Patents Issued in July 13, 2010
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Patent number: 7753349Abstract: A radial cushioning apparatus including an inner member, an outer member, and an elastomer. The inner member accommodates a shaft passing endwise therethrough. The outer member is arranged in radially spaced relation from the inner member. The elastomer is secured to the inner and outer members and defines a plurality of collapsible spaces into which elastomer material can flex thereby cushioning radial deflection of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Miner Elastomer Products CorporationInventors: Ronald W. Kerr, Shellie Wonsowski, Michael P. Molitor, Terry J. Koehn, Richard J. Beranek
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Patent number: 7753350Abstract: The present invention is a T-Slot block assembly that provides a plurality of attachment points for attachment to a milling machine worktable and to other T-Slot blocks for accommodating a variety of differing clamping or work piece holding jobs. Furthermore said invention can utilize common available clamps, fasteners, step blocks, T-nuts and various common but numerous work holding tooling. No additional mounting plates, or any type of preparatory hardware is required to directly mount the T-Slot Block onto the milling table or other work table where a T-slot is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Samuel W. Barziza
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Patent number: 7753351Abstract: The disclosed clamp device for clamping blank pieces may comprise a mounting table, first and second clamping units, positioning units, and lock units. The mounting table is for placing thereon first and second blank pieces. The first and second clamping units have respective clamp plates that are able to be put on the first and second blank pieces while permitting a guided movement of the first and second blank pieces on the mounting table. The positioning units move the first and second blank pieces to establish a positioning of the first and second blank pieces on the mounting table. The lock units apply a given force to the first and second clamp plates to lock the first and second blank pieces.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masatoshi Yajima, Shouhei Imai, Norio Kawano, Masamichi Miwa
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Patent number: 7753352Abstract: A holding member for facilitating the cleaning of optical components includes two end walls and at least two spaced plates. The two end walls face toward each other. One of the two end walls defines at least one through slot. The at least two spaced plates are held between the two end walls and define at least one pair of respective inner surfaces. Each respective pair of inner surfaces has a pair of corresponding elongated grooves defined therein along a longitudinal direction thereof. Each slot communicates with a respective pair of elongated grooves. In particular, each such through slot and the respective pair of elongated grooves associated therewith are cooperatively aligned with one another in a manner so as to direct the optical components into the respective pair of corresponding elongated grooves.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tai-Cherng Yu, Hsin-Ho Lee, Tsai-Shih Tung
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Patent number: 7753353Abstract: A vertical sheet compiling apparatus and method compile sheets in a slot that accumulates a plurality of sheets. The slot includes a first baffle and a second baffle that each define generally vertical sides of a sheet path of the slot. The first and second baffles are separated from each other by a space therebetween. An actuator is coupled to at least one of the first and second baffles to move one of the baffles toward or away from the other one of the baffles, thereby adjusting a width of the sheet path as the sheets compile in the slot. A binding mechanism fastens the plurality of sheets together. The apparatus and method may also include a sensing device for determining an amount of available space in the slot during compilation of the sheets in the slot. The determined amount of space can be used to control movement of the baffle(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Joseph Michael McNamara
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Patent number: 7753354Abstract: There is provided a sensor 48 for detecting penetration of a sheet by a punch hole aligning pin 42, and there is provided controlling means for retrying a penetrating operation by returning the punch hole aligning pin to an initial position when a time period from starting to move the pin to penetrating the sheet exceeds a reference time period. Even when a degree of unalignment of the punch hole of the sheet P is considerable and the punch hole aligning pin cannot penetrate through the sheet by once, the punch hole aligning pin is penetrated therethrough frequently by repeating the penetrating operation and therefore, an error in aligning the sheet can be reduced. In a case in which the pin is not penetrated through the sheet even when the penetrating operation is carried out by a predetermined number of times, the pin is returned to the initial position and an error is displayed.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuaki Baba, Atsushi Kurabayashi, Toru Yoshie
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Patent number: 7753355Abstract: An image reader has an image reading portion and first and second conveying portions each having plural pairs of rotating bodies. A first changing portion makes a changeover between a first state in which the plural pairs of rotating bodies in the first conveying portion nips the sheet and a second state in which at least one of the plural pairs of rotating bodies in the first conveying portion is separated and the other pairs of rotating bodies in the first conveying portion nip the sheet, and a second changing portion makes a changeover between a first state in which the plural pairs of rotating bodies of the second conveying portion nips the sheet and a second state in which at least one of the plural pairs of rotating bodies in the second conveying portion is separated and the other pairs of rotating bodies in the second conveying portion nip the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akiyuki Mitamura
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Patent number: 7753356Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for a locking mechanism to connect input components for use within an image forming device. Two or more input components are placed in a stacked arrangement. The locking mechanism of a first input component engages the locking mechanism of a second input component to connect the input components. The locking mechanism may be activated automatically when the input units are stacked.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Jason Lee Rowe, Thom Jer Magdadaro Bacalso, Rommel Cabanet Balala
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Patent number: 7753357Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a conveyor support, a main conveyor connected to the conveyor support and having a discharge end movable between a lowered position and a raised position, a transfer conveyor having a intake end roller support holding the intake end roller in a fixed relationship with respect to the conveyor support and a discharge end roller connected to a main conveyor intake end roller, at least one idler roller, and at least one belt supported by the transfer conveyor intake end roller and the transfer conveyor discharge end roller and passing over the at least one idler roller, the main conveyor discharge end being movable between a lowered position and a raised position, and wherein the transfer conveyor discharge end roller is shifted away from the transfer conveyor intake end roller by the main conveyor discharge end moving from the lowered position to the raised position.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: A.G. Stacker Inc.Inventors: Clarence Allen, Jr., Michael Lippy
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Patent number: 7753358Abstract: A tabbed sheet table is detachably attached to a lifting and lowering tray when a tabbed sheet is fed. A tabbed sheet regulating member is provided in a side surface on an upstream side in a sheet feeding direction of the tabbed sheet table while being movable in a vertical direction. The tabbed sheet regulating member includes an abutting portion and a contacting portion. The abutting portion is vertically extended, and the abutting portion abuts on a tab of the tabbed sheet. The contacting portion is extended along the tabbed sheet table, and the contacting portion is contacted on the top-most tabbed sheet placed on the tabbed sheet table. In lifting a tray, a length in a vertical direction of the tabbed sheet is set such that a state in which the regulating member is contacted on the tabbed sheet is maintained irrespective of the lifting of the tray.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Taro Ikeda
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Patent number: 7753359Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus having: a conveyance roller, wherein a surface roughness Ra of a surface layer remains in a range from 8 ?m to 30 ?m, at a stage where a total length of sheets conveyed reaches at 42,000 m.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tomoo Suzuki
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Patent number: 7753360Abstract: A measuring device, wherein a feed-out member feeds out an uppermost one of plural sheet-shaped materials stacked on a base by rotating in contact with the uppermost sheet-shaped material, has a detector that detects a force imparted to the base and the sheet-shaped materials not in contact with the feed-out member, the force being generated by feeding-out the uppermost sheet-shaped material.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shin Takeuchi, Minoru Ohshima, Kazuyuki Tsukamoto, Takao Furuya, Yoshinari Iwaki, Kaoru Yoshida
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Patent number: 7753361Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus includes a driving shaft, a swing arm unit sleeved rotatably on the driving shaft, a pickup shaft disposed rotatably on the swing arm unit, and a device configured as an idle wheel unit or a damping gear. The device is interconnected between the driving shaft and the pickup shaft such that rotation of the driving shaft results in upward and downward pivoting movement of the pickup shaft, thereby allowing for paper loading and paper pickup, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.Inventors: Hsien-Chi Lin, Kung-Hsin Teng
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Patent number: 7753362Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet feeding apparatus capable of easily changing an amount of conveyance of sheet materials without increasing the costs. A sheet feeding roller body is constructed of a cylindrical sheet feeding roller support member provided with a sheet feeding roller and a gear on both sides thereof. A support portion of a sheet feeding shaft is inserted with a gap through a through-hole of the sheet feeding roller body, whereby the sheet feeding roller is rotatably supported by the sheet feeding shaft. The sheet feeding shaft receives a driving force via a sheet feeding shaft gear and thus rotates. The sheet feeding roller of the sheet feeding roller body receives a driving force via the gear from an ASF control gear and thus rotates, whereby the sheet feeding shaft and the sheet feeding roller can be rotated with different numbers of rotations.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tadashi Hanabusa
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Patent number: 7753363Abstract: A paper feeding device includes a cover, a base, a pickup roller assembly and at least one paper blocking unit. The paper blocking unit is placed beside the pickup roller assembly, has a paper blocking element and a projection projecting from the upper portion of the side wall of the pickup roller assembly. The paper blocking element includes a connecting portion, a paper blocking arm, a pivot rotatablely connecting the cover. A connecting arm extends upwards from the end of the pivot, a blocking portion projects from the outer side of the connecting arm, a passage is formed between the blocking portion and the connecting arm. The projection can be downward against the blocking portion of the paper blocking element or pass through the passage of the paper blocking element to allow the paper to be fed in, so the cooperation is easy, the paper feeding device works smoothly.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chia-Chih Liu, Chih-Ming Lin, Huan-Hsing Hsiao
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Patent number: 7753364Abstract: The sheet capacity of a pivoting feed head is combined with a complimentary pivoting design for the paper tray lift, such that a large total capacity of sheets is attained within a compact space, while allowing the lifting mechanisms to be located outside of the perimeter of the paper tray.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Lyga, James A. Salomon, James A. Fairweather, Norman R. Lilly, Anthony W. Chiappetta
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Patent number: 7753365Abstract: In an image scanning apparatus, when documents on a document tray are sequentially transferred, different control steps are performed according to a scanning speed when an upper surface height of the documents is lowered thereby turning off a height detection sensor. In a first control mode, which is not a high speed scanning, the document tray is elevated little by little during an inter-transfer time between each time one document is transferred until the upper surface height reaches a target height that is higher by a predetermined distance since the height detection sensor is turned on. In a second control mode, in which high speed scanning is performed, the document tray is elevated little by little during the inter-transfer time each time the one document is transferred until the upper surface height reaches a height that is higher by a predetermined distance than a height at a time when the height detection sensor is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.Inventor: Osamu Oshima
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Patent number: 7753366Abstract: The sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet stack tray on which sheets to be fed are stacked, a drive motor for moving up the sheet stack tray, a detection sensor for detecting the position of an uppermost sheet stacked on the sheet stack tray, and a control part for controlling the function of the drive motor, wherein, when the detection sensor detects that the uppermost sheet reaches a predetermined height while the drive motor executes a drive so as to move up the sheet stack tray, the control part tentatively stops or decelerates the drive motor and thereafter drives the drive motor so as to move up the sheet stacked on the sheet stack tray to a feed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Minoru Kawanishi, Akira Matsushima, Masaki Iwase, Yasuhiro Uchida
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Patent number: 7753367Abstract: In a printing system in which the print media sheets are alternately fed from the same stack in the same tray by two sheet feeders at opposite sides into different sheet paths, at least one of the sheet feeders is repositionable towards and away from the other for feeding different size sheets, and the connecting sheet path is repositionable with the repositioning of the sheet feeder. The repositioning of the sheet feeder and its associated sheet path may be automatic in coordination with the normal resetting of a tray stack edge guide with the loading of different size sheets into the tray. The enhanced rate sheet feeding may be for a dual print engine printing system and/or selectably common or reversed sheet facing. Alternating coordinated lifting of a nudger roll of one sheet feeder with operation of the opposing sheet feeder, and retard nips spaced from the stack, may be provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Barry P. Mandel, Robert A. Clark, Kathleen A. Feinberg
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Patent number: 7753368Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprises: an first stack portion which temporarily stacks a sheet thereon; a first stack portion which is disposed under the first stack portion and stacks thereon a sheet discharged from the first stack portion; a second stack portion which is disposed above the first stack portion and stacks a sheet thereon; a stack reference wall which serves as an abutment reference at an end of the sheet on the second stack portion; and an alignment reference wall which is disposed more upstream in the sheet conveyance direction than the stack reference wall and serves as an abutment reference at an end of the sheet on the first stack portion; wherein the second stack portion has such a length that an end of the sheet stacked on the first stack portion cannot project from the second stack portion, as viewed from above in a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junichi Sekiyama, Masayoshi Fukatsu, Atsushi Ogata, Hiroharu Tsuji
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Patent number: 7753369Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to a mechanically triggered nip drive shaft are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Wesley R. Schalk, Allan G. Olson, Raymond C. Sherman
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Patent number: 7753370Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus provides skew correction roller pairs which rotate a sheet while conveying the sheet to correct skew of the sheet, and lateral registration roller pairs which moves the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction to correct the lateral registration. When the lateral registration is corrected, assist roller pairs arranged downstream is moved in the same direction as the lateral registration roller pairs in synchronization with the lateral registration roller pairs.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshige Inoue
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Patent number: 7753371Abstract: This invention relates to a media jam and media bent corner detector, comprising: a carriage; a transducer operatively connected to or adjacent to the carriage; and a piezoelectric film beam operatively connected to the transducer such that a portion of the beam substantially extends into a media path to detect the presence of a media jam or a media bent corner.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Algird M Gudaitis, Tod S. Heiles, Kit Hui
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Patent number: 7753372Abstract: An apparatus for opening and depositing a signature onto a transporting device includes a continuously rotating gripper cylinder having a first shaft and carrying at least one signature. First and second opening cylinders are arranged below the gripper cylinder to open the signature and deposit the opened signature onto the transporting device. The first and second opening cylinders each have a second and third shafts, respectively, extending substantially parallel to the first shaft. The first and second opening cylinders each have a peripheral section, the peripheral section of the first opening cylinder engaging in a region of rotation of the gripper cylinder to grip a signature such that the signature can be released again. The first opening cylinder includes a guide element to aid in conveying the signature.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Müller Martini Holding AGInventors: Peter Wagner, Christoph Sägesser
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Patent number: 7753373Abstract: A multiple mode card shuffling and/or card verification device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing or arranging system for the initial set of playing cards that can be disabled, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, a card imaging system and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device. The processor is programmed such that cards can be verified without changing an order of cards present in the card feeder, verified during randomization, and randomized without card verification.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Feraidoon Bourbour, Paul K. Scheper
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Patent number: 7753374Abstract: An automatic shuffling machine has a shuffling wheel and a card input mounted adjacent to the shuffling wheel for conveying and inserting cards into slots formed in the shuffling wheel. An insertion panel is mounted securely between the card input and the shuffling wheel, may be a curved shape corresponding to the shuffling wheel and has a tangent surface opposite to the shuffling wheel and an abutting portion disposed between an inlet passage of the card input and one corresponding card slot of the shuffling wheel. Thus, by controlling the rotation of the shuffling wheel, the automatic shuffling machine input the cards in a simple and efficient manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Taiwan Fulgent Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Cai-Shiang Ho
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Patent number: 7753375Abstract: An amusement system including a housing having a receiving aperture at a top surface and an ejecting aperture at a front surface and further including a channel connecting the receiving aperture to the ejecting aperture; a motorized rotatable flywheel mounted inside the housing and coupled to the channel between the top surface and the channel for engaging an object travelling through the channel; a roller assembly mounted inside the housing and coupled to the channel opposite of the flywheel and disposed so an object engaging the flywheel concurrently engages the roller assembly wherein the flywheel and the roller assembly cooperatively eject the object a distance less than fifteen feet from the ejecting aperture when the flywheel rotates and contacts the object; and wherein the housing includes a mounting system to attach to an object no less than about three feet above a surface supporting the object.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Diggin Active, Inc.Inventors: Phillip H. Neal, Nathan Keker
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Patent number: 7753376Abstract: There is provided a plunger seal (1) for a fuel injection pump for a direct-injection gasoline engine, in which, even if a resin material is used for a fuel seal member (12), the plunger seal can be made compact, sealing ability is increased, and assembling man-hours can be reduced, and in which set sealing performance can be achieved when a U-shaped elastic member (33) for applying an energizing force in a diametrical direction is used in a groove (41) formed in the fuel seal member (12). The resin fuel seal member (12) and an oil seal member (13) are assembled to form one seal system. Further, when the U-shaped elastic member (33) is installed in the groove (41), an axial position (L1) of an end surface (44a) at the side opposite to the sealed object of a fixing collar (44) formed on an inner peripheral surface of the groove (41) is positioned at the side (B) opposite to the sealed object than the axial position (L2) of a leading end portion (15b) of a seal lip (15) of the fuel seal member (12).Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Nok CorporationInventors: Yosuke Kondo, Yasuaki Tanabe, Katsutoshi Ishioka, Sosuke Ito, Shinji Nagasawa, Junichi Nakayama, Masatoshi Okada
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Patent number: 7753377Abstract: A shaft seal includes an elastomeric annular body having a radially inwardly protruding annular lip. An annular outer case receives the elastomeric annular body. An annular inner case is embedded into the elastomeric annular body. An annular insert is positioned adjacent the inner case. A backup/support insert is received in a recessed pocket in the elastomeric body and outboard of an axially extending annular bead protruding from the body and compressed sealingly against the radially inward extending leg of the seals annular outer case. The backup/support insert and axially extending annular bead act to prevent sealed fluid pressure from acting against a rind portion of the elastomeric body thus leaving outwardly extending beads of the rind portion free to compress or decompress to accommodate eccentric deflection of the shaft. The outer case, the insert, the backup insert and the inner case support the lip and compensate for shaft offset.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General PartnershipInventor: Robert P. Laplante
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Patent number: 7753378Abstract: A cylinder head gasket for an internal combustion engine with a cylinder bore and a fluid hole includes a first metal plate having a curved portion around the cylinder bore and a folded portion extending from the curved portion, and a second metal plate laminated on the first metal plate and having a first full bead projecting toward the first metal plate. The first full bead is disposed on the folded portion. At least one secondary plate is inserted inside the folded portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignees: Ishikawa Gasket Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuuichi Kinoshita, Kishou Yasuda, Suguru Onuki, Kazuya Yoshijima
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Patent number: 7753379Abstract: A gasket can include a body adapted to form a seal in an engagement region between two members. A first sealing portion can be formed in the body and define a first plane. A second sealing portion can be formed in the body and occupy a space outside of the first plane. A first transition portion is formed between the first and second portions. The first transition portion defines a first width in the engagement region that is greater than a second width defined in the first and second portion adjacent to the first transition portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General PartnershipInventor: Andrew A. Galpin
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Patent number: 7753380Abstract: A boot for constant-velocity universal joint includes a minor-diameter cylindrical portion, a major-diameter cylindrical portion, and a bellows. The bellows connects the minor-diameter cylindrical portion with the major-diameter cylindrical portion integrally, and includes a plurality of crests and roots, being made of a first crest, a first root, a second crest, a second root, and so on, which are disposed alternately in this order from one of the opposite ends that faces the minor-diameter cylindrical portion to the other one of the opposite ends that faces the major-diameter cylindrical portion. The bellows further includes a rising wall, which connects one of the opposite ends of the minor-diameter cylindrical portion that faces the bellows with a top of the first crest in the bellows, and which exhibits a rising angle of less than 45 degrees to an imaginary central line of the boot or that of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., JTEKT CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Kumazaki, Satoshi Suzuki, Osamu Takeuchi
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Patent number: 7753381Abstract: A tool chuck may include a chuck body defining a longitudinal axis. A sleeve may be mounted on the chuck body for movement between a first axial position and a second axial position. A clutch part provided on the sleeve. The clutch part may engage with a cooperating clutch part when the sleeve is in the second axial position. The clutch part may have a working surface that faces in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Nickels, Jr., John E. Buck
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Patent number: 7753382Abstract: A hydraulic system for a leveling apparatus in excavator and forestry equipment is provided, whereby an upper frame of the equipment is kept in a horizontal state even if a lower frame of the equipment is on an inclined ground against a horizontal surface H. The hydraulic system a pair of first and second actuators and a pair of third and fourth actuators for rocking the lower part of the upper frame, first leveling control valves for simultaneously controlling extension and contraction of the first and second actuators, second leveling control valves for simultaneously controlling extension and contraction of the third and fourth actuators a reducing valve for discharging a reducing pilot signal pressure, and flow control valves for discharging the pilot signal pressure for the spool shifting of the first and second leveling control valves when a control signal is applied from a preset leveling controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden ABInventor: Han Ok Choi
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Patent number: 7753383Abstract: A device for exposing an opening in a housing part of a steering gear in a vehicle steering system has a closure element that closes the opening and a component that, when it comes into contact with a liquid, changes at least one of its properties such that, after the component cooperates with the closure element, the closure element exposes the opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: ZF Lenksysteme GmbHInventors: Helmut Bareis, Martin Budaker, Reiner Kunz, Wolfgang Reuter, Oliver Hetzel, John Hasenclever
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Patent number: 7753384Abstract: A four-point suspension control arm (1) is provided for the axle suspension of a rigid axle especially of a utility vehicle. The four-point control arm (1) has four bearing eyes (7, 8, 9, 10), wherein two bearing eyes (9, 10) can be connected to the rigid axle and two bearing eyes (7, 8)are to be connected to the vehicle frame, each in an articulated manner. The four-point control arm (1) is designed as a one-piece hollow housing (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), which can be twisted and is inscribed in the rectangle or trapezoid formed by the bearing eyes. The hollow housing (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) is formed essentially by a tube, which is arranged horizontally in respect to the vehicle and is open on both sides, with a cross section ranging from an essentially rounded rectangular to O-shaped.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: ZF FriedrichshafenInventors: Ralf Kunze, Wolfgang Ratermann, Reinhard Buhl
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Patent number: 7753385Abstract: A suspension system for an agricultural or construction industry vehicle is described. The suspension system comprises two hydraulic cylinders which support a frame in relation to an axle of the vehicle, the hydraulic cylinders being hydraulically connected to one another in a cross connection, so that a piston-side chamber of the one hydraulic cylinder is connected to the piston rod-side chamber of the other hydraulic cylinder and vice versa, in each case one hydraulic accumulator assigned to a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic source, a hydraulic tank, a control valve device, an electronic control unit, electrically switchable switch valves which are arranged in the cross connection between the hydraulic accumulators and the hydraulic cylinders, and a first and second supply line, which supply lines connect the control vale device to the cross connection.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Marcus Bitter
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Patent number: 7753386Abstract: A steering mechanism and method for a manually powered vehicle are provided. The steering mechanism includes a stem. An inner shaft freely rotates within the stem. A first end of a first cable and a first end of a second cable are operatively connected to the inner shaft. A second end of the first cable and a second end of the second cable are operatively connected to a steering column. The steering column supports a wheel of the manually powered vehicle. The steering column and the wheel rotate in response to rotation of the steering bar.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Robert Drymalski
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Patent number: 7753387Abstract: A bicycle stepping apparatus to increase the moment of force and save manual stepping labor has a stepping means located between a sprocket and a crank of a bicycle. The stepping means has a socket wrench which has a hub on one end with ratchet teeth formed thereon to house a flywheel. The flywheel has a gear engageable with the hub. The axis of the flywheel is coupled on the axle of the sprocket and fastened by a nut. The socket wrench has another end opposite to the hub that has an elongate sliding track formed on the bottom side to slidable hold a pair of first bearings of an auxiliary bar. The auxiliary bar has a steel ring on the bottom end with a pair of second bearings coupled on two sides to allow a shaft of a pedal to run through. The socket wrench can increase the moment of force to save manual stepping labor.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Ho Luen Corp.Inventor: Yi Pin Wei
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Patent number: 7753388Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a lightweight front wheel drive recumbent road bicycle and an associated frame. A front triangle is provided to which the drive train of a standard road group can be attached and utilized. A telescoping tube assembly is provided in the front triangle to permit the distance of a bottom bracket and crankset from a seat pan to be adjusted for riders of different sizes. The handlebar is coupled to an end of the telescoping tube assembly and no traditional handlebar stem attached to a steering tube is utilized, so that the structure provides maximum stiffness to better capture the input of the arms and upper body when maximum power is required. The seat pan and a seat back are integrated with the main frame truss structure to help ensure the maximum transfer of the rider's energy to the drive train.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: John Irven Tolhurst
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Patent number: 7753389Abstract: A watercraft transport system having a trailer hinged to a floatable body. The trailer comprises a frame, an axle and wheels and is hinged at the front to the front of the floatable body. The hinge has a limited degrees of freedom for roll, pitch and yaw motion to allow the floatable body to float in the water but still substantially retain its position so that a personal watercraft can be loaded and unloaded from the trailer. The floatable body of the personal watercraft transport system floats on the surface of the water and easily allow the user of the personal watercraft to maneuver in and out of the floatable body. As the personal watercraft transport system is removed from the water, channels on the underside of the floatable body drop into the frame for self-alignment. The floatable body is molded in its interior periphery to accommodate the hull of a personal watercraft, and its upper surface may be coated with skid-proof material.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Ross Brandon Koball
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Patent number: 7753390Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly comprises a fifth wheel having a plurality of journal bearings extending generally downward from its underside, and an “I-shaped” transverse beam member for mounting the assembly to a truck frame. The beam member is dimensioned to span across parallel longitudinal truck frame members and it includes mounting flanges extending generally downward from either lateral side where the mounting flanges have a plurality of apertures for receiving suitable fasteners inserted therein for mounting said beam member to the truck frame members. The transverse member also includes a plurality of pivot bearing pairs to receive the journal bearings of the fifth wheel which is coupled thereto by a trunnion.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Fontaine Fifth Wheel Co.Inventors: Steven William Mann, Jeff Marcus Terry, James Matthew Rhodes, Christopher Aaron Bond
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Patent number: 7753391Abstract: A torsionally-biased, shock-absorbing fifth wheel hitch includes a first mounting mechanism removably and non-rotatably mounting a lower frame portion thereof to the bed of a towing vehicle; an upper frame portion; a second mounting mechanism with a pair of opposing resilient members pivotally mounting the upper frame portion about a horizontally-oriented transverse hitch axis relative to the lower frame portion, the second mounting mechanism having an inactivated configuration wherein the upper frame member is not pivotally biased about the transverse hitch axis relative to the lower frame member and an activated configuration wherein the upper frame member is pivotally biased about the transverse hitch axis relative to the lower frame member; and a fifth wheel hitch mechanism mounted to the upper frame portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Jay Hesse, Steven R. Lewis, Brent Culbertson
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Patent number: 7753392Abstract: A slidable trailer hitch apparatus comprises a trailer hitch head operable to receive a cooperating portion of a trailer, the trailer hitch head adapted to be slidable and rotatable relative to the vehicle about an axis of rotation, first and second parallel spaced part guides fixedly located relative to the vehicle, and a body affixed to and rotatable with the trailer hitch head, the body having a center of rotation about the axis and a distal surface adapted to engage either of the first or second guides when the body is rotated relative to the first and second guides. The engagement of the distal surface upon either of the first or second guides displaces the center of the body and the trailer hitch head parallel to the first or second guide when the trailer hitch head is rotated relative to the first and second guides.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Victoria Industries Ltd.Inventor: K. Jeffrey Warnock
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Patent number: 7753393Abstract: A hitch assistance system including a tow ball position indicator; wherein the tow ball position indicator includes a base member having a gripping member, a bias member, and an extension member. The tow ball position indicator also includes a telescoping staff coupled to the extension member and an indicating member. The system includes a hitch position indicator configured to facilitate knowing a position of a hitch, wherein the hitch position indicator includes a base member configured to couple to a hitch. The base member includes a coupling member, a flared extension extending upwardly and outwardly, and a bias member, wherein the bias member is configured to bias the arms against contraction such that the flared extensions of the coupling member is disposed within an interior of a hitch and thereby couple thereto. The base member includes an extension member, a telescoping staff, and an indicator includes an indicating member.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Troy Eugene Young
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Patent number: 7753394Abstract: A trailer hitch apparatus for connecting a hitch coupling of a towed vehicle at adjustable heights to a hitch coupling of a towing vehicle includes an elongated member disposed on a predetermined portion of a rear end of such towing vehicle and extending in a vertical direction during use of the apparatus. Apertures are formed through the elongated member in a horizontal direction and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The elongated member is secured in the vertical direction directly to such predetermined portion of such rear end. The hitch coupling of such towed vehicle is adjustably secured to the elongated member.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventors: Michael Monostori, Tracy Monostori
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Patent number: 7753395Abstract: A trailer tongue assembly is provided which has a first section, a second section and a hinge pivotally connecting the first and section sections. The first section has a first end with a cross-sectional configuration and the second section has a second end with a cross-sectional configuration. The hinge has a fixed section, a rotatable section, and a pivot member. The fixed section has a first attachment flange with a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the first end. The rotatable section has a second attachment flange with a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the second end. The pivot member rotatably connects the fixed and rotatable sections and the first attachment flange is fixably attached to the first end while the second attachment flange is fixably attached to the second end.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Bernhardt P. Goettker
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Patent number: 7753396Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided with a vehicle body and at least one tow hook. The vehicle body has a front end and a rear end. The at least one tow hook is pivotally connected to the front end of the vehicle body and may pivot between a stored position at least partially recessed within the vehicle body and a deployed position extending beyond the vehicle body to facilitate access to the at least one tow hook. The vehicle may further have an actuator to cooperate with the at least one tow hook to pivot the at least one tow hook relative to the vehicle body. The vehicle may further have a pair of tow hooks on the front end and a pair of exhaust members mounted within a pair of exhaust apertures formed in the rear end.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart Jamieson, Freeman Thomas, David Woodhouse
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Patent number: 7753397Abstract: A pivotal base is adapted for detachably connecting a canopy frame to a stroller. The pivotal base comprises a connector, a first pivotal connector and a second pivotal connector. Wherein the connector of the pivotal base has a plug for connecting with the stroller, and a snap wall formed with a toothed inner surface; the first pivotal connector has a first connecting portion for connecting with a canopy brace, and a toothed portion pivotally inserted and snapped by the toothed inner surface in a plurality of fixed angle positions; and the second pivotal connector has a second connecting portion for connecting with another canopy brace, and a toothed portion pivotally inserted and snapped by the toothed inner surface in a plurality of fixed angle positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Link Treasure LimitedInventor: Cheng-Fan Yang
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Patent number: 7753398Abstract: A baby stroller comprises a collapsible wheeled frame, a swivelable seat, and a swivelable connector connected between the collapsible wheeled frame and the swivelable seat. The swivelable connector is pivotally connected atop the collapsible wheeled frame and has a locking mechanism for fixing the swivelable connector in a plurality of predetermined directions. The swivelable seat has a pair of push bars connected to both sides thereof through a pair of lockable swivel base, wherein the lockable swivel base can be used to lock the push bars either forwardly or backwardly and comprises a driving mechanism for unlocking the locking mechanism so as to permit the swivelable connector to rotate relative to the collapsible wheeled frame 1 thereby to change the direction of the swivelable seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Link Treasure LimitedInventor: Cheng-Fan Yang