Patents Issued in June 8, 2010
  • Patent number: 7730880
    Abstract: There is obtained an ignition apparatus, for an internal combustion engine, that can make a predetermined output current flow in a stable manner so that the combustion state of the internal combustion engine can always be maintained in a good condition, even in the case where the voltage of the power source connected with the energy storing coil fluctuates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Nagai, Hirohisa Kuwano, Ikuro Suga, Yusuke Naruse
  • Patent number: 7730881
    Abstract: A portable motor driven air gun powered by a power source includes a motor that is coupled to a linear motion converter which drives a piston. The piston compresses air in a chamber against a forward air compression valve producing high-pressure air. When sufficient energy is stored within the air stream by the piston, the compression valve opens which releases the compressed air to push a projectile through a barrel. The engagement and disengagement of the linear motion converter and the connected piston to the motor can be controlled using sensors. The linear motion converter further is coupled to a bolt thru a lost motion device to facilitate positioning of the projectile for firing. The direction speed and operative modes of the gun may be controlled with an electric circuit. The power source is preferably rechargeable, allowing the air gun to be operated independent from either a wall outlet or a compressed air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Impulse Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Pedicini, John D. Witzigreuter
  • Patent number: 7730882
    Abstract: A gun having a gas cartridge retaining device comprises a gun device having a hand grip, and a gas cartridge retaining device disposed at the bottom of the hand grip. The hand grip has a cartridge holding chamber for receiving a gas cartridge. Pull up a camshaft lever of a gas cartridge retaining device to push the upper piston element upwardly, such that the gas cartridge is retained in a gun. Pull open the camshaft lever to release the upper piston element, such that the gas cartridge can be taken off. In this way, the gas cartridge can be installed or detached from the gun quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Chin-Chi Liu
  • Patent number: 7730883
    Abstract: An article for protecting the cam of a compound bow that includes a member extending from a limb of the compound bow and disposed in overlapping arrangement with the cam. The member extends beyond the cam such that the cam is elevated from a surface upon which the compound bow is placed. The member is positioned at an angle of greater than 0 and less than 180 degrees relative to the bow limb such that the member may be used as a stand and to provide vibration dampening functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Jerry Paul Lawson, Nathan E. Lawson
  • Patent number: 7730884
    Abstract: A diving apparatus includes a support structure (18) that is engageable with a diver's head, the support structure (18) defining a lens opening (262) and an equalization opening (104). A lens (26) is mounted on the support structure (18) to close the lens opening (262) so that the support structure (18) and the lens (26) define a breathing space (30) from which the diver can be supplied with air. A sealing arrangement is positioned on the support structure (18) sealingly to engage the diver's face so that the breathing space (30) is substantially airtight. An equalization assembly (106) is mounted on the support structure (18) to close the equalization opening (104). The equalization assembly (106) includes an access means to permit the diver to gain access to his or her nose so that the diver can carry out an equalization procedure. A gas supply arrangement is in fluid communication with the breathing space (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Sato, Takeshi Kiyama
  • Patent number: 7730885
    Abstract: A device for mixing anesthetic vapor with anesthetic gas has a pressure limitation feature achieved in a simple manner. The device has a valve device (11), with which the evaporator is switched on and off. The valve device (11) is equipped with an overpressure release device (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Ludwig Gippert, Claus Bunke, Matthias Witt, Rainer Kunz, Jürgen Müller, Sven Heyer, Michael Heidschmidt, Dirk-Stefan Reichert
  • Patent number: 7730886
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the occurrence of an apnea, patency and/or partial obstruction of the airway are disclosed. Respiratory air flow from a patient is measured to give an air flow signal. The determination of an apnea is performed by calculating the variance of the air flow signal over a moving time window and comparing the variance with a threshold value. One determination of partial obstruction of the airway is performed by detecting the inspiratory part of the air flow signal, scaling it to unity duration and area and calculating an index value of the amplitude of the scaled signal over a mid-portion. Alternatively, the index value is a measure of the flatness of the air flow signal over the mid-portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Michael Berthon-Jones
  • Patent number: 7730887
    Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel single ended column design in which all flow paths and valves can be co-located on a single integrated manifold. The apparatus also can be used in conjunction with a satellite conserver and a mobility cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Inogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Frank Deane, Brenton Alan Taylor, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Bradley J. Sargent, Andrew J. March, Joseph E. Merchant, Jeffrey C. Smith
  • Patent number: 7730888
    Abstract: A method includes advancing a distal end of a tubular nasopharyngeal airway device through a nostril opening and into a nasal passageway of a patient, the nasopharyngeal airway device having a proximal end that is larger than the nostril opening. At least a terminal tip of a resiliently flexible elongated locking protrusion that projects from the proximal end of the nasopharyngeal airway device is inserted into the same nostril opening in which the nasopharyngeal airway device is disposed so that the locking protrusion biases against the lining of the nasal passageway, thereby securing the nasopharyngeal airway device within the nasal passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Spivan, LLC
    Inventor: Ivan L. Dunlap
  • Patent number: 7730889
    Abstract: An implantable sterilization device may include a ring having an inner diameter, a core slidable through the inner diameter of the ring, and a tissue securing element, at least part of which is positioned between the ring and the core. A method of closing a fallopian tube may include providing a closure system including a handle, a flexible shaft connected to the handle, and a sterilization device detachably connected to the flexible shaft, inserting the flexible shaft into the lumen of the fallopian tube and advancing the flexible shaft into the lumen; compressing a portion of the wall of the fallopian tube with the sterilization device to secure the sterilization device relative to the fallopian tube, blocking the lumen of the fallopian tube with the sterilization device; and separating the sterilization device from the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard A. Hausen, Luke W. Clauson
  • Patent number: 7730890
    Abstract: A one piece mouthpiece with a mandibular re-positioning extension for reducing snoring, and in particular, to a dental orthosis for easy engagement with the upper dentition of a person and intended to eliminate snoring. The mouthpiece is made from a deformable material with a shape complementary to a person's upper teeth and dental arch. The mouthpiece generally has an arched channel which embraces the upper teeth of a person. The mouthpiece includes an attached downward anterior mandibular extension located at the back of the top of the arch of the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Harold Enoch
  • Patent number: 7730891
    Abstract: An intraoral mandibular advancement device to treat sleep disorders in a user having an obstructed airway includes a maxillary appliance with a main body for removable attachment to the maxillary teeth; a protrusive element distending from the central portion of the main body; and retention means extending from the main body for retention of the device on the maxillary teeth during sleep. A mandibular appliance removably attaches to the mandibular anterior teeth and includes a lingual spacer that extends posteriorly from the mandibular anterior teeth. The anterior aspect of the protrusive element of the maxillary appliance contacts the posterior edge of the lingual space and thereby causes mandibular advancement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Steven B. Lamberg
  • Patent number: 7730892
    Abstract: An apparatus to stimulate the vestibular system of an individual. The apparatus comprises an actuator configured to mechanically stimulate a semicircular canal, and a control module coupled to the actuator that controls the actuator in response to motion information associated with the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary
    Inventors: Daniel M. Merfeld, Wangsong Gong, Steven D. Rauch, Richard Terry, Conrad Wall, III
  • Patent number: 7730893
    Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation therapy system comprises means for emitting divergent electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between 950 and 1500 nm and being capable of producing, at the site being treated, a radiation intensity of at least 50 ?Watts/cm2. Also disclosed are the use of the system for treating various conditions and the method of applying the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 1072 Technology Limited
    Inventor: Gordon Rex Paterson Dougal
  • Patent number: 7730894
    Abstract: Light generating devices for illuminating portions of vascular tissue, to render photodynamic therapy. In one embodiment, a light source array preferably including a plurality of light emitting diodes, a focusing lens, and a light diffusing element are included in a distal end of a catheter. A balloon is optionally provided to interrupt blood flow that can block the transmission of light, and to center the apparatus in a blood vessel. Optical fibers optionally direct light from the light source to the diffusing element. The light source array can have a radial or linear configuration and can produce more than one wavelength of light for activating different photoreactive agents. Linear light source elements are particularly useful to treat elongate portions of tissue in a vessel. One embodiment intended for use with a conventional balloon catheter integrates light sources into a guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Light Sciences Oncology, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Burwell, Zihong Guo, Jennifer Kristine Matson, Steven Ross Daly, David B. Shine, Gary Lichttenegger, Jean Bishop, Nick Yeo, Hugh Narciso
  • Patent number: 7730895
    Abstract: A hair styling appliance includes a first arm and a second arm pivotable with respect to the first arm, wherein the second arm is movable between an open position and a closed position. A gap is positioned between the first arm and the second arm, and a lock member is movable into and out of the gap between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the lock member holds the second arm in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Andis Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Maddocks, Yiu Kwong Wan
  • Patent number: 7730896
    Abstract: A circulation-air generating unit directly generates circulation air that flows along a surface of a cleaning tank. The circulation air is applied to cleaning medium accumulated on the cleaning tank from a direction orthogonal to a direction of face of the cleaning medium to deliver and flow up the cleaning medium. The cleaning medium is flown up inside the cleaning tank by the force of the circulation air. The cleaning medium flowing inside the cleaning tank collides with a cleaning target object by high-velocity air supplied from a cleaning-medium accelerating unit to remove dust on the cleaning target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yoichi Okamoto, Yuusuke Taneda, Akihiro Fuchigami, Tatsuya Satoh
  • Patent number: 7730897
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a sump for receiving washing water, a washing pump for pumping the washing water from the sump, a drain chamber for receiving the pumped washing water, and a filtering unit disposed above the drain chamber. The filtering unit includes a contaminated water for receiving and filtering the washing water that has passed through the drain chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dae Yeong Han, Sang Heon Yoon, Nung Seo Park, Hyeok Deok Kim
  • Patent number: 7730898
    Abstract: A novel semiconductor wafer lifter is disclosed for handling wafers during wet bench processing. In particular, the lifter has a plurality of holes formed in its vertical support surface to allow cleaning or rinsing fluid to flow through the vertical support instead of around its sides. These holes facilitates a constant flow of fluid across the wafer during recirculation of the tank contents during etching and rinsing operations, thus ensuring more even etching of all wafers and minimizing the deposition of particulate matter on wafer surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yang Cheng Hung, Kuo Liang Lu, Tseng Wen Song, Chen Peir Horng
  • Patent number: 7730899
    Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for removing deposits from a petroleum flow line may include a pipe capable of being attached to a petroleum flow line. The pipe may have a pipe axis that defines a direction for fluid flow in the petroleum flow line. The apparatus may also include a first and a second field winding circumferentially disposed around the pipe, and an electric wave generator adapted to electrically communicate an electric wave to the first field winding and the second field winding. In response to the electric wave, the first field winding is adapted to produce a first magnetic field having a first magnetic axis and the second field winding is adapted to produce a second magnetic field having a second magnetic axis. The first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the second magnetic axis, and at least the first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the pipe axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Qi Ning Mai
  • Patent number: 7730901
    Abstract: A system for securing a hydrant to a roof of a building is provided that includes a hydrant support that rigidly interconnects to the roof deck. In addition, a method of sealingly interconnecting a standpipe of the hydrant to the hydrant support is provided wherein a plurality of seals are employed. In order to enhance the seal provided between the standpipe and a hydrant support, a boot may be used that covers the interface between the standpipe and the hydrant support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 7730902
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modular spill containment rail system for containing a hazardous spilled substance from at least one battery. The system has a plurality of containment rails that are connectable to one another to define a perimeter around the battery. Each rail has at least one wall with a first end and a second end. At least one male connection device orthogonally protrudes from the first end and at least one female opening may be provided in the second end. A first end of a first rail may be removably received within a second end of second rail. Upon connecting the rails, at least a part of the first end of the first rail may be in an overlapping relationship with the second end of the second rail. A method for assembling a system and a containment system with a flexible liner and a neutralizing material are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Enviroguard
    Inventor: Douglas Frazier
  • Patent number: 7730903
    Abstract: An on-board auxiliary split tank system for supplying makeup water and chemical additives to a transit concrete mixing vehicle is disclosed which includes a generally cylindrical water tank designed for generally horizontal deployment having a shaped recess therein and an additive tank configured to nest in said recess of said water tank and which, when nested in said recess, generally completes said cylindrical shape. The water tank and additive tank are formed from a non-metallic material comprising a polymeric component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Lindblom, Keith A. Kruckeberg, Ryan J. Roudebush, Kevin M. Shaber
  • Patent number: 7730904
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for performing microfluidic processes comprising a base (50), a plurality of fluidic modules (20) releasably attached to the base (50), each fluidic module (20) comprising a fluid port (25) and a microfluidic manifold module (40) comprising a plurality of ports (45). A frame (70) is attached to the base (50) for releasably retaining the microfluidic manifold module (40), the frame (70) being moveable relatively to the base (50) to move the microfluidic manifold module (40) into contact with the fluidic modules (20) such that each fluid port (25) of the fluidic modules (20) aligns and seals with a respective port (45) on the microfluidic manifold module (40) thus completing a microfluidic circuit. A method for constructing and testing the apparatus (10) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Syrris Limited
    Inventors: Mark Peter Timothy Gilligan, Philip James Homewood, Robert J. Ranford, Paul M. Crisp
  • Patent number: 7730905
    Abstract: A high pressure valve for hydrogen gas includes a valve seat and a valve member, which is movable to selectively open and close the valve seat. One of the valve member and the valve seat is formed of austenitic stainless steel, and the other one of the valve member and the valve seat is formed of flexible synthetic resin or soft metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Toyooki Kogyo Co., Ltd., Jtekt Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Suzuki, Yoshiyuki Takeuchi, Toshihiko Shima, Soichi Shirai
  • Patent number: 7730906
    Abstract: A solenoid including an armature movable in an armature room and a coil which can be flowed through by current. When it is flowed through by current the armature moves. The armature interacts with an armature bar. A path converter is provided between the armature and the armature bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Dieter Kleinert, Georg Scherer, Helmut Mang
  • Patent number: 7730907
    Abstract: A device for use in a pipeline including a fluid conduit section constructed of a flexible material. The fluid conduit section has a first end, which includes a first mounting arrangement, and a second end, which includes a second mounting arrangement. The fluid conduit section also has a length defined between the first and second ends, an internal diameter, and a fluid passage therethrough to allow fluid to flow from the first to the second end. The device also includes a plurality of longitudinally extending vanes positioned within the fluid conduit section, wherein radially inner edges of the vanes are in direct contact with the radially inner edges of adjacent vanes, and radially outer edges of the vanes contact one of the first and second ends, but are separated from the internal diameter of a remainder of the fluid conduit section, such that a space is defined therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The Metraflex Company
    Inventor: James R. Richter
  • Patent number: 7730908
    Abstract: A self supporting header has a horizontally extending header pipe of fiberglass reinforced plastic with a horizontal axis and a flange of fiberglass reinforced plastic connected to an outer surface of the header pipe by at least one web and extending along at least part of the horizontal extent of the header pipe. The at least one web extends vertically from at least one of the top and bottom of the header pipe and is connected to the flange. A reinforcing member or material is embedded in at least one of the flange and the at least one web and that has a greater modulus of elasticity than a modulus of elasticity of the fiberglass reinforced plastic of the header pipe reinforces a cross-section of the header for increasing the self supporting strength of the header. The reinforcing member may be made of metal or a carbon composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7730909
    Abstract: An accessory for a vapor generator, such as a smoke or fog machine, includes an elongated member that connects to an output nozzle of the vapor generator. The elongated member has one or more perforations formed in its sidewall along its length. A vapor generated by the vapor generator travels through an interior of the elongated member and escapes through the perforations to the ambient atmosphere. The effect creates a curtain of smoke or fog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Jay B. Green
  • Patent number: 7730910
    Abstract: A weaving loom having self-contained assemblies that operate pulling systems for controlling heddle frames wherein each assembly includes at least one electric motor housed in a casing and at least one motor control unit having an electrical circuit for controlling electric power to the electric motor and wherein the self-contained assembly also includes a support on which the motor control unit is mounted and the support having at least one cooling duct extending there through. The self-contained assembly having damping elements providing a damping effect between the support and the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Sébastien Communal, Sylvain Puget
  • Patent number: 7730911
    Abstract: A bag-on-valve aerosol valve system in a container. Propellant is pressure filled around the valve stem, outwardly over the stem gasket and down into the container space outside the bag. Product is filled through the valve stem into the bag. The valve stem has an exterior intermediate frusto-conical annular surface and the valve housing has an interior frusto-conical annular surface, with both surfaces engaging in annular sealing contact to block propellant access to the bag when the valve stem is deeply depressed to a first predetermined position for propellant pressure filling. A stem exterior surface indent interacts with radially-biased spring-loaded slides to lock the stem in a second less depressed predetermined position for product filling through the stem down into the bag. The propellant and product may be pressure filled in either order using essentially conventional pressure filing equipment, after the valve is mounted on the container and the bag is mounted on the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Valve Corporation
    Inventor: Louis Pericard
  • Patent number: 7730912
    Abstract: An improved bottle filler assembly for filling bottles from kegged carbonated or non carbonated beverages without carbonation loss or oxidation that is intuitive to use, sanitize, and keep free of bacteria. In the preferred embodiment, a long hose gradually reduces the pressure of the beverage on the way to the filler. Two tubes are placed inside each other forming an annulus where CO2 can be forced to the bottom of the bottle via a CO2 valve thereby purging the bottle of air (O2). A valve seat placed on the bottom of the tubes allows the beverage to flow into the bottle from the bottom by depressing a trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: John Richard Blichmann
  • Patent number: 7730913
    Abstract: An inflation needle for inflating an object such as a sports ball includes a tubular body having an attachment end configured for engagement with a fluid supply. The body fairs into a tubular probe extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end configured for being inserted into the ball. A concavo-convex base extends radially outward from the body and towards the distal end, terminating at a periphery spaced radially from the probe, the base being configured to engage the object upon insertion of the probe therein. The inflation needle is a unitary, molded polymeric component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Patricia C. Voorhies, Daniel R. Marlowe
  • Patent number: 7730914
    Abstract: A feeding mechanism is adapted for use with a woodworking machine. The feeding mechanism includes a rail unit adapted to be disposed on two sides of a worktable, a feeding unit, and a press roller unit. The feeding unit includes a slidable body adapted to extend across the worktable and disposed slidably on the rail unit, two spaced apart rollers disposed on the slidable body, a belt component trained on the rollers, and a driving component for driving the rollers to rotate along with the belt component. The press roller unit is adapted to extend slidably across the worktable and includes a slidable seat disposed slidably on the rail unit, a press roller connected pivotally to the slidable seat, and a resilient component adapted for biasing the press roller to press the workpiece against the feeding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Chin-Chi Lin
  • Patent number: 7730915
    Abstract: An elevating device for the worktable of a manual planer includes at least one base, one movable worktable and one elevating device. The elevating device comprises of a driving shaft, a driven shaft, a rotary base, a connecting rod base, a combining shaft and a spindle. When an operating member of the driving shaft is rotated, a driving gear of the driving shaft drives a first driven gear of the driven shaft to rotate, and a second driven gear of the driven shaft drives a third driven gear of the rotary base to rotate at the same time. Simultaneously, the rotary base is rotated to actuate the connecting rod base to operate, and the movable worktable positioned on the connecting rod base is moved upward or downward and is adjusted in its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Bor-Yann Chuang
  • Patent number: 7730916
    Abstract: The folding work bench folds compactly for storage when not in use and occupies a minimal work space. The folding work bench has a durable work surface, a top storage shelf, a back board for hanging tools, a locking mechanism, and a work table that can be folded up against the back board and locked in a compactly folded configuration that also secures the tools on the back board in the work bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7730917
    Abstract: An apparatus for card receival comprises a foldaway portion; a leather element; and two fence elements; wherein the foldaway portion has its two ends to connect with the two ends of the leather element; the two fence elements connecting with the foldaway portion by one side thereof; the leather element comprising a plurality of card receival units, each of which constituting by a plurality of bar openings for cards inserting. As an embodiment, the card receival units are arranged at intervals. The apparatus for card receival may further comprise a coin-receiving bag formed on an outer side of the foldaway portion. The invention also discloses a wallet with such an apparatus for card receival.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Pei Hang Hui
  • Patent number: 7730918
    Abstract: A vehicle rim, of revolution, intended for mounting a tire and an annular bearing support capable of supporting a tread of the tire in the event of a loss of inflation pressure from the tire. This rim includes a first and a second rim seat, each intended to receive a bead of the tire. Each of the rim seats has a generatrix the axially inner end of which is on a circle of diameter DI greater than the diameter DE of the circle on which the axially outer end is located. The first rim seat is delimited axially to the inside by a protrusion, the external diameter DS of which is greater than the mean diameter DP of a supporting bearing surface of the rim. The supporting bearing surface is formed of at least one substantially cylindrical surface of revolution of mean diameter DP extending axially between the two seats and intended to be in close contact with the bearing support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Malevergne
  • Patent number: 7730919
    Abstract: A laminate of an air permeation preventive layer an adhesive layer provided with an air permeation preventive layer comprising a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing a thermoplastic resin as a continuous phase and a rubber composition dispersed therein as a dispersed phase and arranged on one surface of the air permeation preventive layer, an adhesive composition layer having a thickness of 100 ?m or less, a self tack of less than 5N and a tack to an unvulcanized diene-based rubber or 5N or more, containing 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer containing 50 parts by weight or more of an epoxy-modified styrene-butadiene-based block copolymer so that a total of 30 to 200 parts by weight of a terpene resin and an aromatically modified terpene resin having a weight average molecular weight Mw of 1000 or less and a softening point of 60 to 120° C., 0.1 to 3 parts by weight of an internal mold release agent and 0.1 to 2 parts by weight of an organic peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Kanenari
  • Patent number: 7730920
    Abstract: A method of making an elastic composite is provided. The method entails conveying a first web of material along a web plane path. The method also entails applying a first section of a first elastic strand onto the first web and generally transversely to the web plane path and applying a second section of a second elastic strand onto the first web and generally transversely to the web plane path. These applying steps are repeated while performing the conveying step, thereby arranging a plurality of first and second elastic elements on the first web, in generally parallel relation to one another. The resultant composite is suitable for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment, textile or fabric structure, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: DSG Technology Holdings, Ltd
    Inventors: Kuo-Shu Edward Chang, Anne Smid, Patrick King Yu Tsang, Andrew C. Wright
  • Patent number: 7730921
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for the welding of thermoplastic endless belts (28). Direct current is passed through a ni-chrome wire (27) to produce enough heat such that the thermoplastic melting point of the belt material is reached. The wire is mechanically moved through the abutting thermoplastic belt. The free ends being welded are securely held together with clamping members (2) and (4). In another embodiment a ni-chrome ribbon (54) is embedded in an electrically insulated screen to produce a heated planar surface. The invention is particularly suitable for the welding of polyurethane thermoplastic belts. Because the invention is hand held and it uses battery power, it is especially adapted for welding belts in the food processing industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Ronnie B. Acors
  • Patent number: 7730922
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for visualizing air stream by little threads on aerodynamic surfaces such that strips of adhesive tape populated with threads are automatically fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Eva Maria Montilla Mendez, Susanne Wyrembek, Tim Moenning
  • Patent number: 7730923
    Abstract: An adjustable hanging apparatus for blind valances is provided. The hanging apparatus includes a hanging device and a mounting device. The hanging device has a hook, which can be slidably hooked over a headrail. In addition, a base of the hanging device has an opening. The opening is disposed with two resilient mounting plates, and each mounting plate has a plurality of troughs. A neck portion is formed therebetween the mounting plates. The mounting device has a joint portion, which can engage with the valance. Also, a jam portion passes through the neck portion and mounted therein. Positioning flanges can be engaged with the troughs of the mounting plates so as to limit the vertical movement of the mounting device, and the mounting device can be inserted through the opening in the vertical direction of any positions to adjust the valance to desired positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Niem Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: De-Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 7730924
    Abstract: A composite awning device, wherein an awning device for projected corner having a projected corner canvas windup device is combined with a rectangular awning device having a rectangular canvas windup device, mainly the awning device for projected corner is mounted near the corner of a projected corner portion, and the rectangular awning device is mounted in a linear district following the corner part when used. The windup device of the awning device for projected corner comprises projected corner canvas windup shafts and front bars. The windup shafts comprise inner rotating shafts and outer rollers supportedly inserted into the rotating shaft. The projected corner canvas front bars are supportedly inserted into the rectangular canvas front bars so as to be movably guided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Osamu Ito
  • Patent number: 7730925
    Abstract: Several embodiments of a collapsible screen employing novel folding structures have many possible uses: window shade, room divider, decorative backdrop, wall hanging, and others. A disclosed method allows its user to design many embodiments of the screen. The method incorporates three modifiable sets or databases: a set (220) of patterns, a set (221) of criteria by which a possible embodiment is evaluated for practicability, and a set (222) of transformations which can be applied to the possible embodiment to improve it with respect to the criteria (221). The sets can change to reflect new assumptions, design characteristics, and hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Carlos E. Pereira
  • Patent number: 7730926
    Abstract: A sliding screen door in which stretching force of a wire is easily adjusted when a screen is in a stretched condition, and expansion of the screen caused by wind or the like can be appropriately suppressed without increasing operation force to be applied to an operating doorframe for the operation to stretch the screen. The sliding screen door is constructed such that wires, whose one ends are fixed to a vertical frame member are drooped in the operating doorframe via a guiding member, which is provided in the operating doorframe, after being inserted into the screen, and a sinker is dangled at tip ends of the wires. A spring member is interposed between the sinker and a contacting portion to be a rising uppermost limit of the sinker, and a wire adjusting mechanism for adjusting a length and the stretching force of the wire is installed in the vertical frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Seiki Sogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Moriya, Takashi Moriya
  • Patent number: 7730927
    Abstract: A frangible connection for connecting parts of a knitted textile into a single panel is disclosed. The frangible connection is formed of a yarn having a lower tensile strength than that used to knit the parts of the panel so that the parts can be readily disconnected by tearing the frangible connection without damaging the structure of the parts themselves. Thus, a plurality of vertical blind louvers may be knitted into a single panel on a single knitting machine and separated later, preferably prior to installation. Knitted patterns which extend across multiple louvers may thus be practically manufactured without the difficulties in alignment which might be present if each louver were manufactured separately. The frangible connection also functions as a hinge for pivotably connecting the louvers of a combination blind together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Lace Lastics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Claus Graichen
  • Patent number: 7730928
    Abstract: A hinge assembly pivotally couples adjacent panels together in an overhead sectional door. The panels include stiles between each lateral end of the panel to which the hinge assemblies are attached. The hinge assembly includes an upper hinge leaf on an upper panel with a pair of spaced generally parallel flanges which span the juncture between the upper and lower panels. The hinge assembly also includes a lower hinge leaf with a pair of flanges projecting generally parallel to each other. The lower hinge leaf is mounted to one of the stiles of the lower panel and each flange includes a pivot axis hole near a terminal end thereof for alignment with a pivot axis hole in one of the flanges of the upper leaf. The stile includes a pair of spaced, parallel sidewalls and a notch, depression or recess is on each sidewall. The recesses provide a seat for the respective flanges of the hinge leaves and clearance between the sidewall of the stile and any adjacent components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Clopay Building Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Stone, Alan R. Leist, John A. Colston
  • Patent number: 7730929
    Abstract: A multi-level window shutter has a shutter frame movably supporting at least one first level external shutter panel via an external panel opening mechanism mounted on the shutter frame. The external panel movably supports at least one second level internal shutter panel via an internal panel opening mechanism mounted on the external panel and connected to the shutter frame and to the internal panel for simultaneous displacement of the internal panel upon displacement of the external panel relative to the shutter frame. The panels move between a closed position in which they are in a side-by-side configuration relative to one another in spaced apart parallel planes and an open position in which they are in an over-one-another configuration relative to each other in the spaced apart parallel planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Jocelyn Perron
  • Patent number: 7730930
    Abstract: A device (10) for fixing a pulley (40) includes a rotating pin (12) on the outer surface of which the pulley (40) may be fixed. The rotating pin (12) has at least one locking element (50) movable between a first locking position where it retains the pulley (40) and a second releasing position where it does not retain it. The locking element (50) is coupled with at least one element (60) which can be operated by the user so that the displacement of said at least one element (60) which can be operated by the user causes the displacement of the at least one locking element (50) between the first and second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Nice Spa
    Inventors: Andrea Malausa, Lorenzo Galberti