Patents Issued in August 10, 2010
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Patent number: 7770948Abstract: A tubular latch assembly for a door and adapted for operation by either an “opener” such as a thumbpiece on one side and/or a knob on the other. The tubular latch comprises a central latch subassembly mounted inside the door and including a latch casing seated in the door, a bolt slidably mounted in said latch casing for extension/retraction (such as through an open face plate), a pivoting retraction lever coupled to the bolt, a spindle hub having a pair of offset cam surfaces, and a pivoting reversing lever engaged at one end with the bolt and at the other end with the second cam surface on the spindle hub for driving the bolt. The central latch subassembly allows opening by either the opener (e.g., thumbpiece) or by rotation of the knob, operation of the knob not affecting the opener and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Newfrey, LLCInventor: Philip C. Ellis
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Patent number: 7770949Abstract: An aircraft door mechanism includes a solenoid connected to a support assembly. The solenoid displaces the latch pin between a solenoid energized and a solenoid de-energized position. A catch assembly rotatably connected to the support assembly is positioned to engage a 3½ degree or less taper portion of the latch pin in the solenoid energized position. When the latch pin moves to the solenoid de-energized position, a latch bolt supported by the door rotates the catch assembly. The latch bolt includes a distal bulbous end which multiplies the force applied to the door to rotate the catch assembly. If the latch pin is extended, a substantially greater force is required to force the latch pin to the solenoid de-energized position owing to the reduced taper of the latch pin. Authorized door entry is therefore easier and unauthorized door entry is made more difficult.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James J. Kunda, Shannon J. Kupfer, Michael E. Renzelmann
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Patent number: 7770950Abstract: The present invention provides an assembled set of chopsticks, having a handle, a cover, a link locator and a gripping portion. The link locator has a stepped tube and a screwed positioning seat. A frictional flange is arranged externally at the central section of the stepped tube's embedding section of the link locator and is frictionally mated with the handle's bottom port. A frictional ring surface is protruded at the central section of the external wall of the screwed positioning seat external wall and also frictionally mated with the stepped tube's through-hole, enabling the link locator to be assembled more stably and smoothly. The gripping bottom is provided with both an axial groove and skid ring groove, the gripping area and frictional effect being increased for a better gripping stability without slippage.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2009Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Ming-Huang Liu
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Patent number: 7770951Abstract: A micro gripper and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The manufacturing method of the micro gripper supplies a fluid to a penetration hole of a gripper jaw, and discharges the fluid from opposite surfaces of the first and second structures of the micro gripper, thereby completely detaching the object attached on the opposite surfaces of the first and second structures by electrostatic force and removing the stiction. Furthermore, the present invention can grip the object more strongly by sucking the fluid from the penetration hole of the gripper jaw, when the first and second structures of the gripper jaw grip the object.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Korea Electronics Technology InstituteInventors: Kyu Sik Shin, Joon Shik Park, Kwang Bum Park, Chan Woo Moon
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Patent number: 7770952Abstract: A trash management apparatus in a vehicle includes a recessed portion, a moveable upper drawer, and a stationary lower bin. The drawer moves in one direction within the recessed portion to direct trash into the stationary lower bin. The drawer has a through-opening allowing trash to pass into the lower bin when the drawer is moved in the one direction, with the bin being removable via an access door in an exposed lateral surface of the center console. A sensor detects a presence or level of trash within the bin or the drawer, and an indicator illuminates when a predetermined amount or level of trash is detected. An actuator is alternately connected to the upper drawer to move the drawer in the one direction when a sensor determines that trash in the drawer exceeds a threshold level.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Andrew J. Hanzel
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Patent number: 7770953Abstract: A vehicle console with an adjustable armrest has a single operation knob at a fore-end of an armrest to open and close a storage well and to adjust position of an armrest for individual vehicle drivers. The armrest includes a pair of latch members driven by the operation knob. When the operation knob is at the end of the downward rotation, the latch members are inserted into catch holes in the console box, and the armrest is fixed to the console box in a “lock mode”. When the operation knob is halfway from the “lock mode”, the latch members are drawn out of the catch holes but remain in grooves in the console box in a “semi-lock mode”, wherein the armrest can slide along the grooves but cannot open the storage well. When the operation knob is drawn up to the end of the upward direction, the latch members are drawn out of the grooves and the armrest is in a “unlock mode” and the storage well can open and close.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Moriroku Company, Ltd.Inventor: Manabu Koarai
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Patent number: 7770954Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly includes: a center console having front and rear terminal ends defining a longitudinal axis; and a sliding portion slidingly engaging the rear terminal end of the console such that the sliding portion is operable to slide in frontward and rearward directions substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the console to cover and uncover at least one storage bin, wherein the sliding portion includes a first portion extending under the rear terminal end of the console and a second portion extending over the rear terminal end of the console to cover and uncover the at least one storage bin.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.Inventor: Anthony D'Alessandro
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Patent number: 7770955Abstract: An automotive closure panel assembly may include an inner panel and an outer panel. The outer panel may have a flange that protrudes from a body of the outer panel. The outer panel may also have more than one tabs that are each spaced along the flange and that each extend away from the flange. Each of the tabs may be folded over the inner panel during a hemming process.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, John E. Carsley, Gary R. Pelowski
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Patent number: 7770956Abstract: A cargo bed extender extends the useful length of a cargo bed when the tailgate is open and has an outer shell that is attached to inner side of the tailgate. An end panel slides between the tailgate and outer shell when in a stowed position and is secured on catch hinges when in a deployed position. Side panels are attached to the end panel on hinges that allow the side panels to fold against the end panel and slide as a unit with the end panel between the tailgate and the outer shell. Outer shell end caps slide over the ends of the outer shell adding support and strengthen to the outer shell. Retainers 38 are fastened to the upper rear of the inner side of the pickup truck bed sidewalls to secure the side panel when in a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Jerald E. Summers
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Patent number: 7770957Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle, which includes an inner slide rail, an outer slide rail including an outer upper rail and an outer lower rail, a seat cushion provided slidably in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and configured to be flipped up to a wall portion of the vehicle compartment to be in a storage position, a hinge mechanism fixing the outer upper rail to the seat cushion, a bearing smoothly sliding the outer upper rail relative to the outer lower rail, a spring provided around a rotational shaft of the hinge mechanism for biasing the seat cushion in a direction to be flipped up, and at least one rotating member provided between the outer upper rail and the outer lower rail so as to receive a load in a lateral direction of the vehicle applied to the outer upper rail by the spring.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Maeda, Toshiyuki Tanaka, Katsuaki Suzuki, Motohisa Nakamura, Takashi Mukoujima, Eiji Mizutani, Toshio Araki
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Patent number: 7770958Abstract: Disclosed is a soft top for a motor vehicle, comprising longitudinal struts that span a roof opening and a flexible roof skin which spans the width of the vehicle and is fastened to a windshield frame in the front and a bow spanning the width of the vehicle in the rear in the mounted state. One respective longitudinal strut that delimits the roof skin in the transversal direction of the vehicle is embodied as a lateral rail which can be connected at least to one lateral vehicle element. In order to put the soft top down, it can be folded in the transversal direction of the vehicle, the roof skin and the longitudinal struts being joined so as to form a pre-assembled unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Winfried Bunsmann
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Patent number: 7770959Abstract: A door system includes a structural member and a door being selectively movable with respect to the structural member. An actuator includes an active material that is configured to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The actuator is configured such that the change in at least one attribute causes the door to move relative to the structural member.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Xiujie Gao, Jack L. Bailey
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Patent number: 7770960Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a biaxial rear door hinge of a vehicle that allows the vehicle door to open outward and then upward. This biaxial hinge system allows the rear door in a sedan to mimic the look of a vertically pivoting front door.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Dan Greenbank
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Patent number: 7770961Abstract: A sliding door drive assembly for a motor vehicle having a sliding door includes a transmission operatively connected to a motor for transmitting a rotating force to an output shaft. A cable drum is fixedly secured to the output shaft and rotates therewith. First and second cables are wound about the cable drum in opposite directions. The first cable extends from the cable drum forward along the sliding door. The second cable extends from the cable drum rearward along the sliding door. Support guides extend tangentially out from the cable drum to guide the first and second cables outwardly and away from the cable drum along a path minimizing frictional forces. Front and rear pulley assemblies are mounted to the motor vehicle and are operatively coupled to the first and second cables between the sliding door drive assembly and the sliding door for tensioning the first and second cables.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.Inventor: Peter Lance Oxley
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Patent number: 7770962Abstract: Apparatus and method for an airfoil being disposed on the rear of an automobile or like vehicle. The angle of the airfoil is controlled by a bob weight connected to the airfoil through a series of linkages so that when the vehicle accelerates or de-accelerates, the angle of the airfoil is adjusted. The linkage between the airfoil and the bob weight controls the angle of attack of the airfoil so as to optimize vehicle down force on the tires so as to optimize performance.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: John B. Maxwell
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Patent number: 7770963Abstract: A cab structure for a construction machine that includes a plurality of pole members and can ensure the rigidity of the cab structure for a construction machine is provided. The cab structure unit includes the rear-right pole member that has a length that is shorter than other pole member (rear-left pole member) and does not reach the level of a floor panel (joint panel) so that the recessed space is formed in the rear side of the cab (10). The rear-right pole member is joined to the first rear panel portion and the plate-shaped member as a reinforcement member that reinforces a part from the lower end of the rear-right pole member to the height position of the floor panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Tsukamoto, Koudou Tsuji
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Patent number: 7770964Abstract: A spring strut mounting for holding an upper end of a spring strut of a motor vehicle contains a spring strut dome with an articulation point for articulatedly connecting the upper end of the spring strut. The spring strut mounting further has a lower dome carrier which can be connected to a longitudinal member of the motor vehicle, and an upper dome carrier which can be connected to an A pillar of the motor vehicle, with the upper dome carrier engaging over the articulation point.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AGInventors: Matthias Herntier, Siegfried Walter, Leszek Wrobel
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Patent number: 7770965Abstract: A chair having a base with a seating surface and a back support attached to the base for supporting a person seated on the seating surface. At least one attachment point is located on the chair for attaching an accessory for use in securing a person to the chair. The chair has a concealment means moveable between a concealment position for covering at least one attachment point and an uncovered position wherein the attachment point is accessible.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Shane Zwezdaryk
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Patent number: 7770966Abstract: A passenger seat assembly and method for converting the seat assembly between a three-seat configuration and a two-seat configuration includes a seat assembly base and first, second, and third seats mounted on the seat assembly base. The first and third seats define outboard seats and the second seat defines an inboard seat disposed between the outboard seats. The seat back of the inboard seat includes an upper portion movably mounted to the lower portion. The seat bottom is removable and repositionable between the three-seat configuration and the two-seat configuration to form a convenience area between the outboard seats. A power console movably mounted on the seat assembly base supports the seat bottom of the inboard seat and provides at least one power outlet for supplying electrical power. In particular, the inboard seat is convertible between a seating configuration and a non-seating configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
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Patent number: 7770967Abstract: A head rest device that improves reliability of detecting a head on the basis of a change in capacitance without complicating a wiring structure. A head rest device is provided with a head rest rear portion configured to be supported to a seat back, and a head rest front portion freely moving forward and backward between a fully-closed position coming close to the head rest rear portion and a fully-open position separated from the head rest rear portion. The head rest front portion is moved by an actuator. The head rest front portion has a sensor electrode structured such that its capacitance is changed as a head of an occupant approaches, and an ECU controlling the actuator so as to move the head rest front portion and detecting the approach of the head of the occupant on the basis of a change of the capacitance of the sensor electrode thereon.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koichi Hirota, Koji Ito, Motomi Iyoda, Tatsuhiro Okawa, Fumitoshi Akaike, Seiya Nishimura
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Patent number: 7770968Abstract: A stacking chair having a seat, a back support, and a frame for supporting the seat and back support. The frame includes a pair of spaced apart leg members, a back support member, and a seat support member. The leg members have a front portion and rear portion interconnected by a connecting portion to give the leg members a generally U or V shape. The chair further includes a stacking member disposed on each leg member. The stacking member shaped to receive the upper surface of a leg member of a like chair such that the stacking member rests on the connection portion of a like chair and the upper chair in the stack is positioned forward of the lower chair thereby offsetting the stack's tendency to lean back due to the weight and position of the back support thus providing for the stability of a stack of chairs.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Kerstin Bartlmae
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Patent number: 7770969Abstract: A vehicle safety restraint system comprises a portable base having a mounting assembly and a restraint assembly. The portable base may be a booster seat. The mounting assembly mounts the base the base to the seat of a vehicle and the restraint assembly restrains an occupant of the base. The mounting assembly may wrap around at least a portion of the vehicle seat to mount the booster seat to the vehicle. The restraint assembly may comprise a five-point or a four-point restraint and may include a lateral support assembly. The restraint assembly may further include a torso support assembly. A method of mounting a portable base to a vehicle seat is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Boyle, Michael A. Wiseman, Thomas P. Woellert, James T. Anthony
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Patent number: 7770970Abstract: A modular child restraint system for use in vehicles comprises a base and interchangeable attachable seats where the seats are for different stages of childhood development. The system can further comprise additional bases adapted to other uses such as strollers and infant swings. A common engagement mechanism allows the various seats to be moved from one base to another. One such system comprises a base and a seat configured to rotate relative to one another when engaged. The seat can also lock in a position relative to the base. The base includes a visual indicator to show that the seat is secured to the base.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Orbit Baby, Inc.Inventors: Joseph S. Hei, Bryan T. White
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Patent number: 7770971Abstract: A child motion device has a frame assembly configured to rest on a floor surface, a drive system defining a generally vertical axis of rotation, and a support arm supported above the floor surface by the frame assembly. The support arm is cantilevered from near the axis of rotation and has a driven end coupled to the drive system, which pivotally reciprocates the support arm through a partial orbit around the axis of rotation. A seat holder is carried by the support arm spaced from the driven end and a seat is supported by the seat holder. The seat and seat holder are constructed to permit the seat to be removed from the seat holder. The seat is usable as a seat when removed from the seat holder and can be positioned on the seat holder in more than one optional seat facing orientation.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.Inventors: William B. Bellows, Samuel Chambers, Baku Kakuda
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Patent number: 7770972Abstract: An actuator assembly for adjusting first and second comfort features of a seat assembly includes a housing and a shaft mounted for linear and rotational movement in the housing. A main gear is mounted on the shaft and mounted for rotational movement in the housing. The shaft and main gear are linearly movable between first and second positions relative to the housing. A first cable assembly includes a first pinion gear mounted for rotational movement in the housing. A first rack is mounted for linear movement in the housing. The first rack engages with the first pinion gear such that rotation of the first pinion gear linearly moves the first rack. A first cable is connected to the first rack. The first cable is adapted to be connected to a first comfort feature. A second cable assembly includes a second pinion gear mounted for rotational movement in the housing. A second rack is mounted for linear movement in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Radu Popa
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Patent number: 7770973Abstract: The invention relates to a chair with a seat, a base support and a backrest, wherein the seat is mounted on the base support so as to be pivotable about a first pivoting axis and the backrest is mounted on the seat so as to be pivotable about a second pivoting axis. The two pivoting axes are arranged so as to be displaceable relative to one another in order to be able to change the seat depth.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Wilkhahn Wilkening + Hahne GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Carsten Gehner, Michael Englisch
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Patent number: 7770974Abstract: A height adjustment device of a vehicle seat comprises a control valve means for governing the degree of filling of a compressed air actuator. Following an alteration in the weight to be carried by the compressed air actuator there is a relative switching over movement between a component bearing a control cam slide and a component bearing an actuating member entailing the switch over of the control valve means. The relative switching over movement is a linear movement, the two components bearing the slide and the actuating member being guided for relative sliding linear motion in the direction of the switch over movement. Furthermore a vehicle seat having such a height adjustment device is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KGInventors: Helmut Ott, Simon Geiger, Steffen Sailer
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Patent number: 7770975Abstract: A locking device, such as a pawl and sector latch for a vehicle seat, is provided. The locking device includes a first fitting part having a body portion and an insert form-fitted in a recess in an outer periphery of the body portion. The insert has an outer contour having a plurality of teeth. The locking device further includes a second fitting part configured to be moved into a releasable form-fitting engagement with the first fitting part.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Frank Weber, Karthikeyan Subramanian
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Patent number: 7770976Abstract: A multi-functional auxiliary headrest for car seat is disclosed. The auxiliary headrest comprises a body mounted with a suspension strap at the rear side of the seat and one side of suspension strap being stitched and the other side having a male Velcro fastener, and the center of the suspension strap being a female Velcro, characterized in that the auxiliary headrest is provided with a securing strap or a securing strap stitched onto a seat cover, and the securing strap is positioned at the suspension strap at the back of the auxiliary headrest, and the securing strap and the seat cover are secured to the headrest at the car seat, the suspension strap of the auxiliary headrest passes through the securing strap such that the male Velcro can be freely mounted to adapt to the physical size of the driver.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Mei-Huei Lee
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Patent number: 7770977Abstract: The headrest and side rails of a patient procedures chair are mounted on posts which are slidably received in elongated, self-aligning or floating plastic bearings. With this construction, any misalignment of the posts due to manufacturing tolerances will be accounted for as the bearings readjust themselves. Clamping devices engage the bearings and cause deformation to increase the frictional engagement of the bearings with the posts to the point where the posts are locked into place. In this regard, actuation of the clamps is accomplished by large knobs that protrude from the back of the chair for ready accessibility.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Midmark CorporationInventor: Mark G. Diller
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Patent number: 7770978Abstract: The detachable electric headrest includes a headrest pole, an ascending and descending slider, elastic pins, and locking bars. The headrest pole is configured such that engaging depressions are formed in the lower end portion thereof. The ascending and descending slider is provided with detachment depressions, into which the respective lower end portions of the headrest pole are inserted, and is mounted to the fastening bracket of a seat frame so as to be raised and lowered. The elastic pins are mounted in the respective detachment depressions so as to be inserted into the engaging depressions of the inserted headrest pole. The locking bars are configured such that cut depressions, in which the elastic pins can be moved, are formed in respective upper ends thereof, and are configured to be elastically supported to the ascending and descending slider.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.Inventors: Sang Ho Kim, Chae Hoon Ma, Jin Ho Seo
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Patent number: 7770979Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for adjusting arm rest of a chair includes an inner tube with an axial groove in an outside thereof and multiple positioning holes are located within the axial groove. An outer tube is mounted to the inner tube and an arm rest is connected to a top end of the outer tube. An engaging portion protrudes inward from an inside of the outer tube and movably engaged with the axial groove of the inner tube, so that the outer tube can be moved relative to the inner tube. An operation member is pivotably connected to the outer tube and includes a hook which extends through the outer tube and is engaged with one of the positioning holes. A guide plate is located above the hook and movably accommodated in a guide slot in the outer tube so that the operation member is operated in stable status.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Wen Sang Plastics., Ltd.Inventor: Shiue-Yu He
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Patent number: 7770980Abstract: A dump vehicle comprising a chassis and a dump bed with a cylinder laterally constrained by a stabilizer. The cylinder is supported on a support structure and pivotably connected thereto and to the dump bed. The stabilizer includes a retainer extending at least partially around the cylinder and having arms extending downwardly from the retainer and outwardly from the cylinder. The stabilizer constrains the cylinder laterally, at least partially absorbing side loads imposed on the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Champion Hoist & Equipment Co., LLCInventors: James P. Godwin, Sr., Fernie E. Williams
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Patent number: 7770981Abstract: An apparatus connects a dump bed to a frame structure of a vehicle and facilitates tipping of the dump bed in a selected one of a plurality of directions from a load carrying position. The apparatus includes a ball joint assembly. The ball joint assembly is configured to selectively facilitate tipping of the dump bed as directed by an actuator. Vehicles including a ball joint assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.Inventors: Darin D. King, Scott T. Blanford
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Patent number: 7770982Abstract: An electrohydraulic brake system having a muscle-force-actuatable auxiliary brake and an external-force-actuatable service brake includes operating mode switchover valves triggerable by an electronic control unit for switching from the service braking state to the auxiliary braking state. A piston/cylinder unit with a pressure medium connection between a master cylinder and a wheel brake which is interrupted by the switchover valves to simulate the pedal travel in the service braking state. The piston/cylinder receives the pressure medium displaced in the master cylinder by actuation of the brake pedal by the driver's foot. The piston/cylinder unit can be hydraulically blocked in the auxiliary braking state so that pressure medium positively displaced in the master cylinder is available to the greatest possible extent for building up pressure at the wheel brakes. The subjection of the piston/cylinder unit to pressure medium is controlled via one of the operating mode switchover valves.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ulrich Gottwick, Michael Kunz
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Patent number: 7770983Abstract: A damping force control valve, which includes a high pressure region in communication with a tension chamber of a cylinder and a low pressure region in communication with a reservoir chamber, and controls a damping force by adjusting pressure of a pilot chamber by first and second variable orifices, the first and second variable orifices having channels controlled to open or close by a spool. The damping force control valve comprises a main valve opened or closed according to pressure of the high pressure region, initial preload and pressure of the pilot chamber, the main valve allowing working fluid to flow from the high pressure region to the low pressure region when being opened; a first fixed orifice formed between the high pressure region and the first variable orifice; and a back pressure forming channel for making the first fixed orifice and the pilot chamber communicate with each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Mando CorporationInventor: Kyu Shik Park
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Patent number: 7770984Abstract: A machine including: a frame assembly including one or more drive wheels and one or more idler wheels affixed to the frame assembly; a track belt disposed about the drive and the idler wheel; a hydraulic actuator arrangement including a hydraulic cylinder and accumulator affixed to the idler wheel that provides a force to tension the track belt; and a tension management system in operable communication with the hydraulic cylinder that maintains a pressure inside the hydraulic cylinder within a specified range.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Agco CorporationInventors: Mike Schmit, Gene Shelhamer
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Patent number: 7770985Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a door having an outer panel portion and an inner panel portion, with a plurality of mounting members being spaced about the outer panel portion of the door. A glass panel assembly, including a glass panel and a plurality of mounting elements, is detachably mounted to the door through the interengagement of the plurality of mounting elements with the plurality of mounting members. The mounting elements are adhesively secured to the glass panel. Neither the plurality of mounting members nor the plurality of mounting elements are readily visible normally when viewing the kitchen appliance such that the glass panel appears to float relative to the door.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Norman B. Davis, Lawrence J. Ertz, Jon Freesmeier, Steven M. Haring, Chad Jonathan Rotter, Barry E. Tuller
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Patent number: 7770986Abstract: A pivot assembly that can be inserted into kitchen cabinets to utilize otherwise unused and unreachable overhead spaces over kitchen wall cabinets. The pivot assembly has a pair of pivot arms pivotally connected to opposite sides of a frame, the frame slidably attached within a cabinet. A drawer is connected to the pivot assembly between the pivot arms. The drawer slides out of the cabinet on a pair of drawer slides and rotates down and out 180 degrees on the pivot arms, from an up position to a down position, wherein the drawer remains stable even as the pivot arms pass through a middle position. The pivot arms form a primary and secondary parallelogram shape during operation, the secondary parallelogram supporting the primary parallelogram at its weakest point in the middle position.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Vaidotas Joseph Simaitis
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Patent number: 7770987Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of detecting a precise toner consumption amount has a system counting up a turned-on dot number of image data, outputting weight factors corresponding to the respective sub-line's numbers based on the respective sub-line numbers of the plural sub-lines at which a light emitting amount of each dot is varied periodically, and calculating the light emitting amount based on a dot counter value of the turned-on dot number and the weight factor corresponding to the respective sub-line's numbers, to summate the calculated light emitting amounts to estimate the toner consumption amount with high accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Takashi Nakasendo
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Patent number: 7770988Abstract: A printing apparatus including a plurality of ink cartridges each supplying ink; an image processor generates print data for each ink based on input print data; a buffer which stores the print data generated by the image processor for each ink; a print head for discharging the ink supplied from each ink cartridge from a nozzle group for each ink based on the print data for each ink stored in the buffer; and a supply line that supplies print data from the buffer to the print head.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Takashi Saikawa
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Element substrate, and printhead, head cartridge, and printing apparatus using the element substrate
Patent number: 7770989Abstract: An element substrate has a plurality of printing elements, and a block selection unit which divides the plurality of printing elements into a plurality of blocks and time-divisionally drives the blocks. The element substrate includes a plurality of input terminals which divide the plurality of printing elements included in each block into a plurality of groups and supply a driving voltage to the printing elements belonging to each group, a delay circuit which externally receives an enable signal for enabling energization to the printing elements and generates a plurality of delayed enable signals having different delay times with respect to the enable signal, and a wiring which supplies the enable signal and the plurality of delayed enable signals output from the delay circuit to different groups in the order of the different delay times.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takahiro Matsui, Yoshiyuki Imanaka, Takuya Hatsui, Souta Takeuchi, Takaaki Yamaguchi, Kousuke Kubo -
Patent number: 7770990Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes a circulation flow channel connected to nozzle flow channels and via which ink from pressure chambers is circulated; actuators which changes pressure in the pressure chambers to eject the ink from the nozzles; and a circulating flow generation device which generates a circulating ink flow from an ink supply port side to a circulation flow channel side. A control apparatus applies ink ejection signals to the actuators for the pressure chambers in which the ink is ejected, the control apparatus also applies, to the actuators for the pressure chambers in which the ink is not ejected, continuous meniscus shaking signals causing the ink in the nozzles to shake to an extent which does not lead the ink to be ejected, wherein the control apparatus thins out the meniscus shaking signals at a plurality of different cycles.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Kanji Nagashima
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Patent number: 7770991Abstract: A method and system for application in an inkjet printer containing a substantially closed ink duct in which ink is situated, said duct being operationally connected to an electromechanical transducer, the method including the steps of: actuating the transducer with a number of actuation pulses according to a predetermined actuation setting in order to eject ink drops from a duct nozzle, where a pressure wave is generated in the duct by an actuation pulse, this pressure wave causing a deformation of an electromechanical transducer which generates an electrical signal; analyzing the electrical signal; analyzing the signal for a plurality of different actuation settings, and based on which analysis, determining an actuation setting, on the one side of which setting the ejection of a drop is a stable process and on the other side of which setting, the ejection of a drop is an unstable process.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Océ-Technologies B.V.Inventors: Hans Reinten, Thomas P. Huijgen, Hubertus M. J. M. Boesten
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Patent number: 7770992Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a recording head which includes nozzles, an external input terminal on which a storage medium in which, images are stored is installed, a detecting mechanism which detects that the storage medium has been installed on the external input terminal, a timer which measures a time elapsed after the recovery operation is carried out, and a controller which controls the recovery mechanism according to the elapsed time. When the recovery operation for the nozzles is necessary, an operation preceding the recording operation is detected, and recovery operation is carried out promptly before the recording operation, thereby shortening a waiting time of a user.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junji Nakahara, Hisaki Sakurai
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Patent number: 7770993Abstract: A printing device includes a print head having a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting ink on a print medium and of forming one or more types of ink dots on the print medium; an ink dot setting unit that determines an ink dot setting for each pixel of image data by comparing a gradient of the each pixel with, from among thresholds in a matrix for each of respective pixels, a threshold corresponding to the each pixel of image data; a print head controller that controls ejection of ink from each nozzle of the print head on the basis of an ink dot setting determined by the ink dot setting controller; and a threshold matrix correction unit that corrects a predetermined threshold of the matrix depending on ink output characteristics of each nozzle of the print head.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Hitoshi Yamakado
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Patent number: 7770994Abstract: A shifting amount of color compensation amount is calculated based on a shifting amount of color obtained from a shifting amount of color storage unit for each image forming unit, and shifting amount of color compensation in the pixel unit is performed by executing address conversion using the calculation result. A feature of an image to be processed is detected, and color density conversion compensation for performing shifting amount of color compensation in less than the pixel unit is performed according to the detected feature. Furthermore, half-tone processing or exceptional processing is selectively executed according to the detected feature.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroki Kitamura, Yoshiyuki Akiba, Tsutomu Takada, Shuichi Nakamura, Yusuke Yamamoto, Masanao Motoyama, Takeshi Akiyama, Kenzo Tojima, Takaaki Nagaoka
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Patent number: 7770995Abstract: A mobile telecommunications device comprising: a printhead for printing a sheet of media substrate, the sheet of media substrate having coded data on at least part of its surface; a media feed assembly for feeding the sheet of media substrate along a feed path past the printhead; a print engine controller for operatively controlling the printhead; and, a sensor for reading the coded data and generating a signal indicative of at least one dimension of the sheet, and transmitting the signal to the print engine controller; such that, the print engine controller uses the signal to initiate the printing when the sheet is at a predetermined position relative to the printhead.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7770996Abstract: The invention is a transport method that transports a medium by causing a transport roller to rotate based on a corrected target transport amount, after correcting the target transport amount that is targeted based on a correction value and includes: printing a first pattern on a medium, printing a second pattern after the medium has been transported by causing the transport roller to rotate by a rotation amount of less than one rotation from a rotation position of the transport roller at a time of printing the first pattern, printing a third pattern after the medium has been transported by causing the transport roller to rotate by a rotation amount of one rotation from a rotation position of the transport roller at a time of printing the first pattern, printing a fourth pattern after the medium has been transported by causing the transport roller to rotate by a rotation amount of one rotation from a rotation position of the transport roller at a time of printing the second pattern, calculating a first correcType: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Masahiko Yoshida, Tatsuya Nakano, Hirokazu Nunokawa, Bunji Ishimoto, Toru Miyamoto, Yoichi Kakehashi
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Patent number: 7770997Abstract: A method for printing with a plurality of dies. A plurality of dies is provided, with each die having a plurality of drop generators that are configured to eject drops of a same colored fluid. The drops from each die have a corresponding nominal drop weight at a reference temperature of the die. At least one of the dies is warmed to a corresponding elevated temperature higher than the reference temperature in order to substantially equalize the nominal drop weights of all of the dies.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Wayne Richard, John M. Watanabe, Jacint Humet