Patents Issued in March 2, 2010
  • Patent number: 7669323
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for electrically connecting a stinger into a network node may include installing a non-conductive force exerting means through a port of a closed node housing of a network node. The method may include extending the force exerting means from outside the node housing to within the interior of the network node and adjusting the force exerting means without accessing the interior of the node housing to exert a force on the conductor of a stinger installed within the interior of the network node to contact and forcibly bring the conductor of the stinger into electrical contact with an interface means installed within the interior of the network node to establish an electrical interface and seize the conductor of the stinger within the interior of the network node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Pfister, Dennis McLain, Lai Hoang
  • Patent number: 7669324
    Abstract: A water stopping apparatus for causing a water stopping material to penetrate exposed core wires of a sheathed wire forming a wire harness includes a pair of dies which can abut against each other in a mutually opposed condition, thereby forming a pressurizing space in which an exposed portion of the core wires of the wire harness can be mounted, a filling portion for filling a water stopping material in the pressurizing space in which the exposed portion of the core wires is mounted, and a pressurizing portion for supplying pressurized gas into the pressurizing space to pressurize the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Daito
  • Patent number: 7669325
    Abstract: A method of assembling a portable compressor package comprises steps of assembling a sub-frame module that comprises the mechanical components of an apparatus for ease of assembly to associated structural modules for minimisation of assembly time and ease of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Dale E. Husted, James J. Papczynski
  • Patent number: 7669326
    Abstract: It is known from the prior art that holes in a workpiece are filled completely with a solder powder, which leads especially in the case of large holes to the formation of cracks within the solder due to the large volume filled in once the solder cools off after soldering. The invention provides a method for closing a recess of a workpiece, which allows closing an opening of a recess without the risk of crack formation, by using only a solder film for closing the recess. The solder film has a content of non-melting material and therefore is substantially less prone to form cracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andre Jeutter, Silke Settegast
  • Patent number: 7669327
    Abstract: Methods of applying an ozone-depleting catalytic coating to a heat exchanging device for producing a durable surface with optimal ozone depletion characteristics are provided. An adhesively coated metallic substrate is exposed to a concentration of ozone-depleting catalytic particles, wherein the receptive surface of the coated substrate binds the ozone-depleting catalytic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: JW Aluminum Company
    Inventor: Mark Thompson
  • Patent number: 7669328
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a push rod from a length of tube having a first end and a second end. The tube is held in a first fixture and a first tool is brought into engagement with the first end while a force is applied to deform the first end into a cone. A disc is thereafter affixed to the cone through a welding process. The tube with the disc attached is moved to a second fixture and a threaded shaft is partially inserted into the tube adjacent the second end. A radial force is applied to the tube that causes the tube to be compressed into engagement with the threaded shaft. The threaded shaft is then rotated causing its translation within the tube to establish a desired length between a face on the disc and a head on the threaded shaft to complete the manufacture of the push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Masato Wake
  • Patent number: 7669329
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid ejection head is provided. The method includes preparing a first die including projected streak portions aligned in parallel by a predetermined pitch and gap portions formed between the adjacent projected streak portions. The first die is adapted to form groove-like recess portions by pressing the projected streak portions to a metal plate. The method further includes preparing a second die for supporting the metal plate to which the projected streak portions of the first die are pressed. Each of the projected streak portions includes: an inner wall forming portion for forming an inner wall of the corresponding groove-like recess portion extending in a depth direction of the corresponding groove-like recess portion; a connecting face portion; and an inclined face portion, continuous via the connecting face portion to the inner wall forming portion, for forming a bottom portion of the corresponding groove-like recess portion into a substantially V-like shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ogawa, Koichi Saito, Nagamitsu Takashima, Katsumi Motojima, Katsunori Ono
  • Patent number: 7669330
    Abstract: A method for structuring a gear assembly housing may include: identifying the lowest surface structure of ring gear teeth top lands; forming a lower gear housing portion having a wall positioned below a gear assembly centerline; shaping the wall relative to an axis of an axle to form: a convex curved wall segment adjacent the lowest surface structure joined to a first concave curved wall segment that is joined to a generally linear wall segment; a first transition wall segment that is joined to the generally linear wall segment; a ring gear wall segment of generally linear form joined to the convex curved wall segment; the ring gear wall segment joined to a second concave curved wall segment that transitions to a second transition wall segment; and attaching an upper housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Jim McGean
  • Patent number: 7669331
    Abstract: A calender roll, which was already in use and has a metallic core with engaged textile material sheets, can be worked for a new use. In the surface of the sheets are cut grooves, to which is subsequently applied a layer structure of synthetic resin-impregnated fibrous material forming a certain thickness over each point of the roll. Onto said layer can be applied a functional covering, for example of rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Schafer Composites GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Sohl, Per Grynnerup
  • Patent number: 7669332
    Abstract: An endodontic reamer and a method for manufacturing endodontic reamers and files, more specifically an endodontic reamer having a cylindrical shaft and a working portion extending forward from a removed end of the shaft. The working portion includes, typically, a pair of wedged shaped projecting sections that extend beyond the diameter of the shaft. Forward from the wedge shaped sections is a nose, typically non-cutting nose, that has a diameter of about equal to diameter of the shaft. There are typically two (2) wedge shaped sections projecting outward opposite one another. Applicant also provides a novel method for manufacturing an endodontic reamer, which consists of using a two piece mold and placing a wire blank between the mold, followed by forcing the mold together, under compression, against the wire blank, to deform the blank into the shape of the mold parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Discus Dental, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Senia, Stuart Minica, E. Steve Senia, William L. Wildey, Gene Rimmer, Ed D. Moore
  • Patent number: 7669333
    Abstract: A method for providing a connection between concrete parts. One of the concrete parts is provided with a number of encased, projecting reinforcing bars. The other concrete part is provided with a series of cavities in which said reinforcing bars are placed and are then fixed to the concrete part in question by being encased. The cavities are produced by encasing a body, which at least on the outside comprises a polysiloxane material, in the concrete. When a tensile force is applied to the body a considerable reduction in its cross section takes place, so that it is possible for the non-sticking body to be removed from the concrete in a simple way, after which the desired cavity remains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Connector Vinkeveen B.V.
    Inventor: Robertus Cornelis Maria van Rijn
  • Patent number: 7669334
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for forming a blade-section including a transporting frame, at least one transporting support removeably associated with the transporting frame, and a blade-section forming structure receptive of the transporting frame and the at least one transporting support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jan Willem Bakhuis, Andrew John Billen, Sjef van Breugel, Jamie Thomas Livingston
  • Patent number: 7669335
    Abstract: A shaving blade unit includes a housing having a front edge, a rear edge and side edges extending between the front and rear edges. The housing has an aperture located between the front and rear edges. One or more shaving blades are positioned between the front edge and the rear edge and the one or more blades have cutting edges arranged to define a first cutting region. A clip is arranged to retain the one or more shaving blades on the housing. The clip has a leg received by the aperture, the leg having a bent portion defining a curvature to secure the clip to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Vincent P. Walker, Corey E. Corbeil, Stephen Rawle
  • Patent number: 7669336
    Abstract: A rechargeable electric shaver having a partition wall installed inside the main body casing, the partition wall separating a rechargeable battery compartment that accommodates the rechargeable battery and a driving portion compartment that accommodates a motor, and the partition wall having a sealing structure which allows a main body of the motor to protrude into the rechargeable battery compartment and seals the rechargeable battery compartment and driving portion compartment in an airtight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Izumi Products Company
    Inventor: Kyoichi Kawafune
  • Patent number: 7669337
    Abstract: A safety scalpel that incorporates a reusable metal scalpel handle similar in shape and feel to the conventional metal handle preferred by most surgeons, and a disposable blade cartridge that covers the blade before, during and after use, and is easily mounted and released from the scalpel handle. The blade cartridge includes a blade with similar cutting profiles as standard surgical blades, a blade holder that is permanently fixed to the blade, and a blade guard that covers the blade and within which the blade holder is able to slide. The scalpel handle is reusable, while the blade cartridge is disposable. The blade cartridge is attached to and detached from the scalpel handle in a direction generally perpendicular the longitudinal axis of the scalpel handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: MediPurpose Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick Yi, Kook-Ting Foo, Poh-Hock Neo
  • Patent number: 7669338
    Abstract: Range finder for determining the distance between the user and an object of known height or width, such as a golf flagstick, structure, etc. The range finder is a flat card, having a series of graduated apertures, each aperture being dimensioned to correspond to a particular distance to the flagstick. Range information is provided for each aperture. The user holds the card 24 inches from the eye and sights the flagstick through the apertures. The range information for the aperture whose diameter most closely corresponds to the height of the sighted flagstick is the actual distance between the user and the flagstick. The apertures are graduated in size, to represent range information in specific increments. The size of the increments is selected to facilitate optimal performance and may vary within a series of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: John H. Allen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7669339
    Abstract: A method of aligning a fixture for holding an alignment telescope with an antenna array foundation. In one embodiment, the method includes mounting a fixture for holding an alignment telescope proximate to a first location on an edge of an antenna array foundation, projecting a laser beam outwards from the fixture towards a second location on the edge of the antenna array foundation, and aligning the fixture with the edge at the second location using the laser beam. The fixture may be aligned with the edge of the foundation by adjusting the position of the fixture in relation to the foundation so that the laser beam strikes the foundation edge at the second location, thereby producing a visible laser spot on the edge. The procedure may be repeated to align a plurality of spaced-apart foundation edge locations with the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Arnal, Timothy T. Broderick
  • Patent number: 7669340
    Abstract: A surveying apparatus is provided that includes a telescope block, a support block, and an imaging unit. The telescope block includes a sighting telescope and is rotatably supported about a first axis. The support block rotatably supports the telescope block about the first axis. The imaging unit is provided inside the telescope block. The imaging unit comprises an image-display device and at least one of an image data output device and an image data recording device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Pentax Industrial Instruments Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunji Matsuo, Homu Takayama, Takanori Yachi, Masatoshi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 7669341
    Abstract: In one embodiment is provided an adjustment mechanism wherein the surveying pole moves about a point which is located next to or adjacent the ground surface point at which the pole is being place. In one embodiment the surveying pole moves about a point which located at the ground surface. In one embodiment the surveying pole moves about a point which is located next to the ground surface, but above the ground surface. In one embodiment the surveying pole moves about a point which is located next to the ground surface, but below the ground surface. In one embodiment a tightening means is provided which is concentrically mounted around an axial line passing through the pole. In one embodiment a biasing means is operatively connected to the tightening means. In one embodiment the biasing means is a spring. In one embodiment the biasing means is a conical spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth Carazo
  • Patent number: 7669342
    Abstract: A snap-on support has a body and a pair of spaced-apart arms supported by the body and adapted for snap-fit connection with a geomatics target device. The arms are moveable between an operative position wherein the arms extend outward from the body for securing the support to the geomatics target device and a stowed position wherein the arms are retracted generally adjacent to the body for storage of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: SECO Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Clinton J. Mize, Lindsey Marie Davis
  • Patent number: 7669343
    Abstract: An improved adjustable gable end line puller is disclosed. A method for using the improved adjustable gable end line puller is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Dennis D. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7669344
    Abstract: A single-scale, single-drive coordinate measuring machine that compensates for hysteresis error caused by friction at the non-driven end of the bridge. The coordinate measuring machine is calibrated to estimate hysteresis effects at one or more distances from the scale. Measurements of workpieces are adjusted based on the calibration data and the distances of the carriage from the scale at the point of the measurements. The scale and the drive system may be positioned on opposite guideways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology AB
    Inventors: Richard MacManus, Bruce R. Pease
  • Patent number: 7669345
    Abstract: An exemplary height-adjusting device (10) includes a base (12), a sliding block (14) and at least one fixing member (18). The base has a sliding slot (122) defined therein and a first sidewall (123), a second sidewall (124), a third sidewall (125), and a fourth sidewall (126) surrounding the sliding slot. At least one fixing hole (1232) defined in the first sidewall. The at least one fixing hole communicates with the sliding slot. The sliding block is slidably received in the sliding slot and partly protruding outwardly from the sliding slot. At least one fixing member cooperates with the at least one fixing hole to selectively fix the sliding block in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Yi-Qun Cheng
  • Patent number: 7669346
    Abstract: An annular having a central bore includes a conical surface concentric with the bore such that the conical surface has a peak, an inner trough and an outer lip and the inner trough is adjacent to the central bore. A retention groove located under the outer lip has an outside diameter that is less than the lip outside diameter. A tapered reflective face extends outward from the retention groove. When a code wheel disc having an inside diameter that is smaller than said lip outside diameter is pressed onto the conical surface, the difference in size of the lip outside diameter and the disc inside diameter promotes a deflection of the disc which forces it to conform to the tapered reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: USDigital LLC
    Inventor: David M. Madore
  • Patent number: 7669347
    Abstract: An improvement on the structure of a measuring tape device is that a magnetic mechanism is secured at the distal end of a measuring tape. The magnetic mechanism is not placed onto the leg piece of the hook member and thus is not formed as part of the body of the hook member of the measuring tape. The front end of the magnetic mechanism is placed in alignment with the “0” cm mark on the measuring tape. During measuring process of an object of measurement and a designated point, the magnetic mechanism allows the measuring tape to be magnetically attached to the surface of the object and anchored at the exact starting point of measurement, and therefore, the measuring precision will not be skewed because of thickness of the hook member or because of the gap caused by the movable mechanics of the hook member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Huang
  • Patent number: 7669348
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system is provided for treating sewage sludge by heating the same in a container to drive off pathogens and/or pasteurize the sewage sludge while the material is tumbled in the container and with moisture gases being evaporated therefrom and drawn off from the container. After treatment the treated sludge is discharged from the container. There is provided at least one weight-responsive member on which the container is mounted, and a control is provided connected to the one or more weight-responsive member whereby the solids content of the treated material can be determined by measuring the difference in weight of material in the container, before and after moisture is drawn off from the material and prior to its discharge from the drum. The control is preferably effected by means of a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: RDP Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Robert Van Bramer, Michael Quici
  • Patent number: 7669349
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the separation of volatile components from a feed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: TD*X Associates LP
    Inventors: Carl R. Palmer, Michael J. McElwee, Gregg S. Meyers
  • Patent number: 7669350
    Abstract: A laundry room machine and a drying method thereof are provided. The laundry room machine may includes a payment device for collecting a payment for operation of the laundry room machine. The laundry room machine performs drying of laundry items for a preset dry time corresponding to a selected drying course. The drying method includes determining a condition of the laundry items by measuring a humidity level, and either sustaining the preset dry time or resetting a hot air supplying time and cooling time based on the determined condition of the laundry items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hea-Kyung Yoo, Tae-Hoon Lim
  • Patent number: 7669351
    Abstract: A dispenser for a sanitary shoe cover holds a stack of shoe covers with their resiliently elastic mouths in a stretched-open condition in a storage zone. Sanitary covers are carried individually from the storage zone stack to a dispensing zone. The individual shoe cover is automatically released from the dispenser in response to downward insertion of the shoe-covered foot into the stretched-open shoe cover, permitting the resiliently elastic mouth to gather into abutment with the shoe-covered foot. The process is automatically repeated to carry another individual cover to the dispensing zone in response to the upward removal of the sanitary-covered, shoe-covered foot from the dispensing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Adam Ghotbi
  • Patent number: 7669352
    Abstract: A shoe system is provided that comprises a removable upper unit and a sole unit that can be interconnected utilizing respective upper and lower connecting means. The sole unit can include a support panel that can extend substantially continuously about a periphery of the sole unit. A lower portion of the support panel can be connected to an interior area of the sole unit and an upper portion can extend generally upwardly from the lower portion and be disposed circumferentially within the interior of a lower connecting means along the sole periphery. The support panel can be so configured so as to provide structural strength to the shoe system when worn to resist transverse force and reduce tactile friction of the user's foot against the upper and lower connecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry Stefani
  • Patent number: 7669353
    Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade including a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The mounting apparatus further includes a transition apparatus having a hitch tongue constructed and arranged to be securable to the vehicle; the transition apparatus having a subframe including a plate having apertures; wherein the apertures in the plate can facilitate placement of the subframe at various heights with respect to the mounting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7669354
    Abstract: For determining the load of an excavator bucket, or optionally of another holding region, a measurement step and an evaluation step are carried out. In the measurement step, the position of a load surface is determined by a noncontact distance-measuring device and, in the evaluation step, a load volume is determined from the position of the load surface and the position and shape of the excavator bucket or of the holding region. For determining the position of the load surface, at least one two-dimensional matrix with distance values is created by means of a distance-measuring camera. For determining the position of the excavator bucket, the distances to at least three points of the excavator bucket, in particular to points on the upper bucket edge, optionally to marked points are determined using the distance-measuring apparatus for determining the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Beat Aebischer, Bernhard Braunecker, Kevin Greenwood, Peter Stegmaier
  • Patent number: 7669355
    Abstract: A simulated balloon display is designed to be attached to a real estate “tent sign” or used in conjunction with any other promotional presentation. A silhouette cluster made of thin translucent colored plastic mimics the appearance of free-floating balloons while avoiding the handling problems and expense involved with helium inflated balloons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventors: William Gronenthal, Michael Tufaro
  • Patent number: 7669356
    Abstract: Device for detecting and counting shots fired by an automatic or semi-automatic fire arm with a barrel and moving parts to recock the fire arm, sliding in the axial direction (Y-Y?) of the barrel between a front position and a rear position, whereby the fire arm undergoes accelerations in the axial direction (Y-Y?) of the barrel for every fired shot, caused by a succession of shocks due to the shot being fired and to the movements of the moving parts, whereby the progression in time of the accelerations is typical for a fire arm and for the type of ammunition used, thus forming a typical signature for the fire arm and for the type of ammunition, characterized in that it comprises an accelerometer (2) with a pass band which is sensitive to shocks in the axial direction (Y-Y?) of the barrel and a microprocessor (3) for analyzing the signal (S) of the accelerometer (2) while firing, whereby the microprocessor (3) is equipped with an algorithm to count the number of shots fired, based on the discernment and recor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: FN Herstal, Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: René Joannes, Jean-Paul Delcourt, Patrick Heins
  • Patent number: 7669357
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of canting firearms such as rifles relative to fore grip having extendable and expanded legs. One version allows for a rocking and canting of the firearm by pivotally attaching an upper portion of the expanded legs. Another version allows for a separate canting member to be clamped to both the upper portion of a vertical fore grip and to the lower mounting rail of the firearm. The canting member has portions that cant (move to the left or to the right) relative to one another. An operator can cant the firearm in a free-state or to fixed positions as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Grip Pod Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Moody, Joseph D. Gaddini
  • Patent number: 7669358
    Abstract: A dynamic process for increasing the wear life of ferrous articles subjected to a high-temperature environment created by combustion of a propellant or fuel comprises selecting the propellant or fuel so that its combustion products include relatively large amounts of nitrogen, which nitrogen forms a protective nitride layer on the surface of the ferrous article. Disclosed is a specific embodiment of the invention for prolonging the wear life of gun barrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Paul J. Conroy, Charles S. Leveritt, John D. Demaree, James Hirvonen
  • Patent number: 7669359
    Abstract: An adapter for mounting an accessory on a shroud such as is found on an M2 machine gun includes a rigid block embracing the shroud. Blunt-nosed helically threaded plugs penetrate the block and intrude partly into perforations of the shroud. Retaining rings, threaded oppositely to the threaded plugs, prevent the plugs from backing out. A key tool is provided to tighten the plugs and retaining rings. A longitudinally oriented T-rail projects radially from the block. A slide body engages the T-rail and includes a locking mechanism, a lamp assembly, a logically switched power control, a power cable, and a control cable with interchangeable switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Surefire, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 7669360
    Abstract: An improved fishing system that records ambient conditions existing at or around the time a fish is caught. The fishing system includes a lure which records ambient conditions, including time, date, depth, temperature, ambient light, an underwater picture of a hooked fish and water quality. After catching a fish, the recorded data is transmitted from the lure to a handheld control unit. The handheld control unit is also capable of recording location (via GPS), fish weight, water quality, and an out-of-water picture of the fish. The data stored by the handheld control unit is transmitted (via a wireless or wired network) and recorded in an Internet database. The lure can also be controlled to release a hook that becomes irretrievably stuck in an underwater obstruction. The path of the lure in the water can also be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Kent G. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7669361
    Abstract: An adjustable outrigger moves a trolling pole on a fishing vessel to an elevated, outboard position for trolling and inboard to a lowered position when not in use. The outrigger of a preferred embodiment is operated using an operating handle. Rotating the operating handle in one direction rotates a pole held by the outrigger from an inboard position to the outboard, deployed position. Simultaneously with the rotation in the horizontal plane, the pole is elevated in the vertical plane from a near horizontal position to a suitable trolling angle. The operating handle turns a shaft that communicates the rotation of the handle to an internal drive mechanism, which is housed in a drive mechanism housing. The rotational motion is converted to a linear, vertical action using a ball gear mechanism. A track provided by a bayonet coupler converts the linear vertical motion into a combined vertical and rotational motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Tigress Specialty Metal Products Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Laudelino Baez
  • Patent number: 7669362
    Abstract: A trap for catching woodland, garden, and agricultural insect pests, consisting of a catching part (37) with an outlet opening, and a container (31) for storing caught pests, has a device for separating the captured pests from water and small debris. The device for separating the captured pests from water and small debris is placed between the outlet opening of the catching part and the container. The device for separating the caught pests from water and small debris has a shape of a funnel (135) having a funnel inlet covered up by a mesh (32) and an funnel outlet (36) situated outside of the container (31) for storing the caught pests. The funnel inlet is placed below the outlet opening of the catching part (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Leszek Cwiklinski, Andrzej Barczyk
  • Patent number: 7669363
    Abstract: A bait station is formed of a single unitary member which is folded to bring a first portion into contact with a second portion. An intermediate portion connects the first and second portions. The bait station includes a pair of passageways which lead from opposite edges of the bait station to a central recess portion. A block of rodenticide material is located in the recess portion and the passageways are angled to prevent access to the rodenticide material by children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Frisch
  • Patent number: 7669364
    Abstract: Plant protection devices, kits, and methods of protecting plants during adverse conditions are provided. The plant protection devices can have a enclosure and/or a precipitation member assembly. The plant protection devices can provide wind protection, mulch retention, and precipitation deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Miami University
    Inventors: David A. Francko, Kenneth G. Wilson, Barry D. Landrum
  • Patent number: 7669365
    Abstract: A lawn edging consisting of an elongated extrusion made of a flexible and resilient polymer, the extrusion having opposite ends. The extrusion has a bottom, first and second side walls extending from the bottom and a transverse cross brace connecting the side walls together. The bottom has a toe portion extending perpendicularly from the first wall. The first wall is divided into an upper portion above the transverse cross brace and a lower portion between the transverse cross brace and the toe portion, the lower portion being perpendicular with respect to the toe portion. The upper portion of the first wall is at an obtuse angle to the lower portion such that the upper portion extends away from the lower portion of the side wall and away from the second side wall. The upper portion is configured to be flexible and resilient. The extrusion has an open top defined byte upper portion of the first and second walls which flare out relative to lower portions of the first and second walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Olink
  • Patent number: 7669366
    Abstract: A planter for growing a transplantable plant includes a container having a sidewall and a bottom and further includes a retainer member for retaining a plant which has been transplanted within the container through the sidewall or bottom thereof. The retainer member defines an expandable opening which is movable between expanded and normally-collapsed conditions so that by urging a plant root system end-first against the retainer member, the expandable opening is moved to an expanded condition to permit the root system to pass through the expandable opening into the container interior. Upon passage of the root system through the expandable opening, the expandable opening is permitted to return toward its normally-collapsed condition about the stem of the plant to thereby prevent the withdrawal of the root system of the plant from the container interior through the plant retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Felknor Ventures LLC
    Inventor: Wilson A. Felknor
  • Patent number: 7669367
    Abstract: A horizontal wall is formed with a notch groove. The notch groove is formed by cutting a tip end of the horizontal wall on the side of the vehicle body substantially along an approaching/separating direction between a vehicle body and a slide door. A connecting unit which turnably connects a plate and a roller holder of a connection assembly to each other is movably inserted into the notch groove. The plate and the horizontal wall of the bracket are fastened to each other in a state where they are superposed on each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoji Shimura, Hiroshi Morinaga
  • Patent number: 7669368
    Abstract: Sliding door for motor vehicles, having an outer door skin, an inner door skin and a door inside trim, supported on a guide rail on a vehicle body and movable between opened and closed positions. The sliding door includes a cable guide assembly for accommodating and guiding electric cables, which connect first electric elements provided in or on the vehicle body to second electric elements provided on the sliding door, whereby on moving the sliding door, the cable guide assembly is movable in a plane including the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and whereby a guide channel for guiding the cable guide assembly is provided on moving the sliding door. Guide surfaces of the guide channel are formed or integrated at least in sections on the inner door skin, in a door module support and/or on the door inside trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Kuhnen, Patricia Cruz, Arnd Herwig, Olaf Kriese
  • Patent number: 7669369
    Abstract: A door threshold water return system, comprising: a lower sill; an upper sill; a rear wall; and a front wall forming a chamber, wherein at least one baffle is provided projecting into the chamber from the rear wall, a first gap is provided in proximity to the rear wall and between the upper sill and the rear wall, and a second gap is provided in proximity to the lower sill and between the lower sill and the front wall, whereby water introduced into the system through the first gap exits the system through the second gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Henry, Ann Henry
  • Patent number: 7669370
    Abstract: A weather strip includes an attaching base portion, and a hollow seal portion. The attaching base portion has a generally L-shaped cross-section, and includes a bottom wall and an exterior side wall. An elongation/shrinkage prevention portion is formed such that when the attaching base portion is curved in a direction of a width of the exterior side wall, a neutral axis of curvature is disposed at a position slightly offset toward a widthwise distal end of the exterior side wall from that portion of the exterior side wall continuous with the bottom wall. A double adhesive tape is bonded at least to that portion of an interior surface of the exterior side wall extending toward the distal end of the exterior side wall from a region at which a first hollow connecting portion of the hollow seal portion and the exterior side wall are interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kisato Oba, Masahiro Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7669371
    Abstract: An underfloor distribution system, includes a first module having a main body; an end closure and a cover. The end closure and the cover are removably mounted to the main body, and the first module is adapted to be removably mounted to a second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventor: John William Hill
  • Patent number: 7669372
    Abstract: An improved structural insulated panel and panel joint includes a panel having a core with cementitious facings where the core edge is grooved and along the panel side edges rebated to accommodate a connecting column. A connecting column is “H”-shaped, formed from two “C”-shaped channels sealed together along other webs with legs directed outwardly and for use between two of the panels. Multiple wall structures and details are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: T. Clear Corporation
    Inventor: Lisa Clear Schaffer