Patents Issued in February 12, 2013
  • Patent number: 8371586
    Abstract: A bearing seal includes a metal core having a radially outer portion engaged in an inner seal groove of a bearing outer race. The core includes a bent portion engaged in the seal groove, a radially outer flange extending inwardly from an end of the bent portion located inside the bearing, a tapered tubular portion having a large-diameter end thereof connected to a small-diameter end of the outer flange and a small-diameter end thereof located axially outwardly of its large-diameter end, and a radially inner flange extending inwardly from the small-diameter end of the tubular portion. A rubber seal is fixed to an inner surface of the metal core that faces the interior of the bearing. The rubber seal includes a thick-walled portion having an inner radial step, and formed with three lips that elastically contact the inner race outer surface. The thick-walled portion includes a small-diameter thick-walled portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: NTN Corporation, Nakanishi Metal Works, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Okaji, Eiichi Urakami
  • Patent number: 8371587
    Abstract: A bead seal structure is disclosed for sealing between plates of a fuel cell system, wherein the bead seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system and a cost thereof is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerald W. Fly, Jeffrey A. Rock, Scott C. Ofslager
  • Patent number: 8371588
    Abstract: An actuator, which can be actuated along a longitudinal axis, in particular for a spring carrier, includes a stationary part, a first rotor, which can be driven so as to perform a rotary motion, a rotatable second rotor, which is supported against the stationary part in the axial direction in an axial rest position, a coupling device, by which the second rotor is coupled to the first rotor, and an output element, which is connected to the second rotor and can be moved axially by means of a rotary motion of the second rotor. The coupling device interacts with the first rotor and the second rotor in such a way that, starting from the rest position, an axial movement of the second rotor can be produced by means of a first rotary motion of the first rotor in order to release the second rotor from the stationary part and thereby bring it into a working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Kohlhauser, Hansjoerg Poehler
  • Patent number: 8371589
    Abstract: A mass transit vehicle includes one or a combination of the following: floor portions that are angled for creating an incline of a floor of the buss; a door or entranceway that is angle relative to a fore-aft axis of the vehicle; and/or an entranceway that opens a relatively low height relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: ARBOC Technologies LLC
    Inventors: James J. Bartel, Ronald A. Byrd
  • Patent number: 8371590
    Abstract: Devices and methods of transport are disclosed. Various embodiments include structural aspects related to steering and changing the direction of conveyances including features which utilize leaning or shifting of weight as part of turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Leverage Design Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Timothy Kortschot
  • Patent number: 8371591
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disk for adjusting the angle of a snowboard binding. A base plate of the snowboard binding has a toothed gear formed at an inner periphery of a center opening thereof. As toothed gear formed at outer ends of disk gears included in the disk are engaged with the toothed gear of the base plate of the snowboard binding when a disk lever provided at the center of the disk is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the disk can be mounted to the base plate of the snowboard binding, so as to control the angle of the snowboard binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Seok Kun Hwongbo
  • Patent number: 8371592
    Abstract: A paint pump and cart having a movable carriage to enable tilting of the paint pump secured to the carriage via a pivot mechanism without tilting the remainder of cart. A latching mechanism having a spring biased pin received in one of a pair of apertures provides selective retention of the carriage in an operating or loading position and the latching mechanism is operable to release the carriage to move between the operating and loading positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Titan Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: Ann Catherine Feitel
  • Patent number: 8371593
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the camber and/or toe of the wheels of a wheel suspension, particularly for motor vehicles, having a wheel carrier on which each wheel is rotatably supported and comprising a carrier part receiving the wheel and a guide part connected to the wheel suspension, between which rotating parts (26, 28) rotating about a rotation axis and preferably driven by an electric motor are disposed, bringing about a defined displacement of the carrier part and/or the guide part by the rotational actuation thereof for changing the camber and/or toe. According to the invention, a single adjusting drive (54) is provided for actuating the rotary parts (26, 28), by means of which the two rotary parts (26, 28) can be adjusted in different, particularly in opposite, directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Michel, Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Christoph Kossira, Hugo Müller
  • Patent number: 8371594
    Abstract: Skateboard speed control is achieved by improved application of a mechanism to provide even force to the wheels by a simplified speed control system. The speed control system is durable, compact, simple, uses minimal components, is ergonomic, and has speed control pads that move in sync while simultaneously tolerating variations in wheel orientation and position while a rider is maneuvering the skateboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: James Stewart Palmer, Gregory Harold Smith
  • Patent number: 8371595
    Abstract: A lower part structure in a vehicle body rear part has a rear suspension frame disposed in rear of a fuel tank and in front of a spare tire and has a mechanism for causing jump up of the rear part of the spare tire under load application from the vehicle rear. The lower part structure is configured so that the center in the vertical direction of the front part of the spare tire is located so as to lap on the extension line of vertical width of a frame in the vehicle width direction of the rear suspension frame, and when the spare tire is moved to the vehicle front by a load applied from the vehicle rear, the spare tire comes into contact with the rear suspension frame directly or indirectly, whereby the rear part of the spare tire is pushed up with the rear suspension frame side being the center, and is turned in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kodai Taneda, Koji Uchida
  • Patent number: 8371596
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a first trailing arm assembly and a second trailing assembly each including a mounting bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame and a trailing arm member pivotably coupled to the associated mounting bracket and adapted to be operably coupled to an axle member, wherein the trailing arm members each include an aperture extending therein, wherein the aperture has a relatively constant cross-sectional configuration along a depth thereof. The vehicle suspension system further includes a torsional member extending between the first and second trailing arm members and frictionally secured within the apertures thereof, wherein the torsional member has a relatively constant cross-sectional configuration along a length thereof that is received within the apertures of the trailing arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Saf-Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Johnson, Mark Molitor, Jeffrey Michael Galla, Jason Klein, David Roe, Daniel R. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 8371597
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a person get into and exit an interior of a truck trailer. The apparatus comprises multiple parts, including a stationary step having a U-shape and a handle movable between an upright and stowed position. In its stowed position, the handle does not extend beyond the rear of the trailer, enabling the trailer to back up to a loading dock without interference from the handle. Two latching mechanisms assist in locking the handle in its upright and stowed positions. In its upright position, the handle enables a person standing on the step to more easily enter and exit the interior of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Dale E. DeCrescenzo, Corey W. Harris
  • Patent number: 8371598
    Abstract: The leverage device is intended to be installed on motorcycle stands that currently use a hex head machine screw for width adjustment. It consists of a) a female hex portion to mate with the hex head of the machine screw, b) a lever portion to be actuated by the user and c) a flat bottom to keep it captive to the machine screw. The device allows the user to loosen the screw slightly for width adjustment then re-tighten it without the use of tools. The low profile device is installed on the motorcycle stand to become a permanent part of the stand, unlike a wrench that is separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles N. VanValkenburgh
  • Patent number: 8371599
    Abstract: A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to removably connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is removably engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: L. Thomas Duvall, Dean West, Jeff Brawley
  • Patent number: 8371600
    Abstract: A fifth wheel comprising a coupling plate and an anti-theft protection device, the anti-theft protection device being configured such that it is integrally connected to the coupling plate and can be electrically actuated and the anti-theft protection device being arranged such that it is not discernible from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND Verkehrstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Siegfried Büttner
  • Patent number: 8371601
    Abstract: A fifth wheel slide assembly secondary lock includes an elongated cam member supported by a spindle extending upward from a sliding pedestal. A pair of linkage bars are pivotally coupled by one end to opposing ends of the cam member, the other ends of the bars being coupled to wedges operable for selectively engaging slide rails mounted to a vehicle frame in order to maintain a longitudinal position of said pedestal. The pedestal includes at least one stop extending upward from the pedestal at a height that extends above an arc defined by the rotation of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fontaine Fifth Wheel
    Inventor: Steven W. Mann
  • Patent number: 8371602
    Abstract: A collapsible tow hook for a motor vehicle includes a bracket attached to a vehicle structure and having laterally spaced side walls with first and second slots in each of the side walls. A tow loop has laterally spaced arms that straddle the spaced side walls of the bracket. First and second bolts extend through bolt holes in the laterally spaced arms and through the slots of the side walls. A retainer acts between the bracket and the first and second bolts to establish a normal upward position of the tow loop on the vehicle. The retainer yields to allow the first and second bolts to traverse the slots upon the imposition of a load on the tow loop in a direction opposite to the towing direction so that the tow loop is pivoted to a collapsed position relative to the vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Len V. Peschansky, David L Von Knorring, Zhenkang Li
  • Patent number: 8371603
    Abstract: A vehicle ball mount assembly includes a shank, an upper platform attached to the shank, and a lower platform attached to the shank and spaced from the upper platform. The lower platform extends beyond the upper platform. A first tow ball extends from the upper platform and a second tow ball extends from the lower platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 8371604
    Abstract: An improved bi-directional snowboard having a board member with a pair of parallel, downwardly extending, reverse cambers or rockers disposed between a pair of snow boot bindings mounted on a top surface of the board member. The reverse cambers provide for reduced snow contact upon engaging the snow surface and increased speed during downhill racing. Also, the board member includes a pair of convex-shaped, traction planes on opposite sides of the board member between the board bindings. The traction planes provide for increased edge control and stability when making hard turns and during difficult snow conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Shawn Soucy
  • Patent number: 8371605
    Abstract: A snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The binding includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Neiley, Anthony Scaturro
  • Patent number: 8371606
    Abstract: A buggy for transporting children has a frame (3a, 3b, 5) and wheels (9) that are rotatably mounted relative to the frame to support the frame above a ground surface. A primary seat (8) is operatively supported by the frame for supporting a first child. A secondary seat (17) is operatively supported by the frame for supporting a second child. The buggy is convertible between an in use configuration for transporting children and a folded storage configuration, whether or not the secondary seat is attached. The secondary seat may be detachable. The secondary seat may be positioned at least partly behind and at least partly below the primary seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Phil and Teds Most Excellent Buggy Company Limited
    Inventors: Campbell Gower, Philip Brace
  • Patent number: 8371607
    Abstract: A transportable shade device to provide a portable shaded area for outdoor workers. The structure features a wheeled frame which is engageable to be towed. A pair of opposing shade panels are rotationally engaged to a vertical support above a center section of said frame. Both panels rotate to an extended position to maximize shade to a seating area on the frame and rotate to a retracted position to minimize wind load on the structure during towing at highway speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jose Antonio Lopez
  • Patent number: 8371608
    Abstract: An air bag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system is provided. The air bag arrangement comprising an air bag package, having an air bag, which can be inflated to protect a vehicle occupant, and an envelope, in which the air bag is vacuum-packed, a gas generator for inflating the air bag, a gas generator support, on which the gas generator is fixed and a mounting element, fastened to the gas generator support, to house the air bag package. The mounting element has fastening means via which it is connected to the air bag package in a positive-locking manner and has multiple partial elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Takata AG
    Inventors: Steffen Weigand, Thomas Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8371609
    Abstract: An airbag configuration is provided for a vehicle seat having an airbag that can be expanded by a gas upon the activation. The airbag configuration is covered by a cover that covers the airbag relative to the surroundings in the inactivated state, the cover having a target weakened area that is implemented to open the cover upon the activation and permit the airbag to expand into the surroundings, and having a connector, the connector connected to the cover in the target weakened area, the connector being fastened in a fastening area to the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gunnar Ohlsson, Henrik Svanberg, Maria Bowallius
  • Patent number: 8371610
    Abstract: A retention device for an airbag arrangement can include a first retaining element, which can be connected via a first end section to an airbag flap and via a second end section to a firing channel or via a first end section to at least one airbag flap and via a second end section to a carrier which encloses the airbag flap and has at least one section disposed between the first and the second end sections. The first end section and/or the second end section have at least two overlapping end subsections, which are connected to one another and which are connected opposite to one another and spaced apart from one another to the first plate and second plate, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Kreppold, Tobias Putz
  • Patent number: 8371611
    Abstract: A rupture feature releases pressurized gas into a diffuser through an egress opening in an inflator wall responsive to a pressure impulse in the inflator. A sturdy rupture fragment is positioned opposite the egress opening. A thin rupture membrane continuously circumscribes and sealingly interconnects the rupture fragment to the inflator about the egress opening. Rupture membrane thickness is less than rupture fragment thickness or inflator wall thickness at the egress opening. The rupture membrane is upstanding from the inflator wall about the egress opening to a constant height. The rupture fragment and the rupture membrane are integrally-formed with each other and with the inflator wall at the egress opening. The pressure impulse impacts the rupture fragment, urges the rupture fragment away from the inflator, detaches the rupture fragment from the inflator by fully transversely fracturing the rupture membrane, and drives the rupture fragment into containment within the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Young, Andrew J. Young, Kurt L. Gamill
  • Patent number: 8371612
    Abstract: Lateral and longitudinal internal tethers can be used to restrict an inflatable airbag to a predetermined shape when inflated. A longitudinal tether extends from a rear portion or throat portion of the airbag to a front face. The portion of the front face that cushions an occupant can have a concave or planar shape, depending on the lengths of the lateral and/or longitudinal tethers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8371613
    Abstract: A pipe includes a cutout portion through which levers of a ring gear enter the pipe. An inner peripheral surface of the pipe opposing the cutout portion includes a curved inner peripheral surface in a curved portion of the pipe, a linear inner peripheral surface in a linear portion of the pipe, and a transition portion from the curved inner peripheral surface to the linear inner peripheral surface. The transition portion is located closer to a position where balls start to press the levers of the ring gear, than an intersection where an imaginary straight line ? extending from a cutout end portion of the cutout portion intersects an imaginary extension line of the inner peripheral surface of the linear portion of the pipe at a right angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Hodatsu, Hiroshi Tomita
  • Patent number: 8371614
    Abstract: The current disclosure presents a ski-pole coupling assembly wherein the attachment point is permanently housed on the ski, does not interfere with skiing activity, and does not become impaired by ice and snow. The current disclosure has a pair of brackets on each ski placed proximate the ski bindings. The brackets are of such height that, when placed on the brackets, the poles are not hindered by the bindings. The poles are removably affixed to the brackets by a flexible securing member, attached to the brackets. The securing members could be attached to the brackets by a number of different methods, such as by snaps, clips, rivets, etc. or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Judethaddeus Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8371615
    Abstract: A business form includes a paper carrier sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface, a barrier layer on an area of the upper surface of the paper carrier sheet, a silicone coating extending over the barrier layer, and a label assembly. The label assembly includes a label ply and a pressure sensitive adhesive coating. The label assembly is secured to the silicone coating and to the upper surface of the carrier sheet by the pressure sensitive adhesive. The label ply has a die cut through it that defines a label portion and a lip portion. The label portion is secured only to the silicone coating, and the lip portion is secured to both the silicone coating and to the upper surface of the carrier sheet. When the business form is printed with a printer, such as a laser printer, the form moves through the printer in an orientation in which the lip portion leads the label assembly. This results in the label portion being less likely to be removed from the carrier sheet inadvertently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Standard Register Company
    Inventor: Patrick Fitzgerald Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8371616
    Abstract: A false positive testing device (FPTD) that contains a coating based on a one hundred percent solids varnish and a transparent reagent, that uses oxidative free radical polymerization as a drying mechanism, and that can be transferred to various types of porous substrates by conventional lithographic offset printing and/or dry offset printing. The substrates with the FPTD can be verified by using common currency detection protocols, such as testing with ultraviolet lights and/or counterfeit detection iodine based pen/pad stamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Judy Wailing Wu, Robert Andrew McTaggart
  • Patent number: 8371617
    Abstract: An expansion joint for a pipe system includes a deformable section interconnecting first and second pipe sections. A first mount is secured to the first pipe section in a passageway of the first pipe. A second mount is secured to the second pipe section in a passageway of the second pipe. A flexible tension member, extending through the deformable section, tethers the first and second mounts to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: MECS, Inc.
    Inventor: Rafael C. Take
  • Patent number: 8371618
    Abstract: A water supply attachment is a spherically-shaped pivot attachment having a hollow passage extending between its opposing ends that includes a threaded portion for coupling to water supplies. The water supply attachment can be a hidden pivot attachment usable in various shower assemblies. The hidden pivot attachment may be used in combination with a seal cup and an attachment nut, such that the hidden pivot attachment closely fits within the void spaces of the seal cup and attachment nut, enabling the hidden pivot attachment to form a seal with the seal cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventor: Leland C. Leber
  • Patent number: 8371619
    Abstract: A quick connection duct system with a unique connection mechanism for quick installation of hermetically sealed ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Terrence Edward Boonstra
  • Patent number: 8371620
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a female adapter and at least a retainer. The female adapter has a joint portion and an axial hole. The axial hole is adapted for a male adapter inserting therein. The joint portion has an opening and at least a pair of engaging recesses. The opening communicates with the axial hole. The engaging recess has a narrow section and a broad section. The retainer includes a pair of pivot members positioned in a predetermined position of the broad section of the engaging recess so that the retainer may pivot between a clamping position and a spreading position. The present invention can accomplish the purpose of engaging the male adapter or dismantling fast with the pivoting retainer. The retainer is selectively positioned in the predetermined position of the engaging recess so that the retainer may be installed or detached easily, and be prevented from missing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Tsai-Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 8371621
    Abstract: A fitting connection for a capillary has a sealing bushing, a compression bushing, and a backing bushing. The backing bushing has a bore for receiving the sealing bushing and the compression bushing into the backing bushing, and the sealing bushing and the compression bushing are each provided with a central bore for feeding through a capillary tube. The bore of the backing bushing has a partly slightly conical bore end which compacts the sealing bushing such that the bore of the sealing bushing exerts a radial surface pressure onto the external wall of the capillary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Herbert Funke
  • Patent number: 8371622
    Abstract: A sealing ring and a method of preventing or stopping a joint leak between a pipe and a pipe fitting to minimize property damage as well as clean up costs occurring from property damage due to joint leaks by securing a sealing ring to the pipe and the pipe fitting to form a secondary joint that inhibits or prevent leakage between the primary joint between the pipe and the pipe fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Patent Store LLC
    Inventors: Lloyd Herbert King, Jr., David Kreutz, Mathew Walters, Steven Rhea, James C. Keeven
  • Patent number: 8371623
    Abstract: A cam clamp assembly for a sanitary fitting includes a first arcuate segment having a first extension with a slot. A second arcuate segment has a second extension, and the first and second segments are pivotally coupled together for movement about a first axis. An elongated member is pivotally coupled to the second extension for movement of the elongated member about a second axis so that the elongated member is receivable within the slot, the second axis being parallel to the first axis. An offset cam member is pivotally mounted to the elongated member for movement about a third axis, parallel to the first and second axes. A handle rotates the cam member between an open and closed position, and defines a cam travel stop that provides a tactile indication that a predefined compression of the fitting has been obtained when the cam member has been rotated to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Herve′ X. Bronnert
  • Patent number: 8371624
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making barrettes covered with ribbon. One embodiment of a device for making decorated barrettes comprises a base having a substantially planar surface with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a securing member connected to the substantially planar surface proximate to the first end and configured to secure a barrette and at least one elongated holder connected to the substantially planar surface proximate the second end. The at least one elongated holder comprises a plurality of raised portions extending outward from the substantially planar surface in close proximity to one another to define slits there between configured to retain an individual ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Crorey Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie Ann Karwowicz, David J. Crorey
  • Patent number: 8371625
    Abstract: The Revolution Daddy Rock Super Track is a salt sifting tank that dispenses rock salt directly to the front of the vehicle wheels followed by the rear wheels which would prevent the automobile from sliding side to side and also aiding the vehicle to go up and down hills in the winter time with super traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Isaiah Crawford, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8371626
    Abstract: Latch systems for use in aircraft are disclosed. One system includes a frame, a pin at least partially inside frame, an interface portion, and a link. Pin has proximal and distal ends and is slidable between extended and retracted positions. Interface portion is pivotable between open and closed positions and has a handle for receiving a force to move interface portion to open and closed positions. Link is pivotably coupled to pin and interface portion such that pin is at extended position while interface portion is at closed position and pin is at retracted position while interface portion is at open position. Interface portion has an impact face in line with pin when interface portion is at closed position to ensure pin does not reach retracted position while interface portion is at closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Ross Huston, Justin Joseph Noland
  • Patent number: 8371627
    Abstract: A latch-bolt mechanism includes a housing, a latch-bolt, and a drive member. The latch-bolt is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and includes a bolt body and an engaging member operable to move relative to the bolt body between an engagement position and a disengagement position and having an engaging portion. The drive member has a driving portion. When the engaging member is at the engagement position, the driving portion can be activated to contact and push the engaging portion so as to move the latch-bolt from the extended position to the retracted position. When the engaging member is at the disengagement position, contact between the driving portion and the engaging portion can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Liang Chiang, Ting-Cheng Chang, Song-Gen Shyu, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 8371628
    Abstract: Disclosed is a length-variable bumper capable of adjusting the length of a vehicle body to lengthen a time interval over which momentum changes upon collision. The length-variable bumper includes a bumper member primarily absorbing collision energy, a collision energy absorbing member foldable in a longitudinal direction, and an operation unit configured to transit the collision energy absorbing member to an unfolded state when a vehicle speed is a predetermined level or more and to transit the collision energy absorbing member to a folded state when the vehicle is the to predetermined level or less. The collision energy absorbing member has one end connected to a frame of the vehicle and the other end connected to the bumper member and configured to be deformed upon collision to secondarily absorb the collision energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Seibum Choi, Hyo Min Jin
  • Patent number: 8371629
    Abstract: The tank handle has an upper section, a central section, and a lower section, oriented in a common plane and integrally formed. The upper section has an aperture which thereby forms a grip for lifting, and the lower section has an aperture for coupling to a tank gas passageway. The handle is rotatably coupled to the gas passageway of a gas tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Christopher W Bibow Irrevocable Trust
    Inventor: Christopher W. Bibow
  • Patent number: 8371630
    Abstract: An auxiliary carrying device for carrying an object includes a strap, a handle, and a lacing assembly. The strap surrounds the object and includes a fixing end and a free end. The free end defines a number of through holes along the length thereof. Two ends of the handle are connected to the strap. The lacing assembly includes a connecting element and an adjusting element. The connecting element is fixed to the fixing end. The adjusting element is connected to the connecting element and comprises a post. The post is capable of inserting one of the through holes to connect the free end with the connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Feng Huang, Zih-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 8371631
    Abstract: A reconfigurable tool module for an end-effector includes an adjustable-height housing attached to a swing arm. The adjustable-height housing includes a valve spool and a flow path terminating at a workpiece interface tool. The valve spool is configured to interrupt the flow path when the adjustable-height housing is in a first position. The valve spool is configured to open the flow path when the adjustable-height housing moves away from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Yhu-Tin Lin
  • Patent number: 8371632
    Abstract: A garnish including an integrally molded grip is attached to a center pillar of a vehicle body with a bracket. The bracket attaches to a part of the pillar adjacent to the grip using a threaded bolt provided on an outboard side of the garnish. An opening is formed in the garnish for attaching the garnish to the pillar. A lid closes the opening. Integrally forming the grip with the garnish eliminates the need for positioning the two parts relative to each other and reduces the number of component parts. Providing the bracket for attachment adjacent to the base end of the grip improves the mounting strength of the grip. As the lid closing the opening is concealed by the grip when viewed inside the passenger compartment, the opening can be made so large as to improve the efficiency of the assembly work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shogo Akaba
  • Patent number: 8371633
    Abstract: A center console is provided between two vehicle seats arranged next to each other. At least one front side of the center console, at least one container can be arranged in a detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Beyer, Jong Hyuk Park
  • Patent number: 8371634
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a hollow space between a front pillar and a fender. A noise insulator panel is mounted within and fills the hollow the hollow space between the pillar and the fender panel to block and absorb the communication of noise to the weather strip that seals the door to the pillar. The noise insulator panel includes a housing portion of compressible foam material with a base wall that is oversized to fit in compression between the pillar and the fender panel to block the communication of noise and a sidewall that extend forwardly from the base wall to define a cavity facing the engine and tires. An absorber portion fills the open cavity of the housing portion. The absorber portion is made of a fibrous material that is secured within the cavity of the housing portion and acts to absorb noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Alejandro Hernandez Covarrubias
  • Patent number: 8371635
    Abstract: In a dashboard insulator for a vehicle, an inner layer laminated between front and rear layers is formed by laminating fusion, barrier and other fusion films and has a large number of small holes with a uniform opening rate. The both layers are formed by a thermoplastic material with predetermined basis weight, and Young's modulus. The both fusion films formed by a thermoplastic material with a melting point lower than that of the barrier film fuse the both layers to the barrier film. Each fusion part of the both fusion films has a predetermined fusion force in its predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Howa Textile Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Mizata