Patents Issued in July 26, 2011
  • Patent number: 7984531
    Abstract: A ratchet hinge for a knee or elbow orthosis having a pair of struts, connected to one strut is a pair of plates in spaced relation to one another. The other strut is pivotably connected between the plates and has a slot formed therein for receiving a locking assembly. The plates have a plurality of ratchets on their outer periphery and a locking slot formed in the edge of the plates. The locking assembly has a spring biased locking pin disposed between two plats such that the pin engages the plates to lock the hinge or allow limited movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Restorative Care of America Incorporated
    Inventor: Max E. Moore
  • Patent number: 7984532
    Abstract: A hinge with variable torque is disclosed to include a first part, which has a shaft at one side thereof and recessed portions on the peripheral wall of the shaft, and a second part, which has a sleeve disposed at one side thereof and grooves on the inside wall of the sleeve. The sleeve is pivotally coupled to the shaft of the first part. A first contact area and a first friction force are produced between the peripheral wall of the shaft and the inside wall of the sleeve when the first part is turned to a first angle relative to the second part, and a second contact area and a second friction force are produced between thereinbetween when the first part is turned to a second angle relative to the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Po-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 7984533
    Abstract: A dual-axis hinge mechanism includes a rotatable bracket, a first rotatable assembly rotatably assembled on the rotatable bracket, and a second rotatable assembly pivotally assembled to the rotatable bracket. The second rotatable assembly includes a fixed bracket, a pivot shaft rotatably extended through the fixed bracket, a first limiting member rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft, and a second limiting member non-rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft. The second limiting member is rotated a certain angle follow the pivot shaft in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and then drives the first limiting member to rotate with the second limiting member. The total of the rotatable angle of the second limiting member relative to the first limiting member and the rotatable angle of the first limiting member relative to the fixed bracket is about 360 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Wei, Jin-Xin Wang, Jian Li
  • Patent number: 7984534
    Abstract: A seismic cable restraint clip attaches a seismic brace component, such as a cable, to a building structure. A bolt is typically used to attach the clip to the building structure. The restraint clip is constructed to reduce or eliminate multiplication of force applied from the cable to the bolt through the restraint clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel C. Duggan
  • Patent number: 7984535
    Abstract: A mounting strip for mounting a formed part on a body of a motor vehicle includes a strip-shaped basic body, a plurality of pins formed directly at the rear side of the basic body as locking elements for holding the mounting strip in corresponding openings in the motor vehicle body; and attachment elements formed at the front side of the basic body for receiving and holding in place the formed part, wherein the mounting strip comprises weakened areas located in direct proximity to the formed on pins and including ribs extending vertical relative to the longitudinal direction of the mounting strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Peguform GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Happle
  • Patent number: 7984536
    Abstract: To provide a piezoelectric resonator in which a casing houses a tuning-fork piezoelectric resonator element and whose failure occurrence caused when shavings of adjustment films scatter and adhere to excitation electrodes is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7984537
    Abstract: Both the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of a coil spring are peened by passing sequential segments of the spring around offset pulleys mounted within a peening cabinet. As the spring is pulled around one of the pulleys, the coils fan out from the pulley to permit the peening media to impact portions of the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the spring, and as the spring is pulled around the other pulley, the portions of the surfaces not peened as the segment traveled around the first pulley will be peened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Champaigne
  • Patent number: 7984538
    Abstract: An installation tool assembly for advancing a fitting's swage ring onto a fitting's connector body while a conduit is received in the connector body to mechanically and sealingly connect the fitting to the conduit includes a body defining at least two spaced apart piston chambers, a fixed jaw connected to the body and adapted to engage one of the connector body or the swage ring, and a movable jaw connected to the body and movable relative to the fixed jaw. The movable jaw is adapted to engage the other of the connector body or the swage ring. Pistons are disposed in the at least two spaced piston chambers. The pistons and the movable jaw are configured such that movement of the pistons in a first direction moves the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw thereby moving the swage ring axially onto the connector body to mechanically and sealingly connect the connector body to the conduit received therein when the fixed and movable jaws are engaged to the connector body and swage ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Lokring Technology LLC
    Inventor: Albert A. McKay
  • Patent number: 7984539
    Abstract: When a chamber of an oscillator and one or more amplifiers is to be replaced at the timing when a predetermined period elapses, one of the chambers of the oscillator and the amplifiers having a low allowable deterioration limit is detached and this chamber is attached in place of one of the chambers of the oscillator and the amplifiers other than the one having the low allowable deterioration limit. Thus, the chamber which has been used in one of the oscillator and amplifiers having a low allowable deterioration limit and has not reached the limit of deterioration is reused in one of the oscillator and the amplifiers other than the one having the low allowable deterioration limit. This enables efficient use of oscillator and amplifier chambers in a multistage amplification laser apparatus, minimizing the labor and parts consumed for replacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignees: Gigaphoton Inc., Komatsu Ltd., Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Fujimoto, Hakaru Mizoguchi, Tatsuo Enami
  • Patent number: 7984540
    Abstract: An enclosure method comprising a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion configured to mate with the first enclosure portion. A receptacle is provided on the first enclosure portion. The receptacle has a frangible wall portion accessible from an exterior of the first enclosure portion. The frangible wall portion is operable to be broken from outside the enclosure method. A protrusion is provided on the second enclosure portion and the protrusion is operable to be received in the receptacle. A first locking member is connected to the frangible wall portion to extend inside the receptacle and a second locking member is provided on the protrusion. The second locking member is configured to engage the first locking member such that separation of the first and second enclosure portions is prevented unless the frangible wall portion is deliberately broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: G4S Justice Services (Canada) Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas H. Blakeway
  • Patent number: 7984541
    Abstract: An anchor bolt template for use with cardboard molds used to form concrete into footings and other foundations. The template is integrally formed of plastic or some other resilient, light weight material. The most common bolt configuration includes four bolts spaced equal distances from the foundation's center. Thus, the preferred template shape is four arms extending radially from a hub. Each of the arms has bolt location markers labeled with the diameters of several bolt patterns. The arms may be generally C-shaped in cross section so that the depending edges ride on the upper edge of the mold, supporting the lower anchor bolt nut above the concrete. Notches, preferably labeled by mold size, on the bottom of the depending edges of the arms receive the upper edge of the mold so that as heavy concrete is poured into the cardboard mold the sidewall of the mold will not deform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: James Davidson Trust Dated January 4, 2005
    Inventor: James T. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7984542
    Abstract: An insertion tool for manipulating a cable termination device having an auxiliary handle section pivoted to a base handle section, the inner and outer bodies of a cable termination device nested together with multiple cable strands positioned between the two bodies, and the inner strand of the cable extending through an aperture in the inner body and being adapted to be bend 90 degrees by manipulation of the handle sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Stephan W. Tillitski
  • Patent number: 7984543
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for electronic device manufacturing. The invention includes removing a first substrate carrier and a second substrate carrier from a moving conveyor using an end effector assembly and concurrently transferring the first and second substrate carriers from the moving conveyor to a support location via the end effector assembly. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin R. Elliott, Vinay K. Shah, Eric A. Englhardt, Jeffrey C. Hudgens
  • Patent number: 7984544
    Abstract: A force or pressure sensor and appertaining method for manufacturing are provided in which the sensor comprises a repeating conductive trace pattern that can be replicated to produce a consistent conductive trace across more than one adjacent pattern section forming an electrical bus, wherein more than one section of a series of conductive traces are printed on a thin and flexible dielectric backing using the pattern. The thin and flexible dielectric backing has a repeated pattern of conductive traces printed above the dielectric backing and one or more dielectric layers provided above the conductive traces, the dielectric layers having access regions permitting contact of conductors above the one or more dielectric layers, and a sensor conductor layer printed above the one or more dielectric layers that contacts the conductive traces via at least one of the access regions or regions not covered by the one or more dielectric layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Ilya D. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7984545
    Abstract: Approaches for helping to decrease the amount of inactive gas necessary for reflow to interconnect connection terminals of a head slider and a suspension. Inactive gas is blown from a nozzle of a reflow apparatus toward interconnection joints of a head slider and a suspension. The head slider is bonded onto a gimbal tongue. The nozzle comprises a duct through which the inactive gas passes and a porous member fitted in an ejection outlet of the tube. Placing the porous member close to the head slider achieves effective reduction of oxygen concentration around solder balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Yuhsuke Matsumoto, Tatsumi Tsuchiya, Hideto Imai, Tamaki Ushimoto
  • Patent number: 7984546
    Abstract: An apparatus tool for filling vias in a product greensheet and/or repairing vias in a product greensheet. The apparatus tool utilizes a transfer greensheet having filled vias in a fixed array, which vias are punched into the product greensheet to either repair or fill the via of the product greensheet. The apparatus tool employs position determining means such as a camera, a punch head and a corresponding punch die and an activating means to activate the punch head to punch the transfer greensheet via to fill the product greensheet via. The transfer greensheet has a fixed array of filled vias and a transfer greensheet station employs a fixed plate having a plurality of vacuum ports positioned in the non-via areas of the transfer greensheet which secures the transfer greensheet during the repair or fill method. The product greensheet is held by a vacuum plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. LaPlante, Thomas Weiss
  • Patent number: 7984547
    Abstract: A method is for manufacturing and/or repairing components, e.g., blades and blade segments, for gas turbines, e.g., for aircraft engines, by laser-powder build-up welding. Laser-powder build-up welding is performed using at least one substructure, the material build-up by a powder material occurring in the process of laser-powder build-up welding such that the or every substructure is at least in sections enclosed by the built-up powder material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventor: Erich Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 7984548
    Abstract: A vane unit system having a plurality of vane units having at least one airfoil projecting from a base is modified by placing a hole in the base and receiving a pin which extends between adjacent bases of vane units. A series of modified bases form a rigid ring of vanes that are less susceptible to vane motion caused by pressure fluctuations within the compressor of a gas turbine. A blade assembly tool having a shape to fit within the slit in a casing that receives the vane units allows for the installation of vane units with interlocking pins without the necessity of having to remove the rotor from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: DRS Power Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Rodger O. Anderson, Fred T. Willett
  • Patent number: 7984549
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an ink-jet recording head including plural recording element substrates having at least one nozzle array comprising nozzles to eject ink, an electric wiring member supplying signals to the recording element substrates, a member supporting the recording element substrates and the electric wiring member, electric connecting portions electrically interconnecting the recording element substrates and the electric wiring member, and a sealant sealing the electric connecting portions, the method comprises the steps of applying sealants to the supporting member including the recording element substrates, the electric wiring member, and the electric connecting portions, and curing the sealants, measuring a distance between reference positions set on each recording element substrate before and after the curing of the sealants, and mounting the recording element substrates to the supporting member depending on a difference in the distance between the reference positions measured before and a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Osaki
  • Patent number: 7984550
    Abstract: A remanufacturing and salvaging strategy for fuel injector tips such as high flow fuel injector tips includes blocking a first set of spray orifices in the fuel injector tip, including at least partially filling the first set of spray orifices with a material, for example by laser welding. New spray orifices are formed in virgin material of the fuel injector tip, offset from the former spray orifices, also for example via a laser. A remanufactured fuel injector tip includes blocked former spray orifices as well as new spray orifices configured to permit spraying of fuel from the fuel injector tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Howard D. Jenkel, James S. Millar
  • Patent number: 7984551
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fabricated vehicle wheel and method for producing the same. The wheel includes a rim and a disc secured to the rim. The disc includes a plurality of outwardly extending spokes, an outer rim connecting flange defining a side edge surface and a window formed therein between adjacent pairs of spokes and having a predetermined shape defined by the adjacent pairs of spokes and the side edge surface of the rim connecting flange such that each of the windows extends to an outermost periphery of the wheel disc, at least one of the windows includes at least a first window portion and a second window portion, the first window portion being formed by a first piercing operation and the second window portion being formed by a second piercing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick McCorry, Tom Czarniecki, Monty Csapo, Todd Duffield, Matthias Grutgen, Frank Kramer, Alan Coleman
  • Patent number: 7984552
    Abstract: A method of forming a joint includes providing a first member made of cast iron having an exterior surface and a first end. A pocket is formed in the exterior surface of the first end. An insert made of steel is connected to the pocket. A second member made of cast iron is provided with an aperture. The method includes positioning the first end of the first member within the aperture and positioning a plug made of steel in the second member proximate the aperture. The plug is fixedly connected to the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Doud, Blair J. Swanson, Jeffrey E. Rea
  • Patent number: 7984553
    Abstract: A cable preparation tool having a main body, with a cable receiving end, a cable receiving area and a manipulation end. There is a center conductor support shaft guide channel in the manipulation end to receive a center conductor support shaft. The center conductor support shaft guide channel allows for the center conductor support shaft to enter a hollow center conductor of the cable and be removed from the hollow center conductor of the cable while the cable is within the cable receiving area. There is a jacket strip slot on the main body. There is a jacket strip blade attached at the jacket strip slot. There is a blade holder slot on the main body which receives a blade holder. There is a cable cutting blade attached to the blade holder. There is a cable slug slot on the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventors: Michael R. Miller, Scott A. Dangle
  • Patent number: 7984554
    Abstract: An apparatus for partitioning a food mass, such as a solidified egg, is disclosed including a base, a holder for supporting the food mass, and a plurality of cutting members for partitioning the food mass, wherein the holder is rotatable to permit the cutting members to partition the food mass in a first orientation and in a second orientation. The apparatus further includes a retainer positionable on a top surface of the food mass having passageways permitting the cutting members to pass through a portion thereof. The apparatus may include a cleaning plate receivable by portions of the holder in a position below the food mass, the cleaning plate being removable from the holder to remove food matter from between the support portions. The apparatus may include a lock for securing apparatus in a closed or lowest position for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Gregiore Bernard Aby-Eva, Michael John Laskowski, Eugene Rye Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7984555
    Abstract: The mower head (1) includes a body (3) with at least one exit hole (9A) for one end of a cutting cord (F) and includes, adjacent to the exit hole of the cutting cord and on at least one side of said hole, a radial projection (11) to protect the cutting cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Fabrizio Arnetoli
  • Patent number: 7984556
    Abstract: A cable cutter for attachment to a power drill has a housing, first and second cutting blades and a drive assembly releasably engageable with the chuck of the drill. The drive assembly includes a worm mounted on a drive and a worm gear and a drive gear mounted on a main shaft. The worm and worm gear are in engagement, as are the drive gear and one of the cutting blades. The housing includes a main plate and an end cap secured to the main plate, with the end cap receiving the drive gear and defining a cut away portion adjacent to the stationary blade to allow the movable blade to pass through the cut away portion for direct engagement with the drive gear. The end cap defines a counterbore facing the main plate, with the counterbore receiving a bearing supporting one of the ends of the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Ideal Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce P. Konen
  • Patent number: 7984557
    Abstract: A positioning device for enabling a user to accurately position the outermost end of an extendable member, such as an extension ladder, relative to a fixed, elevated position. The device includes laser light sources that provide angularly disposed laser light beams that terminate at desired points when the outermost end of the extendable member is adjacent to the desired end position. A first laser light beam is arranged to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the extendable member, and a second laser light beam is arranged to extend at a predetermined angle relative to the first laser light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Keith D. Carl
  • Patent number: 7984558
    Abstract: A portable coordinate measuring machine (PCMM) can have one or more rotatable grip assemblies to provide a locations for an operator to grasp the PCMM. A rotatable grip assembly can include a rotatable sleeve, a grip portion disposed over the sleeve, and one or more retaining rings to prevent the rotatable grip from axially sliding along one or more members of an articulated arm PCMM. A PCMM can include two rotatable grips to allow an operator to grasp the PCMM with both hands for positioning and repositioning operations. One rotatable grip can be positioned on an arm member most distant the PCMM base, and another rotatable grip can be positioned on a housing at least partially encasing an articulating joint assembly coupled to the arm member most distant the PCMM base. Other numbers of and locations of rotatable grip assemblies can be used in PCMMs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Ferrari
  • Patent number: 7984559
    Abstract: A golf club fitting apparatus comprises an image display unit; a linear guide having a lower end that is attached to the image display unit and rotatable in relation to the unit; an arm that is attached to the linear guide and slidable in relation to the linear guide; a first encoder coupled to the linear guide and configured to generate a rotation signal when the linear guide is rotated relative to the image display unit; a second encoder capable of generating a linear measurement signal when the linear guide slides; and image display logic coupled to the first encoder, second encoder, and image display unit and which when executed by one or more processors causes displaying a golf club head image on the image display unit, and re-displaying the image in a changed configuration in response to one or both of the rotation signal and the linear measurement signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: KB Golf Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Burns, David A. Ruigh, Russ Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7984560
    Abstract: A method of measuring an interior diameter of a bore with an expandible gauge having relatively movable first and second components and placing an adhesive on at least one of the first and the second components for adhesively bonding the first and the second components to one another. Inserting the expandible gauge into a tool hole in a bore bar and sliding the bore bar into the bore so that the tool hole is located within the bore. Allowing the expandible gauge to expand to a diameter of a bore to be measured and adhesively bond the first and the second components to one another. Removing the expandible gauge and determining the diameter of the bore by measuring a length of the expandible gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Bore Repair Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Esslinger
  • Patent number: 7984561
    Abstract: A device for determining dimensions of a workpiece includes a locating apparatus, a determining apparatus and a main processor. The locating apparatus includes a locating board supporting workpieces and defining at least one detecting aperture therethrough. The determining apparatus includes a detecting module, the detecting module includes at least one laser detector, each laser detector includes a laser emitter and a laser receiver respectively mounted on two opposite sides of the locating board. The main processor is connected to the locating apparatus and the determining apparatus, the laser emitter emits laser beams traveling through the detecting aperture and received by the laser receiver, and the main processor determines the dimension of the workpiece according to the dimension of parts on the laser receiver shielded by the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hing Kong) Limted
    Inventors: Lei Li, Ji-Wen Yang, Yan-Xin Yu, Lin-Sen Dong, Ping Chen, Zhi Cheng, Chang-Fa Sun, Li-Ping Yang, Li Chang
  • Patent number: 7984562
    Abstract: A template device is used layout and marking geometric shapes such as martial arts or other sports rings on a floor. The device includes a central body at or near the center, and an extension reaching from preferably at least three sides of the central body to the perimeter, of the geometric shape. Both central body and extension are rigid or substantially rigid, maintaining the shape of the template device, including optional wire/cable around or along the extension, during both use on the floor and transport to adjacent floor areas. The template device covers a very small percentage of the geometric shape area, by means of empty space in the extension or between members of the extension. The resulting light-weight and small-volume device is easy to move and break down into a small package. The extension may include radially-extending legs attaching at their outer ends to the wire/cable perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventors: Steven D Redmond, Karen A Redmond
  • Patent number: 7984563
    Abstract: A device for determining the distance of a cutting tool, for instance a router bit, relative to a first reference surface or a second reference surface, the second reference surface extending essentially perpendicular to the first reference surface. The device has a central body, a pair of feet mounted to the central body, the feet being spaced apart so as to be able to accommodate between them the cutting tool, and a pointing element slidably arranged relative to the central body. In a horizontal mode of operation, when the feet are placed on or against the first reference surface, the pointing element may be moved relative to the central body to abut the cutting tool for determining the distance between the cutting tool and the first reference surface. At least one of the feet is configured to set the height of the pointer element with respect to the second reference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Sjoerd Anne Van Valkenburg
  • Patent number: 7984564
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods associated with a center finder and marking tool are disclosed. A center finder and marking tool device includes a base that is configured to be positioned on a work piece surface. The base includes a bore hole. A body is disposed inside the bore hole and rotationally coupled to the base, wherein the body includes a first bore tunnel and a second bore tunnel. An optical center finder is disposed inside the first bore tunnel, and a marking tool is disposed inside the second bore tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Matthew J. Weigel
  • Patent number: 7984565
    Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a ruler unit including an elongated plank portion extending along a first direction, two spaced apart positioning members disposed fixedly on the elongated plank portion, and a first measuring portion extending from the elongated plank portion along a second direction. A movable seat is movably mounted on the elongated plank portion and is movable relative to the elongated plank portion along the first direction between a reset position, where the movable seat abuts against one of the positioning members, and a normal position, where the movable seat abuts against the other one of the positioning members. The movable seat has a second measuring portion. A resilient member is mounted between the movable seat and the ruler unit, and biases the movable seat toward the normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: KMC Chain Industrial, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Wu
  • Patent number: 7984566
    Abstract: An air drying system and process employs a turbofan jet engine for producing high quality dried products. The air drying system uses both thermal and non-thermal air drying. The turbofan jet engine is housed within an air distribution chamber for directing exhaust air and bypass air from the jet engine into a product drying tube, where it is dried through a combination of thermal drying from heat content in an engine exhaust, and by the kinetic energy of air flowing past the product traveling through the drying tube, that may include a physical impediment for retarding retard the speed of the product solids flowing in the air stream through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Wesley A. Staples
  • Patent number: 7984567
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a simulated hair article such as a wig or other hairpiece. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing, an ozone generator, an ultraviolet light source, and a gas recirculation structure. The apparatus reduces or eliminates microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi from the simulated hair article, and also eliminates odors therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Christ Bill Bertakis
  • Patent number: 7984568
    Abstract: A condensation washer-dryer, in particular, the air-guiding process. The base module is used to receive function parts and components of the air guide and is closed on the rear side by means of a process air cover and forms a plastic, stable support structure for the washer-dryer. The connecting surfaces are large and extend, preferably, over the entire width of the washer-dryer. Due to said embodiment, air guiding channels are formed in a simple manner on the rear side of the base module and the housing of the process air ventilator is closed on the rear side. Sealing elements are no longer required due to said welding of said type of connection and an exceptionally high mechanical rigidity is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Dittmer, Holger Löffler
  • Patent number: 7984569
    Abstract: A modular sole assembly system for footwear and components thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Omni Trax Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Chaney, Don Reardon, John Chaney
  • Patent number: 7984570
    Abstract: A sports shoe comprising an upper or casing, to cover a tarsal zone and a metatarsal zone of the user's foot, and a tongue associated with the casing, to be bent forward due to the thrust generated by a tibial segment of the user's leg, during sporting activity. The casing, in correspondence with a flex zone thereof, comprises at least a through slit which allows the progressive elastic flexion of the casing due to the effect of the bending forward of the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Calzaturificio Dal Bello SRL
    Inventor: Michele Fontana
  • Patent number: 7984571
    Abstract: Sport footwear, in particular ski boot, having passage openings (16, 19) for the wearer's. foot provided frontally in the lower shell (10) and the leg-piece (20). At least the opening (19) in the leg-piece (20) is capable of being closed by two flaps (22, 23), of which at least one is in the form of a pad (23) coupled to the remaining portion (25) of the leg-piece (20) with a clearance fit allowing said pad (23) to freely rotate in view of enabling the wearer's foot to be most smoothly and conveniently introduced in and subsequently extracted from the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Tecnica SpA
    Inventor: Alfred Pellegrini
  • Patent number: 7984572
    Abstract: A snowshoe (1) whose webbing includes a flexible wall (4) maintained in tension inside a framework (2) by portions of the flexible mounting wall which define flexible mounting projections. Supplemental protection parts (8) are disposed surrounding the mounting projections to protect them from wear and impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: TSL Sport Equipment
    Inventor: Philippe Gallay
  • Patent number: 7984573
    Abstract: A combination device (1) is provided for carrying out various work tasks, such as cutting snow, mowing, scarifying, soil breaking or the like. The device includes a plurality of interchangeable work implements (60) tailored to the respective work task. A basic frame is provided in which the respective work implement (60) is accommodated and can be driven to rotate, and wherein the respectively installed work implement (60) is partially enclosed by a housing (23) extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the work implement. In order to tailor the combination device optimally to the respective work task, provision is made for the housing (23) to be able to rotate about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the respective work implement (60) and to be fastened in various operating positions corresponding to the respective work task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Manson Lau
  • Patent number: 7984574
    Abstract: A vehicle, such as a loader, includes a chassis, a plurality of traction devices positioned to support the chassis, a tool supported by the chassis to move material, and a rear object detector. The object detector may be supported by the chassis of the vehicle and configured to detect objects around the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Kevin L Pfohl, Gary S Honey, Jahmy Jomont Hindman, Douglas G. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7984575
    Abstract: A quick coupler for connecting and disconnecting an implement such as a bucket to and from a machine such as an excavator. In an example, the quick coupler includes a frame having recesses configured to receive pins located on the implement. The quick coupler includes first and second securing latches that are movable between latched and unlatched positions for removably latching the pins of the implement in the recesses. A rocker assembly and a connector link are provided for moving the second latch between latched and unlatched positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Curtis Robl, Trent Randall Stefek
  • Patent number: 7984576
    Abstract: Couplers for attaching an accessory to an excavator arm of an excavator. Couplers having a first side for attaching the coupler to the excavator arm and a second side onto which the accessory will be coupled. The coupler includes a latch for selectively securing and releasing an attachment pin of the accessory in a jaw, groove, hook or slot in the second side of the coupler. The coupler is fully controllable from within the cab of the excavator and it allows improved security in the securement of the accessory to the coupler, i.e. preventing accidental decouplings, but while still allowing intentional decoupling operations to be carried out without undue burden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Miller UK Limited
    Inventors: Gary Miller, Ronald Keith Miller, Gary Pendleton, Howard Reay, Paul Grant
  • Patent number: 7984577
    Abstract: A system and method for visually representing the priorities of a number of action items in a manner which permits their priorities to be rearranged quickly and easily, utilizing individual display units supported in a rearrangeble sequence on a parallel pair of rails, and a separate note sheet removably attached to each board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Gene W. Arant
  • Patent number: 7984578
    Abstract: A shadow box is provided that is configured to display art objects wherein the shadow box has two chambers, the front chamber configured to display art objects whereas the second chamber is configured to house an insert that is configured to slide into and out of the shadow box as well as to display art objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Sonja Kabel
  • Patent number: 7984579
    Abstract: An electronic weapon, when combined with a unit for deployment, causes skeletal muscle contractions in a human or animal target. According to the present invention, a launch controller for an electronic weapon includes a detector, a stimulus signal generator, and a switch. When the switch is conducting, it completes a circuit in combination with a unit for deployment. The circuit, when completed, operates a propellant of the unit for deployment to deploy at least two electrodes of the unit for deployment to enable the stimulus signal generator to deliver through the target a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target. The detector is coupled to the switch and detects whether the switch is conducting prior to combining the unit for deployment and the electronic weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: TASER International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N.D. Brundula, Magne H. Nerheim, Milan Cerovic
  • Patent number: 7984580
    Abstract: A semi-infinitely-adjustable butt stock assembly. A butt stock is slidably affixed to a buffer stem. An over-center lock is attached to the butt stock adjacent to the buffer stem. The user can disengage the over-center lock from the buffer stem by rotating a lever thereby permitting the longitudinal position of the butt stock to be adjusted relative to the buffer plate. To secure the butt stock at the desired position, the user rotates the lever in the opposite direction causing the over-center lock to re-engage the buffer stem. A cheek rest overlaying the butt stock and biased forward with respect thereto is adjustable vertically with respect to the butt stock by manually moving the cheek rest aft, adjusting it vertically, and releasing the cheek rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: FN Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Delamare Giauque, John Michael Beville, Thomas Arnold Mooty, Dustin Keith Sroufe