Patents Represented by Law Firm Baker & McKenzie
  • Patent number: 8347874
    Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein relate to frame assemblies for gas barbecue grills which incorporate structures for preventing a consumer from storing replacement fuel tanks on the grill, in order to minimize fire and tipping hazards. Because it is known that many consumers never install or even remove prior art tank blockers, the tank blocker of the present invention is adapted to serve as a function of the grill (in addition to the function of blocking a tank) or to support a component of the grill. The preferred embodiment of the tank blocker described herein is adapted to support a component of the grease management system, namely the grease drip pan. Consequently, it is believed that consumers will be forced to install or will be prevented from removing the tank blocker, lest the grease management system become inoperable (or function improperly), causing grease to spill onto the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products Co.
    Inventors: Adrian A. Bruno, Daniel S. Choi, Leonard Zelek
  • Patent number: 8347676
    Abstract: A constructive improvement to an anti-theft lock device applied to automobile trunks, whose innovative solution implies a new anti-theft lock (1), applicable both to common trunk locks and to trunk locks having electric assembly elements, wherein said improvement provides greater productivity during the assembly of said item, in addition to providing greater reliability to the anti-theft safety system, and this is achieved thanks to a constructive concept wherein the anti-theft lock item (1) comprises a clench ring element (A), sealing joint (B), lock cylinder element (C) and fastening clinch element (D). The clench ring element (A) comprises a hollowed latch area (A1), an upper latch element (A2) and a lower latch element (A3), also having a relief lock (A4), in addition to structural grooves (A5). In turn, the fastening clinch element (D) has upper (D1) and lower (D2) latch ends, having an inflexion segment (D3) in its middle section, and both these elements are fitted into the lock cylinder element (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Valeo Sistemas Automotivos Ltda.
    Inventors: Homero de Andrade, Antonio de Oliveria Silva, Jose de Jesus Pin
  • Patent number: 8346020
    Abstract: The process and method for generating a 3D model from a set of 2D drawings is described herein. Traditionally, many structural components (objects) are communicated through a series of 2D drawings, wherein each drawing describes the components that are visible in a user-selected view direction. No machine-readable information in the drawings define a relationship between the drawings developed from various view directions or the objects' locations in 3D space. Considerable human effort and intervention is required to place objects defined in the 2D drawings into 3D space. With the ability to provide information in each drawing defining a relationship with the other drawings as well as its place in 3D space, the objects defined in 2D drawings can self-assemble in 3D space, thereby reducing a substantial amount of required human effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Zentech, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Rao Guntur
  • Patent number: 8346880
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are filtering systems and methods that employ an electronic message source reputation system. The source reputation system maintains a pool of source Internet Protocol (IP) address information, in the form of a Real-Time Threat Identification Network (“RTIN”) database, which can provide the reputation of source IP addresses, which can be used by customers for filtering network traffic. The source reputation system provides for multiple avenues of access to the source reputation information. Examples of such avenues can include Domain Name Server (DNS)-type queries, servicing routers with router-table data, or other avenues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Lund, Scott M. Petry, Craig S. Croteau, Kenneth K. Okumura, Dorion A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 8334710
    Abstract: Circuit blocks and respectively convert high-voltage logic signals in which two logical values are expressed by a first signal potential and a second signal potential into low-voltage logic signals in which the two logical values are expressed by a third signal potential at least as large as the first signal potential and a fourth signal potential that is the third signal potential to which a positive voltage has been added and which is no greater than the second signal potential, and outputs the converted logic signals. The transistors in the circuit block are of the form of replacing the respective transistors of the circuit block with elements of opposite polarity, so that when the third signal potential is changed and operation of one of the circuit blocks and becomes difficult, the other operates normally. Consequently, stable level conversion can be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Icom Incorporated
    Inventor: Kouichiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8328362
    Abstract: Three dimensional projection systems may be single projector or multiple projector systems. These 3D projection systems may include a polarization conversion system (PCS). The PCS may be designed for relatively small throw ratios and thus, may be designed to accommodate the small throw ratios. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a first optical stack, a reflector and a second quarter wave retarder. The first optical stack may include a rotator, a polarizer, a polarization switch and a first quarter wave retarder. The PCS may receive light from a projector and the PBS may direct the light toward the first optical stack. The light may be converted to a different polarization state as it passes through the first optical stack. The converted light may then be re-directed by a reflecting element to the second quarter wave retarder. The second quarter wave retarder may convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Coleman, Miller H. Schuck, Gary D. Sharp, Scott E. Gilman
  • Patent number: 8331127
    Abstract: A memory device comprises an array of memory cells each capable of storing multiple bits of data. The memory cells are arranged in memory strings that are connected to a common source line. Each memory cell includes a programmable transistor connected in parallel with a resistance switching device. The transistor is switchable between a plurality of different threshold voltages associated with respective memory states. The resistance switching device is configured to be switchable between a plurality of different resistances associated with respective memory states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Chou Chen, Wei-Chih Chien, Feng-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 8331167
    Abstract: A data output apparatus includes a driver driving unit configured to generate driving signals by using input data when a data output enable signal is enabled, a data driver unit configured to drive an output terminal to a level corresponding to the input data in response to the driving signals to generate output data, and an output data level control unit configured to open a current path to control a level of the output data, wherein the current path is different from a current path for driving the output terminal to a level corresponding to the input data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Ho-Uk Song
  • Patent number: 8331173
    Abstract: A data strobe clock buffer of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes a buffering block configured to buffer an external data strobe clock signal in response to a buffer enable signal to generate an internal data strobe clock signal, a timing discriminating block configured to discriminate toggle timing of the internal data strobe clock signal in response to a burst start signal and a burst length signal to generate a timing discrimination signal, and an enable controlling block configured to generate the buffer enable signal in response to the timing discrimination signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Heat-Bit Park
  • Patent number: 8324877
    Abstract: A voltage down converter includes a voltage comparator for comparing a first reference voltage and an internal voltage to provide a first driving signal; a driving signal controller coupled with the voltage comparator, the driving signal controller configured to generate a second driving signal in response to an external voltage and selectively providing any one of the first and second driving signals; and a voltage supply coupled with the driving signal controller, the voltage supply configured to receive the selectively provided first and second driving signals, wherein the voltage supply is activated in accordance with the first or second driving signal, thereby providing the internal voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Dong-Keum Kang
  • Patent number: 8325090
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for locating an indoor object includes: a) receiving an RF coordinate signal and a detecting signal; b) providing information of a located region with reference to the RF coordinate and the detecting signal; c) obtaining a motion sensor coordinate according to the information of the located region; d) providing weights for the RF coordinate and the motion sensor coordinate; e) applying the weights to the RF coordinate and the motion sensor coordinate; and f) combining the weighted RF coordinate and the weighted motion sensor coordinate to generate a fused coordinate corresponding to the position of the indoor object. A system for locating an indoor object is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Ren-Chyuan Luo, Chien-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 8325541
    Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor memory apparatus includes a first memory area configured to include a plurality of non-volatile memory cells, a second memory area configured to include a plurality of memory cells whose write speed is faster than the plurality of non-volatile memory cells, and a host interface configured to control the first and second memory areas, wherein the first and second memory areas are configured to be provided with the same address signal and command signal from the host interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Tae Su Jang, Sung Joo Hong, Sung Woong Chung
  • Patent number: 8319931
    Abstract: Certain embodiment of the invention discloses a new gate driver structure suitable for TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display apparatuses, comprising a gate driver having at least one channel for outputting voltage signals; a switch circuit for controlling the outputted voltage signals from the gate driver; and a TFT substrate wherein the gate driver and the switch circuit are positioned on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Himax Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Ming-Yeong Chen, Yao-Hwei Lee, Shou Kai Chiu
  • Patent number: 8321432
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for use in filtering electronic messages using business heuristics. In one aspect, a method includes determining whether the electronic message is associated with a desirable business, and adjusting the likelihood of delivering the electronic message to an intended recipient of the message if the electronic message is determined to be associated with the desirable business. In a more specific embodiment, the method further includes assigning a spam-score to the electronic message based on a likelihood that the electronic message is not unwanted by the intended recipient, blocking delivery of the electronic message to the intended recipient when the spam-score does not cross an overall threshold, and delivering the electronic message to the intended recipient based on the adjusted likelihood when the electronic message is determined to be associated with the desirable business.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Lung, Scott M. Petry, Jason H. Titus
  • Patent number: 8316608
    Abstract: A multi-layered roofing shingle is described. The layers of the shingle are connected via a mechanical fastener. A method for manufacturing a multi-layered shingle is also described. The method includes aligning the layers of the shingle, and connecting the layers via at least one mechanical fastener. Further described is a multi-layered shingle having layers that are mechanically fastened by deforming one of the layers into one of the other layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse A. Binkley, Perry J. Prudhomme, Frank M. Bartolic, Louis T. Hahn, Daniel C. DeJarnette, Charles M. Reed, Richard Allen Chasteen, Jr., John W. Haughton, J. Gary Falls, Paul G. Wilson, Casimir Paul Weaver
  • Patent number: 8316836
    Abstract: Two main embodiments of a heat shield for a barbecue grill are disclosed herein. Both are designed to reduce the transfer of heat from the heated volume of the cooking chamber to the handle of the barbecue grill. The first embodiment mounts to the exterior of the cooking chamber and is disposed between the cooking chamber and the handle. The first embodiment is contoured to interrupt the convective flow of heated air away from the handle. The second embodiment mounts to the interior of the cooking chamber opposite the handle. The second embodiment rests adjacent the inside surface of the cooking chamber to form a partially or substantially closed volume that serves as an insulating barrier for the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Grasso, Ewald Sieg, Charles Choi, Anthony A. Bruno
  • Patent number: 8317028
    Abstract: A product package having a product tray and an information indicator that can be mounted in the tray. The information indicator is operable to be held in the product tray and the product placed into the tray on top of the information indicator. The tray is operable to protect the product from damage during storage or transport as well as provide an enhanced appearance during display. The information indicator is operable to convey information to the consumer as well as assist in removal of the product from the product tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Zippo Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Gary A. Doster
  • Patent number: 8313597
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a novel and cost effective application of a thermoplastic heat-welding rod for welding thermoplastic standing seam profiles and other similar materials to thermoplastic roofing membrane, and providing secure attachment without roof penetration and profile/membrane separation. In addition, embodiments disclosed herein provide a welding attachment or apparatus for performing such heat-welding of thermoplastic materials. In one embodiment, an apparatus for welding a thermoplastic profile strip to a thermoplastic membrane may comprise a first nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a first longitudinal edge of a horizontal base of a thermoplastic profile strip placed on a thermoplastic membrane. Also, such an apparatus may comprise a second nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a second, opposing longitudinal edge of the thermoplastic profile strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Li-Ying Yang, Sudhir Railkar, Yogesh Patel
  • Patent number: 8313142
    Abstract: A child safety seat assembly comprises a base including a plurality of protruding sidewalls, and a seat movably assembled with the base including a plurality of anchoring slots adapted to retain a portion of a safety belt, wherein seat is movably adjustable between an erected position and a reclined position relative to the base. Some of the anchoring slots can be selectively obstructed by the sidewalls of the base when the seat is adjusted to a different inclination relative to the base. As a result, erroneous operations for securing the seat assembly with a safety belt can be prevented, and the seat assembly can be safer in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Xiao-Hong Xiao
  • Patent number: D671300
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Pedro Garcia Estudio, S.L.
    Inventor: Pedro Javier Garcia Mira