Patents Issued in March 4, 2014
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Patent number: 8662481Abstract: A system & Method for Preventing Scaling in a Flue Gas Desulphurization System is provided. The system includes an injector configured to direct a barrier fluid toward a surface that is otherwise susceptible to scaling when it comes in contact with super-saturated alkaline solutions such as slurry used to capture CO2 from a flue gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventor: Dennis James Laslo
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Patent number: 8662482Abstract: An air cooled condenser apparatus has a tubular shell having an open upper end and an open lower end, a ring of tube bundle panels disposed generally vertically and at an angle to each other, with each of the tube bundles comprising a primary condenser region and a secondary condenser region, and adapted for air flow therethrough to condense fluid in the panels, and configured so that air flow through the panels passes through and exits the open upper end of the shell, and a duct disposed at the ground level of the shell, and a non-condensable extraction system with active or passive devices to control the local rate of the evacuated mixture of non-condensables and attached steam.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hans Georg Schrey, Richard Leitz, Michel Vouche, Philippe Nagel
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Patent number: 8662483Abstract: A shock absorber for vehicle seat is provided. The shock absorber is suspended on a seat frame so as to elastically support a pad. The shock absorber includes: a plurality of wires that are disposed in parallel to the seat frame, both ends of the wires being locked to the seat frame; and a resinous member that connects the wires to each other, the resinous member having a bent portion, wherein the resinous member is elastically deformable in a direction in which the wires are opposed each other in accordance with a deformation of the bent portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigetomo Yamaguchi, Masayuki Kitou, Toshiyuki Ario, Ryuji Hayashi
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Patent number: 8662484Abstract: This compound linear flexure bearing incorporates a simple but unique flexure arrangement which inherently allows stable long travel operation. The flexure arrangement passively constrains all degrees of freedom except translation along the bearing axis while also compensating for flexure foreshortening. This design permits large displacement, low operating stress, low operating force, and high stiffness in the five noncompliant degrees of freedom. The linear flexure bearing described herein has applications in precision mechanics, particularly opto-mechanics. Specific applications include but are not limited to wafer and reticle positioning stages used in microlithography systems, optic translation and scanning mechanisms used in tactical and spaceborne systems, as well as flip-in mechanisms used in multiple field of view optical systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Michael Valois
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Patent number: 8662485Abstract: A suction apparatus 1 holds a wafer W by performing vacuum-suctioning on the wafer W. The suction apparatus 1 comprises a suction substrate 2. The suction substrate 2, which is rigid, comprises a plurality of pin-like protrusions 2a formed so that the tip-end faces (upper surfaces) thereof are the same height. An elastic coating layer is coated by way of an undercoat layer 4 on the tip-end faces of the protrusions 2a. When the wafer W is suctioned, even if a foreign matter is interposed between the wafer W and the suction surface, because the foreign matter embeds itself into the coating layer 3, the planarization of the wafer W is improved. In addition, because the coating layer 3 can be made comparatively thinner, undulations in the wafer W can be reduced and, to that end, the planarization of the wafer W in the suctioned state can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Naoki Asada
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Patent number: 8662486Abstract: An apparatus to assist with door installation, transport, and removal comprising a telescoping frame, padded guides extending outwardly from the frame and defining a gap of the width of a door, friction-reducing members, a step plate, and brakes. In a vertical orientation, a door may be slid into the apparatus. The guides can incorporate a clamp and a strap used to secure the door to the frame and permit selective pivoting between the vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation. The horizontal orientation facilitates ergonomic sawing when hinges are being applied to a held door; afterwards, the apparatus can be moved to a door jamb and changed to vertical orientation for positioning so the unattached sides of the hinges abut the jamb. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Door Helper, LLCInventor: William J. Holder
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Patent number: 8662487Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus which has a flattening processing unit which presses a folded end of a folded booklet bundle to flatten the folded end, and cutting units which cut and align edges of the booklet bundle, wherein the edges crossing the folded end of the booklet bundle are cut by the cutting unit and the folded end of the booklet is then flattened by the flattening processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoto Watanabe, Manabu Yamauchi, Takayuki Fujii, Shunsuke Nishimura, Yushi Oka, Toshiyuki Miyake, Takashi Yokoya, Hidenori Matsumoto
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Patent number: 8662488Abstract: The post-processing device includes: a binding unit that forms a cut in a sheet stack and cuts a part of the sheet stack into a predetermined shape to form a tongue portion in the sheet stack, the tongue portion having a part where one end part of the tongue portion is not separated from the sheet stack, and binds the sheet stack by bending the tongue portion and inserting the other end part of the tongue portion into the cut; and a sheet stack transport unit that transports the sheet stack in an orientation such that the one end part of the tongue portion in the sheet stack bound by the binding unit is on a downstream side of the other end part of the tongue portion in the sheet stack transport direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroaki Awano
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Patent number: 8662489Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a discharge unit, a stacking tray, an acquisition unit, a shift control unit, and an alignment unit. The shift control unit controls a stacking position of a sheet in a sheet width direction in response to shift information acquired by the acquisition unit. The alignment unit aligns a sheet staked on the stacking tray and moves to a position that abuts on a side edge of the sheet in the sheet width direction to align the sheet. The shift control unit controls a stacking position of a second sheet to stack the second sheet on a second position or on a first position depending on where a first sheet is stacked and on shift information of the second sheet.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akihiro Arai, Mitsuhiko Sato, Shunsuke Nishimura, Toshiyuki Miyake, Takashi Yokoya, Hiromasa Maenishi, Yutaka Ando, Nozomi Kumakura
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Patent number: 8662490Abstract: A bulk document feeder module is adapted for connection to a document acceptor and is operable, when attached to the document acceptor, to feed one document at a time, from a bundle of documents, to the document acceptor. The bulk document feeder module can include a document transport mechanism, a portion of which includes a removable cartridge, to facilitate removal of a jammed object from the feeder module. The document acceptor can form part of a bill or other document validator.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: MEI, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Clauser, John D. Snider, Kenneth B. Wood, Edward M. Zoladz, Jr., Carl Alexander Phillips
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Patent number: 8662491Abstract: A multi-function peripheral having an automatic document feeding device (ADF) suited for being configured in a body of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a first and second power sources to drive the ADF to transmit a paper in or out of the body. The ADF includes a limiting structure, a swinging member and a blocking member. The first and second power sources drive the limiting structure and the swinging member to swing respectively. The blocking member has a first end connected to the swinging member and a second end extending toward the limiting structure. When the limiting structure is at a second position and the swinging member swings toward a third position, the second end is trapped into the limiting space. When the limiting structure moves toward a first position and the swinging member swings toward the third position, the second end escapes from the limiting space.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignees: Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited, Kinpo Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Chung-Liang Huang
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Patent number: 8662492Abstract: A multi-function peripheral having an automatic document feeding device (ADF) suited for being configured in a body of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a first and second power sources to drive the ADF to transmit a paper in or out of the body. The ADF includes a limiting structure, a swinging member and a blocking member. The first and second power sources drive the limiting structure and the swinging member to swing respectively. The blocking member has a first end connected to the swinging member and a second end extending toward the limiting structure. When the limiting structure is at a second position and the swinging member swings toward a third position, the second end is trapped into the limiting space. When the limiting structure moves toward a first position and the swinging member swings toward the third position, the second end escapes from the limiting space.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignees: Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited, Kinpo Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Chung-Liang Huang
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Patent number: 8662493Abstract: A user is notified that the setting of sheets with respect to a grouped plurality of sheet storage units is changed, so that a state becomes impossible to execute switching of the grouped sheet storage units. The control method includes, registering a plurality of sheet storage units each storing a sheet as one group, determining, at the time of sheet supply to any one of the sheet storage units, whether sheet information about the sheet storage unit set in the group has been changed by sheet information newly set with respect to the sheet storage unit to be supplied with the sheet, and a notifying, when it is determined that the sheet information has been changed, the user of the change in the sheet information about the sheet storage units set as one group by the supply of the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takaaki Yano
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Patent number: 8662494Abstract: A recording medium feeding device includes a lower stage side tray which stores a recording medium, an upper stage side tray which is provided above the lower stage side tray and stores the recording medium, a first separation inclined surface which is opposite to a tip of the recording medium which is stored in the lower stage side tray and the upper stage side tray and extends along a feed path of the recording medium, and a second separation inclined surface in which a trailing end in the feed path is positioned below a bottom surface of the upper stage side tray, and thus, which is opposite to the tip of the recording medium which is stored in the lower stage side tray and is not opposite to the tip of the recording medium which is stored in the upper stage side tray.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Tatsuya Shirane, Tetsuya Tamura
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Patent number: 8662495Abstract: A medium feeding device includes a medium-accommodating container, a loading member supported within the container and loading a medium thereon, a holding member, and a blocking unit. The holding member has a holding member body, gas suction openings, a peripheral member, a chamber surrounded by the peripheral member, and a suction unit connected to the gas suction openings and performing gas suction. The holding member holds the medium by suction. The gas suction openings include a gas suction opening disposed inside an edge of the peripheral member and outside an edge of the medium. The blocking unit blocks the suction of gas through the aforementioned gas suction opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kitazawa, Hajime Yoshii, Hiroaki Fujikura
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Patent number: 8662496Abstract: A multifunction printer (MFP) and a stopper applied therein are provided. The MFP includes a body, a top cover and the stopper. The body has a paper conveyor path, a paper holder located in front of an entrance of the paper conveyor path and a first rotating axle located in the paper conveyor path. A first side of the top cover rotates about the first rotating axle to be close to the paper holder. The stopper has a second rotating axle connected to the body, a connecting portion and an eccentric portion. The connecting portion is connected between the second rotating axle and the eccentric portion. The eccentric portion hangs down at the entrance of the paper conveyor path. A center of gravity of the stopper is located in the eccentric portion. A first stopping point of the top cover is located in a rotating path of the eccentric portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignees: Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited, Kinpo Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Kai-Chuan Hsu, An-Hsiu Lee
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Patent number: 8662497Abstract: A storage tray for storing mailpieces for a mail-handling machine, which storage tray comprises a support wall, a first jogging wall adjacent and perpendicular to said support wall, and a second jogging wall adjacent and perpendicular both to said support wall and to said first jogging wall, these three walls meeting at a single junction point, the support wall being provided with at least one first slot for allowing motor-driven feed members of the mail-handling machine to pass through.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Neopost TechnologiesInventor: Romain Pillard
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Patent number: 8662498Abstract: According to one embodiment, a paper discharge device includes a discharged-sheet receiving part that can be opened and closed on a side surface of an apparatus body, is closed on the side surface and receives a recording medium dropped from above along the side surface after image formation.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinichi Ito
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Patent number: 8662499Abstract: A method for transporting printed products is provided. The method includes the steps setting a nip to a first size for printed products having a first thickness, sensing a printed product having a second thickness different from the first thickness, the printed product sensing occurring prior to the printed product entering the nip, adjusting the first size of the nip, to a second size different from the first size, to receive the printed product having a second thickness; and transporting the printed product having the second thickness through the nip.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Goss International Americas, Inc.Inventors: Louis John Doucet, Glenn Alan Guaraldi
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Patent number: 8662500Abstract: A card-feeding device for feeding cards into a card-handling device is disclosed. Examples of card-handling devices include shufflers, card sorters, card delivery devices and card verification devices. The device includes a card infeed area that supports a stack of cards. The card infeed area has a card support surface. Included in the device is a card-removing system that removes cards individually from the bottom of the stack. A pivoting arm presses against a card at the top of the stack. At least one sensor is provided that detects at least one of a position of the arm and a presence of a card in the card infeed area. A method of shuffling cards is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing cards to be shuffled into a card infeed area as a stack with a top and bottom and removing cards one at a time from the bottom of the stack and moving the removed cards to a shuffling zone. Cards are then shuffled.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: SHFL Entertainment, Inc.Inventor: Ronald R. Swanson
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Patent number: 8662501Abstract: A portable beer pong table including a table having a plurality of coextensively shaped apertures formed therein, a plurality of flexible rings removably attached to the table and positioned about the apertures respectively, a plurality of rigid first support members attached to the table and spaced from the apertures, a plurality of rigid second support members attached to the first support members and extending downwardly from the table, a plurality of rigid third support members adjustably coupled to the second support members and disposed opposite to the first support members, and a plurality of anchoring sleeves positioned along a portion of the third support members and remaining spaced from the second support members respectively. In this manner, the second support members cooperate with the third support members to maintain the table at a substantially stable position.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Michael Perales
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Patent number: 8662502Abstract: The present application provides a method of mounting lip seals within a sleeve assembly of a fuel nozzle. The method may include the steps of sliding a first lip seal along a second diameter tube until the first lip seal contacts a first tube flange of a first diameter tube, sliding a seal spacer along the second diameter tube until the seal spacer contacts the first lip seal, and sliding a second lip seal along the second diameter tube until the second lip seal contacts the seal spacer.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Lucas John Stoia, Karthik Subramanian
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Patent number: 8662503Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member has an elastomer probe seal molded to or abutting a ring-shaped metal base which is adapted to exert a compressive force on the probe seal when exposed to hydraulic fluid pressure. The compressive force causes the seal to expand in a radial direction thereby increasing its sealing effectiveness. A retainer nut for holding the seal in the receiving chamber may have an angled surface which acts to urge the seal in an inward, radial direction when an axial, compressive force is applied to the seal.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
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Patent number: 8662504Abstract: A tight-seal construction provided with a metal seal and a holding plate composed of a thin plate having a through window portion. A hitching concave peripheral groove is formed on a peripheral face of the metal seal, and the metal seal is held by the holding plate having a claw portion hitching to the concave peripheral groove and provided with a strap elastic portion protruding from an inner peripheral end edge of the through window portion as to freely and elastically deform in axial directions and radial directions.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Kariya, Satoshi Tohdoh
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Patent number: 8662505Abstract: A snowboard binding and hold-down device that may flex or move with the snowboard when ridden to minimize any impact on flex characteristics. The snowboard binding may be compatible with a variety of snowboard binding mount arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: The Burton CorporationInventors: Christopher C. Cunningham, Scott T. Keller
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Patent number: 8662506Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-function cart for storing and transporting emergency or other supplies. The multi-function cart comprises two shells that can be secured together to form a transportable storage container. When separated, each shell is convertible into various configurations that can be used to sustain life during and after a disaster as well as to clean-up and rebuild after a disaster has occurred. The multi-function cart can also be used recreationally. In this manner, the multi-function cart enables victims to quickly care for themselves, and encourages victims to immediately begin the clean-up and rebuilding process. Each shell is convertible into different configurations using various tubes. Hub brackets on opposing sides of the shell include adapters to which any of the tubes can be connected. The tubes can be connected to the adapters in an upward or a downward orientation to form different configurations.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Troy Bengtzen
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Patent number: 8662507Abstract: An unpowered, self-elevating and self-lowering home appliance assembly cart for supporting and transporting a plurality of home appliance assembly components, such as oven doors, including a base, and a self-leveling and self-lowering door suspension and supporting system having a mast, a rail system moveably coupled to the mast, a plurality of arms extending from the rail system, each pair of arms for supporting a home appliance assembly component, and a self-leveling and self-lowering device that automatically self-levels and self-lowers the pair of arms within a predetermined acceptable ergonomic work zone with respect to a vertical height along the mast based on an unloaded state, a partially loaded state, and a loaded state of the plurality of arms and without power assistance, the predetermined acceptable ergonomic work zone being for loading and unloading the home appliance assembly component from the pair of arms.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: BSH Home Appliances CorporationInventor: Bradford Willey
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Patent number: 8662508Abstract: An improved scooter incorporates a novel or novelty illumination or lighting effect. Scooters have undergone an upsurge in popularity in recent years, e.g. because of innovation such as folding scooters and micro-scooters. There is provided a scooter or other self or foot propelled vehicle or the like having a platform for supporting a user, the platform having an upper surface having illumination. The platform comprises a foot-plate, and is at least part transparent or translucent. The platform comprises a first portion extruded from metal and a second portion, which is at least part transparent or translucent, and preferably made from a plastics material.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: H Grossman LimitedInventor: Martin Grossman
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Patent number: 8662509Abstract: A shock absorbing device for a rack and pinion type steering device includes a rack shaft, a rack housing, a stopper portion formed in an end part of the rack shaft, a stopper engaging portion provided on the rack housing to define a stroke end position for the rack shaft by engaging the stopper portion, a stepped portion formed on the rack shaft, a shoulder portion formed in an enlarged diameter portion of the rack housing, and a cylindrical elastic member fitted on the rack shaft such that the elastic member is pressed in the axial direction of the rack shaft by the stepped portion and the shoulder portion. The elastic member is formed with grooves on each of an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface thereof. Such shock absorbing device for a rack and pinion type steering device has a high shock absorbing capability.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takehito Shiraishi, Yasuo Shimizu, Takahiro Aoki
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Patent number: 8662510Abstract: Wheel suspension for a wheeled vehicle, with a lower rocking lever (12) with an inner end being movably connected to a vehicle frame (14) via a lower arm part (16) of a double armed rocker (18) which is pivotable about a substantially horizontal axle (20) in the vehicle frame, and with an outer end being articulately attached to a lower part of a wheel hub (24), and an upper support arm (28) with an outer end being articulately attached to an upper end of the wheel hub (24), and with an inner end, being articulately connected to the vehicle frame (14). The upper support arm (28) is connected to an upper arm part (34) of the double armed rocker (18) via a coupling link (36), which is articulately connected to the upper support arm (28) as well as the upper arm part (34) of the double armed rocker (18), wherein the lower rocking lever (12) has an inclination obliquely downwardly outwardly from the vehicle frame (14) in a neutral position of the wheel hub (24).Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: BAE Systems Hägglunds AktiebolagInventor: Assar Christensen
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Patent number: 8662511Abstract: A suspension device for suspension of an axle 2 by an intermediate portion of a single leaf spring 5 has first restriction means which restricts, upon breakage of the leaf spring 5 at a position behind the intermediate portion of the spring, the rear portion of the leaf spring 5 from tilting downwardly relative to a shackle 6, and a second restriction means (retainer pawl 13) for restriction of the shackle 6 from pivotally moving backward beyond a predetermined angle. The first restriction means is constituted by a bush 12 with projections 12b which is arranged at a connection between the shackle 6 and the rear end of the leaf spring 5 for integral rotation with the rear end of the leaf spring 5 and engages with the shackle 6 at a predetermined rotary position.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignees: Hino Motors, Ltd., NHK Spring Co., LtdInventors: Mitsuru Enomoto, Naoshi Sato, Yoshiharu Sugawara, Nobuhiro Shibuya
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Patent number: 8662512Abstract: Improvements using a wireless door sensor in each door to eliminate modifying a vehicle wiring and simplify installation of a retractable step and controller for the step. Up to four magnetic door sensors/transmitter are mounted on the edge of each door jamb. A magnet is mounted in the door jamb in proximity to the transmitter's magnetic sensor when the door is closed. The transmitter operates in a sleep mode until the sensor state changes. Upon door movement the transmitter sends an open status message to a receiver where the message data is stored and the controller determines the correct responses. If a door on either side is open the receiver engages the appropriate step motor and lowers the step. The step remains lowered until the receiver stops receiving messages indicating a door is closed or the transmitter on an open door has timed out ceasing transmissions.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Richard P. May
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Patent number: 8662513Abstract: A human powered land vehicle sufficiently rigid so as to transport a human rider constructed only from palpably recyclable and shreddably recyclable materials.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: I.G. Cardboard Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Izhar Gafni
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Patent number: 8662514Abstract: Various embodiments of a multi-person tricycle are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle includes two front drive wheel assemblies, each having an independent drive train assembly, and includes a rear wheel assembly operably connected to a steering mechanism which may be simultaneously or independently operated by one or more riders. In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle may be configured or designed to enable two front riders to sit side-by-side, and further may be configured or designed to enable each rider to independently exert and/or vary his or her own pedaling force and/or pedaling cadence without substantially affecting steering of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Benjamin James
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Patent number: 8662515Abstract: A movable wheelchair structure contains a base. A sliding mechanism is fixed on the base and includes two rods extending outward from one side of the base, with each rod including an auxiliary wheel extending outward from one end portion thereof. A vertical moving mechanism is fixed on the sliding mechanism. A frame is fixed on one side of the vertical moving mechanism and moves vertically and horizontally with the vertical moving mechanism and the sliding mechanism. A back support axially is coupled with a rear end of the frame. A leg member is axially connected with a front end of the frame. Thus, a user is capable of moving onto a bed or another position, enhancing usage at a hospital and at home.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Chin-Hsing Tsai
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Patent number: 8662516Abstract: A caster mounting assembly for mounting a caster wheel on a wheelchair frame includes a mounting body defining a barrel portion to be fixed relative to the wheelchair frame and a rotatable body within the barrel portion that supports the caster wheel thereon for rotation relative to the rotatable body about an upright caster axis. The caster axis is arranged for rotation together with the rotatable body relative to the mounting body. A locking member is slidable within a channel in the mounting body and includes teeth in meshing engagement with corresponding teeth on the rotatable body. One or more positioning screws permit the locking member to be controllably displaced between longitudinally different locking positions within the channel corresponding to different angular orientations of the caster wheel axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Murray G. Slagerman
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Patent number: 8662517Abstract: A steering bearing assembly includes a cap and a bearing element that define an axial force transmission path therethrough. A compression ring is moveably coupled to the cap and is disposed radially inwardly of the bearing assembly outside of the axial force transmission path. The compression ring includes an inner annular surface adapted to transmit a radial compressive force from the cap to a steerer element. A steering assembly, and method for assembling the steering assembly, also are provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: King Cycle Group, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Dale King, Erik Steven Drews, Brian Keith Schultz
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Patent number: 8662518Abstract: A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can facilitate maintenance of an air cleaner without complicating a peripheral structure of a fuel tank. The vehicle can include a body frame, a rear arm attached to the body frame to support a rear wheel, a rear cushioning member provided between the body frame and the rear arm, and an engine fixed to the body frame. The vehicle can further include a fuel tank supported rotatably at a supporter arranged closer to a rear side of the vehicle than a substantially central position of an axis of the rear cushioning member.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Munetaka Koike
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Patent number: 8662519Abstract: An internal cable system for a bicycle is disclosed herein. The system is configured such that vibration between one or more cables and a bicycle frame is reduced. As such, riders are able to navigate through rugged terrain without experiencing increased noise due to internal cable vibration against the bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Niner, Inc.Inventor: Steve Domahidy
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Patent number: 8662520Abstract: An improved hitch adapter allows an individual to attach a vehicle with a hook to a trailer with a ball coupler. The improved hitch adapter comprises an adapter ring mechanically coupled to a front plate. The front plate is mechanically coupled to a first parallel surface. The first parallel surface further comprises an adapter ball inset. The first parallel surface is mechanically coupled to a left plate and a right plate. The adapter ball inset is mechanically coupled to a height-adjustable ball. The right plate and the left plate are mechanically coupled to a size variable clamp. This enables a user to mechanically couple the hook to ball coupler regardless of size of the ball coupler enabling full articulation in a vertical direction and a rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Michael Cornelius Powers
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Patent number: 8662521Abstract: Upper coupler assemblies for mounting coupling devices to trailers, and methods for inspecting upper coupler assemblies. The upper coupler assemblies include a housing having first and second members that define a cavity therebetween. At least the second member has a through-hole adapted to receive a coupling device, such as a kingpin. The cavity contains at least one fluid-tight chamber, more preferably multiple gas-tight and liquid-tight chambers by walls within the cavity. The coupler assembly has at least one fluid inlet for introducing and/or withdrawing a fluid (liquid and/or gas) from one or more of the chambers. The integrity of the upper coupler assembly can be evaluated by introducing or removing a gas from the one or more chambers and detecting the presence of any gas leaks in the one or more chambers.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Elvin Lloyd Knollman
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Patent number: 8662522Abstract: A tow bar assembly for towing a vehicle which is immovable and stuck. The tow bar assembly includes an interconnector assembly including a first elongate member and an linkage assembly being hingedly attached to the first elongate member; a biased assembly for biasing the linkage assembly relative to the first elongate member; and a stop assembly being engagable to the linkage assembly upon the linkage assembly being in a biased position relative to the first elongate member.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Charles E. Hunt, III
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Patent number: 8662523Abstract: A tow bar includes towing and towed hitch members; a head member with a front connector for connecting to the towing hitch member; tow bar legs connected to the head member, each tow bar leg including an outer member and an inner member telescopingly displaceable in the outer member; rear connectors to connect the inner members to the towed hitch member; and locking members each having a first portion adhesively secured to the distal end of the outer member, a second portion fixedly secured to the inner member, and a third portion including a transversely-oriented latch cavity through each inner member, biased opposing latches mounted in the latch cavity wherein the locking member automatically locks the respective inner and outer members relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing CompanyInventor: David Merchant
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Patent number: 8662524Abstract: An assembly including a gliding board and a device for retaining an article of footwear on the board, the device extending longitudinally from a rear end to a front end, the board having a receiving zone provided to receive the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board. The assembly includes a wedge device which inclines the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board, so that the retaining device is angled downwardly from the front end to the rear end.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.Inventors: François Girard, Eddy Yelovina, Rémy Saillet
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Patent number: 8662525Abstract: An adjustable width trailer is disclosed which is capable of hauling large machines, farm machinery, or the like. The trailer includes one or more pull-out extender assemblies mounted on the frame of the trailer. Each of the pull-out extender assemblies includes a plurality of horizontally disposed and horizontally spaced-apart support tubes which are secured to the frame of the trailer in a transverse relationship thereto so that the outer ends of the support tubes are positioned outwardly of the frame members of the frame of the trailer. Each of the pull-out extender assemblies includes first and second pull-out sections at one side of the trailer and third and fourth pull-out sections at the other side of the trailer which are individually movable between retraced and extended positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Dakota Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Dale J. Dierks, Patrick A. Geraets
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Patent number: 8662526Abstract: The decorative panel provided at the instrument panel includes the protruding portion that is engaged with the engagement hole of the airbag door, in a state in which the distal end portion protrudes from the rear surface of the airbag door, and the door decorative portion that is formed integrally with the protruding portion and attached to the front surface of the airbag door by engaging the protruding portion with the engagement hole. The protective plate that includes the protective portion covering the distal end portion of the protruding portion from the airbag side is provided at the rear surface of the airbag door. When the airbag is inflated and deployed, the airbag is prevented from interfering with the distal end portion of the protruding portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yusuke Fujiwara, Osamu Fukawatase
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Patent number: 8662527Abstract: An airbag provided with a pocket. An airbag (21) comprises a main bag body (31), an opening (32) formed in the main bag body (31), a small bag body (33) extending from the opening (32) to the inside of the main bag body, and a joining section (34) at which a part of the small bag body is joined to the main bag body. The joining section (34) is provided in the area which, when the airbag is expanded, extends from both the side surfaces of the airbag or from the top surface (72) of the airbag to the rear surface (73) which comes in contact with and holds the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Sato, Kanichi Fukuda
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Patent number: 8662528Abstract: The protective suit is for use by persons engaged in various potentially hazardous activities, but is particularly well adapted for wear by motorcyclists and others engaged in motorsports activities. The suit is equipped with airbags that differ from conventional automotive airbags in that the present airbags deflate more slowly to protect the wearer of the suit over a few seconds in an accident. The suit is also equipped with warning lights that are actuated in the event of an accident. The suit is electronically connected to a belt having various electronic systems capable of monitoring the condition of the motor vehicle and the wearer of the suit through sensors in the vehicle and suit. The suit is further electronically connected to the vehicle, the vehicle having a lockout system that prevents the vehicle from being started until the suit, belt, and helmet are properly connected and operable.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Ali Gh. S. Gh. Abdulaziz
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Patent number: 8662529Abstract: A side airbag having a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber divided by a sewn portion, a diffuser that distributes gas for inflation to the high pressure chamber and the low pressure chamber, and a check valve that regulates flowing of gas from a high pressure chamber side to a low pressure chamber side. A partitioning wall, that divides a lower chamber (high pressure chamber) and an upper chamber (low pressure chamber) within a side airbag, is structured by a portion of a lower base cloth (high pressure chamber base cloth) that structures the lower chamber or a portion of an upper base cloth (low pressure chamber base cloth) that structures the upper chamber. A check valve, that permits flowing of gas, jetted-out from a gas jetting-out portion of an inflator, from the upper chamber to the lower chamber and that regulates flowing of gas in an opposite direction, is provided integrally with the partitioning wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuhito Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8662530Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly according to the present disclosure includes an air bag module having a front and a side, and the air bag module includes an inflatable air bag and a rigid cover at least partially covering the air bag. The rigid cover may include a protection portion that extends at least partially along the side of the air bag module. The protection portion has an end spaced away from the front of the air bag module. The seat assembly further includes a seat pad disposed outside of the air bag module, and a trim cover positioned over the seat pad. In at least one embodiment, upon inflation of the air bag, the end of the protection portion is configured to move forwardly such that the protection portion extends between the seat pad and the air bag.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Peter Festag, Michael Tracht