Patents Issued in May 27, 2014
  • Patent number: 8733728
    Abstract: A formwork clamp comprising: a lower elongate support member having a head portion and a tail portion, the head portion adapted for attachment to a lower portion of formwork, an upper elongate support member having a head portion and a tail portion, the lower elongate support member and the upper elongate support member being attached relative to each other and movable relative to each other between a collapsed position where the lower elongate member is more towards or against the upper elongate member, and an extended use position where the head portion of the upper elongate member is spaced away from the lower elongate member, a mounting member attached to or forming part of the head portion of the upper elongate support member, the mounting member being attachable to an upper portion of the formwork, the upper elongate support member being adjustable in length, and anchor means to enable the formwork clamp to be anchored to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hal Brackets Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew Kent Reilly
  • Patent number: 8733729
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and a diaphragm configured to selectively allow communication between the inlet port and the outlet port, the diaphragm including a first side adjacent the ports and a second side opposed to the ports. The valve preferably includes at least one bleed path between the first side and the second side of the diaphragm with a one way flow device configured to allow flow from the first side to the second side of the diaphragm and prevent flow from the second side to the first side of the diaphragm. The valve may include a first bleed path from the inlet port to the second side of the diaphragm and a second bleed path from the outlet port to the second side of the diaphragm. Either bleed path, or both, may comprise a check valve mounted in the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Volz, Paul W. Freisinger, Juan Antonio Cervantes, Gabriel Arias
  • Patent number: 8733730
    Abstract: A throttle valve device ideal for small, inexpensive implements is provided. The throttle valve device having a damping member for slowly closing a throttle valve. The throttle valve device (1) has a throttle valve (4) that is fixed to a throttle shaft (5) pivotably supported in an air intake passage (2) and that is urged towards the closed direction, the throttle valve (4) adapted for adjusting the amount of air passing through the air intake passage (2). A through-bore (31) penetrating a shaft bore of the throttle shaft (5) is formed in a body, and a damping member (8) having frictional capabilities is inserted into and supported in the through-bore (31) in a state of pressing against the throttle shaft (5) inserted through the shaft bore (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Zama Japan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Oka
  • Patent number: 8733731
    Abstract: A valve device includes an oil path that is formed such that a hydraulic fluid flows therethrough, a ball valve that opens and closes the oil path, and a contraction-type PVC gel actuator including a plurality of planar cathode plates, a plurality of mesh-like anode plates, and PVC gel layers. The cathode plates and the anode plates are alternately stacked one on top of the other with the PVC gel layers sandwiched therebetween. With expansion or contraction deformation of the contraction-type PVC gel actuator, the ball valve is driven so as to close or open the oil path. The cathode plates and the anode plates included in the contraction-type PVC gel actuator are interconnected using the belt-like wiring portions. Thus, an integrated unit of the plurality of cathode plates and an integrated unit of the plurality of anode plates are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Minoru Ueno, Tatsuhiro Tomari
  • Patent number: 8733732
    Abstract: An assembly comprises a manifold and a valve. The manifold has a portion defining a bore having a first end and a second end. The valve is at least partially disposed within the manifold and includes a coil configured to generate a magnetic field; a bobbin configured to house the coil; a pole piece located near the bobbin; and a housing. The pole piece includes a first end configured for insertion into the bore of the manifold; a circumferentially extending groove located near the first end of the pole piece; an o-ring disposed in the circumferentially extending groove; and a radially outwardly extending flange located near the circumferentially extending groove that is configured to engage both the portion of the manifold defining the first end of the bore and the bobbin. The housing includes a tab configured to fasten the valve to the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert John Boychuk, Robert Andrew Dayton, Brian James O'Neil, Mark William Hildebrandt
  • Patent number: 8733733
    Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a valve body, a bonnet, a control assembly, and a seal assembly. The valve body defines an inlet portion, an outlet portion, a bonnet opening, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The bonnet is disposed in the bonnet opening. The control assembly is at least partly supported by the bonnet, and includes a ball element disposed within the valve body and rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The valve body defines an internal recess at a location downstream from the inlet portion and adjacent the bonnet opening. The seal assembly is disposed within the internal recess and includes a movable sleeve seal, a retaining device, and one or more sealing elements for preventing leakage between the sleeve seal and the retaining device and/or the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Randall S. Collison, Loren L. Bovee, Tonya Probasco
  • Patent number: 8733734
    Abstract: A gate valve includes: a valve box; a support body disposed inside a hollow portion; a valve plate including a fixed valving section, a movable valving section sliding in a direction in which a flow passage is extended, a first peripheral region; and a second peripheral region; a first biasing section disposed at the first peripheral region, allowing the movable valving section to move toward a first opening portion, allowing the movable valving section to come into contact with an inner surface, pressing the movable valving section onto the inner surface, and closing the flow passage; and a second biasing section disposed at the second peripheral region, allowing the movable valving section to move toward a second opening portion, and releasing the flow passage by separating the movable valving section from the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ulvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyuzo Nakamura, Kouji Shibayama, Shinichi Wada, Seiya Sakoda
  • Patent number: 8733735
    Abstract: A mounting adaptor for a valve actuator includes a driver aperture configured to receive a valve actuator driver. The mounting adaptor further includes a plurality of mounting posts configured to engage a thermal riser or a valve attachment pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Cory C. Strebe
  • Patent number: 8733736
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of fluids to a patient includes an inlet tube and an outlet tube connected to each other at an angular joint. A rotary valve and a piston are fitted to the angular joint forming a chamber. The rotary valve is provided with a priming channel notch and a pumping notch. For priming operation with the fluid delivery apparatus, a user sets the rotary valve to a priming position. During pumping operation, the rotary valve rotates in coordination with the piston to transfer a quantum of fluid from the inlet tube to the outlet tube via the chamber. A second piston is optionally provided on the outlet tube for smoothing out flow rate pulsations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Brett Franks
  • Patent number: 8733737
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a seal for a surge relief valve includes a) a valve housing having a flow inlet and a flow outlet; b) an annular retainer for coupling a plug to an interior of the valve housing, the retainer having a first end oriented toward the flow inlet and a second end remote therefrom; c) the plug having a first end oriented toward the flow inlet and a second end remote therefrom, the plug having a mating junction for coupling with the second end of the retainer, the plug having a first countersink, a second countersink, a first lip defined between the first and second countersinks and a second lip adjacent the second countersink; and d) an annular plug seal having a first end oriented toward the flow inlet and a second end remote from the first end for mating with the second countersink and a lip that abuts the second end of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Lewandowski, Raj Shah, Phi Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8733738
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a universal platform and an assembly method of an aircraft using the same. The universal platform includes a plurality of scissor lifts arranged around an aircraft, wherein each of the plural scissor lifts includes a base frame, a support frame located above the base frame, a support table fixedly coupled to an upper portion of the support frame, a plurality of link members axially assembled to be mutually pivoted between the support frame and the base frame, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders coupled to the respective link members and the base frame so as to lift the support frame in upward and downward directions, and a slide member slidably coupled to the support table, and the slide member slides from the support table toward the aircraft so as to allow a worker to work according to height, and there is provided the assembly method of the aircraft using the universal platform, thereby contributing to improvement in productivity and in health of workers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Eop Mun
  • Patent number: 8733739
    Abstract: A device that integrates an ascender with a pulley block consisting of two side plates pivotally connected to one another and selectively opened or closed, for loading a rope into a rope channel defined therebetween. Affixed adjacent the rope channel is a selectively activated rope clamp, to hold or release a rope. A sheave adapted to freewheel on an axle, is positioned offset the rope channel, and is used for mechanical advantage rigging when ascending or rescue. Also, a link connection is located at or near the sheave and is used for the attachment of a foot loop or other connection for assisting in ascending on a rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Kirk Martin Mauthner, Rocke P. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8733740
    Abstract: A support jack for supporting semitrailers includes a vertically telescopically displaceable supporting device having an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. A method of assembling such a support jack, in which a spindle nut is connected detachably to the inner sleeve by means of at least one translatory and one rotary joining movement or at least by means of two translatory joining movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Jost-Werke-GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Seidel, Gerald Müller
  • Patent number: 8733741
    Abstract: A cattle grid comprising a first group of fixed bars (12) that are spaced apart with gaps therebetween and a second group of bars (20) that are movable between a lower position and an upper position. With the bars of the cattle grid in a first configuration, the second group of bars (20) are in the lower position, such that the upper portions of the bars of the second group (20) are lower than the upper portions of the bars of the first group (12), whereby gaps are defined between the bars of the first group to provide a barrier to the passage of animals. When the set of bars are in a second configuration, the second group of bars (20) are in the upper position such that the second group of bars (20) intermeshes with the first group of bars (12) so that the bars of the second group (20) occupy the gaps between the bars of the first group (12) to allow passage of animals across the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Jeremy Ryton Drax
  • Patent number: 8733742
    Abstract: A venturi apparatus comprises: a liquid-receiving section configured to be open to the atmosphere and to receive liquid through an opening at a first end, and having a second end through which the liquid can exit, the second end having a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than a first cross-sectional area of the first end; and a mixing section defining: an intermediate passageway configured to receive the liquid exiting from the liquid-receiving section, the intermediate passageway having a third cross-sectional area that is greater than the second cross-sectional area; and at least one side passageway extending from the intermediate passageway to a perimeter of the venturi apparatus to fluidly connect the intermediate passageway to the atmosphere to allow atmospheric gases to be drawn into the intermediate passageway to mix with the liquid when the liquid flows through the intermediate passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Vinturi, Inc.
    Inventors: Rio Sabadicci, Larry D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8733743
    Abstract: A gas spring piston includes a piston body with an end wall and a side wall that projects longitudinally from the end wall. The side wall includes an outer surface and a retainment ridge spaced longitudinally from the end wall such that the outer surface is disposed between the retainment ridge and the end wall. The retainment ridge projects radially-outwardly beyond the outer surface such that a shoulder surface is formed adjacent the outer surface. The outer surface includes an engagement feature that is dimensioned to compressively engage an associated flexible wall. The engagement feature is positioned along the outer surface in spaced relation to the end wall and the shoulder surface of the retainment ridge. A gas spring assembly and a method of assembling a gas spring that include such a gas spring piston are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Paul P. Koeske
  • Patent number: 8733744
    Abstract: A multipiece cushioning assembly adapted to be arranged in combination with a shock absorbing apparatus. The multipiece cushioning assembly is disposed between a pair of radial shoulders on first and second members telescoping members of the shock absorbing apparatus arranged in operable combination relative to each other. The radial shoulders on the first and second members limit travel of the shock absorbing apparatus, and with the multipiece cushioning assembly including a plurality of elastomeric bumpers arranged in a generally circular array for absorbing over-travel of the first and second members relative to each other and for readily permitting replacement of the multipiece cushioning assembly while maintaining the first and second members in operable combination relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Miner Elastomer Products Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Kerr, Helen Y. Chen, Richard J. Beranek
  • Patent number: 8733745
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including a shock upper mount assembly mounted to vehicle structure, a jounce bumper being made of an elastomeric material and including a vertically extending rod bore around a rod of a shock absorber, and a jounce rate cup. The jounce rate cup is made of an elastomeric material and includes a horizontally extending support flange having a lower surface mounted on the jounce bumper, a horizontally extending dust boot attachment flange spaced from the support flange and having an upper surface located below and adjacent to the shock upper mount assembly, and a vertical flange extending between the support flange and the dust boot attachment flange to define a gap between the support flange and the dust boot attachment flange, with the jounce rate cup including a vertically extending rod bore mounted around the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ravindra P Patil, Robert T. Jane, Michael A. Ray, Robert L. Geisler, Joseph A. Schudt
  • Patent number: 8733746
    Abstract: A vehicular suspension enhancement that comprises the addition of a pair of cellular polyurethane elastomer cylindrical shaped springs, one located on each side of an axle. Each spring is operatively attached between the axle and the vehicular frame and made from a cast of cellular polyurethane elastomer derived from a polyol diisocyanate mixture containing naphthalene-1,5-diisocyanate (NDI)-terminated prepolymer and a polyol selected from the group consisting of polyether polyol, polyester polyol, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Supersprings International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Lamberti, Michael Savage
  • Patent number: 8733747
    Abstract: An installation system for attaching a transparent pane to a frame includes at least one support tool having a base member and a support member. The support member is operably coupled to the base member, and the support member is operable to support the pane in a fixed position relative to the frame. The support tool also includes a magnet that is fixed to at least one of the base member and the support member for magnetically and removably attaching the at least one support tool to the frame. A method of attaching the pane to the frame is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Harry J. Glikis, Cheryl A. Discher, Renee G. Dicicco, Deborah L Froehlich, Giurgevca Palincas, Keith Windmill
  • Patent number: 8733748
    Abstract: A cart includes a frame body, a tray, a driving mechanism, and a transmission mechanism. The frame body includes a top portion, a bottom portion including a number of castors, and a number of connecting bars between the top portion and the bottom portion, which cooperatively defines a receiving space. The tray is configured to support a workpiece and to be slidably received in the receiving space. The transmission mechanism is connected between the tray and the driving mechanism to transmit the power of the driving mechanism to the tray to drive the tray to move in the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-An Yu, Yan-Hao Li, Ri-Qing Chen, Xing Xia
  • Patent number: 8733749
    Abstract: A method for producing a duct from a planar board having two opposed substantially parallel edges with metal foil facings on opposed major surfaces of the board is disclosed. The method comprises making planar cuts through one of the metal foil facings and at least most of the planar board there below to produce a blank with 3 parallel “V shaped grooves which are parallel to angled edges of the blank. A duct is formed by folding the blank so that the “V” shaped grooves form three of the edges of the duct, and the angled edges form the fourth of the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Fran Lanciaux
  • Patent number: 8733750
    Abstract: A mounting device for attaching a vise to a work surface so that the vise can be held in a position perpendicular to the work surface. The mounting device has a base having a surface for receiving the vise and an upright section that is perpendicular to the base. The mounting device further has a plurality of bolts or clamps that are used to removably secure the vise to the mounting device and also to secure the mounting device to the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Urban Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall J. Bernhardt
  • Patent number: 8733751
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a stacking face (84) is inclined such that a downstream side in a sheet discharging direction is lower, and is composed of a first supporting face (84a) supporting a sheet to be stacked at its front end part in a sheet discharging direction and a second supporting face (84b) supporting the sheet to be stacked at its rear end part in the sheet discharging direction. The first supporting face (84a) is structured to be shorter than ½ of a minimum size length of the sheet to be stacked, and this is provided rotatably upward around a rotating shaft (85x) furnished to a registration part (85r) of regulating the front ends of the sheets. The first supporting face (84a) raises the front ends of the sheets to be discharged by rotation of the registration part (85r).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kagami, Shinichi Ito, Mizuho Shirakura
  • Patent number: 8733752
    Abstract: The invention proposes a method for operating a print further processing system for producing and processing printed products, in particular for forming stacks or packs of printed product collections comprising completed final printed products such as periodicals and newspapers, which are preferably put together from a main product and a plurality of part products and/or inserts. The printed products are produced in accordance with a predefined production plan and, by means of a stacking device, are processed to form a sequence of packs (S1-S9) of individually predefined size; in order to produce part packs, the processing speed of the parts of the print further processing system that are connected upstream of the stacking device is reduced and, when a threshold value (T) is exceeded, empty positions are formed deliberately in the section of the product sequence allocated to the pack (S). The threshold value (T) is preferably a predefined value of the difference ? in the size of successive packs (Sn?Sn+1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Reto Heiniger
  • Patent number: 8733753
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet processing device includes a jogger fence configured to carry out a crosswise direction alignment to a stack of image formed sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus, a rear end fence acting as a lengthwise reference edge, a stapling device configured to staple the aligned sheet stack, a discharge belt configured to move the stapled sheet stack to a sheet ejection tray, and a controller to control movement of the jogger fence during the sheet stack being moved by the discharge belt so as to move the jogger fence more than once between a position where the jogger fence does not contact the edge of the sheet stack and a position where the jogger fence pressing contact the edge of the sheet stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naofumi Soga, Kikuo Mizutani, Tomomi Iijima
  • Patent number: 8733754
    Abstract: A sheet sender 21A includes a lift plate 21P, a feed roller 21B and a registration roller 23. A biasing spring 21S applies an upward force onto the lift plate 21P. The lift plate 21P is moved upward by eccentric cams 60 which are arranged at axial ends of the feed roller 21B and rotationally driven by arm protrusions 211 which have come in contact with the eccentric cams 60. A rotational driving force is transmitted to a feed gear 220 and a registration gear 231 from a main gear 70 to rotate the feed roller 21B and the registration roller 23. A gear of the main gear 70 that engages with the feed gear 220 is idly rotatable within a predetermined angle with respect to a gear that engages with the registration roller 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Masahiko Mizuno
  • Patent number: 8733755
    Abstract: A sheet separation transport mechanism according to the present disclosure includes a sheet feed member, a separation member, a support member, a sheet member and a concave portion. The sheet feed member feeds a sheet in a transport direction. The separation member is pressed onto the sheet feed member. The support member includes: a separation member retaining portion; and a guide portion which guides lead edges of a plurality of sheets to the downstream side along the inclined surface. The sheet member is adhered from the guide portion so as to overlap the separation member and has a frictional coefficient lower than the separation member. The concave portion is formed in the shape of a groove in a position of the guide portion where the sheet member is adhered such that the depth of the concave portion is greater than the thickness of the sheet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Susumu Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8733756
    Abstract: An apparatus for the vertical adjustment of combined front/top lays in a sheet processing machine includes a front/top lay carrier shaft carrying the front/top lays jointly in such a way that it can be pivoted with respect to a front/top lay drive shaft, or thrust joints disposed in carriers or coupling links for the front/top lays in such a way that they effect a lengthening of the carriers or coupling links in order to adjust the front/top lays. A sheet-fed rotary printing press having the apparatus, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Mueller, Henning Niggemann, Burkhard Wolf
  • Patent number: 8733757
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: a conveying member configured to convey a sheet; a first opening section including a conveyance guide section arranged on the opposite side of the conveying member across a conveying path and configured to form the conveying path and a first pivot shaft configured to pivotably support the conveyance guide section, the first opening section being configured to form the conveying path using the conveyance guide section if changing to a closed state and open the conveying path if changing to an open state; and a second opening section including a cover section configured to cover the first opening section if the first opening section changes to the closed state and a second pivot shaft configured to pivotably support the cover section, the second opening section being configured to cause, if pivoting, the first opening section to pivot following the second opening section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiaki Oshiro, Isao Yahata, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Yoshiaki Sugizaki, Kikuo Mizutani, Hiroyuki Taki, Hiroyuki Tsuchihashi, Chiaki Iizuka, Hidetoshi Yokochi, Ken Iguchi, Hiroyuki Hazu, Yoichi Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki Sugiyama, Yuichi Saito
  • Patent number: 8733758
    Abstract: A method of establishing one or more puzzles from candidate deals of a card game such as poker, for supporting an exercise in guessing an opponent's concealed card holdings. The method may use random dealing, archived actual deals, and other manufactured or sourced material to source an inventory of candidate deals. To qualify a deal from the inventory of candidate deals, the method may quantify one or more parameters of a candidate card deal. Quantified parameters may be weighted or otherwise mathematically treated, then evaluated to arrive at a determination of suitability for establishing a puzzle based on the candidate deal. The puzzles may be used as the basis of an exercise or game wherein the participant must guess the nature of concealed card holdings. Where the invention is regarded as the resultant game, guesses may be mathematically quantified to arrive at a score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: David Chodniewicz
  • Patent number: 8733759
    Abstract: One method of conducting a game includes steps: (a) providing first and second decks of cards; (b) accepting a predetermined number of uniform wagers from players; (c) associating with each wager a predetermined number of cards from the first and second decks; (d) after the predetermined number of wagers are accepted, selecting the predetermined number of cards from the first and second decks; (e) determining whether the cards selected after the predetermined number of wagers are accepted matches exactly the cards associated with any wager; (f) performing steps (d) and (e) without further wagering until cards selected after the predetermined number of wagers are accepted matches the cards associated with any wager; and (g) awarding a payout dependent on the number of wagers accepted, the amount of each wager, and the number of players having cards that match the cards selected after the predetermined number of wagers are accepted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: JJJJacks, LLC
    Inventor: Don D. Donahoo
  • Patent number: 8733760
    Abstract: A game and a method of playing a game are disclosed. A card with an image of a celebrity printed thereon is drawn by a player on a team. The player also starts a timing device, indicating his time of play, and manipulates a random number generator to obtain a random number. Within the given time of play, the player must recite a number of facts about the celebrity, corresponding to the random number, with players on an opposing team attempting to hinder the player's rotation of facts by playing disadvantage cards, and teammates on the player's team attempting to assist the player by playing benefit cards and/or help cards. Points are assigned based on recitation of the assigned number of facts related to the respective celebrity, and after multiple rounds of play are concluded, the points are tallied for the teams and a winner is declared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: André Fontana
  • Patent number: 8733761
    Abstract: A game element for use in a genetic deck based game. The game element includes indicia to partition a larger set of game elements into ordered subsets of game elements. The game element also includes a unique identifier for the genetic deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Eric R. Glover
  • Patent number: 8733762
    Abstract: A thermal bulb seal has a bulb portion and a tab portion that is configured to allow welding or other attachment of the bulb seal to the end surface of an insulating structure. Most preferably, the tab portion comprises an angled portion so allow welding of the bulb seal to another insulating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Thermal Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Vaughn Barnes
  • Patent number: 8733763
    Abstract: A manifold gasket includes a carrier frame with a plurality of media-conveying openings corresponding to openings communicating between two parts to be clamped, such as an intake manifold and a cylinder head. Elastomeric sealing material is molded to the carrier frame about the openings to seal the openings when clamped. A compression limiting device is disposed on the carrier frame and is isolated from direct contact with the carrier frame by intervening elastomeric bonding material to limit compression of said elastomeric sealing material when the gasket is clamped between the head and block. The elastomeric bonding material renders the compression limiting device free-floating relative to the carrier frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Roberts, Gary Bold
  • Patent number: 8733764
    Abstract: A multiple pivoted lathe chuck jaw assembly utilizes a plurality of baseplates each having one or more sub-jaws pivotably attached thereto. Each baseplate is configured for attachment to, or is part of, the radially movable elements of a lathe chuck. Further, each baseplate has two pivotably attached sub-jaws. Each sub-jaw has two compression and two expansion workpiece gripping surfaces extending generally outwards from the front face of the baseplate: a first tier compression gripping surface, a second tier compression gripping surface, a first tier expansion gripping surface, and a second tier expansion gripping surface. The gripping surfaces each approximate a curved shape that matches the shape of a circle of a given radius allowing the sub-jaws to pivot and self-align to the workpiece surface for maximum surface contact and gripping force. Force-directed serrations can provide additional holding force toward the face of the chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Eugene Stafford
  • Patent number: 8733765
    Abstract: An airport cart adapted for carrying carry-on luggage and personal items divested prior to a security check point. The cart includes a lower luggage tray or shelf, and a pair of vertical supports extends upward from a rear portion of this tray or a horizontal portion of the cart frame. The cart may have dual handles extending rearward in a space-apart manner from the vertical supports such that the handles are parallel to each other and do not block vertical loading of the luggage tray. The cart includes one, two, or more storage or security screening bins that are affixed to or detachably mounted on the vertical supports or the handles. One or more of the storage bins may be compatible with conventional airport screening bins. The bins are horizontally offset from the luggage tray and each other to facilitate unobstructed 3D screening of bags and items in the bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Padgett, Michelle G. Bentubo, Harold J. Kennedy, Seth T. Abbe
  • Patent number: 8733766
    Abstract: Devices and methods for convertibly changing the means and carrying capacity of a pedestrian are provided. Specifically the present disclosure comprises a backpack capable of being converted into a wheelbarrow for the purpose of transporting increased loads in emergency or varying conditions. The device may include a frame and satchel whereby a series of components are fastened to the frame in order provide for implements such as handles and rolling wheels for transportation of increased loads. The components of the system may include, for example, a frame, a satchel, handles, a wheel, and an axle. When assembled to convert the pack to a wheelbarrow configuration, the device may increase the safe carrying capacity of a pedestrian from 50-100 lbs. to 200-300 lbs. or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy R. Nieman
  • Patent number: 8733767
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first carrier device having a first upright. A first axle and a first wheel are joined proximate a first distal end of the first upright. A first support plate is joined to the first upright above the first wheel. A second carrier device has a second upright. A second axle and a second wheel are joined proximate a first distal end of the second upright. A second support plate is joined to the second upright above the second wheel. An adjustment bar has a first end, a second end and a plurality of adjustment positions extending inward from the second end. The first end is joined proximate a second distal end of the first upright. A one of the plurality of adjustment positions is joined to a second distal end of the second upright, whereby a distance between the first and the second upright is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8733768
    Abstract: A race car four link bar to chassis remotely adjustable brackets for providing quick, efficient, and precise adjustment for trailing arms on a race car chassis. The race car four link bar to chassis remotely adjustable brackets generally includes adjustable brackets that include a pivoting load block (10), slotted bracket plates (20), a hemi joint carrier (30) and a lead screw (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: James R. Shoulders
  • Patent number: 8733769
    Abstract: An interchangeable costume kit for a skateboard, wherein interchangeable parts can be attached and removed easily therefrom, and having a head section, an appendage section, and a tail section that have the shape of an animal head, animal limbs, and an animal tail. Each section is removably attachable by the releasable engagement of attachment pads disposed on each of the head, appendage, and tail sections with adhesive mounting pads attached to the underside of the skateboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Donald B. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8733770
    Abstract: A working vehicle has a castor wheel assembly selectively providing steering assist. A pivoting caster spindle coupled with a caster wheel and an engagement plate connected to the caster spindle in a fixed manner such that the engagement plate pivots with the caster spindle. A pivoting steering arm is rotatably connected to the caster spindle and a steering cylinder is connected to an outward end of the steering arm with a tie rod configured to pivot the steering arm. A keyed connecting mechanism selectively couples the steering arm with the engagement plate. In an engaged position, the keyed connecting mechanism couples the steering arm with the engagement plate such that the steering cylinder pivots the caster spindle and caster wheel. In a disengaged position, the steering arm is uncoupled with the engagement plate such that the caster spindle and caster wheel are free to pivot independent of the steering cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Brendon Nafziger, Martin E. Pruitt, Douglas Treffer
  • Patent number: 8733771
    Abstract: A suspension system for supporting a vehicle body includes an axle and a mounting member that is coupled by a first coupling member to the axle. The mounting member is also coupled by a second coupling member to the axle. At least one of the first and second coupling members includes a mount damper that dampens loads transferred between the mounting member and the axle. The suspension system also includes a track bar that is coupled by a third coupling member to the vehicle body and that is coupled by a fourth coupling member to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: James J. Johnson, Jacek Dubiel, Alexandre Opeiko
  • Patent number: 8733772
    Abstract: An anti-roll apparatus for a vehicle may include lower arms installed at both sides of a sub frame through hinges respectively, a reaction force cylinder formed at a center of the sub frame, wherein piston rods may be installed at both sides thereof respectively and interact by reaction force of compressible fluid filled inside a sealed cylinder housing, and push rods connecting the respective piston rod of the reaction force cylinder and the respective lower arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Daesik Ko, Jong Min Kim
  • Patent number: 8733773
    Abstract: A snowmobile comprises a chassis with a front portion and a tunnel, and a power train unit supported by the chassis. The snowmobile further includes a plurality of ground-engaging members cooperating with the power train unit to operate the snowmobile. The plurality of ground-engaging members includes a pair of front skis and an endless track assembly. A snowmobile is also depicted which has a raised front chassis relative to the driveshaft, which raises the clearance of the front chassis for deep snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Martin E. Sampson
  • Patent number: 8733774
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises a bicycle frame and a rear wheel suspension system that is attached to the frame. The rear wheel suspension system comprises a rear wheel swingarm and a shock absorber that is coupled to the swingarm. A change in vertical wheel travel (?VWT) of the rear wheel is related to a change in the length of the shock absorber (?SL), providing a shock rate (SR). The shock rate (SR) changes throughout the vertical wheel travel of the rear wheel, such that the change in the shock rate dSR/dVWT has a change in sign as the rear wheel travels through its vertical wheel travel. In each case, the rate of change of the shock includes a change in sign, from positive to negative or from negative to positive. In some embodiments, the swingarm may be attached to the frame at a single pivot point or through a linkage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Graney, Nicholas Anderson
  • Patent number: 8733775
    Abstract: A Physical therapy assembly includes a wheelchair that may transport a user. A pad is movably coupled to the wheelchair so the pad may support the user's leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Brand
  • Patent number: 8733776
    Abstract: A bumper assembly for use on a cycle steering column, comprising in combination a C-shaped gripper sleeve, an elastomeric bumper attached to the sleeve, and having a bumper surface presented outwardly relative to the sleeve, there being adjustable retainer means configured to releasably hold the bumper and sleeve in selected positions, whereby the sleeve is adjustable endwise and rotatably to adjustably position and retain the sleeve to the steering column, with the bumper presented outwardly, in a selected direction, as aforesaid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Brent Foes
  • Patent number: 8733777
    Abstract: A corrugation bellows for a transfer between two articulated vehicles has a plurality of corrugations which are generally U-shaped in cross-section. Two adjacent corrugations are connected together by a frame. The corrugations may have a web interconnecting two limbs, with the web being substantially planar in a substantially neutral state of the bellows. The limbs extend at right angles to the web in a substantially neutral state of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Junke, Andre Goebels, Lingzhi Li