Patents Issued in June 22, 2010
  • Patent number: 7740002
    Abstract: A fuel injector has a spray nozzle with a plurality of spray discharge orifices, each of which has an elongated cross-section having a major axis orientable to a center electrode of a spark plug in the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Yangbing Zeng, Andreas M. Lippert, Rodney B. Rask, Arun S. Solomon
  • Patent number: 7740003
    Abstract: A valve control system for an internal combustion engine includes a valve actuation system. The valve actuation system actuates at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve between N open lift modes via lift control valves. The control module enables transitioning of at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve between the N open lift modes. The control module defines M valve leading modes that indicate whether the intake valve transitions between the N open lift modes before, during the same time period, or after the exhaust valve. The control module selectively transitions the intake valve and the exhaust valve based on a current one of the M valve leading modes. N and M are integers greater than one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Allen B. Rayl
  • Patent number: 7740004
    Abstract: Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Daniel R. Cohn, Leslie Bromberg, John Heywood
  • Patent number: 7740005
    Abstract: An improved tool for removal of fuel injectors from the cylinder head of a diesel engine includes a male threaded pulling shaft having a milled top, with a female threaded connector at the bottom for releasable connection to the male threads at the top of a typical fuel injector. A sleeve fits over the threaded pulling shaft so that the base of the sleeve rests against the cylinder head, and the top of the pulling shaft extends through the top of the sleeve. A drive nut engages the threads of the pulling shaft and can be threaded down the pulling shaft until the drive nut contacts the top of the sleeve, preferably adjacent an interposed washer. An open end wrench is then used to turn the drive nut against the sleeve, thereby lifting the threaded pulling shaft relative to the sleeve and removing the injector from the cylinder head. The injector can then be unscrewed from the female threaded connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Ira Hines
  • Patent number: 7740006
    Abstract: A fuel-feeding device may preferably include a pressure control valve capable of controlling a pressure of pressurized fuel that includes a housing having an inner cavity, a first movable dividing wall, a second movable dividing wall, a valve unit and a resilient member. The first and second movable dividing walls divide the housing cavity to a pressure controlling chamber, a back pressure chamber, and an open chamber positioned between the pressure controlling chamber and the back pressure chamber. The second movable dividing wall is arranged and constructed to move to a retracted position or an advanced position depending upon whether back pressure fuel is introduced into the back pressure chamber, thereby setting the resilient member to two different set loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Ikeya
  • Patent number: 7740007
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle, comprising of a diesel engine having an intake system and an exhaust system, a first EGR loop coupled between said intake system and said exhaust system and having a first valve and a first cooler located therein, a second EGR loop coupled between said intake system and said exhaust system and having a second valve and a second cooler located therein, and a control system operating the first and second valves in a first condition where both valves provide EGR flow to the engine, and at least temporarily increasing flow in the first EGR loop and decreasing flow in the second EGR loop when EGR flow is decreased to a condition where buildup in one of said coolers is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Grandas
  • Patent number: 7740008
    Abstract: A mixer assembly (204, 603) for mixing intake air from an intake system (124) with exhaust gas from an exhaust gas recirculation system (134) to yield a mixture stream includes an intake air conduit (202, 700) having an inlet (206, 706) fluidly connected to the intake system. The mixer assembly (204, 603) also includes a mixer (200, 600) having an inlet (208, 702) fluidly connected to the exhaust gas recirculation system (134). The mixer (200, 600) is at least partially disposed in the intake air conduit (202, 700) and includes an outer pipe (203, 604) and a dividing portion (217, 602) disposed within the outer pipe. The dividing portion (217, 602) divides a first passage (216, 612) from at least one second passage (218, 608), the first passage having an outlet (216?, 612?) that is at a first height, and the second passage having an outlet (218?, 608?) that is at a second height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Brogdon, Iain V. Ridley, Scott A. Beatty
  • Patent number: 7740009
    Abstract: A system for controlling spark of an engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, a number of sparks produced by a spark plug is varied. The system may improve engine operation, at least during some conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Shelby, Thomas G. Leone
  • Patent number: 7740010
    Abstract: A system includes a hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine, a fuel system configured to provide a flow of hydrogen fuel to the engine, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system configured to provide a flow of recirculated gas to the engine which includes exhaust gases. The system also includes an engine controller configured to control the fuel system and the EGR system, such that the engine receives a mixture which includes the hydrogen fuel, the ambient air and the recirculated gas in a stoichiometric fuel/air ratio that meets the torque demand on the engine. A method includes the steps of providing a flow of gaseous hydrogen fuel, a flow of ambient air, and a flow of recirculated exhaust gas to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Eden Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Justin Fulton, Franklin Earl Lynch
  • Patent number: 7740011
    Abstract: An archery bow includes a bottom limb with first and second ends, a top limb with first and second ends, a leaf spring attached to the bottom limb, a bowstring spanning limb distals pivotally connected top and bottom limbs, such that a cantilevered second end of the top limb enacts a tension on the spring. A bow includes a bottom limb with first and second ends, an axial slot in the second end, a front and rear slat, a top limb with first and second ends, wherein the second end fits movably within the slot, a bowstring spanning limb distals, top and bottom limbs pivotally connected, such that a cantilevered second end of the top limb movingly fits the slot and drawback deforms the slats. A bow includes opposing limbs pivotally connected with spaced distal ends spanned by a bowstring, a cantilevered limb directly enacting a tension on a spring on the opposing limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Eckhard Bernardy
  • Patent number: 7740012
    Abstract: Working tool and machine for sawing or cutting, comprising an annular blade (2) intended to be rotated about an axis of rotation, encircling the axis of rotation, the annular blade comprising an annular blank (3; 3?) and means (15), e.g. diamond segments (15), forming the working part of the tool and provided in connection to an outer edge (31) of the blank (3; 3?), the blade and blank also having an inner edge (19), an inner edge portion (18) comprising driving surfaces for rotation of the tool about the axis of rotation, and a web portion (23) between the outer edge (31) of the blank and the inner edge (portion) (18), the web portion having a first side (24) and a second side (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Ove Donnerdal, Stigbjorn Juhojuntti, Joe Baillargeon
  • Patent number: 7740013
    Abstract: In order to enable a medical worker to certainly and easily know whether a patient on a home oxygen therapy, who continues to inhale an oxygen-enriched gas at home, performs the inhalation as prescribed, a history of a supply condition of the oxygen-enriched gas supplied to the patient is recorded and held as supply history information, this supply history information is compared with a prescription of the oxygen therapy of the patient to generate patient's compliance information to indicate the degree to which the oxygen therapy is performed in accordance with the prescription, the oxygen concentrating apparatus is constructed to be portable, and a doctor can confirm the patient's compliance information at the time of going to a medical institution regularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Teijin Pharma Limited
    Inventors: Takayuki Ishizaki, Tadashi Miyazaki, Yoichi Okabe
  • Patent number: 7740014
    Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device including: a nosepiece for fitting to a nostril of a subject; a substance supply unit for supplying a substance for delivery through the nosepiece; and a delivery prevention mechanism for preventing delivery of a substance through the nosepiece until the nosepiece is properly fitted to the nostril of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Optinose AS
    Inventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
  • Patent number: 7740015
    Abstract: One aspect relates to reducing a pressure differential across one or more supporting surfaces of a body surface of an individual at least partially by displacing at least one displaceable contouring unit to at least partially conform to one or more contours of the body surface of the individual. Certain aspects can relate to stabilizing at least the one or more supporting surfaces of the body surface of the individual at least partially with at least one of the at least one displaceable contouring unit Other aspects can relate to relatively displacing at least one displaceable contouring unit with respect to a medical device portion based at least in part on a contour of an individual to support at least a portion of the individual while limiting pressure applied to the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Michael A. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 7740016
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an ankle and foot immobilizer has a base, a spine perpendicular to the base, and a shoulder perpendicular to both the base and spine. A foot cover is rotatably attached to the shoulder and engageable to the foot so that the sole is either resting upon the base to obtain a top view of the foot or so that the sole is resting against the spine to obtain a side-view of the foot. A vertical leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a vertical fashion. A horizontal leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a horizontal fashion. The base can have a cassette holder to so that a separate cassette holder is not required. The immobilizer has an anchor that can be releasably secured to a standard x-ray table such as a suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Modern Way Immobilizers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy Pigg
  • Patent number: 7740017
    Abstract: A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Asthmatx, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Danek, Bryan E. Loomas, Thomas Keast, Michael D. Laufer
  • Patent number: 7740018
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method, a laser system, and a kit for non-invasive treatment and removal of varices. In particular the invention allows for non-invasive laser treatment of large varices, such as varices having a diameter larger than 5 mm. The method of treatment can apply presently available dermatological lasers. The invention further propose developments and additions to presently available dermatological lasers making these particularly applicable to the treatment method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Marit Johanne Aoude Kamøy
  • Patent number: 7740019
    Abstract: Filter rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements are provided, with each rod having a longitudinal axis and incorporating a generally longitudinally extending filter material and a generally longitudinally extending strand within that filter material. A filter making unit receives a continuous supply of a filter material, and forms the filter material into a gathered composite having a continuous cylindrical shape. A continuous supply of a strand (e.g., colored thread) is provided and is introduced into the filter material gathered composite in the tongue of the filter making unit. The filter material and continuous strand positioned therein are formed into a continuous rod having the strand material laterally positioned within that rod, and the continuous rod is subdivided at pre-determined longitudinal intervals to provide a plurality of rod portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Louis John Read, Jr., Brent Walker Carter
  • Patent number: 7740020
    Abstract: Unique PTFE structures comprising islands of PTFE attached to an underlying expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) structure and to methods of making such structures is disclosed. The ePTFE material may or may not have been exposed to amorphous locking temperatures. These unique structures exhibit islands of PTFE attached to and raised above the expanded PTFE structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David Isaac Lutz, Norman Ernest Clough
  • Patent number: 7740021
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits are described, one method embodiment comprising loading a solids-laden screen into a carriage of a washing enclosure, the solids-laden screen comprising a screen mesh partially obstructed with solids from a well drilling or work-over operation, and spraying a cleaning composition onto first and second sides of the screen while vibrating the screen. Apparatus and kits for practicing the methods are also described. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: RNG Oilfield Sales & Service, LLC
    Inventor: Jack D. Baker
  • Patent number: 7740022
    Abstract: An outdoor canopy includes a canopy frame, a canopy shelter and a side entrance arrangement. The canopy frame includes a roof frame and a legs frame downwardly extended from the roof frame to form a canopy area. The canopy shelter, which is made of waterproof fabric, is detachably fastening at the canopy frame to define a ceiling wall, a front wall, a rear wall and two sidewalls for enclosing the canopy area therewithin. The side entrance arrangement is formed on one of the sidewalls of the canopy shelter for a user to gain entry to and exit the canopy area without having to pass through the front entrance, wherein the side entrance arrangement contains a side entrance opening formed on the corresponding sidewall of the canopy shelter, and comprise at least one entrance fabric operatively mounted on the corresponding sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Patent number: 7740023
    Abstract: Check valve assemblies and related methods are described. A valve assembly comprises a housing having at least a first inlet passage and an outlet passage. A flow channel is disposed within the housing, with at least a portion thereof extending inward from the first inlet passage. A first check member is disposed within the first inlet passage and is movable along the flow channel between a closed position in which the first check member is disposed against a first valve seat and an open position in which the first check member is spaced from the first valve seat. In varying examples, movement of the first check member from the closed position to the open position is unopposed. Optionally, the housing can include at least a second inlet passage wherein a second check member is disposed. In an example, the second check member is continuously biased toward a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Restaurant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Zweber
  • Patent number: 7740024
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention can include a flow control device a flow control device that comprises an inlet, an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, a pressure sensor, which may or may not be the only pressure sensor of the fluid control device, and a controller coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller can be configured to generate a valve control signal based on a measured pressure at a single pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig L. Brodeur, Marc Laverdiere, Robert F. McLoughlin, J. Karl Niermeyer, Jieh-Hwa Shyu
  • Patent number: 7740025
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus to prevent clogging of condensate drain lines with a biocide delivery system that prevents the growth of bioorganic growth in the liquid trap using time release biocide tablets or liquid biocide. When using solid biocide tablets erosion and dissolution of the tables is reduced. When using liquid biocides, combination of initial release followed by gradual release of residual liquid biocide in the drain water is attainable. Drain line are promoted from clogging while being installed anywhere on the drain line upstream of the liquid trap. The apparatus can also be incorporated with a liquid trap, allowing placement anywhere in the drain line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Mainstream Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Robert P. Scaringe
  • Patent number: 7740026
    Abstract: A thermal storage type gas treating apparatus has a high sealing performance while achieving a simple apparatus construction. The thermal storage type gas treating apparatus includes a valve member rotatable to place successively a supply port for a gas to be treated and an exhaust port for a treated gas formed in the valve member, in an opposed and communicating relationship with supply and exhaust ports formed in a distributor, thereby successively passing gas to be treated and treated gas through a plurality of thermal storage chambers communicating at one end with a combustion chamber. The valve member is supported to be displaceable toward and away from the distributor. A valve biasing device is provided for pressing the valve body to the distributor, while being inoperative with respect to a gas chamber device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Taikisha Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Matsui, Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Horisawa, Tomotaka Miwa
  • Patent number: 7740027
    Abstract: Apparatus applies chemicals to water in an air conditioning condensate tray. It has an elongate reservoir body with an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a central cavity enclosed by an encircling wall. The central cavity receives chemicals to prevent the growth of microorganisms. A closure closes the central cavity. A tubular member is operatively connected at a first end to an aperture in the wall, and has a second end extending outwardly therefrom. The second end is constructed for receiving condensate water from the condensate tray, providing a fluid passage to the central cavity in a first mode of operation when water in the condensate tray is above a preset level; and for dispensing water to the tray from the central cavity in a second mode of operation with chemicals disposed in the water from contact within the central cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory Coogle
  • Patent number: 7740028
    Abstract: A composite plug system and a process to repair a hole in a tubular pipe. The process includes the steps of inserting a fastener through an opening in an oblong inner plate having an elongated diameter and a shorter diameter. The oblong plate is inserted into the pipe hole wherein the elongated diameter is greater than a diameter of the pipe hole and wherein the shorter diameter is less than the pipe hole diameter so that the oblong plate is within the tubular pipe beneath the hole. An initially liquid adhesive filler is applied over the oblong inner plate over the pipe hole. An outer plate having a central opening and a diameter larger than the pipe hole diameter is affixed over the pipe hole so that the central opening receives the fastener. The outer plate is secured to the oblong inner plate and the tubular pipe with the fastener until the adhesive filler solidifies. After the filler solidifies, the oblong plate and the outer plate are structurally bonded to the pipe wall through adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Tulsa
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Wilson, Michael R. Kessler, Roger Walker
  • Patent number: 7740029
    Abstract: A papermaking fabric includes a system of warp yarns interwoven with a system of weft yarns. The system of weft yarns includes groups of weft yarns, each of the groups being formed by a plurality of adjacent weft yarns weaving in the group side-by-side the same weave path with the warp yarns. A method of manufacturing such a papermaking fabric is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Mark Adrian Hodson, David Holden, Bryan Gisbourne, Michael A. Gisbourne, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7740030
    Abstract: Weaving machine, method and selvedge forming apparatus for introducing into a shed an end (30A) of a weft thread (30) which has been inserted into a shed, the selvedge forming apparatus (4, 5, 6) being provided with a device (20) for introducing the end of the inserted weft thread into a subsequent shed, wherein the selvedge forming apparatus (4, 5, 6) includes a blowing device (50) having at least one blowing opening (51) which, in use, is positioned at the level of the plane of a selvedge (16, 17) of the woven fabric (2, 3), with the blowing device (50), blowing essentially toward the beat-up line (36) in a direction opposite to the direction of fabric movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Picanol N.V.
    Inventors: Marnix Ghesquiere, Jean Marie Bamelis
  • Patent number: 7740031
    Abstract: A gas blending and compressing system includes a blender having a blending chamber configured to blend two or more separate gases into a blended gas, a compressor configured to compress the blended gas to a selected pressure, and a control system configured to sense operational parameters of the blender and the compressor, to sense one or more properties of the blended gas and to control the operation of the blender and the compressor to maintain the quality of the blended gas. A method for blending and compressing two or more gases includes the steps of: blending the separate gases into a blended gas using the blender; compressing the blended gas using the compressor; and matching a constant flow through the compressor to a selected minimum flow dependent on nominal operating parameters of the compressor. Alternate embodiment systems and methods blend separate gases at high pressure without using a compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Eden Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Egan, Justin Fulton, Roger W. Marmaro, Franklin Earl Lynch
  • Patent number: 7740032
    Abstract: An automatic liquid filling system including a liquid supply, a liquid-retaining structure, and a filling apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid supply and the liquid-retaining structure. The filling apparatus is configured to automatically supply liquid to the liquid-retaining structure when the liquid recedes below a low level that is based on a position of the filling apparatus in relation to the liquid-retaining structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley, James McHugh
  • Patent number: 7740033
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus which includes an apparatus body, a splitter for splitter relatively larger pieces of material into relatively smaller pieces of material coupled with the apparatus body, and a grinder for grinding the relatively smaller pieces of material also coupled with the apparatus body. A power source may be adapted to provide power to both the grinder and the splitter. The grinding can be accomplished with minimal repositioning of the relatively smaller pieces once split. The splitting, then the grinding can be accomplished with little to no translational movement within a job site of a nearby piece of equipment adapted for picking up first the relatively larger pieces then the relatively smaller pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Peterson Pacific Corporation
    Inventors: Arnold N. Peterson, Chad Sageser
  • Patent number: 7740034
    Abstract: This invention relates to a light duty tire (e.g. passenger tire or light duty truck tire) designed for a load bearing capacity of a maximum of 3,500 pounds (1587 kg) with a tread of a cap/base construction with at least one underlying silica-rich, cis 1,4-polyisoprene rubber based intermediate transition rubber layer to promote a reduced internal heat generation for the light duty tire and to therefore promote a light load carrying light duty tire which is more durable for the long haul. Such light duty tire tread is intended for use with light loads in which internal heat may be generated within the tire, including the tire tread, during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Lewis Timothy Lukich, Erik Paul Sandstrom, Roberto Cerrato Meza, Paul Harry Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 7740035
    Abstract: A system for dissipating sound shock waves within a vehicle tire includes a wheel upon which a tire is mounted to create an internal air chamber defined by the wheel and the tire. A flow-resistant barrier is coupled to the wheel or the tire and defines an air cavity within the internal air chamber. The barrier comprises a material that provides an acoustical resistance to sound shock waves passing therethrough. The air cavity defined by the barrier has a volume such that air within the cavity offers relatively small impedance to the passage of shock waves through the barrier and into the air cavity. The barrier also can produce frictional heat when displaced by a shock wave, thereby converting energy of the shock wave to heat to reduce noise associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Tire Acoustics, LLC
    Inventor: Sanford Elliot Fowler-Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7740036
    Abstract: A system for pressurizing wheel hub formed from an air-tight sealing arrangement located on each end of a wheel hub to form a closed air system in the interior of the wheel hub. The closed air system fluidly coupled to a DC power air compressor or pressurized air tank for receiving pressurized air. A pressure gauge provides a visual indication of the air pressure in the closed air system whereby a breached seal condition within the wheel hub can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Air Tight, LLC
    Inventors: Henry Dombroski, Anthony Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7740037
    Abstract: A runflat tire having an improved ride comfort performance without impairing the runflat durability, and comprising a carcass 6 and sidewall-reinforcing rubber layers 9 having a crescent-shaped cross section disposed axially inward of carcass 6 in sidewall portion 3, wherein each sidewall-reinforcing rubber layer 9 comprises at least a radially outermost first rubber portion 9a and a second rubber portion 9b which is contiguous to the first rubber portion 9a and extends toward a bead portion 4, and the second rubber portion 9b has a complex modulus E*2 of at least 1.1 times the complex modulus E*1 of the first rubber portion 9a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumikazu Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7740038
    Abstract: A tire 2 comprises a tread 4, a sidewall 6, a bead 8, a carcass 10 and a belt 12. The belt 12 includes a belt ply 26. The belt ply 26 is formed by a ribbon 28 wound spirally in a circumferential direction of the tire 2. The carcass 10 includes a first carcass ply 22 and a second carcass ply 24 provided on an outside in a radial direction of the first carcass ply 22. The first carcass ply 22 is turned up around the bead 8. The first carcass ply 22 includes a turned-up portion 34 extended almost outward in the radial direction and a turned-up end 36 positioned on an outside in the radial direction of the turned-up portion 34. The turned-up end 36 is positioned on an inside of the second carcass ply 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 7740039
    Abstract: A cutting mechanism and method for a tooling head is provided, the tooling head including a housing; a cord line feeding passageway extending through the housing to an applicator end, and an applicator assembly at the applicator end for application of the cord line to an annular surface. The cutting mechanism provides a reciprocally moving plunger body housed within the tooling head; a reciprocating cutting member moving between a first position cutting the cord line and a second position in a non-cutting relationship with the cord line; a cutting member being coupled to the plunger body to translate reciprocal movement of the plunger body to reciprocal movement of the cutting member between the first and second positions. A stream of air may be directed into the cord line passageway proximate the cutting member to assist in threading a severed free end of the cord through the passageway to the applicator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: James Thomas Weissert, William Dudley Currie, Andres Ignacio Delgado
  • Patent number: 7740040
    Abstract: A shaping drum for a tire blank comprising bottom zones formed of a circular reinforcement ring which is moved in rotation about an axis XX?, comprising bead-holding means (2a, 2b) mounted opposite one another on a central spindle. Each of the bead-holding means comprises a support (5a, 5b) mounted to be axially movably relative to the spindle. An assembly of return segments (9a, 9b) is distributed circumferentially around the axis XX?, which circulate radially between two circular rings (6a, 7a, 6b, 7b) fixed on the support (5a, 5b), and comprises a bead-receiving seat (10a, 10b). A turn-up membrane (12a, 12b) can slide over the bead-receiving seat, anchored in an airtight manner by its two ends (121a, 122a, 121b, 122b) on the radially outer circumference of the circular rings (6a, 7a, 6b, 7b) and anchored mechanically by appropriate means (14a, 14b) on the return segments (9a, 9b) along a circumferential anchoring line (90a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Stéphane Ravat
  • Patent number: 7740041
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a tape-winding apparatus utilizing an adhesive tape-supplying device. The tape winding apparatus provides a smooth and a good appearance winding of the adhesive tape, which has a high extensibility and high adherence, around an object such as an electrical wire without stretch of the adhesive tape and difficulty of winding off the adhesive tape. The adhesive tape-supplying device includes an axle for rotatably supporting an adhesive tape reel; a rotating disk having the axle at the center thereof; a one-way bearing projecting near from an outer circumference of the rotating disk; and rotating means for rotating the one-way bearing and the rotating disk. The adhesive tape-supplying device includes a guide member disposed near the outer circumference of the rotating disk for accepting the adhesive tape from the one-way bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Sugiyama, Koichi Kobayashi, Masanori Katagiri, Masakazu Mori
  • Patent number: 7740042
    Abstract: The invention provides large surface area geogrids with a high tensile strength, a method and apparatus for producing them, and their use as drain and reinforcement grids and as fences. The method for the continuous production of geogrids which have a large surface area and comprise thermoplastic bars which cross one another and are joined together by welding at the areas where they cross one another is characterized in that single-layer, homogeneous, molecular-oriented plastic bars with a high tensile strength are used and a multiplicity of crossing areas arranged behind one another and next to one another are intermittently welded simultaneously using the vibration-welding technique. In this method, a newly developed vibration-welding apparatus is used, which is characterized in that it has at least one vibration device which can be used to weld at least 100 crossing areas, preferably up to 500 crossing areas, simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Naue GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Heerten, Volkhard Muller, Stephan Priewich, Werner Uehlemann
  • Patent number: 7740043
    Abstract: Tire changer apparatus having a horizontally extended frame; a wheel holder device provided on said frame and designed to support a tired wheel (14) with horizontally positioned wheel axis; a carriage supported movably along the frame; a tool holder provided on the carriage; at least one tire changing tool for mounting the tire onto the wheel and/or for demounting the tire from the wheel; and actuator means to move the tool holder on the carriage to operating positions in which the tire changing tool is able to act on the tire for mounting or demounting on both sides of the tire, wherein during the mounting operation or demounting operation the carriage is driven by an actuator device along the frame; the tool holder is movably supported on a tool holder carriage which is movably supported on said carriage and driven by an additional actuator device provided on said carriage, and said additional actuator device is in drive connection with the tool holder carriage via a mechanical speed-increasing transmiss
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Snap-On Equipment SRL a Unico Socio
    Inventors: Paolo Sotgiu, Antonio Fragale
  • Patent number: 7740044
    Abstract: The primary roller of an awning assembly has an internal cavity, an opening between the internal cavity and the exterior of the primary roller and a first arresting element. A first awning material is adapted to be unwound from the primary roller when the primary roller rotates in a first direction and wound onto the primary roller when the primary roller rotates in a second direction. A secondary roller is mounted for rotation within the internal cavity of the primary roller. One end of a second awning material attached to the secondary roller extends through the opening in the primary roller. A second arresting element is attached to the one end of the second awning material and is adapted to engage the first arresting element of the primary roller, whereby rotation of the secondary roller in the second direction causes the primary roller to rotate in the second direction together with the secondary roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Dometic, LLC
    Inventor: Roberto Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7740045
    Abstract: A spring motor and drag brake for use in coverings for architectural openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Anderson, Donald E. Fraser, Robert E. Fisher, II
  • Patent number: 7740046
    Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, D. George Field, Kevin D. Banta
  • Patent number: 7740047
    Abstract: A roller blind mounting system including at least one roller, at least one telescopic end plug and at least two brackets. The telescopic end plug is engageable within an end-opening of one of said rollers. The end plug includes a hollow body and a telescopically movable member or plunger co-axially positionable with respect to the hollow body such that a first axial extending length portion of the plunger projects from the hollow body and a second axial extending length portion is held within the hollow body. The plunger is telescopically movable between a first end position in which the first portion of the plunger projects from the cylindrical body and a second end position in which at least part of the first portion is inserted into the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventors: Lars Koop, Jörg Bohlen
  • Patent number: 7740048
    Abstract: A multi-sided frame assembly for screening has a fastening strip with male and female pads. The male pad has a first face from which spaced stems project in an ordered arrangement. The female pad has a second face formed with at least one receptacle extending into a thickness of the female pad. Each stem is located and sized for insertion into the receptacle. A woven, knit or knotted material of open texture having holes, preferable evenly spaced, such as those of a screen, is secured between the pads of the multi-sided frame by passing the stems through the mesh and into the receptacle. A cover can be removably engaged and selectively fastened to the assembled fastening strip. The cover envelops the pads, including fasteners, if any, used to fasten the male and female pads together or used to attach the multi-sided frame assembly to a supporting structure to hold the assembled frame in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Eric P. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7740049
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cylinder block using a die apparatus wherein a columnar hole includes a bore in the cylinder block. The method includes the steps of abutting first and second split cores against an upper surface of a distal end core, the upper surface being located opposite the inner core, and introducing a molten metal into a cavity. An inner core is withdrawn to move the first and second split cores toward an axis. The first and second split cores are released from a formed product made of solidified molten metal. The split cores are removed from the formed product to form the bore, and an inner surface of the bore is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Sakurai, Hajime Miyasaka, Yoshimichi Asai, Hiroyuki Ohashi, Kazumi Nagao
  • Patent number: 7740050
    Abstract: A mold (200) for manufacturing a heat dissipation apparatus (10) includes a movable mold (20) and a fixed mold (30) covering the movable mold. The heat dissipation apparatus includes a plurality of fins (12). One of the movable mold and the fixed mold includes an insert group (50). The insert group includes a plurality of separated inserts (51) stacked together. A plurality of compartments (513) are formed between adjacent inserts of the insert group for forming the fins of the heat dissipation apparatus when molten metal is injected into the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nien-Tien Cheng, Chen-Shen Lin, Zhi-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 7740051
    Abstract: A method for detecting a crater end of a continuously cast product including installing an ultrasonic shear wave sensor for transmitting an ultrasonic shear wave to a cast product and receiving the transmitted ultrasonic longitudinal wave and an ultrasonic longitudinal wave sensor for transmitting an ultrasonic longitudinal wave to the cast product and receiving the transmitted ultrasonic longitudinal wave at the same position in a continuous casting machine or at positions apart from each other in a casting direction, but at the same position in a transverse direction of the cast product, detecting based on variations of an ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic shear wave sensor that the crater end of the cast product is matched with the installed position of the ultrasonic shear wave sensor, calibrating a calculation formula for determining the crater end and determining the crater end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yukinori Iizuka, Jun Kubota, Koichi Tsutsumi