Patents Issued in January 12, 2010
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Patent number: 7644886Abstract: The invention of the present application provides a reel, which can improve the dimensional accuracy of a hub, having a configuration in which a reinforcing tubular member is disposed on the hub by insert molding. A resin layer extends from one end portion side of the hub at which a first flange is integrally formed in a height direction of the hub. The resin layer is disposed on an inner peripheral surface of the tubular member in the reel. The reel is provided with a resin hub having an outer peripheral surface on which a recording tape T is wound, the first flange is integrally formed at one end portion of the hub, a second flange is welded at the other end portion of the hub, and a reinforcing tubular member is disposed on an inner peripheral surface of the hub by insert molding.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Ren Ishikawa
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Patent number: 7644887Abstract: A yaw control system and a method of controlling yaw for an aircraft are provided. The yaw control system includes a first wing set and a second wing set which are rotatable in opposite directions. Each of the wing sets includes at least two wings each including a pivotable flap forming a trailing edge of its respective wing. A flap control assembly controls the pivotable flaps of the first wing set and of the second wing set such that when the pivotable flaps of the first wing set are pivoted in a first direction by a first set angle, the pivotable flaps of the second wing set are simultaneously pivoted by a second set angle in an opposite direction, thereby providing yaw control for the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventors: Edward D. Johnson, Howard C. Kress, Jr.
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Patent number: 7644888Abstract: A high-speed transport aircraft. In one embodiment, the aircraft includes a fuselage, delta wings, and integrated engine nacelles. The fuselage is configured to carry a payload and has a forward portion and an aft portion. The aft portion defines a generally constant-width planform and includes first, second, third, and fourth passenger seat sections, with each of the seat sections having at least two passenger seats positioned abreast at least generally normal to a longitudinal axis of the fuselage. In one aspect of this embodiment, the wings extend from the fuselage adjacent to the aft portion, and the fuselage further includes first and second rows of windows above the wings. The first row of windows are positioned in the fuselage directly adjacent the first seat section and the second row of windows are positioned in the fuselage directly adjacent the fourth seat section.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark E. Eakins, Paul M. Wojciechowski
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Patent number: 7644889Abstract: Fluid sensing systems and methods, including sensors used to sense various fluid levels in vehicles, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a method for sensing a fluid that includes passing electromagnetic radiation through a receptacle positioned to hold a fluid. The receptacle can be configured so that electromagnetic radiation that passes through portions of the receptacle containing fluid is focused. The method can further include determining (a) whether fluid is located in a selected portion of the receptacle based on an amount of electromagnetic radiation that impinges on at least one radiation sensor, (b) a characteristic of fluid located in the passageway of the selected portion based on a pattern of the electromagnetic radiation that is created on the at least one radiation sensor, or (c) both (a) and (b).Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Insitu, Inc.Inventor: Roger F. Johnson
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Patent number: 7644890Abstract: A low-energy locking hinge mechanism operable with a spacecraft to support a deployable device, and to facilitate the deployment and locking of the deployable device, the hinge mechanism comprising: (a) a support base configured to couple to a structure of the spacecraft; (b) means for securing a deployable device to the support base, the deployable device being configured to rotate about a pivot axis; (c) a one-way clutch supported about the support base and operable with the means for securing, the one-way clutch being configured to facilitate one-way rotation of the deployable device from a stowed position to a deployed position, and to lock the deployable device in the deployed position, the one-way clutch having an inherent actuatable locking function configured to prevent backward motion; and (d) an actuation member operable with the one-way clutch to deploy the deployable device from the stowed position to the deployed position, the actuation member comprising an actuation energy sufficient to actuateType: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Utah State UniversityInventor: Joël Quincieu
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Patent number: 7644891Abstract: Systems and methods for releasing a spacecraft payload at a substantially constant velocity are disclosed. A linear actuator is used that includes a spring loaded and fluid filled chamber. The spring drives against a piston within the chamber that includes a control orifice that restricts the fluid flowing from one side of the piston to the other and results in a substantially constant damped motion of the piston. The piston drives a rod from the chamber that is attached to a capture device that holds a flange of the spacecraft payload. The capture device moves along a linear guide toward an open end. Spring loaded latches are held in a closed position by the side walls of the guide as the capture device moves. The latches release the flange as exit the open end of the guide.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Richard W. Aston, Michael Langmack, Torger J. Totusek
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Patent number: 7644892Abstract: A capped winglet comprising a helical portion having a smooth vertical curvature of 180°±approximately 20° from the plane of the unbounded end of a wing, and a generally planar cap contiguous with the helical portion of the winglet at the end of its curvature away from the wing, the cap having a free inboard end and a chord tapered toward the free end.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventors: Lionel D. Alford, Jr., Gary J. Clayman, Jr.
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Patent number: 7644893Abstract: A pedal system particularly tailored to a Fly-By-Wire (FBW) flight control system includes a double gradient linkage assembly. The double gradient linkage assembly includes a damper system and a spring system that improves yaw axis (azimuth) control of the aircraft. Control is only required when a change in the yaw axis state is demanded. Since only minimal displacement inputs to such a FBW flight control system is required, the travel of the pedals are exceeding compact, such that pilot workload is significantly reduced through the reduction in the frequency and magnitude of aircraft control inputs.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Bruce Boczar, Lorren Stiles, Peter T. Witiak
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Patent number: 7644894Abstract: A rail rig apparatus includes a body having a middle portion, lower end and an upper end, a lower support having a lower support recess with a lower recess opening, the lower support connected to the lower end of the body, a rig fastener member having a first fastener body end connected to one side of the body, a second fastener body end connected to an opposite side of the body, and a fastener member body extending from the first fastener body end around the lower support recess to the second fastener end, an upper support having an upper support recess with an upper recess opening connected to the upper end of the body, and an upper rope guide mechanism connected to the upper support wherein the upper rope guide mechanism has a pair of opposed jaws defining a space therebetween to receive and secure a rope.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventors: Darrell A. Moreau, Andre W. Moreau
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Patent number: 7644895Abstract: A clamping device for electronic products includes a combining member and a clamping base that is made of elastic steel sheet having its outer periphery coated with a layer of soft rubber and its central portion bored with a combining hole. Thus, after the clamping base is combined with an electronic product by the combining member, the electronic product can be hung on a user's girdle by turning over the elastic steel sheet of the clamping base, and an earphone line can be wound on the steel sheet in a space between the clamping base and the electronic product, having great practicability and convenience in use.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventor: Min-Li Tseng
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Patent number: 7644896Abstract: An adjustable utility wire-holding apparatus includes a partitioned pole which includes top, middle and bottom segments detachably connected to each other along an end-to-end pattern respectively. The apparatus further includes a base member, and a mechanism for freely rotating at least one of the top, middle and bottom segments. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for freely articulating the base member about the longitudinal axis while the middle and top segments remain statically disposed at a stationary position, and a mechanism for selectively biasing the base member between aligned and unaligned positions such that the base member becomes oriented along a single axis defined along a horizontal plane registered orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventor: Francis R. Niner
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Patent number: 7644897Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display main body to display an image, a base, a lifting unit having a guide frame extending from the base, a lifting member coupled to the display main body and movably coupled to the guide frame to lift the display main body along the guide frame, and a lifting spring member provided between the guide frame and the lifting member to bias the lifting member away from the base, and a locking unit to couple the guide frame and the lifting member to be detachable to each other and to lock the display main body in a predetermined position with respect to the base. Accordingly, the display apparatus is capable of lifting the display main body more safely and locking the display main body in the predetermined position. The display apparatus also has an aesthetic appearance, and the display main body may be rotated in various directions with respect to the base.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jong-hwa Shin
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Patent number: 7644898Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical boom with articulated arms and a base cabinet designed to accommodate modular equipment and utility racks that include video processing, computer, and electronic, and other utility equipment that can be easy inserted and removed from the base cabinet is disclosed. The boom includes a stationary base that is configured to be installed into an operating room and one or more boom arms supported by the stationary base and configured to extend over an operating table in the operating room. The structural base includes one or more bays configured to receive a modular rack of electrical equipment. In various embodiments, the structural base cabinet further incorporates wiring to connect the equipment installed in the modular racks to video monitors and other equipment mounted on the articulated booms. The modular racks are preconfigured with a variety of electronic equipment such as computers, video processors and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: CompView Medical, LLCInventors: Paul White, Larry Vollum, Dennis Palatov
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Patent number: 7644899Abstract: A saw horse comprises a pair of frames each assembled from a plurality of wooden struts joined by metal formings of sheet stock. Fabric hinges join the frames at their upper ends. The metal formings are positioned and closed around the beams with piercings engaging the fabric hinges. Spreader struts are also hinged by a fabric strap that permits the spreader struts to lay in horizontal positions when the frames are pulled into an A-shape, and to be oriented in side-by-side vertical positions when the frames are folded together.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventor: Anthony Fasanella
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Patent number: 7644900Abstract: A portable hanger for hanging a purse from a table has a base adapted to rest upon and frictionally engage the table. A plurality of links are pivotally linked to each other in series to form a chain having a first link and a last link. A pivot pin pivotally connects the base and the first link of the plurality of links. The plurality of links are adapted for pivot between a stored configuration in which the plurality of links are positioned generally adjacent the perimeter of the base, and an operative configuration in which the plurality of links form a hook adapted for hanging the purse.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Luxe Link, LLCInventors: Kalika N. Yap, Catherine A. Mangan
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Patent number: 7644901Abstract: A dive tank support device for supporting a dive tank while a diver is attempting to attach the dive tank to the diver's body immediately before jumping from a vessel and beginning a dive. The dive tank support device may be formed from a body having a bottom support adapted to support a dive tank and at least one sidewall extending up from the bottom support and configured to limit tilting of the dive tank relative to the bottom support. The body supports the dive tank and the recess enables the dive tank to be easily pulled from the dive tank support device once a diver has attached the dive tank to himself.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Scuba Mate, Inc.Inventors: Jack Scheper, Michael Scheper
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Patent number: 7644902Abstract: A clamping fixture for a retort process wherein a clamping fixture is disposed about a container having a seal positioned over a container-dispensing aperture. The clamping fixture applies a force to an outer surface of the seal in order to combat internal vapor pressures, which rise during a retort process and may break the seal. A first embodiment may be used with a manual process while a second embodiment may be used with a multiple station automated retort process.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2003Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.Inventors: Randy K. Julian, Gary V. Montgomery
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Patent number: 7644903Abstract: A rotating pedestal with an integrated locking mechanism configured to lock the pedestal in a desired angular position. The pedestal incorporates a soft heat-resistant top rotatably connected to a fixed base. The integrated locking mechanism is a sliding latch mounted in the base.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Metra ElectronicsInventors: Alexander Amato, Anthony Amato
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Patent number: 7644904Abstract: A pressure relief valve integrally formed with a section of conduit in a closed system for pumping cementitious material eliminates any dead space in the system within which the cementitious material may flow and set, and thus avoids system disassembly for cleaning following use and the possible replacement of clogged system components. The pressure relief valve includes a hollow cylindrical housing disposed on a conduit. First and second elongated linear slots are aligned with the cylindrical housing's longitudinal axis and are disposed in opposed portions of housing, with one slot in flow communication with the conduit. A cylindrical drum having a third elongated linear slot disposed within the cylindrical housing is freely rotatable therein. A handle attached to one end of the drum allows for manual rotation of the drum for aligning the three slots permitting the discharge of cementitious material and release of pressure in the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: ChemGrout Inc.Inventor: Ben P. Schatz
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Patent number: 7644905Abstract: A method and apparatus including an easily installed spiral support useful laying a cable. The spiral support is composed of a counterclockwise spiral portion and a clockwise spiral portion, both of which are connected to each other with a reverse portion therebetween. The spiral support is installed on a messenger wire in such a way that the reverse portion is fitted on the messenger wire; the spiral support is rotated counterclockwise or clockwise; and these steps are repeated.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation, Kyoei High Opt Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuya Ogata, Hidenori Fukumoto, Atsuya Takahashi, Masahiro Shibata
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Patent number: 7644906Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for winding an elongate strap onto a winch. The winch has a hub member to which may be coupled the strap winding apparatus and a reel element fixed to the hub member about which may be wound the elongate strap. The strap winding apparatus has a protective housing and a winding assembly at least partially retained within the housing. The winding assembly includes a coupling ring sized to fit over the hub member for selective mating therewith and a spool assembly. The spool assembly has a spool member mounted in surrounding relation with the coupling ring, a cord which may be wound about the spool member and which may be pulled to urge rotation of the spool member in a first direction, and a torsion spring member connected to both the housing and the spool member.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: 9182-9622 Quebec Inc.Inventor: Marquis Rodrigue
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Patent number: 7644907Abstract: A drum assembly for accommodating a well access line. The drum of the assembly may include a core coupled to flanges at either side thereof. The core may be configured to accommodate the well access line thereabout. Additionally, the core may be configured with an inner portion for coupling to the flanges at an arcuate junction therebetween as well as a collar about the inner portion for directly accommodating the well access line in a stable manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Sebastien Ives, Emma Ford, Baptiste Germond, Pierre-Yves Corre
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Patent number: 7644908Abstract: An aeration pool or tank has a bottom piping assembly with an inlet at the bottom thereof and an outlet remote from the tank a distance vertically below the inlet, and an air inlet piping assembly having an inlet above the water surface and an outlet within the tank adjacent to the inlet of the bottom piping assembly. Water under pressure flows from the tank by gravity through the bottom piping assembly and draws air through the air inlet piping assembly, mixing it with the exiting water and the aerated water flows into a second body of water across a paddlewheel to disburse the aerated water into the second body of water and create circulation to absorb additional oxygen at the surface of the second body of water. A water circulation piping assembly in the tank creates turbulence and circulation within in the water in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventor: Fereidoon Mohammadi
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Patent number: 7644909Abstract: The aeration system is for aeration and/or mixing of water, which system has at least one aeration unit that has a pump/propeller inside a feed pipe. The feed pipe, to which the water to be aerated, is sucked from beneath. The aeration system has the feed pipe expanding in the upper part of the aeration unit to a conical space working as a nozzle, via which the water continues its way to at least one annular opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Waterix OyInventors: Risto Huhta-Koivisto, Esko Huhta-Koivisto
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Patent number: 7644910Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating gas bubbles, which can generate a large amount of micro gas bubbles having diameters of less than 15 ?m, specifically less than 10 ?m, in a liquid. The apparatus comprises a tube 2 having a closed end 14 at one end and an open end 15 at the other end, and a rotating bladed wheel 3 installed in the tube 2 and rotating coaxially or substantially coaxially with the tube 2. The rotating bladed wheel 3 has one or more blades 4. The face of each blade 4 is substantially parallel to the axis of a rotating shaft 5 of the rotating bladed wheel 3. Ventilation resistance between the interior of the tube 2 on the side near the closed end 14 and the outside gas is equal to or larger than that of a ventilation port 7 having an inner diameter of 0.36 time an average width d of the blades and a length of 3 mm. At least the open end 15 of the tube 2 and the rotating bladed wheel 3 are immersed in a liquid 20 and the rotating bladed wheel 3 is rotated at a peripheral speed of 5.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Fuki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadao Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7644911Abstract: An elastomeric isolator has an elastomeric body which defines a void extending into the elastomeric body from one side and a void extending into the elastomeric body from the opposite side. One member for attaching the elastomeric body to a component is located inside of the two voids and another member for attaching the elastomeric body to a component is located outside of the two voids. The two voids overlap a specified distance to determine the stresses and stiffness for the isolator.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: The Pullman CompanyInventor: Troy P. Rodecker
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Patent number: 7644912Abstract: An apparatus and method for leading together a number of printed webs is disclosed. Using a device for leading together several printed webs into a multi-layer web sandwich with a harp formed by the deflection rolls assigned to the individual printed webs, the inclusion of air between the webs can be prevented, in that a deflecting web sandwich guide is provided in the exit area of the harp and lies at right-angles to the running direction of the web sandwich.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AGInventor: Klaus Theilacker
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Patent number: 7644913Abstract: For supplying individual quantities of flat and in particular diverse part products to a serial further processing, the part products are arranged in a row of part product groups (7) in a preparatory step carried out before the supply step (e.g. supplementation), and the row (2) is fashioned into a “first-in-last-out” storage formation, such as a roll (5). Within the row (2) the part products or the part product groups (7) overlap or are spaced from each other. For stabilizing the part product groups (7), adhesion between the part products within the groups may be enhanced; for stabilizing the storage formation, the part product groups (7) may be reversibly connected to each other. For supplying the groups to the serial further processing, which may succeed the preparatory step at any time or place, the storage formation is dissolved and the part product groups are supplied to the further processing directly from the storage formation.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Ferag AGInventor: Erwin Muller
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Patent number: 7644914Abstract: A bill deposit/withdrawal machine including a deposit/withdrawal port for delivering the bills deposited by users and discharging bills to users. The deposit/withdrawal port includes a bill hopper for accepting bills deposited by users and discharging bills to users, a delivering mechanism for delivering bills deposited by users, and a push plate operation mechanism for moving a push plate which forms an accepting unit and which supports bills. The bill hopper is movable by rotation operations with a bill delivering side as a fulcrum, and the delivering mechanism includes at least a gate controller which does not rotate in a delivering direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Riichi Katou, Kunihisa Matsuura, Itsunori Utsumi, Kenji Okuna
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Patent number: 7644915Abstract: A device for withdrawing flat items of mail from a decollating section includes conveyor belts, and guide rollers. The conveyor belts extend around guide rollers and act unilaterally upon upright items of mail. The guide rollers are individually mounted, and, at an exit of the decollating section, are rotatably disposed jointly with transfer rollers of an adjoining transfer region, which are driven independently of the conveyor belts on a common guide axle. On a side of the conveying path pressure rollers are provided at a level of the transfer rollers, which press the items against the transfer rollers. The pressure rollers are mounted pivotably at a locally fixed fulcrum, which is situated in withdrawal direction upstream thereof and laterally offset from a conveying channel, and in which rollers driven synchronously with the transfer rollers are rotatably mounted. Belts forming an inlet extend over the pressure rollers and the driven rollers.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Schwarzbauer, Oliver Kutzer
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Patent number: 7644916Abstract: A label feeder unit associated with a machine for packing tobacco products holds a stack of labels placed in a channel presenting an infeed end, and an outfeed end from which the labels are released to a take-up station, then picked up singly and transferred to a further unit of the machine. The outfeed end of the channel incorporates a transfer mechanism comprising a pair of contrarotating rollers placed on either side of the channel at a distance less than the width of the stack in such a way as to intercept the labels and transfer them to the take-up station, which is movable relative to the outfeed end of the channel under the pressure transmitted to the station by the labels taken up between the rollers. The transfer mechanism forms part of a feedback control loop by which the pressure registering through the labels at the take-up station is kept within prescribed limits.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: G.D S.p.A.Inventor: Mario Spatafora
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Patent number: 7644917Abstract: An apparatus for handling sheet-like products having: a truck glidable on rails, a supporting structure for an assembly for gripping a sheet, the supporting structure performing a translational motion on the truck through a lateral translational motion with respect to the direction of advancement of the truck, a grip assembly for a sheet, which is rotatably coupled to the supporting structure by way of rotation elements adapted to move it from a first raised grip configuration to a second substantially horizontal configuration, and a worktable arranged above the rails and provided with through openings that can be crossed downward from above by the grip assembly during the rotary motion from the first raised configuration to the second substantially horizontal configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventor: Antonio Piazza
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Patent number: 7644918Abstract: A discharge system for printed media sheets which includes a tray having a surface for supporting the media sheets; and rotating transport elements forming a discharge nip for discharging the sheets onto the tray, wherein at least one driven transport belt is arranged to engage a trailing edge of the sheet that has left the discharge nip and to exert a driving force towards the tray surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Océ-Technologies B.V.Inventor: Johannes E. P. Peulen
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Patent number: 7644919Abstract: When a new paper sheet is supplied onto a compiling tray, a sub-paddle holds down paper sheets having already been stacked on the compiling tray until a leading edge of the new paper sheet S touches the stacked paper sheets. Thereafter, the sub-paddle gets apart from the sheets stacked on the compiling tray with timing, with which the rear edge of the new paper sheet falls on the compiling tray.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryuichi Sato
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Patent number: 7644920Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes a chassis, a paper guide, a paper feed roller, and a paper supply portion from which the paper feed roller is configured to supply paper. The paper guide is supported within the chassis and has a base portion and a first separation portion that projects from the base portion. The paper feed roller is rotatably supported by the chassis. The paper supply portion has a guide projection on its first lateral side portion. The widthwise center of the paper feed roller is offset toward the first lateral side relative to the widthwise center of the first separation portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Takasaka, Koichi Chikumoto, Daisuke Shimizu
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Patent number: 7644921Abstract: An image forming apparatus in accordance with the present invention can include a conveying device capable of conveying a recording medium, a support shaft which capable of being movably supported between a medium sensing position near a conveyance path along which the conveying device conveys the recording medium and a retracting position kept away from the medium sensing position, wherein the support shaft is biased to the medium sensing position, a medium sensing member connected to the support shaft and is capable of rotating between a standby position wherein a portion of the support shaft is inside the conveyance path and a detection position wherein a portion of the support shaft is removed from the conveyance path by the recording medium passing along the conveyance path when the support shaft is in the medium sensing position, and a rotation detection device capable of detecting a rotary displacement of the medium sensing member.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiteru Hattori
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Patent number: 7644922Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for operating a gaming terminal where the gaming terminal cabinet itself is an active feature or element of the wagering game. The method and system of the invention involve a gaming terminal cabinet that is transformable from a primary external configuration to a secondary external configuration. The transformation of the gaming terminal cabinet may be based on an outcome of a basic wagering game, a bonus wagering game, or both. The secondary external configuration may involve a single transformation or it may involve multiple transformations. At the end of the wagering game, the gaming terminal cabinet may be transformed back into the primary external configuration. The transformation of the gaming terminal cabinet may also be used to attract the attention of passersby when the gaming terminal is idle to thereby generate interest in the gaming terminal.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Daniel Fiden, Matt Fitzsimons, Lisa Helfer, Steve Lee
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Patent number: 7644923Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The ejected cards are passed through a dynamic de-doubler that prevents more than a pre-established number of cards from passing through. The dynamic de-doubler is able to shift positions to accommodate card that are bent, impacted by environmental conditions and otherwise worn. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth R. Dickinson, Lynn Hessing
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Patent number: 7644924Abstract: This application discloses a three dimensional puzzle bearing the shape of a cube. The application also discloses a method of integrating spatial logic using a three dimensional puzzle.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventor: Jay Horowitz
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Patent number: 7644925Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a trick-taking card game for two or more players that includes two decks of playing cards: a numbered character card deck and a modifier card deck. Each player's goal is to play a card, or combinations of cards, that is/are higher in numerical rank value than their opponents' cards in order to win the trick in each round of play. Players can improve their chance of winning the round by playing, in their turn and in conjunction with one character card, one or more modifying cards that they possess in their hand to increase the numerical rank value of their played character card or decrease the numerical rank value of the other players' cards. Tricks are collected for points in multiple hands comprising a game. The player with the greatest number of points at the end of the game is declared the winner.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventors: Janice Maryan Hughes, Christine Anne Debruyne
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Patent number: 7644926Abstract: Embodiments pertain to a game for entertainment in which players draw cards to select game pieces and then place those pieces on a game board. In one embodiment, players place their game tiles next to tiles on the board, matching pips (spots) to pips, similar to the game of dominos. Players are assessed points for every pip that's on a light-colored square of the board. The game ends when all tiles have been placed on the board. The player with the fewest points wins the game. In other embodiments players place tiles in other ways, or score points in other ways, or do not score points at all. Also, in other embodiments, there are alternative ways in which the game ends, and/or alternative ways to determine the winner.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventor: Tod Teeple
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Patent number: 7644927Abstract: A modular set of elements are nondestructively assemblable into and disassemblable out of a plurality of configurations of a system for supporting targets and signs on a hard surface or on soft ground. These elements include an upright, a base that upholds the upright and is disposable in a stable manner on a hard surface or on soft ground, a horizontal arm from which to suspend a target or sign, and a brace slidable on the outer surface of the upright that includes a tubular shoulder capable of receiving an end of the horizontal arm. A hanger of unitary molded construction is capable of suspending from a horizontal support a clay target of the type cast by trap or skeet shooting equipment.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventor: Verl Law
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Patent number: 7644928Abstract: A brush seal has a bristle housing formed by a cover element and a support element. A plurality of bristles, which are wound around a core element and secured to the core element by a clamping element are positioned in the bristle housing. At least one of the support element and the cover element of the bristle housing are made of plastic.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbHInventors: Stefan Beichl, Alfons Gail, Thomas Huppertz
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Patent number: 7644929Abstract: A very easy-to-actuate, replaceable tool fitting is comprised in that at least one movably supported profiled body (15) on an output spindle (1) or on the tool fitting (11) of the hand-held power tool and at least one profiled recess (7) on the output spindle (1) or on the tool fitting (11) are shaped and situated in such a way that when the tool fitting (11) is slid onto the output spindle (1), the at least one profiled body (15) engages in detent fashion in the at least one profiled recess (7), achieving both an axial locking and a rotary driving of the tool fitting (11) in relation to the output spindle (1) and means (6, 8, 14) are provided, which, through a rotating and sliding motion of the tool fitting (11) on the output spindle (1), guide the profiled body (15) into the profiled recess (7).Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Karl Frauhammer, Otto Baumann, Rolf Mueller, Heinz Schnerring, Dietmar Saur, Willy Braun, Axel Kuhnle, Thomas Bernhardt, Uwe Engelfried
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Patent number: 7644930Abstract: A tool chuck may include an input shaft. A chuck actuating shaft may be mounted for rotation on the input shaft. A chuck actuating screw may be screw coupled to the chuck actuating shaft. A spring may be interposed between the chuck actuating shaft and the input shaft. Upon tightening the tool chuck, the spring may be compressed to provide force against the chuck actuating screw.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Daniel Puzio, Robert S. Gehret, Warren A. Ceroll, Craig A. Schell, Richard J. Heavel
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Patent number: 7644931Abstract: A chuck has a drive shaft, a generally rotatable housing part adjacent the drive shaft, and a chuck body fixed to and rotatable with the shaft and formed with a plurality of guides holding respective jaws shiftable between closely spaced inner positions and widely spaced outer positions. An adjustment sleeve surrounding the body and coupled to the jaws can rotate relative to the body to shift the jaws between their positions. A latch has interengaging formations on the housing part and on the adjustment sleeve manually shiftable between a coupled position for rotationally locking the adjustment sleeve to the housing part and a decoupled position for rotation of the adjustment sleeve relative to the housing part. A torque coupler connected to the latch decouples the latch from the housing when, in the coupled position, a torque exerted between the housing and the chuck body exceeds a predetermined limit.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Rohm GmbHInventor: Hans-Dieter Mack
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Patent number: 7644932Abstract: A gap-clearing mechanism for attachment to a wheelchair is disclosed. The gap-clearing mechanism has a lower member for attachment to the wheelchair, and an upper member spaced from and parallel to the lower member and being moveable relative thereto. The upper member has at least one support column securely attached thereto and depending therefrom. The at least one support column is slideably mounted relative to the lower member. There is a wheel assembly at a lower end of the at least one support column. The wheel assembly is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. A wheelchair fitted with two such gap-clearing mechanisms is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Nanyang Technological UniversityInventor: Kok Hui John Gerard Heng
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Patent number: 7644933Abstract: A suspension system adaptable for cross-flow operation includes a plurality of gas springs, a transfer passage in communication between the gas springs, and a transfer valve for selectively permitting gas flow along the transfer passage. A control system selectively actuates the transfer valve. A method of operation is also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventors: Graham R. Brookes, Daniel L. Nordmeyer
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Patent number: 7644934Abstract: When the side acceleration acting upon a vehicle body is comparatively small, the roll rigidities of a front wheel suspension device and a rear wheel suspension device are mainly controlled based upon their roll angles; while, when this side acceleration is comparatively large, the roll rigidities of the front wheel suspension device and the rear wheel suspension device are mainly controlled based upon the correlation between the roll rigidity of the front wheel suspension and the roll rigidity of the rear wheel suspension device.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuichi Mizuta
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Patent number: 7644935Abstract: A spring carrier for mounting a spring strut to a vehicle body includes a vibration damper having a cylinder and a piston rod which is axially guided in the cylinder, first and second spring collars, and a spring located between the spring collars. An actuator includes a nut and a threaded spindle surrounding the piston rod, the actuator being driven to change the relative axial position of the spring collars. A guide tube extends coaxially between the piston rod and the threaded spindle, the threaded spindle being supported radially against the guide tube by a bearing.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Martin Münster, Ulrich Mair, Detlef Baasch