Patents Issued in April 1, 2014
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Patent number: 8684394Abstract: A snow board comprises an elongate board and at least one binding mounted transverse the longitudinal axis of the board. The binding includes an anchor pivotally mounted on the binding. The anchor moves between two operative positions to lock, and then release, the heel of a boot in the binding. A motor assembly increases and decreases the tension in a cable to move the anchor between the two operative positions. The motor assembly is remotely controlled.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Mitchell S Smith
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Patent number: 8684395Abstract: A child stroller and a stand platform assembly thereof are disclosed. The child stroller includes a frame, a brake assembly connected to the frame, two rear wheels connected to the brake assembly, and the stand platform assembly. The stand platform assembly includes a platform connected to a rear cross bar of the frame, and two sidewalls connected to two opposite sides of the platform. When the child stroller is folded, the folded child stroller is capable of being supported by the sidewalls and the rear wheels, which solves the inconvenience in placing a folded conventional stroller.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company LimitedInventors: Andrew J. Winterhalter, Curtis M. Hartenstine, Joseph F. Fiore, Jr., Lin-Hai Shan
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Patent number: 8684396Abstract: A foldable adjustable dynamic wheelchair including a seat assembly and a push handle assembly configured to serve as a chair back frame both of which are pivotally connected to a mobility base having a pair of spaced apart front rear wheels and a front wheel. A pair of selector plates each having a pair of valleys at a bottom edge thereof are each mounted to either side of the mobility base. A foot operable actuator member is connected to an over-center assembly for moving a latch bar into a valley on one side of center and for moving the latch bar outside a valley on the other side of center. With the latch bar located in one valley the wheelchair is configured in an upright configuration and when the latch bar is located in the other valley, the wheelchair is configured in an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Wayne H. Hanson
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Patent number: 8684397Abstract: A personalizable sports-themed ice chest including a main housing having a lid pivotably secured to the main housing. The main housing and lid form a prolate spheroidal structure. The lid forms a first portion of the prolate spheroidal structure and is provided with design football laces. A rectangularized base contiguous with the prolate spheroidal structure has an upper portion which has a prolate spheroidal surface to mate with the prolate spheroidal structure. Two ring-like components form football stripes, each having a prolate spheroidal surface to mate with the prolate spheroidal structure to assist in holding together the upper and lower body members. Two recessed handle structures are provided in the lower body member. One or more structures are provided on the prolate spheroidal structure for the placement of logos or emblems.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Ken Blakeman
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Patent number: 8684398Abstract: A motorized vehicle assembly having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, and one or more wheels in communication with the frame, where the frame may have a plane extending therethrough and the seat may have a plane extending therethrough. The seat may be adjustable with respect to frame. The seat may be adjusted laterally in a first direction and/or a second direction, where the seat faces a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The seat may be rotated or tilted toward the first direction, the second direction, the third direction, or a fourth direction, where the fourth direction may be substantially opposite the third direction. In some cases, the seat may be tilted in the same direction in which the seat has been laterally adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Michael Nyitray
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Patent number: 8684399Abstract: A gas generator includes an inflator and a retainer. The retainer includes a holding portion, which partially covers the inflator. The inflator has an attaching protrusion for determining the position relative to the retainer. The retainer includes an engagement base and a tongue piece. The tongue piece extends in an axial direction of the inflator and from a position separated from the engagement base in the circumferential direction of the holding portion. The engagement base and the tongue piece each have an engagement portion. The engagement portions face each other to form an engagement space therebetween, into which the attaching protrusion enters. The engagement space has an inlet the width of which is less than the size of the positioning protrusion. When the inflator causes the positioning protrusion to increase the width of the inlet, the tongue piece is elastically deformed about a basal end of the tongue piece.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kensaku Honda, Yuji Sato, Takashi Iida, Yoshiaki Goto, Masashi Hotta, Eiji Sato, Akira Yamashita, Yoshihiko Hishiki, Yoshinari Takei, Kikuyo Izoe, Naoki Nimi, Toshihiro Hosoi
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Patent number: 8684400Abstract: A knee airbag (100) which is deployed between the vehicle occupants and a vehicle structure (2) and a gas generator (4) for filling the knee airbag (100) with inflating gas, wherein the knee airbag (100) has a base chamber (10) which is filled first with inflating gas, and at least one further upper chamber (20, 30) which receives the inflating gas conducted through the base chamber (10). A flow obstacle (12, 23) for the inflating gas is arranged between the base chamber (10) and the one or more upper chambers (20, 30). The one or more upper chambers (20, 30) is rolled up or collapsed and is secured in the rolled-up or collapsed state, the securing (21, 22) being designed in such a manner that it fails when a predetermined degree of filling of the base chamber (10) is reached.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Gregor Picard, Thomas Reiter, Ingo Berger
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Patent number: 8684401Abstract: The airbag has a front portion, in which a front chamber is formed, a rear portion, in which a rear chamber is formed, and a partition, which partitions the front and rear chambers from each other. The partition has a communication passage for connecting the front and rear chambers to communicate to each other. A pressure regulating valve is located in the passage. At an early stage of a supply period during which an inflator supplies inflation gas to the airbag, the valve is closed to restrict flow of the inflation gas from the rear chamber to the front chamber via the passage. The valve is opened during the supply period to permit the inflation gas to flow therethrough. A front portion of the airbag is roll-folded, while a rear portion is accordion-folded. The airbag front portion and the airbag rear portion are located in front of the inflator.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Shibayama, Michiyasu Ito, Yuji Sato, Kensaku Honda, Masashi Hotta
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Patent number: 8684402Abstract: An airbag control apparatus of a vehicle includes an occupant determination device, a deployment determination device, a storage device, an airbag controller, and a voltage variation detector. The airbag controller is configured to control deployment of an airbag based on the deployment/non-deployment information. The voltage variation detector is configured to detect a variation in a voltage of an in-vehicle battery and configured to output voltage variation information to the airbag controller. If the voltage variation information indicates that the voltage detected by the voltage variation detector varies, the airbag controller controls the airbag based on deployment/non-deployment information stored in the storage device immediately before the airbag controller receives the voltage variation information indicating that the voltage detected by voltage variation detector varies.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daiki Ohara, Kazuo Matsuda, Hirohito Matsubara
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Patent number: 8684403Abstract: An airbag assembly including an airbag inflatable from a housing in operation with an occupant classification system is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. The occupant classification system is incorporated into a vehicle seat and is in communication with the airbag. A selectively actuatable vent formed in the airbag is opened during deployment of the airbag based on a determination from the occupant classification system.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventor: Walter J. Boyle, III
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Patent number: 8684404Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable between a vehicle surface (36) and the vehicle occupant. A vent (160) releases inflation fluid from the protection device (14). The vent (160) has an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition. A tether (150) has a first connection with the vent (160) and a second connection with the protection device (14). Tension on the tether (150) actuates the vent (160). The vent (160) is initially in the non-actuated condition upon initial deployment of the protection device (14). Further deployment of the protection device (14) causes the tether (150) to place the vent (160) in the actuated condition. Occupant penetration into the protection device (14) causes the tether (150) to place the vent (160) in the non-actuated condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Kurt F. Fischer, Douglas M. Gould, Daniele Aranzulla, Martin Burkhardtsmaier
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Patent number: 8684405Abstract: A propellant grain retainer for an air bag inflator having a pressure vessel. A cantilevered finger is mounted in the pressure vessel and a propellant grain is mounted thereon. Upon assembly of the pressure vessel, the finger is deformed inwardly away from an adjacent wall of the pressure vessel to increase the air gap between the pressure vessel wall and the propellant grain to reduce heat transfer therebetween and increase the safety of the inflator.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Arc Automotive Inc.Inventors: Douglas Earl Overton, James Michael Rose
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Patent number: 8684406Abstract: An airbag with a valve device for a gaseous medium includes at least one textile layer and at least one foil that at least partially covers the textile layer such that due to the valve device at least one area of the airbag permeable by the medium can be at least partially opened when the valve device is in an open position and can be at least substantially sealed when the valve device is in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Ralf Bogenrieder, Christian Burczyk, Andreas Hirth, Lutz Quarg, Friedrich Reiter
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Patent number: 8684407Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition. The protection device (14) includes a panel (74) having a portion presented toward the occupant (20) when the protection device is in the inflated condition. A tether (60) has a first connection (78) to a first portion (80) of the panel (74) and a second connection (72) to a second portion (76) of the panel. The tether (60) is operative to limit deployment of the second portion (76) of the panel (74) in response to unrestricted deployment of the first portion (80) of the panel. The tether (60) is also operative to permit further deployment of the second portion (76) of the panel (74) in response to occupant penetration into the first portion (80) of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Kurt F. Fischer, Douglas M. Gould
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Patent number: 8684408Abstract: A side impact airbag cushion for mounting on a seat in a motor vehicle includes an occupant facing panel and a panel opposite the occupant facing panel, and a mounting portion mounted on the seat back. A cushion upper half portion is positioned near the occupant head, and a cushion lower half lower portion is positioned adjacent the occupant torso and has a central unfilled region surrounded by a tubular inflated ring that extends toward the occupant from the central unfilled region. The cushion upper half portion has a tubular inflated pillow region that extends toward the occupant further than the tubular inflated ring surrounding the central unfilled region, to thereby provide an enlarged pillow surface for supporting the occupant head. An upper tether attached to the cushion is shorter in length than the cushion so that the tether rotates the cushion upper half portion toward the occupant head.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, TK Holdings Inc.Inventors: Scott D. Thomas, Richard Wiik
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Patent number: 8684409Abstract: An airbag module having an airbag and an inflation device, wherein at least one rebound strap for controlling the inflation of the airbag is disposed in the airbag and attached to portions of the airbag that move away from each other when the airbag is inflated. A first, shorter rebound strip segment breaks after a first inflation stage and subsequently the airbag regions separate from each other until the second, longer segment of the rebound strap is tensioned and the inflation stage of the airbag is predefined by the second, longer segment of the rebound strap. The rebound strap thereof is formed from a uniform textile segment, the first, shorter segment of the rebound strap is formed as a tab cut out of the second, longer segment the tab being narrower and shorter than the second, longer segment of the rebound strap.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventor: Marcin Wiaderny
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Patent number: 8684410Abstract: A roll-over protective structure includes a left side frame assembly including two vertical members, which are spaced in a vehicle length direction and have a width that allows a passenger to get in or out of the vehicle, and a connecting member which connects upper ends of the vertical members to each other, a right side frame assembly which has the same configuration as the left side frame assembly and is spaced a predetermined distance from the left side frame assembly in a vehicle width direction, a plurality of link members which connect the left side frame assembly and the right side frame assembly to each other, and a cross member which connects lower ends of the left and right vertical members, which are located at the rear side of the vehicle, to each other among the plurality of vertical members.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Daedong Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byoung Soo Kwon, Jin Ho Hwang
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Patent number: 8684411Abstract: Construction is achieved wherein the rear section of a steering column 6a can be prevented from displacing upward regardless of the occurrence of a secondary collision, and thus can effectively protect the driver. Capsules 28 are supported by a bracket on the vehicle body side. An installation plate section 14b of a bracket 13 on the housing side is held between a top plate section 29 and bottom plate section 30 of each of the capsules 28 so that the installation plate section 14b can displace in the forward direction during a secondary collision. The top and bottom plate sections 29, 30 extend forward to a position where they can support the installation plate section 14b even when the bracket 13 on the housing side has displaced in the forward direction due to a secondary collision. Alternatively, a suspended arm that functions in the same way is provided on the bracket on the vehicle body side.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: NSK, Ltd.Inventors: Naoto Akutsu, Makoto Nagasawa
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Patent number: 8684412Abstract: A Collapsible Trailer. The trailer is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled or, alternatively, is permanently attached to one deck segment. Intra-deck segment support is provided by slidable rods that are extendable to bridge between a pair of adjacent segments. Each deck segment has a male edge to be inserted into a female edge to create an exceedingly strong, interlocking hinge-like structure. The deck and trailer can be assembled without the need for any tools. The deck segments, when disassembled, are stackable into a condensed deck stack. A foldable suspension facilitates the stackable storage and transportation of the trailer. The trailer is convertible into a cargo platform that can be attached directly to a conventional trailer hitch receiver on a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Karl M. Steins
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Patent number: 8684413Abstract: A pretensioning device (10) for a safety belt, of a motor vehicle, having a gas generator (17), a piston (21) guided in a tube (16), which closes a pressure area (20) in the tube (16) that is pressurized by the gas generator (17) whereupon the piston (21) is able to move in a pretensioning movement which is able to be conveyed to the safety belt by means of an inertia body (19a) resting on a front face (9) of the piston (21). The piston (21) forms a pass-through opening (1) releasable upon exceeding of a predetermined pressure and a recess (26) is provided in the front face (9) with an inertia body (19a) resting thereon, so that a flow connection is created from the pass-through opening (1) to the area (25) located behind the piston (21) in the direction of the pretensioning movement (S).Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Thomas Schmidt, Martin Schmidt, Christian Fischer, Michael Pech, Matthias Steinberg, Tobias Voss
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Patent number: 8684414Abstract: A multi-point seat restraint system configured to provide restraint for a passenger superposed a seat in a supine position. The multi-point seat restraint system includes a plurality of upper belts having a first end anchored behind the seat back of the associated seat. A junction bar is further included wherein the junction bar is configured to releasably secure the upper belts proximate the second end of the plurality of upper belts. The junction bar further includes a first belt portion and a second belt portion integrally secured thereto. The first belt portion and second belt portion and configured to be releasably secured to a first lower belt and a second lower belt. The first lower belt and second lower belt are retractably mounted to the floorboard of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment of the second lower belt, the second lower belt includes a first portion and a second portion being angularly mounted.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Terri McBride
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Patent number: 8684415Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in security devices that can be used in varying shapes and sizes for various authenticating or security applications, particularly an optically variable security device utilizing liquid crystal materials. The security device includes a liquid crystal layer (11), an at least partially absorbing layer (12) adjacent at least a part of one side of the liquid crystal layer (11), and at least one customizing region (13) which is adjacent at least a part of an opposite side of the liquid crystal layer (11) to the absorbing layer (12) in selected regions. The at least one customizing region (13) modifies the color shifting properties of the liquid crystal layer (11) such that at least two contrasting optically variable regions are provided by the regions covered by the at least one customizing region and regions not covered by the at least one customizing region.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: De La Rue International LimitedInventors: Lawrence Commander, Adam Jeacock, Carole Lesley Foster
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Patent number: 8684416Abstract: Labels that are conducive to the detection of bar-codes and other indicia having varying spectral emissivity values are provided. The labels include a substrate, a background layer, a thermally conductive layer and an adhesive layer. The background layer is preferably similar in visual appearance to the indicium that the label is to receive. Meanwhile, the thermally conductive layer is made from a material with high thermal conductivity that is used to substantially equalize the temperature across the label surface, thereby enabling a faster and cheaper detection of transitions of differential emissivity on the indicium surface. The adhesive layer is used for attaching the label to a document or other product.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: William Berson
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Patent number: 8684417Abstract: The invention relates to a security element comprising a carrier substrate comprising a transparent or translucent area carrying at least one digitised mark made of at least one set of dots appearing as a three dimensional mark when viewed in transmitted light. The invention relates to a security support or document or article comprising the said security element and to the method of identification and/or authentication of this security support or document or article.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignees: Arjowiggins Security, Hueck Follien Gesellschaft m.b.HInventors: Stephane Mallol, Nathalie Vast, Eveline Wagner, Matthias Muller
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Patent number: 8684418Abstract: A conduit system for conducting activation power to a tool module of a reconfigurable end-effector attachable to a robotic arm includes a fixed conduit portion conforming to a first portion of the reconfigurable end-effector including a master boom and a first portion of a rotatable guide rail. The conduit system includes a translatable conduit portion translatably connected to a second portion of the reconfigurable end-effector including a second lateral portion of the rotatable guide rail and a branch. The conduit system includes a rotatable portion connected between an end of the translatable conduit portion and a workpiece interface tool of the tool module.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yhu-Tin Lin, Andrew L. Bartos
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Patent number: 8684419Abstract: A tubular connector secures two coaxial tubulars using a box and pin connection. A pin end tubular member having an axis and a pin end inserts into a box end tubular member having a box end. A pin end flange formed on an outer diameter of the pin end tubular member receives an end of the box end of the box end tubular member. An inwardly depending flange is disposed on the inner diameter of the box end portion. The inwardly depending flange is spaced apart from the box end planar surface and has a box end shoulder formed at an angle to the axis facing a same direction as the box end planar surface of the box end tubular member. An end of the pin end of the pin end tubular member engages with the inwardly depending flange for compressive load transfer.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Joseph William Pallini, Jr., Kevin Edward O'Dell
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Patent number: 8684420Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The pins may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Choon's Design LLCInventor: Cheong Choon Ng
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Patent number: 8684421Abstract: A locking system includes a carrier member at least one locking member extending from the rod. The carrier member is movable between a first locked position in which the locking member engages a locking receptacle to maintain a container cover in a closed position and a second unlocked position in which the locking member disengages from the locking receptacle and the cover is movable between the closed and open position. The locking system includes a blocking member at a second end of the carrier member. The blocking member is movable between a first engaged position in which the rod abuts a portion of the blocking member and maintains the elongate rod in the first locked position and a second disengaged position in which the rod disengages from the blocking member and a biasing unit urges the rod in the second unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Apex Brands, Inc.Inventors: Charles Henry Cowie, Richard A. Samsel
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Patent number: 8684422Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fixing mechanism for fixing a component. The fixing mechanism includes a base, a bottom wall disposed on the base, and two lateral walls disposed on the base and connected to the bottom wall. A containing space is formed between the base, the bottom wall, and the two lateral walls. The fixing mechanism further includes a hook. The hook includes a cantilever portion and a hooking portion. The cantilever portion is connected to the bottom wall and for pressing against the component when the component is contained inside the containing space. The hooking portion is connected to the cantilever portion and engages with a lateral surface of the component when the component is contained inside the containing space. The fixing mechanism further includes two engaging parts for laterally engaging against the component when the component is contained inside the containing space.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Wistron CorporationInventors: Chen-Yi Liang, Chun-Chien Chen, Cheng-Hsiang Chuang
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Patent number: 8684423Abstract: The invention relates to a push catch (2) for a container (1) with a lower part (11) and a cover (12), the push catch including a push element (21) which corresponds to a locking bolt (4). The locking bolt (4) is at least partially surrounded by a spring (43) which acts on a bushing (44) when the cover is in the closed state. The bushing (44) can be moved along the longitudinal center line of the locking bolt (4) and is supported on the lower part (11).Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Schmale GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Gunnar Stuberg, Christiane Schmale
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Patent number: 8684424Abstract: The invention relates to a closing assisted electric lock for the opening of an automobile, that comprises: a bolt (5) including first (19) and second (20) notches, said bolt (5) interacting with a strike and being capable of rotating between an open position, a position closed at the first notch of the lock and a position closed at the second notch of the lock; a pivoting ratchet (13) capable of interacting with said bolt (5) for preventing the rotation thereof (5) into a closed position at the first and second notches of the lock; a bolt (5) driving lever for rotatingly driving the bolt (5) between the closed position at the first notch and the closed position at the second notch of the lock; characterized in that the driving lever (9) includes a protrusion (37) provided so that said bolt (5) is capable of pivoting the lever (9) when said bolt (5) rotates from the open position to the closed position at the second notch of the lock.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Valeo Securite HabitacleInventors: Christian Wattebled, Jean-Christophe Pecoul
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Patent number: 8684425Abstract: A child lever includes an operation portion, which is supported slidably and rotatably on a cover fixed to a casing, and which passes through a panel hole provided in a door to be exposed to the outside. The child lever is allowed to move to an unlocking position, in which the child lever is allowed to rotate together with an inside lever so as to transmit rotation of the inside lever to an opening member, and a locking position, in which the child lever is not allowed to rotate together with the inside lever so as not to transmit rotation of the inside lever to the opening member.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Act CorporationInventor: Tomoharu Nagaoka
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Patent number: 8684426Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking positions for burglar alarm sensor elements on a door, the door attached to a frame having a header including comprising the steps of providing a marking apparatus the marking apparatus including an arm, a positioning member with a longitudinal centerline attached to the arm, and punch point attached to the positioning member, the punch point being aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the positioning member; at least partially opening the door; placing the positioning member in a hole in the header and closing the door; while the door is closed causing the positioning member to make a mark on the top of the door; and opening the door and removing the positioning member from the hole in the header; and causing an opening to be made in the door at the location of the mark.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Richard Joseph Morales, Jr.
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Patent number: 8684427Abstract: In one embodiment, an energy absorber, comprises: a plurality of crush lobes including a base and sides extending from the base to an outer wall; and a composite insert in the energy absorber. The insert comprises a second plastic material and reinforcement. The second plastic material is different than the crush lobe material. The insert is located at an area of the crush lobes, and wherein the area is the side and/or the outer wall. In another embodiment, an energy absorber comprises: a plastic frame; thermoplastic crush lobes extending from the frame, wherein the crush lobes comprise an outer wall, an extending wall, and a base; and a plastic insert located at an area having a volume of the crush lobes, wherein the insert occupies less than or equal to 90% of the area volume. The insert comprises reinforcement and a plastic material different than the thermoplastic crush lobes.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.Inventors: Sudhakar Ramamoorthy Marur, Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi
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Patent number: 8684428Abstract: When a retainer unit is fastened to a body, the rotation of a pin member around its longitudinal axis pushes out and widens the body mounting leg portion of the retainer unit, and the retainer unit is drawn into the body. As a result, the elastic flange of the leg is bent, the insertion hole in the body is sealed by the elastic flange of the leg, and infiltration of water from the outside is prevented. By drawing the retainer unit into the body, the pin member is also drawn into the body a slight distance (dimension ?). As a result, the elastic flange of the pin member is bent, the pin insertion hole is sealed by the elastic flange of the pin member, and infiltration of water from the outside is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Takahiro Sano
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Patent number: 8684429Abstract: A portable waste disposal tool uses recycled plastic merchandise bags secured to a frame by an adjustable tensioning bag clamp and sliding lock assembly, including a sliding lock and a bag clamp, the frame holding the bag in an open position to contain debris from an indoor or outdoor hard surface, a yard or other ground surface, including dirt, dust, yard waste and pet waste. The frame is attached to the lower end of an elongated extension handle wherein the waste is maintained within the plastic bag until deposited in a trash receptacle by a simple single handed release of the bag clamp.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Elvin Gene Holub
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Patent number: 8684430Abstract: An adjustable cup holder which consists of a flexible wrap, a handle, a first adjustable strap, and second adjustable strap and a ring which may be used to safely hold a beverage container or cup. The handle is attached to the flexible wrap as are the first and second adjustable straps. The flexible wrap is placed around a beverage container and the end of the first and second adjustable strap are inserted through the rings, tightened and affixed to the flexible wrap. The handle is now securely affixed to the beverage container allowing the consumer to safely and conveniently handle the beverage container.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Stan Brandon
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Patent number: 8684431Abstract: A duplex-type product bag unloading apparatus including two downwardly opening and closing chucks and a chuck-moving mechanism for reciprocating the chucks between positions for receiving and discharging product bags. The relative positions of the two chucks are changed as they are moved from the receiving position to the discharging position by the chuck-moving mechanism, so that in the receiving position, the chucks are arranged in a single row in the bag width direction of the grasped product bags, and in the discharging position, the chucks are in a single row in the thickness direction of the grasped product bags. The chuck-moving mechanism is comprised of a pivot arm and a chuck-supporting frame rotatably mounted to the pivot arm, and the two chucks are rotatably mounted on both sides of the chuck-supporting frame. The chuck-supporting frame and the chucks rotate in synchronism with the pivotal motion of the pivot arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masakazu Setozaki, Yasuyuki Honda
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Patent number: 8684432Abstract: Fingers for holding a target project from shift members, and shift in accordance with the movement of the shift members shifted in predetermined axial directions by a shift mechanism to hold the target. Sliding members for shifting the shift members in the predetermined axial directions project from the shift members, and guide the shift members by sliding. According to this structure, a robot hand becomes smaller in size by decreasing the clearances between the fingers (moving the shift members closer to each other). Thus, the robot hand can hold a small target object within a small work space even though the robot hand conducts a parallel shift of the fingers.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yoshihisa Saka, Kazuto Yoshimura, Yoshinobu Goto
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Patent number: 8684433Abstract: A system includes a first container having a wall defining a receptacle, a neck defining an opening, and a flip cap disposed over the opening, and a second container having a wall defining a receptacle, a neck defining an opening, and a flip cap disposed over the opening. The system also includes a carrier having first and second carrier pieces disposed about the first and second containers and attached together with the first and second containers secured therebetween. The system further includes a top cap attached to the flip caps to secure the first and second containers together and to simultaneously remove the flip caps from the containers.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SAInventors: Thomas Oesterle, Lillian G. Zakarija, Chinmay Kanuga
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Patent number: 8684434Abstract: A valve 28 is positioned in the upper portion of the interior space of the bellows 10. A flow of low pressure air is induced inside the bellows when the valve elements 40 move away from the air inlet openings 38. When high pressure air is moved into the central portion of the valve housing 30, the valve elements 40 tend to move radially outwardly to block the air passages 38 and 42, thereby terminating the suction applied to the bellows.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: AMF Automation Technologies, LLCInventors: Roland Lomerson, Jr., Michael W. Norton
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Patent number: 8684435Abstract: A tailgate inner-handle is vertically rotatably mounted and includes: cylinders having sliding holes formed in outer circumferential surfaces along a longitudinal direction; pistons inserted in the cylinders and having fitting holes; a handle mounted at one end of the piston; a carrying bar entering the cylinders through the sliding holes to be inserted in the fitting holes; a motor connected so as to slide the carrying bar; and a control module configured to apply power to the motor according to whether the tailgate is opened or closed. The inner-handle according to the present invention protrudes from the tailgate or returns to an original position according to an opening/closing state of the tailgate, so that a user may more easily and conveniently hold the inner-handle regardless of a height of the user without needing to adjust an opening angle of the tailgate.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Ho-Sang Lee
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Patent number: 8684436Abstract: Intermediate product combinations for internal trim parts of a vehicle are provided herein. In one example, an intermediate product combination comprises a base part having an installation point in which a through-opening is formed for receiving an installation means with which an attachment part can be clamped to the base part on a surface of the base part (30). The edge region of the through-opening in the base part is provided with a shoulder, which surrounds the through-opening and projects from the surface on which the base part can be installed at the edge region of the through-opening, so that the attachment part can be supported by the shoulder when the attachment part is installed on the base part.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignees: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH, Faurecia Interieur IndustrieInventors: Bernd Keller, Dominique Desgranges
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Patent number: 8684437Abstract: A portable mobile recycling center having a drop deck semi-trailer with an enclosed storefront section for office and storage with a bulk recycling section comprising an articulated boom mounted thereto providing means for handling and weighing recyclables and a roll-off recyclables receptacle at the rear of the trailer providing for bulk storage of recyclables. The mobile unit provides recycling opportunities for residential areas that have no means of recycling their large and small unwanted materials.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Jeff L. Collins
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Patent number: 8684438Abstract: Disclosed is an outer skin reinforcement for an outer skin of a motor vehicle, wherein the outer skin reinforcement is formed of a brace, which extends parallel to the outer skin and is connected on connecting points in the vehicle in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the brace is connected to the outer skin via an adhesive layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Stefan Stanik, Carl-Adolf Kimmes
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Patent number: 8684439Abstract: Telescoping side rails for a pickup truck are extensible, hidden vertical pillars within each side wall of a pickup truck. The extensible vertical pillars are connected at the top by the side rail sitting atop the side walls. A set of telescoping pillars is added to each of the two side walls bordering the bed of the pickup truck. When extended, either manually or via a powered option, the vertical pillars, which are joined at the top by the side rail, form a skeleton structure of a tall side wall. The side rail is an added stabilizing connection. The skeleton structure can be used alone or with added horizontal beams inserted through horizontal access ports in the extended pillars. Preferably, the access ports allow passage of a standard 2×4 or other stake through the pillars to create added structural stability to each set of telescoping pillars.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: TSR AssociatesInventor: S. Mill Calvert
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Patent number: 8684440Abstract: A vehicle console includes a panel that has a closed position and a stowed position. The panel at least partly covers a utility area when in the closed position, and an end of the panel is concealed from view in the stowed position. The panel pivots about a pivot point and is coupled with a movement mechanism. The movement mechanism includes one or more gears and a pivot arm with dimensional relationships that define a line of movement for the pivot arm as it moves between the closed and stowed positions. A planetary gear set may be used to define a curvilinear path, such as an elliptical path, or a rectilinear path for the pivot point.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael K. Hishon, Brian S. Kikta
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Patent number: 8684441Abstract: A vehicle includes sidewalls, a tailgate located proximate to rear ends of the sidewalls, and a tailgate energy management system. The tailgate energy management system includes a governor coupled to one of the sidewalls and to the tailgate. The governor selectively applies a governing force to the tailgate to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate. The tailgate energy management system also includes a speed sensor sensing an opening speed of the tailgate and an electronic control unit electronically coupled to the governor and the speed sensor. The electronic control unit includes a processor and memory storing an instruction set. The electronic control unit receives a speed signal indicative of the opening speed of the tailgate and the processor executes the instruction set to cause the electronic control unit to transmit a control signal to the governor to slow the opening speed of the tailgate based on the speed signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Norman Charles Kerr, III
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Patent number: 8684442Abstract: Versions of the present invention comprise a hand-detachable, hand-adjustable, storable, portable windshield assembly for use with cycles and motorcycles adequate for highway use and that does not occlude the forward central viewing area of the rider.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Daniel P. Lehman
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Patent number: 8684443Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicular bezel mounting structure in which an annular bezel 114 is mounted to a hole 106 formed in a vehicle body, the edge of the hole includes: an arcuate part 108 provided along a base circle; a concave part 110 cut off to the outside in the radial direction with respect to the base circle; and a projecting part 112a formed with a projecting piece 112 projecting to the inside in the radial direction within the range of the concave part, the bezel 114 comprising: a body part 114b inserted into the hole; an annular flange part which covers the edge of the hole from the outside; and a plurality of claw parts (116, 112) which are projectingly provided on the outer peripheral surface of the body part, wherein one claw part 116 of the plurality of claw parts can hold the projecting piece 112 of the hole between the one claw part 116 and the back surface of the flange part 114a; and when the bezel 114 is mounted to the hole 106, the projecting piece 112 can be elastically deformeType: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Nobuhiko Hara