Patents Issued in December 4, 2012
  • Patent number: 8322033
    Abstract: A method for forming a conductive post include: a) forming a liquid repellent portion having a thickness of 100 nm or less by disposing a liquid repellent material in a conductive post forming region on a conductive layer; b) forming an insulation layer having an opening in a region overlapping with the conductive post forming region by disposing a liquid including an insulation layer forming material on the conductive layer having the liquid repellent portion formed thereon and polymerizing the insulation layer forming material; c) disposing metal particulates in the opening; and d) heating the metal particulates at a fusing temperature of the metal particulates or higher so as to fusion bond the metal particulates to each other in order to form the conductive post, and to fusion bond the metal particulates and the conductive layer in order to couple the conductive post with the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Hirai, Tsuyoshi Shintate, Jun Yamada
  • Patent number: 8322034
    Abstract: An apparatus for the insertion and withdrawal of a plug-in module with front panel into and out of a module carrier includes a lever arm (2) pivotable about an axis (3) with a handle portion (2a) for the rotation of the lever arm as well as a bolt (5) to lock the lever arm and an operating element (5a) connected to the bolt with which the lever arm can be unlocked. The operating element (5a) is arranged spaced from the lever arm (2), and the handle portion (2a) is designed such that it contacts the front panel (10) of the plug-in module in the inwardly pivoted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Elma Electronics AG
    Inventor: Kari Oila
  • Patent number: 8322035
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine comprising: a plurality of support arms (2) connected with a vertical axis (1), a wind rotor comprising a plurality of blades (3) connected to the blade support arms (2), the wind rotor having a rotation radius and the blades (3) having a chord length; wherein an airfoil of the blade is an asymmetrical camber airfoil, the convex surface (31) of the blade (3) faces vertical axis (1), and a ratio of the rotation radius of the wind rotor (R) to the chord length of the blade (L) is between about 1.8 and about 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Qiang Yan
  • Patent number: 8322036
    Abstract: A method of constructing a self-inflating tire assembly includes molding in an air tube-receiving groove within a green tire carcass wall, the groove having an access opening, primary internal groove chamber and a secondary expansion groove chamber adjacent to and communicating with the internal groove chamber. A groove partial passageway is molded with the groove at a prescribed groove outlet location and extends from the groove partially through the tire carcass wall toward the tire cavity. A tire carcass wall barrier of reduced section between the partial passageway and the tire cavity is removed in a post-cure operation to create a through-bore from the groove to the tire cavity. A pump assembly inserts into the tube-receiving groove in a post-cure procedure with an outlet passage tube from a pump assembly outlet device extended through the through-bore to the tire cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Andres Ignacio Delgado, Christopher David Dyrlund, Mark Anthony Sieverding
  • Patent number: 8322037
    Abstract: A system and method of manufacture providing reinforced structurally functional load-bearing members, including but not limited to using thermoplastic materials, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), reinforced such as with an aluminum alloy or carbon fiber core element. Among its possible uses, the present invention has application for provision of structural support members, such as an illustrative I-joist product having a vertical center member preferably comprising HDPE, and top and bottom flanges having structurally meaningful reinforcement. The center member and flanges preferably comprising HDPE provides a relatively hard, durable, substantially weather-resistant structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: TAC Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Barry Carlson, Jason Underhill
  • Patent number: 8322038
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bearing housing comprising: selecting a configuration for housing and manufacturing the housing the configuration. The selected housing configuration comprises a bearing section and a base having a cylindrical shape. The bearing section and base are substantially aligned centrally along an axis. A plurality of members extends between the bearing section and the base. The plurality of members has a length and a width, and, in the configuration, each of the plurality of members has a side that is substantially non-perpendicular with respect to the bearing section and the base. At least one of the plurality of members extends at an angle from the bearing section to the base; the plurality of members having a curve relative to the axis; and the width of the plurality of members decreasing or increasing along the length of the plurality of members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mohammad A. Heidari, Adrian Stanescu
  • Patent number: 8322039
    Abstract: A knife and device assembly includes a knife with a blade part and a handle part having on the blade part, near the handle part, a hook shaped part with an interior recess, in combination with a device comprising an extended handle. A front end of the handle has both a pin for engaging with and pivoting in the hook shaped part of the blade part, and a cutting element to cut metal wires and the like. The handle fulfills the function of cutting pliers with the handle part of the knife. The front end of the handle has a fork shape with two wings braced by the pin. The cutting element is received in a space formed between the wings, the pin and a bottom of the fork shape, and has a cutting part projecting beyond the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Wildsteer
    Inventor: Edouard De Buyer-Mimeure
  • Patent number: 8322040
    Abstract: A handle having improved ergonomics and relatively compact low cost design is provided. In particular, the handle may include two hand grip areas which may be integral with one another. The two hand grips may be approximately perpendicular to one another. Further, one or both of the grip areas may include grip alignment mechanisms that improve the ergonomic alignment of a persons hand on the hand grip area of the handle. In another aspect the hand grip(s) may have smooth rounded grasping surfaces to provide comfort when grasped by a hand. The alignment mechanism(s) may be placed at an optimal location on the hand grip(s) area and result in improved control and comfort during use. In addition, one of the alignment mechanisms may serve a dual purpose of hand alignment and as a stop that prevents a person's hand from slipping off of the grip area during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Exceptional IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Eduardo J. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 8322041
    Abstract: A recreational or outdoor compass is comprised of a base member and a vial assembly pivotally coupled to said base member. The vial assembly comprises a vial and a magnetized indicator member pivotally journaled in the vial and pointing to magnetic north. The vial assembly is further comprised of an azimuth ring indirectly or directly frictionally coupled to the vial and a transparent disc member permanently aligned with the azimuth ring and arranged below the vial. Moreover, the vial assembly comprises a retention means permanently aligned with the azimuth ring, such that holding of the retention means allows to rotate the vial separately from the azimuth ring by exceeding the frictional force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fenix Outdoor AB
    Inventor: Marlin Iden
  • Patent number: 8322042
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic holding mechanism for holding an eyeglass frame. The holding mechanism includes a base, a clamping mechanism configured for releaseably securing a lens mount of an eyeglass frame, and an actuator operatively associated with the clamping mechanism for causing linear and rotational movement thereof. The clamping mechanism is moveably coupled to the base for linear and rotational movement about an axis of rotation relative to the base, wherein the clamping mechanism is rotatable about first and second spaced pivot points. The present invention also relates to a method of tracing a lens mount of an eyeglass frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Andrews, David W. Gerding, Kurt W. Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 8322043
    Abstract: An automatic anthropometer for automatically measuring human height is provided. The automatic anthropometer includes a main post configured to stand vertically to a foot board and have a guiding rail formed integrally with an inner surface in a length direction, a sliding post configured to include a guide wheel that rotates along the guiding rail, and ascend and descend along the length direction of the main post under the guide of the guiding rail to measure height of a user, a head-touch bar configured to be coupled to the sliding post, and a lifting-driving device configured to raise and lower the sliding post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Biospace Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Chul Cha
  • Patent number: 8322044
    Abstract: A method of classifying a dent on a surface of a shipping container as being in an acceptable or unacceptable classification includes calculating at least one of an acceptable dent depth range corresponding to the acceptable classification and an unacceptable dent depth range corresponding to the unacceptable classification. The method further includes measuring a depth of the dent with a measurement apparatus and comparing the depth with the acceptable and/or unacceptable dent depth ranges to classify the dent in the acceptable or unacceptable classification. The method of classifying the dent on the surface of the shipping container is accurate and repeatable because it includes measuring the depth of the dent and comparing the depth with the acceptable and unacceptable dent depth ranges. The ability to classify dents allows recipients of the shipping containers to consistently accept or reject shipping containers having dents in the acceptable and unacceptable classifications, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Cortney L. Gregory, Frederick Wheeler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8322045
    Abstract: In one aspect, a substrate processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for forming a meniscus on a surface of a substrate by moving the substrate through a fluid; an air knife apparatus positioned to apply an air knife to shorten the meniscus formed on the surface of the substrate; and a drying vapor nozzle positioned to direct a drying vapor to the meniscus shortened by the air knife. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Stein, Younes Achkire, Timothy J. Franklin, Julia Svirchevski, Dan A. Marohl
  • Patent number: 8322046
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing heat-sensitive pharmaceutical powder is disclosed. The original pharmaceutical substances are dissolved in a solution or suspended in a suspension, which is sprayed through an atomizing nozzle and frozen in a cold gas phase or liquid nitrogen atomized directly in the spray-freeze chamber or gas jacket at the same time (for cooling purposes). The particles are freeze-dried at roughly atmospheric pressure in a down-stream fluid flow with exit filter thereby to remove moisture entrapped on or inside the frozen particles. The system has applicability for forming other powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Zhaolin Wang, Warren H. Finlay
  • Patent number: 8322047
    Abstract: A drying unit includes a frame having an air box mounted thereon, wherein the air box includes an intake port and an exhaust port. A plurality of rollers define a web path within the frame and a heat source is removably attached to the frame, wherein removal of the heat source does not require removal of a web from the web path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Moore Wallace North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Soltysiak, Henderikus A. Haan, Theodore F. Cyman, Jr., Anthony V. Moscato
  • Patent number: 8322048
    Abstract: Impact-attenuation members include: (a) an impact-attenuating member and (b) a shear resistant member engaged with the impact-attenuating member. Another example impact-attenuation member includes a shear resistant member having a continuous wall that bulges outward on opposing sides when in an uncompressed base orientation. The shear resistant members may be structured and arranged to allow bending or compression against impact forces in one direction (e.g., when landing a step or a jump), but remain highly stable against shear or lateral forces in another direction (e.g., in a side-to-side direction). Such impact-attenuation members may be used in footwear products, including in athletic footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Aveni, Patricia L. Smaldone, Fred G. Fagergren
  • Patent number: 8322049
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have an outsole with multiple contact zones. Each of those contact zones may include perimeter regions formed from a harder elastomeric material and traction elements formed from a softer elastomeric material. The traction elements within a particular contact zone may be generally planar in shape and aligned in parallel along on orientation direction for that contact zone. When undeformed, the traction elements in a contact zone may extend outward from the outsole beyond the perimeter regions of that same contact zone. In response to a shear force resulting from activity of a shoe wearer, the traction elements may be deformable so as to rest within a volume formed by the perimeter regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick J. Dojan
  • Patent number: 8322050
    Abstract: A footwear sole includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface includes a plurality of tread members formed thereon. The tread members include a plurality of projections or lugs of various sizes and shapes which are grouped together into specific patterns. The material from which the projections are formed increases the shoe sole's ability to resist slipping on floor surfaces which are covered with oil, water, soap, etc. The shape and pattern of the projections or lugs enable them to resist flexing and disengaging the floor surface. This increases the footwear sole's ability to resist slipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Shoes For Crews, LLC
    Inventor: Randy N. Lubart
  • Patent number: 8322051
    Abstract: Articles of footwear may include self-adjusting studs that adjust to various types of conditions, environmental changes, and applied forces. The self-adjusting studs may have a first portion and a second portion of different levels of compressibilities and/or retractabilities that compress and extend based on the type of surface on which the wearer is walking or running. This footwear with self-adjusting studs may easily transition between surfaces of varying hardness without causing damage to the surface, but also providing the wearer with the necessary amount of traction on each type of surface. Wearers will enjoy the benefit of being able to move on various surfaces without the need to change their footwear multiple times to accommodate the wearer's varying traction needs on different surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry W. Auger, Sergio Cavaliere
  • Patent number: 8322052
    Abstract: A modular shoe system having interchangeable uppers and outsoles, comprising an internal support structure, a plurality of interchangeable first removable covers and a plurality of interchangeable second removable covers. The internal support structure includes a midsole, a heel counter and a toe box. The internal support structure has a front portion including the toe box and a rear portion including the heel counter. Each of the first removable covers includes a front upper and a front outsole. Each of the first removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the front portion. Each of the second removable covers includes a rear upper and a rear outsole. Each of the second removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Skins Footwear, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Klein
  • Patent number: 8322053
    Abstract: A shoe has a sole with a toe, heel and arch. A two part heel has a low heel block attached to the sole heel and includes a slot therein. A high heel extension is attached to the low heel block through a support beam having a substantially rectangular cross-section capable of limited axial and pivotal movement. The fit between the beam and the slot prevents rotational movement of the high heel about its axis. The high heel extension can be pivoted between a first position where it underlies the low heel block and a second position where it lies beneath the sole arch. The bottom of the low heel block has a heel lift extending downwardly engaging the ground when the high heel is stowed. This low heel lift is enclosed by a beveled edge at the top of the high heel piece when it is vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: David Handel, Ian White, David White
  • Patent number: 8322054
    Abstract: A shoe has a sole member with an upper surface for receiving a user's foot and a lower surface for contacting a support surface. An interchangeable strap has a sole member engaging portion and may be selectively interconnected with the sole member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Craig Feller, David G. Berg, Thomas E. McGann, III
  • Patent number: 8322055
    Abstract: An integral massaging means within heel and sole portions within footwear is herein disclosed. The footwear resembles a conventional pair of shoes or sandals with a soft upper area and cushioned soles; however, the sole area is slightly thicker than normal to accommodate a battery pack and a series of vibrating motors across the sole, thereby producing a massaging effect. The duration and intensity of the vibrating motors may be controlled using external control switches and may be activated by pressing an ON/OFF button or by using a remote controller. The massaging apparatus may be activated whether a wearer is sitting down, lying down, or standing upright. User replaceable batteries are provided and accessed through a door located on the bottom of the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick Saint-Cyr, Kerry A. Saint-Cyr
  • Patent number: 8322056
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a torrefied biomass fuel are disclosed. Moisture is initially extracted from relatively wet biomass fuel to produce a relatively dry biomass fuel. Remaining moisture is then extracted from the relatively dry biomass fuel in a final drying stage, using steam at a temperature of about 900° F. The resulting dried biomass fuel is conveyed downward using gravity and undergoes torrefaction, which produces torrefied biomass fuel and torrefaction gases. A gaseous mixture of steam and torrefaction gases is vented to a heat exchanger, where the gaseous mixture is heated by a flue gas, and the heated gaseous mixture is used to support the extraction of the remaining moisture in the final drying stage and to support the torrefaction of the dried biomass fuel. Embodiments disclosed herein efficiently use available energy resources to the benefit of manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Terra Green Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas P. Causer
  • Patent number: 8322057
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stretcher bar framing and canvas fastening system. This system consists of side bar segments of variable lengths and pre-molded corner segments for quick and easy assembly and disassembly. The snap fit interlocking bar and corner segments features a locking mechanism utilizing a male plug member and a female socket member. The plug member includes a pair of resilient flexible arms with a flat surface tooth that interlocks during insertion of the socket member. The plug and socket members snap together for a tight and straight fit is released using a side release mechanism. The side release mechanism disengages the stretcher bar segments by pressing inward on the flat tooth surface of the latching arms located within the side apertures. The back side of the stretcher bar features a self-healing canvas fastening block for insertion of staples allowing canvas to be mounted or dissembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Claudia Marie Cappelle, Richard David Karasiewski
  • Patent number: 8322058
    Abstract: A telescoping greeting card having a plurality of pockets and/or panels that are connected in sequence and configured to slidably telescope between a closed position wherein each of the pockets and/or panels are contained within a main panel and an open position wherein each of the pockets and/or panels are extended in a longitudinal array. The greeting card additionally contains a switch and a sound module with at least one pre-recorded audio file that may be played back upon removal of one of the panels or pockets of the greeting card, which triggers the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski, David Sapp, Tiger Qiao, Catherine Liu, Coco Zhang, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8322059
    Abstract: A product and method for displaying athletic data and certain information on skin is described. Said information being, but not limited to, an athlete's pacing goals for an athletic event, a course map, or other event information helpful to an athlete while competing in an athletic event. Said information preferably being displayed in the form of a temporary tattoo that can be applied to an athlete's skin so that the information is readily available and convenient to use during the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Sporting Innovations Group, LLC
    Inventor: Graham Henshaw
  • Patent number: 8322060
    Abstract: A retractable double-sided banner stand has a base, two upright posts, a crossbar, and a single banner with graphic image(s) disposed on both sides of the banner. The base generally includes a housing, two housing end cap assemblies, a single core, and a retracting mechanism. The banner is wound around the core, and the retracting mechanism unwinds and winds the banner with respect to the core. The leading edge of the banner is attached to the crossbar, which is wider than the width of the banner. The banner stand has an erect upright mode for displaying the images(s), and a collapsed mode for transporting the banner stand. In the erect mode, the upright posts are retained in the base by means of a quick-release locking mechanism, the banner extends upwardly from the base, and the crossbar engages with, and is supported by, the upper portion of each of the upright posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Parizek, Curtis H. Lindblom
  • Patent number: 8322061
    Abstract: A distribution marketing piece is designed to be adhered to and carried by a substrate and includes a top ply selectively adhered to a liner ply. A transverse line of separation divides the top ply into first and second sections, each section having side strips and the first section having *a central portion and the second section having a center section. Removal of the liner before application of the top ply to the substrate results in removal of the side strips along the second section which are carried with the liner ply; a portion of the liner ply remains adhered **to the first and second sections to connecting them. By folding the liner ply and the connected part of the first and second sections, the first section adheres to the substrate surrounding the center section and the central portion to define a pocket free of adhesive connection to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ward-Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger E. Kraft
  • Patent number: 8322062
    Abstract: A marketing sign is constructed of a sheet material. The sheet material includes a free portion, a base portion and a connecting portion that couples the base portion to the free portion. The base portion is configured to engage with a product display structure, which has a price holder. The connecting portion is defined between a first connecting bend line spaced apart from a second connecting bend line by a distance. The distance substantially corresponds with an edge thickness of the price holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Engelby, Christopher H. Kaye, Gary L. Sotebeer
  • Patent number: 8322063
    Abstract: A firearms magazine has compound tapered side walls and feed lips having substantially parallel end portions for maintaining contact with the cartridge as it is loaded. Removable inserts reduce the interior length and width to hold cartridges of different sizes. One insert has a channel along its height to protect the cartridge noses, and is held by a reinforcing member. A movable cartridge follower feeds the cartridges out of the magazine and has a pair of projections extending along its length for contacting and centering the last cartridge and a projection at one end slideable in the channel of the insert. The follower has one or more downwardly extending members to contact the floor or walls to maintain position of the follower with respect thereto. Projections extending inward from the side walls contact shoulders of the firearms cartridges in sliding relationship as they are fed out of the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Vincent P. Battaglia
  • Patent number: 8322064
    Abstract: A firearm may have a plurality of power-consuming accessories that can be attached to the weapon. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of their batteries, the Weapons Accessory Power Distribution System provides a common power source to power the power-consuming accessories attached to the weapon. One or more powered rails are provided on the handguard, which encircles the barrel of the weapon, to provide a point of mechanical and electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories to provide quick connect mounting and dismounting of the power-consuming accessory, absent the use of connectors with their tethering cables, which are susceptible to entanglement. The powered rail(s) are electrically interconnected with a power source, which typically is a battery mounted in the butt stock of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Prototype Poductions Incorporated Ventures Two, LLC
    Inventors: Eric F. Cabahug, James S. Dodd, Ben Feldman
  • Patent number: 8322065
    Abstract: A magazine carrier for a firearm, the magazine carrier including a frame having walls to releasably hold an ammunition magazine, and an external track element defined on the frame for engaging a complementary engagement element. The complementary track element can be on a clip, on an adapter or on another similar frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Tuvia Faifer
  • Patent number: 8322066
    Abstract: An auxiliary device includes a housing and a rail mount coupled to the housing. The rail mount includes a first rigid member and a second rigid member extending substantially longitudinally along at least a portion of the housing, the first and second rigid members configured to engage a mounting rail defined on a frame portion of a weapon. The rail mount further includes a flex member having a first end coupled to the first rigid member and a second end coupled to a tightening member being movable between a first position and a second position, the flex member configured to provide a gripping force on the mounting rail of the weapon and couple the auxiliary device to the weapon. A shock absorbing member may be provided to prevent or reduce damage to an internal power supply upon discharge of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Westra
  • Patent number: 8322067
    Abstract: A firearm steady-rest which is incorporated as part of a rifle sling. The steady-rest may be a single support arm or a folded support arm system deployed by folding it outward to provide either a V-shaped support configuration or a U-shaped support configuration whereby the upwardly extending distal ends of the support engage and support the firearm therebetween. The steady-rest may be grasped by the operator's forward extending hand to provide maximum steadying of the firearm for sighting and shooting. A gravity deploying bi-pod leg set is also provided which automatically locks into position when fully deployed by a gravity slide lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Nils Boord
  • Patent number: 8322068
    Abstract: Provided is a gun mounting kit for quickly and easily mounting a gun in a position favorable for cleaning the gun. It is understood that guns may include mounting rails, such as a Picatinny-style rail or other similar mounting structures. The gun mounting kit includes a clamping unit that is sized and configured to clamp onto the mounting rail of the gun to secure the gun for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: John O. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8322069
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and/or controlling subterranean termites. A station at least partially receivable within a cavity has at least one opening therein to provide access by the termites to an interior volume of the station. The apparatus includes an aggregation base attractive to the termites and including at least one void for forming an aggregation site. The apparatus includes a replaceable container received within the interior volume of the station and positioned adjacent the aggregation base. The container has at least one opening in a surface thereof facing the aggregation base to permit the passage of termites from the aggregation base to an interior chamber of the container. The container is sized and shaped such that the container may be removed from the station with minimal disturbance to the aggregation base, thereby preserving any aggregation site formed by the termites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Cink, Jonathan D. Berger
  • Patent number: 8322070
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a mulching sheet which easy to biodegrade and can be produced at a low cost. A cotton waste sheet is prepared with randomly accumulated cotton waste and impurities selected from a group consisting of cottonseeds, stems, leaves and calyxes of cotton tree. Water is sprayed to the cotton waste sheet. Thereafter, the cotton waste sheet is passed between a pair of calender rolls each taking a form of a Japanese drum, while being heated, to press the cotton waste sheet in the thickness direction. The cotton waste is thereby closed, and the obtained mulching sheet has a high tensile strength. Furthermore, the impurities in the cotton waste sheet are crushed or flatted. The mulching sheet is a mixture of parts made of flatted impurities and parts made of cotton waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignees: Marusan Industrial Co., Ltd., Ehime Prefecture, Hideto Ueno
    Inventors: Hideto Ueno, Takanori Omori, Naohiro Fukuda, Fuminori Kanke
  • Patent number: 8322071
    Abstract: A plant securing apparatus is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention provide an elongated portion having multiple plant-securing loops attached to the elongated portion. The elongated portion is comprised of a flexible material, such as woven nylon. During use, the elongated portion is attached to a stake or post, and the plant-securing loops support a plant, such as a tomato vine. Another embodiment uses wire fasteners to secure the plant to the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Susan E. Spero
  • Patent number: 8322072
    Abstract: The different illustrative embodiments provide a method and system for watering plants. A map of an area is received and a determination is made using a processing unit as to whether the area needs water. If the area needs water, current constraints are identified and a determination is made using the processing system as to whether the current constraints allow for watering. If the current constraints allow for watering, a watering solution application plan is generated using the processing system, and the watering solution application plan is executed using a mobile utility vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 8322073
    Abstract: A rear sliding window assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes a fixed portion and a sliding portion and upper and lower track members disposed at a surface of first and second fixed glass portions. The sliding portion comprises a glass window panel and is laterally movable between the upper and lower track members relative to the fixed portion. The glass window panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position, and the glass window panel is disposed at the gap that is between the first and second fixed glass window portions when at its closed position. A glide member is longitudinally movable along the lower track member to facilitate movement of the glass window panel between its opened and closed positions. A sealing member is disposed between the fixed portion and the sliding portion at least when the glass window panel is at its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Lewno
  • Patent number: 8322074
    Abstract: A power unit 16 includes an armature 38 rotated always in unison with a cable drum 17 and movable in an axial direction of a drum shaft 25, a flange 39 always connected to a motor 28 side, and a magnetic coil portion 37 bringing the armature 38 into abutment against the flange 39. The armature is disposed adjacent to a side of the drum rim body 23 of the cable drum 17, the magnetic coil portion 37 is disposed on the other side of the armature 38, and the flange 39 is disposed between the magnetic coil portion 37 and the armature 38.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Act Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Kita, Naoki Hanaki, Ryoji Shimura
  • Patent number: 8322075
    Abstract: The present invention includes a sliding window assembly for a vehicle. The sliding window assembly comprises a first fixed panel configured for coupling with the vehicle and a second fixed panel configured for coupling with the vehicle. The second fixed panel is spaced from the first fixed panel to define an opening therebetween. A track is connected to the first fixed panel and to the second fixed panel and the track defines a U-shaped channel. The sliding window assembly also comprises a sliding panel disposed within the channel and moveable relative to the first and second fixed panels along the track for covering and uncovering the opening. The sliding window assembly further includes a channel seal having a finger contacting the sliding panel and a base extending from the finger and coupled to the track for sealing the channel from environmental elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: 8322076
    Abstract: An adjustable glide apparatus is for a sliding panel to slide along a track between open and closed positions. The adjustable glide apparatus comprises a housing defining a cavity with at least one receiver disposed within the cavity. An adjustment stem has an end that has a thread and is disposed within the cavity. A cam is coupled to the receiver for moving the receiver relative to the housing. The cam comprises a plurality of teeth for engaging the thread to rotate the cam as the adjustment stem is rotated thereby moving the receiver relative. A glide is coupled to the receiver and comprises a contact surface. The contact surface is adapted for sliding engagement with the track to slide the sliding panel between the open and the closed positions. A distance between the contact surface and the housing is adjusted as the receiver is moved by the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Quanex Building Products Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D. Isaacs, Jeffrey V. Sawyers
  • Patent number: 8322077
    Abstract: A door handle assembly includes a door handle that engages a bell crank to actuate a door release latch. A locking member moves relative to the bell crank, and shifts to a locked position wherein the locking member engages an engagement member to prevent rotation of the bell crank when the door handle assembly experiences an inertial force due to an impact or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kosta Papanikolaou, Venky Krishnan, Jeff Stokes, Cort Corwin
  • Patent number: 8322078
    Abstract: A door for a vehicle including a cast upper door frame having an upper halo portion including a central web. A glass run flange is connected to the central web by an intermediate connector. A door flange extends from the central web substantially orthogonally thereto. A stamped aluminum lower inner panel is operably connected to the cast upper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Brancaleone, Tracy Christopher Bakos, Todd William Dishman, James Joseph Franko
  • Patent number: 8322079
    Abstract: A sash window includes two window frames disposed in lateral juxtaposition and each including a head member, a sill member and a pair of jamb members connected together into a rectangular configuration, and a pair of upper and lower sashes supported within a respective one of the window frames. A sill nose facing member is mounted to exterior sides of the sill members and extends continuously from an outer end of one sill member to an outer end of the other sill member. Each window frame has miter joints at corners thereof so as to provide sufficient structural strength. The miter joints formed between the sill member and the jamb members are covered or concealed and do not deteriorate an aesthetic appearance of the sash window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: John Patrick Daniels, Jin Goto, Hiroyuki Sasaki, Akio Ozawa, Tsutomu Ito
  • Patent number: 8322080
    Abstract: A gate arm for a swing gate incorporates a release mechanism that releases the gate arm and therefore allows the gate to swing freely about its hinges when inwardly-directed pressure applied to the gate exceeds a threshold level. The gate arm also includes a spring-loaded pivot joint that applies pressure to the gate when the gate is operating normally and is in the closed position, and further works cooperatively with the release mechanism to prevent damage to the operator and gate arm when the gate is forced open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Michael T. Treihaft
  • Patent number: 8322081
    Abstract: A roof-mounted actuator of a gutter dumping assembly is actuatable to rotate a gutter from an initial, upright position to a downwardly-facing dumped position in order to dump debris from the gutter. The actuator is coupled to the gutter support by a flexible structure so that, after the actuator positively engages a support for the gutter and forces it to an over-center position, the gutter falls to a dumped position under only the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: RRTK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Desotell, Gerald D. Leisgang, William D. Leisgang
  • Patent number: 8322082
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gutter cover comprising a elongated member adapted to fit over an existing gutter having a plurality of perforations to permit water flow and prevent clogging of the gutter with debris. The gutter cover has two raised areas on its surface to create three channels for water flow. The gutter cover can be fastened to a gutter without fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Horst Neumann