Patents Issued in May 3, 2011
  • Patent number: 7934278
    Abstract: Disclosed are a washing method of a washing machine capable of preventing a phenomenon that remaining detergent is collected into a space where a heater is positioned or a specific space during a washing operation of laundry, capable of minimizing a generation of washing water unnecessarily supplied to the washing machine, and capable of fast heating corresponding laundry before a washing operation for an efficient washing operation, and an apparatus thereof. To this end, the method comprises the steps of: generating steam by heating washing water supplied into a washing machine; injecting the generated steam into laundry inside of a drum of the washing machine; and rotating the drum after injecting the steam into the laundry and thereby washing the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soo-Young Oh, Kyung-Chul Woo, Jin-Woong Kim, Si-Moon Jeon
  • Patent number: 7934279
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method of a laundry machine. The control method includes inputting a command to drive the steam laundry dryer, and determining whether water is supplied to a steam generator of the steam laundry dryer. According to the control method of the steam laundry dryer, it is possible to effectively remove wrinkles from clothes and to prevent the breakage of the steam laundry dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Woo Son
  • Patent number: 7934280
    Abstract: A drum-type washing machine, and tub and gasket cleaning methods are provided. The drum-type washing machine may include a tub mounted in a cabinet such that a wash water is supplied into the tub, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub such that laundry may be put into the drum, a motor that rotates the drum, and a controller that controls a driving of the motor such that, when the drum is rotated, the wash water supplied into the tub reaches an upper part of an inner circumferential surface of the tub so as to clean the inner circumferential surface of the tub and the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Min Kim, Du Heig Choi, Min Su Kang, Yoon Sang Lee, Han Ki Cho
  • Patent number: 7934281
    Abstract: Methods for laundering a textile wash load in a washing apparatus comprising the steps of pre-treating a textile wash load using methods that include a detection step selected from an airlock detection step, a water log detection step and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Flavio Erasmo Bernardino, Mary Ellen Zeitler, Dale E. Mueller, Erik K. Farrington, Leon H. Spindler
  • Patent number: 7934282
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for washing a washing tub and a washing machine having the same applied thereto, and more particularly, a method for washing a washing tub including the step of washing a washing tub with powder detergent and a step for washing the washing tub with bleaching agent; and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. A method for cleaning a tub in a washing machine includes a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to the washing tub, a powder detergent supply step for supplying powder detergent to the washing tub, a powder detergent washing step for washing the washing tub with the powder detergent, a bleaching agent supply step for supplying bleaching agent to the washing tub, and a bleaching agent washing step for washing the washing tub with bleaching agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Han Ki Cho, Jong Min Kim
  • Patent number: 7934283
    Abstract: A crew transfer system for transferring personnel from a vessel to a stationary platform, such as an oil rig, is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes a ramp that is coupled to the vessel and an interface that is attached to the stationary platform. The ramp is coupled to the vessel in such a way as to permit one translational and three rotational degrees of freedom at the vessel-end of the ramp. The ramp is coupled to the interface in such a way as to permit no translational and at least one rotational degree-of-freedom at the rig-end of the ramp with respect to the interface. The interface is rotatably coupled to the stationary platform in such a way as to permit a rotation of the interface about the yaw axis. Permitted rotation of the interface enables a range of acceptable angles of orientation between the vessel and the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Corey A. Fleischer, William Russell Kraft, II, Alexander C. Boon
  • Patent number: 7934284
    Abstract: Toothbrush heads, e.g., for power toothbrushes, are provided. The toothbrush heads include a support member, a resilient member extending from the support member, and a plurality of tufts of bristles extending from the support member and at least partially surrounding the member. The resilient member may be cup-shaped, fan-shaped, or textured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Phillip M. Braun, William R. Brown, Jr., Alexander T. Chenvainu, Thomas A. Christman
  • Patent number: 7934285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric-powered, shoe care apparatus adapted for one-handed operation by a user. The shoe care apparatus is adapted to receive two removable and replaceable heads; a first head is for low-speed application of polish or cleaning material, and a second head is for high-speed polishing or buffing. In some embodiments of the invention, the two heads are driven simultaneously at these two different respective speeds. In alternate embodiments, the two heads are driven separately at these two different respective speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Boxwood Industries
    Inventors: John Nottingham, John Spirk, Trevor Jackson, Patrick Brown, Doug Whitner, Timothy Callahan
  • Patent number: 7934286
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner that includes a suction assembly, a cleaner body, a supporting member, and mounting parts. The cleaner body has a dust collecting unit which is in communication with the suction assembly. The supporting member is formed as a single frame with a lower end hinged to the suction assembly. The cleaner body is detachable from a front surface of the supporting member. A width of the supporting member is narrower than the cleaner body. The mounting parts are formed on a rear surface of the supporting member and are provided in a longitudinal direction with respect to the supporting member. The mounting parts are also shaped to mount accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-hun Yoo, Ji-ho Seo
  • Patent number: 7934287
    Abstract: A cleaning implement having a dirt bin for collecting debris from a floor. The dirt bin has at least one of a cleaning sheet and/or air filter attached thereto, as presented to the user. This arrangement allows for more efficient disposal of debris from the dirt bin and soiled components. The dirt bin may be emptied and reused or may be discarded after a single use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Widalys Luz De Soto-Burt, Kerry Lloyd Weaver, Brian David Andres, Paul John Edward Vernon, Nicola John Policicchio, Brett Delainey
  • Patent number: 7934288
    Abstract: An eraser for use in erasing markings on boards, such as chalk boards and white boards, is provided. The eraser comprises a form-fitted finger element made from a knitted or felted fabric. The finger element consists of a tubular member that defines a longitudinally extending finger passage. The tubular member has one open end and one closed end. The open end is sized such that the finger of the eraser user is insertable through the open end, so that at least a portion of the finger is received within the finger element passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Danielle Waldman
  • Patent number: 7934289
    Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable cross-patterned pull-handle and a bag having the same. The pull-handle includes a folding means having a first link assembly and a second link assembly connected to an end of the first link assembly so that the folding means can be folded and retracted or unfolded and extended, the first link assembly having two links connected to each other so that the links cross each other at a center portion, a first end of the second link assembly being supported on a bag; and a handle means mounted on a second end of the folding means and grabbed by a user with hand. Due to the structural characteristics of the link assemblies constituting the folding means, the length of the bag handle can be adjusted variously by folding or unfolding it, and the bag handle can be installed in a reduced space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Carimax Corporation
    Inventor: Hyung Joo Kwon
  • Patent number: 7934290
    Abstract: An hinge device with fulcrum at variable position for a door (2) of a structure (3) is provided with connecting members, first (4) and second (5), mutually connected and respectively fit to be fixed to the door (2) and to the structure (3) for rotating the door between the extreme closing (C) and the extreme opening (A) in which the door (2), in an operating condition of the structure, is respectively almost vertical and approximately horizontally orientated. The second connecting member (5) has a first fixed pivot (6) and a second fixed pivot (7) for the rotating connection respectively with a first balancing mean (8) and a second balancing mean (9) mutually bound. The end opposite to the first fixed pivot (6) of the first balancing mean (8) is connected by means of a first mobile pivot (10) to an end of the first arm mean (11) having the remaining end connected to the first connecting member (4) by means of a second mobile pivot (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: C.M.I. S.r.l.
    Inventors: Eros Gherardi, Ermes Degli Esposti, Teresa Ghedini
  • Patent number: 7934291
    Abstract: Various embodiments for magnetic detent assemblies provide for detent devices with improved performance and manufacturability. In one embodiment, magnetic detent assemblies provide for custom detent positions and custom force profiles by including a pair of unitary magnetic components each having a special geometry. In an embodiment, the changing area of overlap (and hence magnetic flux) between the magnetic components can give rise to the custom detent positions and custom force profiles. In a specific embodiment, the magnetic components can comprise an N-point star shaped geometry, where the number and distribution of the start wings can be varied to define customized detent positions and the contour of the star wings can be varied to create customized force profiles. In other embodiments, devices such as laptop computers and docking stations for handheld electronic devices can implement multi-position detent hinges with the magnetic detent assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: APPLE Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 7934292
    Abstract: A hinge is disclosed. The hinge can include an axle, a first member coupled to the axle, and a second member coupled to the axle and configured to rotate relative to the first member and around the axle. The hinge can further include a stop mechanism configured to stop the second member from rotating, relative to the first member, in a first direction and beyond a first range when the stop mechanism is in a first position and the second member is in the first range. The stop mechanism can be further configured to allow the second member to rotate, relative to the first member, in the first direction, beyond the first range, and into a second range when the stop mechanism is in a second position and the second member is in the first range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett William Degner, John Ternus, Andy Lauder
  • Patent number: 7934293
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism 10 to lift the rear edge of a bonnet 11 of a motor vehicle comprises an upper leaf 13 connected to the bonnet 11, a lower leaf 12 connected to the body structure of the vehicle and a middle leaf 14 connected to the upper leaf 13 and the lower leaf 12. The middle leaf 14 is connected to the upper leaf 13 by means of a stud 16 and a slot 17 connection so as to limit movement of the bonnet from a normal position to a deployed position under an upward force exerted by a lift actuator. The stud 16 and slot 17 connection is provided with a resiliently deformable element 30 arranged at the end of the slot for dissipating impact energy of the stud 16 against the slot 17 during the upward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventor: Nick Kalargeros
  • Patent number: 7934294
    Abstract: A safety handle device for attaching to a wall of a trailer to allow a user to enter a trailer comprising a bar; a channel disposed in the bar near the first end; a sliding component slidably disposed in the channel; a first ring rotatably attached to the sliding component; an anchor component fixedly attached to the bar near the second end; a second ring rotatably attached to the anchor component; a first strap attached to the first ring and a second strap attached to the second ring; an E-clip attached to each of the first strap and the second strap; wherein the E-clip is insertable into an E-channel disposed on the wall of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Howard G. Janes
  • Patent number: 7934295
    Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for the fibre-sorting or fibre-selection of a fibre bundle comprising textile fibres, especially for combing, which is supplied by means of supply device to a fibre-sorting device, especially a combing device, and which is removed by a take-off device, to enable the productivity to be substantially increased and an improved combed bundle to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers rotating rapidly without interruption, which are provided with clamping devices for the fibre bundle, wherein an actuating device for adjusting geometric and/or speed-related variables in the relationship of the rollers to one another are associated with at least one roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Trützschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicole Saeger, Johannes Bossmann, Thomas Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7934296
    Abstract: A binding band comprises a band part, a pendant hook part provided at one end of the band part, and an enclosed-wall part provided at the other end of the band part and having a passage through which the band part is vertically passed. The enclosed-wall part has a slit through which the band part is inserted into the passage from the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Nichido Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7934297
    Abstract: A twist off tamper-proof fastener having an elongate flexible strap defining a plurality of parallel adjacent transverse teeth in opposing planar surfaces. First end portion of elongate strap is tapered to a rounded tip for insertion through a “T” slot defined in a dimensionally larger head portion carried at opposing end of the elongate strap. A fixed tooth and plural angulated teeth carried by a flexing arm irremovably engage with the teeth defined in the elongate strap. The head portion is elliptic with opposing spaced apart rounded ends and opposing planar sides to facilitate grasping and twisting by a user, and for identifying indicia. A circumferentially extending notch is defined in the elongate strap immediately adjacent the head portion. Twisting the head portion creates shearing forces that are focused at the circumferential notch breaking the fastener and allowing removal without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Kent Williams, David Joe Williams, Kenneth Garnet Fry
  • Patent number: 7934298
    Abstract: A book-shaped or rectangular container for the cremated remains or belongings of a deceased individual, that may be placed on a bookshelf. A picture of the decedent, and/or a written description of him or her and his or her life may appear on or be stored within the container. Public or private libraries may have bookshelves holding the containers, as an alternative to traditional tombs and cemeteries. The containers are hermetically sealed if they contain ashes of the deceased. The pictures and/or written descriptions may be permanently bonded on or removably retained to the surface of the container, or stored in a memory card. The containers may be used for the memorialization of pets as well as people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Nasser Ghazvini
  • Patent number: 7934299
    Abstract: A casket comprises a casket shell having a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls, a casket lid closable on the casket shell, and a digital image display device mounted to an exterior of at least one of the shell and the lid for displaying digital images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Batesville Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Holzman
  • Patent number: 7934300
    Abstract: A method for producing expanded metal profiles, consisting of subjecting a metal strip of width less than the development of the profile to be produced to the following operations: —forming longitudinal slits in at least that longitudinal band which is to form the central web of the profile, —bending the edges of the slits, —profiling said strip, —transversely stretching that band containing the slits, —pressing areas of said central web in correspondence with said stretched band to displace them external to the plane of said web, characterised by subjecting the bent edges to drawing to obtain radiused edging having the tangent to the free edge forming an angle not less than 90° to the surface of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Dallan S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Dallan
  • Patent number: 7934301
    Abstract: A sheet of expanded metal produced by slitting a sheet of metal, and stretching along a stretching direction, which sheet of expanded metal forms a grid of openings having a first repetition length in the stretching direction and a second repetition length in the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction, wherein the first and second repetition lengths are substantially equal. A sheet of expanded metal having a stretching angle larger than 90 degrees. Use of a sheet of expanded metal according to the invention for supporting a bundle of parallel tubes. A method of manufacturing expanded metal from pre-expanded metal, wherein expansion force is applied at a plurality of points perpendicular to the stretching direction, wherein the expansion force is applied using a plurality of force transmitters co-operating with the plurality of points, and wherein the force transmitters are arranged so that they can move towards each other in the second direction while applying extension force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Dominicus Fredericus Mulder
  • Patent number: 7934302
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing a blade from a dovetailed slot in a wheel of a rotating machine. At least one device is adapted to apply a pushing force on a first surface of a blade. A turntable for supporting the wheel has indexing capability to advance the wheel by a predetermined amount. The device can be used to remove one or more blades from the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul L. Kalmar, Graham D. Sherlock, Francis E. Nimmons, J. David Mays
  • Patent number: 7934303
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump can be remanufactured to save the investment in its components that are not seriously worn or failed. Some of the worn components, such as the pump barrel and yoke, can be salvaged by replacing or rebuilding the worn features. In particular, a worn internal spline on the pump barrel can be replaced by a spline insert that is threaded to the pump barrel and includes a new internal spline. A worn actuation tab on a yoke for contacting an actuating piston can be replaced by adding a new tab wear button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Usama Y. Awwad, Trent A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7934304
    Abstract: A method to manufacture tubing includes co-forming a base material strip and a liner material strip into a string of internally-lined tubing and joining edges of the base material strip to form a seam therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Tenaris Coiled Tubes, LLC
    Inventors: David McCall, Bruce Reichert
  • Patent number: 7934305
    Abstract: A fluidtight slide fastener comprising a pair of tapes both delimited by two opposite long edges and by two opposite short edges. Each tape comprises a textile material strip coated with a fluid barrier material layer on at least opposite faces thereof, the strip remaining uncoated on at least one of the short edges of each tape. Each tape is also equipped with a set of aligned teeth on at least a portion of one of the long sides thereof, the aligned teeth of the sets facing each other and being associated with opposite opening and closing stops. A slider is slidable between the closing stop and the opening stop for engaging in a fluidtight way or disengaging the aligned teeth respectively. The fastener further comprises a coating formed on each tape on the at least one of the uncoated short edges for covering the textile material strip in a fluidtight way at the at least one of the uncoated short edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: RIRI S.A.
    Inventor: Livio Cossutti
  • Patent number: 7934306
    Abstract: A method for packaging micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone has steps of providing a base, arranging and mounting multiple microphone component assemblies on the base, providing a frame, mounting the frame on the base, forming multiple microphone units, providing a cover; mounting the microphone units on the cover and forming multiple MEMS microphones. Therefore, the MEMS microphones can be produced once in large quantities to save production time and costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Tong Hsing Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Jung Wu
  • Patent number: 7934307
    Abstract: A method of constructing a linear drive motor assembly is disclosed. In accordance with the method, a support plate and a platen with a plurality of teeth are provided. A honeycomb core comprising a commercially available, off-the-shelf honeycomb material is provided. The honeycomb core has a plurality of cells arranged in a planar array where the plurality of cells is defined by walls extending in planes substantially perpendicular to the planar array. The support plate is directly secured to one side of the planar array. The platen is secured directly to the other side of the planar array. A forcer having a motor stack is magnetically coupleable to the platen to form a linear drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Baldor Electric Company
    Inventor: Glenn Sterling Trammell
  • Patent number: 7934308
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a waveguide microwave antenna with corrugated horn, which consists in forming the corrugations of the horn on the outer surface of a synthetic material form block followed by surface metallization of the foam block configured to produce the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Ali Louzir, Dominique Lo Hine Tong, Florent Averty, Christian Person, Jean-Philippe Coupez
  • Patent number: 7934309
    Abstract: The method of fabricating an exchange-coupling film in accordance with the present invention comprises a multilayer body forming step of forming a multilayer body having an antiferromagnetic layer and a ferromagnetic layer laminated on the antiferromagnetic layer; and an annealing step of annealing the multilayer body in a magnetic field with a maximum temperature higher than a blocking temperature of the multilayer body by 15 to 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Keita Kawamori, Satoshi Miura
  • Patent number: 7934310
    Abstract: Prior art designs of single pole writers have been limited by premature saturation at the tip. This limits the head field that can be achieved without simultaneously widening the write profile. This problem has bee solved by means of a vertical main pole whose thickness has its conventional value a short distance from the tip but that tapers down to a significantly reduced value as it approaches the tip. A process for manufacturing this tapered tip design is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lijie Guan, Hung Liang Hu, Yaw Shing Tang
  • Patent number: 7934311
    Abstract: A method of forming at least a portion of a cable comprises providing at least one conductor, extruding at least an inner layer of polymeric insulation over the at least one conductor to form a cable conductor core, embedding a plurality of conductors into the inner layer of the cable conductor core, and extruding an outer layer of polymeric insulation over the cable conductor core and the plurality of conductors and bonding the inner layer to the outer layer to form the cable and provide a contiguous bond between the inner layer, the conductors, and the outer layer, wherein embedding comprises heating a one of the inner layer and the conductors prior to embedding the conductors into the inner layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Varkey
  • Patent number: 7934312
    Abstract: An electronic circuit device comprises: a printed circuit board mounted with electronic components; a resin-molded portion formed of resin so disposed that the electronic components are covered therewith; a convex connector that has metal terminals for connection and is exposed from the resin-molded portion; and a sealing member wrapped around the resin-molded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Mayuzumi, Masahiro Sasaki, Kiyoomi Kadoya
  • Patent number: 7934313
    Abstract: A fabrication method of a package structure includes: preparing a metal plate having first and second surfaces and defined with an active region; forming a wiring layer with conductive traces and first electrical contact pads on the first surface; forming third electrical contact pads corresponding to the first electrical contact pads on the second surface; forming a first encapsulant on the first surface; forming on the second surface an open area to penetrate the metal plate, wherein the metal plate form conductive posts between the first and third electrical contact pads; mounting in the open area a chip electrically connected to the wiring layer; forming a second encapsulant in the open area, the wiring layer and the third electrical contact pads; forming first and second openings in the first and second encapsulants to expose the third electrical contact pads, respectively; and cutting the metal plate to remove the metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pang-Chun Lin, Hsiao-Jen Hung, Chun-Yuan Li, Chien-Ping Huang, Chun-Chi Ke
  • Patent number: 7934314
    Abstract: A method for forming a conductive film structure is provided, which includes providing a flexible insulating substrate, forming a conductive film overlying the flexible insulating substrate, patterning the conductive film to form a plurality of micro-wires overlying the flexible insulating substrate, wherein the micro-wires are extended substantially parallel to each other, forming an insulating layer overlying the flexible insulating substrate and the micro-wires, and winding or folding the flexible insulating substrate along an axis substantially parallel to an extending direction of the micro-wires to form a conducting lump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Min-Chieh Chou, Tung-Chuan Wu, Jen-Hui Tsai, Hung-Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 7934315
    Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged notch fillet radius of a turbine blade shroud includes a replacement notch fillet radius and a hardface nugget. The damaged notch fillet radius is blended out and a hardface structure positioned proximate the damaged notch fillet radius is removed. A replacement notch fillet radius is formed with weld filler and the hardface nugget is welded to at least a portion of the replacement notch fillet radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy A. Milleville
  • Patent number: 7934316
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a charging roller (i) which includes a rubber member whose surface is subjected to a hardening treatment using a solvent containing at least an isocyanate compound and (ii) which can prevent leakage of an ionic conductive agent even if the charging roller is placed under conditions of high temperature and high humidity for a long time. The charging roller is made by forming a rubber layer on a metal core. The rubber layer is an epichlorohydrin based rubber base material to which an ionic conductive agent is added, the rubber layer being subjected to a surface treatment by applying a solution containing the isocyanate compound and heating it. This surface treatment is carried out under such conditions that a coefficient of dynamic friction at a contact portion between the rubber layer and a photoreceptor becomes 0.4 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kagawa, Kouji Shinkawa, Tohru Sakuwa
  • Patent number: 7934317
    Abstract: A pipe cutter has a body, a mounting sleeve, a drive segment and an operating head. The body has multiple wheels and an extension tube. The mounting sleeve is slidably mounted in the extension tube and has two elongated holes respectively formed through two opposite sidewalls of the mounting sleeve. The drive segment is mounted in the mounting sleeve and has a blade mount, a linking shaft and a spring. The blade mount is slidably mounted in the mounting sleeve and has a mounting recess, a mounting rod, a through hole, a holding pin and a blade. The linking shaft is slidably mounted in the mounting sleeve. The spring is mounted around the mounting rod and abuts the blade mount and the linking shaft to provide a damping effect to the blade. The operating head is rotatably connected to the mounting sleeve and is connected to the drive segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Ching-Su Chiu
  • Patent number: 7934318
    Abstract: A multipurpose debris deflector for a hedge trimmer having a deflector body removably attachable to a hedge trimmer. The deflector is positionable between a first position and second wherein in a first position, the deflector body is operable to receive at least a portion of a cutting assembly of the hedge trimmer within the deflector body, and, in a second position, the deflector body is connectable with the cutting assembly such that cutting blades of the cutting assembly are exposed and the deflector body is operable to deflect debris from a vegetation cutting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Techtronic Outdoor Products Technology Limited
    Inventors: Lee Sowell, Jesse John Jerabek
  • Patent number: 7934319
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pencil-sharpening device having a titanium chromium nitride coating disposed on the cutting blade of the device. The titanium chromium nitride coating is metallurgically bonded to the steel blade. The coated blade provides enhanced properties for the pencil-sharpening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Acme United Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Peterson, Larry Buchtmann, Walter Johnsen, Stuart D. Farnworth
  • Patent number: 7934320
    Abstract: A razor handle having a front end, a back end opposite the front end, an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and a length in a longitudinal direction defined between the front and back ends. The razor handle includes a head portion and a body portion for hand grasping of the razor handle. A first cross-sectional shape of the upper surface is arcuate and has a radius of curvature that increases along the length of the razor handle, from the back end towards a median location located at approximately half the length of the razor handle, and that decreases along the length of the razor handle, from the median location towards the front end. The first cross-section defined by a plane extends from the back end to the front end and is substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: BIC-Violex SA
    Inventors: Spiros Gratsias, Ioannis Bozikis, Yiannis-Marios Psimadas
  • Patent number: 7934321
    Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a tilt switch that solves the problem of poor electrical contact, excessive/unpredictable hysteresis, high contact resistance, short life and/or electrical bounce. The tilt switch uses conventional ball-in-tube construction and adds a graphite powder film to all electrically conductive surfaces in the switch. This non-mercury tilt switch provides additional features such as enhanced electrical contact, reduced or eliminated hysteresis, lowered contact resistance, increased contact life and eliminates electrical bounce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Egresson, LLC
    Inventors: Michael David Johnson, Robert Louis Clark, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7934322
    Abstract: A digital protractor for measuring angular displacement from a referenced surface includes a substantially congruent pair of pivotally interconnected upper and lower arms, which arms are superposable upon one another. Each arm has a pair of substantially parallel engagement edges extending longitudinally of the arm. One of the arms is engagable along an engagement edge thereof with the reference surface. A capacitive sensor is secured to the lower arm and a digital readout device is secured to the upper arm for operatively cooperating with the capacitive sensor to measure and display the angular displacement from the arm engaging the reference surface to the other arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Barry Douglas Wixey
  • Patent number: 7934323
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the positioning of a displaceable component in an examining system, particularly a measuring or an analytic system wherein, during the process, the displaceable component is displaced with the support of an actuating element coupled to the displaceable component from a home position into an end position, wherein the actuating element is moved by means of a drive force and the displaceable component is impacted with a fixation force fixating the displaceable component in the end position by way of a fixation component connected to the displaceable component, where the fixation component is submerged at least partially in a reservoir of a medium and is fixated in the medium by means of the transformation of the medium from a liquid state into a solidified state, wherein the medium is transformed from the liquid state into the solidified state by means of the impact-application with a manipulating variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: JPK Instruments AG
    Inventors: Detlef Knebel, Torsten Jähnke
  • Patent number: 7934324
    Abstract: A linear scale that is used for displacement measurement is provided. The linear scale includes a scale board, a graduation unit, and an attachment unit. The scale board is made of low expansion ceramics. The graduation unit is fixed to an upper surface of the scale board. The graduation unit is read at the time of measurement. The attachment unit is a unit for attaching the scale board to a base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Tomiya, Hiroaki Kawada
  • Patent number: 7934325
    Abstract: An article of footwear for gymnasts includes an outsole, an insole, an upper, and a securing member. The outsole may extend beneath a forefoot region of the foot and may include one or more traction elements. The insole may be engaged with the outsole and may include one or more impact-attenuation zones. The insole may include a medial impact-attenuation zone and a lateral impact-attenuation zone. The upper may include one or more apertures through which a wearer's phalanges may be received and may extend over a top portion of the wearer's foot between the wearer's ankle and phalanges. The securing member may secure the article of footwear to the wearer's foot, and may extend from the lateral to the medial side of the upper. The securing member may extend around the heel or ankle area of the wearer's foot. The article of footwear may be a gymnastics shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Nuria Hansen, Julia Roether
  • Patent number: 7934326
    Abstract: A ski-boot assembly with a rigid upper, an incomplete sole of the upper, and a front and/or rear means for cooperation with a removable sole assembly. A first removable sole assembly includes at least one curb part and a bearing plat; and a cooperation means that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds to standard ISO 5355 for Alpine ski-boots. A second removable sole assembly has at least one curb part and a sole cooperation means that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds substantially to standard ISO 9523 for touring boots. A locking means locks the first or the second removable sole assembly under the incomplete sole of the upper and includes a manual actuating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Lisa Lange International SARL
    Inventor: Paolo Sartor
  • Patent number: 7934327
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a torsion system constructed of a material and configured to allow, in a pre-selected manner, rotation of a forefoot portion of the article of footwear relative to a rearfoot portion of the article of footwear about a longitudinal axis of the article while substantially precluding bending in an intermediate portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: adidas International B.V.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Gebhard