Patents Issued in January 19, 2010
  • Patent number: 7648069
    Abstract: Apparatus including a conveyor for identifying a plurality of items each of which has a radio frequency transponder. A three dimensional (3D) radio frequency antenna is positioned on one side of the conveyor. The conveyor has a movable part for moving the items into and out of the antenna such that the items when in the antenna are completely surrounded by the antenna. A reader sends interrogation signals to the transponders via the antenna and reads identification information from the transponders. The 3D antenna includes a plurality of coils mounted in a 3D arrangement such as to provide a 3D reading field in which all transponders in the reading field may be interrogated. The 3D antenna also includes noise compensation coils at opposite ends of the reading field to minimize electromagnetic radiation from the antenna and also minimize noise from external sources affecting reading of the transponders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Datamars S.A.
    Inventors: Parvis Hassan-Zade, Roberto Dotti, Takamasa Ishii, Jean-Marc Jobin
  • Patent number: 7648070
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for locating, identifying and provisioning devices in a network. According to some implementations of the invention, a combination of EPC code information and existing networking standards form the basis of identifying and provisioning methods. For example, first location information included in a DHCPDISCOVER request can be used to determine appropriate configurations for networked devices. In some such implementations, the first location information is read from an RFID tag near the networked device and is inserted in the DHCPDISCOVER request. The first location information may include any type of absolute or relative coordinate, positioning, cartographic or similar information and/or information from which such information may be derived. Second location information, which may be a logical name, is provided to the device. If the device is an RFID reader, the second location information may be included with reads from RFID tags that are transmitted from the RFID reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Droms, Gary Dennis Vogel, Jr., Roland Saville
  • Patent number: 7648071
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, there are achieved an apparatus for image reading and a setting method for the apparatus with which adjusting workability is enhanced, an adjusting time is shortened and focusing of a 4-line CCD sensor as an optical sensor is set to the averagely best state. This embodiment is equipped with an optical sensor having plural line sensors having different numbers of pixels, a condenser lens for projecting an optical image to the optical sensor, and an adjusting mechanism for setting the distance between the condenser lens and the optical sensor so that the resolution of the line sensor having the largest number of pixels is highest among the plural line sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 7648072
    Abstract: A two-dimensional-code detection system includes a reading unit, a recognizing unit, a calculating unit and a position specifying unit. The reading unit reads an image including plural two-dimensional codes. The recognizing unit recognizes position detection patterns of the respective two-dimensional codes from the read image, which includes the plural two-dimensional codes. The calculating unit that selects at least two of the position detection patterns of the two-dimensional codes. The calculating unit calculates a minimum unit forming each of the selected position detection patterns. The position specifying unit judges whether or not the minimum units forming the selected at least two position detection patterns are substantially equal to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Yada
  • Patent number: 7648073
    Abstract: A data acquisition device includes a housing, a card reader, a scanner, an electronic signature pad, and a data communication system. The card reader, the scanner, and the electronic signature pad are integrated with the housing and with the data communication system. The data communication system is configured to receive the data that is read by the card reader, the scanner, and the electronic signature pad, and to communicate the received data to a computer connected to the data acquisition device. The computer processes the data acquired by the data acquisition device with appropriate software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Market Scan Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Trippe, Steven Saigeon, Ronald H. Means, Russell G. West
  • Patent number: 7648074
    Abstract: A value or security document (2) contains a security feature (4) in the form of a film laser with an emitter layer (12) and preferably a protective layer (14). A spatial, periodic modulation (8), preferably of the surface of a substrate, permits fine adjustment of a laser wavelength within a range of possible wavelengths. This permits a coding of the security feature by different portions of different wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Attenberger, Wolfgang Deckenbach, Rainer Hoppe
  • Patent number: 7648075
    Abstract: A data transmission-reception system includes a reader-writer, a first contactless IC chip being a data source, and a second contactless IC chip being a data destination, capable of communication with the first contactless IC chip via the reader-writer. The first and second contactless IC chips each have data areas of the same applications in memories built therein. The first contactless IC chip includes first generating means for performing authentication by the use of data encrypted with a key generated by combination of keys to generate a transfer key and transmitting means for encrypting data to be transferred with the transfer key and transmitting the encrypted data. The second contactless IC chip includes second generating means for performing authentication by the use of data encrypted with a key generated by combination of keys to generate a transfer key and acquiring means for acquiring the data to be transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: FeliCa Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Toyokazu Ota, Yasumasa Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 7648076
    Abstract: A holographic magnetic tape comprising a hidden image pattern for protecting against skimming, alteration and counterfeiting of the data encoded in the holographic magnetic tape. The hidden image pattern in a holographic magnetic tape of a transaction card is used to determine the validity of said transaction card and the holographic magnetic tape. This relieves the clerk at the point-of-sale of visually inspecting card which is generally ineffective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: John Hynes, Lily O'Boyle
  • Patent number: 7648077
    Abstract: A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: John F. Rossi, Paul Michael Huddleston, Mark Lee Barton, Bradley A. Smith, Howard Ng, Carl J. Mueller, James P. Garozzo, Cecil H. Barrett, Russell Thomas House
  • Patent number: 7648078
    Abstract: A water control fixture includes a housing having a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a bypass port, and a fixture outlet port, wherein water is dispensed via the fixture outlet port. At least one operating valve is disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the fixture outlet port. A bypass valve is disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the bypass port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Grundfos Pump Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 7648079
    Abstract: Provided is a grooved rail for rail vehicles having flanged wheels, the grooved rail including a rail head provided with a running rail, a flange groove, and a counterrail, in addition to a rail web, a rail base, and lateral rail chambers extending between the rail head and the rail base. The running rail includes an asymmetrically-arranged vehicle-guiding flange, extending towards the flange groove, the asymmetrically-arranged flange formed in such a way that the width part of the rail base, on the side of the running rail, is larger than the width part on the side of the counterrail by a factor of at least 1.2. When the depth of the flange groove is >20 mm, the flange has a flange inclination of >78° with respect to an essentially horizontal axis of the rail web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp GFT Gleistechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Suess
  • Patent number: 7648080
    Abstract: A rail fixing device including a tensioning clamp extending from a holding element and removably arranged on a ribbed plate on which the rail base is mounted. The ribbed plate is placed on an elastic intermediate layer which is maintained in a required prestressed state by the holding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: BWG GmbH & Co. KG, VAE GmbH, Pandrol Limited, VAE Eisenbahnsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Hubertus Höhne, Hans-Ulrich Dietze, Heinz Ossberger, Josef Leitner, John Porrill, David R. Seeley
  • Patent number: 7648081
    Abstract: A cleaning and releasing device has a hand valve provided on a flow passage of a pressurized liquid in the vicinity of an injection nozzle, a switching valve 5 provided in a proper position on the flow passage of a pressurized gas, flow detecting means provided in a proper position on the flow passage of the pressurized liquid, and a controller for controlling the switching operation of the switching valve based on a result of detection transmitted from the flow detecting means, and controls the switching valve to supply and stop the pressurized gas depending on the presence of a flow of the liquid generated by the switching operation of the hand valve. The supply and stop of a powder and granular material may be controlled based on the result of detection transmitted from the flow detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Koichi Hagiwara, Jiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7648082
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is for use in distributing water to an area of vegetation, and has a rotatable nozzle for dispersing the water by rotation of the nozzle. A magnet is coupled or connected to the nozzle and rotates synchronously with the rotation of the nozzle. A sensor unit is disposed adjacent to the nozzle and detects a magnetic field generated by the magnet during nozzle rotation to generate a signal indicative of the speed and direction of rotation of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: T. Lynn Roney, Steven Sharp
  • Patent number: 7648083
    Abstract: A dispenser adapted to be coupled to a fluid container. The dispenser comprises a dispensing head, an energy source, and a fluid pathway. The dispensing head includes a fluid pump, a motor adapted to power the pump, a trigger adapted to control the motor, and a nozzle orifice in fluid communication with a discharge end of the pump. The fluid pathway has one portion in fluid communication with an intake end of the pump and another portion inside the container. In one embodiment, the fluid pump is a peristaltic pump. The present invention may further include a valve having a membrane for controlling flow through the valve, the membrane having open and closed positions; and an element urges the membrane to the closed position, and a vacuum pressure at one end of the valve may overcome the urging of the element, thereby moving the membrane to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Rambo Benson, James Augustus Keefe, III, Joseph Lee McGowan
  • Patent number: 7648084
    Abstract: A dosing mechanism for fuels, particularly for the input into a chemical reformer to obtain hydrogen, has a metering-in device for metering fuel into a supply line, which opens out at at least one dosing aperture into a transporting line transporting a tempered material flow. A holding device for accommodating the metering-in device has an insulating body which thermally insulates the metering-in device from the transporting line that transports the tempered material flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Nau, Marc Bareis, Frank Ilgner, Horst Harndorf
  • Patent number: 7648085
    Abstract: A drip emitter is provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. Water enters the emitter through a first inlet and proceeds into a first chamber. When the water pressure is above a predetermined level, a one-directional valve opens to allow fluid flow past the first chamber, through a tortuous path flow channel, and through an emitter outlet. A second inlet is used to compensate for water pressure fluctuations in the supply tube to maintain output flow at a relatively constant rate. Water enters the second inlet and presses a flexible diaphragm toward a water metering surface to provide pressure-dependent control of the output flow. A copper member is mounted to the emitter over the emitter outlet to prevent plant root intrusion into the emitter outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Rick Mavrakis, Brian Pope, Samir Shah, Christopher Leland O'Neal, David Laybourn
  • Patent number: 7648086
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle device for use in a paper machine, board machine, pulp dewatering machine etc., comprising a cylindrical body having an outer thread and an inner hexagon socket; a sealing element, and a nozzle insert having a cylindrical passage. The cylindrical body, the sealing element and the nozzle insert are preferably formed as a single part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Bernd Struck
  • Patent number: 7648087
    Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly for atomizing a medium through a nozzle channel, comprising a first channel portion which is tapered by two lateral surfaces facing each other to form an elongate narrow cross-sectioned surface, a passage orifice disposed in the narrow cross-sectioned surface the cross-sectional area of which is smaller than is the narrow cross-sectioned surface, and a second channel portion adjoining the passage orifice in the direction of medium flow which has two opposed lateral surfaces separating from each other with an increase in distance from the passage orifice, whose edges facing the passage orifice extend crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the narrow cross-sectioned surface, characterized in that the nozzle channel having the two channel portions and the passage orifice are configured inside an integrally formed plastic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Aerosol Inventions and Development S.A.
    Inventors: Michael Horn, Oskar Pittl
  • Patent number: 7648088
    Abstract: The invention provides a food grater assembly comprising a base; an external cylindrical portion removably attached to the base; a grater disc disposed within and removably attached to the lower end of the outer cylindrical portion; an inner divider having a cross wall dividing the inner space of the inner cylindrical portion in two equal portions; said divider being able to rotate freely within the external cylindrical portion; a plunger disposed within the divider, said plunger having a plurality of annular ridges disposed along a portion of its length; said plunger portion having a closed bottom wall and a slot defined axially and longitudinally along a portion of is length; a pair of engaging strips flexibly attached to and disposed in the wall of the external cylinder, each of said engaging strips having horizontal ridges along a portion of the inner surface thereof for engaging and disengaging the horizontal ridges of the plunger; and a cap disposed on the upper end of the inner plunger portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph F. E. Eikelenberg, Jan-Hendrik de Groote
  • Patent number: 7648089
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tabs that activate shredder safety interlock switches. Specifically, this invention discloses a break-resistant tab which can readily activate a shredder safety interlock switch. The disclosed tab is comprised of a tab extension with at least one flexing member or spring which allows for limited flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Michilin Prosperity Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Simon Huang
  • Patent number: 7648090
    Abstract: A disc housing intended for refiners with refining discs rotating in opposed directions relative to each other is disclosed for mechanically disintegrating and working fibrous material. The disc housing surrounds the refining discs in an air-tight manner, and is provided with an outlet for the worked fibrous material. The inside of the disc housing along its periphery is formed with a channel, which, as seen in the circumferential direction, has a continuously increasing radius, which increases all the way to the outlet, which is located tangentially as a direct continuation of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Metso Panelboard AB
    Inventors: Örjan Ahlgren, Anders Mattsson
  • Patent number: 7648091
    Abstract: A movable wood crushing machine according to the present invention comprises a vehicle body 2 with a travel device provided therein; a rotary crushing device 6 provided at an edge of this vehicle body in the traveling direction for crushing the wood into wood chips; a tab-type feeder 7 provided on this rotary crushing device with an charging opening for charging wood to be crushed formed in an upper section thereof; a conveyer 4 extending from a position under the rotary crushing device 6 in the traveling direction of the vehicle body toward the other edge section of the vehicle body in the traveling direction for transferring and discharging wood chips crushed by the rotary crushing device 6 to the outside; and a drive unit 5 provided between the rotary crushing device 6 and the conveyer 4 for driving drive sources for the travel device 3, the rotary crushing device 6, the tab-type feeder 7, and the conveyer 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Umeda, Noriyuki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7648092
    Abstract: A food grater (10) is disclosed as including a first arm (12) and a second arm (14), the first arm (12) including a grating plate (18), the second arm (14) including a wall (23) and a press plate (36) for confining movement of food, and the first arm (12) and second arm (14) are engaged with each other and pivotable relative to each other to grate the food by the grating plate (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: Clive Koon Yin Wong, Williard Wing Yin Wong, Yiu Chung Wan
  • Patent number: 7648093
    Abstract: A pill crusher has a ram and an anvil member having opposed pill crushing faces, and an electric ram drive operable to displace the ram towards the anvil member. The anvil member is rotatable and displaceable in response to pressure from the ram, to ensure the crushing of a pill located between the crushing faces of the ram and the anvil member. The anvil member, the ram and the ram drive are provided in a housing having a pill pouch reception opening which is upwardly open and extends above the crushing face of the anvil member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Dennis Kruger
  • Patent number: 7648094
    Abstract: Peppercorns and coarse salt are selectively stored, ground and dispensed. Two squeeze-levers are provided for actuating the grinder, with a lock for selectively disabling one of them so that only one condiment is dispensed at a time. Means is provided for increasing the quantity of condiment ground for each stroke of the grinder lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Fox Run USA, LLC
    Inventor: Rodney W. Robbins
  • Patent number: 7648095
    Abstract: An agitating or dispersing apparatus (1) with a hermetically sealed mixing chamber (5), an agitating or dispersing tool (2) that can be driven in this mixing chamber (5) about a central axis and with a rod-shaped element (3) for transferring the power of a drive (4) onto this tool (2), and with the drive (4) located outside of the mixing chamber (5). The rod-shaped element (3) is connected at the entrance into the mixing chamber (5) to a membrane (6) that is part of a wall (7) of the mixing chamber (5), and the rod-shaped element (3) can be put in a wobbling motion by the drive (4) so that its end inside the mixing chamber (5) executes a circular motion. The end of the rod-shaped element (3) located in the mixing chamber (5) attacks the tool (2) eccentrically to its axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: IKA - Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Jägle
  • Patent number: 7648096
    Abstract: A spool brake mechanism 25 is a device for braking a spool. The spool brake mechanism 25 includes a spool brake member 40 and a control component 55. The control component 55 is configured to control a spool brake member with first braking force. The control component 55 is also configured to control the spool brake member with second braking force when tension detected by a tension detection member becomes equal to or less than a reference tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Niitsuma, Ken'ichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7648097
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser of rolls placed side by side, each held in rotation about a horizontal spindle (1), comprising a casing (10) surrounding the rolls, a cover (14) that complements the casing, at least one opening (2) in the lower part of the dispenser, and a sliding access panel (3) intended to partially close off the said opening so as to allow access to one of the rolls known as the roll in use, and at the same time, prevent access to the other roll known as the spare roll contained in the dispenser. According to the invention, the dispenser further comprises a mechanism intended to immobilize the access panel (3) under the spare roll and release it automatically and only when the roll in use is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific France
    Inventors: Gilles Cattacin, Nicolas Pommier, Philippe Cador
  • Patent number: 7648098
    Abstract: A low reserve indicator mechanism for a supply of paper towels is disclosed. The mechanism includes a base, a pushplate, and an indicator. The pushplate is connected to the base with a translational degree of freedom therebetween, is biased in a first direction relative to the base, and is responsive to a first attribute of the supply of paper towels to translate opposite the first direction. The indicator is pivotally connected to the pushplate, and is movable between a retracted position and an indicating position in response to a second attribute of the supply of paper towels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Harold J. Goeking, Gregory D. Budz, Michael R. Kilgore, Karl D. Kissinger
  • Patent number: 7648099
    Abstract: A power cord arranging device for a vacuum cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises first and second cord grips pivotably mounted and capable of being opened and closed about a hinge, and having at least two openings that receives a power cord when the cord grips are closed, and a resilient member biasing the first and second cord grips closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-sup Hwang, Tae-gwang Kim
  • Patent number: 7648100
    Abstract: A system for modifying a shock wave formed in a fluid by a body to modify effects of the shock wave on information transferred to or from the body. The system includes an element for heating fluid along a path to form a volume of heated fluid expanding outwardly from the path, the path extending from the body and through the shock wave; mechanism for transferring the information to or from the body; and device for timing the transferring of the information relative to the heating of the fluid along the path to modify certain effects of the shock wave on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin Kremeyer
  • Patent number: 7648101
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Peckham, Thomas E. Gay, Keith Lepine, John A. Zahoruiko, John J. Devlin, Scott Colby
  • Patent number: 7648102
    Abstract: An automated balloonsonde launcher and a method for an automated balloonsonde launch are disclosed. The automated balloonsonde launcher, for example, may comprise a collapsible protective cover forming an inner region for receiving a balloon, a gas inlet for receiving a gas, a gas outlet for mating with a balloon, a valve operable between the gas inlet and the gas outlet for inflating a balloon within the inner region of the protective cover. The launcher further comprises a controller that controls the valve to inflate a balloon within the protective cover, opens an opening in the protective cover and releases a balloon through the opening of the protective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: ADA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick French, Bradley D. Veatch, Michael O'Connor, Joseph D. Scott, Blase A. Yamona
  • Patent number: 7648103
    Abstract: Aircraft fuel tanks, systems and methods increase an aircraft's fuel capacity. The fuel tanks have a tank body defining an interior space for holding aircraft fuel, and a relief manifold assembly operatively associated to the tank body to prevent an overpressure condition within the interior space of the fuel tank body. The relief manifold assembly preferably includes a buffer vessel defining a buffer chamber in fluid communication with the interior space defined by the fuel tank body. The buffer vessel may advantageously be fixed to the tank body within the interior space thereof. At least one of a fuel vent manifold assembly for venting the interior space of the fuel tank and a fuel refill/transfer manifold assembly for supplying fuel to and withdrawing fuel from the interior space of the fuel tank. At least one control box (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: EMBRAER—Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
    Inventors: Weber de Brito Barbosa, Paulo Henrique Hasmann, Regis Assao
  • Patent number: 7648104
    Abstract: A store ejection system that can be “blind-loaded” without the need to have physical access to the ejector rack. This invention provides the ability to carry certain unique weapon shapes that can not be carried on current ejector racks due to the lack of access to the rack once the weapon is raised into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thaddeus Jakubowski, Jr., John K. Foster
  • Patent number: 7648105
    Abstract: A deployment brake release system for use with an airborne guidance unit (AGU) of a parachute suitable for precision cargo delivery. The parachute includes deployment brake lines secured at one end to the edge of the canopy and connected at the other end through looped ends to motor control lines. The motor control lines are, in turn, engaged with the motor of the AGU. The deployment brake release system includes at least one hook mount having a hook secured to the AGU frame. The looped ends of the deployment brake lines are engaged with the hook during rigging so that, upon deployment, opening forces are applied to the hook mount rather than the motor. After full canopy inflation, the motor, via the motor control lines, pulls on the brake line looped ends to disengage them from the hook, transferring subsequent canopy loads to the AGU motor for the remainder of the flight. A method for releasing the deployment brake lines is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Airborne Systems North America of NJ Inc.
    Inventors: Storm Dunker, Martin Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7648106
    Abstract: A control system for placing controlled members in required positions including two control columns assigned to the controlled members to be moved, each control column having two degrees of freedom. Two actuators controlled by two control circuits apply to their associated control column either a resisting torque or a displacement torque. Each control column is provided with a mechanical spring system spring-loading the associated control column into its neutral position and adapted to provide, in the event of manipulation of the corresponding control column, a resisting torque in support of the resisting torque supplied by the associated actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Dassault Aviation
    Inventors: Eric Granier, Jérémie Guerard, Max-Maurice Viet
  • Patent number: 7648107
    Abstract: Brace or pipe clamp with a deformable, essentially cylindrical housing, which has at least one longitudinal slot. The regions of the housing that are situated opposite one another at the longitudinal slot are formed as bent over lugs. The lugs are used to accommodate hollow bolts. The housing can be braced by means of clamping bolts, which penetrate the hollow bolts transversely and are arranged approximately tangentially to the housing, and nuts which can be connected to said clamping bolts. At least one of the clamping bolts is connected directly or indirectly with a handle for manually pretensioning the brace or pipe clamp and/or for operating the clamping bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Straub Werke AG
    Inventor: Hubert Mannhart
  • Patent number: 7648108
    Abstract: A pedicure pedestal assembly is formed as a foldable frame. A foot support member is located between the legs of a U-shaped frame member and attached thereto at an intermediate location thereof. A pivotable frame member is pivotably attached to the U-shaped frame member at a location above the foot support member so as to form the free-standing foldable pedestal frame assembly when in an open position. A work station platform is pivotably attached on each side to the legs between the foot support member and the pivotable frame attachment. The work station platform has spaced-apart parallel notches for adjustable engagement with a transverse member attached to the pivotable frame member, such that when the pedestal frame assembly is opened, the work station platform is oriented in a horizontal orientation. The foot support has a heel rest portion and a height adjustable toe rest member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Jeanette Peterson
  • Patent number: 7648109
    Abstract: A sucker includes a fixing seat, a sucker body, a control handle and a control valve. The sucker body has a first side provided with a recess and a second side provided with a connecting hole connected to the recess. The control valve includes a valve stem movably mounted on the fixing seat and movable to stop the recess. Thus, the valve stem can be pulled outwardly to detach from the recess of the sucker body so as to connect the connecting hole and the recess of the sucker body and to connect the connecting hole of the sucker body to the ambient air so as to break the vacuum state of the sucker body so that the sucker body can be removed from a surface easily and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Lung-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 7648110
    Abstract: Disclosed is a banner stand adapted to attach to and detach from a glassy surface. The banner stand includes a vacuum suction plate made of a soft material, a suction latching protrusion protruding from the vacuum suction plate; a lower support having a slanted lateral wall portion formed along a peripheral edge of an upper end of a base ring portion, the slanted lateral wall portion having operation ribs extending thereon at an interval; a suction plate operation member having rib guide protrusions guided on the operation ribs, a suction latching protrusion support, and a ball joint coupler; and a pole support having a pair of ball joints positioned on a bottom surface of a body so as to be coupled to the ball joint coupler of the suction plate operation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Cheol-Seok Woo
  • Patent number: 7648111
    Abstract: An end of a curtain rod is provided with a hook for grasping a mounting tube extending transversely from a wall-mounted flange. The hook may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the curtain rod to permit two rods with similar offset hooks to the mounted end to end, in axial alignment, on a common mounting tube. Alternatively, one rod may be provided with a centrally mounted hook and the other rod with a claw having spaced hooks for receiving the single centrally mounted hook of an axially aligned rod therebetween. Each hook an claw may be mounted on a connector which can be fitted over the end of a segment of a tubular curtain rod, with or without an adapter, depending upon whether the segment is an inner segment or outer segment of a telescoping curtain rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Source Global Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan Goldstein
  • Patent number: 7648112
    Abstract: A flat panel display mounting device for securing a flat panel display, such as an LCD or plasma television, to a support surface, such as a wall, is disclosed. The flat panel display mounting device comprises a plurality of members in the form of support panels pivotally connected together and a rotation control mechanism connected thereto so that the flat panel display mounted on the device can be rotated to a desired angle and the center of gravity of the flat panel display during rotation can be maintained as close to the support surface as possible, so as not to generate additional burden to the flat panel display mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: Min-Chuan Wu, Hung-Hsin Yu
  • Patent number: 7648113
    Abstract: A support for a cylindrically-shaped accessory has a first frame defining a receptacle for a cylindrically-shaped accessory and a connecting assembly. The first frame has a bottom wall and a peripheral bracing wall structure. The bottom wall defines an upwardly facing surface. The peripheral bracing wall structure extends at least partially around a region occupied by a cylindrically-shaped accessory in the upright stored orientation, bearing on the upwardly-facing surface, to thereby limit tipping of the cylindrically-shaped accessory. The connecting assembly has first and second connector parts attachable one each to the first frame and second frame upon which the support can be placed. The first and second connector parts are engagable, each with the other, by relatively translating the first and second connector parts along a connecting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Ruben Johnson
  • Patent number: 7648114
    Abstract: A gripping device arranged in a bracket is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the gripping device includes a gripping element with an adjustable gripping range. The gripping element extends as a substantially closed loop, and is adapted to receive objects of varying shapes and sizes. The gripping device further includes a support structure and a displacing device, the displacing device being adapted to displace the support structure relative to the bracket and adjust the gripping range by changing a distance between a first attachment on the gripping element arranged adjacent the support structure, and a second attachment on the gripping element which is arranged adjacent the displacing device. A corresponding method of providing a gripping device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Cecilia Åkerstedt, Martin C. Widén, Lasse Aro
  • Patent number: 7648115
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat slide locator for a seat mount assembly on a tractor, riding mower, or off-road utility vehicle. The seat slide locator has a first end, a second end, and a raised portion dimensioned to slidingly fit in a guide slot in the seat support. Each end has an aperture through which the seat securing member may be inserted. The seat slide locator provides a simple, economical component that helps maintain the seat securing members properly aligned and positioned so that the assembly can slide within the guide slot as the seat position is manually adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: John Paul Lambert, John Lee Thompson, Brian David Seegert
  • Patent number: 7648116
    Abstract: An apparatus for absorbing vibrations of components of heavy construction equipment is disclosed, which comprises an elastic support ring which has a tightening part at both ends of a longitudinally extended body for thereby absorbing and decreasing vibrations transferred from heavy construction equipment to components by connecting and fixing the fixing part and the vibration part as the elastic support ring is tightened wherein the apparatus for absorbing vibrations of components of heavy construction equipment is installed between a fixing part for mounting components of heavy construction equipment such as a handrail, work mirror, etc. and a vibration part which generates lots of vibrations for thereby absorbing and decreasing vibrations of components of heavy construction equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Hyun Seok Kang
  • Patent number: 7648117
    Abstract: A cavity is formed between stationary and movable mold members, and a runner is connected to a gate to the mold cavity to supply a molten resin material thereto. The stationary and movable mold members have bodies of an aluminum alloy of high heat conductivity and light weight. Iron base plating is applied at least to transfer wall surfaces of the cavity, leaving and exposing other wall surfaces in a non-plated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nippon Platec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Oikawa, Tsuyoshi Namioka
  • Patent number: 7648118
    Abstract: A flow-regulating valve has at least one active material component that may be passively activated (e.g., in response to changes in surrounding temperature) to control fluid flow through the valve. Additionally, an actuator, which may be of any type, such as a solenoid or even another active material component, actuates due to active activation, such as resistive heating in response to a sensor/control signal, which could be due to external conditions (such as existence of high acceleration) or internal conditions (such as change in fluid temperature) to provide an active level of control of fluid flow through the valve. The flow-regulating valve may be used in an oil level control system of a transmission to ensure adequate oil availability during various operating conditions while minimizing the adverse effects such as spin and windage losses. Similar applications can be made in other fluid flow or fluid level control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ukpai I. Ukpai, Norman K. Bucknor