Patents Issued in February 1, 2011
  • Patent number: 7878072
    Abstract: A measurement device comprises: a container 1 including an aperture 6a; a lining 2 applied to an inner surface of the container 1; an electrode 3 provided in the aperture, and a spring 7 biasing the electrode 3 in a direction from the inside to the outside of the container 1. The electrode 3 includes: an electrode head 3a; an anchor 4 formed on an outer peripheral portion of the electrode head 3a; an electrode shaft 3b formed integrally with the electrode head 3a; and an electrode tapered portion 5 tapered with its diameter gradually reduced from the anchor 4 to the electrode shaft so as to fit in the aperture. The electrode 3 is inserted from the inside of the container 1 so as to expose a part of the electrode shaft 3b out of the container 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takuya Iijima
  • Patent number: 7878073
    Abstract: The measuring system is inserted into the course of a process line and serves for registering at least one measured variable of a medium flowing in the process line. The measuring system includes for such purpose a measuring transducer having a measuring tube serving for conveying medium being measured and a sensor arrangement, which has at least one sensor element reacting primarily to the measured variable to be registered, and which delivers by means of at least one sensor element at least one measurement signal influenced by the measured variable. Further, the measuring system includes a measuring electronics communicating with the measuring transducer and using the at least one measurement signal for producing, at least at times, at least one measured value instantaneously representing the measured variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Rainer Hoecker
  • Patent number: 7878074
    Abstract: A differential pressure sensor positioned adjacent a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber separated by a nozzle. Flow in a conduit is determined by detecting the pressure on either side of a nozzle. Changes in pressure are proportional to a change in flow. An integrated differential pressure sensor having different pressure detecting portions with strain gauges thereon detects differences in deflection of each pressure sensor portion resulting from change in fluid flow. A bridge circuit detects changes in the signals from the two different pressure sensor portions creating a differential which is proportional to a change in liquid flow. The present invention reduces the need for calibration of pressure sensors and improves the detection of fluid flow. The present invention has many applications and can detect small changes in fluid flow and is particularly applicable to the medical field where in many procedures, small fluid flows must be measured or determined accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Strain Measurement Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Shapiro
  • Patent number: 7878075
    Abstract: Disclosed is a robust tactile sensor array that mimics the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are similar to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. It uses the deformable properties of the finger pad as part of the transduction process. Multiple electrodes are mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes containing information about those forces and the objects that applied them. Strategies for extracting features related to the mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Roland S. Johansson, Gerald E. Loeb, Nicholas Wettels, Djordje Popovic, Veronica J. Santos
  • Patent number: 7878076
    Abstract: A torque tool for measuring and/or cut-off tightening of a torque on a workpiece. The torque tool is provided within a housing with a handle. The torque to be measured is transmitted with a rod. A measuring element electronically detects the actual torque. A measure- and control electronics for processing the torque detected in such a way. The electronic measure and control electronics controls a cut-off switch for cutting-off the torque tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Eduard Wille GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Lucke, Joachim Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7878077
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring mechanical quantities, in particular for detecting tensile forces, thrust forces and bending deformations, as well as to a method for measuring mechanical quantities and to the use of a device for measuring mechanical quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Scheidl, Josef Schmid, Axel Burkhardt, Klaus Schneider
  • Patent number: 7878078
    Abstract: A device (1) for sampling particle contaminants is described. It may be adapted to a multitude of closed enclosures and with it, contaminants and/or pollutants present in the atmosphere of the enclosure may be recovered at a surface. With this sampling method, it is possible to obtain specific information as regards their behavior. In particular, the sampling device (1) comprises a support (2) on which suitable substrates (6) may be positioned, with which samples may be collected. The device (1) is conformed so as to confine the taken samples until the site of the analysis in order to further increase the specificity of the measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Isabelle Tovena-Pecault, Patrick Manac'h, Stéphanie Palmier
  • Patent number: 7878079
    Abstract: A sampling port includes an elongated flexible support tube having an interior surface bounding a first passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first passageway being closed at the first end of the support tube and open at the second end of the support tube. An elongated flexible sampling tube has an interior surface bounding a second passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the second passageway being open at the first end of the sampling tube, at least a portion of the sampling tube adjacently extending along the length of the support tube and being connected to the support tube. A flange encircles and radially outwardly projecting from the support tube and the sampling tube at a location spaced apart from the first end of the support tube and the first end of the sampling tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: HyClone Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 7878080
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a position of the vertebral column of a dummy model for estimating the feeling of sitting in a seat almost exactly mimics the characteristics of the vertebral joints of a human being. The apparatus comprises a pelvic plate; a plurality of lumbar joints, stacked on the pelvic plate so as to be spaced apart from each other, and having joint springs installed in front and rear portions thereof centered around a rotation center interconnecting two adjacent ones thereof; femur joints rotatably installed below the pelvic plate, and connected with one end of each femur bar; and pelvic pivoting members transmitting rotating force of the femur joints, which is caused by vertical pivoting of the femur bars, to the pelvic plate, and changing a vertical angle of the pelvic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Su Hwan Hwang, Seok Hwan Kim, Hyung Yun Choi, In Bae Chang, Kyung Min Kim
  • Patent number: 7878081
    Abstract: A portable, refrigerant recovery unit for transferring refrigerant from a refrigeration system to a storage tank. The recovery unit includes two, opposed piston heads rigidly attached to respective piston rods that extend along a common fixed axis. The piston rods are rigidly attached to the yoke member of a scotch yoke arrangement. In operation, incoming refrigerant from the system is simultaneously and continuously directed to the opposing piston heads wherein the forces of the pressurized refrigerant on them counterbalance or neutralize one another. The scotch yoke arrangement includes a two-piece slide mechanism mounted about a cylindrical crank pin and a single piston embodiment is additionally disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory S Sundheim
  • Patent number: 7878082
    Abstract: A sliding device is provided in which a ball-nut screw system is disposed in a relation lying out of a guide rail and extending by the side of and in parallel juxtaposition with the guide rail, thereby making it possible to reduce the sliding device in the overall height. The ball-nut lead screw system may be easily mounted and/or demounted from the sliding device and easily made varied depending on design considerations. The sliding device includes the lead screw carried for rotation by bracket bearings in a way lying out of a guide rail in a way extending by the side of and in parallel juxtaposition with the guide rail, and a ball nut mounted to a slide table. The lead screw is actuated by a motor carried in a bracket bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuki Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 7878083
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission has a housing, a drive shaft arrangement, an output shaft and a countershaft. A plurality of gear sets is supported on the drive shaft arrangement and the countershaft, respectively. The gear sets are shifted by means of respective shifting clutches in order to engage different gears. The countershaft is connected to the output shaft via a constant output gear set. The gear sets are divided between two gear trains. A first forward gear and a reverse gear are each assigned to a different gear train. The gear set for the reverse gear is driven via an auxiliary shaft, which is in turn driven via a specific gear set. The specific gear set is assigned to the same gear train as the reverse gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe-und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Oliver Nicklass, Andreas Mueller
  • Patent number: 7878084
    Abstract: A method for determining the position of a shifting element (11), for example of a sliding sleeve in an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, with the element actuated by way an actuating element, for example comprising a shifting rod (8) and a shifting fork (10), via an operating element (1). From the actuating pressure and/or the shifting force of the operating element, deformation of the actuating element, for example the shifting rod (8) and/or the shifting fork (10), is determined which result in the position of the shifting element being determined with greater precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Rainer Petzold, Robert Ingenbleek, Mario Steinborn
  • Patent number: 7878085
    Abstract: A power unit includes a shaft member rotatably supported by the crankcase and a torsional coil spring, disposed at one end of the shaft member, biasing a swing arm in one rotational direction. An oil strainer is fixed to the crankcase through a strainer support bracket extending vertically relative to a strainer element. The torsional coil spring includes a coil portion wound around the shaft member, one end portion retained on the side of the shaft member, and the other end portion retained by a retaining portion formed integrally with the strainer support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Keyaki, Toru Nishi, Eiichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7878086
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a lock comprises a linear-moving sleeve (1), a conversion spring (2) and a rotating transmission component (3). The rotating component (3) is inserted into the linear-moving sleeve (1) that moves along the rotating component (3) in an axial direction. The conversion spring (2) is fitted onto the rotating component (3). The linear-moving sleeve (1) has symmetric protrusions (11). The rotating component (3) comprises an end (4) and a rotating bolt (5). The rotating bolt (5) is plugged into the clipping end (4). The conversion spring (2) has two curved ends (21) which are inserted into the groove (51) of the rotating bolt (5). The conversion spring (2) rotates in conjunction with the rotating of the rotating bolt (5) and the rotation movement is converted to linear movement along the rotating bolt (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Yu Min
  • Patent number: 7878087
    Abstract: A selector device for an automated or automatic transmission, in particular of a motor vehicle, has a selector lever for selecting automatic shift stages and gears of the transmission. It being possible to move the selector lever from a stable initial position into a plurality of directly adjacent labile selector positions for selecting the automatic shift stages and the gears, from which labile selector positions, the selector lever automatically returns into the initial position. The selector device further has a display for visualizing the currently engaged gear and/or the currently activated automatic shift stage. To increase operating comfort, the selector lever can also be moved from the initial position into a stable rest position, from which the selector lever can be moved only in the direction of the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dr Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Sickart
  • Patent number: 7878088
    Abstract: A sealing device provided to a joint section of a robot. The sealing device includes overlapped seal portions having a multi-stage configuration, provided for a driving mechanism incorporated into the joint section. The overlapped seal portions include a first seal portion including a first contact seal element sealing a first inter-member gap defined adjacent to a lubricant retaining section provided in the driving mechanism; and a second seal portion arranged outside the first seal portion and including a second contact seal element sealing a second inter-member gap defined in a circumferential wall of the joint section, the circumferential wall defining an accommodation space for accommodating the driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Toshinari Tamura, Hidenori Kurebayashi, Atsushi Aizawa, Yasuyoshi Tanaka, Katsumi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7878089
    Abstract: A trigger shifter for operating a bicycle gear change device that includes a housing mountable to handlebar, a cable spool for pulling and releasing a control cable connected to the gear change device, a pull lever mechanism and a release lever mechanism. The pull lever mechanism includes a pull lever rotatable about a first axis defining a first plane of motion perpendicular to the first axis. The release lever mechanism includes a release lever rotatable about a second axis defining a second plane of motion perpendicular to the second axis. The first and second planes of motion form an angle therebetween in the range of 20 to 70 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Scott McLaughlin, Martin Weiss, Robert Bohm
  • Patent number: 7878090
    Abstract: A handheld power tool, in particular a power drill or power screwdriver, has a tool holder, which is displaceably received in a housing and which can be driven via a drive unit; a microswitch that can switch the drive unit on and off is provided, which is switchable upon an axial displacement motion of the tool holder via an actuating element. The actuating element is joined axially solidly to the tool holder, so that the axial displacement motion of the tool holder at the same time acts as the displacement motion of the actuating element, which motion actuates the microswitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Leupert
  • Patent number: 7878091
    Abstract: A screwdriving tool includes a gear head and a drive arm. The gear head forms a gear housing, in which a free wheel or ratchet gear having an output rotational axis is arranged. A front side of the gear head includes an output coupling, in the shape of a polygon. The drive arm can be pivoted about a pivot axis, which is substantially transverse to the output rotational axis, from a quick-action screwdriver position, in which the drive arm is in the output rotational axis, into a power-action screwdriver position, in which the drive arm extends substantially transversely to the output rotational axis and can be fixed in both pivot positions by detents. The detents can be moved from a detent position into a release position by means of an actuating member associated with the drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Abel, Andre Mueller, Oliver Pistor, Martin Strauch
  • Patent number: 7878092
    Abstract: A grasping tool for obtaining a firm grasp on a nut or other fastener structure that may be deformed in size or shape by time and damage. The tool includes a series of elongated fingers arranged radially in a group and mounted for longitudinal movement in a sleeve. A nut or other fastener to be removed is placed between ends of the fingers extending from the sleeve. As the sleeve is moved toward the nut or other fastener the wall of the sleeve pushes the ends of the fingers inward, to grasp firmly the nut or other fastener to be removed. Various structures and methods may be used to move the sleeve over the fingers and to rotate the grasping tool once attached firmly to the nut or other structure to remove the nut or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Eby, Eric H. Eby
  • Patent number: 7878093
    Abstract: A rotator socket for use with a handheld power drill suitable to install a cup hook, the cup hook characterized by a rounded hook portion having wideness and a semi-spherical flange, comprised of a shank; a body; a slot; a depression and a resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Steven A. Peterman
  • Patent number: 7878094
    Abstract: A tool includes a working tool portion and an extendable handle joined with the working tool portion. The extendable handle includes a shaft, a tube, and an anti-rotation member that is unbiased so as to prevent, during application of relative rotational force between the shaft and tube, relative rotation between the shaft and tube and to prevent removal of a portion of the anti-rotation member from an axially arranged groove. A lock device is movable from a first position to a second position wherein when the lock device is in the first position the tube is prevented from moving axially relative to the shaft and wherein when the lock device is in the second position the tube can be moved axially relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventor: Shu-Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 7878095
    Abstract: A reciprocatable open end wrench comprises a swing member allowing to slide relative to a concave arcuate surface of a second jaw, the radius of a convex arcuate surface of the swing member is equal to that of a concave arcuate surface of the second jaw, and between the concave arcuate surface and the convex arcuate surface is provided with an engagement structure having a slot member and a peripheral protrusion so as to engage with each other. Besides, the reciprocatable open end wrench further includes a stop portion for resisting against the torque of the swing member, thereby enhancing the strength and preventing the related components to be damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Proxene Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Arthur Wu
  • Patent number: 7878096
    Abstract: A variable position nozzle assembly for a milling or grinding machine where a nozzle is positioned to target coolant to the cutting area of a chosen tool. Each tool may have a different length or cutting or grinding surface width. The CNC program that directs tool motion and tool changes, re-aims the variable position nozzle assembly based on a chosen tool and the dynamic position of the tool as it traverses a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Anton G. Banks
  • Patent number: 7878097
    Abstract: A cutting head attached to a powered rotary weed cutting machine has a generally cylindrical structure containing a plurality of cutting blades. The cylindrical structure has upper and lower portions which may be rotated with respect to one another to expose each entire cutting blade for replacement when required. A lock may be included to ensure that the upper portion does not open until desired by including a rigid plate or arm that, in a first position, extends through portions of both the upper portion and the lower portion to lock them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Gordon Strader
  • Patent number: 7878098
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a roll of material includes an elongated blade having a distal end, a cutting guide attached to the elongated blade and positioned to direct the distal end of the elongated blade towards the roll of material, and a support position to hold the roll of material approximate to the elongated blade. A method for cutting a roll of material having an axis and a circumference includes radially cutting the roll of material from the circumference to the axis by advancing the distal end of an elongated blade, then rotating the elongated blade relative the axis to cut the roll of material. Alternately, the method teaches rotating the roll of material relative to the axis to cut the roll of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: P&M Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcus T. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7878099
    Abstract: A rotary cutting unit for trimming sheet material has a support plate for receiving the sheet material. The rotary cutting device having a guide bar with a displaceably guided knife carriage. A rotary knife is rotatably mounted on the knife carriage. The guide bar is guided between an initial raised position and a lowered clamping position. The guide bar includes a clamping surface for contact against sheet material. The guide bar has a force impinged upon it by a spring device, in the direction toward the initial position. An actuation device moves the guide bar out of the initial position into the clamping position. The guide bar is clamped in vertically movable fashion between the spring device and a further spring device. The second spring device has a spring action directed oppositely to the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Monolith GmbH Burosysteme
    Inventor: Bernd Loibl
  • Patent number: 7878100
    Abstract: An apparatus useful in the removal of toxic materials from toxic weapon projectiles has a base, a projectile retaining container and a ram. The projectile retaining container has a projectile retainer opening, a ram opening and a drain opening. The projectile retaining container is adapted to retain a toxic weapon projectile in the projectile retainer opening. The ram is adapted to extend into a toxic weapon projectile disposed within the projectile retaining container to crush the projectile's burster well and to thereby release toxic materials to the drain opening in the projectile retaining container. The ram alternatively includes high pressure water nozzles for breaking up any coagulant particles and for thoroughly rinsing the interior side walls of the toxic weapon projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Parsons Corporation
    Inventor: James Osterloh
  • Patent number: 7878101
    Abstract: A weapon system, especially for a ship, having a rocket launcher and an ammunition compartment for storing rocket containers designed to each accommodate at least one rocket. Disposed in the ammunition compartment is a guide mechanism on which at least two ammunition carriages, designed to accommodate the rocket containers, are displaceably disposed, whereby they can be shifted out of a parked position into a loading position in which the rocket container is disposed essentially below a slide-in structure of the rocket launcher. Securing mechanisms are provided for securing the ammunition carriages in place on the guide mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Heldmann, Siegfried Süss, Georg Scheidemann
  • Patent number: 7878102
    Abstract: A revolver for firing high velocity ammunition includes a frame, a cylinder, a barrel, and a firing mechanism. The revolver may include one or more of the following, each of which is especially adapted for use in the context of firing high velocity ammunition: spacers for adjusting a barrel-cylinder gap, for eliminating broaching of the rearward surface(s) of the barrel; a forcing cone formed in the rearward opening of the barrel for accommodating deformed projectiles; a reflective surface (e.g., mirrored surface) provided on the cone and/or barrel rearward surfaces, for reducing erosion resulting from using high velocity ammunition; gain-twist rifling in the barrel for a smoother transition to full projectile velocity; a larger diameter, hardened firing pin bushing for minimizing brass flow in the rearward direction; and a front sight assembly that minimizes lateral shift or drift of the sight pin during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventors: Jason Robert Dubois, Simon Micheal Muska, Gary E. Zukowski, John W. Avedisian, Brett Curry
  • Patent number: 7878103
    Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, a method to mitigate a blast wave includes detecting an imminent explosion that produces a blast wave. In response to this detection, the energy of a portion of this blast wave may be reduced by deploying a fluid in the path of the blast wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Imholt, Alexander F. St. Claire
  • Patent number: 7878104
    Abstract: A kit for fitting a vehicle with protective armor includes an armored floor panel configured to be installed to a frame of the vehicle below an occupant compartment of the vehicle, and an armored shell configured to be received over an outer body of a cab of the vehicle. The armored shell may be removed to return the vehicle to its original, non-armored condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Armor Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronan Floch
  • Patent number: 7878105
    Abstract: Recoil mitigating devices and methods for use with projectile firing systems such as a disrupter mounted to a robotic arm. A pair of parallel spring provides dampening of axial recoil movement of the disrupter relative to the robotic arm. Forward ends of the springs are attachable to the barrel of the disrupter while rearward portions of the springs are attachable to the robotic arm by a robot mount block. The robot mount block at least partially encloses the barrel of the disrupter in connecting the parallel springs and permits axial movement of the disrupter along or through the mount during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Grinnell More
  • Patent number: 7878106
    Abstract: A firing control mechanism for an air-soft toy gun is disclosed for enabling a user to rotate a switch in selecting a single shot, 3-shot continuous firing, multi-shot continuous firing or safety lock mode, having a ratchet wheel pivotally mounted on an axle of the hammer thereof, which ratchet having two shadow teeth and one deep tooth arranged in a series around the periphery at one side and sloping teeth arranged around the periphery at an opposite side. The hammer has a stop rod meshed with one sloping tooth of the ratchet wheel. During a continuous 3-shot firing action, the ratchet wheel is rotated following down stroke of the hammer, and a pawl is meshed with one shadow tooth or the deep tooth, and the stop rod of the hammer is shifted into mesh with a next sloping tooth of the ratchet wheel to prohibit reverse rotation of the ratchet wheel when the hammer is returned after a firing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Shih-Che Hu
  • Patent number: 7878107
    Abstract: A locking and recocking assembly with swivel breech-lock and rotating locking head particularly designed for inertially-actuated weapons, which combines in a single assembly all the functions for locking, opening, case ejection and recocking with locking return, required for correct operation of the weapon; those functions were, until now assigned to various components variously assembled on the weapon. The locking and recocking assembly with swivel breech-lock and rotating locking head has the entire mass, required for inertial operation, concentrated in the swivel breech-lock, which is accommodated completely within the supporting structure of the weapon, such as the sheath or barrel extension or breech of the weapon. All this leads to better balancing and stability of the weapon, higher reliability in operation, greater constructive simplicity and ease of assembly and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Benelli Armi, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Moretti
  • Patent number: 7878108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable packaging, for the distribution of at least one nutritional preparation, based on a nutritional liquid, comprising at least one closed chamber, containing the nutritional liquid, with means for housing a sub-assembly for aspiration and mixing of the venturi type and means for sealing the package. The invention is particularly characterized by a duct, passing through the base seal, said duct provided for a venturi nozzle which permits the extraction of the nutritional liquid inside the packaging by piercing or removal of the seal. The invention is particularly of application to the production of hot and/or emulsified drinks of the cappuccino type or similar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Elmar Mock, André Klopfenstein, Emmanuel Simont-Vermot
  • Patent number: 7878109
    Abstract: A dual-sided cooking device is provided that determines whether the upper and lower cooking platens are substantially parallel to each other when in a cooking position. In addition, the method and device in accordance with the invention are capable of identifying a type of food item placed on a lower cooking platen of a two-sided cooking grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Manuel Calzada, Ron Dorsten, Mike Zagorski
  • Patent number: 7878110
    Abstract: An apparatus which serves as a single utensil allowing to gradually adjust vapor escape, liquid drainage speed, and particle drainage and filtering. A few of the apparatus applications are cooking utensils, pitchers, drinking cups, gardening watering and fertilizing cans, etc. The apparatus comprises a vessel having pouring regions and a lid having draining and solid regions. In use, the solid regions of the lid must be aligned with the vessel pouring regions, which is the non-straining or opened position with no vapor release. If the lid is rotated in either direction, it slides into a locking engagement with the vessel until the desired draining regions of the lid are aligned with the vessel pouring regions. This is the straining or locked position where a desirable degree of steam or liquid and particles can be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Alisa Michnik, Yefim Michnik
  • Patent number: 7878111
    Abstract: An oven is used for cooking food and comprises an enclosure having a floor, a ceiling, a back wall, and a pair of side walls. A heating element is disposed on the back wall at a distance from the floor and the ceiling and a shield is disposed between the back wall and the heating element. The shield is configured to receive radiant heat from the heating element and to re-radiate lower frequency radiant heat towards the food. The enclosure may further comprise a door and the side walls may be double paneled. A radial fan is coupled to one of the side walls to pull hot air from inside the enclosure and cooler air from outside the enclosure. The hot and cool air are mixed within a space defined by the double paneled side wall and is directed out over the exterior of the door to cool the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ronco Acquisition Corporation
    Inventors: Alan L. Backus, Ron Popeil
  • Patent number: 7878112
    Abstract: Apparatus is described for storing sensitive materials in containers (32) which are sealed and in which the internal atmosphere may be purged by flushing with an inert gas fed in from a purger unit (30) via a suitable feed lead (35). The gas exhausted from inside the container (32) is fed back into the purge unit (30) and then checked against a desired parameter, for example oxygen concentration, until the value of that parameter reaches a desired level. Purging may then be stopped and the container left sealed, preferably at a slight over pressure relative to the ambient atmosphere. The use of a separate purge unit enables many containers to be sequentially and effectively processed. The containers are particularly useful for storing sensitive chemical and biological samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Roylan Developments Limited
    Inventor: Stuart Naylor
  • Patent number: 7878113
    Abstract: A juice extractor may include a drive housing and a drive shaft extending outwardly therefrom to a juice extraction area. The juice extractor may further include a shaft seal that, in turn, includes a seal housing and at least one positioning ring contained within the seal housing and surrounding a corresponding drive shaft. The seal may also include at least one sealing ring contained within the seal housing adjacent the at least one positioning ring and surrounding the corresponding drive shaft. The at least one positioning ring may be radially spaced from the corresponding drive shaft when the corresponding drive shaft is aligned along the seal axis, and the at least one sealing ring may sealingly engage the corresponding drive shaft and be radially spaced from adjacent portions of the seal housing when the corresponding drive shaft is aligned along the seal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Suter, Scott Jackson
  • Patent number: 7878114
    Abstract: A procedure and system for unloading a compacted cotton module from an on-board module builder of a cotton harvester, which in an automatic mode utilizes a controller to automatically monitor ground speed and operate unloading apparatus at a synchronized ratio to ground speed, for maintaining integrity and shape of the module, and which is quickly and easily switchable between the automatic mode and a manual mode that allows an operator to position and operate the unloading apparatus independent of ground speed for purposes such as placing the module at a precise location such as next to an already unloaded module or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Richman, Justin R. Ringwald, Frank C. Dupire
  • Patent number: 7878115
    Abstract: A line-pattern formation apparatus includes: a pattern former with a display defining a pattern and a referential projection indicating a reference position of the pattern; a positioning plate including a line-pattern indicator indicating a plurality of patterns in a lateral condition and a reference-positioning indicator specifying the reference position of the patterns; and a positioner including a stand on which a sheet is placed and a fixing member for fixing the sheet placed on the stand. The fixing member is provided with fitting portions for making the positioning plate detachably attached to the fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Carl Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayano Yamashita, Naoki Ozawa, Hiroyuki Urabe, Emiko Nakasato
  • Patent number: 7878116
    Abstract: A stencil printer apparatus is provided. The stencil printer apparatus may include a stencil, a material applicator to apply material on the stencil, a supply roller configured to receive a roll of web-material, the supply roller comprising a first shaft, a take-up roller to receive a roll of web-material, the take-up roller comprising a second shaft, at least one spring-loaded protrusion element associated with one of the first shaft and the second shaft, and a drive configured to move web-material across the stencil between the supply roller and the take-up roller, and a frame to support the supply roller, the take-up roller and the drive. The at least one spring-loaded protrusion element may be configured and arranged on the at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft to resiliently engage at least one web-material core around which web-material may be disposed. Other embodiments and methods ate provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Barboza, James Lynch, Mark E. Rossmeisl
  • Patent number: 7878117
    Abstract: A stencil printing apparatus with a plate-making device has first control means for executing a special plate-making mode for performing a plate-making operation so that perforated holes to be formed in a film of a master by heating and driving with regard to odd bits corresponding to odd-numbered heat generators and even bits corresponding to even-numbered heat generators are formed in different lines running in the main scanning direction, and so that the perforated holes to be formed on the film by heating and driving with regard to the odd bits and the even bits adjacent to each other are not arranged adjacent to each other in the same line in the main scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tohoku Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Katoh, Kengo Tsubaki
  • Patent number: 7878118
    Abstract: A registration system for a rotary press including circumferential and sidelay registers designed to interface to the press unit using more direct motion translation. In particular, to go from rotational motion of a motor to linear motion of the adjustment with fewer transitions. Also discussed are measurement systems which measure the adjustments made to the plate cylinder more directly by measuring the linear movement of components acting on the cylinder as opposed to the movement of the motor or power source of the registration system. These systems can provide for more accurate movement to the various elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Pressline Services
    Inventors: Michael Hart, Carlos F. Noa, Greg Tabor
  • Patent number: 7878119
    Abstract: A perforating charge for use in a wellbore includes an explosive and a liner to be collapsed by detonation of the explosive. The liner includes at least a first liner portion and a second liner portion which have different cohesiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brenden M. Grove, Andrew T. Werner, Philip Kneisll
  • Patent number: 7878120
    Abstract: A cartridge includes a cartridge case base having a bottom surface, a primer and an annular recess formed in the bottom surface, the annular recess being concentric with the primer; first and second concentric conductive rings disposed in the annular recess, the first and second rings being radially spaced apart and substantially flush with the bottom surface of the cartridge case base, the first and second rings being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base and the primer; a first data pin electrically connected to the first conductive ring and extending into an interior of the cartridge case base; and a second data pin electrically connected to the second conductive ring and extending into the interior of the cartridge case base, the first and second data pins being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert Nodarse, Anthony Vella, Thomas V. Louzeiro, David P. Fairman, Jr., Steven Pigliavento, Jessica M. Monahan, Amy Lynn Mera
  • Patent number: 7878121
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a penetration assistance kit fitted to a bomb, notably an anti-infrastructure bomb. The kit includes launch tubes mechanically secured to the bomb. In each of the launch tubes is positioned a detonating projectile and its propulsive charge. A detonating projectile can be ejected from its tube by initiation of its propulsive charge. A system is provided for controlling the initiation of each propulsive charge prior to impact of the bomb with a target. The invention applies notably to the penetration of very thick walls made of non-metallic material such as concrete, for example. The invention also relates to a penetrating projectile equipped with such a kit and to a method of getting such a projectile to penetrate a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TDA Armements S.A.S.
    Inventors: Denis Salignon, Didier Creusot