Patents Issued in June 1, 2010
  • Patent number: 7726669
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collapsible combined table and dolly that is portable and capable of securely transporting items of various sizes and configurations. The collapsible combined table and dolly provides ease of operation through a collapsible/expandable table top and convenient means for transporting and storing items for use in the display/workspace of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Patricia Alexander
  • Patent number: 7726670
    Abstract: A collapsible golf trolley comprises a frame (176, 276) defined by at least two, preferably four, frame members (171,172,173,174, 203), and a wheel structure (122,222). The frame members are pivotally interconnected at hinges (106; 177, 205), whereby in a first configuration, the frame members define a casing (100,200) for the wheel structure parts, the casing having a length which is shorter than the sum of the lengths of each of the frame members. In a second configuration, the frame members coextend in a longitudinal direction to define the frame (176, 276). There is further provided a collapsible wheel structure having arms (150,152,258,252) defining pivotally interconnected arm sections (154,156,158,160; 254,256,258,260) which, in a first, folded configuration define a partial cylindrical shape, and which in a second, unfolded configuration form an S-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Nordict A/S
    Inventor: George Manus
  • Patent number: 7726671
    Abstract: A wheeled bag assembly having an elongated wheeled bottom assembly made out of a rigid and moldable material with an upperside, an underside, first and second lateral sides, first and second ends defined, respectively, by first and second folds along said underside, said first fold extending away from said underside a first predetermined distance. Wheel members mounted to the lateral sides opposite to a supporting fold with cooperative dimensions to permit the bottom assembly to be at rest at a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to a supporting surface. A bag member with flat bottom wall is mounted over the upperside and extends upwardly defining an internal compartment and an upper end opening. A user tilts the bag assembly and pulls it from handles mounted adjacent to the opening causing the wheels to roll and the assembly to easily move with its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Skyworld Business Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Musi
  • Patent number: 7726672
    Abstract: A suspension member is fixed to a front part of a vehicle body from below. A stabilizer is fixedly held on an upper surface of the suspension member. The stabilizer has bent portions. At the time of a front end collision of the vehicle, a rear part of the suspension member separates from the vehicle body for rearward movement of the suspension member relative to the vehicle body to allow the bent portions to come into engagement with the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michihiro Yamagishi, Shunsuke Ehara, Hiroshi Osanai
  • Patent number: 7726673
    Abstract: A trailing arm assembly for a suspension includes first and second axle wraps. The first and second axle wraps are welded to each other to substantially surround an outer perimeter of an axle member. The first axle wrap is then welded to one side of the axle member at a first weld area and the second axle wrap is welded to an opposite side of the axle member at a second weld area. The first axle wrap includes a spring seat and the second axle wrap includes an arm body with a bushing receiver portion at one arm end. A bushing tube attached to the bushing receiver portion. The first weld area comprises a single window weld and the second weld area comprises first and second window welds that are positioned on opposing sides of the arm body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Steven George Saieg, Craig Allen Holt
  • Patent number: 7726674
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 7726675
    Abstract: Method is provided for after market conversion of a 4×4 vehicle produced by a manufacturer into a high mobility vehicle having increased maneuverability and on-road and/or off-road capability, relative to the 4×4 vehicle. The 4×4 vehicle has a chassis with a frame, front axle and rear axle, said chassis having a standard wheelbase. The method includes dismounting at least one of the front axle or rear axle from the frame; shortening said frame; and mounting the dismounted axle to the shortened frame so as to obtain a shortened chassis having a shortened wheelbase which is shorter than any standard wheelbase of the line of models produced by the manufacturer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Plasan Sasa Ltd.
    Inventors: Yakov Ben-Ari, Tal Dai
  • Patent number: 7726676
    Abstract: A device for hand-driven operation of a guided wheel arranged on a steering gear is pivotable about a steering axis perpendicular to the wheel's axis of rotation. The device includes first and second handles, first and second coupling devices respectively arranged thereon, and a power transmission train coupled to transmit traction power to the second coupling device via coupling points for transmitting handle movement to a drive device cooperating with the guided wheel's hub. The power transmission train extends from the first coupling device via deflecting elements, thereby modifying the extension direction of the train, in a second power transmission section to the second coupling device such that the coupling devices move the coupling points of the train on substantially linear drive paths approaching and absenting of a symmetrical plane of guidance which is oriented in a perpendicular manner in relation to the axis of rotation of the guided wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Bernd Monno
  • Patent number: 7726677
    Abstract: A vehicle body is made to be more compact by disposing a steering damper at an even lower position. A top bridge includes a steering damper mounting portion, on which a steering damper is mounted, disposed rearwardly of a head pipe and downwardly of an upper surface of the top bridge. The steering damper includes a steering damper main body disposed on upper portions of main frames and a first link mounted on an input shaft of the steering damper main body and extending in a forward direction of a vehicle body. The steering damper mounting portion and the first link are pivotally movably connected to each other via a second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Fujita
  • Patent number: 7726678
    Abstract: A sliding fifth wheel assembly for slidably connecting a trailer hitch to a vehicle, comprising at least one rail connectable to the vehicle and a platform connectable to the trailer hitch. The platform is slidably mounted to the rail for movement between a forward position and a rearward position. At least one stop bar is connected to the platform, and at least one locking bar is pivotally mounted to the rail for selective engagement with the stop bar to retain the platform in either the forward position or the rearward position. The locking bar may be selectively engaged by at least one actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hensley Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Connell, Robert Hillman
  • Patent number: 7726679
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for maneuvering a trailer having jockey wheel assembly comprising a ground engaging wheel (33) rotatably mounted on an axle (34). The apparatus comprising a link member (20) which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on the jockey wheel assembly adjacent the axle (34) and a lever assembly (10) removably securable to said link (20) and adapted to engage a peripheral surface (39) of said wheel (33), whereby movement of said lever (10) rotates said wheel (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Walter Bernard Albert Leuermann
  • Patent number: 7726680
    Abstract: An extendable trailer comprising wheels carrying a fixed frame, and a fixed support tube carrying a plurality of bearings that support an extendable support tube passing through said fixed support tube. A portion of a trailer hitch supported on the extendable support tube and a fixed pipe carried inside the extendable support tube protecting wires for trailer lights and accessories. The trailer has a first extended position where the tongue is extended and the length of the trailer is the greatest and a second position where the tongue is collapsed back into the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Luther Williams Lane
  • Patent number: 7726681
    Abstract: A receiver hitch arrangement includes a receiver tube, a mount having a shank portion received within the receiver tube and a hitch pin inserted through hitch pin apertures which are formed in both the receiver tube and the shank portion and which are aligned at assembly to maintain the mount in a position for towing. A rattling that is usually caused due to movement between hitch components. is prevented by forming a pair of through and threaded apertures in each vertical wall of the receiver tube and in close proximity to a free end thereof, threadeably engaging a threaded shank of a fastener with each of the pair of apertures and then operably advancing each fastener for direct contact with the shank portion of the mount inserted into the receiver tube until the shank portion is frictionally caged and immobilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas J. McKendry
  • Patent number: 7726682
    Abstract: A sliding board, the outsides of which have a running surface and an upper cup, has a foam core created by foaming during its manufacture, and at least one guide element with lateral profiles for arranging and guiding of a binding element on the upper side of the sliding board. The guide element is connected to the sliding-board body by several anchoring elements. The guide element is a plastic part with formed-on anchoring elements, which plastic part is manufactured in one piece. The guide element is bound into the core by the anchoring elements during foaming of the core and is held therein by the hardened foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Tyrolia Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Stritzl, Robert Pfaller
  • Patent number: 7726683
    Abstract: A lightweight stroller 10 is provided. The stroller 10 includes front legs 12, rear legs 14, a seat support frame 70 connected to the front legs 12, a backrest support frame 34 connected to the seat support frame 70, a headrest plate 52 connected to an upper part of the backrest support frame, and a pair of side plates 50 disposed on the opposite sides, respectively, of the backrest support frame 34. A base sheet can be stably hold by the backrest support frame 34, the headrest plate 52 and the side plates 50 without increasing the length of connecting rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Moriguchi, Junichi Asano, Kenji Ishii, Katsuhiro Iwata, Go Nishida
  • Patent number: 7726684
    Abstract: Airbag deployment system for a vehicle having a passenger compartment includes airbags arranged to substantially fill the passenger compartment upon deployment, an inflator system for inflating the airbags and a crash sensor system coupled to the inflator system for directing the inflator system to inflate the airbag. Multiple housings may be arranged around the passenger compartment, each including at least one airbag. Some of the airbags may be interconnected to provide a primary airbag and at least one secondary airbag extending from the primary airbag. The inflator system may be an aspirated inflator system. The crash sensor system may be an anticipatory sensor system. The airbags may be film airbags. One-way valves may be arranged between adjacent airbags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 7726685
    Abstract: An airbag and airbag apparatus in which a venthole is closed or opened by a small amount until an occupant hits the airbag, and the venthole is opened or opened by a large amount when the occupant hits the airbag. Inner panels 22A and 22B are provided inside of an airbag 10. Ventholes 18 and 18A allowing an inside and an outside of the airbag 10 to communicate with each other are provided in a rear panel 14. A lid member 60 for covering the venthole is provided on an outer surface side of the rear panel 14. The venthole 18A is a constantly-open type venthole that is not covered by means of the lid member 60. A tether 70 couples the lid member 60 with the inner panels 22A and 22B through the constantly-open type venthole 18A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Abe, Masayoshi Kumagai
  • Patent number: 7726686
    Abstract: A containment device for an inflator, the containment device comprising: an outlet plate having an outlet opening; a burst disk disposed over the outlet opening; an initiator having a support member; a movable support disposed between the support member and the burst disk, the support providing support to the burst disk; wherein activation of the initiator causes the movable support to move which allows the burst disk to rupture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Warren, David A. Pray
  • Patent number: 7726687
    Abstract: A new type of airbag inflator that may be used in an airbag system is disclosed. The inflator will generally include a housing and two initiators. Accordingly, the inflator is a “dual-stage” inflator. The two stages are disposed within the housing. The second initiator is disposed within a second stage generant cup. A cap is also used to engage the second stage cup. The cap maintains seated engagement with the second stage cup, even during deployment of the second stage. The second stage will also include one or more perforations, which constitute openings through which gas may flow. When the second initiator is in the unactuated state, these perforations will be isolated from the generant by the cap. Actuation of the second initiator unseals the one or more perforations but does not unseat the cap from the cup, due to constraints put in place to prevent such unseating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac L. Hoffman, Kirk Rasmussen, Bradley W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7726688
    Abstract: A vehicle partition for separating front and rear occupant areas (or other restricted and permitted areas) in a vehicle having side air bags, the vehicle partition comprising a partition frame with upright portions spaced apart from the vehicle's respective inner side surfaces such that the partition does not interfere with deployment of the air bags. In some embodiments, access through openings defined by the spaced apart upright portions and adjacent vehicle side surfaces is restricted by cover members. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the partition frame are electrified to shock an occupant in a restricted area attempting to gain access to a permitted area through an opening in the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Terry L. Setina
  • Patent number: 7726689
    Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Mulhern, Ronald Levi, Christopher E. Grymko
  • Patent number: 7726690
    Abstract: A surveillance module may be deployed from a vehicle. The vehicle to deploy the surveillance module includes a first portion configured to accommodate a user to operate the vehicle. A second portion includes a module configured to accommodate the user and comprising a roof and an entrance accessible through an interior of the vehicle from the first portion. The second portion also includes a lifting mechanism coupled to the module and operable to move the module vertically from a retracted position to an extended position. A third portion defines an opening to accommodate the module, wherein the roof of the module couples to a periphery of the opening in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: TerraHawk, LLC
    Inventors: Tom R. James, John R. Spence
  • Patent number: 7726691
    Abstract: A structure of the steering column device for clamping the outer column to the inner column is simple and its manufacturing cost is reduced. The outer column 1 and the bushing are stopped against rotation to the clamp members and at the same time when the outer column is adjusted in its telescopic position in respect to the inner column, the outer column, clamp members and bushing can be integrally and axially slid. Since the bushing having a low frictional coefficient is present between the inner circumference of the outer column and the outer circumference of the inner column, the outer column can be moved with a light force in respect to the inner column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Yamada
  • Patent number: 7726692
    Abstract: In a steering handle grasped and rotated by both hands of a driver, an axis of a steering shaft included in the steering handle is inclined so as to be higher in level in a forward direction of a vehicle body, and a left grip grasped by a left hand and a right grip grasped by a right hand are rotatable in opposite directions about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the steering shaft. Accordingly, an upper half of the driver's body sitting on a seat and leaning backwards and a plane of rotation of the steering handle are substantially parallel to each other, thereby ensuring that the driver can rotate the steering handle without stretching and withdrawing his or her arms. Moreover, when the steering handle is rotated, the driver's wrists can be prevented from being twisted unnaturally, leading to an easy steering operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Ozaki, Paul Baron, Kazuhiko Satou, Tatsuya Amano, Hisao Asaumi, Masaaki Kawano, Hirokazu Kitazawa, Kunio Shirakawa, Osamu Tsurumiya, Yoshinobu Mukai, Kazuhisa Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7726693
    Abstract: When the worn state of the webbing is lifted, current of a current value I0 corresponding to the appropriate storing speed of the webbing is supplied to the motor, whereby a take-up shaft rotates and the webbing is taken up. At a point in time when the webbing has been taken up to the extent that the webbing does not hinder the exiting of a vehicle by a passenger, the size of the supply current to the motor is reduced from the initial current value I1 to a current value I1. A reference current value IL of a stall current for determining whether to stop the motor when a foreign object or the like has become entangled between the webbing and an in-vehicle part can also be set to be small in correspondence to the reduced current value I1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Teruhiko Koide
  • Patent number: 7726694
    Abstract: A user supported portable sail assembly and method uses the force of the wind to help propel a user on a mobile device such as skis, snowboards, skateboards, in-line or ice skates, for example, in a controlled and safe manner. A sail is attached to the ends of a pair of parallel, flexible poles which the user holds onto, usually one pole in each hand. The user orients the sail to optimize direction and speed. As the sail catches wind currents, the poles flex and form an optimal airfoil. Should the user wish to stop using the sail assembly, the user simply brings the poles together and brakes or glides to a gentle stop. The poles may be constructed of multiple interlocking segments for easy and quick disassembly and compact stowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: David F. Guillot
  • Patent number: 7726695
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cover for a book having a wire concealment feature incorporated therein. The cover of the present invention generally comprises a front panel, a rear panel attached to and extending from the front panel, and a middle panel that extends from the opposite side of the rear panel. The inwardly facing surface of the front panel includes an elongated tab attached to or integral with its inner edge, with the tab including a longitudinally extending series of holes formed therethrough. A coiled wire passes through the holes formed through the tab, and a book is also attached to the coiled wire thereby interconnecting the book to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Abby J. Howes
  • Patent number: 7726696
    Abstract: A label assembly that includes a face sheet with at least one label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration structure aligned with the label shape. The registration structure is raised or raisable above the back sheet to allow an object for labeling to be positioned against the registration structure for proper alignment with the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Datalabel, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Flynn, Patrick J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7726697
    Abstract: A connection structure is provided for connecting heat exchangers (11, 12) to each other for exchanging heat between a first fluid flowing in body parts (13, 14) and a second fluid flowing in heat transfer pipes (15, 16) disposed in the body parts (13, 14). The connection structure includes connection holes (17, 18) provided in the body parts (13, 14) of the heat exchangers (11, 12) and a press-formable connection member (19), connected to the outer surfaces of the body parts (13, 14) for fluidly coupling the connecting holes (17, 18) so that the body parts (13, 14) are allowed to communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: T. Rad. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshimichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7726698
    Abstract: A manifold (1) comprises a body (2) with a plurality of branch fittings (3) diverging therefrom. The inner surface of the body (2) is conical such that the inner cross-sectional area of the body (2) decreases in the direction of flow. The manifold (1) is particularly well suited for use in tap water systems. The manifold (1) can be manufactured e.g. from polyphenyl sulfone PPSU, polysulphone PSU, polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF, glass fiber reinforced polyamide PA, or cross-linked polyolefin plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventors: Thomas Larsson, Jarmo Smahl, Peter J. Hauki
  • Patent number: 7726699
    Abstract: Apparatus for dental treatment includes a base, a treatment unit, and a connecting piece. The treatment unit has one or more treatment instruments and one or more lines for the supply of water, air and electricity. The connecting piece is placed in between the base and the treatment unit. The treatment unit can be disconnected from and connected to the base by using the connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Okey Holding BV
    Inventor: Petrus Jacobus Keirsgieter
  • Patent number: 7726700
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting pipes to externally threaded fittings and stubs. The coupling comprises a coupling body, a gripper, gripper engagement means for causing the gripper to engage the pipe, a gasket, gasket engagement means for causing the gasket to seal around the pipe, gripper retention means for retaining the gripper within the interior of the coupling body during handling thereof, and gasket retaining means for retaining the gasket within the interior of the coupling body during handling thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cambridge Brass, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamie Norman
  • Patent number: 7726701
    Abstract: A connecting mechanism for a thin stainless steel pipe and a joint includes a thin stainless steel pipe in which a chevron type projection portion is formed in an outer periphery of an end portion, a joint having an inner diameter inserting the thin stainless steel pipe and forming a male thread portion in an outer peripheral surface of an end portion, a nut having a fitting portion outwardly fitted to the thin stainless steel pipe so as to oppose to the joint on the boundary of the chevron type projection portion and having a female thread portion screwed to the male thread portion of the joint, and a packing provided between the joint and the thin stainless steel pipe wherein, a release groove is formed in a packing outer peripheral contact surface from the packing pressing surface constructing the inner side surface of the packing fitting portion of the joint to an opening end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: O.N. Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ohara Koji, Tsuneto Kazuharu
  • Patent number: 7726702
    Abstract: Assembly for connecting a pipe having a flanged end in fluid communication with an opposing part. The assembly includes an insert received coaxially within the pipe end and having a forward end face extending axially beyond the pipe end, a clamp ring received coaxially over the pipe end, and a flange piece which is fastenable to the opposing as received coaxially over the clamp ring. As the flange piece is fastened to the opposing part, the forward end face of the insert is urged into a sealable engagement against a confronting surface of the opposing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin GmbH & Co. AG
    Inventors: Dieter Schulze, Peter Rutz, Norbert Steinmeyer, Martin Ziehl, Andreas Udhofer
  • Patent number: 7726703
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining pipe elements end-to-end is disclosed. The pipe coupling is formed of segments attached to one another circumferentially straddling the pipe elements. The segments are formed from sub-sections connected to one another end-to-end. Each sub-section has a surface region disposed to engage the outer surfaces of the pipe elements. Each surface region has a different radius of curvature from a surface region on a neighboring sub-section. The radii are selected so that when the coupling segments are deformed around the pipe elements, portions of surface regions of selected sub-sections contact the pipe elements, while portions of surface regions of those sub-sections between the selected portions remain in spaced relation away from the pipe elements. A constant and minimal torque is required to bolt the segments together as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Michael V. Porter, Craig Haney, Scott D. Madara, Douglas R. Dole, John W. Pierce
  • Patent number: 7726704
    Abstract: A cover and method for covering openings an particularly openings initially intended to cover door knob openings and lock set openings of a modified door which are required to be covered for aesthetic and security reasons. In one embodiment, the cover for a door knob hole is an integral stack of disks wherein the largest outermost disk covers the opening when centered by the second disk that fits snugly inside the opening. A bridge fits inside the lock-set cavity to which a cover over the lock cavity is bolted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Steven Martin Goldstein, Robert Wayne Vanzee
  • Patent number: 7726705
    Abstract: A locking device of a tray includes a button; a first hooking part connected to an end of the button and including a support rod, movable in a first direction within a through hole formed in a base plate, and a hooking projection which is locked to or released from a hooking groove; a return spring interposed between the first hooking part and the base plate so as to provide elastic force to the first hooking part; and a second hooking part which is attached to a slanted slot in a side of the first hooking part so as to move in a slantwise direction with respect to the first hooking part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Byoung Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 7726706
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for gates and the like for readily latching a slide bar to a locking unit. The locking unit has a block with a front and back plate that are fixedly attached to each other about portions of peripheries of the front and back plates that define an opening with a side slot and at least one adjacent top or bottom slot. Positioned within at least one top or bottom slot is at least one pivoting release lever having a first leg and a second leg movable about a pivot. One of the legs has a portion configured to engage a portion of a slide bar when restraining movement of the slide bar relative to the block. The other leg abuts and aids in dislodging the slide from the block when a force is applied to the pivoting lever. The latch mechanism further includes a slide bar guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Control Dynamics Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Moran
  • Patent number: 7726707
    Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably securing a striker in a rotary pawl latch. The latch assembly includes a housing, a rotary pawl, and an actuator. The housing can have one sidewall having a notch for receiving the striker. A trigger can be pivotally attached to the housing such that the actuator releases the rotary pawl thus opening the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Simchayoff, Richard B. Langkamp, Jr., D. Dale Turner, James H. Vickers
  • Patent number: 7726708
    Abstract: High security seal that can be reused an indefinite number of times because the authenticating part evolves in a chaotic manner each time the seal is opened and then put back into service. This seal is composed of at least two authenticators (1) and (2) at least one of which is movable with respect to the other into the open position. These two authenticators become fixed and stable in the closed position. In each new fixed position, the two authenticators cooperate to generate a new authenticating feature that is stored in a database in order to be compared during a check. This feature will be cancelled and replaced with another one when said seal is fraudulently or deliberately opened and thus will provide proof that it has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Novatec SA
    Inventors: Francis Bourrieres, Clement Kaiser, Franck Bourrieres
  • Patent number: 7726709
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper structure includes a pipe member that extends along the vehicle-width direction. A bumper shock absorbing member extends along the vehicle-width direction, and has a loading space in which the pipe member is placed. A fixing member has a first end portion which is fixed to a vehicle body and a second end portion to which the bumper shock absorbing member is fixed. A bumper cover may be provided on the outer side of the bumper shock absorbing member, and cover the bumper shock absorbing member, the pipe member, and the fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sergio Sampaio
  • Patent number: 7726710
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a cover, and a method for using the cover with a surface. One embodiment of the cover comprises a flexible, substantially planar member. A plurality of reinforcing members is attached to the flexible, substantially planar member. The plurality of reinforcing members is arranged on the flexible, substantially planar member so that the flexible, substantially planar member can reliably support a load. A plurality of manipulation members is operatively associated with the plurality of reinforcing members. The plurality of manipulation members is accessible to a lifter so that the lifter can apply force to the plurality of reinforcing members and can move the load reliably supported by the flexible, substantially planar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Midwest Canvas Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Handwerker
  • Patent number: 7726711
    Abstract: The invention as presently conceived discloses a hand tool that assists in the removal and replacement of hearing aid batteries. The tool has a specially designed tweezer frame to aid in holding and placement of the small batteries. One side of the tweezer tip has a magnet that provides additional capabilities with holding the battery. The opposite side of the tweezer tip consists of a sharp point that aids in positioning or removing batteries from the battery compartment. Although the tool can benefit anyone who wears a hearing aid, it is particularly useful for the elderly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Monty D. Steltzer
  • Patent number: 7726712
    Abstract: A pair of devices for lifting boxes is disclosed. Each device comprises a handle, lifting surface, lifting plate and a plurality of lifting members in the form of angled teeth. During use, the teeth of each device are inserted into opposite sides of a corrugated box. A user is then able to lift the box using the temporary handles. The teeth are angled relative to a bottom edge of the lifting plates allowing a user's wrist to maintain a proper position to lift boxes over the user's head. During non-use the pair of devices they are connected with magnets such that the teeth of each lifting plate are received by corresponding openings in the other lifting plate. Each tooth may also include an extension portion for accommodating portions of a box thereby increasing the surface area of contact between the teeth and the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Primary Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis DuBois
  • Patent number: 7726713
    Abstract: A multi-use tool having a generally “J” shaped hook structure which has a top portion, a middle shank portion attached to the top portion, and a curved bottom portion attached to the middle shank portion. The top portion has a loop portion to which a rope, life-line or escape line can be fastened. The curved bottom portion extends to a beveled tip. The multi-use tool also has a protruding member that extends from the curved bottom portion and has a substantially flat top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph A. Oleksia
  • Patent number: 7726714
    Abstract: This invention provides a post hole digger having a first, traverse pivot point, located on the medial portions of two handle members, and a second, blade assembly pivot point located at the medial point of the blade assemblies. Because the first pivot point is a traverse pivot point, the handle members are only required to travel through a limited range of motion. Additionally, the second, blade assembly pivot point is preferably an offset pivot point. Thus, because the second, blade assembly pivot point is disposed at a medial point of the blade assemblies, the motion of the handle members, which are coupled to the upper ends of the blade assemblies, is reversed relative to the lower ends of the blade members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Norton, Barry R. Albert
  • Patent number: 7726715
    Abstract: An etchable plate-shaped material is used as a vacuum suction pad 31. On one surface thereof, a large number of independent protruded portions and recessed portions are formed to provide a suction part 33b. Further, a periphery of the suction part is annularly formed to provide an airtight part 33a. When the vacuum suction pad 31 comes close to a substrate to be sucked, a skirt pad 32 with a slit 32d is integrally formed in the shape of a hemmed hat using an elastic member, in order to block outside air into a peripheral space of the vacuum suction pad 31. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent the substrate from being locally deformed when the substrate is sucked by discharging air from a suction port 36 and to widen a clearance between the vacuum suction pad and the substrate such as a liquid crystal panel, at which the suction is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Diamond Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Nagasawa, Kiyoshi Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 7726716
    Abstract: A traction device (102) for use in picking or gripping or packaging objects. The traction device (102) draws an object into its interior. It comprises a surface (16) of deformable material, shaped substantially as a tube with an end portion turned inside-out, forming an opening to an interior, and an actuator (6) for moving the surface to draw the object into the interior. The surface of deformable material may be a part of a fluid-filled toroid body (10). The traction device can be used in combination with a bag to bag an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Shuttleworth
  • Patent number: 7726717
    Abstract: A garnish for a vehicle body including a plastic exterior skin and a metal reinforcement member. The garnish is installed on the vehicle for coating or painting and then the garnish and the vehicle body are sent through a bake oven to cure the coating or paint. After exposure to the bake oven, the garnish is removed from the vehicle body for installation of a headlight assembly. The garnish is then reinstalled on the vehicle body after the headlight assembly is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Onuma, Mark Kralevich, Aron Madsen, Derek Paul
  • Patent number: 7726718
    Abstract: A structural support for a bolt collar in an automotive vehicle main structural support is provided and includes a rear wall having a rounded portion, a pair of side walls extending substantially perpendicular from the rear wall and a base extending from a lower portion of the rear wall and from a lower portion of the rounded portion in a direction opposite to that of the pair of side walls. The rounded portion extends outwardly from the rear wall in the same direction as the base in an arc-like fashion and forms a recess on an inside surface of the rear wall. Further, the rounded portion extends approximately halfway up the rear wall from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jamison Weirup