Patents Issued in December 6, 2011
  • Patent number: 8070184
    Abstract: A Supplemental Automotive Restraint System for Pregnant Women has a protective shell structure with integral “Pelvic Yoke and Crotch Post”, “Breast Plate”, structural “Abdominal Bridge/Shell” over the abdomen between the “Pelvic Yoke” and the “Breast Plate”, “Shoulder Belt Retainer”, and appropriate padding and fill material, all of which work in conjunction with the standard automotive Type II lap and shoulder belt restraint system as required to be installed in all new passenger cars manufactured for sale in the United States by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 (FMVSS 208). The purpose of the “Supplemental Automotive Restraint System for Pregnant Women” is to reduce the likelihood of injury to a pregnant mother and her unborn child during maneuvering, crash, or other non-impact event of a motor vehicle while the mother is driving or riding in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: James Research & Development Ltd.
    Inventor: James Edward Hofferberth
  • Patent number: 8070185
    Abstract: The invention relates to a restraint device (1) for a seat belt (2) in a vehicle, comprising a housing (10) for guiding the seat belt (2) and for accommodating an energy-absorbing element (12) adapted to cooperate with the seat belt (2) so as to absorb energy when a predetermined retardation condition of the vehicle is fulfilled. Said device (1) comprises a device (15, 16, 23, 27, 28) for attaching the energy-absorbing element (12) to said seat belt (2) when said condition is fulfilled, said energy-absorbing element (12) being adapted to be attached in a lamellar manner to said seat belt (2) along a predetermined length thereof. The invention also relates to a method for restraining a seat belt (2). By means of the invention, a cost effective and safe device and method for restraining a seat belt in the event of a vehicle collision is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Clas Jernstrvm
  • Patent number: 8070186
    Abstract: The invention relates to reflective features formed from multiple inks. In one embodiment, the reflective feature includes a substrate having a first region and a second region, the first and second regions having different surface characteristics; a first reflective element disposed on the first region; and a second reflective element disposed on the second region, wherein the first reflective element is more adherent than the second reflective element to the first region. In another embodiment, the reflective feature includes multiple layers formed from different inks exhibiting enhanced reflectivity and/or durability. The invention is also to processes for forming these features, preferably through a direct write printing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Einhorn, Mark J. Hampden-Smith, Scott T. Haubrich, Rimple Bhatia
  • Patent number: 8070187
    Abstract: A flange structure (10) is provided for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle. The flange structure includes at least one electrically conductive fuel port (16?) having a periphery and first and second ends (22, 23). The first end (22) includes first barb structure (28). A plastic flange (20?) is overmolded on at least a portion of the periphery of the fuel port between the first and second ends. A portion of the flange overmolded on the portion of the periphery of the fuel port defines fitting structure (25) having second barb structure (27). A hose (30) is coupled with the first end of the fuel port and with the fitting structure with the first and second barb structures engaging the hose thereby preventing fuel or fuel vapor from passing between the periphery of the fuel port and the overmolded flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Parag Athalye, Matthias Nederegger, Stephane Seps, John Patrick Wattai
  • Patent number: 8070188
    Abstract: A quick-connecting coupler for connecting hoses, connectors together or to a faucet or other water accessories that allows ease of use by anyone, including the elderly, the infirm, and those suffering from disabilities. The quick-connecting coupler has a first male-end and a second female end. The second female end is provided with of spaced-apart through-slots or opening for receiving therethrough a pair of forks or leg-sections of a yoke. Each of the pair of forks or leg-sections is provided with at least one interior-facing linear thread or rib for engaging with the male threads of the mating male end of another hose, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Gerald Cronley
  • Patent number: 8070189
    Abstract: A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Gregory Yow, Jonathan Walborn
  • Patent number: 8070190
    Abstract: A security splicing system of aligned pipes against an expansion and/or contraction thereof due to variations in temperatures, has a flange unit providing a stability and watertightness of a splice, and including a double flange with two identical fastening elements gripping an outer face of an end area of two previously spliced pipes with a watertight connecting flange, so that an accidental displacement of the watertight connecting flange is prevented in an event that dimensions of the end area of the pipes vary due to an expansion or contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventors: Elisabet Patricia Pires Cabado, Barbara Ines Pires Cabado
  • Patent number: 8070191
    Abstract: A threaded joint for steel pipes comprises a pin having male threads and a box having female threads which engage with the male threads. An incomplete thread is formed at the start of the male threads and the incomplete thread has a portion in which the angle ? formed between its crest face and its flank on the side facing a complete thread is an obtuse angle and in which the thread height h from the base of the flank is at least 0.2 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Fujii
  • Patent number: 8070192
    Abstract: A dogging device includes a base mounted in a housing of a latch assembly. The base includes a hole through which a shaft rotatably extends. A limiting keyway extends from the hole and receives and limits rotation of a shaft key on the shaft. A dogging member includes a through-hole receiving the shaft. A keyway extends from the through-hole and receives the shaft key of the shaft, allowing joint rotation of the shaft and the dogging member. By engaging a tool with a driving groove in an end of the shaft or by utilizing a lock core key to turn a lock core that directly pivots the dogging member, the dogging member is pivotable between a first position engaged with a latching/unlatching control rod of the latch assembly to lock a latch bolt in a retracted state and a second position disengaged from the latching/unlatching control rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: I-Tek Metal Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Jen Tien
  • Patent number: 8070193
    Abstract: An exemplary foldable electronic device includes a first cover, a second cover coupled to the first cover and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a hooking portion disposed on the first cover and a latching portion formed on the second cover. The hooking portion has a hook, the latching portion has a latching slot, an unlatching slot, and a sliding slot connecting the latching slot and the unlatching slot. The hook is deformable to capable of latching the latching slot or unlatching from the latching portion when sliding to the unlatching slot along the sliding slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 8070194
    Abstract: The invention relates to an installing mechanism and its deinstalling tool for a control turning handle (150) of a lock on an actuating rod (17) comprising two assemblies (E1, E2) that interact via a bayonet-type assembly by an axial engagement in the direction of the leaf then a rotation in a circular arc branch, in a second direction opposite the first direction around the axis of the rod, of the second assembly (E2) on the first set (E1), characterized in that each circular arc branch comprises an engagement limit stop upon which an associated stub rests, and a retractable stop for rotationally blocking the associated stub in the circular arc branch. The invention is particularly for use in a hygienic handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cyclope
    Inventor: Richard Houis
  • Patent number: 8070195
    Abstract: A radiator grille of an automobile includes a plastic main grille provided with plural air vents and plural positioning bases formed in the inside. Each of the positioning bases has a plugging groove for being inserted with a hooking member, which is made of metal with a locking portion located at one end, a blocking portion elastically extended outward, and a hunched positioning portion formed outwardly. So, with the hooking members made of metal to possess a strong strength and elasticity, they are not to be easily broken owing to improper operation while being assembled with the main grille. Moreover, the radiator grille can not only be conveniently and swiftly assembled, but also firmly positioned in a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Li-Yueh Huang-Tsai
  • Patent number: 8070196
    Abstract: A bumper mounting assembly comprises a support member mountable to a vehicle front and a bumper-carrying member hingedly mounted to the support member to be movable between an upright position and a lowered position. A primary actuator is secured to the support member and the bumper-carrying member and can apply braking force against movement of the bumper-carrying member from the upright position to the lowered position and can preferably move the bumper-carrying member from the lowered position to the upright position. One of the bumper-carrying member and the support member carries a detent and the other carries a movable latch and a latch actuator for moving the latch between an engagement position and a disengagement position, with the latch biased into the engagement position so that the latch can selectively retain the bumper-carrying member in the upright position. A system to maintain pressure in a spare tire is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: MMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wally Couto, John Goddard
  • Patent number: 8070197
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy absorption device (1) for a bumper arrangement of a vehicle, with a hollow longitudinal section (2) intended for deformation, a rolled-back region (3) adjoining the hollow longitudinal section, and an extension section (4) connected to the rolled-back region. In order to improve an energy absorption device of this type to the extent that obliquely acting accident forces can be absorbed with a high degree of efficiency in as simple a manner as possible, it is proposed, in an initial state prior to energy absorption, to orient the hollow longitudinal section (2) obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the extension section (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AG
    Inventors: Toros Akgün, Michael Blümel
  • Patent number: 8070198
    Abstract: An article removal apparatus and method for the removal of debris from a surface by a user without physical bending, twisting, or strain. The article removal apparatus includes a blade, a structure for pivotal movement, a primary extension, and a secondary extension. The blade includes a first side, a second side, and a lengthwise axis. The structure for pivotal movement includes a pivotal axis adjacent to the second side. The primary extension includes a primary longitudinal axis, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is adjacent to the second side. The secondary extension includes a secondary longitudinal axis, a pivotal end portion, and an opposing end portion. The pivotal end portion is adjacent to the structure for pivotal movement. A user grasps the primary and secondary extensions, one in each hand selecting the angle between them and plows the debris from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Richard Burke
  • Patent number: 8070199
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor package pickup apparatus. The apparatus includes a picker base formed with first and second main feeding holes, which are connected to each pneumatic line providing a pneumatic pressure and aligned in a dual-layer structure, and an adsorption pad coupled to a lower portion of the picker base and formed with adsorption holes connected to the first and second main feeding holes. The pneumatic pressure supplied into the first and second main feeding holes is independently controlled, so that the apparatus easily loads or picks up semiconductor packages, even if the size of the semiconductor packages becomes reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hanmi Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ik Kyun Na, Yong Goo Lee, Nho-Kwon Kwak
  • Patent number: 8070200
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a suction device and two positioning members. The suction device comprises a suction body and a suction nozzle. The suction body is in communication with the suction nozzle and is configured for providing a pressure below atmospheric pressure to make the suction nozzle picking up the optical element. The two positioning members movably mounted on two opposite sides of the suction body and are configured for moving towards each other to move the optical element picked up by the suction nozzle to a predetermined fixed position relative to the suction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Tsan Shen
  • Patent number: 8070201
    Abstract: An arrangement for handling packaging units, such as bottles, crates and the like with the aid of a robot, wherein the arrangement includes a mounting part (10) which is adapted for fixation to a robot arm, a tool carrier (20) which is adapted to carry one or more handling tools (30) such as a number of bottle grippers or the like, and a number of couplings each comprising a first engagement member (13) affixed to the mounting part, and a second engagement member (24) affixed to the tool carrier, wherein the second engagement member is restrictively displaceable axially relative to the first engagement member, so that the second engagement member will take a latching position relative to the first engagement member under the effect of gravity on the tool carrier in engagement with the first engagement member, wherein the working state of the tool carrier relative to the mounting part is defined when all second engagement members are in their respective latching positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Lars Erik Trygg
  • Patent number: 8070202
    Abstract: A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator head linked with the at least one gripper jaw. An actuator selectively operates to move the actuator head between a plurality of positions. A support is fixed relative to the actuator and includes a guide slot that guides the actuator head. One of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a channel and the other of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a guide member extending there from at least partially into the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Syron Engineering & Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Conrad Earl Waldorf, Anthony Jenkins, James R. Kalb
  • Patent number: 8070203
    Abstract: A method for operating vacuum-operated hoists with at least one elastically deformable vacuum-operated lifting mechanism, with a controllable vacuum generator, and with at least one motorized lifting drive is disclosed. A load detection device is used in order to detect the weight of a load picked up by the hoist. The load detection device generates a protection signal directly after detection of a load exceeding a predetermined tare weight of the hoist if the vacuum is insufficient to lift the load. The protection signal indirectly or directly deactivates the lifting drive with the aid of a switch-off control and/or prevents further lifting of the load if an insufficient vacuum or no vacuum is present when an increased load is detected and lifting begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Franz Schaumberger
  • Patent number: 8070204
    Abstract: A molding system includes a clip and a molding. The clip attaches to at least one panel of a vehicle. The clip includes a body that presents a surface. A pair of lips extends from the body in opposition to the surface. A fastener extends from the surface and is configured for engaging the at least one panel of the vehicle. A sealant is disposed on the surface. The sealant is configured to expand upon application of a condition such that the sealant engages the at least one panel of the vehicle to retain the clip to the at least one panel of the vehicle. The molding is configured to snap over the pair of lips on the clip such that the molding is secured to the at least one panel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Julien P. Mourou
  • Patent number: 8070205
    Abstract: A harness assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a body and a dual-mode tailgate connected to the body via a dual-action hinge The harness assembly includes a protector connected to a frame of the tailgate. The protector has a body shaped to conform to a first portion of the tailgate frame having a first contour and a second portion of the tailgate frame having a second differing contour. A portion of the protector body is configured to route a section of a tailgate harness adjacent an outboard lateral edge of the tailgate frame and past the section of the tailgate harness under a dual-action hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: John M. Schermerhorn, Hung V. Phan
  • Patent number: 8070206
    Abstract: A method for lowering a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and a first tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The first tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side and a second end connected to tailgate. The method may further include detaching the first end of the first tailgate support from first side of the vehicle. Once a first extension link is selected, the first end of the first tailgate support may be connected to the first extension link. The first extension link may be connected to the first side. Once installed, the extension link may effectively lengthen the tailgate support, permitting the tailgate to hang lower than ninety degrees from its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Cary Russell Zielinsky
  • Patent number: 8070207
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and at least one tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The at least one tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side, a second end connected to tailgate, and an adjustor positioned between the first and second ends. The method may further include actuating the adjustor to change the length under tension of at least one tailgate support. By changing this length, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Cary Russell Zielinsky
  • Patent number: 8070208
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, a tailgate support, and an adjustor. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The adjustor may include a base and a traveler configured to move with respect to the base. The base may be positioned on, and fixed with respect to, one of the tailgate and a first side of the vehicle. When the base is positioned on the tailgate, the tailgate support may extend to connect the traveler to the first side of the vehicle. Alternatively, when the base is position on the first side of the vehicle, the tailgate support may extend to connect the traveler to the tailgate. In either configuration, by manipulating the position of the traveler with respect to the base, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Cary Russell Zielinsky
  • Patent number: 8070209
    Abstract: A sun visor assembly includes a sun visor in which the corners associated with one of the longer edges are rotatably mounted to an automotive vehicle, one corner of which is fixed and the other corner being removable from a mount affixed to the vehicle. The removable corner has a cutout with a cylindrical pin coupled to the cutout at both ends of the pin. The mount has an arcuate cradle to engage the pin over less than half of its circumference. The opening to gain access to the cradle faces generally downward when installed and the pin is held in the mount by magnetic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chi Li, John Andrew Stakoe, Todd Jared Konet
  • Patent number: 8070210
    Abstract: A positionable truck bed enclosure may be mounted on the gunwales of a pickup truck. The enclosure may comprise side panels mountable on the gunwales and a top hinged along one edge and mounted between the side panels. The top may be hinged intermediate its ends to form first and second sections, and control arms connected to the second section may be used to control the position of the lower edge of the second section as the top is raised and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas B. Lotz
  • Patent number: 8070211
    Abstract: An automatic car cover system, driven by electric motors, for a car, which is equipped with an automatic opening/closing trunk lid, is provided. The automatic car cover system according to current application is comprised of one cover runner, one holster, one holster casing, one guide, one cover sheet, and one cover sheet un-folder. The cover runner is a small electric motor driven vehicle equipped with caterpillars, which are comprised of magnetic plates covered with rubber. The holster pushes out/rewinds the cover runner, the guide, and the cover sheet with un-folder. The holster comes out of and goes into trunk of the car with aid of a line connected to a reverse power motor installed in the holster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Ted Justin Suh
  • Patent number: 8070212
    Abstract: An arranging structure spans a wire harness for a motor vehicle between a vehicle body and a slide member. The structure includes a corrugated tube for sheathing the wire harness; a protector made of a resin material, the protector holding opposite ends of the corrugated tube in a longitudinal direction and threading the wire harness; and a rotary member integrated with the protector or coupled to the protector as a different element from the protector, the rotary member being rotatably supported on supporting members provided on the vehicle body and the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Shima, Yoshinao Kobayashi, Shigeki Murayama
  • Patent number: 8070213
    Abstract: A method of reducing discordance among components of a molded trim piece assembly includes making each of the plurality of components according to a component configuration pattern adapted to mitigate deformation of the plurality of components, and making each of the plurality of components according to a joint configuration pattern adapted to mitigate misalignment between the plurality of components at a joint. A machine includes a molded trim piece assembly configured to amount to a body of the machine, such as to a fender of the machine, which includes a plurality of components having a component configuration pattern adapted to mitigate deformation of the plurality of components and a joint configuration pattern adapted to mitigate misalignment at a joint between the plurality of components, when mounted to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Egging, Darshit Gohel, Steven Wells
  • Patent number: 8070214
    Abstract: A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Mac Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Gosselin, James A. Maiorana
  • Patent number: 8070215
    Abstract: A side sill beam having a shape of an arch concave outwards in a vehicle-width direction is placed in a side sill, and includes first and second ends welded to joining areas with front and rear floor cross members, respectively. A first impact detection element that detects an impact from the outside in the vehicle-width direction is disposed near the joining areas of the side sill and the front or rear floor cross member, and a second impact detection element that detects an impact from the outside in the vehicle-width direction is disposed offset from the first impact detection element in a vehicle front-rear direction as viewed in the vehicle-width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Yoshioka, Toshimasa Okamoto, Takashi Yakata, Tomohiro Inagaki, Naomi Sugano
  • Patent number: 8070216
    Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a plurality of hollow tubular members welded together. An opening in a side wall of the frame which receives a door or window of the vehicle is bordered by at least two hollow tubular members which are interconnected by a non-tubular, reinforcing corner member. The reinforcing corner member includes a pair of solid parallel plates spaced apart by a perpendicular cross-member. Each plate of the reinforcing corner member has integral first and second elongated portions extending on either side of a continuous curve therebetween which has a substantially constant radius of curvature such as to define a smooth transition between the integral first and second elongated portions of the plate. The reinforcing corner member distributes stress away from the curved corner and to the tubular members, thereby preventing stress concentration at a joint between the two tubular members surrounding the opening in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Nova Bus, Division de Groupe Volvo Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Frédéric Defoy, Stéphane Gagnon
  • Patent number: 8070217
    Abstract: A vehicle body rear part structure improved against rear-side collisions is disclosed. The rear part of a vehicle body includes left and right rear side frames; a front cross member and a rear cross member, both extending between the left and right rear side frames; and a bar and a bracket. The rear cross member has arm support parts for supporting lower arms of left and right rear suspensions on a center part which is lower than lateral ends of the vehicle body. The bar is curved in a convex manner toward the bottom of the vehicle body, and the bar connects center parts of the front and rear cross members together. The bracket mounts a rear end of the bar to the rear cross member while enclosing the rear end from the bottom of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norikazu Matsuura, Takayuki Takahashi, Atsushi Hasegawa, Yusuke Miura, Kazutaka Kanezashi
  • Patent number: 8070218
    Abstract: To get out a roof (2) retracted in a storage space (7) therefrom, a link mechanism carries out pushing-out operation of push-pull cable (90) so that a grip member with the roof (2) gripped thereby is moved by an elastic force of a main spring (79) along a rail (74) from a retracted position to a gripping position, where the roof (2) is then released from gripped condition by the grip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Frank Hinrichs, Tomoaki Matsunobu
  • Patent number: 8070219
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a chair leg rest assembly or kit. The assembly or kit may include, among other things, a leg rest and a frame for extension and retraction of the leg rest. In addition, the invention may include a roller assembly connected to the leg rest for covering the frame. The invention is also related to a combination of the chair leg rest assembly or kit with a chair. In such a combination, the invention also includes a back which hingedly rotates independently from a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Joseph L. Walters, Dana E. Lockwood, Robert Ripplinger, James A. Riegsecker
  • Patent number: 8070220
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a frame which attaches to outdoor furniture, in particular to a chair, and a canopy. Embodiments can be moved from an overhead position to a behind the chair position. The frames can be moved from a collapsed to a fully extended position. In embodiments the canopy can be positioned to contain the collapsed frame and chair in the carrying position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Swimways Corporation
    Inventors: David Reeb, Paul Robinette
  • Patent number: 8070221
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an operating support that supports a surgeon in a sitting position straddling a patient. By straddling the patient, the surgeon is ideally positioned to perform certain types of laparoscopic surgery, such as pelvic surgery, which requires the use of relatively long surgical instruments. The operating support supports the surgeon in a more ergonomically correct position that reduces the stress and strain on the surgeon's body as compared to the conventional technique of performing laparoscopic surgery in a standing position at one side of the operating table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ethos Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Turner, John Economaki
  • Patent number: 8070222
    Abstract: The active headrest of the invention includes individual parts provided in a seat back. The individual parts include a lower unit which operates by an impact given to a frame, a wire which elevates/lowers inside the seat back linked to the lower unit, a solenoid to which the wire is locked and/or an upper unit having the solenoid, and a headrest device linked to a lifter or a connecting portion of the upper unit. At the time of collision, the wire is tensioned downward, the lifter or connecting portion of the upper unit ascends or tilt forward, and the ascent and forward tilting of the headrest are performed instantaneously. As a result, this headrest can secure the ascent stroke and forward tilting which can follow the movement of a head, etc. at the time of collision, and can protect a head, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Nihon Technica Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuo Yamada
  • Patent number: 8070223
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a rectangular-shaped seat back frame having right and left side frames; a flexible plate member provided between the right and left side frames; a seat back cushion provided in front of the flexible plate member; a mechanism for pushing the seat back cushion to a front direction by forwardly protruding the flexible plate member that results from the flexible plate member being bent; a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant, wherein the headrest is forwardly movably connected to the right and left side frames via right and left link members; and a rear-end collision detecting plate disposed at a portion of the seat back frame behind the seat occupant, wherein the rear-end collision detecting plate detects rearward movement of the seat occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Misao Omori, Kenichi Niitsuma
  • Patent number: 8070224
    Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile armrest/console, the armrest/console including an upper support surface. The video system includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a video source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Patent number: 8070225
    Abstract: A system and method for supporting articles is generally provided for use, with a seat, such as a child's safety seat or stroller, having a seat surface and at least one restraining member that extends outwardly from the seat surface. The system may be provided with a support member having one or more pocket members for holding the articles. An aperture may be formed through the support member through which the restraining member may be passed to limit movement of the support member across the seat surface when the system is placed on the seat. In one aspect, the pocket members may at least partially depend from one or more side portions of the seat, with or without the use of a support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Joya Machabee
  • Patent number: 8070226
    Abstract: An infant car seat base assembly has a base section with a top side, a bottom side, an upright base panel on a first end, and first and second openings vertically spaced apart on the upright base panel. A foot is attached to the first end and is slidable along the upright base panel in a direction generally normal to a plane of the bottom side between a first position and a second position. The foot has a foot body and a resilient, flexible leg extending up from the foot body. The flexible leg is exposed on an exterior of the base section and has a back side facing the upright base panel. The foot has a guide leg extending up from the foot body adjacent the flexible leg and positioned behind the upright base panel. A tab protrudes from the back side of the flexible leg and is sized to selectively seat in each of the first and second openings. The flexible leg biases the tab toward the upright base panel to seat in a selected one of the first and second openings when aligned therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Dingler, Jason Arnold, Craig Weber
  • Patent number: 8070227
    Abstract: A car seat is configured to rest on a seat of a vehicle and to support a child, and the car seat has a shell with a front side and a rear side and a seating surface on the front side. A first contact surface is defined on a part of the car seat facing generally opposite the seating surface. The first contact surface is oriented to support the car seat with the seating surface at a first seat incline. One or more adapter bodies are carried on the car seat and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The one or more adapter bodies each define a second contact surface. With the adapter bodies in the stowed position, the first contact surface is exposed to rest on the vehicle seat. With the adapter bodies in the deployed position, the one or more second contact surfaces are exposed and oriented to support the car seat with the seating surface at a second seat incline different than the first seat incline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Brunick, Neil C. Penza, Craig Weber
  • Patent number: 8070228
    Abstract: A child restraint comprises a base and a seat which can be detachably connected to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Taco Karremans, Petrus Henricus Maria Stokman, Mark Schrooten
  • Patent number: 8070229
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a monobloc rocking chair. The rocking chair includes a seat, backrest, a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, and rockers extending between front and rear legs. The chair is molded of a single material include a downwardly opening cavity and formed to taper outwardly from top to bottom. The cavity is formed by the seat being supported directly from below by front legs and being supported directly from above by a backrest. Rear legs are spaced from the seat. This allows two identical chairs to nest when vertically stacked for compact shipping, storage, or display. The monobloc rocking chair can include one or more arms or be armless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Cooper C. Woodring
  • Patent number: 8070230
    Abstract: A rotatable office chair comprises at least two seat carriers, each further comprising an upper arched guide and a lower arched guide, and at least two back rest carriers, each further comprising a restrictedly guided region, and a back rest arranged on back rest carriers, wherein the restrictedly guided region of the at least one back rest carrier is guided between the upper arched guide and the lower arched guide of the at least one seat carrier, thus allowing the at least one back rest carrier to be inclined relative to the seat carrier, wherein the upper arched guide and the lower arched guide are embodied at least in certain regions as an arc of a circle portion and wherein the arc of a circle portion of the upper arched guide and the arc of a circle portion of the lower arched guide have the same center of a circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Thonet GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Krob, Joachim Brüske
  • Patent number: 8070231
    Abstract: A locking and releasing mechanism for a seat having a first fitting part associated with one of a seat part and a backrest and a second fitting part associated with the other one of the seat part and the backrest that may be locked and released relative to one another by the mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a detent pawl configured to selectively latch the first fitting part to lock a displacement of the first fitting part and the second fitting part relative to one another and a detent plate configured to be reversibly displaced between a detent position, wherein the detent plate locks the detent pawl so that the detent pawl remains latched with the first fitting part, and a release position, wherein the detent plate allows the detent pawl to be released from the first fitting part. The mechanism also includes driver configured to selectively move the detent plate between the detent position and the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Kienke, James Abraham, Prasad Andhavarapu Bhavani, Kirubaharan Reginold Albert
  • Patent number: 8070232
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scooter with two chair backs. The scooter includes a main body containing a wheel seat, a pedal and front/rear wheel set; two chair back supports, assembled separately onto both sides on the back of wheel seat of the main body; and two chair backs, incorporated onto at least one chair back support via the connecting frame and transversely arranged at interval. The scooter of the present invention substantially improves the structural functionality and comfort of the chair back of the scooter, and also meets the diversified customer requirements with improved applicability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Moventon Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Hung Hung
  • Patent number: 8070233
    Abstract: A folding seat for an aircraft has a backrest, a seat area and an armrest. The seat area is pivotable. When the seat area is pivoted, the armrest is pivotable downwards, the seat area and the armrest being coupled by at least one coupling element in the form of a bevel gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schumacher, Andrew Muin