Patents Issued in April 2, 2013
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Patent number: 8408549Abstract: A gaming dice for a game, such as a board game or a card game, said gaming dice comprising a body part comprising a number of sides, wherein at least one or more of those sides is/are provided with coupling studs. Hereby it is possible to mount indicia-carrying elements that have a bottom side on which complementary coupling means are provided and a top side which is opposite relative to the bottom side and is provided with indicia.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Lego A/SInventors: Cephas Edgar Howard, Ditte Bruun Pedersen
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Patent number: 8408550Abstract: Embodiments include electronic and mechanical improvements to a card shoe adapted to prevent a cheating player from gaining knowledge of the cards within the shoe. In some embodiments, a variety of electronic security solutions are contemplated. In one example, cards may be shuffled at a remote location where the sequence of the cards may be hashed or encrypted and deleted from an external electronic memory. These cards may be sealed with various physical and electronic seals, associated with the hashed value of the card sequence and are shipped to a casino table where they may be inserted into an intelligent card shoe.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: IGTInventor: Jay S. Walker
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Patent number: 8408551Abstract: A card shoe handling device includes a playing card output receiver including a playing card support surface and a ceiling at least partially disposed relatively over the playing card support surface. The playing card output receiver is sized and positioned to receive a number of playing cards handled by the playing card handling system. The playing card handling system also includes an elevator mechanism operable to selectively move the playing card output receiver between a lowered position and a raised position, where in the lowered position the ceiling limits access from an exterior of the playing card handling system to the playing cards carried by the card support surface of the playing card output receiver and in the raised position the ceiling does not limit access from the exterior of the playing card handling system to at least some of the playing cards carried by the playing card output receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Richard Soltys
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Patent number: 8408552Abstract: A poker or game chip has an outer ring and an inner disk. The inner disk is typically engaged with the outer ring, but may be disengaged by pushing on the inner disk. When the chips are in a stack, pushing on an inner disk causes it to disengage with the outer ring, and engage in the outer ring of an adjacent chip. In a stack of chips, all of the chips may have a moveable inner disk and, upon application of pressure, may be shifted to engage with the outer rim of an adjacent chip, thereby causing the stack of chips to lock. A stack of chips is thereby secured together, so that the chips will not easily disengage and spread along the top of the table.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Inventor: Peter Sardo
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Patent number: 8408553Abstract: A system is disclosed for detection of whether a movable object, such as a sports object, e.g. a football or an ice hockey puck, has passed goal plane. It is known to encircle the goal plane with conductors to produce an electromagnetic field to excite signal emitter means in the movable object, alternatively detect the signal emitted by the emitter means. With the present invention these circuits are sectioned into a plurality of separate circuits, which provides an improved spatial resolution of the system in particularly when the movable object is close to the conductors.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.Inventor: Jørn Eskildsen
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Patent number: 8408554Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. Each additional groove may contain a pocket. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Glenn M. Garrison, Diane R. McNickle
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Patent number: 8408555Abstract: An intershaft seal system capable of communicating a balanced pressure profile onto forward and aft faces along a piston ring is presented. Seal system includes forward and aft mating rings and a piston ring. Mating rings include a plurality of divergent flow grooves adjacent to the piston ring. Each divergent flow groove includes a pair of grooves which intersect at and are substantially symmetric about an apex. The piston ring includes channels which direct a fluid from a high pressure region upward, downward, or directly through the piston ring and onto the divergent flow grooves. The divergent flow grooves separate the fluid in a symmetrically divergent fashion prior to communication onto the piston ring. The divergent flow grooves communicate a substantially symmetric pressure force along the radial width of the piston ring so as to minimize twisting thereof, thus reducing wear along the piston ring and increasing seal life.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Stein Seal CompanyInventor: Glenn M. Garrison
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Patent number: 8408556Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. Additional grooves are contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional grooves direct and create pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Glenn M. Garrison, Diane R. McNickle
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Patent number: 8408557Abstract: The seal arrangement (154) is arranged between the casing portions (50,52) and a fluoropolymer O-ring seal (72) is positioned between the casing portions (50,52). A first protecting member (156) is positioned between the fluoropolymer O-ring seal (72) and the casing portion (50) and the first protecting member (156) consists of a polymer and hydroxyapatite. The first protecting member (156) consists of 50 to 80 wt % polymer and 20 to 50 wt % hydroxyapatite and incidental impurities. The first protecting member (156) is located in an annular groove (70) and is thus arranged between the casing portion (50) and the fluoropolymer O-ring seal (72). The first protecting member (156) is substantially U-shaped in cross-section and the fluoropolymer O-ring seal (72) is positioned between the legs of the U-shaped cross-section first protecting member (156). The first protecting member (156) prevents corrosion of the casing portion (50) by the fluoropolymer O-ring seal (72).Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Jonathan M Taylor, Benjamin Shaw
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Patent number: 8408558Abstract: An annular seal for use in sliding or translating applications is provided. An annular can comprises a metallic material formed into a ring. One or more ribs are disposed about an inner surface or an outer surface wall of the ring where the ribs provide a sliding sealing surface smaller having a reduced contact area relative to the width of the ring wall. The sliding sealing surface provides a seal against one or more sliding members. The rib-wall structure forms a circular beam providing greater structural integrity to the seal than would otherwise be possible.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Jetseal, Inc.Inventors: Rex Reum, Steven Douglas Hudlet, Timothy J. Rammel
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Patent number: 8408559Abstract: An active geometry control suspension system may include an active roll control unit having a guide rail formed along a predetermined distance in a front-rear direction from a rail seat inserted down from above a lower arm, sliders slidably fitting in the guide rail, a stabilizer link with one end pivotally coupled to the sliders, a pushrod with one end pivotally connected to the sliders, and an actuator having an operation bar, one end of which may be pivotally connected to the other end of the pushrod, the operating bar operating forward or backward, wherein the one end of the stabilizer link and the one end of the pushrod may be connected to the sliders through a double ball joint, and the other end of the pushrod and the one end of the operation bar may be connected through a ball joint.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Pil Young Jeong
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Patent number: 8408560Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle that allows the amount of roll to be reduced includes a vehicle body, a handle, and a suspension mechanism. The suspension mechanism is provided at a front portion of the vehicle body and supports a pair of left and right front wheels or a pair of left and right skis. The suspension mechanism includes a pair of left and right arm members and a pair of left and right air shock absorbers. The pair of left and right arm members supports the pair of front wheels or the pair of skis in a vertically movable manner. The pair of left and right air shock absorbers is coupled to the pair of arm members. The pair of left and right air shock absorbers each includes a cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, a first gas chamber, and a second gas chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takamasa Kamioka, Kotaro Ogura
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Patent number: 8408561Abstract: A displaceable spring seat (2) supporting one end of a vehicle suspension spring (S) is supported by a fluid pressure of an operation chamber (J). A screw pump (P) supplying a working fluid to the operation chamber (J) includes a pump chamber (L) defined within a cylinder (10) by a piston (11, a nut (13) formed integrally with the piston (11), and a screw shaft (14) screwed into the nut (13). A guide member (16) fixed to the cylinder (10) is fitted onto an outer circumference of the nut (13) or the piston (11) such that when the screw shaft (14) is driven to rotate, the piston (11) is fed via the nut (13). The guide member (16) formed from a non-metallic, low-friction material, reduces a driving resistance of the piston (11) and improves a durability of a screw portion between the nut (13) and the screw shaft (14).Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takahisa Mochizuki
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Patent number: 8408562Abstract: A golf bag cart includes a body for engaging a golf bag. The body has a first longitudinal end and an opposite second longitudinal end. A first pair of wheels is rotatable about a first axis of rotation at or adjacent the second longitudinal end, a second pair of wheels rotatable about a second axis of rotation which is pivotable relative to the body between a folded position and an outstretched position. When the second axis of rotation is in the outstretched position, the first and second wheel pairs support the body in a slanted orientation. When the second axis of rotation is in the folded position, the first and second wheel pairs support the body in a generally horizontal orientation. When the second axis of rotation moves from the outstretched position to the folded position, the second axis of rotation moves away from the first axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Adept Industries LimitedInventors: Yuet Keung Tse, Chi Bun Tse, Michael Potempa
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Patent number: 8408563Abstract: A sulky includes a frame having a cross-member and a pair of shafts spaced from each other and extending from the cross-member forwardly along an axis. A first wheel support and a second wheel support each rotatably extend downwardly from the frame and each engage wheels, respectively. Each of the first and second wheel supports includes an adjustment feature defining a plurality of adjustment positions. The wheels are engaged with the first and second wheel supports, respectively, and are independently adjustable relative to the first and second wheel supports, respectively, to any of the adjustment positions. The plurality of adjustment positions of the first and second wheel supports are located along lines generally extending rearwardly along the axis and upwardly relative to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Inventors: Beverly W. Ross, Gary Helzerman, Larry Carlson, Tamaira Ross
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Patent number: 8408564Abstract: A refuse and recycling cart assembly includes a U-shaped lower frame to hold a plurality of refuse or yard waste containers with easy turn lockable wheels to provide for maneuvering the cart in tight places, stopping or storing the cart on inclined and slippery surfaces or immobilizing the cart during loading or unloading. A U-shaped upper frame with a low to the ground wide rear opening provides for easy loading of containers into the cart with little lifting required. A U-shaped rear vertical support frame has a removable upper frame to give even more clearance for loading containers into the cart with little lifting. The top of the upper rear vertical support frame is bent to provide a handle with a user gripping strip placed on the handle. Upper and lower U-shaped horizontal supports are cantilevered from the upper vertical support frame to support a pair of recycling bins.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Inventor: Jenny Elizabeth Hutchinson
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Patent number: 8408565Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge structure of a skateboard, and more specifically, to a hinge structure of a skateboard wherein an intermediate part of the skateboard divided into two parts that are a front board and a rear board is connected by a hinge unit. Accordingly, the skateboard is twisted and the skateboard's alignment is elastically returned by a cam and spring of the hinge unit, thereby increasing propelling force and durability. Also, since assembly and disassembly of the hinge unit is easy when the skateboard is broken, convenient maintenance and repair are enabled.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Inventor: Na Eun An
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Patent number: 8408566Abstract: A subframe for a front axle of a motor vehicle is arranged on the floor side of the vehicle structure and is connected to a front axle transverse beam and to the vehicle body. The subframe substantially contains two longitudinal beams which are arranged in a divergent fashion in relation to one another and which are connected at the rear end—as viewed in relation to the direction of travel—to a plate-shaped stiffening element. The latter is held together with the longitudinal beams on a central tunnel of the vehicle structure by fastening devices, with it being possible for the free front ends of the longitudinal beams to be fastened to the front axle transverse beam by further fastening devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Heiko Teichmann, Dennis Tegelkamp
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Patent number: 8408567Abstract: A swather tractor has a frame defined by a main tractor frame carrying the cab, engine and drive system, rear axle with castor wheels and a transverse front frame assembly mounted at a front of the main frame. The front rigid frame assembly carries the header and comprises a cross member and a pair of upstanding legs each carrying a front ground wheel hydraulically driven so that steering is controlled by the rate of forward movement of the front wheels. In order to provide improved suspension, the main frame is connected to the front frame assembly by a coupling which allows up and down suspension movement of the main frame relative to the front frame assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: MacDon Industries LtdInventors: Leonard Bergman, James Thomas Dunn
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Patent number: 8408568Abstract: A suspension apparatus includes a first suspension arm having a front end section pivotally supported on a vehicle body. The first suspension arm extends toward a rear of a vehicle from the front end section. A second suspension arm has an outer end section and an inner end section. The outer end section is attached to the first suspension. The inner end section is disposed at an inner side of the outer end section in a vehicle width direction and is pivotally supported on the vehicle body. An elastic joining section is provided on the second suspension arm and connects the second suspension arm to the first suspension arm with a plurality of elastic bodies disposed substantially in parallel in the vehicle width direction. A knuckle is supported by the first suspension arm and the wheel and is supported between the plurality of elastic bodies.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takuya Yanagida
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Patent number: 8408569Abstract: A strut assembly includes an upper mount assembly, a shock absorber and a knuckle. The upper mount assembly is attached to a piston rod which is a part of the shock absorber. The knuckle is attached to an outer tube of the shock absorber which can be a reserve tube of a dual-tube shock absorber or a pressure tube of a single tube shock absorber. A reinforcement member increases the strength of the outer tube in the area that interfaces with the knuckle.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Daniel T. Keil, Ben Schaller, Christopher Conrad, Laxman Subramaniam
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Patent number: 8408570Abstract: A vehicle side fairing having a first fairing panel fixedly secured to the underside of a trailer box, and a second fairing panel slidable mounted to plural cylindrical bars mounted on the underside of the trailer box in a fore and aft orientation. The second fairing panel is secured to the wheel set with a mechanical fastener that selectively joins and releases the second fairing panel and the wheel set.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Aerofficient LLCInventors: Peter Heppel, Herbert Golding, Doug Memering, James Reiman, Daniel Peterson, William Bowman
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Patent number: 8408571Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: 89908, Inc.Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Smith
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Patent number: 8408572Abstract: A steering damper varies damping based upon the input source: the steering device or the ground contact parts. The device comprises a housing fixed on an attaching part that couples the steering device and the ground contact parts. A main chamber is partitioned into a first and second damping chamber and flow is at least partially controlled by a main valve unit. The opening area of the main valve unit is determined by a relative motion between the attaching part and the steering device.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Ohlins Racing ABInventors: Torkel Sintorn, Johan Nilsson, Leif Gustafsson, Thorleif Hansen, Joakim Mattison
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Patent number: 8408573Abstract: In one embodiment, a stem for bicycle handlebar and the like includes an arm joining the handlebar with a fork. The arm includes a three-piece wedge on each end that is adjustable by a screw to tighten and loosen a middle clamp of the wedge. The wedge is moved to release and tighten the fork and the handlebar independently.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Crank Brothers, Inc.Inventors: Frank Hermansen, Carl Winefordner
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Patent number: 8408574Abstract: A bicycle including a front wheel, a rear wheel, and a frame supported on the front and rear wheels, the frame having a frame member. The bicycle further includes a first fairing member protruding outward from the frame member and having a side surface defining an aerodynamic trailing edge and a second fairing member detachably mounted on the first fairing member such that the side surface is exposed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Luc Callahan, Christopher P. D'Aluisio, Mark Cote
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Patent number: 8408575Abstract: A vehicle body frame of a motorcycle comprises a front frame portion extending rearward from a head pipe, and a rear frame portion extending downward or rearward from a rear end of the front frame portion. The front frame portion includes at least a pair of right and left frame members. A front end of the rear frame portion is welded to a center cross member coupling rear ends of the frame members. The center cross member has a closed cross-section structure in which plate members are joined together in a forward and rearward direction. Thus, a fuel tank and devices can be laid out more flexibly from a location above the center cross member to a location behind the center cross member more flexibly and mounted more easily.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideaki Kawai
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Patent number: 8408576Abstract: Disclosed is an improved all terrain vehicle (ATV) trailer hitch system, comprising a first and second pivotal joint connected by an elongated driveshaft for navigating uneven terrain and maneuvering through tight turns without joint binding or trailer tipping. The driveshaft comprises a length adjustable member having a first end connecting to a lead vehicle via a first pivotal joint that statically supports the joint and allows pitching of the driveshaft. The driveshaft second end attaches by way of a second pivotal and rotatable joint to a trailer attachment assembly. The trailer attachment assembly provides connection to the trailer and for receiving an elongated drive screw member that establishes a rotational joint. The second pivotal joint therefore provides yaw and roll capability for the trailer. The system provides a multiple joint connection separated by an elongated driveshaft between a vehicle and a trailer for reduced binding and off-road maneuvering.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Inventor: Don Volk
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Patent number: 8408577Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly including a mounting collar, a hitch base with a vertical post having a plurality of alternating square sections and circular sections, a hitch ball member having at least one hitch ball and a pivot shaft extending therefrom. The vertical post is slidably and rotatably received through the mounting collar; the pivot shaft is rotatably received in the mounting collar. The mounting collar, to which the hitch ball member is attached, may slide vertically along the vertical post and may rotate about the vertical post to adjust the height and angular position of the hitch ball member. The hitch ball member may have a plurality of variously sized hitch balls that a user may select by rotating the hitch ball member about the pivot shaft. A single rotatable latch pin received by the mounting collar engages and disengages the various components of the hitch assembly to allow adjustability.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: B & W Truck Beds, Inc.Inventor: Joseph W. Works
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Patent number: 8408578Abstract: A boat coupling including a jaw for receiving an eye which is attached to the hull of a boat. A pin is movable to bridge across the jaw to capture the eye between extended and retracted positions. A retaining arrangement for retaining the pin in the retracted position will release the pin upon the pin being shifted to a release position, where after the pin is moveable under a biasing influence to shift to the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Indigo Sierra Pty LtdInventor: Gregory Staples
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Patent number: 8408579Abstract: Ski adapted to receive a skier's boot, the ski having a front tip, a rear end, front and rear contact lines, and a central zone between the front tip and the rear end. The distance separating the forward contact line and the ski tip is greater than or about 500 mm. The shovel, located between the front tip and the forward contact line has a convex zone which includes a first shovel portion having a lateral profile extending between an arc of circle with a 9-meter radius and an arc of circle with a 5-meter radius; a second shovel portion contiguous with the first shovel portion and having a lateral profile extending between an arc of circle with a 9-meter radius and an arc of circle with a 1-meter radius; a third shovel portion contiguous to the second shovel portion and extending to the front tip of the ski.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.Inventors: Aldric Bourgier, Jean-Philippe Guex, Patrick Metral, Lionel Favret
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Patent number: 8408580Abstract: The present invention provides a baby stroller folding device comprising an upper stroller frame, having a bendable handle installed at an upper end of the upper stroller frame; a lower stroller frame, with an upper end coupled to the upper stroller frame, and having a front wheel leg of a front wheel and a bendable step pipe disposed at the bottom of the lower stroller frame; a rear wheel leg, disposed separately on both sides of the upper and lower stroller frames, and having the rear wheel installed at the bottom of the rear wheel leg, a first slide member installed at the middle of the rear wheel leg, a pull rod installed between the first slide member and the upper and lower stroller frames, and a latch rod disposed at an upper end of the rear wheel leg; a folding joint, installed separately between the upper and lower stroller frames and the rear wheel leg, for coupling and positioning the upper and lower stroller frames, and the rear wheel leg having internal and external gear discs with a notch each aType: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.Inventor: Gordon Liao
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Patent number: 8408581Abstract: The collapsible shopping cart device provides a shopping cart with pivoting telescopic legs. Two spaced apart front legs mount to a pair of spaced apart leg pivots proximal to the basket bottom front. The pivoted legs provide for total collapse to the basket bottom or extension to positions that allow the basket to be selectively varied in height above a given surface such as a store floor. The basket may be provided with hinges between the basket sides and front and back and the basket bottom such that sides, front, and back may collapse for even greater collapsibility for either transport or storage. The sides, front and back are selectively locked in place when expanded. The seat bottom and back may be removable. The handle may be removable. The entire basket and its upwardly disposed components may therefore provide extreme compactability.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Inventor: Nancy E. Hunter
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Patent number: 8408582Abstract: Heat shields are used to shield an airbag from hot gasses issuing from an inflator. The heat shields can be a piece of thin metal that is coupled to the airbag cushion or the inflator. The heat shield can be held in place by being attached or coupled to the airbag and/or the inflator.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Larry F. Lunt, Louis A. Mueller, Mark I. Enders, Mark S. Hatfield
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Patent number: 8408583Abstract: Flangeless inflators include a body comprising a base member and a diffuser member coupled together, where the body is devoid of a lateral inflator-coupling flange. At least one fastener is coupled to the base member of the body. In an inflatable airbag system, the flangeless inflator is coupled to an airbag cushion, as well as to a steering wheel armature. In forming flangeless inflators, a body is formed that is devoid of the lateral inflator-coupling flange, and at least one fastener is attached to the body.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Quin Soderquist, Bradley W. Smith
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Patent number: 8408584Abstract: A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Don Paxton, Geoffrey Mills, Brent Parks, Michael P. Jordan, R. Mark Hubbard, Marcus Weber
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Patent number: 8408585Abstract: A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Don Paxton, Geoffrey Mills, Brent Parks, Michael P. Jordan, R. Mark Hubbard, Marcus Weber
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Patent number: 8408586Abstract: A curtain airbag device for a vehicle has a curtain airbag main body 17 that is disposed along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body while covered with an A pillar trim 41 and roof trim 42, and folded in an A pillar 7 and a roof side rail part 30 of the vehicle body so as to be able to deploy downward within a cabin. The curtain airbag main body 17 is provided with a twisted part 17b that is twisted such that an initial deployment force, generated upon inflation and deployment of the curtain airbag main body 17 located in a vicinity of the A pillar trim 41, is acted in a separation direction in which the A pillar trim 41 is parted away from the A pillar part 7, to push open the A pillar trim 41 toward an inside of the cabin. At least an upper surface of the twisted part 17b is regulated by a supporting bracket 21 and disposed in the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignees: Mazda Motor Corporation, Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomohisa Ohmori, Taei Shibahara, Hideharu Saiki, Junichi Yoshinaga, Miwa Matsuoka, Tomoki Hashizume
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Patent number: 8408587Abstract: A dashboard support part is provided for fastening on a dashboard of a motor vehicle, having an airbag exit opening for unfolding a passenger airbag, and a flap configuration, which is hinged on the dashboard support part and closes the airbag exit opening. The dashboard support part has a depression, in which the flap configuration is received. The flap configuration comprises a separate flap, which closes the entire airbag exit opening, is only connected to the dashboard support part along a hinge line, and rests in the depression along its remaining circumference.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ulrich Rick, Udo Wagner
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Patent number: 8408588Abstract: A fixture for a motor vehicle includes an airbag outlet flap in an airbag outlet region. In the region of the airbag outlet flap, at least one breaking point region is provided, along with at least one joint region. An airbag module is included that itself includes an airbag. A guide element is included such that, when the airbag is deployed, force is applied by the airbag on the guide element, force is applied to the airbag outlet flap.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Juergen Wittkamp
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Patent number: 8408589Abstract: A knee airbag device for a vehicle, configured in such a manner that, when a knee airbag is inflated and expanded with the knees of a vehicle occupant located close to an airbag door, a load to the lower legs is reduced. A first tear section (100) for expanding a first airbag door (108) in the vehicle's top-bottom direction and a second tear section (102) for expanding a second airbag door (112) in the vehicle's lateral direction are formed on the rear surface side of a glove-box-door outer member (24). The first tear section (100) is composed of a left and right pair of vertical tear sections (104) and a first horizontal tear section (106). The second tear section (102) is composed of second lateral tear sections (110).Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushika KaishaInventors: Osamu Fukawatase, Hitoshi Matsushima, Kazuhiro Kawachi, Yasushi Itou, Tomoko Kurata
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Patent number: 8408590Abstract: An active bolster for passenger crash protection in a vehicle comprises a base wall and a front wall, the walls having first and second facing surfaces to form an inflatable bladder with an initial open space between the surfaces. The bladder includes a plurality of tear joints. Each tear joint is comprised of first and second upstanding ribs wherein the first upstanding rib extends from the first surface part way into the open space and extends end-to-end along a first direction. The second upstanding rib extends from the second surface part way into the open space to contact the first upstanding rib and extends end-to-end substantially along a second direction that is substantially transverse to the first direction so that the first and second upstanding ribs contact at an intersection.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Raymond E. Kalisz
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Patent number: 8408591Abstract: An inflatable curtain airbag can be used to cushion an occupant during a vehicle collision as well as retaining the occupant within the vehicle during a rollover event. Curtain airbags that do not extend to the vehicle's waist line may allow the occupant to fit between the bottom of the curtain airbag and the waistline, and thereby be ejected from the vehicle. This risk is increased with vehicles that do not have vertical pillars between the doors and windows of the vehicle. Increasing an inflation gas volume capacity of a lower portion of the airbag, may mitigate the risk of occupant ejection, if the increased volume portion of the curtain overlaps the vehicle pillars. The lower portion of the curtain airbag may have a first chamber and a separate second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventor: Bryan L. Walston
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Patent number: 8408592Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided having a sufficient rigidity and strength as well as a lighter weight. It comprises cushion materials and skin materials on a seat frame and has a plurality of triangle or circular recesses and projections that are continuously formed in at least a part of the seat frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Hoshi
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Patent number: 8408593Abstract: A vehicle cabin having a vehicle seat is provided and the vehicle seat is aligned in a frontal direction. An instrument panel extends on the front side toward the vehicle seat and forms a foot well in the perpendicular projection onto a projection plane that is defined by a vehicle floor or sections thereof. A leg space extends between the foot well and the vehicle seat, and an airbag system is provided that is integrated at least in sections in the instrument panel and which has a prebag and an airbag. In the inflated state, the airbag is supported on the prebag. In the projection plane, the leg space in the frontal direction is at least twice as long, preferably at least three times as long as the foot well.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Klaus Kuhlmann
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Patent number: 8408594Abstract: A seatbelt system for a vehicle includes a seatbelt anchor, a seatbelt connected to the seatbelt anchor, and an airbag mounted to the seatbelt anchor such that the airbag is provided separately from the seatbelt. The airbag may be a side airbag for a pelvic area of a vehicle occupant. The seatbelt system may deploy the airbag to a desired location in a short amount of time and in a precise manner with improved confidence that the airbag has been deployed to the desired location.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventor: Jonathan Richard Kibat
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Patent number: 8408595Abstract: An airbag comprises a pair of fabric layers and a thermoplastic covering on the fabric layers applied by extruding the covering onto a surface of each of the fabric layers. The covering is configured to seal the airbag when heated such that no stitched seam is used to seal the airbag. A primer may be applied between a fabric layer surface and covering to aid in adhesion of the covering to the fabric layer. The airbag can also include internal seams formed by the heat sealed, thermoplastic covering composition.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Highland Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael Schindzielorz, Edward Sescourka
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Patent number: 8408596Abstract: An airbag device that may ensure an increased restraining force and a reduction of damage with respect to an occupant that is out of position or of small stature is provided. The airbag device for a passenger seat of the present invention may be disposed inside an instrument panel of a vehicle and protects an occupant inside the vehicle by inflation and deployment of an airbag when an emergency situation occurs. The airbag device includes: an airbag that is compressed into a plurality of layers in a vertical direction when not used, and inflated and deployed when an emergency situation occurs; and a restriction member that restricts the deployment of the airbag so that a deployment direction of an upper layer portion is directed toward an occupant side, wherein the upper layer portion is deployed first from among the plurality of layers of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Takashi Matsunaga, Takeshi Ohwada
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Patent number: 8408597Abstract: A sewing thread of a sewn portion provided in an air chamber of an airbag is prevented from being cut during manufacturing, and damage to the airbag starting from an end of the sewn portion is suppressed. An inner connecting portion (30) provided in an air chamber of an airbag, at which opposing base fabrics are connected to each other, is formed of a first sewn portion (31) formed by sewing the base fabrics together so as to divide the air chamber, a second sewn portion (32) that surrounds an end (31T) of the first sewn portion (31) to protect it, and an adhesive layer (35) formed around the sewn portions (31) and (32). Ends (32T) of the second sewn portion (32) disposed on both sides of the first sewn portion (31) are formed such that they are continuously sewn toward an inner region (R) of the second sewn portion (32) along the end (31T) at a predetermined distance therefrom, such that they project further than the end (31T) of the first sewn portion (31), without intersecting the first sewn portion (31).Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoji Teshima, Kazuo Obata, Mineatsu Misaka
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Patent number: 8408598Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Pride Mobility Products CorporationInventors: James P. Mulhern, Ronald Levi, Christopher E. Grymko