Patents Issued in April 20, 2010
  • Patent number: 7698814
    Abstract: A method for linearizing potentiometric sensors is provided, the method can include the steps of: insertion in a measurement and/or processing station of a potentiometric sensor provided with a resistive track; application of a defined voltage and/or of a defined current across the resistive track; placement of a number of sensing elements composed of metallic contacts distributed at uniform intervals over the length of the resistive track; acquisition of the individual measured values of the sensing elements and determination of the curve of the resistance of the resistive track, and linearization of the resistance of the resistive track by means of sequential adjustment of the resistance of the resistive track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: PREH GmbH
    Inventor: Alfons Buehner
  • Patent number: 7698815
    Abstract: A heat sink for integrated circuits is limited substantially to heat transfer fins on one or more heat pipe tubes, the tube(s) functioning as a base for the heat sink. The heat pipe tube has a flattened oval cross-section and can snap-fit in openings through the fins. The tube is exposed on one side of the heat sink for contact with the heat generating circuit. The fins can be flat or irregular and can have a collar engaging the heat pipe tube. In one example, the heat pipe runs perpendicular to vertical fins along the bottom of a standing fin stack. In another embodiment two U-shaped heat pipe tubes carry a layered stack, the bottom of the U-shapes being presented under the lowermost in the stack. A clamp urges the heat sink against the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Thermal Corp.
    Inventor: Scott Garner
  • Patent number: 7698816
    Abstract: A method of defining a new pinion for use with a given face gear set. Tooth geometry of the new pinion is generated by a plane taking the given face gear set as reference and maintaining true conjugate actions among the original pinion, the face gear, the new pinion and the generating plane. This method makes it possible to eliminate adapter gears for applications requiring different shaft settings and/or ratios than those of the given gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jie Tan
  • Patent number: 7698817
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article such as vehicle interior trim component including a decoupler layer is disclosed. The method comprises the conveying of materials into an enclosure to form a preform having a shape of the enclosure, heating the preform to a temperature such that adjacent materials may bond to one another upon cooling and forming the heated preform into a predetermined three-dimensional decoupler configuration via a mold. The enclosure has a perforated portion and at least one panel movable relative to the enclosure so as to selectively expose portions of the perforated portion. The density of the preform may be varied as the at least one panel is moved to expose the perforated portion of the enclosure. A system for manufacturing articles such as a vehicle interior trim component including a decoupler layer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Surendra Khambete, William Griffin, Fred Skidmore, Sandip Mehta
  • Patent number: 7698818
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to obtain a cost-effective solution for providing a microsystem with bearings, which have sufficiently high precision and long-term stress resistance. The invention proposes a method for manufacturing, adapting or adjusting a bearing portion in a fluidal microcomponent (M) comprising a stator (30) and a rotor (40,2). Said rotor is rotatably supported on the at least one bearing portion (L10,L11) relative to said stator. Said rotor (40,2) is rotatably supported by a sleeve (10, 11) inserted into said stator (30), for forming said bearing portion, the at least one sleeve being inserted in said stator as a bearing sleeve and comprising an inner surface and an outer surface (10i, 10a; 11i, 11a). Before being inserted in said stator, said bearing sleeve (10, 11) is a separate bearing component comprising an inner surface (10i, 11i) as an inner bearing surface, which is mechanically micro-finished before being inserted into said stator (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: HNP Mikrosysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Voegele, Thomas Weisener, Helmut Christmann, Armin Reichardt, Harald Helget
  • Patent number: 7698819
    Abstract: A shaving apparatus includes at least one cutting unit having an inner cutter rotationally drivable with respect to an outer cutter by driving shaft of a driving device. The driving shaft exerts a prestress force on the inner cutter in the direction of the outer cutter. During cutting of a hair, the hair exerts a cutting force on the inner cutter directed opposite the driving force. The driving shaft bears axially on the outer cutter via at least one driving surface of a coupling element which is rotationally drivable. The inner cutter includes at least one driven surface for cooperating with the driving surface for exerting the driving force. The direction of the driving force is substantially perpendicular to the driving surface and the driven surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Bastiaan Johannes De Wit, Simon Eme Kadijk, Fokke Roelof Voorhorst, Sieds Bosch
  • Patent number: 7698820
    Abstract: Disclosed is a high speed link type reciprocating electric shaver in which an outer cutter and an inner cutter reciprocate in the right-to-left direction oppositely to each other so that reciprocating effect can be doubled due to only same vibration speed of a motor. The electric shaver includes an outer cutter to reciprocate, and an inner to reciprocate. The inner cutter is connected to a side of vibrator connected to an eccentric shaft of a motor and reciprocates, and the other side of the reciprocating vibrator is connected to the outer cutter by a connecting linkage such that the outer cutter reciprocates in the direction opposite to that of the inner cutter by fixing a center the connecting linkage to a case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Tae-Jun Oh
  • Patent number: 7698821
    Abstract: The folding knife of the present invention includes a handle having first and second handle members that are maintained in spaced, parallel relation to one another by spacing elements that define a groove therebetween. The blade is pivotally attached to the handle at its tang portion and is movable into and out of the groove between its fully open and fully closed positions. A coil spring, or equivalent, may be interconnected between the tang and handle to provide an assisted opening mechanism. A blade lock includes a user actuated button that passes through an elongated slot formed through one of the handle members and through a circular opening formed through a bias plate that is positioned within the handle, and a plunger element that is spring biased in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Darrel Ralph
  • Patent number: 7698822
    Abstract: A personal care apparatus having a hair trimmer, a main part and a head part. The head part being connected to the main part in a region of the main part that is adjacent to the head part and is pivotable relative to the main part. A personal care tool is provided on the head part and comprising a toothed cutting mechanism that has at least one drivable toothed blade and a spring of a U-shaped configuration has a cross-member connected to the head part and two sides co-operating with at least one position extension connected to the main part in the region of each of its two sides. The spring acts between the head part and the main part, and the head part is pivotable by the spring in synchronization with varying displacing forces that act on the head part in the course of a personal care process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Kostner, Gerald Kauer, Michael Janny
  • Patent number: 7698823
    Abstract: A wrist strap arrangement is provided for an attachment to a manual shaving device to guard against dropping of such razor. The wrist strap is designed to either by temporarily storable in the razor while not required or being used or to be conveniently removable from such razor during non-use by various attachment and storage arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Carol Ann Iadarola
  • Patent number: 7698824
    Abstract: Bow and fixed firearm sights, employing fiber optic materials and tritium to provide illumination during periods of low-light, and no-light. As contemplated the bow sights are usable with or without an elastic alignment cord attached to the bow riser/limb and/or forward cable system of a compound bow. In its simplest form the bow sight comprises a bow sight having an opaque base, a transparent housing disposed on and integral with the base, a sight window having peripheral notches therearound and a fiber optic pin embedded in the transparent housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Keith W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7698825
    Abstract: The most accurate method of finding the true north is through astronomical observations, for example, by observing the position of the sun. However, the procedure is complicated. The instantaneous position of the sun must be calculated from astronomical data for each instance of observation, and the operator must wait for the predetermined time to come. Elaborate manual adjustments are required. The present invention discloses an automatic solar compass comprising a cylindrical omni-directional lens, a detection means, and a servomechanism. It is as easy to use as the magnetic compass, but much more accurate and reliable than the magnetic compass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventor: Chengjun Julian Chen
  • Patent number: 7698826
    Abstract: A surveying type target has a precisely located aperture that achieves tolerances, within +/?0.0005 inch, in the assembly and usage of a retro-reflective photogrammetry target for use with close range industrial photogrammetry. The dot the target may also be refurbished and reconditioned in the field under all weather conditions. This target has a precisely machined ring that fits into a precisely machined socket of a body to eliminate assembly irregularities. This target precisely locates the ring upon the body forming a finished target with a known centerline and height location within +/?0.0005 inch tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hubbs Machine & Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: William O. Hubbs
  • Patent number: 7698827
    Abstract: A bevel setting tool having a rectangular plate, both sides of which are marked with reference indicia and a moveable fence that slides longitudinally on a stud that passes from the fence through a slot centrally located in the plate and into a locking knob. The fence and knob may be disassembled so that the fence can be positioned on either side of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin C. Lee, John S. Pratt, Scott T. Roger
  • Patent number: 7698828
    Abstract: A safety rule includes a rule body, which has a stop flange protruded from and extending along one long side thereof, a protective plate, which has one long side pivotally coupled to the rule body so that the protective plate can be set in a collapsed position and closely attached to the top surface of the rule body when the safety rule is not in use or lifted from the rule body to a lifted position for protecting the user's hand to avoid accidental hand injury when the safety rule is used to guide a cutter in cutting a sheet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Shao-Tsung Wei
  • Patent number: 7698829
    Abstract: A device for determining a measureable variable on a measurement object has a baseplate mounted on a plurality of machine feet. A measuring head is arranged on a frame structure. The frame structure can be moved on the baseplate. A workpiece table can be placed over the baseplate in order to support the measurement object. The machine feet may project upward from the baseplate in order to hold the workpiece table with a reduced deformation of the baseplate regardless of the workpiece weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Hariolf Lutz
  • Patent number: 7698830
    Abstract: A system for measuring a living subject having a spine comprises a flexible strip, a first sensor, a processor, and a data storage device. The flexible strip, the first sensor, the processor, and the data storage device are located along the spine of the living subject. The first sensor, the processor and the data storage device are connected for collecting data related to bending of the flexible strip for determining a curvature of the spine of the living subject. The data from the first sensor is processed in the processor and stored in the storage device. One embodiment includes a transmitter for transmitting the data. Other embodiments include feedback and provide information about time duration in a posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: MicroStrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Townsend, Steven W. Arms
  • Patent number: 7698831
    Abstract: A tile spacer for a plurality of tiles arranged on the surface with spaces in between. The tile spacer has a first set of elongate members, each having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are connected together and the distal ends are spaced-apart for setting the spaces between the tiles. The spacer has a body having a portion which is spaced-apart above the tiles when the distal ends of the members are fitted within the spaces between the tiles, thereby facilitating removal of the spacer when tile spacing is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Zashiki-Warashi Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: David John Higgs, Davor Baros
  • Patent number: 7698832
    Abstract: A tape measure is invented that fits in an auxiliary pocket such as a credit card pocket of a wallet. The tape measure consists of a case that fits in the auxiliary pocket, a rectangular card that fits in the case, and a tape measure ribbon with a width at most half the width of the card. When the tape measure is in the retracted mode, the ribbon is wrapped nicely around the card and the wrapped ribbon is inserted in the case. To extend the tape measure, the wrapped card is removed from the case and the ribbon is unwrapped from the card so it functions as an ordinary tape measure ribbon. In an example given in one embodiment, a tape measure is sized to fit in a credit card pocket, has a thickness of less than the thickness of three credit cards, yet extends to 40 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Jerome Elliot Sacks
  • Patent number: 7698833
    Abstract: An apparatus for hardening a sealant on a substrate is disclosed in the present invention. The apparatus includes a chamber receiving at least a pair of bonded substrates, and at least one supporting unit supporting the bonded substrates, attached to inner side surfaces of the chamber, and having a substantially flat contact surface contacting the bonded substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moo Yeol Park, Sung Su Jung
  • Patent number: 7698834
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe system comprising an interchangeable shoe base and vamp. The shoe base has a rim piece on the outer edge of the shoe base that interlocks with a protruding lip on the outer edge of the vamp except in the toe area, where the rim piece and vamp abut one another rather than interlocking, allowing the interchangeable vamp to have a closed toe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Carolyn Courville
  • Patent number: 7698835
    Abstract: A stability device that increases foot security on the footbed of a shoe, provides lateral or medial stability, shock dampening, and optimizes flexibility. The stability device includes a resilient bladder insert having a horizontal sole portion underneath a wearer's foot, and a foot portion positioned along a lateral or medial side edge of a wearer's foot. The sole portion and the foot portion are in fluid communication. The stability device can be generally L-shaped to cradle a portion of the foot. The stability device can also include a plurality of finger-shaped elements that encircle the top of the foot and expand down onto the foot due to an increase in fluid pressure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Potter, Lorrie G. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7698836
    Abstract: A system and method for securing accessories to shoes and other articles of clothing is described. One illustrative embodiment is a system for attaching a decorative accessory to a shoe, the system comprising a shaft having first and second ends; a first shoulder secured to the first end of the shaft, the first shoulder being configured for insertion through an expandable hole in an upper portion of the shoe and configured to engage an inner surface of the upper portion of the shoe; a second shoulder secured to the second end of the shaft, the second shoulder being configured to engage the shoe; and a third shoulder adjacent to the second shoulder, the third shoulder comprising the decorative accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Jibbitz, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Schmelzer, Sheri Schmelzer
  • Patent number: 7698837
    Abstract: An ice resurfacing machine for small and medium-size indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks comprises a light towing vehicle, a resurfacing attachment, and a lifting and leveling assembly connecting them. To eliminate ruts in the ice, the machine removes only a thin layer of ice by scraping, fills the ruts with “snow” created by the scraping, skating, and precipitation, and adds water to fill the rut. The cold from the base ice and/or the atmosphere freezes the water and thus eliminates the rut. The machine may also be used to remove heavy snow or reduce the thickness of the ice. The resurfacing attachment includes a snow box which collects the snow and carries it along the surface of the ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Hastings Seely
  • Patent number: 7698838
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a hoe equipped excavator includes a base, a boom pivotally mounted at one end on the base, a stick pivotally coupled at one end to the other end of the boom, a tool pivotally coupled to the other end of the stick, a boom link plate pivotally coupled to the boom, a lift cylinder coupled between the base and the boom link plate and an adjustment cylinder coupled between the boom link plate and the boom. The lift cylinder is operable to pivot the boom through a first circumferential range, and the adjustment cylinder is operable to pivot the boom beyond the first circumferential range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: David W. Strayhorn
  • Patent number: 7698839
    Abstract: Molded polymer elevator buckets are reinforced by tapering the thickness of front and sidewalls and integral arcuate corner parts to improve bucket life without significant weight increase or reduced bucket capacity. Front lip wear indicators may be molded into the front wall section delimited by the lip and/or on the arcuate corner parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Maxi-Lift, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Phillips, Jon D. Fisher, Victor A. Sahm, III
  • Patent number: 7698840
    Abstract: Artists prefer to paint on canvas. Paintings previous to this invention, canvas paintings hung on flat walls because the have a flat back. This invention, a tubular canvas can not be place flat on a wall; it must either hang from the ceiling, set on flat pedestal so the viewer can walk around to see the painting in its entirety. With the Full Moon Canvas, the artist paints not on a flat canvas surface but a 360 degree round-tube-shaped, always curving, canvas of any height or circumference. Oil, acrylic or any art media can be applied. (To clarify only, visualize a drum where the sides are painted). It is constructed out of light weight wood. The flat top and bottom are exposed folded canvas from stretching the canvas. When the piece is finished, the flat ends are covered with smooth wood thus creating the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Willow Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 7698841
    Abstract: A versatile, animated cake decoration that can be used with a cake to celebrate various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and the like. The cake decoration can be partially embedded in the upper surface of the cake so as to simulate a face that has moving eyes and a moving mouth. The apparatus includes a battery that powers a mechanism that moves the eyes and the mouth and also powers a sound generator that can play a number of different songs and greetings to fit the celebration. The apparatus is safe and is constructed from non-toxic materials so it can safely be used on food products such as cake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Alon Vivat
  • Patent number: 7698842
    Abstract: A plate, e.g., a license plate for motor vehicles, includes a base body which is made of an electrically conductive material, or has an electrically conductive layer applied either directly or via a further layer. Thus, the electrically conductive base body or its electrically conductive coating forms a first electrode of a flat capacitor. A layer having an electroluminescent pigmentation is applied on the base body or the electrically conductive layer. The electroluminescent coating may be applied by various methods, e.g., spray painting, brushing, special screen-printing methods, etc. To create the electrical field, it may be necessary to apply to the electroluminescent layer an electrically conductive layer for forming the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Fitzke Werberechnik
    Inventors: Michael Fitzke, Michael Mueller
  • Patent number: 7698843
    Abstract: A flexible mounting system for supporting a sign from a rigid structure for minimizing damage that might result from an impact force on the sign is disclosed. The flexible mounting system includes a flexible sign mount having a support bracket secured to a sign and a stationary bracket releasably securable to a rigid structure such a bollard. A flex element can be interposed between the support bracket and the stationary bracket to permit the sign to translate and rotate relative to the rigid support when the sign is subjected to an impact load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Alan J. Adilman, Thomas E. Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 7698844
    Abstract: Rod magazine for a firearm, having a channel for holding cartridges in a stack, and having a feed for feeding the stack to a channel end which is clasped by magazine lips, which hold the top cartridge in the stack back in the channel direction, but allow its movement approximately transversely with respect to the channel direction beyond the rod magazine, with the channel being equipped with guide strips, which run in the channel direction, for the shoulders of the cartridges, and with the guide strips projecting beyond the channel end and into the movement path, which is located in front of the magazine lips, of the top cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: STEYR MANNLICHER Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Gruber, Hubert Kefer
  • Patent number: 7698845
    Abstract: A model 1911 semi automatic pistol having a receiver, a barrel, a breach slide and a firing mechanism. The barrel is coupled to the receiver. The breach slide coupled to the receiver. The firing mechanism is coupled to the receiver. The firing mechanism is adapted for double action operation. The firing mechanism has a hammer with a firing pin strike surface and an engagement surface enabling single action operation of the firing mechanism. The engagement surface is movable relative to the firing pin strike surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: New Colt Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Hochstrate, Arthur Daigle
  • Patent number: 7698846
    Abstract: The invention presented in this work creates the possibility of a portable gun—revolver, pistol, carbine, riffle or hand-machine gun, to recognize its owner, in progressive levels of handling safety. Three levels of handling safety are established based on the evaluation of the grip force or its effect through material deformation or strain gage measurement. The first level of handling safety does not allow persons with grip force bellow a given limit, to shoot with a gun. The second level of handling safety enables the portable gun to recognize an individual as belonging to a smaller group than the first level. Now, the gun will only recognize for a successful firing an individual whose grip force, measured by one strain gage, fit into a small operational range, established and stored at the moment of acquisition by the owner. The third level of handling safety enables a portable gun to recognize an individual, as belonging to an even smaller group than in the second level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventors: José Carlos Albano Do Amarante, Roque Marcelo Versolato, Luis Cristovão de Moraes Sobrino Porto
  • Patent number: 7698847
    Abstract: A weapon grip assembly for attachment to a forward portion of a weapon is provided. The invention includes a base assembly supported for operative engagement by a handle. The base assembly includes clamps adapted to be secured to a forward portion of the weapon and further includes a post having a clamp end adapted to retain the clamps for pivot motion with respect thereto. The post of the base assembly is received within a bore of the handle, a mandrel being interposed between the handle and the clamps of the base assembly. As the base assembly is drawn into the handle, by rotation of the handle about the post of the base assembly, the mandrel receives the clamp end of the post, with an upper free surface thereof engaging the clamps for pivoted closure about a portion of the weapon in furtherance of securing the weapon grip assembly thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: R/M Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Griffin
  • Patent number: 7698848
    Abstract: A folding stock assembly for firearms such as rifles and shotguns. The stock is made of metal rod that has been bent to form laterally spaced left and right elongated arm members that have rear ends connected to the top end of a U-shaped shoulder rest portion. The front end of the respective elongated arm members are pivotally connected to the rear end of a neck portion extending rearwardly from the upper end of the handgrip. There is structure in the interior of the end cap for locking the elongated arm members in either its static storage position or its rearward functional deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited LLC
    Inventor: James K. Bentley
  • Patent number: 7698849
    Abstract: A projectile (28) for a barrel assembly (10) containing multiple projectiles (28) including a propellant charge (22), a primer (23, 26) that ignites the propellant charge (22), a payload (28) that is propelled from the barrel (10) on ignition of the charge (22), and ignition system (20, 24, 25) having both an electrical (20, 24) and a mechanical (25, 26) sub-system either or both of which may be triggered to ignite the primer (23). The electrical system may involve induction white the mechanical system may involve a solenoid or fully mechanical arrangement, the mechanical system acts as a backup for the electrical system if required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventors: James Michael O'Dwyer, Sean Patrick O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 7698850
    Abstract: An ice fishing line protection device, for protecting micro fishing line as light as one or two pound test, comprising an elongated tube with an internal passageway through which a fishing line may pass. The protection device floats in an ice fishing hole protecting the line from abrasions. The protection device opens to release the line or it can be extracted from the ice hole entirely when a fish is caught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Gary G. Harris
  • Patent number: 7698851
    Abstract: A fishing rod with elastic sling bait launcher utilizes potential energy stored in a pre-tensioned elastic cord to propel a fishing lure or bait attached to one end of a fishing line forward from the rod tip without requiring casting motion of the rod, the other end of the line unwinding from a reel attached to said handle. The sling launcher includes a U-shaped yoke which is secured to the rod shaft at adjustable distances forward of the handle and reel. The elastic sling has an elastic member consisting of an elongated length of elastic cord or a tension spring attached at opposite ends thereof to upper ends of a pair of laterally opposed, upwardly protruding yoke arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: David G. Donohoe
  • Patent number: 7698852
    Abstract: A fishing lure has retractable hooks. A spring has a coiled portion mounted around a pin in the lure body, two energizing leg extending from the coiled portion, and a foot extending laterally from each energizing leg. The feet engage a rearward side of the shank of each hook. A trigger has a rod on a forward end that extends from the body for attachment to a line. The trigger has a trigger body that engages a forward side of each of the shanks. The trigger and the lure body have mating detent surfaces to releasably retain the hooks in a cocked position. A forward pull on the rod releases the trigger to move forward, freeing the coiled portion of the spring to unwind, causing the energizing legs to rotate the hooks to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Slick Fish Lure, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford W. Cox, J. Clifton Gibson
  • Patent number: 7698853
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling insect population or activity by using electromagnetic field source of certain frequency and intensity coupled with insect food sources/attractants. The present invention can be used to protect a natural or man-made structure from termite infestation. The present invention can also be used for controlling activity of other social insects such as ants, bees and wasps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin W. Ragon, J. Patrick Donohoe, Terry Amburgey, Michael Sanders
  • Patent number: 7698854
    Abstract: A crop production apparatus including a flexible sheet of non-degradable or biodegradable material and a seed impregnated or carrying lower layer formed from a water-absorbent biodegradable material bonded or otherwise attached to the upper layer and removable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: David Holloway
  • Patent number: 7698855
    Abstract: A opening control apparatus for a sliding door of a vehicle, includes a driving source, a clutch arranged to connect the driving source and the sliding door in an engaged state and to disconnect the driving source and the sliding door in a disengaged state, and a control section. The control section brings the clutch from the disengaged state to the engaged state when a measured distance of movement of the sliding door from a stop position to a position in one of an opening direction and a closing direction reaches a first predetermined distance and then a measured distance of movement of the sliding door from the position in the one of the opening and closing directions reaches a second predetermined distance, and drives the sliding door to move in the one of the opening and closing directions by the driving source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Imai, Tsunenori Senbongi
  • Patent number: 7698856
    Abstract: A glass run mounted along an inner part of a door frame of a vehicle door to guide a window glass which moves up and down within the door frame. A main body portion of the glass run is provided with an exterior side wall, an interior side wall and a bottom wall, thereby formed into a shape having a substantially U-shaped cross section. An exterior seal lip and an interior seal lip are provided so as to extend into an inside of the substantially U-shaped cross section from distal portions of the exterior side wall and the interior side wall, respectively. The bottom wall has a bottom wall damping lip which is formed so as to be inclined inwardly from one of side end portions of an inner surface of the bottom wall. A space which is provided between an outer surface of the bottom wall portion and a door frame. A cushion material is provided in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Tamaoki, Hakurei Watanabe, Jiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7698857
    Abstract: A frame is constructed to support a roof. A plurality of panels can be slid into position on the frame from the ground. A mating channel joint is formed between adjacent panels that allows one panel to be slid over the adjacent panel into the proper position. The panels engage frame members to properly position the panels on the roof. The roof panels are formed with mounting structures located on the interior or underside thereof. The mounting structures include holes or other receptacles for receiving a rigid connector member. The frame members are also provided with receptacles for receiving the connector member. The connector member is inserted through the first mounting structure, through the receptacle in the frame member and through the mounting structure of the adjacent panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Erik Skov, Timothy Pierzynski
  • Patent number: 7698858
    Abstract: A studded membrane is proposed for the protection of buildings with a drainage and slip surface formed on the reverse side thereof. This ensures that water is drained between the studded membrane and the exterior surface of the building, between the studded membrane and the seal, between the studded membrane and the insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ewald Dörken AG
    Inventors: Jörn Schroer, Heinz Peter Raidt, Norbert Klingelhage
  • Patent number: 7698859
    Abstract: A removable surface covering comprises a combination of lower supports with plastic support legs and upper ceramic parts which are joined to the supports by contact faces and with the aid of an adhesive material, such as to form covering modules which are interconnected using tongue-and-groove anchoring elements. The plastic supports and the ceramic parts are joined using a thick layer of adhesive which covers almost all of the contact surfaces thereof. In addition, the ceramic parts are equipped with channels and a peripheral notch which house respectively ribs and a frame belonging to the plastic support. The thickness of the adhesive extends over at least part of the thickness of the ribs and the frame of the plastic support. In another embodiment of the invention, the parts are joined at strategic points with a chemical-mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Vicente Sansano Marti
  • Patent number: 7698860
    Abstract: An Emergency Isolation and Treatment Shelter (EITS) deck system is constructed from a multiple of deck unit modules. Each deck unit module includes four adjustable leg assemblies attachable together by a lower truss between each leg assembly so as to support a deck surface panel. The size of the deck unit module defines the modularity of the EITS. Each leg assembly includes a primary leg, an intermediate leg, and a screw foot each in telescopic relationship. Each leg assembly may be telescoped independently to provide a level deck surface irrespective of the underlying terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Stageright Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hockemeyer, O. David Rogers
  • Patent number: 7698861
    Abstract: A masonry block wall bracing wall anchor having a threaded portion connected to an intermediate portion of the wall anchor with the intermediate portion having a vertical cross-section generally sized to fit between and substantially bridge the vertical thickness of a bed joint between two successive courses of masonry blocks and the threaded portion available for connecting by means of a washer and a nut to a side support that braces a masonry block wall during construction. The preferred embodiment has an upper transverse fracture groove and a lower transverse fracture groove through which after completion of the wall selectively can propagate a fracture line when the masonry block wall is completed. The fracture grooves can facilitate selective fracturing of the wall bracing wall anchor thereby allowing removal of a protruding threaded portion of the anchor that extends beyond the outer face of the masonry wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Richard A. Bogue
  • Patent number: 7698862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer decoupling and sealing system (1), in particular for the laying of ceramic paving (10) according to a thin-bed method (12). Said system comprises a layered construction containing, from the base upwards, a liquid-impermeable sealing layer (4), an anchorage layer (2, 3) that is configured from a lattice-type structural element and that is used to hold a filler material (12), which is to be incorporated into the upper face of the decoupling and sealing system (1) and which is plastic during processing and subsequently cures, in addition to a reinforcement layer (5), which is fixed, at least in some sections, to the anchorage layer (2, 3). This improves the load-bearing capacity of the decoupling and sealing system (1) and the bonding properties of ceramic paving (10) that is laid in a conventional manner on the decoupling and sealing system (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Blanke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sandro Gerd Thronicke, Peter Wilhelm Blanke
  • Patent number: 7698863
    Abstract: A window assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth frame pieces connected together to form a rectangular frame. Each of the frame pieces has an inside face defining a glass-receiving groove and a muntin-engaging face orthogonal to the inside face and defining a muntin-receiving channel. A first muntin is oriented in the first frame piece muntin-receiving channel and the second frame piece muntin-receiving channel, and a second muntin is oriented in the third frame piece muntin-receiving channel and the fourth frame piece muntin-receiving channel. The first and second muntins cross over to engage at a first half lap joint. The frame pieces are connected to each other with rabbet joints. The window assembly can be part of a garage door arrangement. A method of making a window assembly includes connecting together the frame pieces with rabbet joints and orienting first and second muntins to engage at a lap joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Designer Doors, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Kent Forsland, Jack A. Reichert, Dean A. Benoy