Patents Issued in July 6, 2010
  • Patent number: 7748271
    Abstract: The torques at the first and second joints of a test subject are measured, which may be generated simultaneously by the coordinate action of the antagonistic mono- and bi-articular muscles. A hexagonal diagram of the output distribution is formulated on a plane formed by two axes corresponding to torques at the first and second joints as. Based on the diagram, the muscular force of the subject, changing through training, may accurately be evaluated, without the necessity of specifying the force of individual function-based muscles of praxis, even if the subject changes his or her position or joint angle. The torques at the first and second joints are measured, which are generated simultaneously by the coordinate action of the antagonistic mono- and bi-articular muscles. The muscular force of the bi-articular link mechanism of the subject is thus measured by the diagram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Kadota
  • Patent number: 7748272
    Abstract: The MEMS Sensor Suite on a Chip provides the capability, monolithically integrated onto one MEMS chip, to sense temperature, humidity, and two axes of acceleration. The device incorporates a MEMS accelerometer, a MEMS humidity sensor, and a MEMS temperature sensor on one chip. These individual devices incorporate proof masses, suspensions, humidity sensitive capacitors, and temperature sensitive resistors (thermistors) all fabricated in a common fabrication process that allows them to be integrated onto one micromachined chip. The device can be fabricated in a simple micromachining process that allows its size to be miniaturized for embedded and portable applications. During operation, the sensor suite chip monitors temperature levels, humidity levels, and acceleration levels in two axes. External circuitry allows sensor readout, range selection, and signal processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Morgan Research Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Scott Kranz, Robert Faye Elliot, Michael Ray Whitley, Marty Ray Williams, Philip John Reiner
  • Patent number: 7748273
    Abstract: A device for determining the internal structure of a bone along a path directed into the bone (or other tissue) is disclosed. The device comprises a nozzle fluidically connected to a liquid reservoir for providing a liquid jet directed at the bone in the direction of the path; an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic waves through the liquid jet and for detecting echoes of the ultrasonic waves caused by changes in the acoustical impedance in the bone characterizing changes in the structure of the bone along the path; and an analyzer for interpreting the echoes into meaningful information relating to the location of the structural changes along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: JetGuide Ltd
    Inventors: Jacob Halevy-Politch, Andre Craft
  • Patent number: 7748274
    Abstract: Document inspection system comprising a transport system for transporting documents along a transport path (12) through an inspection station. At least one ultrasonic inspection apparatus at the inspection station, the apparatus including ultrasonic transmitting and receiving transducers (42,44) arranged on opposite sides of the transport path, and a processing system for monitoring ultrasonic signals received by the receiving transducer. An ultrasonic absorbing material (300) is provided around the transducers and facing the transport path for absorbing ultrasound reflected by a document. Document guide apparatus (312,314), having a lower coefficient of friction than the absorbing material, extends partially over the absorbing material (300) so as to prevent documents contacting the absorbing material in use while leaving the absorbing material exposed to the transport path at least adjacent the transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: De La Rue International Limited
    Inventors: Cyril Pellaton, Ronald Bruce Blair, Jerry Edwards, John Mouser
  • Patent number: 7748275
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for an extracorporeal circulating circuit includes a liquid chamber, a pressure measuring means, and a liquid flow path. The liquid chamber includes a reference surface not deformed by a pressure in the extracorporeal circulating circuit, a deforming surface disposed separated from the reference surface and deformed at least partially by a pressure in the extracorporeal circulating circuit, a first connection surface that joins the deforming surface with the reference surface to form a closed liquid-tight space inside them and is not deformed by a pressure in the extracorporeal circulating circuit, a liquid inflowing port provided in the side surface of the first connection surface, and a liquid outflowing port disposed away by ½ to less than one round from the inflowing port in the flowing direction of liquid introduced along the inner periphery of the side surface of the first connection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kuraray Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Kouda, Kengo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7748276
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a pressure sensor that includes a pressure detector having a bottomed cylindrical member with a bottom including a thin-wall portion and a strain detecting mechanism provided on one side of the bottom for detecting a strain of the bottom and a pressure-introducing joint for introducing the fluid to be measured into the bottomed cylindrical member is provided. The method includes: first welding for butt-welding an end of the cylindrical portion of the bottomed cylindrical member and an end of the pressure-introducing joint; and second welding for welding the pressure-introducing joint in parallel to a first weld bead formed by the first welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nagano Keiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Kaneko, Hiroshi Kodama, Hiroshi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 7748277
    Abstract: An exemplary pressure cavity is disclosed that is durable, stable, and biocompatible and configured in such a way that it constitutes pico to nanoliter-scale volume. The exemplary pressure cavity is hermetically sealed from the exterior environment while maintaining the ability to communicate with other devices. Micromachined, hermetically-sealed sensors are configured to receive power and return information through direct electrical contact with external electronics. The pressure cavity and sensor components disposed therein are hermetically sealed from ambient pressure in order to reduce drift and instability within the sensor. The sensor is designed for harsh and biological environments, e.g., intracorporeal implantation and in vivo use. Additionally, novel manufacturing methods are employed to construct the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.
    Inventors: David O'Brien, Christophe Courcimault, Liang You, Yeun-Ho Joung, Mark Allen
  • Patent number: 7748278
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a mode of failure of a bond between an electrically conductive ball deposit and a substrate when breaking the ball deposit off of the substrate. The method and apparatus utilize tool force and displacement values to plot a force/displacement curve. The force/displacement curve is used to calculate the energy necessary to break the ball deposit off of the substrate. The energy value of a portion of a force/displacement curve is selected by reference to a peak force. In one preferred embodiment, this energy value is compared with a predetermined reference energy value to indicate a mode of failure. The peak force is preferably the maximum peak force, hi the preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus distinguish between a ductile failure mode and a brittle failure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Robert John Sykes
  • Patent number: 7748279
    Abstract: A method of allocating hydraulic fluid between actuators in a machine accepts a first command to provide a first requested fluid flow to a first actuator, wherein the first actuator is a bounded actuator such as a steering actuator, and a second command to provide a second requested fluid flow to a second actuator. The system adjusts the first and second commands to produce adjusted first and second commands corresponding to adjusted first and second fluid flows, such that the sum of the adjusted first and second fluid flows is less than or equal to a maximum available flow and the adjusted first fluid flow meets or exceeds the lesser of the first requested fluid flow and a threshold curve that is a function of engine speed or other variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Steven C Budde, Brian D Hoff, Benjamin Schmuck
  • Patent number: 7748280
    Abstract: The invention provides a sidestream gas sampling apparatus having a gas sampling circuit and a set of reusable elements. The gas sampling circuit carries the gas sample from a main flow of gas, through a sample analysis area, and vents the gas sample to an analyzed gas destination. The reusable components provide motive forces to remove the gas sample through the gas sampling circuit and provide analysis components for the gas sampling apparatus while not making contact with the gas sample. As such, the reusable components do not become contaminated by the gas sample and do not have to be cleaned or sterilized between applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Jaffe, David R. Rich
  • Patent number: 7748281
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a syringe which has a piston and sucks and discharges a liquid; and a storage unit which stores therein a reference driving profile indicating a reference of a driving position and a driving time at starting the piston. The apparatus also includes a position detector which detects an actual driving position of the piston; a timer which measures an actual driving time of the piston; and a driving controller which controls driving of the piston based on the reference driving profile, the driving controller creating an actual driving profile based on the actual driving position and the actual driving time of the piston, and the driving controller comparing the reference driving profile with the actual driving profile to determine based on a result of the comparing whether the dispensing is proper or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Norichika Fukushima, Shigeru Yoshinari
  • Patent number: 7748282
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel contaminant tester has an upper transparent chamber for viewing a first sample of aviation fuel, a lower chamber, a fuel cell drain valve actuating device for loading the upper transparent chamber. A thumb actuated valve halts flow of fuel from the upper chamber into the lower chamber until actuated by the pilot after viewing contaminated fuel in the upper transparent chamber. The larger lower chamber permits several samples of fuel to be repeatedly drained from the fuel tank and examined merely by manually actuating the valve without the undesired discarding of any fuel. When the fuel in the last batch of sampled fuel, viewed in the upper chamber, is free of contaminants, the inspection process ends and the tester is inverted, draining the sampled fuel from both chambers, usually at one time only, to eliminate the repeated discarding of the fuel from the commonly used sampler cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Hohmann
  • Patent number: 7748283
    Abstract: The field of the present invention pertains to a controlled transfer biological collection device using a dry solid storage and transfer medium and a method for the collection of biological material of interest (genetic or proteinaceous material) in a form suitable for storage and/or subsequent analysis. Specifically, the present invention provides for a sampling device that controls the transfer of the biological sample to the storage medium by holding the storage medium and a moveable sample collection member having an analyte collection surface. The invention further provides for a method not only for storing a biological analyte on this collection device but also for analyzing the stored biological analyte using methods that are suited for automated analyzing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Whatman, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Harvey, Breck O. Parker, Stevan P. Tortorella, Elizabeth A Moran, John Pipinias
  • Patent number: 7748284
    Abstract: A lubricating element for rolling element tracks, particularly linear motion systems, has a body composed of a lubricant-storing material, which includes an application section capable of being brought in contact with a rolling element bearing surface to supply lubricant; the body has an elongated shape in a first storage region adjacent to the application section, and a lubricant flow through the first storage region triggered via the dispensing of lubricant at the application section is essentially oriented in the longitudinal direction of the first storage region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Vierheilig, Rudolf Schlereth, Andre Ziegler, Michael Klein
  • Patent number: 7748285
    Abstract: A precision motion transducer is provided in the present invention. The precision motion transducer is provided with a first elastic body. An end of the first elastic body is connected to an end of a second elastic body, while the other end of the second elastic body is fixed to a base via a fixing means. A motion input means is connected to the other end of the first elastic body for inputting motion inputs, while a motion output means is provided at a location where the first elastic body is connected with the second elastic body for outputting motion outputs. The modulus of elastic of the first elastic body is smaller than the modulus of elastic of the second elastic body, whereby relatively large motion inputs can be converted to more precise and finer motion inputs, so as to attain precise positioning control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Kwen-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 7748286
    Abstract: A multiple speed power transmission comprises: an input; an output; first and second input shafts releasably coupled to the input by first and second friction clutches, respectively; a countershaft disposed parallel to the first and second input shafts; an output pinion fixed to the countershaft; an output ring gear fixed to the output and meshing with the output pinion; an intermediate shaft disposed coaxially with the countershaft; a first input pinion fixed to the first input shaft and meshing with a first gear fixed to the intermediate shaft; a second input pinion fixed to the second input shaft; a second gear disposed coaxially with the intermediate shaft; an idler gear meshing with the second input pinion and the second gear; a first coupler for releasably coupling the first countershaft to the intermediate shaft; and a second coupler for releasably coupling the intermediate shaft to the second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Reid Alan Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7748287
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission apparatus includes a first input shaft, a second input shaft arranged coaxially with the first input shaft and freely rotatable, a first counter shaft and a second counter shaft arranged in parallel with the first and the second input shafts, a dual clutch including a first clutch and a second clutch, the first and the second clutches transmitting rotational torque from a power source to the first and the second input shafts respectively, a first gear change mechanism provided between the first and the second input shafts and the first counter shaft, a second gear change mechanism provided between the first and the second input shafts and the second counter shaft and an output shaft connected to the first and the second counter shafts via a first reduction gear train and a second reduction gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Ai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Hatori, Yuichi Fukuhara, Toshio Tanba, Shiro Ogami
  • Patent number: 7748288
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling backlash comprising an intermediate gear capable of adjustably meshed engagement between a first driving gear and a second driven gear, and a body rotatably supporting the intermediate gear and capable of movement in a direction that reduces the center distance between the intermediate gear and either the first gear, the second gear, or both. The movement of the body utilizes both resilient urging and hysteretic damping to supply appropriately light resilient biasing while being fortified against rapid retraction or repulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Metaldyne BSM, LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Chevalier, David L. Killion
  • Patent number: 7748289
    Abstract: The invention concerns a push rod bracket assembly for use with a brake pedal assembly and method of assembly thereto. A pedal attachment pin is fixed to a brake pedal arm, and a booster clevis is mounted to the pin. The booster clevis may have a retainer clevis leg that mounts around the pin on one side of the arm and a slotted clevis leg with a slot that slides over the pin on the other side of the arm. A wave washer may be mounted in compression between the arm and slotted clevis leg to bias the leg. A retainer clip or retainer spring may engage the pin to secure the retainer clevis leg on the pin. The retainer clevis leg may include a ramp and the slotted clevis leg may include a taper to assist in assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen R. Collins
  • Patent number: 7748290
    Abstract: A parking lever includes a base plate, a parking lever rotatably mounted to the base plate and having a parking brake cable connected thereto, a ratchet disposed on the base plate, a pawl lever rotatably mounted to the parking lever, a button mounted to the parking lever, a rod operably connecting the button to the pawl lever, and a stopper mounted to the parking lever. The lever is moveable from a released state to a parking state in which the pawl lever is engaged with the ratchet. In one embodiment, the parking lever is not released by operation of only the button to prevent accidental release of the parking brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jae Il Choi
  • Patent number: 7748291
    Abstract: The lever (11) is fitted with two rollers (20A, 20B) which are supported by a core (21) provided with a mounting bore (21B) on an articulated shaft, wherein the rollers (20A, 20B) are both mounted between two webs of a pair of webs which are added to the core (21). The webs (22A, 23B) are on the whole planar. A first web (22A) of each pair of webs is partially engaged in a hollow housing (21C) created on the lateral surface (21D) of the core (21). The second web (23B) of the same pair is maintained at a distance from the first web. The hollow housings (21C) are created on the two opposite lateral surfaces (21D) of the core (21) of the lever (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Pages, Bastien Tardy
  • Patent number: 7748292
    Abstract: A bearing system can reduce the relative velocity between a bearing member and a rotation shaft and a rotating member to decrease a load on the bearing member although the rotation shaft and the rotating member rotate in opposite directions with the bearing member therebetween. The bearing system includes a case and a rotation shaft supported by the case. A rotating member is disposed coaxially outside the rotation shaft and rotates in the direction opposite to that of the rotation shaft. A housing is interposed between the rotation shaft and the rotating member and is fixed to the case. A bearing member that rotatably supports the rotating member is interposed between the housing and the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7748293
    Abstract: A container opener that is used by a user to remove a cap of a bottle or container such as, but not limited to, a medicine bottle or container that includes a childproof cap. The container opener includes a cavity that is designed to at least partially receive the cap of a bottle or container. The cavity can include one or more gripping elements designed to engage the cap when inserted in the cavity. The cavity can be designed to receive a plurality of different sized caps. The container can include a magnifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Peter Elwell
  • Patent number: 7748294
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tattoo device having a single DC coil with a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit to control when the single DC coil is energized. Such arrangement eliminates the need for a set screw as in traditional tattoo machines and allows for a lighter device having fewer vibrations, better balance, and improved precision when being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Adam P. Jarboe, Jonathon M. Fruchte, Megan B. Fruchte, Brooks D. Borchers, Joseph Gland, Kevin K. Hirako, Samantha J. Vaitkunas, Katherine Christensen, Lon Farr, John Joseph Rudolphi, Jesseca R. Zapf
  • Patent number: 7748295
    Abstract: A tire-repair bottle includes a latex bottle, a balloon mounted in an inlet of the bottle, a connector fastened to an extension tube at the inlet of the bottle and connected to an air compressor through an air hose, a connector fastened to an extension tube at an outlet of the bottle to hold a one-way valve and to secure a fluid hose for connection to a tire to be repaired. When the balloon is inflated by the air compressor to increase the pressure inside the bottle, the one-way valve is opened for enabling latex to flow out of the bottle through the flow guide into the tire that is connected to the connector at the outlet of the bottle, and the balloon explodes when inflated to a predetermined status to touch a sharp point of the bottle, for enabling compressed air to enter the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Active Tools International (HK) Ltd.
    Inventor: David Hong
  • Patent number: 7748296
    Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver with an accelerating structure is provided, in particular to one combined a ratchet seat and a solar gear system. The ratchet seat controls the operating direction, and the solar gear system increases the output rpm for a user to choose high or low revolution to facilitate tightness or looseness of a screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Gong Fong Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Tsan Hu
  • Patent number: 7748297
    Abstract: An apparatus to be used in a gripping assembly for gripping a cylindrical member is disclosed. The apparatus includes a jaw body, a gripping insert, and a rotatable camming member disposed between the jaw body and gripping insert. The rotatable camming member rotates in response to the applied clamping and rotational forces of the gripping assembly and operates to intensify the force provided by the jaw to the gripping insert which is engaged with a cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Jaroslav Belik
  • Patent number: 7748298
    Abstract: A self-energizing and de-energizing adjustable gripping tool for engaging a work piece to impart work thereto includes a first element and second element connected for relative movement. The second element includes an actuation portion having a plurality of slots. The first element includes gripping elements which are each associated with a force transfer element which engages one of the slots such that movement of the second element relative to the first element actuates the gripping elements to engage the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Loggerhead Tools LLC
    Inventor: Daniel P. Brown
  • Patent number: 7748299
    Abstract: A wrench includes a fixed jaw and a sliding jaw which has a cylindrical guide portion and two toothed surfaces are defined in axial direction of the portion. The two toothed surfaces are made by Metric and English systems respectively. Two pawls are engaged with a through hole in the head each include an engaging surface in a first end thereof and the engaging surface is composed of teeth which are removably engaged with on of the two toothed surfaces. The two respective engaging surfaces of the two pawls are made by Metric and English systems respectively. An operation unit controls the two pawls to be engaged with or disengaged from the two toothed surfaces of the sliding jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Proxene Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Arthur Wu
  • Patent number: 7748300
    Abstract: Pliers, with two arms that are joined together via an articulation pin. One of the arms has a protuberance with a lateral channel that extends via one of the orifices, a pusher being located in the channel and having an inner channel that accommodates a spring that acts between the pusher and the arm. The articulation pin is joined by means of screwing to the pusher in the region of the lateral channel, a toothed claw being arranged coaxially therebetween with mechanical continuity. The pusher is continued as an extension located on the walls of the other orifice in the work position. Applicable to hand tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Rothenberger, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Ignacio Picaza Ibarrondo
  • Patent number: 7748301
    Abstract: A machine-tool turret-type unit includes a turret disk that is free to rotate about a rotational axis, and a housing on which to mount the turret disk is provided. The housing includes at least one securing device to be secured to the securing section of the machine tool. The securing device includes at least one securing surface to rest against the securing section of the machine tool. The rotational axis lies within a first plane defined by the securing surface(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Gildemeister Drehmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Lube, Stefan Schön, Jürgen Walz
  • Patent number: 7748302
    Abstract: A workpiece exchanging apparatus for exchanging a machined workpiece with an unmachined workpiece is provided, the workpiece exchanging apparatus including a gripping arm provided at its two longitudinal end sections with gripping sections for gripping, respectively, a machined workpiece and an unmachined workpiece, the gripping arm being able to turn around a turn axis that is positioned at a longitudinal center section of the gripping arm and being able to move linearly in the axial direction of that turn axis; a first cam mechanism for making the gripping arm turn; and a second cam mechanism for making the gripping arm linearly move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sankyo Seisakusho Co.
    Inventor: Heizaburo Kato
  • Patent number: 7748303
    Abstract: This invention includes a system for cutting food products, such as potatoes, into proportional length pieces. In a one embodiment, the system includes a cutting assembly, sensors upstream of the cutting assembly and a programmable logic controller. The cutting assembly preferably includes a housing defining a passageway, at least two separately actuatable stops extendable into the passageway to provide an abutment to hold the food product in place, and at least two separately actuatable blades for slicing the food product into pieces. The controller cooperates with the sensors to determine the length of each food product and, based on a length determinative algorithm, selectively actuate one of the stops and at least one of the blades to determine how many times the food product will be sliced and location of the cut(s) relative to the leading end of the food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Julian, Gary R. Brockman, Trent R. Wetherbee
  • Patent number: 7748304
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating long, unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. into short lengths. The apparatus has a backup roll, a blade roll, an idler roll, and a new-strand starting mechanism. The improvements include a guide roll for the items spaced from and located upstream of the apparatus and a movable, two-part idler roll on the apparatus for increasing the width of a separating portion of the backup roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Douglas J. Kempski, Michael David Folk
  • Patent number: 7748305
    Abstract: The present invention is a handheld apparatus which slices the white portion of a boiled egg in a manner allowing the egg to then be processed into and used as a deviled egg. Specifically, the apparatus slices the egg white by mating two cutting edges, each having a mating concave portion, slidably engaged to move in a vertical direction toward each other thereby slicing the egg white lengthwise into two equal halves while the egg yolk remains stationary in the concave portion and is not sliced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Paul David Strenio, Carol Anne Strenio
  • Patent number: 7748306
    Abstract: A method for releasably attaching a compensator assembly adjacent a muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm. The compensator assembly includes an attachment means on its rear end. The barrel has a firing axis and includes a threaded end opposite the muzzle end and defines a recess formed adjacent the muzzle end. The firearm itself has a frame defining a threaded aperture. The method includes moving the attachment means into engagement with the recess; tensioning the attachment means within the recess in a direction substantially parallel to the firing axis; inserting a mating tool into the muzzle end of the barrel; rotating the barrel via the mating tool, thereby causing the threaded end of the barrel to threadedly engage with the threaded aperture; and halting the rotation of the barrel via the mating tool when a predetermined torque is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventors: Brett Curry, Richard Mikuta
  • Patent number: 7748307
    Abstract: A shield for shielding a structural member from an explosive blast or accidental or malicious destruction is provided. The shield includes a plurality of shield members which include cast ultra high strength concrete, wherein the shield members are capable of being assembled to enclose at least a portion of the structural member to provide protection to the enclosed portion from, for example, an explosive blast. In one embodiment, the shield members include a chassis, at least one ballistic liner disposed on the energy absorbing layer, and a concrete-integrating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Gerald Hallissy, William Higbie
  • Patent number: 7748308
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are provided for constructing and operating a linear actuator, and equipment incorporating a linear actuator, by operatively connecting a pressure biasing pneumatic arrangement between the driving member and the driven member of a mechanical linear actuator for applying a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members, along an axis of motion, regardless of the location or movement of the driving and driven elements with respect to one another along the axis of motion. The pneumatic biasing arrangement is also configured, connected and operated to reduce the force which must be exerted by the driving and driven members in extending and retracting the linear actuator. The pneumatic biasing arrangement may further be configured for preferentially aiding extension or retraction of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Robb G. Anderson, James P. McCrickard, Thomas L. Beck
  • Patent number: 7748309
    Abstract: An axle locking cylinder structure is capable of enabling an operator of heavy construction equipment to stably carry out an axle locking operation since a sudden variation of the flow rate is prevented in the axle locking cylinder by draining a highly-pressurized flow rate slowly at the release of axle locking and supplying a flow rate quickly at the drive of axle locking. A highly-pressurized hydraulic fluid can be steadily drained from a cylinder chamber since an opening region between a poppet valve and a pilot flow path is enlarged so as to open the pilot flow path connected to the cylinder chamber during a relatively long time. A cylinder rod can be quickly expanded according to the manipulation of an axle locking switch by compensating a flow rate supplied to a cylinder chamber when the cylinder rod is expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Jong In Kim
  • Patent number: 7748310
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for securing a cylinder liner to a pumping module. A first part of an assembly housing pistons is fastened to a pumping module and a second part of the assembly is brought against the first so that the pistons act on tensioning plates which each have a stud rod extending therefrom through the assembly at an end distal to the pumping module. Each rod has a first portion substantially surrounded in an elastomeric member and a second portion threaded to receive a nut. The rods are passed through a clamping ring on the cylinder liner and the nut is attached to the rod. Actuating the pistons causes initial compression of the elastomeric member by the tension plate and allows tightening of the nut toward the pumping module. Release of the pistons then causes expansion of the elastomeric member to forcibly compel the cylinder liner towards the pumping module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Spickey Valves and Pumps Limited
    Inventor: George Coulter Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7748311
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a consumable beverage with a fine-bubbled foam layer. The invention comprises a beverage unit for dispensing the beverage under pressure and at least one nozzle which is in fluid communication with the beverage unit for supplying the beverage to the nozzle for generating a jet of the beverage by means of the nozzle. The apparatus further comprises a collecting unit into which the jet spouts to obtain the beverage with the fine-bubbled foam layer. The collecting unit comprises a chamber with at least one outflow opening for dispensing the beverage with the fine-bubbled foam layer and a jet impact element included in the chamber with a top which is clear of an inner wall of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventors: Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Antonius Comelis Hubertus van der Pluijm
  • Patent number: 7748312
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of cooked cereals or dry pet food by preparing a mixture of water and a dry premix mainly comprising cereal flour or semolina, and pressing the mixture, with the aid of a gear pump, firstly through a heat exchanger wherein it is cooked and then through an extrusion die to form an extruded product. Also, an apparatus for carrying out the process and a product obtainable by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Werner Pfaller, Ernst Heck, Jean Horisberger
  • Patent number: 7748313
    Abstract: A continuous flow pressurized cooker/blancher cooks a food product by continuously transporting the product on a conveyor system and by forcing steam through or over the surface of the food product. The food product to be cooked may be, but is not limited to, seafood and preferably crustaceans. The cooker/blancher includes an exterior pressurized housing, an infeed weigh hopper, an infeed and an outfeed transfer device, and an internal conveyor system. Each transfer device comprises an internal and an external transfer chamber. A pressure assembly forces steam into the exterior pressurized housing while the transfer device is adapted to maintain a selected pressurized environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Charlottetown Metal Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Harold L. Tyndall
  • Patent number: 7748314
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermentation apparatus comprising a storage compartment which is formed with an accommodating space for storing food and at least one of a heating part and a cooling part to ferment the food in the storage compartment, further comprising a sensor to sense a fermentation level of the food; an input part comprising a memory button allowing to memorize the fermentation level in a state that the food is fermented to an extent that a user wants to memorize; and a controller to control operation of at least one of the heating part and the cooling part, and store a fermentation value from the sensor as a custom fermentation value if the memory button is selected. Thus, the present invention provides a fermentation apparatus for customizing a fermentation level and a method thereof, which memorizes a desired fermentation level and repeatedly provides food at a desired fermentation level by selecting a memorized fermentation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung-hee Hahm, Jae-seung Lee, Joo-young Ha
  • Patent number: 7748315
    Abstract: A can-free system for handling fiber sliver includes a sliver delivery device which deposits fiber sliver in the form of a free-standing sliver pile in a depositing area. A sliver receiving device is disposed in the depositing area to receive and collect the free-standing fiber sliver pile delivered by the delivery device. A packaging apparatus compresses the collected free-standing fiber sliver pile applies one or more straps to the compressed free-standing sliver pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Truetzschler GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Stefan Schlichter
  • Patent number: 7748316
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of adding moisture to a double compressed bale. The method includes the steps of receiving a forage and separating the forage to form a separated forage. The method further includes applying a moisture stream to the separated forage to form a moisten forage. The moisten forage is then compacted to a density of greater than 20 pounds per cubic foot. Furthermore, the moisten forage may be compacted and reduced in volume from about 10:1 to 30:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Cinto A. Abatti, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7748317
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic handling and transportation device for a printer housing. The device comprises a basic mobile unit movable on a first route and at least one handling unit mounted on the basic mobile unit. The handling unit includes a support for guiding and supporting housings born on a second route parallel to a housing-bearing assembly on a printing machine, able to be aligned with the same and an grasping/holding device, adapted to hold a housing and move it on the second route between a transferral position in which the grasping/holding device interacts with the housing installed on the housing-bearing assembly, and a transportation position in which the housing, held by the grasping/holding device is on the support, and vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Comexi, SA
    Inventors: Jordi Puig Vila, Jordi Sahun Peres, Pere Roger I Colom, Lluis Esparch Marti
  • Patent number: 7748318
    Abstract: A multi-color rotary printing machine has one printing plate support assigned to the colors that are transferred onto the print substrate. This printing plate support supports a printing plate and is attached to a mandrel or a cylinder of a rotary printing machine in order to transfer the print image onto the print substrate. The rotary printing machine has register devices that determine the position of the printing plates with respect to one another and that have sensors to determine the positions of the printing plate support in the printing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Windmoeller & Hoelscher KG
    Inventors: Martin Kruempelmann, Manfred Loddenkoetter
  • Patent number: 7748319
    Abstract: This printing plate (6) for a rotary press includes a head (22) for fastening to an impression cylinder, and a tail (24) for fastening to the impression cylinder. The fastening head (22) includes a holding projection (28) suitable for mating with an element (34) for holding the impression cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Goss International Montataire SA
    Inventors: Dominique Malkic, Dominique Deslangle
  • Patent number: 7748320
    Abstract: A sheet feeding device which feeds a sheet by loosening a sheet by loosening sheets by blowing air to the end portions of the sheets, comprising: a sheet tray provided to be capable of lifting up/down supporting the sheets; air blowing means which loosens the sheets by blowing air to the end portion at the topside of the sheets supported by the sheet tray; and a pair of restricting members which restricts both end portions in the direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction of the sheet with sheet opposing faces opposing the end portions of the sheets, wherein the interval between the sheet opposing faces at the top side of the pair of the restricting members is set larger than the interval between the sheet opposing faces below the position in which air is blown to the sheets with the air blowing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Taro Ikeda