Patents Issued in August 14, 2012
  • Patent number: 8240620
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for routing and retaining wires or cables in an electronic assembly or the like, including: an elongate member; and a plurality of annular structures disposed in a spaced apart relationship about the elongate member, wherein each of the plurality of annular structures defines a plurality of channels about its circumference, wherein each of the plurality of channels is configured to receive and retain a wire or cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ciena Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Alan Walter
  • Patent number: 8240621
    Abstract: The device to prevent a bag with handles from collapsing inside a refuse receptacle is a band of stretchable material with plurality of hooks suspended from axis of a band and said hooks move freely along the axis of a band. The circumference of device is less than that of refuse receptacle for which it is being adapted thus it fits snuggly anywhere on the outer surface of refuse receptacle. The plastic bag with handles is secured to a refuse receptacle by inserting closed end of the bag into the refuse receptacle and folding the open end of the plastic bag over the rim of the refuse receptacle such that handles of plastic bag folded down on the side and secured by hooks to prevent plastic bag with handles from slipping over a rim and collapsing inside the refuse receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Playantra LLC
    Inventor: Anurag Satyapal Singh
  • Patent number: 8240622
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a clip having a first shank including a distal end and a proximal end, a head attached to the distal end, a resilient flange attached to the first shank proximate to the proximal end, a second shank extending downwardly from the resilient flange, wherein the second shank includes a free end. A pair of spring members extending obliquely from the free end to the resilient flange, each of the pair of spring members being attached to the resilient flange by a snap-in shoulder, and a pair of longitudinal members extending from the free end and each having a securing element at an opposing end proximate to the resilient flange, wherein the pair of longitudinal members and the securing elements are movable inwardly and outwardly as a result of the pair of spring members flexing inwardly and outwardly, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerd Hohmann, Daniel Schneider, Markus Ferdinand
  • Patent number: 8240623
    Abstract: A mounting bracket is provided for removably mounting a storage device on a slot track or slotwall panel having a plurality of slots having undercut sidewalls that form generally “T” shaped slats. The mounting bracket includes a support surface having a first “J” shaped hook to hook over the edge of a slat and into the undercut sidewall and a second “J” shaped hook to hook into a second slot and into the undercut sidewall. The mounting bracket includes a storage device connector attached to the support surface at a first end and has a second end. The storage device connector can include a lock rotatably mounted on the top wall adjacent the first “J” shaped hook having a locking member and an operator that is rotatable between locked and unlocked positions. A storage device can be coupled to the second end of the storage device connector. The storage device can be an actuatable holding system for a bicycle, or other storage device such as a basket or a storage shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Collins, Craig R. Forest, Guy E. Garrison, Gilius A. Gaska, David E. Moeller, Michael J. Scherzer
  • Patent number: 8240624
    Abstract: A piston position detecting device includes a position sensor, a fixing screw for attaching the position sensor to an outer periphery of the cylinder tube through the intermediary of a sensor attachment bracket, a nut plate into which the fixing screw is screwed, and a protecting cover covering the position sensor and the fixing screw, wherein the position sensor and the protecting cover are able to be concurrently mounted to the cylinder tube using the fixing screw through the intermediary of a sensor attachment bracket by forming the nut plate from a portion of the protecting cover, and in addition, when the position sensor is position-adjusted, the position sensor and the protecting cover are enabled to be displaced together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Terasaki
  • Patent number: 8240625
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a functional component mounting structure includes: a functional component having: a base body; a functional portion formed on a front surface of the base body; and a latching portion extending from a back surface of the base body; a component receiver having: a base portion having an opening into which the latching portion is inserted from a front surface side to a back surface side thereof; and a latch receiving portion on which the latching portion is latched; and a cover member pivotally fitted to the component receiver to open and close the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Kouichi Kato
  • Patent number: 8240626
    Abstract: A recycling system and carrying apparatus to allow individuals to carry recycling containers and the like. The carrying apparatus includes at least one support arm adapted to engage a support such that the carrying apparatus hangs therefrom, and at least one carrying arm operably connected to the at least one support arm. The carrying arm is adapted to secure an item to be carried by the carrying apparatus. The at least one carrying arm is adapted to pivot relative to the at least one support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew P. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8240627
    Abstract: A retaining apparatus in an electronic device includes a bracket, a disk drive, a pair of latch members and a securing member. The bracket includes two side panels. The disk drive is received between the two side panels. The pair of latch members is capable of locking the disk drive in the bracket. Each latch member is rotatably attached to each side panel. The latch member includes a locking portion capable of locking the disk drive in the bracket. The securing member connects with the latch members. The securing member will drive the other latch member when either one is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Da-Long Sun, Hai-Tao Gong
  • Patent number: 8240628
    Abstract: A holding apparatus has a main body, a longitudinal clamping member, and second and third clamping members. The first clamping member is slidably disposed on the main body, and the first clamping member has at least one pair of slanted sliding-tracks. The transverse clamping members are slidably disposed on the main body each having at least one sliding element slidably coupled to the slanted sliding-track of the longitudinal clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 8240629
    Abstract: A mount for elements of a water or heating installations is provided that includes a base body and a retaining clip that extends around one of the elements and releasably attaches it to the body. The base body and retaining clip are shaped to fit the elements. The retaining clip is U-shaped, has two legs and is made of a resilient, sound-damping plastic. The ends of the legs are bent back in a V shape and first detent projections are formed on the outside of the leg ends. The base body has openings matched to the legs. Formed on the inner wall of the openings are second detent projections, which cooperate with the first detent projections. The ends of the legs are designed to be manipulated by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Watts Industries Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Fritz Spiess, Michael Burkhart
  • Patent number: 8240630
    Abstract: A hanger bar assembly for a recessed luminaire is disclosed. The hanger bar assembly includes a first hanger bar member having a first attachment structure disposed on an end thereof, and a second hanger bar member having a second attachment structure disposed on an end thereof, the second hanger bar member being adjacent to the first hanger bar member. The first and the second attachment structures each include a first wall having a first fastener aperture and a second wall having a second fastener aperture, the first and second fastener apertures being formed about a common central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Grzegorz Wronski
  • Patent number: 8240631
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling liquid in a cup holder is provided. The apparatus includes a cup holder having a bottom, wherein the bottom has at least one aperture and a plurality of grooves. An electrical connector is located within the at least one aperture. The apparatus also includes a removable coaster configured to be placed within the cup holder and cover the electrical connector. The removable coaster has a plurality of ridges extending therefrom. The plurality of ridges is configured to extend into the plurality of grooves in the bottom of the cup holder. A surface is positioned below the aperture. The surface has at least one weep hole and at least one wall between the surface and the electrical connector. Finally, the apparatus comprises a drip line in the path of liquid flow from the at least one weep hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Schrock, Elliott J. Onstine, Michael J. Rodney, Sr., Zachary Zahrndt
  • Patent number: 8240632
    Abstract: A beam clamp releasably securable to a flange of a beam. The beam clamp comprises a clamping member connected to a base. The clamping member includes a latch. The latch has an engaged and a disengaged position. When in its engaged position the latch securing the clamping member to the flange and thereby securing the base to the beam. When it is in its disengaged position the latch permitting the base to be removed or withdrawn from the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Jonathan J. Melic
  • Patent number: 8240633
    Abstract: A lightweight forming system and the method of using same that can be used to construct concrete columns of various external shapes and sizes. The system includes a reusable, flexible securement jacket that can be wrapped around a concrete receiving component having a concrete receiving chamber into which the concrete is poured. Load is exerted on the concrete receiving component in a novel manner through the use of elongated load tubes that are affixed to the spaced apart edges of the securement jacket. A plurality of draw-latches of novel construction are affixed to the load tubes at vertically spaced apart locations and when closed by the workman function to forcefully pull the load tubes together to positively pre-load the concrete receiving component prior to pouring concrete. The securement jacket of the system can be quickly and easily removed as soon as the concrete has sufficiently cured and can then be immediately reused to pour another column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Blayde Penza
  • Patent number: 8240634
    Abstract: A high-pressure valve assembly includes a flange defining an axis. Projecting into the flange is a valve body which is sealed against the flange by a static ring seal. Provided on one side of the valve body is a spring-loaded closure member which is supported for movement in a direction of the axis to form a suction valve, and on another side of the valve body in opposition to the one side is a spring-loaded tappet which is supported for movement in the direction of the axis to form a pressure valve. A channel connects the suction valve with the pressure valve and has one end porting into a pressure chamber of the valve body adjacent to the pressure valve. The pressure chamber extends in axial direction of the tappet and is sized to extend substantially above a bottom edge of the ring seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hammelmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Jarchau, Axel Sommerkamp
  • Patent number: 8240635
    Abstract: Improving the accuracy of the flow rate of a valve in a fluidic delivery device in which a desired flow rate may be achieved by varying the duty cycle of the valve. The flow rate of fluid delivery from the valve over its lifetime is stabilized by minimizing the voltage OPENING time of the valve to account for valve and piezoelectric actuator drift. Also, the valve OPENING time of one or more fluidic parameters that impact on the flow rate delivery by the valve and differ among fluidic delivery devices is compensated to optimize the flow rate accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Codman Neuro Sciences Sárl
    Inventors: Rocco Crivelli, Alec Ginggen, Toralf Bork
  • Patent number: 8240636
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a valve that has an orifice closing member adjacent to an orifice through which fluid can flow, a displacement member having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is adjacent to the orifice closing member when the valve is in an open position, a first magnet and a second magnet where the first and second magnets are sufficiently proximate to the displacement member to exert a magnetic force on the displacement member, and an actuator for generating a magnetic field to move the displacement member toward the first magnet, cause the first portion to press against the orifice closing member, and cause the orifice closing member to close the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 8240637
    Abstract: The device includes a spindle rotatably supported perpendicular to a value displacement direction and is made of a first spindle part and a second spindle part. The two parts are provided with outside threads configured in opposite directions to each other. On the first spindle part, a first nut having a complementary inside thread is applied. On the second spindle part, a second nut having a complementary inside thread is applied. The first nut includes a first bearing for the rotatable support of one end of a first connecting rib. The second nut comprises a second bearing for the rotatable support of one end of a second connecting rib. The other end of the first connecting rib and the other end of the second connecting rib are rotatably supported on a third bearing. Parallel to the spindle, on the side thereof facing away from the valve member, a stop is provided for the first nut and for the second nut, the stop surface extends perpendicular to the displacement direction of the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Hannewald
  • Patent number: 8240638
    Abstract: A rod assembly driver which is alternately acting in two opposing directions includes two opposing grip jaws for a rod assembly, which grip jaws are hingedly connected to one another in the form of a parallelogram by pairs of plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Püttmann, Gerhard Völkel, Frank Prutti, Sebastian Leier
  • Patent number: 8240639
    Abstract: A carburetor configured for use with an internal combustion engine includes a body defining a passageway therein, a throttle lever including a cam surface, and a throttle valve positioned in the passageway and responsive to movement of the throttle lever. The throttle valve is configured to rotate about a first axis from a wide-open first position to a second position at least 50 degrees from the first position. The carburetor also includes a choke lever including a follower surface configured to be engaged by the cam surface and a choke valve positioned in the passageway and responsive to movement of the choke lever. One of the cam surface and the follower surface includes an arcuate segment having a constant radius centered on a second axis. The arcuate segment is sufficiently long such that the throttle valve is configured to move at least 15 degrees while the other of the cam surface and the follower surface engages the arcuate segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: David D. Roth
  • Patent number: 8240640
    Abstract: [Technical Problem] A contactor is provided which is capable of making fluids of two phases contact each other under a good dispersion state and which can be easily multi-staged. [Means for Solving the Problems] The inside of a contactor 1 is divided into a plurality of cells 22, 32 by partition walls (a vertical wall 10, horizontal walls 21, 31) and the respective cells 22, 32 become countercurrent contacting spaces of an upflow fluid flowing up in the contactor 1 and a downflow fluid flowing down in the contactor 1. A downflow fluid injection hole 52 provided in the vertical wall 10 of each stage makes the downflow fluid blocked by the partition wall and residing inject into the neighboring cells 22, 32 of a lower stage side, while an upflow fluid flow-in port 51 provided in an upper side of the injection hole 2 makes an upflow fluid from the cells 22, 32 of the lower stage side flow in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: JGC Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8240641
    Abstract: A support strut includes a strut isolator with a first strut end member and a second strut end member, the second strut end distal from the first strut end. The first strut end member includes an outer rigid housing with an inner cavity. The second strut end member includes an inner rigid member extending into the outer rigid housing inner cavity and includes an inertial track extending in a direction from the first strut end towards the second strut end. The inertial track has a first entrance end proximate the first strut end and a second entrance end proximate the second strut end. The isolator includes a first outer tubular elastomer disposed between the outer rigid housing and the inner rigid member. The isolator includes a second inner end tubular elastomer disposed between the outer rigid housing and the inner rigid member proximate the second strut end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis McGuire
  • Patent number: 8240642
    Abstract: A monotube shock absorber assembly includes a housing (20), a gas cup (32) slidably disposed in the interior (28) of the housing (20), and a piston (42) slidably disposed in the interior (28) of the housing (20) to define an oil compression chamber (48) between the piston (42) and the gas cup (32). A cushion (58) engages one of the piston (42) and the gas cup (32) and extends axially into the oil compression chamber (48) for intermittent contact with the other of the piston (42) and the gas cup (32). The cushion (58) is a resilient material and deforms in response to the cushion (58) contacting the other of the piston (42) and the gas cup (32). In a preferred embodiment, the cushion (58) defines a central opening (60) for decreasing the axial stiffness of the cushion (58) and engages the gas cup (32) for intermittent contact with the piston (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: BWI Company Limited S.A.
    Inventors: James P. Hamberg, Michael W. Hurtt
  • Patent number: 8240643
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combined pneumatic bellow (14) for a pneumatic suspension (10), wherein an axle-sided area (18) of pneumatic bellow (14) comprises, in a base state, a preshaped adapted from 928) and said adapted form (28) is embodied in such a manner that the axle-sided area (18) can be arranged on a protruding part (30) of a plunger 914) and the axle-sided area (18) is configured in such a manner that, in the event of the axle-sided area 918) moving towards a frame-sided area (16) of the pneumatic bellow (14), the axle-sided area (18) adapts to the adapted form (28). The invention also relates to a pneumatic suspension, a vehicle axle system wherein the inventive pneumatic bellow is used and to a method for producing said pneumatic bellow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: SAF-Holland GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Hock
  • Patent number: 8240644
    Abstract: A hydraulic anti-vibration mount having two damping modes, is disclosed comprising two support members, an elastomer body that connects the two support members to each other, a working chamber, a first structural plate with a check valve, a calibrated hole, a first restricted passage linking the working chamber to an intermediate chamber, a second structural plate having a main port, a second restricted passage, linking the intermediate chamber to a compensation chamber, an auxiliary chamber supplied by the check valve and emptied by the calibrated hole, and equipped with a flexible membrane arranged for deforming and closing the main port, to switch between the two damping modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Gabriel Lemaire, Pascal Petit
  • Patent number: 8240645
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing, in particular a chassis bearing for the rear axle of a motor vehicle, with an outer bearing sleeve, an inner bearing sleeve, at least one elastomer body arranged between the outer and inner bearing sleeves and two chambers which are arranged laterally opposite each other on the outer bearing sleeve. The chambers each have an adjusting element. The adjusting elements are displaceable. When subjected to pressure, the adjusting elements are displaced inwardly against the inner bearing sleeve. The adjusting elements can be clamped in their axial position by clamping rings which can be reduced in size radially, for example by means of air pressure. The inner bearing sleeve is thereby fixed and the rigidity of the bearing increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ContiTech Vibration Control GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Eberhard, Meinert Holst
  • Patent number: 8240646
    Abstract: A damping system, in particular in the form of a hydraulic cabin spring system, has at least one hydraulically triggerable actuating part (20) and has at least one hydraulic accumulator (26) connected to the actuating part (20). By a proportional throttle valve (10), proportional damping for the actuating part (20) is achieved. Variable proportional damping which can react to events in a manner specific to the user can be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hydac System GmbH
    Inventor: Joseph Scholl
  • Patent number: 8240647
    Abstract: A clamping and/or spreading tool comprises a drive for displacement of a push or pull rod to which a movable jaw is fixed with respect to a support carrying a stationary jaw in longitudinal direction of the push and pull rod, the drive comprising a torsion spring and being adapted to enter torque transmitting engagement with the push or pull rod for displacement of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tools GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Geier, Ralf Strauss, Phil Reed
  • Patent number: 8240648
    Abstract: An arrangement for clamping a flat plate to a flat surface includes juxtaposing the plate to the flat surface. An axially-movable wedging element defining a surface fitted with wedges is fixed against motion in other than a direction of elongation, and is forced to move in the direction of elongation. The wedges are forced against a first spring beam to impart forces thereto. The forces are coupled from the first spring beam to a second spring beam by intermediary supports. The second spring beam bears against a surface of the flat plate to force the plate against the flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian A. Pluymers, Khanh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8240649
    Abstract: A wafer chucking apparatus for a plasma process includes a lower plate, on which a plurality of wafers are loaded, and an upper plate, which is coupled to an upper portion of the lower plate and fixes the loaded wafers. The upper plate is made of one of Teflon, ceramic and metal, and the lower plate is made of aluminum or ceramic. The lower plate includes a drilled gas feed hole through which gas is fed so as to uniformly maintain temperature of each wafer during the plasma process. One of more of an isothermal sheet and an isothermal coating layer is formed between the wafers and the lower plate so as to maintain temperature uniformity of the wafers. Thereby, the wafer chucking apparatus can improve uniformity of plasma-etched patterns at an edge zone of each wafer during the plasma process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tainics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeongtae Kim
  • Patent number: 8240650
    Abstract: A chuck with triaxial construction comprises a receiving surface for a test substrate and arranged below the receiving surface: an electrically conductive first surface element, an electrically conductive second surface element electrically insulated therefrom, and an electrically conductive third surface element electrically insulated therefrom, and, between the first and the second surface element, a first insulation element and, between the second and the third surface element, a second insulation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Teich, Karsten Stoll, Axel Schmidt, Stojan Kanev, Jörg Kiesewetter
  • Patent number: 8240651
    Abstract: A post-processing device includes a pair of rollers, each arranged such that an axis direction thereof is perpendicular to a transport direction of recording sheets, that forms a fold in the axis direction at a predetermined portion of both surfaces of each recording sheet, a first plate-like member, arranged opposite the pair of rollers, that moves between a feeding position allowing the predetermined portion of each recording sheet to be pinched with a nip portion of the pair of rollers and a standby position being distant from the nip portion, a transport processing unit that causes the recording sheets to be sequentially transported such that the predetermined portion of each recording sheet intervenes between the first plate-like member and the pair of rollers and to be folded by the pair of rollers, and a post-processing unit bundles the recording sheets on each of which the fold has been formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Koichi Mitani
  • Patent number: 8240652
    Abstract: A method for separating two consecutive interfolded sheets, during the production of packages of paper products, even if there is present at least one tear-off line or “tab bond”. The sheets are fed in an interfolded way from interfolding rollers on a table by means of suitable folding arms. At a predetermined height of the stack a first plurality of separators, arranged along the length of the stack and at opposite sides with respect to it, are inserted in the same stack. This introduction divides the formed stack from the growing stack. Between the separators and the table a side of a sheet stretching board is introduced. The formed stack is then arranged between the table and the sheet stretching board. These are lowered vertically and move away from each other autonomously from the separators up to cause the disengagement of the growing stack from the formed stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: MTC-Macchine Trasformazione Carta S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro De Matteis
  • Patent number: 8240653
    Abstract: An interfolder separator apparatus and method utilize a pair of count fingers that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to a stream of folded sheets, for temporarily supporting each successive pack formed by the separator and then releasing each successive pack when partly completed to alternating build fingers, so that the operation of separating successive packs from one another is performed separately from the operations of completing the build of each pack and transporting the completed packs to downstream operations. The count fingers may be mounted to pivot about axes that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to the stream of sheets. A first or last panel of the completed pack may also be folded back partly upon itself, after the partly completed pack is released by the count fingers. Some or all of the fingers may be spring loaded and automatically resettable for clearing jams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Andrew Walsh, James R. Michler
  • Patent number: 8240654
    Abstract: An spine formation device includes a sheet conveyer to transport a bundle of folded sheets with a folded portion of the bundle of folded sheets forming a front end portion, a sandwiching member to sandwich and squeeze the bundle of folded sheets in a direction of thickness of the bundle of folded sheets, and a spine formation unit disposed downstream from the sandwiching member in the sheet conveyance direction, to flatten the folded portion of the bundle of folded sheets held by the sandwiching member. The spine formation unit presses the folded portion of the bundle of folded sheets projecting a predetermined length from the sandwiching member in the sheet conveyance direction in a reverse direction of the sheet conveyance direction while moving in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the folded portion of the bundle of folded sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Asami, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Naohiro Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 8240655
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a recording unit configured to record an image on a sheet, a tray on which the sheet is placed, a first roller configured to feed the sheet placed on the tray, a first guide member configured to guide the sheet fed from the first roller to the recording unit, a second guide member configured to guide the sheet passed through the recording unit, a second roller configured to feed the sheet guided by the second guide member, a third guide member configured to guide the sheet fed from the second roller to the recording unit, a common roller configured to transmit a rotation force to the first roller and the second roller, and a second-roller arm including the second roller at a distal end thereof and configured to be pivotable about an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Samoto, Yuji Koga
  • Patent number: 8240656
    Abstract: To provide a paper feeding device that can switch setting information only with an easy action of sheet removal and setting in a predetermined position. The paper feeding device includes a first detecting unit that detects whether a sheet is set in a predetermined position, a second detecting unit that detects whether the sheet removal and setting is performed in the predetermined position after the setting of the sheet is detected by the first detecting unit, and a switching unit that switches setting information concerning the sheet when the sheet removal and setting is detected by the second detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chiaki Iizuka
  • Patent number: 8240657
    Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a sheet feeding member, a friction separation member, a retaining member, a downstream guiding member, and a biasing member. The downstream guiding member is arranged downstream of a sheet conveyance direction than the friction separation member such that its guide surface is inclined at a predetermined angle to a front surface of the friction separation member towards the sheet feeding member. A line joining an apex of a sheet guiding member arranged upstream of the sheet conveyance direction than the friction separation member and an apex of the downstream guiding unit is positioned towards the sheet feeding member than a contact portion of the sheet feeding member and the friction separation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mizuna Tanaka, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Yasuo Matsuyama, Kazuyoshi Kondo, Toshikane Nishii, Ippei Kimura, Tomoyoshi Yamazaki, Haruyuki Honda, Yasuhide Ohkubo, Masafumi Takahira, Ikuo Fujii
  • Patent number: 8240658
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a cassette, a sensor and a controller. The cassette stacks a sheet. The sensor is provided at the rear end of the cassette. When the sensor detects the protrusion of the sheet from the cassette, the controller controls to notify that the sheet protrudes by using an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba TEC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yousuke Ushiyama
  • Patent number: 8240659
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus including: a conveyance unit which conveys a sheet, having been carried-in, to a selected conveying destination among a plurality of conveying destinations; a stiffness imparting unit which imparts stiffness to the sheet being conveyed by the conveyance unit; and a control section which controls the stiffness imparting by the stiffness imparting unit, wherein the control section controls whether to impart or not to impart stiffness to the sheet, according to the selected conveying destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Keisuke Oshima, Naoki Matsui
  • Patent number: 8240660
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus, including: a recording head configured to record an image on a recording medium; a conveying mechanism disposed so as to face the recording head and configured to convey the recording medium in a medium conveyance direction that is horizontal; a maintenance unit disposed, in its standby state, alongside the recording head in the medium conveyance direction and configured to perform maintenance of the recording head; a retaining portion disposed above the recording head and configured to hold and retain the recording medium on which the image has been recorded by the recording head, such that the recording medium is held and retained in a horizontal posture; and a medium receiving portion which is disposed alongside the retaining portion and to which the recording medium on which the image has been recorded by the recording head is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinya Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8240661
    Abstract: A vacuum transport system includes vacuum plenum having a plenum plate as a part thereof and a belt with an array of holes that align to grooves in the plenum plate over which the belt is driven. A sliding plate on the underside of the plenum plate inside the vacuum plenum contains a series of holes and slots to progressively open or shut holes connecting the grooves to the vacuum plenum to maintain a constant air flow and vacuum pressure in the cross process direction for varying widths of media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Henry T Bober
  • Patent number: 8240662
    Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus includes a conveyance section which is disposed in a space section which is surrounded by peripheral walls of an image forming apparatus main body and conveys a recording medium discharged from the image forming apparatus in a paper discharge direction, a frame which is positioned in the space section and contains the conveyance section, and a removal mechanism to bring the conveyance section into a removal mode in synchronization with an operation of extracting the frame from the space section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba TEC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Yahata
  • Patent number: 8240663
    Abstract: A security container for storing documents of value in stack form is provided with a stacking pocket for receiving documents of value in a stacked form, a bottom element disposed in the stacking pocket on which rests a fed document of value or a stack of fed documents of value, and an inlet opening leading into the stacking pocket which is disposed such that documents of value fed to the security container fall onto the bottom element. In the transport direction there is disposed at least one closing element with at least one portion which is deflectable from a closing position, in which it prevents a motion of a document of value back into the inlet opening, into a passing position in which it guides the document of value and in which onto the portion there acts a restoring force driving towards the closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Krämer
  • Patent number: 8240664
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus according to the invention includes a conveying portion that conveys a sheet; and an abutment member against which an end of the sheet in a conveying direction abuts, the sheet being conveyed by the conveying portion. Herein, the abutment member is movable so as to change a distance between the abutment member and the conveying portion adjacent to the abutment member based on sheet information about the stiffness of a sheet, when an end of the sheet in the conveying direction is abutted against the abutment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akito Sekigawa
  • Patent number: 8240665
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is provided with: a spherical conveying rotation member that is driven to rotate in a desired direction; a driven rotation member disposed above the conveying rotation member so as to be pressed onto an upper portion of the conveying rotation member so that the driven rotation member nips a sheet in cooperation with the conveying rotation member to convey the sheet; two driving rollers press with the conveying rotation member so as to drive the conveying rotation member to rotate; and a driven roller that is made in press-contact with the conveying rotation member to be driven together therewith, and in this structure, the two driving rollers and the driven roller are disposed below the conveying rotation member so as to support the conveying rotation member by the two driving rollers and the driven roller from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Fujita
  • Patent number: 8240666
    Abstract: In a scan apparatus, a sheet feeder having a sheet-stopping function includes a rotating shaft, a sheet-input roller, a pick-up mechanism and a sheet-stopping mechanism. The pick-up mechanism, including a bracket mounted on the rotating shaft and a pick-up roller mounted on the bracket, picks up a sheet from a paper tray. The sheet-stopping mechanism, driven independent of movement of the bracket by the rotating shaft, switches between a sheet-stopping state and a sheet-non-stopping state. The rotating shaft rotates in a first direction to enable the sheet-stopping mechanism to enter the sheet-non-stopping state and rotates in a second direction to enable the sheet-stopping mechanism to enter the sheet-stopping state, in which a passage to the sheet-input roller is blocked up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Sung-Po Cheng
  • Patent number: 8240667
    Abstract: A gaming machine printer. The gaming machine printer creates printed vouchers, tickets, receipts, etc. for use in gaming applications employing cashless enabled gaming systems. The gaming machine printer includes a voucher management system having a burster bar for separating vouchers and a serpentine voucher guide that may be opened for inspection. The gaming machine printer further includes various electrical features that protect the gaming machine printer from electrostatic discharges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Futurelogic, Inc.
    Inventors: Samson Mkrtchyan, Oleg Dymovsky, Mark Meyerhofer, Eric Meyerhofer
  • Patent number: 8240668
    Abstract: A card holding system with a handle having a first, second and base panel, the base panel connected by a bottom edge of the first and second panels, a shaft connected by a top edge of the first and second panels, a plurality of fan pieces sandwiched between the first and second panels, the fan pieces having a first and second end, where the first end is smaller than the second end, the first end is attached to the shaft so the fan pieces can rotate about the shaft and move between at least an open and closed position, in the open position the fan pieces are fanned outwardly from the shaft and handle, in the closed position the fan pieces are positioned in between the panels of the handle, each fan piece having a card slot with a depth on a front surface adapted to hold a playing card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Wendi L. Kimbrell
  • Patent number: 8240669
    Abstract: A method of managing a blackjack game is provided. A blackjack game bet comprising a bet against a house entity on a blackjack hand is received from a player. A pair of cards is determined for a hand for the house entity, and another pair of cards is determined for a hand for the player. The odds of the occurrence of one or more subsequent events are determined based at least in part on one or more of the pair of cards selected for the house entity's hand and one or more of the pair of cards selected for the player's hand. The odds for an additional bet are determined based at least on the determined odds for the one or more subsequent events, and the additional bet is offered to the player at the determined odds for the additional bet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cantor Index, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Asher, Lewis C. Findlay, Guy Iain Oliver Riches