Patents Issued in April 12, 2011
-
Patent number: 7922129Abstract: A fitting for a cable trough system, the fitting including a bottom wall and side walls extending from at least a first terminal end to a second terminal end and forming a trough therebetween, the side walls being curved in a longitudinal direction, and an end portion formed at each of the first and second terminal ends, the end portion including first and second guiding surfaces defining a space therebetween, and a spring member positioned in the space. The space is sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member of the cable trough system, and wherein the spring member is positioned to engage the terminal end of the trough member to couple the trough member to the fitting. Other cable routing devices can also be used.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: David E. Rapp, Thomas C. Tinucci, Derek Sayres, Thomas L. Barnes
-
Patent number: 7922130Abstract: A support device is provided herein and includes a pliable support structure. The support device further includes a plate structure for use with the pliable support structure. The plate structure is disposed on the support structure. A coupling member is associated with the plate structure allowing for other members to be coupled to the support device. Elevating assemblies are optionally further included to elevate elongate structure supported by the support device.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Pipe PierInventor: Patrick A. Hawkins
-
Patent number: 7922131Abstract: A device according to the present invention includes a support bracket coupled, or adapted to be coupled, to a longitudinal support member, such as a microphone stand, and a receiver extending from the support bracket. The support bracket is generally formed in a coil. The receiver may be integrally formed with the support bracket, or may be removably coupled thereto. A plurality of interchangeable receivers may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventor: Steven D Hamilton
-
Patent number: 7922132Abstract: The present invention is directed to an accessory holder capable of supporting a plurality of accessories and positioning those accessories in three-dimensions. A preferred embodiment supports the accessories in a curvilinear shape that optimizes the viewing position by the user. The accessories include flat panel displays, touch screens, telephones, and other devices used in an office or home office environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Humanscale CorporationInventors: Manuel Saez, Bradley Augustine, Aaron Tsui, Lachezar Tsvetanov
-
Patent number: 7922133Abstract: A flat panel display (FPD) support has a supporting bracket, a connecting assembly pivotally connected to the supporting bracket and a pulling assembly mounted between the supporting bracket and the connecting assembly. The connecting assembly is attached to an FPD to allow the supporting bracket to hold the FPD on a plane. The pulling assembly pulls the supporting bracket toward the panel bracket and a weight of the FPD allows the FPD and the supporting bracket leaning to each other to stay in a specific angle. Therefore, a visual angle of the FPD relative to a plane is easily adjusted by the supporting assembly. The FPD with the FPD support is light, simple and portable and is conveniently packaged for sale or transportation and does not occupy a large area when in use.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chun-Ching Hsu
-
Patent number: 7922134Abstract: Generally large objects including ergonomic gaming stools are provided with a supporting assembly including an easy rolling support base to enable them to be moved easily along a generally unidirectional line of movement. An easy rolling support base for the supporting assembly includes a shaped disc member to the underside of which are affixed a plurality of freely mounted roller members in predetermined angular spaced relationship. The freely mounted roller members are so mounted that the rollers are in alignment with each other and rotate in the same direction. A roller members connecting plate is provided to facilitate mounting the roller members in predetermined angular position before they are mounted into assembled position on the easy rolling support base and to facilitate repair of a roller member that may fail. The roller members are formed of materials to support the load and shaped to oppose other than unidirectional movement.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Gasser Chair Company, Inc.Inventor: Mark E. Gasser
-
Patent number: 7922135Abstract: A fastener assembly securely fastens a decorative panel in spaced relation to a support backing. The fastener assembly includes a base member adapted to be operatively mounted to the decorative panel, a carrier member, and a fastening medium supported by the carrier member and adapted to operatively interconnect the carrier member to the support backing. At least one biasing member is adapted to operatively support the carrier member and provide swiveling articulation of the carrier member relative to the base member. At least one leg extends from the base member and is adapted to operatively engage the carrier member so as to attach the carrier member to the base member in articulating fashion.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventor: Robert Granata
-
Patent number: 7922136Abstract: A connection device includes a fixing board connected to a rear end of a box, a main part and a clamping unit. A locking member extends through the front board and a spring contacts against between the locking member and a rear board. Two push rods extend from a lower end of a button and slidably connected with inclined surfaces of the locking member. A safety member is connected to a mediate portion of the button and includes a spring plate which contacts against the button. The clamping unit includes two collars which are securely engaged with the adjustment plate. A bridge member is connected between the two toothed members and supported on a lower side of a handlebar stem. The clamp pieces is located at an inner side of the toothed members and mounted on a handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventors: Chien Ping Lien, Tung Feng Wu
-
Patent number: 7922137Abstract: The present invention provides a device for holding a laptop computer or other portable devices. The laptop is placed on a support having a generally planar surface. A pair of adjustable arm members is pivotally connected to the support. The user may adjust one or both of the arm members to accommodate portable devices of different sizes. Clips or other connectors are used to secure the laptop to the holding device. The clips connect to the arm members and to the support. The clips may have one or more components, and may be configured to slide along the arm members and the support. The support may include a number of projections that can be arranged in an X-shaped configuration. A release plate or other connector couples the holding device to an extension assembly. The release plate provides a quick release from a tilting device of the extension assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventors: Bradley A. Derry, David VanDuzer, Odd N. Oddsen, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7922138Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental apparatus having a flexible arm for a dental apparatus. A benefit of the inventive flexible arm is the ability to make fine adjustments in orientation of one end of the arm relative to the other. More specifically, the ability to adjust or optimize the horizontal attitude of a movable end of the arm quickly and easily without resorting to expensive and time consuming remanufacture of the arm components. Adjustment of the end of the arm is accomplished via an adjusting mechanism with a rotatable shaft having an offset pin, where rotation of the shaft caused the pin to translate as defined by the offset of the pin center relative to the shaft center.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Dental Equipment, LLCInventors: Tom Benfield, Joe Bria
-
Patent number: 7922139Abstract: A mount for attaching a projection device to an overhead structure includes a device interface operably attachable to the projection device and a device orientation adjustment structure operably coupled with the device interface. The device orientation adjustment structure has structure defining up to three independent axes for adjustment of projector pitch, roll, and yaw. A single selectively adjustable friction element may be provided to enable projector position to be fixed about for any one or all of the independent axes. A gear adjustment mechanism may be provided to enable fine adjustment of projector position. Moreover, any one or all of the independent axes may pass through the projector device, preferably proximate its center of gravity so that it is self balanced on the mount to ease adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Milestone AV Technologies LLCInventors: Jay Dittmer, Paul Smith
-
Patent number: 7922140Abstract: A universal travel hook including first and second hook members and a connector member which pivotally connects the first and second hook members for rotation about an axis such that when in a closed configuration, the first hook member opens generally in the same direction as the second hook member in side-by-side relationship, and when in an open configuration, the first hook member opens generally in the opposite direction as the second hook member. In one embodiment, the connector is a split ring which pivotally connects to the hook members by extending through a through opening in the proximal end portion of each hook member. When in an open configuration, the first hook member is adapted for placement over a door or other object while the second hook projects outwardly therefrom and is adapted to receive and hold an article of clothing, a bag, or other object.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventor: Gretchen A. Carver
-
Patent number: 7922141Abstract: The mouse pad apparatus removably attaches to a laptop computer via spaced apart flex clips affixed to one side of the platform border. The mouse pad platform is optionally transparent and textured and provides for use of a mouse with a laptop computer. The flex clips provide a positive, cushioned, frictional engagement of the apparatus with the edge of the computer. The slot within the platform provides for the pull out tray which can retain a writing surface, photo, or other material, visible through the transparent platform surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventors: Vijay Ramsarran, Kamille Arman
-
Patent number: 7922142Abstract: In accord with the present invention, a vehicle seat suspension apparatus is provided comprising: a seat suspension base; an isolator plate disposes above the base and adapted to support a vehicle seat; means for allowing reciprocating horizontal movement of the isolator plate relative to the base; an elongated guide mounted to one of either the base or the isolator and oriented along the travel path of the isolator; and a guide engaging member mounted to the other of the base or the isolator and engaging the guide to stabilize the isolator as it moves along its travel path.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.Inventors: L. John Koutsky, Cole T. Brodersen
-
Patent number: 7922143Abstract: The present invention improves the shape of a protruding part of a locking member which allows a lower stationary rail and an upper moving rail of a seat moving track assembly to be coupled with each other, thereby enabling a stable movement with a further simplified configuration component.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Austem Co. Ltd.Inventors: Gun Young Park, Bum Suk Oh, Sung Ha Park
-
Patent number: 7922144Abstract: In a fixture for a data access device having a hole, the fixture includes a fixing base, a switch and an elastic member, and the fixing base includes a bottom plate, a pair of bent boards extended out from the bottom plate, and a through groove disposed on bottom plate and corresponding to the hole, a switch disposed on a side of the bottom plate and pivotally coupled to the bent board, and a positioning pillar corresponding to the through groove and protruded from a side of the switch that faces the bottom plate, and the elastic member is elastically clamped between the bottom plate and the switch, such that if the switch is pressed, the positioning pillar will be passed into or retracted from the hole, so as to simply the fixation and installation of the data access device.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Silverstone Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shu-Chin Lee
-
Patent number: 7922145Abstract: An adjustable support stand is mounted on a pre-cast concrete wall panel form to facilitate the leveling of the form and the support of the form about the production plant floor. The adjustable support stand includes a frame portion that houses a threaded rod positional fixed for rotation within the frame portion to drive a vertical movement of the leg member in response to rotation of the threaded rod. The adjustable support stand further includes a clamping apparatus that detachably mounts the frame portion to the flanges of a steel beam frame member. The actuator member can be a nut welded to the top of the threaded rod to affect movement of the engaged leg member in response to manipulation with a powered or manually operated hand tool, or a gear set and an orthogonal drive shaft that transfers rotation from a hand tool to the threaded rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: SWA Holding Company, Inc.Inventor: Steven L. Martin
-
Patent number: 7922146Abstract: A method of forming an optical element forming metal mold to form an optical element, having steps of: laminating a heat insulation layer 13 on a surface of the base member 11 where the optical element is formed; laminating an intermediate metal layer 14 on a surface of the heat insulation layer 13 by thermal spraying; laminating a surface forming layer 15, on which a surface shape to be transferred to the optical element is formed, on the intermediate metal layer 14; wherein the intermediate metal layer 14 is laminated in a way that parts of the heat insulation layer 13 are exposed substantially evenly from the intermediate layer 14.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.Inventors: Masayoshi Uehira, Yuzo Nakatsuka
-
Patent number: 7922147Abstract: A flush valve diaphragm of a flush valve includes a body having a segmented insert within a flexible body portion and a central passageway. The body further includes a peripheral sealing portion with the flexible body portion within the peripheral sealing portion. The peripheral sealing portion can include an integral filter, an exit chamber and a bypass arrangement, such that water flowing through the filter flows through the bypass arrangement. The integral filter version will retard clogging of the bypass arrangement. The segmented insert includes a plurality of trapezoidal members with outward protrusions. The plurality of trapezoidal members are connected to each other on their outermost edge by a runner.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLCInventors: J. Timothy O'Connor, Michael A. Funari
-
Patent number: 7922148Abstract: An electrically activated access valve arrangement having a male connector, a female connector, and a valve. In certain embodiments, the male connector includes a conductive element, and the female connector includes contacts. Insertion of the male into the female connector completes a circuit and sends an electrical signal to the valve. This transitions the valve from the normally closed position to the opened position. In certain embodiments, the male connector has a connection port that connects to a connection port of the female connector. A pump, such as an infusion pump, sends an electrical signal through the connection ports, which causes the valve to transition from the normally closed position to the opened position. The electrically activatable valve of the connectors is prevented from opening if mated with conventional male and female luers.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.Inventor: Jonathan Walborn
-
Patent number: 7922149Abstract: A damper actuator assembly comprises an actuator and an electronic fusible link (EFL) connected by at least one wire. The actuator comprises an actuator housing with actuator leads extending from the actuator housing. The actuator leads include a first quick connect positioned on an end of the actuator lead. A flexible conduit material covers the actuator lead. The EFL comprises an EFL housing which is separate from the actuator housing. The EFL housing includes a quick connect seat and an integral conduit adaptor. A second quick connect is positioned on an end of the EFL lead. When the end of the flexible conduit material that includes the actuator lead and first quick connect is inserted into the integral conduit adaptor of the EFL housing, the first quick connect is coupled to the second quick connect and an electrical connection is established between the actuator and the EFL.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Siemens Industry Inc.Inventors: Dean B. Anderson, Guy P. Caliendo, Wendy Perna, Matthew D. Cook
-
Patent number: 7922150Abstract: A valve flow-directing vessel (42) comprising a sleeve (44) having a threaded installation portion (84) for connection to a receiving member, a plunger (46) movable within the sleeve (44) between a closed position and an opened position, and an orifice insert (48/50) fixedly attached to the sleeve (44). The orifice insert (48/50) defines an orifice (132) that is sealed when the plunger (46) is in the closed position and unsealed when the plunger (46) is in the opened position. The orifice (132) is the entrance to a passageway (130) having an exit (134) communicating with a delivery passage of the receiving member, and this exit (134) is positioned beyond the threaded installation portion (84) of the sleeve (44).Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Brian M. Cripps, Dennis Mudge, Kevin Wilson
-
Patent number: 7922151Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve actuator comprising a support member for supporting a rotatable positioning element operatively connected to a valve rod. The valve actuator further comprises a track follower adapted to follow at least part of a track provided in the positioning element. The track follower is biased against at least part of the track by a resilient member. The rotatable positioning element comprises a curved outer portion arranged in an associated bearing formed in the support member.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventors: Hans Kurt Petersen, Henning Müller
-
Patent number: 7922152Abstract: A valve element opening/closing device may include a main body formed with a space, an inflow pipe and an outflow pipe which are connected to the main body, a valve element for opening and closing a flow passage, and a drive part for driving the valve element to open and close the flow passage. The valve element may be arranged on an inflow pipe side with respect an opening of the main body to which the inflow pipe is connected. The valve element is preferably arranged within the inflow pipe.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Nidec Sankyo CorporationInventor: Tetsuhiko Hara
-
Patent number: 7922153Abstract: A variable speed winch in one embodiment includes a drive shaft, a power source, a single gear operation lever, a variable gearing system and a drum. The power source is configured to rotate the drive shaft. The variable gearing system is in rotational connection with the drive shaft and is configured to change the gearing of the winch based on the rotation of the single gear operation lever. The drum is in rotational connection with the variable gearing system.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Runva Mechanical & Electrical Co, LLCInventors: Norman Zhou, Zhongcheng Peng
-
Patent number: 7922154Abstract: A fuel supply assembly for a two-stroke crankcase scavenged combustion engine that is operated with layered scavenging is presented. The assembly includes a housing and a first and second parallel channels extending through the housing. The first channel is for a fuel/air mixture and the second channel is for auxiliary air. The assembly also includes a partition wall extending in a plane between the first and second channels and arranged upstream and downstream of at least one butterfly valve. The assembly also includes a protruding section which extends across the butterfly along the axis of rotation at least on the downstream side of the butterfly. The housing includes fuel-conveying idling ducts that open in the first channel in the region where the butterfly valve, sealing member on the partition wall, substantially contacting the protruding section at least on the downstream side of the butterfly.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Husqvarna ABInventor: Magnus Söderquist
-
Patent number: 7922155Abstract: A control method for boiler outlet temperatures includes predictive control of SH and RH desuperheater systems. The control method also includes control and optimization of steam generation conditions, for a boiler system, such as burner tilt and intensity, flue-gas recirculation, boiler fouling, and other conditions for the boiler. The control method assures a proportional-valve control action in the desuperheater system, that affects the boiler system.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Vladimir Havlena
-
Patent number: 7922156Abstract: A mount has an inner metal and an outer metal with an elastomeric bushing disposed between them. The elastomeric bushing includes a first pair of interconnected passages to control the damping rate during axial motion and a second, separate pair of interconnected passages to control the damping rate during motion orthogonal to the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: The Pullman CompanyInventor: Robert J. Goudie
-
Patent number: 7922157Abstract: A stopper for a cylindrical elastic mount includes a concave portion which is formed at each of a plurality of locations on a circumference of a cylindrical portion of a stopper fitting, the concave portion being concaved in a radially inward direction to partially enlarge a width of an outward flange so as to provide a large width portion on an enlarged width portion of the outward flange of a first rubber portion. The stopper further includes a plurality of second rubber portions each of which is fixedly disposed only between adjacent concave portions in a circumferential direction of a bottom portion and protruding higher than the first rubber portion. The first and each of the plurality of the second rubber portions are separated by a groove-shaped gap that is provided so as to continuously extend around each of the plurality of second rubber portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Hayashi, Kunio Sasaki
-
Patent number: 7922158Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Truss Industry Production Systems, Inc.Inventors: Clyde R. Fredrickson, Mark Wismer
-
Patent number: 7922159Abstract: A clamping apparatus for attaching work pieces to be machined to the work table of a machine tool in a precisely defined position comprises at least one clamping rail to be attached to the work table of the machine, as well as at least one work piece holder. The clamping rail is provided with an elongate protruding portion, the front face thereof constituting a stop surface and which defines a recess between itself and the work table of the machine tool. The elongate protruding portion may be provided with threaded bores for receiving clamping screws. Each work piece holder includes a clamping portion which can be inserted into the recess and clamped therein by means of the clamping screws. The clamping rail includes a flat bottom surface resting on the surface of the work table of the machine tool and running perpendicular to the aforementioned front face of the elongate protruding portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: F-Tool International AGInventor: Ferdinand Troxler
-
Patent number: 7922160Abstract: A sheet finisher of the invention includes a saddle stitch unit configured to stitch a center of a sheet bundle in which printed sheets are bundled, a fold unit configured to fold the center stitched by the saddle stitch unit and to form a fold line, and a fold reinforcing unit configured to reinforce the fold line formed by the fold unit, and the fold reinforcing unit includes a placement table on which the sheet bundle transported from the fold unit is placed, a band-like elastic member that is extended to face the fold line of the placed sheet bundle and is formed to be longer than the length of the fold line, and a roller unit that includes a reinforce roller and moves the reinforce roller along the direction of the fold line while pressing it to the fold line through the intervening elastic member.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ken Iguchi, Katsuya Sasahara, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Hiroyuki Taguchi, Katsuhiko Tsuchiya
-
Patent number: 7922161Abstract: A sheet finisher of the invention includes a saddle stitch unit configured to stitch a center of a sheet bundle, in which printed sheets are bundled, with a staple, a fold unit configured to fold the center stitched by the saddle stitch unit and to form a fold line, and a fold reinforcing unit configured to reinforce the fold line formed by the fold unit, the fold reinforcing unit includes a roller unit that includes a reinforce roller and moves along a direction of the fold line while applying pressure by the reinforce roller to the fold line of the sheet bundle transported from the fold unit, a drive unit configured to move the roller unit along the direction of the fold line, and a control unit configured to control a movement speed of the roller unit, and the control unit causes the roller unit to move at a first speed in an outside of a specified range including the edge of the staple, and causes the roller unit to move at a second speed not higher than the first speed in the specified range including thType: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ken Iguchi, Katsuya Sasahara, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Hiroyuki Taguchi, Katsuhiko Tsuchiya
-
Patent number: 7922162Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus staples a bundle of sheets, folds the sheets into two to make a book, and presses the folded sheets. A stitch bookbinding unit moves a press unit having press rollers and, a press holder, and the like constituting a creasing unit along the fold of a bundle of sheets subjected to the folding process by the press rollers and so as to reliably nip-press the fold by the nip between the moving press rollers and for pressing it. The press holder performs intermittent movement in which it is stopped during movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Daisaku Kamiya
-
Patent number: 7922163Abstract: A pressing unit presses vicinity of a trailing edge of a stack of sheets stacked in a tray. An aligning unit aligns the stack of sheets stacked in the tray. A stapling unit binds the stack of sheets aligned by the aligning unit. A discharging unit discharges the stack of sheets bound by the stapling unit. A control unit controls the pressing unit to keep a constant distance from a surface of a top sheet of the stack of sheets when the discharging unit discharging the stack of sheets.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Ichiro Ichihashi, Masahiro Tamura, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Shuuya Nagasako, Naohiro Kikkawa, Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Tomohiro Furuhashi, Makoto Hidaka, Hitoshi Hattori, Junichi Tokita, Akira Kunieda, Hiroshi Maeda, Tomoichi Nomura
-
Patent number: 7922164Abstract: At the time when an aligning unit collects and aligns a recording sheet, the front portion of a movable supporting member of a collecting tray is moved toward the recording sheet to close a space in the collecting tray. Moreover, the front portion of the movable supporting member abuts against the front end of the recording sheet. As a result, the front end of the recording sheet does not hang loose in the space.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventor: Yoshihiko Nakayama
-
Patent number: 7922165Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus or an image forming apparatus has a discharging member which discharges sheets; a stacking member which stacks the discharged sheets; a sheet positioning member, located on the downstream side of the stacking member in the discharging direction, which receives ends of the discharged sheets in a discharging direction of the sheet discharged by the discharging member; and a pressure member having a pressure surface which presses the sheet received by the sheet positioning member toward a stacking surface of the stacking member; wherein at first a downstream side in the discharging direction of the pressing surface presses the discharged sheets toward the stacking surface of the stacking member, and subsequently an upstream side in the discharging direction of the pressing surface presses the discharged sheets toward the stacking surface sequentially.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Daisaku Kamiya
-
Patent number: 7922166Abstract: An image reader includes: a conveyance path forming member; a conveying unit; a reading unit; and a pressing unit. The conveyance path forming member forms a part of a conveyance path extending from a conveyance start position to a discharge position via an image reading position. The conveying unit is capable of conveying documents having different widths along the conveyance path. The reading unit reads the document at the reading position. The pressing unit extends in the document width direction, is disposed as opposed to the reading unit, and holds the document conveyed by the conveying unit in cooperation with the conveyance path forming member by pressing the document against the conveyance path forming member. The pressing unit is divided into a plurality of pressing members that are arranged in the document width direction and that press the documents against the conveyance path forming member independently from one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akihiro Sakakibara, Takashi Ohama
-
Patent number: 7922167Abstract: A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes first and second conveying units configured to hold and convey a sheet, a first sheet conveying path between the first and second conveying units, and a registration unit to change a positional condition of the sheet conveyed by the second conveying unit. In at least one embodiment, the second conveying unit includes a moving and guiding unit and a rotary conveyance unit facing each other and forming a sheet holding section therebetween to hold and convey the sheet, and the moving and guiding unit and the rotary conveyance unit are disposed in the vicinity of the first conveying unit so that a distance between the second conveying unit and the registration unit is relatively increased.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Hiroshi Kajiyama, Hiroyuki Watase, Masayuki Ueda, Tadashi Kusumi
-
Patent number: 7922168Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for transporting a sheet, in particular after a sheet has been picked off a stack and separated therefrom, preferably for the feeder-side use in a printing machine, wherein the sheet is brought to a transport speed, preferably for transfer to another transport path. The object of the invention is to provide a more controlled method of the aforementioned type and a device allowing this method. In accordance with the invention, considering the method, this object is achieved in that the sheet is initially accelerated to a speed that is greater than the desired transport speed and only later, after a phase of this higher speed, said sheet is slowed to the desired transport speed, in which case the phase of the higher speed is dimensioned such that the affected sheet is in a nominal position at the appropriate time.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Stefan Schluenss
-
Patent number: 7922169Abstract: Sheet feeding systems and methods for using such systems to feed a sheet from a stack in a document processing system are disclosed. An exemplary sheet feeding system may include a feed roll, a retard system, a trailing edge retention system and a system for automatically an selectively separating the feed roll and the retard system. The feed roll may be configured to drive a first sheet of a stack of sheets in a process direction. The retard system may be configured to prevent one or more second sheets from being driven in the process direction. The trailing edge retention system may be configured to automatically and selectively retain one or more second sheets in the stack by applying a force to a trailing portion of at least one second sheet, thus allowing the feed roll and retard system to be separated during much of the feed cycle. As a result, wear of the feed roll and/or retard system may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Barry Paul Mandel
-
Patent number: 7922170Abstract: A sheet type handling apparatus which handles various sheets includes an apparatus body having an introduction port for introducing the sheets; a first lid member rotatably attached to the apparatus body for supporting the sheets introduced into the introduction port; and a second lid member connected to the first lid member for covering the introduction port in association with an action to close the first lid member.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Kam Sing Ngai
-
Patent number: 7922171Abstract: A slide cassette is slidably provided in a main cassette of a sheet cassette. When a sheet with a size larger than that of a sheet which may be stored in the main cassette is stored, the slide cassette is sled and moved to extend the sheet cassette. There is provided a fixing portion which may fix the slide cassette and the main cassette in a state in which the sheet cassette is in a shortened or an extended state by sliding the slide cassette. The fixing portion releases the fixing by an operation in which the slide cassette is sled in a shortening direction or extending direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Kawamura, Yasuzumi Taba
-
Patent number: 7922172Abstract: A bottom surface of a stacking and accommodating portion is structured such as to be sloped to be lower in accordance with moving away from a paper carry-in side, and a push plate is controlled so as to be moved in a direction moving close to a carry-in port of the paper by detecting a stack paper width determined on the basis of a product of a stacked number count information of the papers and a thickness information per one paper, and the papers are accommodated.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Hitachi-Omron Terminal Solutions, CorporationInventors: Naofumi Kitagawa, Shinji Shibata, Minoru Kadowaki
-
Patent number: 7922173Abstract: An apparatus for handling documents of value comprises at least a first device, which has a transport path portion, along which a document of value is transported to and/or from the first device and/or into the first device, at least a second device, which has a transport path portion, along which a document of value is transported to and/or from the second device and/or into the second device, wherein the devices are arranged such that a document of value can be transported from the transport path portion of the first device into the one of the second device and/or from the transport path portion of the second device into the one of the first device, and at one coupling end of the respective transport path portion in a fixed position in relation to the respective transport path portion a pair of rolls mounted to be rotatable around a rotation axis, between the rolls of which a document of value is clamped when transported and the rolls of which in a section through the rotation axis have a comblike structureType: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbHInventor: Michael Stapfer
-
Patent number: 7922174Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vacuum belt having belt edges and a contact surface between the belt edges. The contact surface is adapted to contact sheets of print media and the sheets of print media have sheet edges and a central sheet region. The contact surface has a central belt region located where the central sheet region of the sheets of print media contacts the contact surface of the vacuum belt. The contact surface has border regions located where the sheet edges of the sheets of print media contact the contact surface of the vacuum belt. The central belt region is located between the border regions. The contact surface has vacuum holes, and the vacuum holes comprise an irregular pattern, such that a different density of holes is located within the border regions relative to the central belt region.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Elias Panides, Ruddy Castillo
-
Patent number: 7922175Abstract: A game including wheel means capable of rotating in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction and wheel control means operative to selectively control the rotational position of the wheel means in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. A method for controlling an indicator wheel including rotating a wheel having a plurality of segments in a first direction until a predetermined segment is aligned with a pointer and then rotating the wheel in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In certain embodiments, the wheel can be rotated again in the first direction after it has been rotated in the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
-
Patent number: 7922176Abstract: A game system including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. In an exemplary embodiment, the progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive an award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Bally Gaming, IncInventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
-
Patent number: 7922177Abstract: Strips of two-ply instant lottery tickets are provided that have features which encourage multiple ticket purchases. Strips of purchased tickets can be opened in one motion, revealing the ticket results without needing to scratch off any material. Ruler markings along edges of the strips of tickets, and ticket indicia that spans multiple tickets further encourage multiple ticket purchases. Security panels flank one or more edges of the tickets which discourage tampering with unpurchased tickets.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Diamond Game Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Fred A. Payne, William F. Breslo, James A. Breslo
-
Patent number: 7922178Abstract: A game ticket is disclosed. The game ticket includes a first and second indicia concealed by a removable opaque covering and indicating visually whether the game ticket is a winning ticket. The first indicia is located with a game play area. The second indicia includes a first player key located within the game player area and a second player key located in a customer key area, wherein whether the game ticket is a winning ticket is determinable upon a comparison of the first and second player keys. A method and apparatus for using the game ticket is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Gtech Rhode Island CorporationInventor: Richard Finocchio