470086
    Abstract: A submersible and remotely-operable platform system for carrying out repeated operations in a submarine position, and producing electrical energy as either a primary or secondary purpose by means of one or more energy-conversion payload devices installed thereon. The platform and payload devices may be periodically brought to the surface and thence, if necessary, to a shore-based facility for maintenance or refit. In deployment, the platform is preferably engaged to its mooring lines and electrical cables while still on the surface. Simultaneous with controlled flooding of certain of its volumes, the platform is guided to an operational depth and attitude by the action of its winch assemblies upon their engaged mooring lines. Subsea currents energize the platform's payload of energy conversion devices, the electrical output being preferably conveyed via one or more surface-attached cables to an off-board facility for further processing, distribution, or consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Clifford Allen Jennings, James Phillip Martin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7470087
    Abstract: A wave-dissipating block has a body and a turbine generator assembly. The body has an airway and an overhang. The airway is formed in the body, is substantially J-shape and has an opening communicating with a front of the body and substantially facing upward. The overhang hangs over the airway and has an air window formed in the overhang and communicating with the airway. The turbine generator assembly has a housing mounted on the overhang and has an air channel communicating with the air window, a turbine fan mounted in the air channel and a generator connected to the turbinate fan. Waves can directly pour into the airway with minimized loss of kinetic energy and forms a water column in the airway to effectively suck or push air to passing through the air channel to rotate the turbinate fan to drive the generator to efficiently generate electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Bai-Chieng Liou
  • Patent number: 7470088
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for laying an underwater pipeline are provided. The method includes the steps of constructing lengths of pipeline by endwise connection of a plurality of pipe segments and securing bend restriction means along the length of said lengths of pipeline. The bend restriction means is arranged to prevent the lengths of pipeline from bending by more than a predetermined maximum amount. Flotation means are secured to the lengths of pipeline such that the lengths of pipeline are held adjacent the surface of the ocean and the lengths of pipeline and the flotation means are released from each length of pipeline so that the length of pipeline sinks to the ocean floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Massoud Baghernejad
  • Patent number: 7470089
    Abstract: A plow blade having a fluid passageway and points of fluid ejection is produced with basic manufacturing processes allowing for efficient production. The blade construction has a multiple component assembly for providing the ability to rebuild a blade and replacing a portion of the blade that may be worn. In another aspect of the invention a process of ejecting a specific fluid at specific points along a plow blade the desirable characteristics are maximized, while the volume of ejected fluid is minimized. This method is adaptable in static plowing and vibratory plowing utilities since lubricating the sides of the blade/chute that come into contact with the ground with fluid has been found to greatly reduce the amount of drag (friction).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Keith A. Hoelting, James V. Reeves, Brian N. Kenkel
  • Patent number: 7470090
    Abstract: A lifting bracket and associated lifting bracket system for mounting on an anchor pier for lifting generally horizontal building supports such as foundations, wherein the lifting bracket includes, collectively, a lifting plate, a gusset plate and a slide collar. The slide collar may be elongate and sized to fit snugly over an exposed upper end of the anchor pier for sliding engagement thereon. The lifting plate is mounted to the slide collar so as to extend cantilevered in a first direction substantially orthogonally therefrom, and so as to leave at least an upper portion of the slide collar extending upwardly from the lifting plate. The gusset plate is rigidly mounted at a lower edge thereof to an upper surface of the lifting plate so as to extend substantially entirely across the lifting plate in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and is rigidly mounted at at least an upper portion thereof to the upper portion of the slide collar disposed above the lifting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Edward Heppner
  • Patent number: 7470091
    Abstract: A protective covering and method for enclosing a pier and a post mounted to the pier and their connection that includes a body having perimeter wall defining a top end and a bottom end, an upper aperture disposed around the top end, a lower aperture disposed around the bottom end, and a cavity and a seal disposed proximate the upper aperture for compressively engaging an outer surface of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Scholl
  • Patent number: 7470092
    Abstract: A method for forming a structure includes arranging a plurality of cylindrical segment elements on a surface. Each of the first plurality of cylindrical segment elements defines a cylindrical void therein. Aggregate material may be poured over the plurality of cylindrical segment elements such that the cylindrical voids are substantially filled with aggregate particles. The cylindrical segment elements limit lateral movement of the aggregate particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Samuel G. Bonasso
  • Patent number: 7470093
    Abstract: A seawall element and installation apparatus therefor, the seawall element including an elongated plastic tubular member having a uniform hollow elliptic or oval-shaped cross section and open at each end thereof. The tubular member has a cylindrically-shaped male portion and cavity interlocking arrangement for interlocking two side by side tubular members together by slidable overlapping substantially watertight engagement lengthwise of one tubular member to another. A seawall structure includes a plurality of these seawall tubular members positioned side by side in self-locking engagement to form a row and supported by being supportively embedded into the earth. An elongated cast concrete reinforcing cap extends along and interconnects an upper end portion of each of the seawall tubular members and extends monolithically into each of the tubular member upon deployment. An apparatus for water jetting each tubular member into bottom ground is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Peter W. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 7470094
    Abstract: A geocomposite for use in a landfill, including a geonet and a geotextile bonded to at least one side of the geonet. The geonet includes a first plurality of substantially parallel strands, and a second plurality of substantially parallel strands disposed on top of the first plurality of strands, the second plurality of strands being at an angle relative to the first plurality of strands. The first and second plurality of strands are substantially incompressible and secured to one another at crossover locations, and are substantially round in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: GSE Lining Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dino Heathcott, Dhani Narejo, Rick Schaefer, Boyd Ramsey
  • Patent number: 7470095
    Abstract: A milling head (16) for a milling machine (1) arranged for machining large-size workpieces comprises a fork 18, which is rotatably arranged around a first axis (C) and demonstrates a pair of fork arms (21, 22), which are separated from one another, a spindle device (23), which is arranged between the fork arms and rotatable around a second axis A, a first torque motor (42), which is coupled to the fork 18 for directly driving and controlling of the rotation of the fork around the first axis (C), and a second torque motor (57) for driving and controlling the rotation of the spindle around the second axis (A), said second torque motor being coupled to the spindle device (23) by means of a one-stage toothed gearing (61), which is mechanically clamped free of backlash. The configuration according to the invention is arranged to achieve high torque with high dynamic stiffness and small interference contour of the milling head (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: F. Zimmerman GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Brunemann
  • Patent number: 7470096
    Abstract: A drawing pin comprises a head portion and a spike, the head portion having an aperture therein in order to receive the spike of a subsequent drawing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: David Morrish
  • Patent number: 7470097
    Abstract: The present invention is a bale flipping device, comprising a first vertical bar, a second vertical bar, a third vertical bar, a fourth vertical bar, a first pivot arm, a second pivot arm, and a third pivot arm, wherein the first pivot arm connects the first vertical bar to the third vertical bar, wherein the second pivot arm connects the second vertical bar to the fourth vertical bar, and wherein the third pivot arm is parallel to the second pivot arm and also connects the second vertical bar to the fourth vertical bar. The pivot arms are pivotally connected to the vertical bars so that the entire device can be folded up when not in use. The device is designed to be installed on the side of a New Holland small bale stacker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Kuntz, Mark Kuntz
  • Patent number: 7470098
    Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting the housing state such as the thickness of a substrate in the present invention is provided at supporting arms. The supporting arms are attached to a supporting shaft. The supporting arms are in a vertical state in a state before detection of the substrate, but when detecting, the supporting shaft rotates to bring the supporting arms into a horizontal state so that the optical sensor enters a substrate housing body and is set at a predetermined detection position. Accordingly, a space for moving the optical sensor in the horizontal direction becomes unnecessary to reduce the space required for the detecting operation and the like, making it possible to reduce the size of a substrate processing apparatus in which the detecting apparatus is incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Naruaki Iida
  • Patent number: 7470099
    Abstract: The present invention for the first time proposes a system for loading and unloading loose cargo in a cargo hold, preferably of a plane. The system comprises a conveyor apparatus for transporting the loose cargo between a tarmac level or the like and a cargo hold opening, wherein the conveyor apparatus comprises a transport organ on whose transport side the loose cargo lies during loading and unloading. Moreover the system comprises an intermediate conveyor means which rests on the transport side of the conveyor apparatus in the range of a cargo hold-side end thereof and extends into the cargo hold for conveying loose cargo lying on a conveying side of the intermediate conveyor means between the conveyor apparatus and the cargo hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Telair International AB
    Inventor: Hans Bengtsson
  • Patent number: 7470100
    Abstract: A material handling apparatus is described including a vehicle having a front end, a rear end, a left side, a right side, a chassis, and a ground engagement device attached to the chassis for providing movement of the vehicle across ground; an engine constructed for propelling the vehicle; a loader assembly; a hydraulic system constructed for driving the loader assembly; and operator area including a cage for protecting an operator located within the operator area, and controls for controlling movement of the vehicle and for controlling operation of the loader assembly; and a forward tools area extending from the operator seating area to the front end of the vehicle. The material handling apparatus can include an entrance to the operator area through the rear end of the vehicle, a loader assembly that includes a tower that rotates relative to the chassis, and a dump box or work platform provided in the forward tools area. A method for operating a material handling apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Skid Mor Development LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Hackett, Garry W. Rudd
  • Patent number: 7470101
    Abstract: A telescoping support strut configured to support a conveyor assembly of a portable conveyor system includes a first strut section and a second strut section configured to telescopically receive and substantially surround beams of the first strut section. The first strut section includes a first beam, an opposing generally parallel second beam, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and second beams. The second strut section includes a first channel beam, an opposing generally parallel second channel beam, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and second channel beams. Each channel beam comprises a perimeter wall configured to telescopically receive and substantially surround a respective beam of the first strut section. Each channel beam further configured to define a slot in the perimeter wall adjacent to facing surfaces of the respective beams of the first strut section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Superior Industries, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jarrod J. Felton
  • Patent number: 7470102
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating stacks of sheets. In some embodiments, the sheets separated are those in or issuing from a starwheel assembly. The present invention includes a first separator finger that is inserted between two adjacent sheets to separate first and second sheets. The first separator finger retains the first sheet upstream to begin a first stack upstream of the first separator finger and allows the second sheet to complete another stack downstream of the first separator finger. In some embodiments, the first separator finger is inserted between the two adjacent sheets in a closed position and, after the first separator finger is inserted, the first separator finger moves to an open position to create a gap between the first and second stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Gendron, James R. Michler, Charles L. Schmidt, V.
  • Patent number: 7470103
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a limit exceedance of an operating parameter in a steam turbine system. Measurement data associated with the operating parameter is received, and a limit exceedance is determined when the rate of change in the received data over a predefined period of time exceeds a predefined limit. A control action is taken when a limit exceedance has been determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Andrew Tisenchek, Darrin Glen Kirchhof
  • Patent number: 7470104
    Abstract: A blower comprising: a vane wheel including a pair of grooves, and blades extending in a radial direction of the vane wheel in each groove, and a casing including stationary flow paths facing to the grooves respectively so that the gas urged in the grooves is capable of flowing in a circumferential direction in the stationary flow paths, a guide flow path extending in the axial directions to fluidly communicate with both of the stationary flow paths to enable the gas to flow from one of the stationary flow paths to the other one of the stationary flow paths, an inlet port for introducing the gas into the one of the stationary flow paths facing to the one of the grooves and an outlet port for discharging the gas out of the other one of the stationary flow paths facing to the other one of the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shizu Ishikawa, Fumiaki Ishida, Satoshi Takeda
  • Patent number: 7470105
    Abstract: A cylindrical rotor with internal blades, configured by a ring of variable diameter and length according to necessity, as well as the blade quantity, pitch, surface and angle in its interior, being the assembly made of different materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: João Bosco de Oliveira
  • Patent number: 7470106
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a slurry pump having improved erosion characteristics. The pump comprises a rotatable impeller having at least one impeller vane, an impeller shroud having an inlet for conveying slurry to the impeller and an outlet for discharging slurry accelerated by the impeller, and a pump housing having a side wall with a recess therein, said recess being deep enough to therein matingly receive said impeller shroud outlet so as to form a joint surface producing a sufficient impingement angle between the impeller shroud outlet and the pump housing side wall to substantially reduce erosion thereon by the accelerated slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Townley Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Urs Blattmann
  • Patent number: 7470107
    Abstract: A turbo blower, include an air hood provided with an air inlet and a turbine disposed within the air hood driven and rotated by a motor. The turbine consists of a plurality of guide vanes fitted between a circular base plate and a top plate. The turbo blower is characterized by the height of each of the guide vanes, commencing at a vane front end close to a center of the base plate, gradually decreases to a relatively lower point at a middle section of the guide vane, and the height of each of the guide vanes, commencing at the relatively lower point, gradually increases to a vane rear end, thereby forming a curved shape. The turbo blower is able to automatically decrease power consumption when the air inlet end or the air outlet end is obstructed, thereby reducing motor load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Ging-Chung Chen