Patents Issued in May 4, 2010
  • Patent number: 7707659
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chamois for use with athletic shorts and/or pants. The chamois comprises an elastic portion that stretches to conform to a wearer's body to reduce irritation and a relatively inelastic portion that resists stretch to inhibit breakdown of the foam in support areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: DashAmerica, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Africa, Dylan Nelson
  • Patent number: 7707660
    Abstract: A protective garment for a fire fighter or emergency worker is provided. The protective garment includes an outer shell and a drag harness located at least substantially within the outer shell. The drag harness includes a wearer portion, a gripping portion and a flap operably coupled to the gripping portion. The flap is releasably secured to the outer shell in a stored state. The flap and the gripping portion remaining operably coupled to one another and extend away from the outer shell in a deployed state to drag a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Morning Pride Manufacturing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mary I. Grilliot, William L. Grilliot, Patricia K. Waters
  • Patent number: 7707661
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sanitary paper that is designed to be appropriate for dual functions: (1) as a tissue paper for wiping and cleaning by a user, and (2) as a toilet seat-cover. The sanitary paper is a folded continuous sanitary paper strip comprising detachable sections of tissue paper, where some sections are toilet seat-covers which are defined by appropriate transverse seat-cover perforation lines. Various embodiments are described regarding the folding of the sanitary paper strip. A precut bowl flap, in each of the detachable seat-covers, is provided as well. The sanitary paper strip can be made of a single or multi-ply paper. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sanitary paper is made of a duplex paper, where each surface best serves the intended function of that surface. Additionally, the sanitary paper strip can be impregnated with various chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: David Issachar
  • Patent number: 7707662
    Abstract: A cover for a swimming pool includes a flexible sheet of material covering substantially all of an opening into the swimming pool. A split extends within the cover. Zipper elements line edges of the cover along the split to close the split, thereby preventing debris from entering the swimming pool through the split. A locking plate member covers top and bottom sides of the zipper to secure the zipper during the off-season. The locking member includes spaced apart upper and lower plates, forming a slot therebetween, whereby the slot provides clearance for fabric edges of the zipper. A bridge section joins the plates adjacent to a rear side of the locking plate member. A recess is formed in facing surfaces of the lower and upper plates between the bridge section and a front side of the locking plate member, to accommodate the zipper elements therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Pool-Cover Corp.
    Inventor: LeeAnn Pesta
  • Patent number: 7707663
    Abstract: The shampoo basin cushioning piece cushions the neck along notch in the shampoo basin, and also securely fastens along the top perimeter of the shampoo basin. The ability of the cushioning device to securely attach along the perimeter of the shampoo basin enables the cushioning device to avoid movement and remain steady when the neck of an end user is placed upon it. The cushioning piece seeks to eliminate the movement and associated neck soreness associated with moving cushions that are designed for the neck notch of a shampoo basin. A sink or porcelain base converter that when placed over the sink or porcelain base will convert it into a shampoo basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Cristina Crawford
  • Patent number: 7707664
    Abstract: A bathroom cleansing apparatus for use by individuals when taking a shower. The bathroom cleansing apparatus is an improved showerhead which is attached to a length of flex hose. The flex hose itself is not normally visible when the shower head is not in use, but rather, is attached to a spool that is axially mounted behind a shower wall. The flex hose winds around the spool a few times before being attached to an incoming water line. The spool itself is attached to a torsion spring, which will cause the apparatus to slowly pull any extra length of flex hose not being used back onto the spool for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: James P. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7707665
    Abstract: A shower water conservation apparatus (10) that conserves the shower water by storing the initially cooled water that is produced by a hot water source (124). The initially cooled water is routed by a series of pipes and timed valves into a water reservoir assembly (19), such as a bellows (20), where the water is stored for later use. The cooled water from the bellows (20) is timely released and mixed with flow of cold water from a cold water source (126). The mixed cold water is further mixed with the now hot water from the hot water source (124) before the mixed hot and cold water is manually regulated and applied through a shower head (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Kwangill Hong
  • Patent number: 7707666
    Abstract: A litter tie-down apparatus is provided for quickly and easily securing a litter safely and securely in a transporting vehicle, the apparatus having a main body strap member arranged to engage the lift handles of a litter, the strap member mounting a pair of adjustable-length securement strap members arranged for connection to a securement fixture in a vehicle, and a ratchet winder assembly is provided to shorten at least one of the securement strap members and thereby tension the apparatus and litter against movement in the vehicle. A quick release arrangement selectively operates to immediately loosen the securement straps and allow the main body member to be slided off of the lift handles of the litter for emergency evacuation of the litter and patient from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Skedco, Inc.
    Inventors: Carston R. Calkin, Joseph J. Marak
  • Patent number: 7707667
    Abstract: A backboard pad assembly comprising a body pad and cranial pad with side wrappings and a back coverslip attached to the body pad. The side wrappings and back coverslip may be of one piece are typically of an elastic material and extend around an associated backboard so as to retain the body pad to the backboard. The body pad has a width that is less than the distance between side handholds of an associated backboard such that the handholds are not covered by the body pad and have a length such that any end handholds of the associated backboard are not covered by the body pad. The body pad follows the profile of the associated backboard. The body pad, cranial pad, side wrappings, and back coverslip are made of or are covered with a coating of material that is waterproof and chemically resistant and capable of being medically disinfected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Ross T. Walton
  • Patent number: 7707668
    Abstract: A pillow for relieving pressure on a neck of a user. In one embodiment, the pillow includes a body section, a first lobe member integrally bound to the body section and adaptable for supporting a nape of a neck of a user, and a second lobe member integrally bound to the body section and adaptable for supporting a cheek bone and a jaw of the user. The pillow also includes a channel formed in the body section between the first lobe member and the second lobe member, wherein the channel is adaptable for receiving the neck of the user to relieve pressure on the neck of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventors: Janine Kloes, James Kloes
  • Patent number: 7707669
    Abstract: A mattress lift for elevating a bed mattress and tucking in sheets or bed covers beneath or under the bed mattress between the bed mattress and a box spring or other supporting surface comprising a lift device including a base or body having a longitudinally disposed substantially oblong recess formed in the upper surface thereof with a longitudinally disposed oblong slot formed in the base or body symmetrically disposed within the longitudinally disposed substantially oblong recess, a lift handle formed or coupled to a proximal portion of the base or body configured to be grasped by the user, a lift ramp including an inclined surface formed or coupled to a distal portion of the base or body configured to slide between the bed mattress and box spring to tuck the sheets or bed covers therebetween and a lift support device including an upper lift coupler movably or slidably disposed within the longitudinally disposed substantially oblong recess interconnected or coupled to a lower lift support member disposed b
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: BBE R&D L.L.C.
    Inventor: Barrie Richardson
  • Patent number: 7707670
    Abstract: A support cushion has an elastic core having a first surface, a second surface and a thickness defined by the first surface and the second surface. A first cover portion substantially entirely encloses the elastic core. A pillow top surface is positioned adjacent the first surface of the elastic core. The pillow top surface includes a plurality of foam portions. A second cover portion at least partially covers the pillow top surface and the second cover portion attached to at least one of the first cover portion and the elastic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Fogg
  • Patent number: 7707671
    Abstract: A spin cycle controlling apparatus for a washing machine includes a storage unit in which an acceleration rate, an allowable maximum unbalance amount and an allowable minimum unbalance amount according to an amount of laundry are pre-stored; and a controlling unit for repeatedly controlling an operation of increasing and decreasing revolutions per minute (RPM) in a region between the allowable maximum unbalance amount and the allowable minimum unbalance amount until an unbalance amount detected is less than the allowable minimum unbalance amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Bon-Kwon Koo
  • Patent number: 7707672
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method for controlling a driving of a drum type washing machine preventing vibration and noise of a drum, reducing a usage of washing water, and reducing rinse time, and an apparatus thereof. To this end, the drum is rotated with a preset equilibrium speed faster than a speed that vibration of the drum is excessively generated accordingly as a rotation speed of the drum is decreased when a dewatering process of laundry is completed, and washing water is supplied into the drum type washing machine while maintaining the drum as the preset equilibrium speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun-Seok Seo, Tae-Hee Lee, Ryung-Keol Choi, Sang-Wook Hong
  • Patent number: 7707673
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hardening portions of ballet pointe shoes include applying quantities of a mixed two-part epoxy resin to broken-down or softer-than-desired portions of the shoes. In some embodiments, epoxy resin is applied to interior surfaces of the toe box and/or shank portions of the shoe. In some embodiments, epoxy resin can also be applied to select exterior portions of the shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Tanya Durbin
  • Patent number: 7707674
    Abstract: A hand-held motorized household cleaning apparatus that includes a housing, a battery located in the housing, a motor located in the housing and connected to the battery, an output drive shaft connected to the motor, a cleaning attachment coupled for movement with the output drive shaft and a liquid delivery system with a pressurized reservoir. A flexible adapter is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Schonewille, Richard P. Rosa, Sean D. Wilkinson, Corey D. MacTavish, Jacob R. Prosper, James D. Marshall, Alex P. Sergyeyenko, Vincent P. Cooper, David M. Shaver, Patrick Marcil
  • Patent number: 7707675
    Abstract: A pipe-cleaning device (1) comprising a cutting head (2) for cutting away material on the interior of a pipe, a body (111) on which the cutting head is rotatably mounted and drive means (3, 4) for driving the rotation of the cutting head (2) with respect to the body (111). In a first aspect the cutting head (2) is provided with one or more inwardly collapsible cutting elements (21) and the body (111) has a plurality of arrays of inwardly collapsible support elements (30) extending in longitudinal direction of the body (111) for supporting the body (111) on the interior of a pipe. In a second aspect the cutting head (2) comprises at least one first collapsible cutting element (21) which extends radially from a rigid central part (11), ends in a first cutting block (22) and is provided with at least one mass increasing element (22) at an intermediate location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Rafaƫl Van Bogaert
  • Patent number: 7707676
    Abstract: The toothbrush of the present invention comprises an elongated handle having a head attached to one end. The head has a bristle-bearing face having longitudinal perimeter portions adjacent longitudinal edges and at least two perimetric, elastomeric massaging elements alternately arranged with groups of bristle tufts along each of the longitudinal perimeter portions. The brush can comprise further massaging elements which are not located along the longitudinal perimeter portions though the use of such additional elements is preferably minimized. The perimetric massaging elements have rotational symmetry through an angle of 120° or less, preferably being circular. The cross-sectional area proportion of elastomeric massaging elements to bristles on the brush head is less than 25%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Sanjay Amratlal Solanki
  • Patent number: 7707677
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head having a bristle carrying surface formed from a thin resilient flexible dome shaped membrane. An air space is located between the base of the head and the membrane so that the membrane is capable of flexing to alter its original shape during use of the toothbrush and then recover to the original shape randomly during use. In a further practice of the invention the head and/or handle have elastomeric portions at least partially surrounding an open area. These portions are readily deflectable under pressure during use to improve handling of the toothbrush and orientation of the cleaning elements. Alternatively the toothbrush includes a longitudinal hinge collinear with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush head so as to separate the head into a pair of side by side longitudinal sections, each of which has outwardly extending cleaning elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Tanja Langgner, Joachim Storz, Thomas Küchler
  • Patent number: 7707678
    Abstract: A ā€œmultiple shape changing roller unitā€ comprising a slotted patterned frame handle and one of more roller cover & rod assemblies, that an operator will use to surround and act on the entire surface area of multisided objects comprising bars, posts, poles, shafts, spindles, railings, supports, and columns, while the operator is positioned on only one side of said multisided objects for purposes comprising painting, staining, dusting, polishing, striping, sanding, cleaning, wiping off or applying liquid and powder chemicals, wherein the slotted patterned handle has a uninterrupted or interrupted pattern configuration used for retaining the rod of the roller cover & rod assemblies to prevent movement while the unit is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Willis Gerald Major
  • Patent number: 7707679
    Abstract: A manual squeegee device for the movement of residual liquid on a surface, the squeegee device including a support element, first and second elongate blade holders and a coupling, the blade holders being in spaced apart generally parallel relationship, and each supporting a respective first and second non-absorbent flexible elongate blade each of which provides a wiping edge, the wiping edges lying in or substantially in a common plane, the support element being between the spaced apart blade holders and carrying the coupling, the coupling permitting of engagement with a handle, and permitting the handle in use to pivot universally relative to the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald Alexander Young
  • Patent number: 7707680
    Abstract: The device comprises an output gearwheel (6), a gear cover (4) having a plastic sleeve open toward the output gearwheel (6) and a park position switch having first contacts mounted for rotation and second contacts fixed to the gear cover (4) and a driving means. The invention provides that the sleeve is embodied as a contact sleeve (8) having contact tracks (31b, 53a, 31), particularly along the inner surface of the contact sleeve (8). To enable sliding contact on rotation, the cylindrical member (10) of a driving disk (9) extends into the contact sleeve (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Hawighorst, Armin Stubner
  • Patent number: 7707681
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a windshield wiper clip adapted for connecting a scrubbing blade to a windshield wiper, the clip comprising a base member; a first end wall connected to the base member and a second end wall connect to the base member opposite the first end wall, a first top component to the first end wall and a second top component connected to the second end wall; at least one further top component connected to the base member, the further top component including at least one finger projection, the at least one finger projection, base member, first end wall and first top component defining a scrubber receiving portion, and at least one of the finger projections, the base member, second end wall and second top component defining a wiper receiving portion; wherein the clip connects a scrubber to a wiper in order to accommodate bug removal during movement of the wiper about a windshield. The invention also includes and integrated clip and scrubber, as well as wiper-scrubber system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Alan Cabak
  • Patent number: 7707682
    Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is provided and includes a housing for movement along the surface. A solution container is mounted to the housing and contains a solution. A dispensing nozzle is provided on the housing and is fluidly connected to the solution container. The dispensing nozzle dispenses solution beyond the edge of the housing. In one aspect, an edge cleaner is provided at an edge of the housing and includes a plurality of pliable elements for agitating the surface, wherein the pliable elements contact the surface beyond the edge of said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Richard S. Parr
  • Patent number: 7707683
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a rechargeable battery operated combination sweeper/vacuum assembly for picking up debris that is swept into a pile. The assembly further comprises an elongated handle, a sweeper member, and a vacuum member. A compartment for housing the rechargeable battery is mounted to the upper end of the elongated handle. Mounted to the lower end of the handle is the sweeper member which further comprises a housing adapted to slidably receive the bristles of the sweeper member. Mounted to the backside of the housing is the vacuum member which further comprises a removable cover constructed in the shape of a dust pan. The removable cover of the vacuum member can be used as a conventional dust pan with the sweeper portion of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Selim Nurudeen
  • Patent number: 7707684
    Abstract: An implement comprising a first handle, on which are disposed control elements for the implement, and a second handle. The first handle is adjustable between a first operating position for a two-handed operation in which the implement is adapted to be guided by both the first handle and the second handle, and a second operating position for one-handed operation in which the implement is adapted to be guided by the first handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Hittmann, Uwe Gaese, Klaus Langhans
  • Patent number: 7707685
    Abstract: A carpet attachment fixture functions as a common tack strip for securing a carpet edge in place and also as a terminal decorative strip mating with a base board molding, a floor surface, and a raised floor surface. Elements of the fixture are flexible so as to flex in admitting the carpet edge between two opposing edges while compressively gripping the carpet edge so inserted. In one embodiment, a common tack strip is married to a further element, while in a second embodiment, a monolithic unit is molded which provides all of the advantages of the compound version.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: John Leonard Pongrac
  • Patent number: 7707686
    Abstract: A truckle assembly has a housing, a rotating unit movably mounted on the housing, a limiting unit and a wheel assembly. The housing includes a body and a sleeve. A slope portion is formed inside the body and neighboring the sleeve. The rotating unit includes a central shaft, and a gear ring mounted on the central shaft for corresponding to a first side of the slope portion. The limiting unit includes a pedal, an interferential portion linking an end of the pedal, and an arresting portion linking an end of the interferential portion. The pedal has a first portion extending into the housing, and a second portion extending out of the housing. The interferential portion corresponds to a second side of the slope portion. The wheel assembly includes at least a wheel assembled on sides of the housing, and a shaft pole extending through the wheels and the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Haion Caster Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuan-Hai Chou
  • Patent number: 7707687
    Abstract: An opening/closing device for a double flap door of an item of furniture, wherein the top part and the bottom part of the door are not hinged to each other. The device is connected to the furniture item to cause the top part of the door to rotate with respect to the furniture item and an articulated quadrilateral causes the bottom part of the door to rotate with respect to the top part concomitantly with the rotation of the top part of the door with respect to the furniture item. The articulated quadrilateral includes a first and a second arm each having one end hinged to the bottom part of the door and the other end hinged to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Effegi Brevettie S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Giovannetti
  • Patent number: 7707688
    Abstract: A sliding member held by a movable case is interposed between the movable case and a stopper plate. During opening and closing operations, the movable case does not wear because the stopper plate and the sliding member slidably contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Ishikawa, Takehiko Konja
  • Patent number: 7707689
    Abstract: A folder-type communication terminal is disclosed in which a gap generated between a first and a second body or a breakage of a side hinge arm can be reduced. The mobile communication terminal includes a first body and a second body rotatably coupled using a hinge, and at least one hinge-reinforcing member disposed between the hinge members of the first and the second bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jong Wun Kim
  • Patent number: 7707690
    Abstract: A device has a closed position and at least first and second open positions. The device includes a base. A hinge assembly is engaged with the base. The hinge assembly has first and second axes. A hinged portion is engaged with the hinge assembly. The hinged portion is individually pivotable with respect to the base about each of the first and second axes of the hinge assembly. Pivoting of the hinged portion about the first axis moves the device between the closed position and at least the first open position. Relative pivoting of the hinged portion about the second axis moves the device between the closed position and at least the second open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Lowry, Mark Cooper, Eugene Novin
  • Patent number: 7707691
    Abstract: The present invention relates a hinge assembly for an electronic appliance and a stand apparatus having the same. The present invention comprises a hinge assembly for an electronic appliance including a bracket connected to a main body of the electronic appliance, a hinge housing connected to the bracket such that a tilt angle of the electronic appliance can be adjusted, and a supporting plate connected to the hinge housing such that a swivel angle of the electronic appliance can be adjusted. The present invention further comprises a hinge cover which covers the hinge assembly and includes a detachable portion for allowing the main body to be folded in parallel with the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Deok Soo Jeong
  • Patent number: 7707692
    Abstract: A system for controlling the feed rate of seed cotton to a roller gin utilizes a plurality of sensors to measure gin roll temperature, power requirements, seed cotton accumulation on the gin roll and/or ginned seed reflectance to dynamically vary feed rate, rotary knife speed and gin roll speed, force and position against stationary knife to increase ginning efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Lummus Corporation
    Inventors: Joe Thomas, William D. Beeland
  • Patent number: 7707693
    Abstract: A connecting unit for loose ends of a traction device includes a body having a traction device passage to receive the ends of the traction device and a clamping device positioned in the traction device passage. The traction device passage has a first opening into which the ends of the traction device can be inserted. The clamping device is adapted to receive the ends of the traction device and has an adjustment mechanism which biases the clamping device in a direction of a wall of the traction device passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: SSI Schaefer Peem GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7707694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning mechanism (1) for releasably fixing at least one position of a positioning means (3) which can be displaced more or less linearly relative to positioning means (2) fixedly connected to a structure (45), e.g. a shoe, which provides a mount for at least one displaceable coupling means (9) which engages under the action of a spring system (39) in a female coupling part (20) of the positioning means (2) connected to the structure (45) in a position which fixes the position of the positioning means (2, 3) relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: ATOMIC Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Holzer, Gerhard Trinkaus, Jason Roe
  • Patent number: 7707695
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a headgear suspension using two racks, a pinion, a driver and a lockable knob. The two racks are positioned on the suspension such that they overlap and permit engagement of the gears on the driver with teeth on the rack such that when the lockable knob is in the unlocked position the driver tightens or loosens the racks to adjust the diameter of the suspension to the user's head size. The lockable knob of the invention operates on a pull, rotate, push and lock system. There are no metal parts and the lockable knob can be locked and unlocked with one hand, by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Degil Safety Products (1989) Inc.
    Inventor: Lucie Dubois
  • Patent number: 7707696
    Abstract: A binding machine includes a tightening mechanism adapted to tension a belt and a limiting mechanism adapted to limit tensioning of the belt. The tightening mechanism includes, for example, a ratchet and a pawl coupled to a body of the tightening mechanism. A handle is adapted to rotate the ratchet in a first direction in response to a first force applied to the handle. The pawl is adapted to prevent the ratchet from returning in a second direction when the first force is released. A spring mechanism allows the handle to indicate when a second force opposing the first force achieves an established magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Asian Industrial Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bu Qin Ruan
  • Patent number: 7707697
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved splicing nut of the type having a threaded nut portion and a core that is capable of being threaded into the nut portion, the nut portion and the core cooperating to receive and firmly retain a line therein. In the first embodiment of the invention, a visualization port is included in the core for providing visual access to at least a portion of the area between the nut portion and the core so that a user may quickly ascertain by looking through the visualization port whether or not a line is fully engaged with the splicing nut. Additional provision is made to cause the line to be compressed when the core is threaded into the nut portion and tightened. As a result, line slippage within the splicing nut is prevented. The invention further includes a fastening portion of the core that is exposed when the nut portion is firmly tightened onto the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Brennan
  • Patent number: 7707698
    Abstract: An adjustable fastener includes a male part and a female part, both of which are preferably made of soft pliable, sewable plastic. The female fastener part preferably has two or more spaced apart openings. Each having a broad portion and a narrow portion. The male fastener part has a base with an upstanding riser with a flange at the end of the riser. The female fastener part is made of a single thin wall which is sewn to the fabric of the garment. The base of the male part is also made of a single thin wall which is sewn to the fabric of the garment. The single wall construction of the female fastener part makes it more flexible, less easily seen, and not felt so much by the wearer. The female fastener part is provided with a bend between the openings so that it lies flat against the back when the male and female parts are coupled to the tightest position. The center of the riser of the male part is offset from the center of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Multi-Adjustable Closure Corporation
    Inventor: James Gardner
  • Patent number: 7707699
    Abstract: A device for air interlacing (10) of a yarn (Y), comprising an interlacing chamber (24), a first entrance channel (22) for receiving the yarn (Y) at the device (10) entrance and feeding it to the interlacing chamber (24), and a second exit channel (23) for receiving the yarn from the interlacing chamber (24) and releasing it at the device exit, in which the interlacing chamber (24) is delimited by a first emitting wall (24a) bearing a nozzle (26) for the emission of a continuous jet of compressed air (31), and a second deflecting wall (24b), opposite the first wall (24a), suitable for receiving and deflecting the jet of compressed air (31) emitted by the nozzle (26) and intersecting the yarn to be interlaced, and in which the second deflecting wall (24b) is concave in shape both on a transversal plane and on a longitudinal plane with respect to the feeding path (11) of the yarn (Y) through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Sinterama S.p.A.
    Inventors: Guido Belforte, Alexandre Ivanov, Stefano Mauro, Francantonio Testore
  • Patent number: 7707700
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the tool comprises an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis and a first portion with a first end and a second portion with a second end, the second portion having an elongated aperture or slot. The tool includes a pull line attachment assembly coupled to the elongated shaft, the pull line attachment assembly being configured to couple to a pull line or strap. The tool also provides a self-orienting pull arm pivotally coupled within the elongated shaft and being configured to automatically latch and be concealed within said elongated shaft. The pull arm is configured to automatically orient to a deployed state under a force of gravity after the elongated shaft has been inserted through a barrier. The pull arm, when in the deployed state, is configured to apply pressure to the barrier to breach the barrier. Methods are described for using the tool to breach a barrier or ballistic material of an enclosed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: TroyHunter Lapetina
  • Patent number: 7707701
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric element includes the steps of forming a first electrode above a substrate, forming above the first electrode a piezoelectric layer composed of a piezoelectric material having a perovskite structure, and forming a second electrode above the piezoelectric layer, wherein the step of forming the first electrode includes forming a lanthanum nickelate layer that is oriented to a cubic (100) by a sputter method, and a ratio of nickel to lanthanum (Ni/La) in a target used for the sputter method is greater than 1 but smaller than 1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Setsuya Iwashita, Koji Ohashi, Takamitsu Higuchi
  • Patent number: 7707702
    Abstract: Load-balancing devices useful in removing bearings, such as rolling element bearings, for rotating machine maintenance and replacement. The load-balancing devices may be used to fix the position of the shaft of the machine relative to the position of the bearing bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company
    Inventor: Ping Zhong
  • Patent number: 7707703
    Abstract: Addressed are couplings for transferring rotational motion from one shaft to another. The couplings may include flexible components and may be designed to accommodate angular, axial, and parallel misalignments. Included as components of the couplings may be hub portions, each having dowel pins and clearance holes, and a center member positioned intermediate the hub portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Weber Aircraft LLC
    Inventor: Klay Ethan Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7707704
    Abstract: The invention relates a method for providing reconnection to a ferrule to a service line from within the bore of a lined host pipe adapted to carry a fluid, comprising lining the host pipe with a liner, locating the ferrule from within the lined host pipe, forming a passage for fluid through the liner to the ferrule, and forming a seal of the liner with the system whereby to obviate leakage of fluid between the liner and host pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Enterprise Managed Services Limited
    Inventors: Robert Lye Crocker, Dominic Paul Edmund Barnard, Trevor George Sanders
  • Patent number: 7707705
    Abstract: Metallic guide elements having a functional area are made from profiled blanks by hot forming the profiled blanks and subsequently milling in a high speed milling cutter system the profiled blanks by a position-controlled milling cutter head with milling disks of a great diameter, wherein in the step of hot forming the profiled blanks are matched with regard to a cross-sectional mass distribution of the profiled blanks, respectively, to the subsequent step of milling such that by a partial cutting removal in the areas of the profiled blanks that become the functional area of the guide element narrow dimensional tolerances are produced. The material flow of the profiled blanks within the high-speed milling cutter system is controlled autonomously by an integrated stacking device that has manipulators and turning stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Hoesch Schwerter Profile GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Pleugel, Ingo Strege, Olaf Frigge, Dietmar Bretzke
  • Patent number: 7707706
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a smart card comprising a chip module with at least one contacting area, the chip module arrangeable in a mounting location of a substrate, wherein one contacting loop is formed from a wire connector fed by a wire guiding unit for at least one of the contacting areas, respectively by attaching a first section of the wire conductor to a surface of the substrate outside the mounting location, wherein a second section of the wire conductor proximate to the first section is guided to form the contacting loop along with and protruding from the surface, wherein a subsequent third section of the wire conductor is attached to the surface outside the mounting location, wherein the chip module is inserted into the mounting location and wherein the second section is bent over and electrically contacted to the contacting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: ruhlamat GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Koch, Bernd Gebhardt
  • Patent number: 7707707
    Abstract: A method of temporarily protecting an electrically sensitive component from damage due to electrostatic discharge includes defining a shunt having first and second leads electrically connected in parallel with the component and separated by a gap. A portion of a shield layer is deposited to form the shunt between the first and second leads to span the gap therebetween and form a shunted assembly. The shunted assembly and component are lapped to form the ABS at the location of the component, a sacrificial carbon overcoat is deposited on the ABS, and additional processing is performed on the shunted assembly. A portion of the shunted assembly, the shunt, and portions of the sacrificial carbon overcoat are then removed to form an electrical open for an unshunted assembly having ABS features comprising an air bearing cavity/deep gap at a former location of the shunted assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: David John Seagle
  • Patent number: 7707708
    Abstract: A tool for making a composite tubular structure, such as the inner skin of an acoustic liner, includes a base on which are mounted a plurality of sectors, each having an outer panel provided with a predetermined shaped surface. The predetermined shaped surface corresponds to a portion of the contour of the tubular structure to be formed. At least one of the sectors is fixed relative to the base while the remaining sectors are movable in a radial direction and separable from all the other sectors. The sectors are provided with air bearings to facilitate movement along a radial direction. Splice plates are used to form a joint between the outer panels of adjacent sectors. After composite material is applied on the outer panels, a vacuum bag is formed to surround the composite material and also the joint areas on the inner surface of the tool. The entire tool may be placed in an autoclave for curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Richard Douglas, Gabriel Joseph Gutierrez, Mark Alan Ramsey, Steven Mark Ranum