Patents Issued in February 1, 2011
  • Patent number: 7878524
    Abstract: A gooseneck trailer hitch assembly convertible to a lifting boom is disclosed. The gooseneck assembly is convertible between a tow configuration and a boom configuration. The gooseneck trailer hitch assembly comprises a base mount configured to mount on a trailer, a stanchion structure extending upwardly from the base mount, and a boom structure mounted on the stanchion structure above the base mount. The boom structure is movable between a tow configuration in which the boom structure functions as a gooseneck for a hitch and a boom configuration in which the boom structure functions as a lifting boom. A trailer system includes a trailer and a gooseneck trailer hitch assembly convertible between a tow configuration and a boom configuration mounted on the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Craig Robert Hemmingsen
  • Patent number: 7878525
    Abstract: A precision, light weight, high strength hitch for coupling a trailer or other vehicle to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes a mounting ball attached to a portion of the trailer or other vehicle and a ball socket attached to the towing vehicle. The mounting ball and the ball socket have compatible surfaces that permit seating of the two components regardless of the axial, transverse or longitudinal angular or rotational orientation of the two vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: John I. Andersen
  • Patent number: 7878526
    Abstract: A trailer hitch pin of the present disclosure has a magnet disposed on an end of a shaft for coupling the shaft to an opening in a trailer hitch, the shaft for insertion into the opening to retain the trailer hitch in a receptacle coupled to a vehicle. In addition, the trailer hitch pin has a lever pivotally attached to the shaft for disengaging the magnet and decoupling the shaft from the opening to remove the trailer hitch from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: James K. Jantzen
  • Patent number: 7878527
    Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible frame (1;31;51) for a pushchair, comprising a chassis (4; 34; 54) with several wheels (2, 3; 32, 33; 52, 53, 53?), a frame (5; 35; 55), supporting the body (6), in particular a seat, shell, pouch or similar for a child, and a folding mechanism (7; 37; 57), arranged between the same, to change the separation of the support frame (5; 35; 55) of the body (6) from the chassis 4; 34; 54), whereby the folding mechanism (7; 37; 57) comprises at least two parallel arms (18, 19; 40, 41; 66, 67), connected in the style of a parallelogram link to the chassis (4; 34; 54) at one side and the to the support frame (5; 35; 55) on the other side. According to the invention, the connecting line between the joints points (39: 65) of both arms (18, 19; 40, 41; 66, 67) of a pair on the chassis (4; 34; 54) include a greater angle with the horizontal contact plane of the wheels (2, 3; 32, 33; 52, 53, 53?) than with the verticals running perpendicular to that plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Endepro GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Popp
  • Patent number: 7878528
    Abstract: A hinge for an airbag flap in a motor vehicle. The hinge is formed of a knitted fabric which is connected in a form-fitting manner both to the airbag flap and to regions surrounding the airbag flap. The knitted fabric has a plurality of inlaid or standing yarns arranged at an angle of at least 15° in relation to the longitudinal extension of the hinge-side edge of the airbag flap. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing the hinge is provided where the knitted fabric is arranged in relation to the airbag flap and also the regions surrounding the airbag flap in such a manner that the inlaid or standing yarns are arranged at an angle of at least 15° in relation to the longitudinal extension of the hinge-side edge of the airbag flap. The knitted fabric and at least parts of both the airbag flap and the regions surrounding the airbag flap are sheathed with plastic material so as to form a form-fitting connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Felix Dorn
  • Patent number: 7878529
    Abstract: An occupant protection device is applied to a vehicle including a front seat and a rear seat, and includes a first protection device and a second protection device. The first protection device includes a first gas generator and a first side airbag, which is inflated and deployed between an occupant seated in the front seat and a side portion of the vehicle by gas generated by the first gas generator. The second protection device includes a second gas generator and a second side airbag, which is inflated and deployed between an occupant seated in the rear seat and a side portion of the vehicle by gas generated by the second gas generator. The thickness of the inflated second side airbag in the vehicle width direction is set greater than the thickness of the inflated first side airbag in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Sato, Toshinori Tanase, Tomonori Miyatake, Kenichi Asano, Naomi Fukushima
  • Patent number: 7878530
    Abstract: A rear-impact airbag apparatus for use in a vehicle has an inflator and an airbag accommodated in an accommodation portion formed in the roof of the vehicle. When supplied with gas from the inflator, the airbag pops out of the accommodation portion and is inflated and deployed. A lateral inflatable cell and a pair of left and right vertical inflatable cells are defined in the airbag. The lateral inflatable cell guides gas from the inflator to flow outward in the vehicle width direction. Each vertical inflatable cell guides gas flowing therein from a corresponding end of the lateral inflatable cell to flow substantially downward. The gas flowing path cross-sectional area of a boundary between the lateral inflatable cell and each vertical inflatable cell is larger than the gas flowing path cross-sectional area of the lateral inflatable cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Mizuno, Takashi Iida
  • Patent number: 7878531
    Abstract: To provide a seat device that can provide a smooth and stable deployment performance of an airbag. A seat device includes a backrest 1B, an airbag 11, and an upper guide member 41 and a lower guide member 42. The backrest 1B includes a tear line at an upper portion thereof. The airbag 11 is formed of a bag member, in which base cloths are joined to each other, and is provided in an interior of the backrest 1B so that, during inflation, the airbag 11 cleaves the tear line 44 and is deployed to an upper side of the head of an occupant. The upper guide member 41 and the lower guide member 42 are provided in the interior of the backrest 1B so as to guide a deployment direction of the airbag 11 towards the vicinity of the tear line 44 while restricting the deployment direction during the inflation of the airbag 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7878532
    Abstract: A knee-protecting airbag apparatus is mountable on a door of a glove box that has a box body provided with an opening at the rear and the door. The airbag apparatus includes an airbag, a generally columnar inflator housed in the airbag, a case housing the airbag and inflator, and an airbag cover constituting a rear face of the glove box door and being openable at airbag deployment. The inflator includes a body that discharges inflation gas and a fixing section that secures the body and the airbag to the case. The fixing section includes a projecting portion and the projecting portion extends at an upward or downward angle to the thickness direction of the glove box door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Kazuaki Bito
  • Patent number: 7878533
    Abstract: There is provided an airbag device for allowing a holding member to firmly hold an outer circumference part and a peripheral edge part of an airbag during the airbag assembling work and to reduce the assembling work time. The airbag device comprising a holding member (14) for holding an airbag (10) in a state as folded and contained therein, and pressing down a side face of the airbag (10) on the outer circumference thereof. The holding member (14) is made of a woven cloth, and an anticipated rupture part (14k) to be ruptured by a gas generated from an inflator (30) is formed at the position corresponding to the part of the airbag (10), inflating in the initial stage of the expansion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Shimazaki, Seiichiro Kamura, Kou Sasaki, Hiroyuki Taniyama
  • Patent number: 7878534
    Abstract: A passenger airbag apparatus for a vehicle includes a retainer, an airbag folded and retained in the retainer, a deployment-limiting sheet, and a shape-retaining sheet. The deployment-limiting sheet has one end coupled to the retainer or the rear portion of the airbag, and extends toward the front portion of the airbag while being superposed on the airbag. The deployment-limiting sheet has a first folded part and extends along the rear portion of the airbag during inflation of the airbag. The first shape-retaining sheet is coupled to the retainer or the deployment-limiting sheet for retaining a shape of the folded airbag and a shape of the deployment-limiting sheet. The first shape-retaining sheet has a shape-retainment release portion for releasing a shape of the folded airbag by inflation of the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kumagai, Yasuhito Miyata
  • Patent number: 7878535
    Abstract: An adaptive valve for an airbag inflator having a manifold with an exhaust opening for fluid communication with an airbag. The adaptive valve is constructed for connection to a manifold so that it is in fluid communication therewith. The adaptive valve has an exhaust orifice and is constructed to selectively open the exhaust orifice to divert inflation gas away from an inflator manifold when it is connected thereto to lower the rate of inflation of an airbag in fluid communication with the exhaust opening of the manifold. The adaptive valve may have a valve member movably mounted therein for movement between a first position wherein it closes the exhaust orifice and a second position wherein it opens the exhaust orifice. An initiator is provided in the adaptive valve to generate sufficient gas pressure to move the valve member to the first or second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: ARC Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Rose, Cornelia Jane Quimby, Todd Steven Carlson, Stephen C. Gold
  • Patent number: 7878536
    Abstract: A gas generator comprising a housing having a mixing chamber and a pyrotechnic charge in the housing. A container having a liquid therein is disposed in the housing and has an open end and a closed end, with an end cap closing the open end and having a piston portion removably connected thereto and being movable within the liquid container to pressurize the liquid therein when the piston portion is separated from the end cap. The piston portion is positioned to be exposed to combustion gas from the pyrotechnic charge when it is ignited and is separable from the end cap when the combustion gas exceeds a predetermined pressure. In another embodiment, the liquid container may be a collapsible tube. The closed end of the liquid container has a weakened portion constructed to be opened when the pressure of the liquid in the container exceeds a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: ARC Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Rose, Lawrence Edward Herriford, Stephen Craig Gold, Brian Orgyle Thomas, Judah Lee Wilkins, Robb Calvin Isbell
  • Patent number: 7878537
    Abstract: An airbag with a venting assembly. An airbag can include a panel with at least one vent opening and a valve sheet with at least one vent opening and at least one tear tab. The panel and valve sheet can be arranged so that the vent openings of the panel and the vent openings of the valve sheet are configured to align with one another for a period of time during deployment of the airbag. The tear tabs can be configured to break during deployment of the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Paul G. Maertens
  • Patent number: 7878538
    Abstract: An airbag is constructed such that a gas-discharging amount from a venthole becomes largest when an occupant contacts a center portion, in the left and right direction, of an occupant-facing surface of the expanded airbag. In the airbag, a hanging strap couples a center portion of a front panel and a rear panel. A lid body covers an open-and-close venthole from outside the airbag, and the hanging strap is coupled by a tether. In a case that the airbag is expanded, the hanging strap and the tether are tensed, and the lid body is brought to a state to close the open-and-close venthole. A loosening amount of the hanging strap and the tether becomes largest when an occupant contacts the center portion of the front panel to retreat, and an opening amount of the open-and-close venthole also becomes largest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Abe, Masayoshi Kumagai
  • Patent number: 7878539
    Abstract: An airbag module includes a bag wrap, a retainer, an airbag, and an inflator to inflate the airbag. The airbag includes at least one vent hole, and a deployment control flap to change trajectory of the airbag such that the airbag will deploy upwards and laterally to left and right sides. The deployment control flap is fixed at both ends to the retainer, airbag, or bag wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Vivekananda Maripudi, Jaime Fermin Perez, Benjamin Aguilar, James Karlow, Nicole Wiggins, John Pilchowski, William B. Cox
  • Patent number: 7878540
    Abstract: In a knee protecting airbag device (M1), an airbag (26) folded and housed below a steering column (3) is expanded and inflated while rising from the lower side of the steering column (3) along a column cover lower surface (9a) during an inflation process. The shape of the airbag having completed the inflation is in a generally plate shape capable of covering at least the lower surface of the column cover. Even if the knee of the driver comes close to the column cover when the driver depressing a brake pedal, therefore, the airbag being expanded and inflated goes smoothly into the clearance between the knee of the driver and the column cover lower surface. The airbag having completed the expansion and inflation protects the knee of the driver properly so that the knee may not interfere with the column cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Takimoto, Toru Koyama, Yuji Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 7878541
    Abstract: An airbag module to protect the automobile occupant, which includes an inflatable bag (11) from the gas that is produced by a generator when a dangerous situation to the occupant is detected, which includes a number of internal straps (15, 17 and 19) with different lengths and with each having a predetermined resistance to traction, which are joined at their ends to two areas (21 and 23) of the bag (11), limiting its deployment in the direction of the occupant. The length and resistance to traction of these straps are calibrated so that they break in succession during the deployment of the bag (11) until it reaches the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dalphi Metal España S.A.
    Inventors: Alfonso Bustos García, Joana Francisca Tavares Da Silva Vinhas
  • Patent number: 7878542
    Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag, an adjusting unit capable of adjusting an aperture efficiency of at least one vent hole, a tether belt whose one end is connected to the adjusting unit, and a holding unit for hooking another end of the tether belt. In case where the inflating airbag needs to exert a small reactive force, the adjusting unit is made in a full-opened state at a development early stage with the other end being held by the holding unit and then made in a half-opened until a development final stage with the other end being kept held by the holding unit. In case where the inflating airbag needs to exert a large reactive force, the adjusting unit is made in a full-closed state from a development start to the development final stage with the other end being released from the holding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Unno, Aki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7878543
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism having a static plate and a dynamic plate rotatable about a transverse axis relative to the static plate is disclosed. The static plate defines a plurality of static lifting ramps, and the dynamic plate defines a plurality of dynamic lifting ramps opposing the static lifting ramps. A roller is disposed between each opposing pair of the static lifting ramps and dynamic lifting ramps. The rollers move between a raised position and a recessed position in response to rotation of the dynamic plate relative to the static plate between a lock position and a release position. The lifting ramps are arranged in a spiral configuration relative to each other, with the dynamic lifting ramps substantially transverse to the static lifting ramps to force radial movement of the rollers relative to the transverse axis during rotational movement of the dynamic plate relative to the static plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Joen C. Bodtker, Shawn Haring
  • Patent number: 7878544
    Abstract: A seal used in a vehicle steering assembly. The seal comprising a first member carried by a steering component, and a second member carried by a vehicle panel. When installing the steering component in the steering assembly, the first member mates with the second member to form at least one seal. A method is also provided for installing the seal in the vehicle steering assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Francisco Arce, Jeffrey Harrell, John W. Joyce
  • Patent number: 7878545
    Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC
    Inventors: John Mitchell Rhymer, Douglas M. Lantz, Scott J. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 7878546
    Abstract: A belt guide anchor is provided to improve handling operability of a seat belt even when a belt opening angle between a portion of the seat belt adjacent to a retractor and that adjacent to an occupant is increased. A belt guide anchor has a belt insertion hole into which a seat belt is fitted so as to be slidable and expanded portions formed on surfaces of the belt guide anchor facing the interior and exterior, respectively, of the vehicle adjacent to the belt insertion hole. In one form, a thin portion is formed in the expanded portion on the surface facing the interior of the vehicle at a position adjoining a part of the belt insertion hole facing the front side of the vehicle, and a thin part is formed in the expanded portion on the surface facing the exterior of the vehicle at a position adjoining a part of the belt insertion hole facing the rear side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Tabata, Tadashi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7878547
    Abstract: A seatbelt anchor assembly for a motor vehicle seatbelt restraint system. The anchor assembly includes an anchor and a separate ferrule component. The anchor forms an engagement for the seatbelt and has an extending plate end. The ferrule component is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle through various means such as cable or direct mechanical fastener attachment. The ferrule forms a U-shaped cross-section which engages with the anchor and interlocks with it. In one embodiment, a retaining clip is provided enabling the anchor and ferrule components to be assembled without tools. A pair of holes is provided to enable final connection to be provided through a threaded fastener. Features are provided to prevent to make it apparent that the components are improperly assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Dusina, Heidi L. Penrod, Ronald F. Rucins
  • Patent number: 7878548
    Abstract: A pretensioner for restraining an occupant with a seat belt by pulling the seat belt when an impact on a vehicle is generated. The pretensioner comprises a retaining ring having a ring to be in contact with an end of a seal member facing a protective member and a plurality of projections to be in press contact with the inner wall of a housing that project radially outwardly from the periphery of the ring, wherein the retaining ring is press fitted into the housing so that the seal member is fixed to the inner wall of the housing by the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Kohama
  • Patent number: 7878549
    Abstract: A method for embedding covert information on a printed substrate is provided. The method can include the steps of printing overt indicia on a substrate and generating a pattern of microtext representative of at least a portion of the overt indicia. Such microtext is capable of being printed in at least two distinct fonts, including a first font and a second font. The method can further include steps of varying the pattern of microtext such that at least one character of the pattern of microtext is configured to be printed in the first font and at least one character is configured to be printed in the second font, thereby providing a font variation which corresponds to a covert code, and printing the pattern of microtext which includes the font variation on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven J. Simske, David E. Auter, Andrew Fayette Page, Eddie A. Torres
  • Patent number: 7878550
    Abstract: An apparatus and a system for joining and sealing conduits are provided. The apparatus includes an edge trim positioned proximate to an end of a first conduit, and a sleeve positioned between the first conduit and a second conduit. The sleeve includes a flexible end positioned adjacent to the edge trim such that a portion of the flexible end of the sleeve overlies at least a portion of the edge trim, a semi-rigid end opposite the flexible end and positioned over at least a portion of the second conduit, and a flexible medial portion extending between the flexible end and the semi-rigid end. The apparatus also includes a retaining element configured to be secured over the flexible end of the sleeve such that a portion of the flexible end of the sleeve is sandwiched between the retaining element and the edge trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jayant D. Patel, Alfred R. Wiratunga, Clifford J. Petersen
  • Patent number: 7878551
    Abstract: A connection for sub-sea use employs locking dogs that are isolated from seawater and a backup system for operating the backup sleeve to the dogs. The normal actuation system for the backup sleeve is also isolated from seawater exposure. The set position of the backup sleeve is positively retained against the prospect of axial movement that could be triggered by transmitted vibration into the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund McHugh, Finbarr Evans, Declan Elliott
  • Patent number: 7878552
    Abstract: An insert coupling more preferably intended for use with fuel lines consists of a sleeve-like coupling body (2) and a tubular insert part (1) carrying a retaining rib (3) on the outside. Via a coupling element (22) axially fixed in the coupling body (2) on to which engagement hooks (4, 4?) are molded which are intended for engagement with the retaining rib (3), a ring shoulder (23) is formed at the same time which together with a ring shoulder (24) of the housing (8) of the coupling body (2) axially spaced from said ring shoulder and the radially spaced cylindrical faces of the housing (8) facing each other and the insert part (1) define a ring space (11) in which a sealing arrangement consisting of two sealing rings (5, 7) and a support ring (6) arranged in-between are accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: A. KAYSER Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Heiko Freter
  • Patent number: 7878553
    Abstract: A connection assembly for creating a releasable fluid seal connection between two or more sections of tubing includes a male fitting and a female fitting. Connection assemblies generally include the male fitting having a pair of clasps that releasably interact with corresponding catch structures on the female fitting. Interactions between the female and male fittings can be rotatable with respect to the male and/or female fittings. Buckle structures are also disclosed having connection capabilities for a plurality of sections of tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Value Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Clark Wicks, Bruce Alan Williams
  • Patent number: 7878554
    Abstract: An anchor washer for anchoring a first element and a second element in relative engagement, includes an annular portion from which there extends at least one tooth that is inclined relative to a central axis of the annular portion, the annular portion being designed for mounting on the first element, and the tooth having two side faces between which there extends a rubbing surface for being oriented substantially towards the second element, the surface being connected to the side faces via coupling portions, the tooth being shaped so that at least one of the coupling portions is set back from at least a portion of the surface so that the coupling portion is kept at a distance from the second element. A coupling device including such a washer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventor: Nicolas Le Bars
  • Patent number: 7878555
    Abstract: A coupling device for circular pipes, in which locking rings, inserted into a body to clamp a circular pipe, are arranged in a pair so that the central line of a circular pipe can be aligned when the circular pipe is inserted. Furthermore, the degree to which the body presses the seal packing can be adjusted so that a reliable seal can be maintained and the circular pipe can be securely coupled no matter who uses the coupling device. A coupling device for corrugated and circular pipes is provided for the case where it is more effective to replace one of the circular pipes with a corrugated pipe. The first coupling section and a connecting means, which can engage with a corrugated pipe, are provided opposite the second coupling section, which is coupled with the circular pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kofulso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Il Oh
  • Patent number: 7878556
    Abstract: A safety release adapter for making a sealed fluid connection with a male connector that is disconnected when a pulling force is applied between the adapter and the connector. The safety release adapter includes a base and a socket. The base receives and secures a first male connector. The socket includes a cavity with a lip at the distal end of the socket. The socket releasably secures a second male connector with the lip inside the socket opening engaging a neck of the second male connector. The first male connector extends into the socket in a sealed interface with the socket such that when the second male connector is secured in the socket with a sealed interface with the socket, the valve buttons of each connector are mutually depressed so the two connectors are in sealed fluid communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Adroit Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford E. Gammons
  • Patent number: 7878557
    Abstract: A knotter had a twine holder, a bill hook, an arm carrying a crotch and a cutter and a twine finger operated by a drive mechanism to form two knots consecutively, the first to tie together two runs of twine passed around a completed bale and the second to tie together two runs of twine drawn from respective supply rolls for the commencement of the next bale. The twine holder serves to grip the two runs of twine drawn from the supply rolls throughout the formation of the two knots. The bill hook serves to knot the runs of twine gripped by the holder. The cutter serves to sever the runs of twine between the holder and the bill hook. The crotch pushes the twine runs off the bill hook during the completion of each knot. The twine finger is pivotably mounted on the opposite side of the bill hook from the twine holder to bring the sections of the runs of twine to be knotted within the reach of the bill hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Kris Eylenbosch, Marnix J. Schoonheere
  • Patent number: 7878558
    Abstract: The present apparatus relates to a gate latch mechanism. The gate latch comprises at least two housings wherein the first housing is mountable to a stationary object such as an existing fence or structure and the second housing is mountable to a moveable object such as a gate. In some cases it may useful to mount the first housing to the moveable object and likewise mount the second housing to the stationary object. In one embodiment, the first housing comprises a back plate hingedly connected to two front plates angled outwardly from the back plate and the second housing comprises a latchable mechanism comprising a rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: William Russell Bell
  • Patent number: 7878559
    Abstract: An astragal assembly is disposed between doors of a double-door set mounted in a door frame of a building to seal between the doors. The astragal assembly includes an astragal attached to one of the doors and a lock block assembly slideable within the astragal. The astragal defines a channel and the lock block assembly includes a body slideably disposed in the channel. The lock block assembly includes a lift boot coupled to and resiliently extending from the body. The lock block assembly is slideable between an extended position and a retracted position. The lift boot includes a fin extending away from the body. The fin includes a first and second lateral portion spaced from each other and a primary portion extending from the first lateral portion to the second lateral portion for sealing against the door frame in the extended position to prevent elements from entering into the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Quanex Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Meeks, David C. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7878560
    Abstract: An electric lock for remote access control to a container wherein a U-shaped latch is mounted on a door in alignment with a slot in a housing mounted in the container. Upon closure, the latch enters the housing to engage a slotted keeper therein and causes rotation of the keeper. Rotation of the keeper causes a release lever to engage a stepped protrusion on the keeper and secures the keeper and latch. Activation of a solenoid or drive motor coupled to the release lever permits withdrawal of the latch from the housing. The axes of rotation of the keeper and release lever are located to greatly reduce the impact of pre-release forces to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hanchett Entry Systems
    Inventors: Dominik Scheffler, Michael Webb, Joshua Peabody, Ryan Sims
  • Patent number: 7878561
    Abstract: A seal device (20) with a seal body (21) and an attachment device (22) for the captive attachment of the seal body to an object to be sealed, wherein one end of the attachment device is connected in a single piece with the seal body while its other end comprises a joining device (26) for non-positive joining to a connection device (27) that is provided on the seal body, wherein the seal body comprises a data carrier that comprises a data transmission device (32), which data carrier is designed as a switching circuit (23), wherein the switching circuit comprises an external circuit bridge (25) which for the purpose of connecting two connection points (29) of the switching circuit leads through the attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Smartrac IP B.V.
    Inventor: Manfred Rietzler
  • Patent number: 7878562
    Abstract: A carrier blade for transferring a semiconductor wafers into and out of a deposition chamber may include transition surfaces sloping downward from ledge surfaces. The transition surfaces slope from the corresponding ledges at angles that are greater than about 90 degrees so that the edges between the ledge surfaces and the transition surfaces are not sharp. The carrier blade may include bevels extending from the ledge surface(s) to upper lateral edges of the carrier blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Manabu Hamano, John A. Pitney, Lance G. Hellwig
  • Patent number: 7878563
    Abstract: A combination chopstick utensil may comprise a first chopstick member and a second chopstick member. A base may be coupled to each of the first and second chopstick members; wherein the base may include a first transition member. The base may also include a second transition member, wherein the second transition member may be coupled to the first transition member along an interior edge. The first and second transition members may be selectably coupleable. The base may further include a separation facilitation structure between the first and second transition members and configured to facilitate separation of the first and second transition members. The separation facilitation structure may include a groove between the first and second transition members. The combination chopstick utensil may also include a utensil coupled to the base and extending therefrom substantially opposite of the first and second chopstick members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Brown Innovation Group, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Scott Beckham, Jordan Michael Brown
  • Patent number: 7878564
    Abstract: A vacuum type pickup apparatus may include an absorption pad having an absorption inlet for contacting and/or picking up an object. A pad holder may be connected to the absorption pad. The pad holder may also have a vacuum line. A separator may be provided in the pad holder for forcibly releasing the object from the absorption inlet of the absorption pad. During the forcible release of the object, the air around the absorption pad may be drawn into the pad holder, thus reducing or preventing the potential contamination by impurities of the object as well as the equipment around the object. Also, an additional vacuum extinguisher may not be required, thus simplifying the structure of the vacuum type pickup apparatus and reducing installation costs. Furthermore, the object may be picked up and released in a relatively expedient, safe, and accurate manner, despite the suction force of the vacuum that may be maintained in the pad holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-won Kang, Jun-young Lee, Jung-hyeon Kim
  • Patent number: 7878565
    Abstract: A disc picking device having an engaging member for engaging a disc includes: a contact portion having a contact face for contacting an upper face of the disc; an arm which movably supports the engaging member and has the contact portion; and a moving mechanism moving the arm in a contacting direction for contacting the upper face of the disc, wherein the moving mechanism supports the arm such that the contact portion can be moved in a direction opposite to the contacting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichiro Arai
  • Patent number: 7878566
    Abstract: A mounting system for motor vehicle audio components is described. The mounting system comprises a chassis and at least one vibration damping element. The vibration damping element is mounted within the chassis in a position to support and secure an audio component. The vibration damping element has a slot receiving a fastener that is connected to the audio component. The fastener secures the audio component in a first position and translates along the fastener slot under a predefined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Boggess, Matthew Seman
  • Patent number: 7878567
    Abstract: A center console for a motor vehicle has a basic body between the front seats with an upwardly open storage compartment over which a support part having an armrest which is displaceable with respect thereto is arranged. The armrest is displaceable from a pushed-back position between the front seats in the direction of the dashboard into a front position, wherein the support part is mounted pivotably on the basic body. The locking mechanism is provided with an actuating element via which, by an different actuation, a pivoting movement of the armrest together with the support part and a displacement movement of the armrest relative to the support part can be released. The locking mechanism is configured such that it permits a pivoting movement of the armrest together with the support part exclusively if the armrest is in its completely pushed-back position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengsellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Schneider, Johannes Röcker, Hannes Rogl
  • Patent number: 7878568
    Abstract: A vehicle bed assembly includes a vehicle bed having a floor and first and second side walls, wherein the first and second side walls include a top portion with a cavity. At least one compartment is disposed below the floor of the vehicle bed. First and second rails are extendably received in the cavity of each of the first and second side walls, wherein the first and second rails are mounted in vertical tracks that provide for linear translation of the first and second rails between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yitah R. Wu
  • Patent number: 7878569
    Abstract: In an automobile having a seat cushion 13 and a seat back 12 to be stored in an upper part of a vehicle interior, the seat cushion 13 and the seat back 12 can be lifted easily to the upper part position of the vehicle interior. The seat cushion 13 is rotatably coupled to the seat back 12 so that the seat cushion 13 can be superposed on the seat back 12, the seat back 12 is supported on a vehicle body 1 so that the superposed seat cushion 13 and seat back 12 can be rotated to the upper part of the vehicle interior, and a rear surface 12B of the seat back 12 is provided with a handle arm 16 that is grabbed by an operator to lift up the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 13 to the upper part of the vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignees: Kanto Auto Works, Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Kanamori, Osamu Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7878570
    Abstract: A passenger weight measurement device for a vehicle seat which can be assembled to prevent the occurrence of the initial deformation and the initial load. The passenger weight measurement device 1 comprising a pair of left and right fixed lower rails 3 fixed on the floor of a vehicle, a pair of movable upper rails 4 disposed to be movable in a front-and-rear direction on each of the fixed lower rails 3, load sensors 50 and 60 fixed on an upper surface of the left movable upper rail 4, load sensors 70 and 80 mounted on the movable upper rail 4 to be movable in a left-and-right direction with respect to the right movable upper rail 4, and a rectangular frame 110 mounted on the load sensors 50, 60, 70, and 80.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Endo, Kenji Sato
  • Patent number: 7878571
    Abstract: A windshield device for a motorcycle includes a front cowl located at a front side of the vehicle body to cover a vehicle body; a windscreen disposed at an upper part of the front cowl so as to be vertically movable; an air introducing port for introduction of air from the front side being formed between a lower end of the windscreen and a front surface of the front cowl; and an air guide for guiding the air introduced through the air introducing port to flow rearwards along a rear surface of the windscreen, wherein the air guide is firmly attached to the rear surface of the windscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Misaki, Takefumi Okubo, Hiroshi Tatsumi, Kenji Tako, Kanji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7878572
    Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of automobile parts, in particular, to a tonneau cover installed on the notchback (pickup) for covering and closing the rear truck bed. The tonneau covers of current vehicles are either too thick or heavy so it influences the flexibility of opening and closing and its requirements to the actuating mechanism are high; its thickness is large; and it occupies more of the already limited room of rear truck bed. This invention provides a truck bed back cover which occupies less rear truck bed room and is strong in strength, flexible in opening and closing and excellent in operating performance. It consists of the cover plate body which matches with the rear truck bed and is made of base materials. The base material is glass fiber reinforced polyurethane. The cover plate body is provided with an integral structure framework. The framework makes the cover plate body form protruding arises on the surface of the side facing to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Jiuda Vehicle Fittings-making (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yachun Hu, Shaobo Hu
  • Patent number: 7878573
    Abstract: A tarpaulin structure for covering a cargo space and used in combination with a support and retraction system includes a body and an openable sleeve for a plurality of the cross supports of the system. Connectors hold the sleeves closed about the cross supports. The tarpaulin system may be installed onto and removed from the cross supports of a tarpaulin support and retraction system without requiring the user to disconnect the cross supports from the drive cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: David F. Limbacher