Patents Issued in February 1, 2011
  • Patent number: 7877869
    Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes a lead body and a connector terminal. A conductor extends from the lead body to the connector terminal along a helical path through a transition zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Mehdizadeh, Sandra F. Viktora, Catherine A. Lundberg, Dina L. Williams
  • Patent number: 7877870
    Abstract: The tip end of the bonding tip is defined between first and second edges. A first inclined surface gets remoter from a first terminal at a position remoter from the first edge. The second inclined surface likewise gets remoter from the first terminal at a position remoter from the second edge. The solder is contoured by first and second contours on the first terminal. The second terminal is located on the solder between the first and second contours. The tip end of the bonding tip is urged against the second terminal. Heat is transferred from the bonding tip to the solder. The melted solder spreads into gaps between the second terminal and the first and second inclined surfaces. The solder is thus prevented from spreading outside the contour of the first terminal. This results in a reliable avoidance of a short circuit between the adjacent first terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toshiba Storage Device Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Yamaguchi, Kouichi Tokairin, Hirofumi Suzuki, Hiroaki Kobayashi, Hiroshi Minami
  • Patent number: 7877871
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an exposure unit forming an electrostatic latent image on a photo conductor based on image information, a developing unit developing the electrostatic latent image by toner made of formation material of a circuitry layer, and an electrostatic transferring unit transferring a toner image on the photo conductor onto a substrate. The toner image is transferred so as to cover at least a part of a conductor layer formed on the substrate. At this time, excessive charges caused in the conductor layer accompanying the start of the transfer of the toner image are removed. Alternatively, charges of which polarity is reverse to that of the toner are added to the conductor layer. These allow the circuitry layer to be formed to have a desired pattern favorably and securely on the conductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba TEC Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Aoki, Naoko Yamaguchi, Chiaki Takubo, Toshiaki Yamauchi, Koji Imamiya, Hiroshi Hashizume
  • Patent number: 7877872
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollowed printed circuit board includes steps of: providing an electrically conductive layer; laminating a first dielectric layer having a first through opening defined therein on a first surface of the electrically conductive layer; forming a protecting layer on the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in the first opening; creating an electrically conductive pattern in the conductive layer; removing the protecting layer; and laminating a second dielectric layer having a second through opening defined therein on an opposite second surface of the electrically conductive layer in a manner that the first through opening is aligned with the second through opening, thereby a portion of the electrically conductive layer is exposed to exterior through the first through opening and the second through opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Foxconn Advanced Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Chun Huang, Meng-Hung Wu, Cheng-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 7877873
    Abstract: A method for forming a wire bonding substrate is disclosed. A substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface is provided. A through hole is formed in the substrate. A conductive layer is formed on the first surface and the second surface of the substrate and covers a sidewall of the through hole. The conductive layer on the first surface of the substrate is patterned to form at least a first conductive pad, and the conductive layer on the second surface of the substrate is patterned to form at least a second conductive pad. An insulating layer is formed on the first surface and the second surface of the substrate and covers the first conductive pad and the second conductive pad. The insulating layer is recessed until top surfaces of the first conductive pad and the second conductive pad are exposed. A first metal layer is electroplated on the first conductive pad by applying current from the second conductive pad to the first conductive pad through the conductive layer passing the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: NAN YA PCB Corp.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lee, Hung-En Hsu, Wei-Wen Lan, Yun-Hsiang Pai
  • Patent number: 7877874
    Abstract: The invention relates to the collective fabrication of n 3D modules. A batch of n wafers I are fabricated on one and the same plate. This step is repeated K times. The K plates are stacked. Plated-through holes are formed in the thickness of the stack. These holes are intended for connecting the slices together. The stack is cut in order to obtain the n 3D modules. The plate 10, which comprises silicon, is covered on one face 11 with an electrically insulating layer forming the insulating substrate. This face has grooves 20 that define n geometrical features, which are provided with an electronic component 1 connected to electrical connection pads 2? placed on said face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: 3D Plus
    Inventor: Christian Val
  • Patent number: 7877875
    Abstract: A method for connecting a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) to a printhead assembly that includes a printhead carrier and an ink ejection printhead carried by the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Stephen Richard O'Farrell, Jan Waszczuk, Stephen John Sleijpen, James Andrew, Craig Donald Strudwicke, William Granger, Mark Janos
  • Patent number: 7877876
    Abstract: The invention provides for a method of attaching printhead integrated circuitry to a carrier. The method includes scanning a wafer having a number of circuitry dies formed thereon to demarcate respective dies, aligning a die picker with a dice on the wafer according to a wafer substrate mapping scheme, and removing the dice from the wafer with the die picker. The method further includes the steps of transporting the dice to a placement station operatively positioning the carrier, aligning the dice with the carrier; and heat bonding the dice to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David Oliver Burke, Jan Waszczuk, Desmond Bruce Boyton, Craig Donald Strudwicke, Peter John Morley Sobey, William Granger, Jason Mark Thelander, Eric Patrick O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7877877
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid housing, in particular a valve housing for an electromagnetically operable valve. The method includes providing at least three flat metal plates side by side, each having different magnetic properties directly adjacent to the others. The at least three plates are joined to the directly adjacent bordering edges to form a sheet metal section. The sheet metal section shaped into a sleeve shape. Furthermore, the bordering edges, which are now opposite one another, and run in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve to form a sleeve blank are joined together. The sleeve blank is machined until a desired geometric shape of the housing is achieved. The housing may be suitable in particular for use in fuel injectors in fuel injector systems of internal combustion engines operating by spark ignition of a compressed fuel-air mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ferdinand Reiter
  • Patent number: 7877878
    Abstract: A method of constructing a grain bin floor support system having a plurality of interconnected support members. The support members are constructed from a monolithic sheet of structural metal stamped and formed having upper and lower horizontal rails spanning across and integrally connected by a plurality of transverse support columns. The rails include a longitudinally extending center segment and a stabilizing portion adjacent each end thereof. The stabilizing portions are configured to be folded out in opposite directions forming a non-planar self-supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney B. Grossman, Mark S. Dingeldein
  • Patent number: 7877879
    Abstract: In a razor including a razor head 16 having blade bodies 19, a shaving aid member 27 is provided on the razor head 16. The shaving aid member 27 reciprocates between an initial position and an end position, which is separate from the initial position by a predetermined range. The shaving aid member 27 is urged toward the initial position by elastic bodies 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kai R&D Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nakasuka
  • Patent number: 7877880
    Abstract: A hand-held personal care appliance includes a handle accommodating a rechargeable power supply and having electrical contacts, an operating head detachably mountable on the handle and having contacts for connection to the contacts of the handle, and a charging device for recharging the power supply and having contacts for connection to the contacts of the handle. The operating head must be detached from the handle for recharging the power supply. Different operating heads may be mountable on the handle to form a vibrating safety razor, a hair trimmer, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Terence Gordon Royle
  • Patent number: 7877881
    Abstract: A scribing system comprising a mounting mechanism, stylus, and force generating mechanism is provided. The mounting mechanism is configured to rotate an elongated object in such a manner that the object is subjected to a bow effect wherein a middle portion of the object bends relative to the end portions of the object. The stylus is for scribing the object at a position x along the long dimension of the object while the mounting mechanism rotates the object. The force generating mechanism is connected to the stylus so that the stylus applies the same constant force to the elongated object regardless of the position x along the long dimension of the object that the stylus is positioned, while the mounting mechanism rotates the object and thereby subjects the object to the bow effect, thereby scribing the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Solyndra, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Shenderovich, Boris Djurovic, Daniel Liu, Wen Chang, Benyamin Butler, Erel Milshtein
  • Patent number: 7877882
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring the threads of standard and metric female thread bolt and standard and metric male thread nut of must commonly used nuts and bolts and the screw diameters in sizes #0 to #14. A separate set of plug gauges and ring gauges match the thread sizes of both the said standard female and metric female thread bolt gauge sizes. Separate standard and metric thread nut thread sizes are present in separate plug and ring gauges to provide ready gauges to measure threads of bolts and nuts not conveniently measure by plug and ring gauges mounted on a display wall structure for protection of the said gauges for dirt and contaminants. The wall mounted display structure provides an immediately available device for checking thread sizes of nuts and bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: S&W Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William Burr
  • Patent number: 7877883
    Abstract: A method for locating a geometric detail of at least one wheel rim for determining its spatial position relative to a measuring instrument, includes: aiming at least one measuring camera of a measuring instrument of a chassis measuring system at a wheel rim; recording an image of a wheel rim using the at least one measuring camera; ascertaining at least one geometric detail in the image of the wheel rim; and selecting a known geometric detail for determining the spatial position of the wheel rim relative to the measuring instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Schommer, Hermann Bux
  • Patent number: 7877884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus onboard a vehicle for determining an actual alignment condition of the vehicle's axle during either dynamic or static conditions. Proper axle alignment depends on a perpendicular relationship between the axle and a centerline reference of the vehicle, which positions the wheels and tires parallel to the centerline. The invention, being installed onboard a vehicle with axle (58) properly aligned, in one embodiment, readily determines the perpendicular relationship between axle (58) and vehicle centerline (70) by measuring a spatial relationship between at least two control points or benchmarks established on the vehicle. These points may include point (58a) located at axle (58) and point (38) located on the vehicle's body or frame (62). Any change in the spatial relationship between the points is utilized as representation of a change in the perpendicular relationship between axle (58) and vehicle centerline (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Mitchell C. Harrill, Elena Harrill
  • Patent number: 7877885
    Abstract: A range finder that is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with an archery bow has a generally L-shaped configuration one end of which is threaded for attachment to a socket normally provided on archery bows. Another portion of the range finder includes a plurality of disks that are adjustably positioned on a support member so that the range finder can be individually calibrated for specific game also taking into account the physical characteristics of the hunter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Lewis E. Davis
  • Patent number: 7877886
    Abstract: A reticle for stadiametric rangefinding has a horizontal crosshair and a vertical crosshair that are attached to an optical element. The optical element defines an optical axis and a field of view. The crosshairs intersect perpendicularly at a location that is offset from the optical axis. There may be a plurality of rangefinding indicia shaped to indicate the size of an object at a specific range. The rangefinding indicia may be arranged in a position other than vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sheltered Wings, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel J. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7877887
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for compensation of the effects of various bias errors encountered by inertial rate gyroscopes, particularly vibrating element gyroscopes, configured to detect heading relative to true north. Certain embodiments are suitable for reducing rotational dynamic errors associated with rotating gyroscopes. Other embodiments may include compensation of biases not related to rotational dynamics, such as thermal drift. The various methods disclosed may also account for the bias by sampling the rotational vector of the earth at an arbitrary heading, and at a heading that is 180° offset from the arbitrary heading. The sequence may be repeated numerous times to compensate for bias drift. The bias drift may be constant with respect to time (linear) or changing over time (non-linear) during the data acquisition sequence. Some embodiments include methods that utilize data from accelerometers to infer the bank and elevation angles as well as earth latitude location relative to the equator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Watson Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William S. Watson
  • Patent number: 7877888
    Abstract: A method includes measuring a radius of curvature at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured through the first device. A second device is detachably coupled to the plurality of positions along the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe. A wall thickness at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured through the second device. A cross-sectional area of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured based on a measurement data including the radius of curvature and wall thickness at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas James Batzinger, Jeffrey David Tilden, Xiaolei Shirley Ao, Waseem Ibrahim Faidi, Yanyan Wu, Nelson Raymond Corby, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7877889
    Abstract: An anchor bolt positioning system is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, an anchor bolt holder is present and is configured for holding an anchor bolt. The anchor bolt holder may be selectively positioned along a first rail and may be selectively positioned along a second rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jack C. Griffin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7877890
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting spatial position, which can be attached via a mounting device to a surgical instrument, which has a longitudinal axis, wherein the mounting device has a through opening, which is penetrated by the instrument, wherein the mounting device is mounted so as to be rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the instrument, and wherein the mounting device can be immobilized in an axial and a radial direction via two angular ball bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Weber Instrumente GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Weber
  • Patent number: 7877891
    Abstract: A clocking bar includes a rod and an indicator located along a length of the rod, wherein the indicator has a pair of indication components with a predetermined spacing therebetween. The bar also includes a hole one locator located along the length of the rod, and a rear hole locator located along the length of the rod. The clocking bar is configured to identify a stack bolt hole one from among a plurality of bolt holes on a rotor through use of a relationship between physical features of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Michael Petroskie, Creston Lewis Dempsey, Roberto Anthony Nunez
  • Patent number: 7877892
    Abstract: A circular saw alignment system and method, the system having a first longitudinal member securable to a saw arbor and a second member perpendicular to the first member. The first member having one or more locating devices. The locating devices can be bubble indicators or dial indicators located at the first or second end of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Paul D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7877893
    Abstract: A micromovement measuring device has a first element such as a probe tip or flat plate coupled to a test body (107) the movement of which is to be measured. A second element (104) is located adjacent to the first element, to form a gap (108) therebetween. As the test body and the first element gradually move away from the measuring element, so increasing the size of the gap, the second element is repeatedly moved up, to restore the gap to its original size. These repeated small quantized movements of the measuring element (104) are counted, and are used to provide an indication of how far the test body (107) has moved. In other embodiments, the first element may gradually move toward the second element, with the latter repeatedly moving away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: A-Metrics, LLC
    Inventors: Bonifatijs Lubgins, Leonids Bekers
  • Patent number: 7877894
    Abstract: A digital displacement measuring instrument includes a spindle screwed into a body to be axially advanced and retracted relative to the body; and an encoder that detects a displacement of the spindle. The encoder includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor is supported by a rotor bushing. The rotor bushing includes an engaging key engageable with a key groove axially provided on the outer circumference of the spindle, and is displaceable in the axial direction of the spindle via a position adjusting screw. The stator is fixed to the body via a stator bushing in the vicinity of the spindle so as not to be displaceable in the axial direction of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Hayashida, Nobuyuki Hayashi, Shozaburo Tsuji, Yasuhiro Tsujimoto, Masahiko Tachikake, Yuji Fujikawa, Takashi Komori, Junji Masui
  • Patent number: 7877895
    Abstract: A substrate processing method is arranged to perform a heat process on a substrate with a coating film formed thereon to bake and cure the coating film. At first, the substrate, with the coating film formed thereon, is held at a preparatory temperature lower than a lower limit of temperature for baking and curing the coating film, to adjust distribution of a predetermined component in the coating film. Then, the substrate, with distribution of the predetermined component thus adjusted, is subjected to a heat process at a temperature not lower than the lower limit of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takahisa Otsuka, Tsuyoshi Shibata
  • Patent number: 7877896
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for drying solid organic substances in aqueous phase including the steps of: feeding a continuous flow of such organic substances having a water content=50% by weight into a turbodrier having a cylindrical tubular body with horizontal axis, equipped with inlet and outlet openings, a heating jacket for bring the inner wall of the tubular body to a predetermined temperature, a bladed rotor extending inside the cylindrical tubular body (1) where it is made to rotate at speeds between 15 and 40 m/s, so as to disperse the continuous flow of organic substances into a flow of particles of organic substances; centrifuging the particles of organic substances against the inner wall of the turbodrier heated to a temperature above 130° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Geoline S.R.L.
    Inventor: Guiseppina Cerea
  • Patent number: 7877897
    Abstract: A shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole wherein an upper layer of the midsole has a bottom surface that has a longitudinal convexity and a longitudinal concavity, the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a substantial portion of the toe region or a substantial portion of the toe region and middle region, and the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region, the longitudinal convexity and the longitudinal concavity collectively contributing to simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of walking on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II
    Inventors: Savva Teteriatnikov, Eckhard Knoepke, Julie Zhu
  • Patent number: 7877898
    Abstract: Impact-attenuation systems, e.g., for use in footwear, can help control foot positioning during a step cycle, e.g., to help reduce or eliminate misorientation of the foot, and the fatigue and/or strain that may result from such misorientation. Articles of footwear including such impact-attenuation systems may include: (a) an upper member; and (b) a sole structure engaged with the upper member. The sole structure may include: (i) a first impact-attenuating member located in a heel portion of the foot-supporting member, and (ii) a second, separate impact-attenuating member located at a rear, lateral heel portion. The second impact-attenuating member may be designed and/or configured to provide less resistance to an impact force as compared with the first impact-attenuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Aveni, Patricia L. Smaldone, Fred G. Fagergren
  • Patent number: 7877899
    Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing device for a shoe sole in a rear foot part which can restrain the inclination of the foot toward the medial side while absorbing the shock of landing on the lateral side of the foot. A shock absorbing device for a shoe sole in a rear foot part according to the present invention, includes: a support element M; deformation elements 3 disposed below the support element, the deformation elements deforming to be compressed vertically at landing; and outer sole elements 2 contacting a ground at landing, each outer sole element being joined to a bottom surface of the respective deformation element. Both the deformation elements 3 and the outer sole elements 2 are substantially separated in a medial-lateral direction in the rear foot part to be arranged at least three regions of the rear foot part. A quotient obtained by dividing an area of a bottom surface of the support element M by an area of bottom surfaces of the outer sole elements 2 is set at about 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: ASICS Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Nishiwaki, Shinji Senda
  • Patent number: 7877900
    Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, dual action energy storage and rebound is provided by using a plurality of actuators that move both upwardly and downwardly into corresponding chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Newton Running Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian A. Russell
  • Patent number: 7877901
    Abstract: A construction of an oxford type, lace up athleisure shoe enables the shoe to be slipped on the wearer's foot and held securely on the foot without the need for lacing on the shoe. This provides the shoe with the appearance of a lace up shoe that is worn without lacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Converse Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Calderone
  • Patent number: 7877902
    Abstract: A footwear comprises a sole and a heel provided with a first heel portion fixed to said sole, said heel comprising a second heel portion, rotatable around a hinge device and adjustable from a first position, in which said second heel portion protrudes transversely from said sole, to a second position in which said second heel portion is rotated to said sole; a footwear comprises a sole provided with a heel, and a support portion connected to said sole on which a further heel is obtained shaped to supportingly receive said heel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Antonio Pieriboni
  • Patent number: 7877903
    Abstract: The invention provides a shoe having conveniently interchangeable components, such as a vamp and an ankle strap constructed for releasable attachment to the periphery of a sole member with the same fasteners. The components are easily removed and exchanged to alter the appearance of the shoe, thus providing a wearer with a variety of styles and/or decorative appearances in a single pair of shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Dominique Barteet
  • Patent number: 7877904
    Abstract: An improved cleat assembly is disclosed, the assembly containing one or more spring clips configured for releasably securing the assembly to a bicycle pedal or the like. Specifically, the cleat assembly is configured such that an improper over-tightening of the cleat onto the sole of a user's shoe has substantially no effect on the free flexing of the spring clip while it is engaging or disengaging to/from the pedal. In addition, the cleat assembly incorporates one or more soft elastomeric caps that frictionally engage the ground when the user walks about, to provide improved traction and to eliminate undesired wear of critical assembly components. Further, for embodiments of cleat assemblies of the kind incorporating one or more adjustable set screws for adjusting the assemblies' float angles, threaded apertures for the set screws are formed by the confronting surfaces of a plastic upper plate and a metallic bottom plate, wherein the threads are formed only in the plastic upper plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Speedplay, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Bryne
  • Patent number: 7877905
    Abstract: A plastic shoe provided with a decoration, a method of manufacturing the shoe, and a casting mold for manufacturing the shoe, is disclosed. The decoration is printed on a polyurethane decorative film which is applied to the surface of the upper part of the plastic shoe with the printed side facing down. To do so, the upper shell of a conventional casting mold is provided on the inside with a fine-pored aluminum foam body to produce plastic shoes. The aluminum foam body is connected to a suction pump. The decorative film is held in the casting mold with the help of the vacuum thereby generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: ALSA GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Bensing, Karl-Heinrich Herber
  • Patent number: 7877906
    Abstract: A modular system for connecting attachments to the extension arm of a construction machine, wherein each module has a standardized coupling arrangement. As a result, each module is compatible with another module to provide great versatility in configuring the machine. Additionally, the system includes a variety of different modules and a mechanism for remotely activating the coupling between modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: John R. Ramun
  • Patent number: 7877907
    Abstract: A thin backing first support plate, for use with one or more retention pins that attach a display decoration to a shirt or jacket fabric, comprising the plate having one or more through openings to pass the pin or pins that are also passed through the uniform fabric, the plate having an edge notch or notches engageable by fabric under a user's finger or fingers, whereby the user can from the front side of the fabric sidewardly orient the plate relative to the decoration located at the front side of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Harry B. Hudick
  • Patent number: 7877908
    Abstract: A vehicle plate retention frame and removably affixed cover plate. The retention frame may have at least one first part of a two-part separable fastener disposed thereon. The cover plate has at least one second part of the two-part separable fastener associated therewith so that the cover plate may be removably affixed to the retention frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Francis E. Collins
  • Patent number: 7877909
    Abstract: Implementations of pet tags and related protective and alignment features. A pet tag may comprise a raised edge of a concave design, a recessed design or a bordered design. Single or multiple piece implementations may be used to protect an image to be marked on one or both sides of a pet tag. Implementations may comprise multiple pet tags pre-assembled or assembled after marking to further protect one or more images marked on the tags. Other implementations may comprise removable brackets to adapt the pet tags to particular marking kiosks. Still other implementations may comprise crystals embedded in the marking substrate with an additional substrate coupled to a rear side of the marking substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TagWorks, LLC
    Inventors: George Lynn Hagen, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 7877910
    Abstract: A display system is described having a plurality of display units, wherein each of the display units is movable between at least a first position and a second position, and wherein each display unit is provided with at least a first light emitting element. Each display unit may be configured to be rotatable about an axis thereof, such that the first position is defined as a first angular position of rotation about the axis, and the second position is defined as a second angular position of rotation about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Barco, Inc.
    Inventors: Nils Thorjussen, Christopher Varrin
  • Patent number: 7877911
    Abstract: A package configuration for holding merchandise includes a rotatable element that selectively displays different information to the user as the element is rotated. The rotatable element is restrained without a central hub or pivot pin. The restraining configuration limits lateral movement and minimizes pinching of the rotatable element. In one configuration, the merchandise storage package has a cover assembly having front and rear covers that define at least one window. Three pocket tabs restrain the lateral movement of the rotatable element. Each pocket tab is integrally folded from the blank used to form the storage package. One of the pocket tabs is double folded over itself to form a spacer having a thickness of three layers of blank material. Another pocket tab is folded over the spacer tab to form a fourth layer of material between the front and back covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Robert M. Wynalda, Jr., Robert G. Rajter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7877912
    Abstract: The present invention provides an overlay for conventional signs that provides multi-dimensional visibility. The overlay includes a number of individual trim sections disposed around the peripheral edge of the sign. The trim sections have an interior slot that engages the peripheral edge, and a reflective surface on the rear portion, and optionally on the edge portion, of each trim section. A connecting cable is received in a channel of each trim section, and the free ends of the cable and connected to secure the trim sections in place around the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Lorraine C. Ley-Owens
  • Patent number: 7877913
    Abstract: A multi-faceted, rotatable promotional display device for being retained relative to a vehicle for enabling the perception of multiple promotional messages from a single vantage point. A display casing with multiple display surfaces is rotatably retained relative to a base structure. Promotional messages are displayed relative to the display surfaces, and a drive arrangement rotates the display casing relative. The display casing can have a square, triangular, or other cross section. The base structure can have a cup portion with a raised peripheral ridge, and a shell can envelope the display casing. The display surfaces can be electronic display screens or light transmissive panels. A light source can be disposed within the display casing. A drive motor can be powered by a battery, a photovoltaic array, or a wind turbine. A clutch or a force sensor can prevent the application of excessive rotational force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: David L. King
  • Patent number: 7877914
    Abstract: A display comprising a retractable banner stand assembly has a base with a pair of banners extendable therefrom, each banner having a forward surface and a rearward surface. When extended, the banners are arranged in a spaced back face to front face visually overlapping relationship with each banner having graphics on the forward sides of the banner. A forward banner having a different shape than a rearward banner whereby significant portions of the rearward banner may be viewed from directly in front of the banner stand assembly. The precise portion of the rearward banner viewable being dependent upon the viewing angle in front of the display. The base including a housing with each banner being retractable into said housing. In a preferred embodiment the graphics will be aesthetically complementary from the forward banner to the rearward banner; for example, a portion of the graphics on one banner may continue on another banner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Taylor, Scott Parizek, Mark A. Fritsche
  • Patent number: 7877915
    Abstract: A wristband is assembled from a flexible preferably vinyl carrier and a preferably laminated ID label, the carrier having a panel portion and a strap portion with a snap closure located in a toe extension at the end of the carrier adjacent the panel. The strap has a series of holes, one of which is captured within the snap closure to attach the wristband to the wearer's limb. The laminated ID label has a pair of opposing slots, one of which slips over the strap to abut the panel and the other of which is captured by the snap closure to attach the label to the carrier. The panel portion has a relieved edge formed along its opposing sides which increases the comfort of the wristband as it is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Laser Band, LLC
    Inventors: Sanjay K. Jain, Mark Greer, James M. Riley
  • Patent number: 7877916
    Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of a marking clip for marking garments which may be stacked flat on a surface. The marking clip is generally U-shaped with leg portions joined by a bight portion and is preferably molded of flexible, resilient, plastics material and bears repetitive indicia along the outer surface of the leg and bight portions. Two or more marking clips may be coupled to provide selected combinations. A label strip with respective indicia and with an RFID transponder and/or a machine-readable code can be adhesively adhered either directly to a garment across a fold or to the marking clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Paul A. Chamandy
  • Patent number: 7877917
    Abstract: Stock for a recoilless hunting rifle, for medium and large caliber hunting guns, which eliminates the stress produced by the effect of the recoil on the shooter's shoulder, providing at the same time good targeting precision and reduced consumption of bullet cartridges or shot cartridges. The stock has a stock butt and a mechanical anti-recoil module, with fast assembling, and a gun stock resembling the classical gun stocks but without transferring the recoil force to the shooter's shoulder. The recoilless buttstock includes a mechanical anti-recoil module, presented as an assembly having a pair of coupling parts, an elastic mechanism, a fixed support with rollers, an upper guide with a spring, a lower guide with a spring and the case of the stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Century International Arms Corporation
    Inventor: Vasile Cinciu
  • Patent number: 7877918
    Abstract: A firearm includes a magazine cavity in a handle defined by a frame. A stack of chamber tubes each holding a cartridge is loaded into the magazine cavity. A firing recess just to the rear of a bore defined in a firearm barrel receives the topmost chamber tube and cartridge and is urged against a partially circular contour defined within the recess by a feed spring which contour center is aligned with the bore. Each cartridge is fired while in its chamber tube by a firing mechanism and each chamber tube and fired cartridge are both ejected by gas pressure exerted on one side of the chamber tube through an ejection port defined by an opening in one side of the firing recess remote from the one side of the chamber tube. The ejection port allows a chamber tube positioned therein to be readily viewed or felt through the ejection port to make it possible to easily and reliably determine if the firearm is ready to be fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Louis Garavaglia