Patents Issued in December 14, 2010
  • Patent number: 7850190
    Abstract: An NH3 applicator implement is equipped with a hitch arrangement for automatically effecting a connection with a tongue of an NH3 nurse tank wagon. A quick-connect coupler assembly is provided for connecting the transfer hose of the nurse tank wagon to the supply hose of the implement. The quick-connect coupler assembly includes a first coupler section mounted to the applicator implement for powered, guided movement into engagement with a second coupler section mounted to the tongue of the nurse tank wagon. An electro-hydraulic control system including relay logic is used to first lock the fully coupled coupler sections together and then to engage the flow of NH3 by remote actuation of a main on/off valve located at the nurse tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignees: Deere & Company, PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jarrod Ruckle, John Rumohr, Garrett Goins, Spencer M. Nimberger, Francisco Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7850191
    Abstract: A trailer hitch apparatus for mechanically and electrically coupling a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle includes: a receiver and a trailer mount. The receiver has a receiver tube with an open end; a first electrical connector having a plurality of electrical contacts for attaching to the towing vehicle electrical system; and a second electrical connector having a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to the plurality of electrical contacts of the first electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Gary Kaminski, David Ihde
  • Patent number: 7850192
    Abstract: An adjustable ball-type hitch assembly, and a method for using it. The hitch assembly is connected to a hitch receiver of a towing vehicle on one end, and to a vehicle to be towed having a ball receiver, on the other end. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable hitch assembly may include a base attachable to the receiver, and a sliding element such as a tongue supporting the ball and pivotally attached to the base. The sliding element may include a slot or groove enabling the sliding element to move along its longitudinal axis relative to the base, and to also rotate about a vertical axis perpendicular to a horizontal plane containing at least a portion of the sliding element, enabling the ball to be moved in various directions in a substantially horizontal plane to facilitate connection of the ball to the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Inventive, LLC
    Inventors: Charles J Ceccarelli, Kevin B Haight
  • Patent number: 7850193
    Abstract: A quick release assembly for remotely actuating operative disconnection between vehicles includes a lock bolt ejection assembly for remotely ejecting a lock bolt normally maintaining a coupling between the vehicles thereby allowing independent movement of the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Williams Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7850194
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a gliding board binding, such as a snowboard binding. The binding may include an adjustment indicator that allows for determination of a longitudinal position of the base relative to a gliding board, heel-to-toe position of the base relative to a gliding board and/or an angular position of the base relative to a gliding board when the base is secured to the gliding board. The adjustment indicator may be included with a footbed that is removable from a binding base, e.g., that includes a foot engagement member to secure a rider's foot to the binding and board. A removable footbed may include a toe portion that is adjustable in position relative to a heel portion of the footbed. A gliding board may include a channel for mounting a binding that is arranged in the board core so that no portion of the board core is located on top or bottom sides of the channel, and instead so the top and bottom reinforcement layers are located above and below the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Kahlil Zaloom, Christopher C. Cunningham, Florian Lang, Matt Windt, Christopher M. Doyle, Richard William Wagner, Jr., Ryan Larson, Gregory Aaron Dean, Greg Reagan
  • Patent number: 7850195
    Abstract: A tandem suspension for connecting a vehicle chassis to front and rear steerable axles is provided. The tandem suspension includes, on each side of the vehicle, a front leaf spring linking the chassis and the front axle, a rear leaf spring linking the chassis and the rear axle, an equalizer assembly mounted to the chassis for equalizing the front and rear axles, a front air spring disposed between the chassis and the front axle, a rear air spring disposed between the chassis and the rear axle, and a pneumatic control system pneumatically linked to the front and rear air springs for supplying pressurised gas thereto and operable to unload one of the front and rear air springs. A method of installing a tandem suspension in a vehicle having a first steerable axle and a front leaf spring is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Simard Suspensions Inc.
    Inventors: Andre-Marie Simard, Maxime Pilote, Michel Bosse, Patrice Gaudreault
  • Patent number: 7850196
    Abstract: An occupant leg restraining device includes a knee airbag that expands in front of legs of an occupant in a vehicle, a gas generator that inflates the knee airbag by ejecting gas, and a retainer that accommodates and holds the gas generator and the folded knee airbag. The retainer has outlets adjacent to both ends of the gas generator in a longitudinal direction of the gas generator that is accommodated in the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 7850197
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a pillar, a trim panel, a handle and an airbag. The trim panel is configured to overlay a portion of the pillar and conceal the airbag. The trim panel includes a first trim portion and a second trim portion that is separable from the first trim portion along a predetermined separation line. The handle is rigidly attached to the pillar by at least one fastener that extends through the second trim portion of the trim panel. The airbag is disposed between the trim panel and the pillar such that in response to deployment of the airbag at least a portion of the first trim portion separates from the second trim portion along the predetermined separation line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zucal, Jeremy Thurston, Thomas Yang, Lauren Parkins
  • Patent number: 7850198
    Abstract: A knee protection apparatus includes an airbag and an airbag support that is attached to the airbag. Upon deployment of the airbag, the airbag support together expands so as to cover the instrument panel and thus help the airbag smoothly expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hayakawa, Eiichi Yamada, Hitoshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 7850199
    Abstract: A steering assembly according to the present invention includes connection parts that are formed in a mounting plate body and fixed to a steering wheel module. Accordingly, when the mounting plate assembly is fixed to a steering wheel module, it is possible to attach or detach the mounting plate assembly to or from the steering wheel module. As a result, it is possible to quickly assemble the mounting plate assembly and the steering wheel module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignees: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd., Afas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Bae Ahn, Hyun Do Ki
  • Patent number: 7850200
    Abstract: An airbag for a motor vehicle capable of adjusting its internal pressure to the size of a vehicle occupant and to the accident situation. This adaptation is achieved by purely passive means. The airbag includes an airbag cover enclosing a gas chamber and also has at least one venting arrangement which connects the gas chamber with an external environment. Gas flow through the venting arrangement is throttled or blocked when a certain area of the airbag cover meets an obstacle. The venting arrangement includes at least one opening in the airbag cover and a tube which is connected with the airbag cover. The at least one opening ends in the tube, and the tube includes an exit opening to the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Ralf Zauritz, Stefan Hauser, Jurgen Weyand, Christian Miksits
  • Patent number: 7850201
    Abstract: A gas generator that eliminates work for welding-fixing a holder to a housing and subjecting the holder to an excess processing, which can be easily manufactured at low cost, and a method for manufacturing the gas generator. The gas generator includes an approximately short cylindrical housing including a bottomed member and a lid member, gas generants arranged in the housing to generate a high-temperature gas by combustion, a filter arranged in an inner circumference part of the housing so as to surround the gas generants in a diameter direction of the housing, an igniter energized from the outside to ignite, and a holder to which the igniter is fixed and that is fixed to the bottomed member so that the igniter is arranged coaxially with the housing. At least one of the holder and the bottomed member is clamped, and pressed and deformed in an axial direction of a hole so that the holder is fixed to the bottomed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Dairi Kubo, Kazuhisa Tamura
  • Patent number: 7850202
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (28) of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) to a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and the vehicle occupant (28). The apparatus (10) further includes a fill tube (22) for delivering inflation fluid to the protection device (14). The protection device (14) includes an opening (104) through which the fill tube (22) extends and a portion (106) adjacent the opening that forms a friction fit around the fill tube (22). The friction fit forms an effective seal for preventing inflation fluid leakage through the opening (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Boxey, Kevin L. Ruedisueli
  • Patent number: 7850203
    Abstract: An example tethered airbag arrangement includes an airbag movable to an expanded position. The airbag includes a contact face. An internal tether constrains expansion of the contact face. An external tether system includes tether portions and at least one bridge portion. The tether portions constrain expansion of the contact face. The bridge portion limits separation between one of the tether portions and an adjacent one of the tether portions as the airbag moves to an expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Niwa, Tanja Kryzaniwskyj, Stephanie Schneider, Joseph Mannino, Peter L. Vigeant
  • Patent number: 7850204
    Abstract: A method for controlling a belt hand-over device during a delivery movement for taking up and delivering a seat belt into a presentation position ergonomically favorable for a user includes extending a belt finger taking up the seat belt into an extended position substantially oriented transversely to the moving path of the belt hand-over device, and during a return movement, retracting the belt finger into a retracted position substantially coinciding with the moving path and wherein the belt hand-over device is moved in a rest position. The extending and retraction of the belt finger during the delivery and return movements of the belt hand-over device are triggered at different positions in the moving path of the belt hand-over device between the rest position and the presentation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Bernd Freisleben, Alexander Dittrich
  • Patent number: 7850205
    Abstract: Part of a seat belt, anchored at the top of the seat, adopts a conventional sash/belt arrangement (2a, 2c). The other end of the belt, however, passes under the seat base and protrudes up on the opposite side of the seat base to the above anchorage point. This other end carries a buckle to receive a conventional tongue which slides along the belt. Thus, in use, the belt encircles user's thighs (22) and the seat squab. In an accident a pretensioner activates which tightens the belt, somewhat raising and curling seat squab and user's legs (22), so preventing “submarining” (ie sliding of the user out from under the belt). Alternatively an existing lap/sash belt may be augmented by an extra belt passing from the seat top, across the chest, and around one thigh of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lifebelt Pty Limited
    Inventors: Luigi Luke Pisaniello, Marcel Paul Stephan
  • Patent number: 7850206
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mud flap lifting system for raising and lowering a pair of mud flaps connected to a rear portion of a vehicle and suspended behind corresponding rear wheels of the vehicle. A shaft extends between the mud flaps. First and second sheaves are disposed on the shaft, wherein each of the sheaves is aligned with one of the mud flaps. A pair of cables is provided, each of the cables having a first end connected to one of the sheaves and a second end connected to the correspondingly aligned mud flap. A motor is coupled to the shaft, wherein the shaft is axially rotated upon actuation of the motor. Each of the cables is coiled around the corresponding sheave upon rotation of the shaft in a first direction, thereby raising the mud flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Flaps Up, LLC
    Inventor: Jeremiah C. Proctor
  • Patent number: 7850207
    Abstract: A multi-part label with variable data and method for its manufacture. First indicia may be printed on a first label face ply of a multi-ply label material in registration with an eventual location of at least one of a plurality of multi-part labels. The first indicia may be variable between at least two of the plurality of multi-part labels. A second label material may be removably adhered to the multi-ply first label material, thereby covering the first indicia. Second indicia may be printed on the face of the second label material. The second indicia may be variable between at least two of the plurality of multi-part labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Chicago Tag & Label, Inc.
    Inventors: F. Paul Valenti, Jr., Carl Opel, Daniel Hedger
  • Patent number: 7850208
    Abstract: A stamped collet for a push-to-connect tube coupling formed into a generally cylindrical configuration. The collet has an annular base portion from which flexible tines extend forward from the base portion, the flexible tines being circumferentially arranged around a center axis of the collet and including inwardly inclined distal finger portions terminating at a biting edge. The flexible tines can flex outwardly to permit axial insertion of a tube through the collet. At least one of the flexible tines has at least one cam wing that extends radially outwardly from a side of the tine and has a radially outwardly inclined cam surface. The cam surface can be engaged by a corresponding cam surface of a retainer to urge the tine radially inwardly with the biting edge biting into an outer surface of the tube for preventing the tube from being pushed out or pulled out of a coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Dorothy G. Greenberger
  • Patent number: 7850209
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tube assembly for connecting a first tube to a second tube, wherein a connection end of the first tube and a connection end of the second tube form a swivel joint, a rotational axis of the swivel joint and a tube axis of the first and the second tube form an angle ?, and the first tube is rotatable relative to the second tube in the region of between 0° and 2?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Lutzer, Marc Scheel, Christian Wildhagen, Thorsten Otto
  • Patent number: 7850210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in coupling for fluid systems having two coupling parts connectable to one another, which each have coordinated catches for connecting them together, one of the coupling parts having an end union section, by means of which it can be plugged into the other coupling part, and one of the coupling parts having at least one end retaining section carrying its catches, by means of which section it grips over an outer peripheral contour of the other coupling part, on which the coordinated complementary catches are formed. In order to achieve a simplified means of detachment whilst ensuring ease of assembly and a highly stable connection of such a plug-in coupling, it is proposed to provide a separate release part, which in the assembled state is held on the first coupling part and/or the second coupling part and which serves for separating the locking connection between the catches of the first coupling part and the catches of the second coupling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Brandt, Volker Kaminski, Rozália Bilstein
  • Patent number: 7850211
    Abstract: A wedge-threaded tubular connection includes a pin member and a box member, wherein each of the pin and box members include an engaged thread area, and a clearance gap volume formed between corresponding roots and crests of the pin and box members and arranged along an axial length of the engaged thread area according to a distribution profile. The clearance gap volume distribution profile is configured having a greater clearance gap volume proximate a central portion of the engaged thread area and progressively less clearance gap volume towards each of the distal ends of the engaged thread area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventors: Harris A. Reynolds, Jr., Andrew H. Tate
  • Patent number: 7850212
    Abstract: This locking ring is adapted to lock a joint between two tubular elements (4, 8). It extends around a central axis (X-X) and comprises segments (50) each having a main part (58) and two circumferential ends (60). Each segment (50) has a shape flaring out from a thin axial side towards a wide axial side. One of the segments (50) comprises a recess (62) for receiving a retaining member (16), which is axially open on the thin side. The receiving recess (62) extends solely through the main part, and it is circumferentially limited on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Pam
    Inventors: Jean-François Schmuck, Michel Forfert, Alain Percebois, Pierre Genelot
  • Patent number: 7850213
    Abstract: A coupling to connect two pipes, and to connect pipe fittings and valves with pipes, which includes arcuates provided with inner flanges in their end portions, where said arcuates are positioned around crossable inner means, which means can also be used by different types of cylindrical couplings which couplings require grooves around cylindrical rings mounted around the end portions of pipes; where crossable inner means is comprised of a centrally located partitioner ring located between two pipes, which ring separates two gaskets provided with backup rings which backup rings are provided with radial circumferential grooves for the attachment of said arcuates bridging across said inner means. Said backup rings are attachable to the shoulders constructed around the end portions of two opposite pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Ajit Singh Gill
  • Patent number: 7850214
    Abstract: A closure safety interlock system is provided for a pressure vessel having a closure assembly with a primary locking system. The closure safety interlock defines a secondary locking system for assuring that the primary locking system may be opened only by following a proper sequence, thereby minimizing misuse of the primary locking system. The closure safety interlock includes a blocking member movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position for blocking movement of a primary lock when in the engaged position and until a release mechanism in the primary lock has been activated. A mechanism is provided for moving the blocking member from the engaged position to the disengaged position once the release mechanism has been activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Axxiom Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Richard Ambriiz
  • Patent number: 7850215
    Abstract: A closure element for a detachable, locking storage area in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The closure element comprises at least one clamping element designed for securing to a first component, in particular a plate-type component, by means of an elastic element, and with a handle which is pre-clamped by an elastic element for clamping a second component between the clamping element and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Fairchild Fasteners Europe-Camloc GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Taubert, Dieter Juling, Anja Schulze
  • Patent number: 7850216
    Abstract: A garden tool wherein the leading edge of the tool head has a leading edge coated with a hardness enhancing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Randolph, James M. Gross
  • Patent number: 7850217
    Abstract: An equidistance pick-and-place device for ICs is disclosed. It comprises a housing, a driving device, a guideway structure, a moving structure, a lazy tongs, a plurality of pick-and-place structures, and a transmission structure. The housing supports the equidistance pick-and-place device. The guideway structure is set on the housing. The moving structure slides on the guideway structure. The pick-and-place structures are set on the moving structure. The free end and the shafts of the lazy tongs are fixed in the moving structure. The transmission structure is connected with the driving device and the moving structure for driving the moving structure. The equidistance pick-and-place device utilizes the lazy tongs to drive the pick-and-place structures moving with equidistance to pick and place a plurality of ICs at a time. Therefore, the present invention can improve the efficiency and reduce cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: System General Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Lo
  • Patent number: 7850218
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a handling clamp, designed to grasp a stem fixed to a load and equipped with at least one attachment means. The stem is capable of moving between a lower position in the handling clamp and an upper position in the handling clamp when the handling clamp is closed on the stem. When the stem is in the lower position, the handling clamp is capable of being locked closed. When the stem is in the upper position, the handling clamp is capable of being unlocked. The handling clamp of the present invention is particularly adapted for use in the aluminium industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: E.C.L.
    Inventor: Patrick Delescluse
  • Patent number: 7850219
    Abstract: A viscous rotary damping device for a vehicle end gate assembly is provided. The damping device includes a housing member configured to operatively attach to the vehicle body or the end gate assembly. The housing member defines a fluid chamber having viscous fluid therein. The damping device also includes an impeller member having a mast with a first end configured to operatively attach to the other of the vehicle body and the end gate assembly, and a second end having one or more blades projecting outward therefrom. The second end of the mast is rotatably received in the fluid chamber such that the impeller member dissipates kinetic energy generated by the end gate assembly when transitioning between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A cover plate member is preferably coupled to the housing member, and configured to fluidly seal the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Townson, Graham S. Foulkes, Eduardo S. Atar
  • Patent number: 7850220
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for supporting an occupant above a floor having a recess includes a seat cushion and seat back pivotally coupled thereto. A riser mechanism includes at least one front and rear leg, each leg extending between a lower end pivotally coupled to the floor and an upper end pivotally coupled to the seat cushion. A seat adjustment mechanism disposed between the seat cushion and upper end of the rear leg is operable between locked and unlocked states allowing the legs to pivot about the lower ends thereby moving the seat assembly between a seating position and a stowed position disposed in the recess. An arcuate channel is operatively coupled to the rear leg selectively receiving a laterally extending guide pin mounted to the front leg for operatively coupling the front and rear legs to rotate together as the seat assembly moves between the seating and stowed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Carl J. Holdampf
  • Patent number: 7850221
    Abstract: A cowling structure is provided for a motorcycle in which a radiator is disposed behind a front wheel of the motorcycle. The cowling structure includes a main cowling and a sub cowling. The main cowling covers a periphery of the radiator from the front of a handlebar. The sub cowling is provided in the rear of the cowling through a space. The sub cowling is separate from the cowling. The cowling structure allows wind to effectively hit a radiator, and reduces a force necessary for inclining a vehicle body at the time of cornering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Nakata, Takanori Okuma, Shinichi Kokubu, Hiromasa Yamaguchi, Yasushi Sato, Hiroto Yoshiki
  • Patent number: 7850222
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a roof, which includes, in the closed state, a section of a laterally running roof strut on an area directly or indirectly adjacent to the windshield frame that protrudes farther into the passenger compartment than roof areas lying behind it. The section, on a surface facing the passenger compartment, has at least one large-area recess, coverable by at least one deformable covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Petra Liedmeyer, Uwe Willenborg, Norbert Bahlmann
  • Patent number: 7850223
    Abstract: A folding top for a vehicle comprises a roof frame which comprises at least one front frame part and one rear frame part, a top cloth and a frame link, which is coupled kinematically to the roof frame, for moving the roof frame from a storage position, in which the top is put away in a receiving space, into a closed position, in which the top spans a passenger compartment. The top cloth is at least partially connected laterally to the frame link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Mathias Fröschle
  • Patent number: 7850224
    Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Adaptive Aerodynamic, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Scott Breidenbach
  • Patent number: 7850225
    Abstract: A motorcycle having an external appearance rich in change without increased cost. A front-side side cover has first edge parts adjoining a body frame. Portions of the first edge parts are in approximately the same position in a vehicle width direction as outermost faces of an outer surface of the body frame adjoined to outermost faces of outer surfaces of the portions. The remaining portion of the first edge parts is inside the outermost face of the outer surface of the body frame adjoined to the outermost face of an outer surface of the remaining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Nobuhira, Toshiaki Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7850226
    Abstract: A vehicle having a body structure for at least a portion of a passenger compartment of the vehicle disposed adjacent to a front portion of the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
  • Patent number: 7850227
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle front structure which can efficiently absorb collision energy regardless of collision modes. In at least one embodiment, a load transmission member arranged on inner side faces of a front corner part of a subframe has a male member attached to a front frame and a female member attached to a side frame. When a local load is fed to the front frame, the male and female members engage with each other, whereby the front frame is restrained from rotating in such a direction as to approach the side frame, while the fed collision load is transmitted to the side frame through the load transmission member. When a collision load is fed onto an axis of the side frame, the male and female members separate from each other to block the load transmission through the load transmission member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Tamakoshi
  • Patent number: 7850228
    Abstract: In a vehicle front structure (10), a cross member (52) which is disposed above paired side members (12) includes vehicle width-direction both end portions extending toward a rear side of the vehicle. The cross member (52) is connected with vehicle front-side portions of the paired suspension towers (42) at edges of the extending portions. Therefore, when a vehicle has a frontal collision at high speed, a collision load applied to the cross member (52) can be effectively received by the paired suspension towers (42), and can be transmitted to the paired suspensions. Thus, the cross member (52) can effectively receive the collision load, and can efficiently transmit the collision load to the rear side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Asai
  • Patent number: 7850229
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a vehicle body frame, a closure connected to the vehicle body frame, a garnish connected to the vehicle body frame, and a closure stopper seat body disposed between the garnish and the vehicle body frame. The closure is movable between an open position and a closed position. The stopper seat body is configured to absorb an impact from the movable closure when the movable closure moves toward the closed position. The closure stopper seat body can be used with a number of different closures including a door, a tailgate, a trunk lid, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Ihashi, Wesley A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7850230
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle roof with a movable roof part, which by means of a tilt lever, which is connected in an articulated manner close to the rear edge of the roof part, can first be tilted into a ventilating position and can then be slid above the vehicle roof or above an at least partially fixed roof part for the at least partial release of an opening in the vehicle roof, the movable roof part being continuously supported in the area of its rear edge when it is slid from the ventilating position backwards and the movable roof part having a continuous side skirt in the area of its side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventor: Manfred Faerber
  • Patent number: 7850231
    Abstract: A vehicular sunroof apparatus includes a sunroof panel having a front panel and a rear panel configured to open and close an opening formed in a vehicle roof. A first drive mechanism effects rising/lowering and opening/closing movements of the front panel relative to the opening of the vehicle roof. A second drive mechanism effects rising/lowering and opening/closing movements of the rear panel relative to the opening of the vehicle roof. The second drive mechanism comprises a rear panel support stay that supports the rear panel, a stay extension connected to the rear panel support stay and mounted to undergo sliding and vertical swinging movement relative to the vehicle roof, and a stopper member that is mounted on the vehicle roof and that provides an upper limit of vertical swing of the stay extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignees: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyasu Ito, Hiroyuki Tsukamoto, Kouichi Hotta, Michio Tamura
  • Patent number: 7850232
    Abstract: A reclining chair includes a seat, a backrest, and a pair of spaced apart recliner mechanisms cooperatively supporting the seat and backrest. Each of the mechanisms includes a ground engaging base link, a seat link operably coupled with and supporting the seat, a backrest linkage operably coupling the backrest to the seat link, a rear swing link operably coupled to the base link at a first pivot, and a front swing link operably coupled to the base link with a shiftable pivot mechanism defining a second pivot. The rear swing link and the front swing link are selectively pivotable about the first and second pivots respectively to enable the mechanism to be selectively shifted between an upright position and a reclined position. The shiftable pivot mechanism shifts a position of the second pivot relative to the base link as the mechanism shifts between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Casteel
  • Patent number: 7850233
    Abstract: An infant carrier includes a shell and a carry handle coupled to the shell. The carry handle includes first and second side arms coupled to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Shafer, David Amirault
  • Patent number: 7850234
    Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile vehicle seat and an energy-absorption apparatus coupled to the juvenile vehicle seat. The energy-absorption apparatus is configured to absorb external energy associated with an external impact force applied to the energy-absorption apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Marsden, Ward Fritz, Walter S. Bezaniuk, Joe Langley, David Amirault, Steve Lepke
  • Patent number: 7850235
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle seat has a frame and is adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The frame has first and second side members. The frame supports a head restraint that is moveable to an extended position providing support during an impact condition. An active head restraint system is connected to the head restraint for moving the head restraint when actuated. A cable is connected to the active head restraint. An impact member has a first end attached to the first side member, an intermediate portion spanning across a lumbar region and a second end extending to and not directly affixed to one of the first and second side members. The impact member is attached to the cable to translate upon receiving an input force from the occupant in response to the impact condition, displacing the cable and actuating the active head restraint system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Veine, Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka, Mladen Humer
  • Patent number: 7850236
    Abstract: A rotatable armrest assembly comprises: an armrest support adapted to be connected to a base of the child car seat and having an insert hole; and an armrest having top and bottom ends that are opposite to each other in an axial direction, and provided with a shaft that extends into the insert hole so as to permit the armrest to be rotatable relative to the armrest support about an axis of the shaft that extends in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Jian-Qun Li
  • Patent number: 7850237
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the reclining force in office chair mechanisms comprising at least two mutually hinged parts and elastic means (16) which maintain said parts elastically spaced apart, said device being characterized by comprising:—at least two levers (7, 6), at least one of which interacts with said elastic means (16) and the other of which is connected to one of said hinged parts, said levers respectively interacting via at least one movable contact element (13) by way of contact surfaces,—means (9, 10, 14) for adjusting the position of said movable contact element (13) such as to modify the points at which said movable contact element bears on said contact surfaces and consequently such as to modify the lever arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: IMARC S.p.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Gorgi
  • Patent number: 7850238
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture having platforms in dynamic attachment to an actuator assembly that in turn is in dynamic attachment to a base. Use of motional platforms supported by a motional actuator assembly permits an article of the furniture to conform to the many and varied body positions a user wants, and allows a user to more easily change body positions while remaining within the furniture, and in medical scenarios may obviate most needs to transfer a patient from one article of furniture to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventors: Scott C. Erb, Mark M. Erb
  • Patent number: 7850239
    Abstract: A chair to minimize muscle strain as a person sits in or rises providing an identical pair of elongated parallelepiped back frames having a vertically extending upper portion, a rearwardly extending lower portion with a parallelepiped connection member extending perpendicularly therebetween to connect the back frames. A parallelepiped crossbar extends between a pair of front legs. A spring assembly having a parallelepiped upper mount member, a parallelepiped lower mount member, and a single coil spring therebetween is secured to the lower edge of the back frame lower portion. The selective placement of a user's weight upon the seat positions the spring into either a compressed state, wherein the seat is parallel to a floor surface, or an uncompressed state, wherein the seat is at an angle to the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Harry Still