Patents Issued in July 12, 2011
  • Patent number: 7975426
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder with automatic pull that operates unattended and automatically pulls when a force of predetermined magnitude is applied to the line. The holder includes a housing where an assembly for removably holding a fishing rod is pivotally mounted and movable between two extreme positions. The housing includes a stopper member cooperatively mounted outwardly to coact with the locking mechanism. A spring assembly biases the holder assembly towards the rearmost extreme position and a locking assembly for releasably holding the rod holder keeps the latter at the foremost extreme position. A trigger sensing the tension of the fishing line is automatically actuated by exceeding a predetermined tension magnitude causing it to pivot and transmit a rotational movement to an elongated member. The other end of the elongated member includes a spring biased retractable chamfered pin. The pin has a slanted termination and a flat termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Pedro Cabrera, Gustavo Rivero
  • Patent number: 7975427
    Abstract: A method and system for disinfecting and disinfesting a commodity, such as a perishable agricultural commodity, by treatment with an environment of low oxygen/high ballast gas with cycled pressure changes that overwhelm and damage the respiratory system of the insect without damaging the host commodity. The system and method may also include the introduction of disinfectants, antiseptics and other toxic chemicals or the exposure to radio frequencies with intense electric fields that may increase the metabolic activity of the pest or decrease the fitness of the pest within the low oxygen environment. Treatments according to the methods can also increase the shelf life of agricultural commodities by eradicating or delaying the growth of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microbial pests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Manuel C. Lagunas-Solar, Timothy K. Essert
  • Patent number: 7975428
    Abstract: Described herein is an indoor greenhouse that includes a rack unit, an outer layer that surrounds the rack unit and defines a greenhouse interior, at least one light surrounded by a light enclosure, a cooling system, and a ventilation system all disposed in the greenhouse interior. The ventilation system includes a fan, a filter and at least one duct that cooperate to exhaust air out of the exhaust vent opening. The rack unit includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The outer layer includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween that correspond to the similar portions of the rack unit. The outer layer also has intake and exhaust vent and light cooling openings defined therein. The cooling system includes at least one duct that cooperates with the light enclosure to define an air path between the intake and exhaust light cooling openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: International Growers Supply Incorporated
    Inventor: Evan Townsley
  • Patent number: 7975429
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing seedlings, wherein rootstocks and scions are nursed on multi-staged seedling culture shelves installed in a closed-type structure surrounded by light-interceptive walls, and wherein the rootstocks and scions are joined to each other to produce grafted seedlings. The grafted seedlings are placed on shelf boards of the seedling culture shelves and covered with a light-transmitting shield including vent holes, and light is projected onto the grafted seedlings through the light-transmitting shield to weld the seedlings. The relative humidity in the light-transmitting shield immediately after the grafting is raised by the evaporation of moisture from the rootstocks and the scions. When photosynthesis is stimulated, gas exchange between the carbon dioxide gas-containing atmosphere within the closed type structure and the atmosphere within the light-transmitting shield are accomplished to replenish an inner space of the light-transmitting shield with carbon dioxide gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: MKV Dream Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Okabe, Kazuo Tsuchiya, Akio Nakaminami, De Wu, Junya Fuse
  • Patent number: 7975430
    Abstract: An expandable hydroponic growing system comprising a multiple of upper bases, lower bases and bars connecting the bases in a fashion that the upper bases (and lower bases) can be conveniently pulled together or pushed farther apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Joshua Scott
  • Patent number: 7975431
    Abstract: A barrier that is pressurized after being assembled from multiple pieces. The barrier include a first end frame, a second end frame, and a gate engaged between the end frames. The first and second end frames are engaged at their lower members such that the first end frame and second end frame are not integral and not one-piece with each other, and such that the first and second end frames still provide for a pressurized barrier, that is a barrier that is resiliently mounted between two locations so as to be self-supporting between two locations even if spaced from the floor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first end frame, second end frame, and gate have generally the same length so as to minimize the storage area needed to store the barrier prior to assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Carlson Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A Flannery
  • Patent number: 7975432
    Abstract: A casement window assembly includes a rectangular sash frame enclosing an insulated glass panel unit and supported for swinging movement by a surrounding main window support frame. At least one set of interfitting and interlocking members are positioned in opposing relation on adjacent vertical members of the sash frame and support frame and have hook portions positioned to pass each other when the sash frame is pivoted between a closed position and an open position. The hook portions are effective to engage and hook each other in response to a substantial positive or negative windload or such windload applied after an impact breaks the glass to limit deflection and prevent permanent deformation of the sash frame. The hook portions also produce a snubbing action for compressing a flexible seal between the sash frame and support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Deceuninck North America, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan G. Morton, Dennis D. Cox
  • Patent number: 7975433
    Abstract: A security door construction has a pair of door hinges fixed to the door, a pair of frame hinges fixed to the frame and a pair of intermediate hinges by combined links which allow the door hinge to swing outside the plane of the door opening when the door is opened through 180°. Slide motion of the door is imparted by a door handle and a reaction rod which acts against a link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Lokaway Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Brett Dunstan
  • Patent number: 7975434
    Abstract: A window regulator that resists backdrive forces directly at the lift plate and rail, rather than by the drive assembly. A locking shoe mounted within the lift plate and selectively frictionally engages the rail while the drive assembly is at rest. Thus, any backdrive forces are transmitted from the window glass to the lift plate, and then directly to the rail, avoiding the drive assembly. A release fork that is coupled to the drive cable automatically disengages the locking shoe when the drive assembly is activated, and engages the locking shoe when the drive assembly disengages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7975435
    Abstract: A barrier is provided to preclude debris from passing into a rain gutter. The barrier includes a screen supported upon a channel. The channel includes a tab positionable between a roof and shingles upon the roof, and with a lip opposite the tab resting upon a portion of a gutter opposite the roof. The channel includes a recess between the tab and the lip. The recess includes a floor defining a lower plane of the channel. Ribs extend from the floor up to an upper plane of the channel in which the screen is supported. The ribs have sufficient height to remain in contact with the screen. Water is drawn through the screen and along the ribs down to the floor of the recess. Apertures in the floor allow the water to fall down through the channel and into the gutter, while debris is precluded from passing through the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Robert C. Lenney, John R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7975436
    Abstract: A cover for a utility trench includes upper and lower surfaces enclosing a hollow cavity, which is subdivided by multiple, transverse channels recessed into an extending transversely across the lower surface. The channels form fused engagements or “kiss offs” with the upper surface, which increase the transverse rigidity of the cover for enhanced load-bearing capacity spanning across the opening formed by the trench. The hollow construction of the cover, which can comprise a suitable plastic, tends to minimize its weight A pair of flanges extend along respective sides of the cover and are bolted to the trench sidewall top edges in overlying relation. A pair of shoulders are formed inside the flanges and are adapted to extend into the trench with the cover positioned thereover. A method of manufacturing a utility trench cover includes rotary molding a hollow cover with kiss offs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Pedestals, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nelson C. Newton
  • Patent number: 7975437
    Abstract: A playground roof system having the capability of being attached to different diameter support members is provided. The frame of the roof structure is roto-molded such that two different sized openings are provided at each corner of the frame, each opening in the same area, such that the roof is interchangeable in different playground systems. The roof system further includes openings formed in the frame such that a fastener can be threaded therein fastening the frame and support members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Playcore Wisconsin, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel V. Byrd
  • Patent number: 7975438
    Abstract: A joining device (8) for hybrid wind turbine towers (5) intended for the fixation of a metal portion (6) of a wind turbine tower (5) to a concrete portion (7) of said wind turbine (1) which comprises a metal body (9) having a generally tubular configuration that is suitable to be fixed to the metal portion (6) of the tower (5) which in use is adjacent to the concrete portion (7), and suitable for being at least partially embedded into said concrete portion (7), said metal body (9) being provided with a number of anchoring openings (11) adapted such that the material of the concrete portion (7) passes therethrough. A hybrid wind turbine tower (5) comprises such a joining device (8) provided between one metal portion (6) and one concrete portion (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ecotecnia Energias Renovables, S.L.
    Inventors: Jordi Puigcorbé Punzano, Enrique Elkoroberezibar Markiegi
  • Patent number: 7975439
    Abstract: A storage building for the storage of corrosive materials. The storage building comprises a floor, a plurality of columns extending from the floor, a plurality of crossbeams with each beam connecting at least two of the columns, a plurality of substantially vertically oriented supports extending from the crossbeams, a plurality of rafters attached to the supports and at least one roof panel spanning between two of the rafters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Herman E. Cude
  • Patent number: 7975440
    Abstract: An end cap for an H-shaped header bar used to secure a corrugated hurricane shutter attachable to a window frame and having a generally inverted U-shaped pocket adapted in size to receive an upper margin of the hurricane shutter and the end cap at each end of the header bar. The header bar cooperates with a lower support channel also attached to the window frame to support and secure the hurricane shutter over the window. An end cap is positionable and attachable within an inner upright side of the pocket to engage with the upper corner of the hurricane shutter preventing substantial lateral expansion movement or corrugation deformation from being struck by flying objects during heavy hurricane wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen J. Motosko, Stephen Motosko, III
  • Patent number: 7975441
    Abstract: A portable air conditioner support arrangement for supporting a portable air conditioner in a window frame assembly. The support arrangement comprises an elongated flange-engaging rail having a first end and a second end, with a channel engaging tab arranged on the first end and the second end of the rail. Each of the tabs are arranged to mate with a channel on the sides of the window frame assembly. The rail has an elongated face to engage a flange on the upper front edge of the air conditioner and maintain the air conditioner free of support by a window sash of the window frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Allen D. McCarriston
  • Patent number: 7975442
    Abstract: Apparatus to protect glazed window or door panels against cold manifestation effective migration via glazing panel edge defined gaps, there being spaced apart outer, intermediate and inner glazing panels, the apparatus comprising holder structure projecting longitudinally endwise radially inwardly in said gaps, the holder structure being laterally sidewardly elongated, first synthetic resinous material retained by the holder structure to face laterally in a gap toward opposed intermediate panel edges, the material adjustably located at a position relative to the opposed intermediate panel edges characterized in that cold manifestation migrating through the gap via said material is confined to migrate in the spacing between the outer and intermediate panels, at opposite sides of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: International Aluminum Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Frey
  • Patent number: 7975443
    Abstract: A precast prestress raised access floor construction is provided which includes a precast prestress concrete slab, having an upper base floor surface and a lower surface, a plurality of raised access floor panel pedestal support members bearing directly upon the upper base floor surface, and a plurality of raised access floor panels connected to the support means whereby a void is formed between the floor panels and the upper base floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Meyer, Charlie Johnson, Jim Blackledge, Dan Parker, John Hanlon
  • Patent number: 7975444
    Abstract: Adjacent precast reinforced concrete modules or members are secured together by a plurality of coupler systems each including a cast metal coupler body embedded in an edge portion of the first concrete member and connected by a coupling member to a reinforcing bar within the first concrete member. The coupler body has an internal cavity with a side opening and an end opening extending to the cavity, and reinforcing wings border the side opening. The second concrete member has another coupling member rigidly connected to an axially aligned reinforcing bar and includes an end portion with a threaded bore. A bolt is inserted into the cavity through the side opening, aligned with the end opening and then threaded into the bore where the bolt is tightened with a wrench extending into the cavity through the side opening. A reusable locating pin may be used to align the concrete members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Barsplice Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Holdsworth, John W. Hanlon
  • Patent number: 7975445
    Abstract: A partition with a frame having two vertical end post members spanned by beam members with each end post member having an internally directed longitudinal slotway open towards the other end post member and within which the ends of the beam members are received and, preferably, with the end post members having a front to back width greater than the front to back width of the beam members such that vertical raceways are defined between the post members outward of the beam members and inward of removable cladding panels coupled to each front and back of the frame outward of the post members. Preferably, channelways through each post member, preferably at the upper and/or lower ends of each post member, provide for access to the vertical raceways via horizontal raceways extending between the posts above and below each beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Inscape Corporation
    Inventors: David Parshad, Peter Woronecki, Ivan Liu
  • Patent number: 7975446
    Abstract: A floor system includes a pair of joist rim assemblies each having a web defining a first surface. The web also includes a mounting portion defining a second surface offset from the first surface. The joist rim may also include a prong defining a slot along with the web. A joist connector bracket is received within the slot and is connectable to the mounting portion of the web. A joist extends between the pair of joist rim assemblies and is connected to the joist connector bracket of each joist rim assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventors: Georgi Hall, Hoang Nguyen, Herb Kamphausen
  • Patent number: 7975447
    Abstract: A decorative trim assembly is provided for decorating a building exterior. The assembly includes a plurality of trim modules that may be assembled together to form various trim subassemblies. Each trim module includes a decorative portion and at least one rail portion coupled to the decorative portion. The rail portions have end portions and define channels having heights and widths that permit other rail portions to be inserted and retained therein. Some of the rail portions may be cut to facilitate joining with other rail portions, and screw blocks, angle adapters, and end caps are provided to further facilitate the assembly of various trim modules to one another and to the building's exterior. Additionally, customizable trim modules permit the insertion and removal of various emblems, characters, symbols, or the like from the trim modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: P-tec Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kalvin K. Vanden Bosch, Brian R. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 7975448
    Abstract: A wall channel for a drywall ceiling has a generally U-shaped cross-section with a vertical leg interconnecting two generally-horizontal legs. The lower horizontal leg is adapted to support an inverted tee-runner that has a vertical web and opposed flanges, the opposed flanges being adapted to rest on the horizontal leg of the wall angle. The lower horizontal leg is formed with a plurality of pairs of locating tabs that are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the width of the opposed flanges of the tee-runner. The upper horizontal leg is formed with a plurality of pairs of locating tabs that are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the width of the reinforcing bulb of the tee-runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventors: Peter G. Jahn, Scott G. Jankovec
  • Patent number: 7975449
    Abstract: An article, system and method for flattening a three dimensional depression within a substrate floor. A straight edge is applied in a progressive X and Y grid fashion across the depression, with varying levels of shims defining contact locations, thereby establishing a floor template identifying common depths of depression at overlapping perimeter defined boundaries. One or more thermo-polymer sheets is resized to define an outer perimeter matching that of a perimeter boundary. A subset thickness of the sheet is incised around its outer perimeter to establish a feathering effect upon the sheet prior to it overlaying the boundary perimeter and prior to sizing and application of additional overlapping sheets up to an outermost boundary corresponding to a shallowest depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kyle C. LaRocque
  • Patent number: 7975450
    Abstract: A tile assembly having a plurality of tiles adapted to join in an interlocking and repeating fashion. A plurality of tile assemblies can be joined to each other to form a roof. Each tile assembly includes left and right center tiles positioned side-by-side. Each tile has a generally diamond shaped main surface with vertically spaced upper and lower apices and laterally spaced lateral apices. Two upper flanges extend upwardly and outwardly from the main surface along upper edges and are joined in an upper flange apex. Each center tile includes two lower flanges that extend downwardly and outwardly from the main surface along the lower edges. The tile assembly includes upper and lower tiles of the same configuration. The upper tile fits over the adjacent upper flanges of the two center tiles, and the lower tile fits beneath the adjacent lower flange of the two center tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kurt J. Kramer
  • Patent number: 7975451
    Abstract: The invention relates to panels (1, 2) that can be interlinked without using glue. In the interlinked state of the panels, a cord (3) runs along the upper side of and between the panels. Said cord widens downwards and rests on the upper side of a spring (5) that forms the coupling element of a panel. The widening is preferably asymmetric. The inventive panels especially allow to provide a wall covering or a ceiling covering in an especially simple manner. The cord consists of a compressible material and prevents water from entering the gap between the panels. The design also compensates for effects related to expansion and shrinkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kronoplus Technical AG
    Inventors: Christian Leopolder, Maik Moebus
  • Patent number: 7975452
    Abstract: A cellular building block including a middle beam and two legs. The cellular building block having the first leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and a second leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and spaced apart from the first leg, the first leg and the second leg having an inside edge and an outside edge. Having at least one barb located on the inside edge of the first leg and on the inside edge of the second leg and further configured to lock into a recess. The cellular building blocks connect in a two dimensional or three dimensional pattern and a produce a structured material that holds itself together and exhibits beneficial characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: B. Braun Medizinelektronik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Paul Wennberg
  • Patent number: 7975453
    Abstract: A stopper and container body are molded in the same molding machine. An assembly device, such as a pick and place robot, transfers the stopper from one mold cavity into the opening in the container body located within another mold cavity, or vice versa, to assemble the stopper and container body. Then, the assembled container body and stopper are removed from the molding machine and transported to a needle filling and laser resealing station for filling and laser resealing. A laminar flow source directs a substantially laminar flow of air or sterile gas over the mold surfaces, stoppers and container bodies, and assembly device, to prevent contamination during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7975454
    Abstract: Systems for enclosing at least one target product in a covering material, include an elongate product chute having an outer surface and opposing receiving and discharge end portions with an interior cavity extending therethrough and an elongate breech loading chute alignably positioned generally above the product chute, the elongate loading chute configured to direct at least one target product into the product chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. May, Samuel D. Griggs, Matthew Lowder
  • Patent number: 7975455
    Abstract: A packaging method for gloves that provides nonbinding dispensing of individual gloves. The method includes providing a durable and re-sealable container and a plurality of ambidextrous gloves constructed of rubber, placing a plurality of tightly packed gloves in a fluffing machine, air fluffing and tumbling the plurality of gloves for a period of time, loading a measured amount of gloves in the container, applying a cover to the container, and providing a seal around the juncture of the cover and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kurt Glenn Abrahamsen
  • Patent number: 7975456
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for wrapping articles on a pallet, in a foil hood, includes drawing off from a supply, a flat tube formed from two foil webs The webs are folded in an inward direction and directly superposed in a flat state with an integral foil The method includes opening out the end, which is to the fore in the draw off direction of the tube, at least partially sealing the length, pulled off the foil supply, essentially athwart the draw off direction at a position remote from the foremost end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Per Lachenmeier, Karl Mangus Rasztar
  • Patent number: 7975457
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine and a method for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. In one exemplary embodiment the machine includes a drive, a blower, and a sealing mechanism. The drive is arranged to move the web of preformed pouches along a path of travel through the machine. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to inflate the preformed pouches. The sealing mechanism includes a heating element support and a heating element. The heating element support includes a sealing side and a belt preheating side. The heating element is disposed around at least a portion of the heating side and at least a portion of the belt preheating side. The drive includes a belt that is disposed around the heating element. The sealing mechanism is positioned with respect to the path of travel, to provide seals to the pouches to form inflated dunnage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Steven Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 7975458
    Abstract: A crop harvesting header for use with a work vehicle includes a shaft extending substantially transverse to a direction of travel of the header, the shaft rotates about its axis in response to a portion of a member contacting a first arm when the header is in the first operating mode. The shaft does not rotate about the shaft axis when the header is in a second operating mode. A second arm rotates about the shaft in response to ground undulations when the header is in the second operating mode. A sensor, operatively connected to the second arm and to a controller, senses when the second arm is located at a predetermined position when the header is in the second operating mode. The sensor communicates with the controller to effect movement of the header with respect to the ground when the header is in the second operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Blaine R. Noll
  • Patent number: 7975459
    Abstract: A mower attachment, such as a string trimmer, is removably connectable to the forward end of a riding mower, such as a zero turn mower. The attachment is easily connected to and removed from the mower. The attachment has a control lever which is positioned on the attachment such that the attachment can be activated and deactivated by the mower operator using his or her feet, such that operator can operate the attachment and yet maintain his or her hands on the mower controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Eugene R. Murawski
  • Patent number: 7975460
    Abstract: A stabilization system used with a crop harvesting header includes a frame carrying a belt to deliver a crop to the header. The frame is independently movable between a first angle between the frame and the header and a second angle between the frame and the header. A member has an inside surface connectable in substantially non-rotational contact to a first structure of one of the frame or the header, and an outside surface connectable in substantially non-rotational contact to a second structure of the other of the frame or the header. In response to rotational movement of the first structure in substantially non-rotational contact with the inside surface, rotational movement of the first structure occurring with respect to the second structure in substantially non-rotational contact with the outside surface, the member provides a stabilizing torsional force between the frame and the header between the first and second angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Irwin D. McIlwain
  • Patent number: 7975461
    Abstract: A harvesting apparatus for row crops that includes a self-propelled carrier unit and a harvesting device. The carrier unit is a motor-driven vehicle. The harvesting device consists of an upper frame in sliding engagement with a pair of vertical members coupled to a cutting platform, lifting means for raising and lowering the cutting platform, and means for positioning the cutting platform along the length of the upper frame. The cutting platform includes a base having opposing ends, each end having a pair of base guides that define a longitudinal passage, a cutter blade assembly having a blade with a cutting edge, which cutting edge is in communication with the longitudinal passage such that when the blade is in use, and when a tobacco plant passes along the longitudinal passage the blade will cut the plant by a slicing operation. The frame further includes front and rear wheel assemblies, and a shield that is attached to each of the vertical members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Ebelhar
  • Patent number: 7975462
    Abstract: An exemplary floor module suitable for inclusion in the modular floor assembly comprises a support and an overlaying floor sheet. The support includes a support leading edge portion, a support trailing edge portion, and a floor support portion disposed therebetween. The support leading edge portion attaches to the cutter bar of a header. The support trailing edge portion includes a first resilient projection, and the floor support portion includes a second resilient projection. The floor sheet includes a floor sheet leading edge portion, a floor sheet trailing edge portion, and a substantially planar floor portion disposed therebetween. The first resilient projection and the floor sheet trailing edge portion define a trailing slot configured to receive a header frame projection. The second resilient projection and the substantially planar floor portion define a side slot configured to receive a side edge portion of an adjacent floor module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Ryan M. Figgins
  • Patent number: 7975463
    Abstract: A metal cord includes at least one preformed elementary metal wire. The metal cord has an elongation at break, measured on the bare cord, higher than or equal to 3%, preferably 4% to 6%; an elongation at break, measured on the rubberized and vulcanized cord, which differs in an amount not higher than or equal to 15%, preferably 2% to 10% with respect to the elongation at break measured on the bare cord; a part load elongation, measured on the bare cord, higher than or equal to 0.4%, preferably 0.5% to 1.5%; a part load elongation, measured on the rubberized and vulcanized cord, which differs in an amount not higher than or equal to 15%, preferably 0.5% to 10%, with respect to the part load elongation measured on the bare cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Pirelli Tyre S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Cristofani, Luca Cirilli
  • Patent number: 7975464
    Abstract: A guide rail for a cable protection and guide device in which lateral run out of the cable protection and guide device is suppressed is disclosed and claimed. Excellent traveling stability is realized and sliding of the cable protection and guide device is suppressed so that wear is decreased. Dovetail grooves (110a) are formed in the longitudinal direction of opposite surfaces of a pair of aluminum extrusion molded rails (110). A plurality of resin rollers (140), each shaft-supported by a shaft-supporting member (120), are engaged with the dovetail grooves of the rail (110a) and are movable in the longitudinal direction of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Shoichiro Komiya
  • Patent number: 7975465
    Abstract: A system for generating accessory power from a gas turbine engine is provided by the present invention. The system includes an electronic control device for monitoring at least one parameter which provides information about an incipient change in power demand, a control valve operated by the control device for supplying bleed air from the engine during a transient state in response to the at least one monitored parameter, and a pneumatically operated device for receiving the bleed air and for generating power to operate equipment onboard an aircraft. The pneumatically operated device may be an air turbine or a pneumatically integrated generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy M. Morris, Wayne R. Spock, Peter Gerard Smith, Matthew J. Schryver, Ronald S. Walther, Robert L. Gukeisen, Edward T. Hagaman
  • Patent number: 7975466
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle (10) for a gas turbine engine is described for vectoring a flow of exhaust gases issuing therefrom at an angle to a centre line (8) of the engine. The exhaust nozzle (10) comprises a plurality of radially outer flaps (25) and radially inner flaps (26) which are circumferentially disposed around the engine. The radially outer flaps (25) and radially inner flaps (26) alternately overlap each other to define a path through which the exhaust gases flow. The radially outer flaps (25) can be moved asymmetrically about the engine centre line (8). The radially inner flaps (26) are maintained in sealing contact with the outer flaps (25) by the flow of exhaust gases passing therethrough. The radially inner flaps (26) are divided into a number of triangular sections (29) which renders the flaps (26) torsionally flexible so that they can twist along their lengths to maintain sealing contact with adjacent radially outer flaps (25) when the outer flaps (25) are moved asymmetrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Leonard John Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7975467
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving a body with 3-degree of freedom angular motion, comprises: a body connected to a fixing part so as to be rotatable centering around a pitch axis, a yaw axis, and a roll axis; a pitch axis driving unit for rotating the body centering around the pitch axis; and a yaw axis driving unit for rotating the body centering around the yaw axis. Since one of the pitch axis driving unit and the yaw axis driving unit restricts the body from rotating centering around the roll axis fixed to the body, the conventional roll-rotation restricting link is not needed between the body and the fixing part. Accordingly, a size of the apparatus is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: Sung-Jin Cho, Eul-Gon Kim, Hyung-Sik Lee
  • Patent number: 7975468
    Abstract: An actuator stack is provided and having two or more individual actuators stacked in a longitudinal direction. Each of the two or more actuators having a solid detonation charge; a primer for igniting the detonation charge; and detonation wiring for powering the primer; and wherein at least one of the two or more individual actuators comprise an accelerating nozzle having at least a convergent section terminating at a throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7975469
    Abstract: A control system that controls regeneration of a particulate filter is provided. The system generally includes a propagation module that estimates a propagation status of combustion of particulate matter in the particulate filter. A regeneration module controls current to the particulate filter to re-initiate regeneration based on the propagation status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Frank Ament
  • Patent number: 7975470
    Abstract: In relation to an exhaust gas purification system that mixes a liquid reducing agent with air and injection-supplies this mixture into an exhaust gas flowing on an upstream side of a reduction catalyst (20) to thereby effect reduction purification of NOx in exhaust gas, a technical attention is directed to the relation of respective elements of; the travel distance, the fuel consumption, the air consumption, or the running time and the like, and the liquid reducing agent consumption, to constitute a configuration such that a continual monitor as to whether the injection condition of liquid reducing agent is normal or abnormal is executed by judging whether or not the amount of liquid reducing agent consumed for a predetermined travel distance, a predetermined fuel consumption, a predetermined air consumption, or a predetermined running time, is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiminobu Hirata, Nobuhiko Masaki, Masakazu Yano
  • Patent number: 7975471
    Abstract: An engine has a first cylinder group and a second cylinder group. The first cylinder group and the second cylinder group are connected to a common NOx storage reduction catalyst via their corresponding exhaust passageways and their corresponding three-way catalysts, respectively. When the temperature of the NOx storage reduction catalyst is to be raised, the average air-fuel ratio of the first cylinder group is made rich, and the average air-fuel ration of the second cylinder group is made lean. At this time, in the first cylinder group, the air-fuel of two cylinders is made rich and the air-fuel ration of one cylinder is made lean, and in the second cylinder group, the air-fuel ratio of two cylinders is made lean and the air-fuel ratio of one cylinder is made rich, in accordance with an embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeki Miyashita
  • Patent number: 7975472
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust system (1) for an internal combustion engine (3) having at least one exhaust gas line (2) that carries exhaust gas and having an injection device (4) for spraying a liquid into the exhaust gas line (2). Downstream from the injection device (4) a vaporizer device (7) which has at least one tubular sheet metal body (8) downstream from the injection device (4), said sheet metal body extending in the longitudinal direction of the exhaust gas line (2) and causing an improved vaporization of the liquid sprayed into the exhaust gas line. In addition, at least one clamp device (12) which is designed like a spring is provided, securing the vaporizer device (7) in the exhaust gas line (2) and/or bracing it elastically against the exhaust gas line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignees: J. Eberspaecher GmbH & Co. KG, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Julia Halbei, Josef Rudelt, Felix Neumann, Sabine Meiser, Matthias Horn, Thomas Christian Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7975473
    Abstract: An exhaust manifold may include a manifold body and a flange. The manifold body may include a first tube that forms an exhaust gas inlet. The flange may be coupled to the manifold body and may fix the manifold body to an engine. The flange may include a first aperture having first and second portions located along an axial extent of the first aperture. The first portion may extend to a first end surface of the flange and the second portion may extend to a second end surface of the flange. The first portion may have a first radial width that is less than a second radial width of the second portion. The second portion may receive an end of the first tube therein. The first tube may be fixed to the flange at a location within the first aperture between the first portion and the second end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Marotta, Robert H. Beck
  • Patent number: 7975474
    Abstract: A hydraulic system including a pump for feeding hydraulic fluid from an inlet side to an outlet side. A pressure accumulator is disposed at the outlet side, and between the pump and the pressure accumulator a hydraulic control valve is disposed, which has at least two valve positions. The outlet side of the pump is connected to the pressure accumulator in a second valve position, and is separated from the pressure accumulator in a first valve position. The outlet side of the pump is connected to the inlet side through the control valve in the first valve position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Martin Staudinger, Laurent Ineichen, Marco Grethel, Eric Müller
  • Patent number: 7975475
    Abstract: A universal control scheme for mobile hydraulic equipment has switches to activate and/or control any number of different tools or accessories that may be used to configure the equipment. Additionally, a single controller command may be reassigned from one set to another set of hydraulic line pairs. Furthermore, at different times, two separate controller commands may be used to control the same hydraulic line pair. The subject invention is also directed to a method for achieving the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: John R. Ramun