Patents Issued in July 5, 2011
  • Patent number: 7971304
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector cleaner (1) comprises a housing (10), a winding means (32) and a delivery means (34) for a cleaning tape (T) which are disposed in the housing, a cleaning means (20) having a bar-like cleaning section (21) projecting outwardly of the housing, on the front-end of the cleaning section the cleaning tape delivered from the delivery means being movably mounted under tension in an exposed state, the front-end of the cleaning section being brought into contact with the end surface of an optical fiber connector to thereby clean the end surface, a cleaning section rotating means (23) coaxially connected to the cleaning section in the housing and rotatably supported with respect to the housing; and a transmission means (40) which rotates the winding means and the cleaning section rotating means substantially simultaneously in a predetermined direction through a predetermined angle and then reverses the cleaning section rotating means to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahisa Kida, Katsuhisa Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7971305
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning according to various aspects of the present invention include a cleaner and a lighting system. The cleaner, such as a handheld cleaner like a brush or lint roller, cleans the item or area to be cleaned. The lighting system illuminates the area or item to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the lighting system generates ultraviolet light to illuminate debris having phosphor materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Devin M. Hubbard, David E. Stafford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7971306
    Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a cleaning tool for cleaning subsea conduits, such as tendons, risers or strakes. This invention comprises a flotation collar and brush member which may be attached to a subsea conduit and which may travel up a subsea conduit as a result of buoyancy forces and be retracted using one or more winches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kinton Lawler, John Davis
  • Patent number: 7971307
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for cleaning tubes, in particular the internal surfaces of tubes in heat exchange systems. The device comprises a mass (2) with an optionally provided central through-hole (10) disposed thereon, and optionally provided a plurality of protrusions (20, 21) mounted and/or moulded on the mass (2). The through-hole (10) is preferably of a conical shape-like configuration. A plurality of first protrusions (20) is disposed in a fin-like arrangement on the mass (2). A plurality of second protrusions (21) is disposed in a spiral arrangement on the mass (2), and the lengths of the second protrusions (21) are relatively longer than the length of the first protrusions (20). The mass may consist of an asymmetrically positioned weighted core (15) of different weights and sizes to provide a variety of relative density to the device and to serve as a geometrical manipulation to impart rotational momentum and random dynamic motion to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hydroactive Veloball International
    Inventor: Kok Heng Chow
  • Patent number: 7971308
    Abstract: A grip cleaning and rising devices includes a dual tubular body having a closed lower end for holding separately both soapy and rinsing fluid, and an open upper end for receiving the grips or handles to be cleaned longitudinally therein. Cleaning is effected by a single helical brush with multiple turns that is simply threaded into position in the washing body. A splash guard is also provided as an impinging lip that extends into the receiving orifice. A smaller diameter rinsing tube is in fluid isolation from the cleaning solution. A cap may optionally be provided to close the top of the grip washer when not in use or for transportation from one place to another. The simple tubular construction enables the grip washer adapted for use as a mobile unit, with a laterally extending base to allow the user to stabilize the device by placing his or her feet over the base edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Like New, LLC
    Inventor: Mike Lawson
  • Patent number: 7971309
    Abstract: A sink disposal multipurpose tool is described. Disposals can be damaged by non-food items that are inadvertently dropped therein. A sink disposal multipurpose tool is configured so that it rests within and above a disposal in such a way as to block non-food items from entering a disposal while allowing water and food-waste items entrance. The tool is configured with a plurality of attachments, including a scraper and stuffer blade attachment so that a cook can efficiently scrape food waste materials from dishes, pans, etc. into a sink. The tool can be used to gather the food waste materials from the sink and push them into a disposal. Other attachments include a scrub pad, a brush, and a peeler. The sink disposal multipurpose tool can be returned to its storage position in and above the disposal well where it effectively stops utensils, etc. from entering the disposal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Theresa A. Houck
  • Patent number: 7971310
    Abstract: An implement mounted on a shaft has a device that either collects or has on it during or after use unwanted matter. The implement has a portion that is easily removable from the shaft and has a section creating at least a partial interference fit with the device to remove the unwanted matter therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Cobra Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Metaxatos, Eric Perlman, Ryan Scribner, Kurt Maclaurin
  • Patent number: 7971311
    Abstract: A travel kit for assisting a user to scratch, wash, and apply lotions to hard to reach areas of the body includes a hollow shaft provided with telescopically interfitted rectilinear first, second, and third sections respectively. The kit includes a rectilinear connector, and a plurality of attachments is connected directly to the connector and the distal tip of the third section. The travel kit further includes a mechanism for locking the hollow shaft between compressed and extended positions, a plurality of depressions, an arcuately shaped knob formed in the outer surface of the second and the third sections respectively, a plurality of cylindrical brackets directly attached to the outer surface of the first and second sections respectively, and a tab suitably shaped and sized to reside within an associated one of the outer depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Robert S Zielinski
  • Patent number: 7971312
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element (22) for hingedly connecting a wiper blade (10) to a wiper arm, said wiper blade (10) having a wiper strip (12) and at least one sprung blade (20) inserted into the wiper strip (12). Said sprung blade projects beyond the wiper strip (12) in the area of the connecting element (22) and is enclosed by guide rails (30) that are interlinked by at least one spring clip (34) and secured in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade (10) by at least one locking element (38) which laterally engages with a recess (28) of the sprung blade (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rudi Crabbé, Wolfgang Thomar, David Van Baelen, Paul Criel, Yves Janssis
  • Patent number: 7971313
    Abstract: A wiper arm assembly and method of construction thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Stahlhut
  • Patent number: 7971314
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a filter cage having an improved flow path suitable even for restricted flow regions of a float container in the cage. The filter cage departs from generally accepted structural considerations and provides flow paths to one or more sides of the cage outside the restricted flow regions of the float container, but within the cross-sectional area of the cage structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the cage is oval-shaped with a cross-sectional area defined by a major and minor axis. A restricted flow region, such as the float container, encompasses a cross-sectional area corresponding in size to a cross-sectional area defined by the minor axis of the oval-shaped cage. The remaining portion of the cage cross-sectional areas provides one or more flow paths outward from the float container in the direction of the major axis of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Robert Hollis
  • Patent number: 7971315
    Abstract: A suction brush for a vacuum cleaner includes an upper casing, a lower casing coupled to the upper casing and provided with a suction port through which contaminants are drawn in from a surface to be cleaned, a lift plate disposed between the upper casing and the lower casing to move up and down with respect to the lower casing, a lift plate driving part to allow the lift plate to move up and down, and a lift control unit to control the lift plate driving part so that when the surface to be cleaned changes from a hard floor to a carpet, the lift plate is raised, and when the surface to be cleaned changes from the carpet to the hard floor, the lift plate is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Ha Kim, Jang-Keun Oh
  • Patent number: 7971316
    Abstract: A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: David James Copeland, II, Keith James Weepie, Robert L. Tadlock, Jr., Charles E. Burris, John J. White, Jr., Jason Scott Gurley, Steven Michael Faes, Joseph Ralph McGinty, Wade C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7971317
    Abstract: A hinge assembly and a portable electronic device are provided. The portable electronic device includes a lid, a main body, and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly pivotly connects the lid to the main body. The hinge assembly includes a pivot element, a torsion spring, and a hinge brace. The pivot element is formed on the lid and partially and rotatably received in the main body. The torsion spring is assembled between the lid and the main body. When the lid is in a closed position with respect to the main body, the torsion spring becomes constricted and accumulates potential energy. When the lid is opened from the main body, the potential energy of the torsion spring is released to drive the lid to rotate to an open position with respect to the main body. The hinge brace is attached to the main body for blocking an excessive rotation of the lid with respect to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shi-Kun Guo, Jin-Feng Liu, Qia-Kai Xie
  • Patent number: 7971318
    Abstract: A hinge assembly and a mobile terminal are disclosed. The hinge assembly can include: a torsion spring; a shaft, which penetrates through the torsion spring; a bushing, coupled to one end of the torsion spring and to one side of the shaft; a holder, which is coupled to the other end of the torsion spring, and which the shaft penetrates through; a sliding cam, which is coupled to the other side of the shaft, and which may move in linkage with the shaft; a fixed cam, which engages the sliding cam; a compression spring, which is positioned between the holder and the sliding cam, and which may place the sliding cam in close contact with the fixed cam; and a housing coupled to the holder and the fixed cam. Thus, the mobile terminal can be unfolded automatically using just a few number of parts without requiring energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong-Geun Kim, Sung-Tai Jung, Ga-Young An, Yun-Mo Kang
  • Patent number: 7971319
    Abstract: A hinge for doors or windows may include two parts that are rotatable about a hinge axle. A catch device, arranged inside of the hinge, may have a catch element and a catch recess. The catch element may engage the catch recess in a catch position. Both the catch element and the catch recess may be arranged along the hinge axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: KL-Beschläge Karl Loggen GmbH
    Inventors: Hugo Becker, Rudolf Wiemer, Martin Frielingsdorf
  • Patent number: 7971320
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for opening and closing a door that provides access to the interior of a motor vehicle body is disclosed. The hinge assembly includes a body-side hinge strap secured to the body and providing a first axis, a door-side hinge strap secured to the door and providing a second axis spaced laterally from the first axis, a hinge mid-strap supported on the body-side hinge strap to pivot about the first axis and being pivotably supported on the door-side hinge strap at the second axis, and a lockout bracket secured to the door-side hinge strap and secured to the hinge mid-strap at a location between the first axis and second axis for preventing the door from pivoting about the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Charles R. Fain, Arthur S. Hipkiss
  • Patent number: 7971321
    Abstract: A hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device. A lid covers the hinge and is attached securely to the base. The hinge has an arced surface and a rotating shaft. When the cover is pivoted to a certain angle, the rotating shaft abuts the arced surface to lift up the cover so the cover is selectively distant away from the lid. Therefore, the shape of the electronic device does not need to be disfigured and the cover still does not bump against the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chun Chen, Chia-Hsiang Chen, Weiming Chen
  • Patent number: 7971322
    Abstract: A grip designed for a handle has a quality of unidirectional extendibility and is extended in a direction in accordance with a direction of extendibility for wrapping the handle. A method for making a grip designed for a handle includes preparing a sheet that has the quality of unidirectional extendibility; trimming the grip from the sheet; and extending the grip in a direction in accordance with the direction of unidirectional extendibility for wrapping the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Leo Jaw
  • Patent number: 7971323
    Abstract: A clip structure for a USB wireless transmission device includes a housing, a flexible clip, a guide ramp, and a positioning wall. The flexible clip is pivotally disposed on the housing and is provided, on a surface thereof, with the guide ramp and the positioning wall. When the flexible clip is pivoted to a clipping position, the positioning protrusion of the housing happens to fall between the guide ramp and the positioning wall, and that the positioning wall restrains the positioning protrusion therein and prevents the flexible clip from pivoting and escaping from the clipping position. Therefore, a flexible object, to be clipped, is clipped in several folds so as to obtain a desirable clipping and securing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Tatung Company
    Inventor: Ray-Jong Li
  • Patent number: 7971324
    Abstract: A card and currency carrying device is shown. The device includes a first side member assembly and a spaced second side member assembly. Each side member assembly has a flexible member, preferably stainless steel, having an undeflected position and a deflected position which is responsive to a compression deflection force applied concurrently to flexible members. A first pair and a second pair of support members are operatively connected to the flexible members. An elastic fabric material, preferably a woven elastic fabric material, having a thickness which reduces in dimension in response to a longitudinal tension force and which maintains its width dimension in response to a longitudinal tension force is operatively connected to the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Naked Wallet, Inc.
    Inventor: Rita Preston-Hall
  • Patent number: 7971325
    Abstract: A touch fastener including an elongated base having multiple segments connected by articulable joints. Each segment has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of touch fastener elements extending from the lower surface of the base. A flexible barrier extends across at least one articulable joint between adjacent base segments. The fastener may include a magnetically attractable material disposed along a center region of the upper surface of the base. The fastener base may define a pair of first and second notches in opposite longitudinal edges of the base at the articulable joint to allow bending of the base. The base may also define a slit extending through the base from a longitudinal edge thereof at the articulable joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Kevin Keith Line, Stephane Xavier Girard, David Pubrat, Daniel Lee Janzen, Michael Cina, Kristel L. Ferry, Mark A. Clarner, David P. Kraus, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7971326
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of setting a plurality of stones each having a culasse, a crown and a girdle in a metal support element. The method includes the steps of milling a groove on a first face of the support element; piercing from a second face of the support element, opposite to said first face, a plurality of holes each having a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the girdle of the stone that it will receive, such that each hole opens into said groove and the bottom of each hole forms a support wall for the crown of the stone, forming grains in the second face of the support element in proximity to the support walls, setting the stones in place in the holes such that the crown of each stone abuts against the support wall of the hole thereof, and pushing the grains against the culasse of each stone in order to fix the stones in said support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Blancpain S.A.
    Inventors: Alan Apprederisse, Johnny Buehler, Lionel A Marca
  • Patent number: 7971327
    Abstract: A process for sub-dividing a laminated flooring substrate into a plurality of laminated flooring planks and a system therefore are described. The process can include providing a laminated flooring substrate having a decorative pattern on a core wherein the decorative pattern can include a plurality of indicators, and independently detecting the indicators with a plurality of detecting devices, each assigned a respective indicator. The detecting devices can individually obtain the position of the detected indicators and a control unit can align a separate saw blade per each position detected. The system includes a cutting unit with individually adjustable saws or an alignment device configured to align the laminated flooring substrate with the saws, to cut the laminated flooring substrate along positions relative to the detected indicators, for example, in the center thereof or off-set therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Mannington Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Gungor J. Deringor, Sam Cantey Dryden
  • Patent number: 7971328
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement (41) sealing the inside (15) of the tool disk (3) in relation to the outer side on the respective tool station is provided on each drive part (25) in a tool revolver. The tool driver a base body (1) applied or to be applied to the tool machine and defining a revolver axis (7) about which a tool disk (3) is rotationally mounted on the base body (1). The tool disk has a plurality of tool stations (17) distributed on its periphery and adjustable by rotating to tool disk (3) in respectively at least one working position. A tool drive (19) located in the inside of the tool disk (3) and applied to the base body (1) is coupled to the drive-sided coupling part (23). The coupling part includes a tool-sided coupling part for the drive of a tool located on the tool station (17) oriented towards the work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Sauter Feinmechanik GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Sahm, Dietmar Linder, Jochen Dieringer
  • Patent number: 7971329
    Abstract: A disclosed pin removal tool includes an elongate shank with a lift member extending orthogonally from a shank first end and a cylindrical shaft extending orthogonally from a shank second end, and also orthogonal to the lift member. The lift member has a blunt end fork with a pair of tongs forming a channel therebetween opening at a lift member distal end away from the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: John Brohard
  • Patent number: 7971330
    Abstract: A method of repairing a vessel bottom head penetration of a nuclear reactor is presented, said penetration comprising a tube fastened to the internal wall of the vessel bottom head by an internal weld bead and emerging outside the vessel bottom head, forming a groove. The method consists inter alia in preparing a mock-up representative of the vessel bottom head penetration to be repaired and in depositing this mock-up on site in an irradiation-free zone, in fastening two half-inserts to this mock-up in the groove, each half-insert having a profile corresponding to the half-profile of the groove, in forming, again on this mock-up, automatically and by remote control, a weld bead in the groove, in carrying out a dimensional check and, after validation of this weld bead, in carrying out the steps of fastening the two half-inserts and forming a weld bead automatically, directly in the groove of the vessel bottom head penetration to be repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Areva NP
    Inventors: Michel Cullafroz, Pierre Croutaz
  • Patent number: 7971331
    Abstract: A force measuring apparatus and method for testing a spring for a surgical cartridge. The apparatus and method permit an operator to measure the force applied by the spring when it is in the state it will be in when mounted in a cartridge. Therefore, a spring that exerts an insufficient force is rejected, and a spring that exerts a sufficient force is accepted and then mounted in a cartridge. A rejected spring is ejected from a pocket in the apparatus, and an accepted spring is mounted in the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Schnipke Family LLC
    Inventors: Scott J. Winkle, David B. Erhart
  • Patent number: 7971332
    Abstract: An adjusting mechanism adjusts a boat to be parallel to a furnace having an opening and a receiving space, which has a first symmetrical line. When the boat having a second symmetrical line is inserted into the space, a first gap area is formed between sidewalls of the space and the boat. The mechanism includes an adjusting element and an adjusting tool, which is removably disposed in the opening and has a wide part, a narrow part and a through hole. The narrow part blocks the opening. When the boat is inserted into the space, a second gap area smaller than the first gap area is formed between the sidewalls of the boat and the through hole at the narrow part. The adjusting element adjusts the first and second symmetrical lines to be parallel to each other according to the second gap area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Hu Hao, Kuo-Pang Tseng
  • Patent number: 7971333
    Abstract: Methods and systems of fabricating a polymeric stent are disclosed herein. Methods are disclosed that include forming a polymeric tube using extrusion, radially deforming the formed tube so that the deformed tube comprises a target diameter, forming a stent from the deformed tube, and forming a stent from the deformed tube. The stent is formed by laser machining a stent pattern in the deformed tube with an ultra-short pulse laser. Disclosed methods further include crimping the stent on a support element, wherein a temperature of the stent during crimping is above an ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Gale, Bin Huang, Anthony J. Abbate, Timothy A. Limon, Klaus Kleine
  • Patent number: 7971334
    Abstract: A bladed disk assembly device having a horizontal adjustable arm and a vertical pivot bar that is perpendicularly attached to a first end of the horizontal arm. A roller assembly is attached to a second end of the horizontal arm. A rotary table holds a disk that is circumvented by a blade positioning belt around an outer diameter of the turbine disk. A saddle is attached to the vertical pivot bar that is positioned beneath the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard M. Walsh, Ranjan Kumar, Robert T. Badin, Gregory Warner
  • Patent number: 7971335
    Abstract: Fastening apparatus comprises a frame having a pair of spaced arms supporting respective cooperable fastening members, loading of the frame during a fastening operation tends to spread the arms and cause variation of a desired predetermined relationship between the fastening members. One of the members is mounted on one arm of the frame by a holder constructed to deform elastically and thereby to provide at least partial compensation for the variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Reinhold Opper, Rubén Gutiérrez Romero, Joachim Moeser
  • Patent number: 7971336
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing products comprising transponders. The method comprises introducing a web comprising on its surface sequential structural modules comprising an impedance matching element and an integrated circuit electrically connected to the impedance matching element, the structural modules having a first distance between each other; cutting the web in such a manner that the sequential structural modules are separated from each other; attaching the structural modules to a product substrate, the sequential structural modules having a second distance between each other, the second distance being longer than the first distance; and attaching the impedance matching elements to antennas, the impedance matching elements and the antennas forming an electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Confidex OY
    Inventors: Marko Hanhikorpi, Lari Kytola, Jarkko Miettinen, Matti Ritamaki, Juha Ikonen, Heikki Ahokas
  • Patent number: 7971337
    Abstract: The production of a hearing aid device can be simplified by the use of a microphone module with a plurality of microphones. To attach and electrically contact the microphones, the invention provides a microphone carrier with three-dimensionally directed conductor traces in MID technology. In a complicated microphone arrangement with a plurality of microphones, a single microphone module can thereby be used on which all microphones of the hearing aid device are attached and electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Kral, Joseph Sauer, Markus Trautner
  • Patent number: 7971338
    Abstract: A fabricating method for an earphone includes the steps of: providing a front case and a speaker, the front case having a plurality of securing holes and a accommodating space, the speaker being disposed in the accommodating space; electrically connecting an earphone wire to the speaker; providing a rear case and securing the rear case onto the front case by making use of a plurality of fasteners penetrating through the rear case and fitted into the securing holes of the front case, and thereby the speaker is fixed in the accommodating space by the stop effect of the rear case; and buckling a protecting cover on the rear case to cover the fasteners. The fabricating method can make the produced earphone to be more reliable and thus can effectively avoid from being disassembled caused by an external force or unexpected falling, and therefore the internal components thereof can be effectively protected from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Merry Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-cheng Yang, Hui-yin Liang
  • Patent number: 7971339
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for making radio frequency (RF) inlays. The RF inlays include an integrated circuit and an antenna affixed to a substrate material carrying the integrated circuit. During processing, portions of the wire forming the antenna are located adjacent to, but not directly over the integrated circuit. In the subsequent processing step, the wire ends are placed in contact with and secured to the integrated circuit terminal areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: HID Global GmbH
    Inventor: David Finn
  • Patent number: 7971340
    Abstract: An inductor may include a planar ferrite core. A first group of one or more grooves is formed in a first side of the ferrite core. A second group of two or more grooves is formed in a second side of the ferrite core. The grooves in the first and second groups are oriented such that each groove in the first group overlaps with two corresponding grooves in the second group. A first plurality of vias communicates through the ferrite core between the first and second sides of the ferrite core. Each via is located where a groove in the first group overlaps with a groove in the second group. A conductive material is disposed in the first and second groups of grooves and in the vias to form an inductor coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Alpha & Omega Semiconductor, Ltd
    Inventors: François Hébert, Tao Feng, Jun Lu
  • Patent number: 7971341
    Abstract: A surgical navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes a non-invasive dynamic reference frame and/or fiducial marker, sensor tipped instruments, and isolator circuits. The dynamic reference frame may be repeatably placed on the patient in a precise location for guiding the instruments. The instruments may be precisely guided by positioning sensors near moveable portions of the instruments. Electrical sources may be electrically isolated from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Dukesherer, Bruce M. Burg, Bradley A. Jascob, Paul Kessman
  • Patent number: 7971342
    Abstract: A conductor assembly and method of manufacture. The assembly includes a magnetic coil positioned about a curvilinear axis with one or more coil rows comprising conductive material having an arcuate shape. A generated field is characterized by a dipole component having a first magnitude, a quadrupole component having a second magnitude, a sextupole component having a third magnitude and a decupole component having a fourth magnitude. The third and fourth magnitudes are each 10?3 the first magnitude or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer Meinke
  • Patent number: 7971343
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a connection grid with integrated fuse includes the steps of forming a concave portion that is suitable for forming a cradle for receiving one of the longitudinal ends of a fuse on each of the arms of a pair of arms of a connection grid in order to fix the fuse to the grid via these longitudinal ends, and molding a support formed by molding plastic onto the connection grid after the concave portions of the arms have been produced, wherein the support has a housing that is suitable for receiving a portion of the fuse in a space formed between the at least one pair of arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics France SAS
    Inventor: Alain Bednarek
  • Patent number: 7971344
    Abstract: A device for assembling a lens assembly includes a base, a barrel having a bottom, a universal joint disposed between the base and the bottom of the barrel, a push rod, and a resilient member. The universal joint is configured for allowing the barrel to tilt in any direction. The push rod is configured for depressing the lenses received to the barrel to form a lens barrel. The resilient member is disposed between the base and the bottom of the barrel. In process of assembling lenses, when the push rod presses the lenses received in the barrel, the lens assembly can hold the axis of the lenses in coaxial alignment under the cooperation of the universal joint and exert a uniformity force on a surface of the lenses. The lens assembly can eliminate the risk of breakage of the lenses and accurately position the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Teng Wu
  • Patent number: 7971345
    Abstract: A reconstituted battery pack producing method comprises an obtaining process for obtaining, by use of one of a first charged-state control device having ever controlled a charged state of a used battery pack when it was used before and a second charged-state control device arranged to control the charged state of the used battery pack as with the first charged-state control device, a reference-time charge amount charged in each used secondary battery constituting the used battery pack; a selecting process for selecting more than one of the used secondary batteries close to each other in the reference-time charge amount from a group of the used secondary batteries whose reference-time charge amounts have been obtained; and an assembling process for combining and assembling the selected used secondary batteries into a new reconstituted battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoyoshi Okumura, Katsunori Maegawa
  • Patent number: 7971346
    Abstract: Stock having printed circuits thereon is conveyed in a transport plane by a conveying device, and electronic components carried by a transfer belt are transferred to the stock under pressure exerted by the belt. The electronic components are transferred to the belt by a feed device individually in such a way that the electronic components are accurately positioned on the stock by the transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Markus Hösel, Thomas Walther
  • Patent number: 7971347
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and methods of forming a package on package interconnect and its application to the packaging of microelectronic devices are described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Leonel Arana, Rob Nickerson, Lim Chong Sim, Edward Prack, Yoshihiro Tomita
  • Patent number: 7971348
    Abstract: A component-embedded substrate includes a component embedded in an uncured resin layer of a second layer. After curing the resin layer, a hole passing through the second layer in the vertical direction is formed. The hole is filled with an electroconductive paste to form a second interlayer connection conductor. A first in-plane conductor including a plurality of lands, a first layer, and the second layer are respectively stacked in that order and pressed to join together, and the first layer is heated to form an integrated structure. A method for manufacturing the component-embedded substrate can form an interlayer connection conductor having a small diameter and high straightness and thus can achieve a miniaturized component-embedded substrate including interlayer connection conductors at a narrow pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yusuke Yamakoshi
  • Patent number: 7971349
    Abstract: In a method of bonding a first bump on a surface of a first member and a second bump on a surface of a second member, a tip portion of the first bump is provided with a projection having a hardness greater than a hardness of each of the first and second bumps. The first and second members are positioned with respect to each other such that the first and second bumps face each other. The tip portion of the first bump is brought into contact with a tip portion of the second bump by sticking the projection into the tip portion of the second bump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Kimiharu Kayukawa
  • Patent number: 7971350
    Abstract: A shielding assembly is configured to provide electromagnetic shielding and environmental protection to one or more electronic components coupled to a substrate. The shielding assembly includes a non-conductive mold compound layer, such as a dielectric epoxy. The mold compound layer is applied to a top surface of the substrate, thereby covering the electronic components and providing protection against environmentally induced conditions such as corrosion, humidity, and mechanical stress. The shielding assembly also includes a conductive layer applied to a top surface of the mold compound layer. The conductive layer is coupled to a ground plane in the substrate, thereby enabling the electromagnetic shielding function. The conductive layer is coupled to the ground plane via one or more metallized contacts that are coupled to the substrate and extend through the mold compound layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Rajeev Joshi
  • Patent number: 7971351
    Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device that allows individual molding of plural semiconductor chips carried on a surface of the substrate. It includes the following process steps: a process step in which plural semiconductor elements 102 are arranged on the surface of substrate 100; a process step in which the inner side of substrate 102 is fixed on lower die 130; a process step in which liquid resin 114 is supplied from nozzle 112 onto each of the semiconductor elements in order to cover at least a portion of each of semiconductor chips 102; a process step in which the upper die having plural cavities 144 formed in one surface is pressed onto the lower die, and liquid resin 114 is molded at a prescribed temperature by means of plural cavities 144; and a process step in which cavities 144 of upper die 140 are detached from the substrate, and plural molding resin portions are formed individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Yoshimi Takahashi, Masazumi Amagai
  • Patent number: 7971352
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board having solder balls. The method may include: stacking a second carrier, in which at least one hole is formed, over one side of a first carrier; forming at least one solder bump by filling the hole with a conductive material; forming a circuit pattern layer, which is electrically connected with the solder bump, on the second carrier; and exposing the solder bump by removing the first carrier and the second carrier. Using this method, uniform hemispherical solder balls with fine pitch can be formed as a part of the manufacturing process, without having to attach the solder balls separately. Carriers may be used to serve as supports during the manufacturing process, whereby deformations can be prevented in the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuhichi Okabe, Jin-Yong An, Seok-Kyu Lee, Soon-Oh Jung, Jong-Kuk Hong, Hae-Nam Seo
  • Patent number: 7971353
    Abstract: A wired circuit board that can provide improved reliability on connection between the terminal portions and the external terminals while ensuring high productivity and cost reduction, and a production method thereof. After a conductive pattern 3 including terminal portions 6 to connect with external terminals 22 of an electronic component 21 and criterion marks 8 to determine presence or absence of an inhibitory portion 23 that may be formed due to formation of an insulating cover layer 4 to inhibit connection between the terminal portions 6 and the external terminals 22 are formed on the insulating base layer 2 simultaneously, the insulating cover layer 4 to cover the conductive pattern 3 and an opening 7 from which the terminal portions 6 and the criterion marks 8 are exposed is formed. Thereafter, the presence or absence of the inhibitory portion 23 is determined with reference to the criterion marks 8 exposed from the opening 7 of the insulating cover layer 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Takayoshi, Kazushi Ichikawa, Toshiki Naito