Patents Issued in May 11, 2010
  • Patent number: 7712371
    Abstract: A load sensor-equipped operation apparatus. An operational member is movably operated. A reaction force member receives an operating force from the operational member, and a reaction force corresponding to the operation force. At least one pivotal connecting portion is interposed between the operational member and the reaction force member, pivotably connecting a pair of a first member and a second member relative to each other to transmit the operating force. A load sensor, which electrically detects the operating force, includes a shaft-like member, a main body member disposed to be relatively displaced in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the shaft-like member, a deformable member bridging the shaft-like member and the main body member, and a strain detecting element secured to the deformable member, which detects deformation of the deformable member. A transmittal link connects the first member to one of the shaft-like member and the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noboru Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7712372
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing switches of a vehicle audio system includes contact bars. In use, a front end of each contact bar contacts either one of the switches, or a portion of the surface of the audio system. A front end of an extension bar is connected to a rear end of each contact bar. A gear unit is connected to a rear end of each extension bar, to move the extension bar forward and rearward. A motor is mounted to each gear unit, to rotate the extension bars. A piezoelectric sensor is mounted to each motor, to measure the pressure applied to the contact bars. A control unit compares the pressures measured by the piezoelectric sensors with set values, and diagnoses the switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Eon Du Hwang
  • Patent number: 7712373
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor device, including electrode materials carried by fabric substrates, is provided for monitoring relative movement of an expanding and/or contracting structure, such as the mammalian chest and/or torso, corresponding to a performance parameter related, for example, to respiratory function. Some embodiments include non-woven fabric substrates comprising compliant portions configured to stretch only in a selected direction and non-compliant portions upon which electrode materials are disposed. In some embodiments, layers of fabric substrates, carrying corresponding first and second electrode materials, are configured to cooperate to form a parallel plate capacitive sensor having a variable capacitance corresponding to a relative motion of the fabric substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: H. Troy Nagle, Tae-Ho Kang, Carey Merritt, Burcak Karaguzel, Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Edward Grant
  • Patent number: 7712374
    Abstract: A load detecting apparatus includes a strain member, a supporting member, a load input member and a strain detecting element. The supporting member is employed for supporting the strain member at a supporting portion thereof. The load input member is supported by the strain member and strains the strain member when an external load is applied thereon. The strain detecting element is provided at at least a surface of the strain member for detecting the strain generated by the load input member. Further, an outer end of the supporting portion located outwardly relative to the load input member is fixed to the strain member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kawabata, Muneto Inayoshi, Kan Ichihara, Yoshimasa Asano, Hiroyuki Fujii, Naoka Kawajiri
  • Patent number: 7712375
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for measuring the strength of a honeycomb structure provided with an insertion hole preferably without generating any chipping. In the strength measuring method of the honeycomb structure, the strength is measured while a rubber plug is inserted into the insertion hole. The rubber plug has a hardness of 45 or more and 90 or less, a clearance between the inserted rubber plug and the inner surface of the insertion hole parallel to the depth direction of the insertion hole is 0.2 mm or more and 2.6 mm or less, and the protruding height of the inserted rubber plug from the peripheral surface of the honeycomb structure is 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Toyoshima, Takahiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 7712376
    Abstract: A method for determining an approximate value for a parameter characteristic of the fatigue state of a component as a result of a time-varying stress to which it is subjected by means of a number of load cycles should, itself, during comparatively lengthy stress cycles, enable a prognosis concerning the current fatigue state of the component, this prognosis being, in particular, adapted to the needs and suited for the real-time determination of maintenance intervals. To this end, in addition to optionally already fully completed load cycles, a first partially completed load cycle is also taken into consideration during the determination of the parameter, whereby temporary stress values for phases that have not yet been run through of the partially completed load cycle are, together with a predetermined fixed value, taken into consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft-Muenchen
    Inventors: Andreas Bode, Edwin Gobrecht
  • Patent number: 7712377
    Abstract: In a crimped hose, a length of rubber tubing is crimped into a blind-ended ferrule. To determine whether the tubing has been fully inserted, a dimple is pressed into the ferrule. The force needed to produce the dimple is small or large, depending whether the rubber is inserted properly, and the difference is large enough to serve as a detector. Measuring the dimple-force provides a commercially-useful test for proper insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Bend All Automotive Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred D. Napolitano, Jr., David William Ernst, Ryan Everett Lebold, Jeffrey John Thomas
  • Patent number: 7712378
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive displacement sensor comprises: (A) a contact portion (11) which includes: a semi-conductive matrix layer (14) containing conductive materials with a predetermined density, wherein the semi-conductive matrix layer is formed with a soft material having elasticity and has a resistance (Rx) under a normal condition without subjecting to a contact pressure, and when the semi-conductive layer is pressed, a density of the conductive materials in the semi-conductive matrix layer is increased due to compression of the soft semi-conductive layer, which results in reduction of the resistance (Rx); a first conductive layer (12) disposed on a first surface of the semi-conductive matrix layer; and a second conductive layer (13) disposed on a second surface of the semi-conductive matrix layer; (B) a first resistor (19) having one side connected to the first conductive layer and the other side connected to a power source; (C) a second resistor (21) having one side connected to the second conductive layer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Seung Hyuk Park
  • Patent number: 7712379
    Abstract: A uniaxially-driven controlled biaxial testing fixture includes a base, a first coupler mounted to the base, and a load input drive rack mounted for linear movement with respect to the base. A second coupler and a first specimen grip are both mounted to the load input drive rack. Second, third and fourth specimen grips are also mounted for linear movement with respect to the base. First, second and third drive mechanisms connect the load input drive rack to the second, third and fourth specimen grips. Together the four specimen grips are oriented to provide biaxial application of force to a test specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Kentucky Research Foundatio
    Inventors: Fadi Abu-Farha, Marwan Khraisheh
  • Patent number: 7712380
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for measuring flow properties of a high gas-cut multiphase mixture flowing in a conduit, such as a wet-gas produced from a hydrocarbon well. In aspects of the present invention, one or more receivers are used to receive Doppler shifted signals resulting from an interaction between a propagating dominant microwave mode developed in the conduit and the high gas-cut multiphase mixture flowing in the conduit. Analysis of the Doppler shift in the received signals may provide for determining the velocity of the gas and/or the liquid phase of the high gas-cut multiphase mixture. In other aspects, analysis of the phase difference of Doppler signals received at the plurality of receivers provides for a determination of the content of the wet-gas, such as the water holdup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chang-gang Xie
  • Patent number: 7712381
    Abstract: An antenna arrangement for coupling high frequency electromagnetic waves into or out of a pipe-shaped hollow body includes two patch antenna elements that are located opposite one another and integrated in the pipe inner wall (5) of the hollow body (1), and have curved surfaces fitted to the curved longitudinal pipe inner wall of the hollow body (1). An apparatus for mass flow measurement includes at least two of such antenna arrangements axially spaced apart from one another in a conveyor pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Schenck Process GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Allenberg, Andreas Penirschke, Rolf Jakoby
  • Patent number: 7712382
    Abstract: A doppler ultrasonic flowmeter including: an ultrasonic transmission member for casting ultrasonic pulses onto the fluid within a fluid tube, which is to be measured, along a measurement line from an ultrasonic transducer, a flow-speed distribution measurement unit for receiving ultrasonic echoes reflected from the measurement region due to ultrasonic pulses cast onto the fluid to be measured so as to measure the flow-speed distribution of the fluid to be measured in the measurement region; a flow measurement unit for measuring the flow of the fluid to be measured; and a transducer position adjusting mechanism for adjusting the relative position of a pair of ultrasonic transducers serving as the ultrasonic transmission member, a first transducer and a second transducer, which are disposed away one from another along the axial direction of a fluid tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignees: The Tokyo Electric Power Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Yasushi Takeda, Michitsugu Mori
  • Patent number: 7712383
    Abstract: A liquid supply measuring apparatus is disclosed. The provided apparatus is comprised of a housing to be serially installed to a liquid passage in a way that the supplying liquid passes through the housing; a turbine, the turbine is installed inside the housing, wherein the turbine is spin by the passing liquid; a generator, the generator is pivotally or geared joined to the turbine and supplies electrical power according to the turbine's spin; and a controller, capable to calculate the supplied liquid in a way of integrating the supplied electrical power in a time sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: AP2U.Net Ltd.
    Inventor: Dani Peleg
  • Patent number: 7712384
    Abstract: A dilution apparatus for diluting a gas sample. The apparatus includes a sample gas conduit having a sample gas inlet end and a diluted sample gas outlet end, and a sample gas flow restricting orifice disposed proximate the sample gas inlet end connected with the sample gas conduit and providing fluid communication between the exterior and the interior of the sample gas conduit. A diluted sample gas conduit is provided within the sample gas conduit having a mixing end with a mixing space inlet opening disposed proximate the sample gas inlet end, thereby forming an annular space between the sample gas conduit and the diluted sample gas conduit. The mixing end of the diluted sample gas conduit is disposed at a distance from the sample gas flow restricting orifice. A dilution gas source connected with the sample gas inlet end of the sample gas conduit is provided for introducing a dilution gas into the annular space, and a filter is provided for filtering the sample gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Larry Gordon Felix, William Earl Farthing, James Hodges Irvin, Todd Robert Snyder
  • Patent number: 7712385
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of samples for an analyzer and a sampling station therefor are provided which allow automated injection of larger inert-gas volumes to be introduced into a sample container via a packing, in order to enrich the packing of the substances of a sample to be investigated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Gerstel Systemtechnik GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventors: Ralf Bremer, Bernhard Rose
  • Patent number: 7712386
    Abstract: A method and device for the contactless detection of flat objects, particularly in sheet form, such as paper, films, foils, plates, and similar flat materials or packs. At least one correction characteristic is supplied to an evaluating device downstream of a sensor device, specifically a receiver, by means of which the characteristic of an input voltage of a measuring signal in the receiver is so simulated as a function of the gram weight or weight per unit area of flat objects as a target characteristic that there is a linear or almost linear dependence or a characteristic approximated to the ideal characteristic for single sheet detection in the form of a target characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Pepperl + Füchs GmbH
    Inventor: Dierk Schoen
  • Patent number: 7712387
    Abstract: A pelvis assembly for a dummy includes a pelvic plate attached to a lumbar region of the dummy, and one of more pelvic units, attached to the pelvic plate to transmit motion from a femur bar of the dummy to the plate. Each pelvic unit includes a hip joint, attached to the femur bar; a rotary axle, a first end of which is attached to the hip joint, and which is disposed laterally, to rotate together with the hip joint when the femur bar pivots vertically; and one or more pelvic angle adjusters, installed near a second end of the rotary axle, to transmit rotation of the rotary axle to the pelvic plate, thereby changing a vertical angle of the pelvic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Su Hwan Hwang, Seok Hwan Kim, Hyung Yun Choi, In Bae Chang, Kyung Min Kim
  • Patent number: 7712388
    Abstract: A starter includes a drive shaft having an outer periphery formed with shaft splines through which a drive power is transmitted from a starter motor, an overrunning clutch, having an inner periphery formed with barrel splines engageable with the shaft splines, which is axially moveable with respect to the drive shaft and plays a role as one-way clutch, and a pinion gear integrally disposed on the overrunning clutch to be movable into or out of meshing engagement with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine. A radial clearance between a tooth top of each shaft spline and a tooth bottom of each barrel spline is set to be less than a backlash between each shaft spline and each barrel spline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Andoh
  • Patent number: 7712389
    Abstract: A lifting device having parallel double screw rods includes a motor, a first transmission and a second transmission. The first transmission includes a screw rod driven by the motor and a telescopic tube assembly threadedly connected to the screw rod and linearly movable relative to the screw rod. The distal end of the telescopic tube assembly is fixedly connected on a connecting piece. The second transmission is provided at one side of the first transmission and parallel thereto. Further, the second transmission includes a sleeve driven by the motor to rotate, a telescopic tube assembly accommodated within the sleeve and axially movable relative to the sleeve, and a screw rod threadedly connected to the telescopic tube assembly and linearly movable relative to the telescopic tube assembly. The distal end of the telescopic tube assembly is connected to the connecting piece. With the above arrangement, each screw rod is interchangeable and the cost can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: T-Motion Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Jung Wang
  • Patent number: 7712390
    Abstract: Among six follower balls (5) aligned on the input shaft (7), the two balls (5) situated on one end side (A) always engage tightly with one engagement surface (10a), while the other two balls (5) situated on the other end side (B) always engage tightly with the other engagement surface (10b). This regulates the movement of the balls (5) against the engagement surface (10a, 10b) of the cammed streak portions (10) so as to eliminate a backlash played between the balls (5) and the cammed streak portions (10). This makes it possible to prevent the meshing noise from being induced so as to implement a low noise operation. With the point-to-point contact maintained between the cammed streak portions (10) and the balls (5), it is possible to reduce a friction therebetween, thereby improving a torque transmissibility against the follower wheel (4) to insure a smooth rotational movement with a higher precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Kamoseiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Imase, Akihito Terashima
  • Patent number: 7712391
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gearing mechanism for the adjustment of two reciprocally adjustable parts (60, 61), especially vehicle parts of a seat adjustment device, a window lifter or a sunroof, wherein the first of the parts (60) has a nonrotating spindle (62) or a fixed tooth rack. The gearing mechanism is formed with a wormwheel (4, 41), which has a spindle nut (42) non-rotatingly connected thereto in order to drive the spindle (62) or a worm non-rotatingly connected thereto in order to drive the tooth rack, with a worm (3, 31) that can be driven so as to transfer a driving force to the wormwheel (4, 41), and with a gear housing (1), which houses the worm (3) and wormwheel (4) in a supporting manner, and which can be connected immovably with the second of the parts (61) in its adjusting direction, wherein the gear housing (1) is formed of a single-piece body with a worm support (14) and a wormwheel support (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: IMS Gear GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfram Hofschulte, Urban Knöpfle, Olav Schulte
  • Patent number: 7712392
    Abstract: A shifting device for a vehicle includes a shift lever, a limiting element, and an actuator. The lever is movable in opposite first and second directions along an actuating path between neutral and end positions. The limiting element is movable into and out of the path. When the limiting element is in the path, the limiting element impacts the lever while the lever is in the neutral position to prevent the lever from moving from the neutral position in the first direction such that the limiting element acts as a shift lock blocking the lever from the end position. When the limiting element is out of the path, the limiting element allows the lever to move into the end position. The actuator is operable for moving the limiting element into and out of the path such that the actuator is operable for activating and deactivating the lock for the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Molkow, Ralf Böbel, Thomas Luksch
  • Patent number: 7712393
    Abstract: A safety grip for a handwheel which is movable between an operating position and a home position is comprised of an elongated and ergonomic body (1) and of a support (2), which is anchored to the body of a maneuvering member, such as a handwheel. The body (1) is comprised of an outer case (1a), a rod-like inner core (3) with a head (4), a bushing (6) slidably mounted on the core (3), a sleeve (7) in sliding engagement on the bushing (6), an axial thrust spring (9) arranged between two opposite shoulders (6a) and (7a) of the bushing (6) and of the sleeve (7), and a second thrust spring (10) arranged between the head (4) and the top of the bushing (6). The body (1) is connected to the support (2) at a pivot point (5). An end of the sleeve (7) engages a contact surface of the support (2) through a collar (8). The collar (8) has an inner conical mouth surface that engages a shaped rib (11) on the top of said support (2), where the shaped rib (11) has a frusto-conical outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Elesa S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Bertani
  • Patent number: 7712394
    Abstract: A handlebar grip for a transportation vehicle includes a grip body having a body portion and an annular flange provided on one end of the body portion, a tightening member mounted on the outer surface of the annular flange, a locating ring mounted on the outer surface of the annular flange in such a way that the tightening member is placed in between the locating ring and the annular flange, and a fastener inserted into a through hole of the locating ring. When the fastener is fastened up, one end of the fastener leans against the outer surface of the tightening member such that the annular flange of the grip body is pressed by the tightening member to be radially inwardly deformed and compressed against the periphery of a handlebar of the transportation vehicle. Thus, the handlebar grip is firmly fixed to the handlebar of the transportation vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: International Bicycle Products Corporation
    Inventor: Kuo-Lin Wu
  • Patent number: 7712395
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a pressure adjusting unit that controls hydraulic pressure supplied to a transmission mechanism by the operation of a solenoid valve. A housing has a heat radiating portion for radiating heat to the outside and houses the pressure adjusting unit. A first connector is so arranged as to pass through the housing and has a control circuit unit electrically connected to the solenoid valve of the pressure adjusting unit. A second connector is electrically connected to an engine control unit outside the housing and engages with the first connector and the heat radiating portion. The second connector is electrically connected to the control circuit unit and presses the first connector onto the heat radiating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Fuminori Suzuki, Hitoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7712396
    Abstract: A stamping tool and a method of making a punch assembly and a die assembly of the stamping tool. At least one of the punch and die assemblies including a plurality of laser-cut steel plates having hardened edges suitable to withstand high pressures and impacts generated during stamping operations. The assembly further including an internal passage defined by holes formed in a number of plates of the plurality of laser-cut steel plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Marlon E. Holmquist, Jeffrey M. Kes
  • Patent number: 7712397
    Abstract: A wrench assembly includes a first wrench, a second wrench and a bar. The first wrench includes a first driving device at an end and a second driving device at an opposite end. The second wrench includes a first driving device at an end and a second driving device at an opposite end. The bar includes a first connecting device for connection to the second driving device of the first wrench and a second connecting device for connection to the first driving device of the second wrench. A first C-clip is provided to reinforce the connection of the first connecting device of the bar to the second driving device of the first wrench. A second C-clip is provided to reinforce the connection of the second connecting device of the bar to the first driving device of the second wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7712398
    Abstract: A spring plier is disclosed. The plier comprises a clipping handle and two symmetrical plier leg plates, and the clipping handle including two reverse direction similar shape plier plates mounted with rivets, the handle mounted with a cover, characterized in that the front end of the two clipping plier plate are respectively provided with a screw hole and a protruded post, the two plier leg plate corresponding to the screw hole and the protruded post are provided with a L-shaped fastening slot and an oval hole, and the front end is a pointed insertion leg, the L-shaped fastening slot engages at a screw fastened to the screw hole at the front end of the plier plate, and the oval hole is placed onto the protruded post, the oval hole provides fine adjustment of leg plate and provides a tolerance facilitating loading and unloading of leg plate, then the screw is tighten so as to secure and limit the two leg plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Jung-Hua Chuang
  • Patent number: 7712399
    Abstract: A tool and an associated bit driver are provided. The tool includes a handle and a bit driver carried by the handle. The bit driver can include a body defining a cavity for receiving a bit and a pivotable lock configured to move between a locked position in which the lock engages the bit and an unlocked position in which the lock is spaced and thereby disengaged from the bit. The pivotable lock can include a pivot pin, an engagement member for engaging the bit and an actuation member with the engagement and actuation members extending along the body in opposite directions from the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Nenadic
  • Patent number: 7712400
    Abstract: A pretensioning tool is provided for an eccentric tensioning device, which is used for tensioning a power-transmission element constructed, for example, as a flat or toothed belt in a power-transmission drive. The tensioning tool has an engagement structure that can be coupled so that it is locked in rotation with a working eccentric from a front region facing away from the flange side of the eccentric tensioning device and a decoupling structure for implementing an axial displacement of the working eccentric relative to the bearing journal. In this way, it is possible to turn back the working eccentric by hand and with moderate hand forces against the tensioning moment applied by the torsion spring of the tensioning device into a mounting position and to secure the working eccentric in this mounting position through axial decoupling of this eccentric relative to a base plate device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Rainer Baumuller, Roland Arneth, Niels Flamig
  • Patent number: 7712401
    Abstract: A cutting head assembly holds a pair of tool bits for an on-vehicle brake disk lathe having a platform. The cutting head assembly has a platform key fixed to the platform and extending parallel to a brake disk axis of rotation. The cutting head assembly also has a plate having a plate keyway that slidably engages the platform key. Tool bit arms are adjustably mounted to the plate and support the tool bits. A locking structure connected to the plate locks the platform key with respect to the plate keyway, and the interaction of the locking structure with the plate and the platform key creates a compressive load between the plate and the platform as the platform key is locked with respect to the plate keyway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Pro-Cut Licensing Company, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher L. Greenwald
  • Patent number: 7712402
    Abstract: A food slicer for slicing a food product is provided. The slicer may have an adjustable surface and a stationary surface with a blade interposed therebetween. The food product may be sliced with a specific thickness via the blade by traversing the food product from the adjustable surface to the stationary surface. A trailing edge of the adjustable surface and an edge of the blade may define a gap distance which determines a slicing thickness of the food product. A cam may contact an underside of the adjustable surface to set the gap distance. The gap distance may be reset by rotating the cam. More particularly, the cam may have a plurality of cam surfaces. Each of the cam surfaces may have a different distance to a rotating axis of the cam. The gap distance may be changed by rotating the cam such that a different cam surface contacts the adjustable surface's underside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Kyocera Tycom Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Ishii
  • Patent number: 7712403
    Abstract: Cutting machines with high-speed safety systems, and actuators used in high-speed safety systems, are disclosed. The cutting machines may include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a cutting tool and a person. A reaction system performs a specified action, such as stopping the cutting tool, upon detection of the dangerous condition. An actuator may be used to trigger the reaction system to perform the specified action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning
  • Patent number: 7712404
    Abstract: A tool for chamfering the end of a pipe which is capable of accommodating a wide variety of different pipes, and employing at least one cutter assembly which can be positioned to cut either the outside or the inside edges of pipes, while simultaneously truing the end of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Mark W. Markle
  • Patent number: 7712405
    Abstract: An explosion containment vessel includes an inner frame structure for surrounding a potential explosive device, and an outer expandable containment vessel, which expands with the explosion, thereby mitigating potential damage that a bomb blast could do. In addition, a bomb capturing device is provided on the bottom end of the inner frame for lifting the explosive device into the inner frame and for closing the bottom end of the inner frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey E Toycen, Robert L. Musgrove
  • Patent number: 7712406
    Abstract: A method is described for detonation of a blasting charge in a fluid environment and which is placed inside a hollow body, such as in an ignition pellet. The method is characterised in that an ignition pellet is used, which is arranged to be deformed under the influence of a number of alterations or pulsations between high and low pressure in the surrounding fluid environment, with the detonation triggering unit inside the body being activated at the subsequent contact with the fluid environment as a consequence of the pellet being deformed. In rupturing, external fluid at overpressure is released into the cylinder and drives a firing pin against a detonating cartridge. A device for an ignition pellet is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Total Catcher Offshore AS
    Inventor: Nils Reimers
  • Patent number: 7712407
    Abstract: A composite armor plate with a layer of pellets in a binder matrix, the pellets having domed front and planar back end and a reduced weight. A method of producing the plate comprises providing front and back layers, applying binder material to the pellets and the layers, and heating the binder material to form the matrix and bind the front and back layers thereto. Each pellet may be coated with a primer adapted to facilitate the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Plasan Sasa Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Ravid, Yoav Hirschberg
  • Patent number: 7712408
    Abstract: A personal safety device for protection from a firearm attack includes a conventional accessory item adapted for use other than as a personal safety device and a bullet resistant panel that is integrated into the conventional accessory item. The conventional accessory item may take the form of a clipboard, a backpack or other item. Integration of the panel with the selected item is conducted in such a manner as to cause the panel to be placed in the path of fire when a person engages in natural defensive posturing. The clipboard is provided with a light, multiple spring clips and a suitably sized handle to encourage proper grasp of the clipboard for the intended purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Pro-Tecks, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David J. Copeland, Kermit W. Fox, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7712409
    Abstract: A modular armored cab kit is provided for use on an armored vehicle that includes a cab body having a frame, an armored roof, an armored floor and a plurality of attachment elements, with the roof, floor and attachment elements being permanently attached to the frame. The cab kit further includes at least one non-armored panel, at least one non-armored door, at least one armored panel and at least one armored door, each for attachment to the cab body. The attachment elements facilitate field installation and removal of the panels and doors, wherein the non-armored panel and door are removably attached to the frame in a relatively low threat environment and are removed from the frame and replaced with the armored panel and door in a heightened threat environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Armor Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock D. Cunningham, Kevin M. Klatte, David Wolf
  • Patent number: 7712410
    Abstract: An erosion control log and method for packing and handling erosion control logs. In one aspect, the erosion control logs are formed, stacked, compressed and prepared for delivery while retaining maximum decompressibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: American Excelsior Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Starrett, Rocky A. Van Gilder
  • Patent number: 7712411
    Abstract: A stencil printing apparatus which suppresses master consumption by switching between simplex printing using a simplex master and single-step duplex printing using a duplex master automatically in accordance with master information and sheet information comprises a printing drum and pressing means, and can be made to switch between duplex printing, in which a rear surface printing step is performed after a front surface printing step, and simplex printing by wrapping a duplex master formed with a first engraved image and a second engraved image around the printing drum during duplex printing, and wrapping a simplex master formed with a third engraved image for simplex printing around the printing drum during simplex printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Tohoku Ricoh Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Tomohiro Monden, Toshiharu Hasegawa, Mituru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7712412
    Abstract: A stencil printer of the present invention includes a printer body, a print drum rotatably mounted on the printer body, a press roller for pressing a sheet against the circumferential surface of the print drum, and a moving device for selectively moving the press roller into or out of contact with the outer circumference of the print drum. The press roller and moving device are capable of being pulled out from the printer body integrally with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Tohoku Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7712413
    Abstract: A printable label assembly includes a printable label having an adhesive coating applied to a first surface thereof to facilitate attachment of the label to an article. The label is configured to receive a printed image on a second surface thereof. A removable backing is releasably attached to the adhesive coating and has at least three sections: a removable primary section releasably attached to a central portion of the adhesive coating of the label and being configured to be removed from the central portion to expose the central portion for attachment to the article; and a pair of removable handle sections releasably attached to outward portions of the adhesive coating of the label, the handle sections being configured to remain on the adhesive coating of the label after removal of the primary section to provide at least two handling points for manipulation by a user to assist the user in applying the label to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Larry E. Trigg, Sam Lucente, Allison Johnson, Paul E Bradley, Arvind Kumar Gupta, Kara Whitney Johnson, Matthias Wieser, Matthew Robert Adams
  • Patent number: 7712414
    Abstract: A pre-packaged cleaning system or kit is used for transport, storage and solvent impregnation of one or more fabric rolls used for cleaning components of printing machines. A container holds one or more fabric rolls, and one or more bags containing a solvent. When the rolls are to be used, the bags are perforated, allowing the solvent to flow onto the rolls. Thus, the rolls can be impregnated with solvent immediately before use. Because they are stored separately, the rolls and solvent are not likely to deteriorate even during long periods of storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Policross Screens S.p.A.
    Inventor: Arrio Vavassori Bisutti
  • Patent number: 7712415
    Abstract: A processing machine for webs includes second units which are driven independently of each other by drives. Signals for a lead axle position of a virtual lead axle are supplied to at least one signal line that connects the drives for these several units. The drives are each provided with an offset, which offset determines a permanent, but adjustable, displacement of a set angular position relative to the lead axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Erich Erhard Rügamer
  • Patent number: 7712416
    Abstract: A shaped charge and a method of using such to provide for large and effective perforations in oil bearing sandy formations while causing minimal disturbance to the formation porosity is described. This shaped charge uses a low-density liner having a filler material that is enclosed by outer walls made, preferably, of plastic or polyester. The filler material is preferably a powdered metal or a granulated substance, which is left largely unconsolidated. The preferred filler material is aluminum powder, or aluminum particles, that are coated with an oxidizing substance, such as TEFLON®, permitting a secondary detonation reaction inside the formation following jet penetration. The filled liner is also provided with a metal cap to aid penetration of the gun scallops, the surrounding borehole casing and the cement sheath. The metal cap forms the leading portion of the jet, during detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Owen Oil Tools LP
    Inventors: Dan W. Pratt, Mammohan Singh Chawla
  • Patent number: 7712417
    Abstract: A modular propellant charge for semi-fixed ammunition is disclosed. The propellant charge is disposed within an ammunition cartridge canister, and permits direct access to each charge increment. Further, the propellant charge comprises at least one charge increment comprising a rigid section of a cylindrical solid of rotation, and each charge increment has a length less than the central cavity of said ammunition canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Sandor Einstein, Adriana Eng, Donald Chiu
  • Patent number: 7712418
    Abstract: A closure wad is placed at the mouth of the launching end of a shotgun cartridge before the mouth is crimped down to seal the launching end of the cartridge. Both the walls of the closure cap and the walls at the mouth of the plastic envelope are crimped down together, thereby forming a substantially impermeable seal at the launching end of the cartridge. In addition, the inventive closure cap substantially reduces the detritus which is sometimes expelled when a launcher cartridge is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Combined Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Brunn
  • Patent number: 7712419
    Abstract: A detonator for a hand grenade fuze comprises a detonator case; a slider that is transversely reciprocable in the detonator case from an unarmed position to an armed position, the slider including a longitudinal through-hole filled with a primary explosive; a spring that biases the slider to the unarmed position; an arming mechanism attached to the slider, the arming mechanism comprising a shape memory alloy; an explosive lead disposed below the slider; and a booster charge disposed below the explosive lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Gartung Cheng, Neha Mehta, Emily A. Cordaro, Gregory Papatrefon, Carl Hu, Brian Fuchs, Neelam Mehta, Kathy Yang
  • Patent number: 7712420
    Abstract: Provided is a cab isolation system for a locomotive is provided including a cab having a front and a rear. The cab isolation system further includes a pivot located generally near the rear of the cab and at least one spring generally located near the front of the cab. In another embodiment, dampers may further be provided and generally located near the front of the cab. In another embodiment, lateral links may further be provided and generally located near the front of the cab. This system may include any of the above elements, alone or in combination, to provide for a cab isolation system for isolating a locomotive cab from engine generated structure borne noise and vibration, while lower frequency track induced motions are not magnified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Scott, Xiangling Zhang