Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLC
  • Medical fluid heater using radiant energy
    Patent number: 7153285
    Abstract: An in-line fluid heater for heating fluid, such as dialysis fluid for use in dialysis therapy is provided. The fluid heater is a dual heater having a primary infrared heater and a secondary plate heater. A controller is operatively connected to the infrared heater and to the plate heater and operates one or both of the infrared heater and the plate heater to maintain a temperature of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Brian Lauman, John Parish
  • Closed cartridge for preparing a beverage for extraction under pressure
    Patent number: 7153530
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed cartridge (10), for extraction under pressure, comprising a dish (12) with a bottom (13 ) with a central part and a peripheral part and a side wall having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone and a circular edge with a diameter greater at the bottom and a cover (15) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish and the cover is intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a fabric (16) guaranteeing retention of the solid substance when it is opened,in which the fabric guaranteeing retention of solid substance is a sheet of fabric sealed in the bottom of the dish in two zones, on the one hand in the central part (17) and on the other hand in the peripheral part (18) of the bottom (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Petr Masek, Alain Riesterer
  • Robot apparatus
    Patent number: 7155314
    Abstract: A robot apparatus is provided. A CPU 15 determines an output of a feeling model based on signals supplied from a touch sensor 20. The CPU 15 also deciphers whether or not an output value of the feeling model exceeds a pre-set threshold value. If the CPU finds that the output value exceeds the pre-set threshold value, it verifies whether or not there is any vacant area in a memory card 13. If the CPU finds that there is any vacant area in a memory card 13, it causes the picture data captured from the CCD video camera 11 to be stored in the vacant area in the memory card 13. At this time, the CPU 15 causes the time and date data and the feeling parameter in the memory card 13 in association with the picture data. The CPU 15 also re-arrays the picture data stored in the memory card 13 in the sequence of the decreasing magnitude of the feeling model output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kotaro Sabe, Masahiro Fujita
  • Robot apparatus
    Patent number: 7155310
    Abstract: A robot apparatus is provided. A CPU 15 determines an output of a feeling model based on signals supplied from a touch sensor 20. The CPU 15 also deciphers whether or not an output value of the feeling model exceeds a pre-set threshold value. If the CPU finds that the output value exceeds the pre-set threshold value, it verifies whether or not there is any vacant area in a memory card 13. If the CPU finds that there is any vacant area in a memory card 13, it causes the picture data captured from the CCD video camera 11 to be stored in the vacant area in the memory card 13. At this time, the CPU 15 causes the time and date data and the feeling parameter in the memory card 13 in association with the picture data. The CPU 15 also re-arrays the picture data stored in the memory card 13 in the sequence of the decreasing magnitude of the feeling model output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kotaro Sabe, Masahiro Fujita
  • Ionic conductor, process for production thereof, and electrochemical device
    Patent number: 7153608
    Abstract: An ionic conductor, such as a proton conductor, a process for production thereof, and an electrochemical device, such as fuel cell, that includes the ionic conductor is provided. The ionic conductor of the present invention is formed from a polymer in which carbon clusters having ion dissociating functional groups are bonded to each other through connecting groups which can also include one or more ion dissociating functional groups. In this regard, the polymer is less water-soluble and more chemically stable than a derivative composed solely of carbon clusters, thus displaying enhanced ionic conduction properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Koichiro Hinokuma, Bjoern Pietzak, Constance Gertrud Rost, Masafumi Ata, Yongming Li, Kazuaki Fukushima
  • Gaming device having related multi-game bonus scheme
    Patent number: 7153205
    Abstract: A gaming device and method having a multi-game bonus scheme. The gaming device includes a controller, a device for providing a plurality of bonus games related by a plurality of bonus picks and a display device adapted to exhibit at least the bonus games and the bonus picks. Preferably the bonus picks are used in each bonus game. The gaming device includes an advancement ladder exhibited by the display device, wherein the advancement ladder includes at least start, ready and go blocks which must be reached before the player is awarded bonus values. In one embodiment, the bonus game includes a plurality of selections including at an eliminator selection and at least three other selections. When the eliminator selection is picked, one of the other selections is eliminated, and the remaining selections are available to be picked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Method of transmitting data via a packet-oriented communications network
    Patent number: 7154882
    Abstract: In the present communications system, communications terminals are connected via at least one hub unit and an exchange to a packet-based communications network. A timeslot-oriented data format, which is formed from a periodic sequence of channel-specific information segments, is provided for data transmission between the exchange and the communications terminals. In this case, information segments which are intended for transmission of signaling information, and information segments which are intended for transmission of user data information are transmitted in separate data packets which are intended for data transmission via the packet-oriented communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Huenlich, Werner Stoeckl
  • Gaming device having a die or dice directly associated with the reels in the primary game
    Patent number: 7153207
    Abstract: A gaming device having a die or dice directly associated with the reels in the primary game. One embodiment includes a mechanical die shaker mounted directly adjacent to the reels of the gaming device. The die shaker includes a suitable container that houses at least one die. In one embodiment, the gaming device activates the mechanical die shaker to shake or actuate the die simultaneously with the spinning of the reels. If the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels, the player obtains an award associated with the position of the shaken die. In this embodiment, if the player does not obtain one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels, the player will not obtain any award based on the shaken die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Michael MacVittie
  • Mobile device
    Patent number: 7151488
    Abstract: A mobile device is provided. The mobile device provides simple connection with a mobile device unit, resistant to noise from the mobile device unit, and enabling a GPS function to be fully exhibited, wherein a first integrated circuit IC21 mounting a GPS receiver and GPS antenna and a second integrated circuit IC22 mounting a controller control circuit are housed in a controller unit, the controller unit is provided with a headphone jack and a music/speech terminal-GPS terminal to be connected to the mobile device unit, and the terminal is inserted into the mobile device unit to supply power source voltage from the mobile device unit side and enable the controller and GPS function to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Mikio Wakamori
  • Supplemental restraint for auto-rack railroad car restraint system
    Patent number: 7150592
    Abstract: A supplemental restraint for a primary vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which reduces or eliminates movement of the vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The supplemental restraint is adapted to be positioned on a grating between the tire of the vehicle and the primary restraint. One embodiment of the supplemental restraint includes a body and an expander connected to the body. After the primary restraint is locked in place on the grating, the expander of the supplemental restraint is expanded. The expansion causes a more secure engagement between the tire and the primary restraint. This causes a high level of engagement between the tire and the primary restraint system indirectly through the supplemental restraint. The supplemental restraint also maintains a higher contact area on the tire regardless of the position of the primary restraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: ZefTek, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach, Michael K. Burke
  • Robot apparatus
    Patent number: 7151983
    Abstract: A robot apparatus is provided. A CPU 15 determines an output of a feeling model based on signals supplied from a touch sensor 20. The CPU 15 also deciphers whether or not an output value of the feeling model exceeds a pre-set threshold value. If the CPU finds that the output value exceeds the pre-set threshold value, it verifies whether or not there is any vacant area in a memory card 13. If the CPU finds that there is any vacant area in a memory card 13, it causes the picture data captured from the CCD video camera 11 to be stored in the vacant area in the memory card 13. At this time, the CPU 15 causes the time and date data and the feeling parameter in the memory card 13 in association with the picture data. The CPU 15 also re-arrays the picture data stored in the memory card 13 in the sequence of the decreasing magnitude of the feeling model output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kotaro Sabe, Masahiro Fujita
  • Robot apparatus
    Patent number: 7151984
    Abstract: A robot apparatus is provided. A CPU 15 determines an output of a feeling model based on signals supplied from a touch sensor 20. The CPU 15 also deciphers whether or not an output value of the feeling model exceeds a pre-set threshold value. If the CPU finds that the output value exceeds the pre-set threshold value, it verifies whether or not there is any vacant area in a memory card 13. If the CPU finds that there is any vacant area in a memory card 13, it causes the picture data captured from the CCD video camera 11 to be stored in the vacant area in the memory card 13. At this time, the CPU 15 causes the time and date data and the feeling parameter in the memory card 13 in association with the picture data. The CPU 15 also re-arrays the picture data stored in the memory card 13 in the sequence of the decreasing magnitude of the feeling model output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kotaro Sabe, Masahiro Fujita
  • Radio communication device and printed board having at least one electronically conductive correction element
    Patent number: 7151955
    Abstract: The invention relates to a radio communication device having at least one additional, current-conducting correction element connected to a printed board in the device. The correction element and printed board are configured in such a manner that a targeted, virtual current path elongation is brought about for an electric current induced on the printed board by electromagnetic radio fields of the antenna while the defined longitudinal and traverse dimensions of the printed board remain substantially unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Huber, Thorsten Kowalski, Martin Oelschläger, Michael Schreiber, Martin Weinberger
  • Power supply system and operating method thereof
    Patent number: 7150930
    Abstract: A power supply system capable of obtaining a high output with a good startability even in an extremely low humidity atmosphere. The power supply system includes a hybrid structure of a humidified type fuel cell unit using as an electrolyte a humidified type proton conductor having a proton conductive function in a humidified state and a low-grade humidified type fuel cell unit using as an electrolyte a low-grade humidified type proton conductor developing a proton conductive function in a humidified state lower than the above-mentioned humidified state. At the time of initial start-up, at least the low-grade humidified type fuel cell unit is operated, and then only the humidified type fuel cell unit is operated. At the time of initial start-up, moisture generated in the low-grade humidified type fuel cell unit is supplied to the electrolyte of the humidified type fuel cell unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Tanaka
  • Information processing system, portable electronic device, access apparatus for the portable electronic device, and method of using memory space
    Patent number: 7150039
    Abstract: The invention provides an information processing system, a portable electronic device, an access apparatus for the portable electronic device, as well as a method of using a memory space. When applied to, for example, a system employing non-contact IC cards, the invention enables one IC card to be used for a plurality of business organizations in common. To this end, an access key is created based on issuer key information managed by a management sector and file key information specific to each business organization, and the created access key is signed to the business organization. A portable electronic device is then accessed using the access key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Kusakabe, Masayuki Takada, Masachika Sasaki
  • Robot apparatus
    Patent number: 7149603
    Abstract: A robot apparatus is provided. A CPU 15 determines an output of a feeling model based on signals supplied from a touch sensor 20. The CPU 15 also deciphers whether or not an output value of the feeling model exceeds a pre-set threshold value. If the CPU finds that the output value exceeds the pre-set threshold value, it verifies whether or not there is any vacant area in a memory card 13. If the CPU finds that there is any vacant area in a memory card 13, it causes the picture data captured from the CCD video camera 11 to be stored in the vacant area in the memory card 13. At this time, the CPU 15 causes the time and date data and the feeling parameter in the memory card 13 in association with the picture data. The CPU 15 also re-arrays the picture data stored in the memory card 13 in the sequence of the decreasing magnitude of the feeling model output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kotaro Sabe, Masahiro Fujita
  • Interchangeable mulching/discharge mowing deck
    Patent number: 7146791
    Abstract: A convertible mower deck having a mulching mode and a discharge mode. The deck is convertible from the mulching mode to the discharge mode by removal of an insert that extends along the rear of the cutting chamber walls of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Randy Edward Benway, Benjamin Jerry Swart, Michael P. Schemelin
  • Device mounting substrate and method of repairing defective device
    Patent number: 7148127
    Abstract: A method of repairing a defective one of devices mounted on substrate is provided. Devices are arrayed on a substrate and electrically connected to wiring lines connected to a drive circuit, to be thus mounted on the substrate. The devices mounted on the substrate are then subjected to an emission test. If a defective device is detected in this test, a repair device is mounted at a position corresponding to a position of the defective device. At this time, after wiring lines connected to the defective device are cut off, the repair device is electrically connected to portions of the wiring lines, the portions of the wiring lines being located at positions nearer to the drive circuit side than the cut-off positions of the wiring lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toyoharu Oohata, Toshiaki Iwafuchi, Hisashi Ohba
  • Dispensing device and method for rapidly heating and delivering a flowable product
    Patent number: 7147134
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a dispensing device for rapidly and efficiently heating/cooling a flowable food product whereby removable cassettes are provided for receiving a pouch containing food; the cassettes comprising pairs of opposed thermal conductive surfaces wherein the surfaces delimit together a limited spacing adapted to contact a pouch and means for applying heat to said at least pair of cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: J. Antonio Gutierrez, Balakrishna Reddy, Robert Greene
  • Disposable cup lid
    Patent number: D533778
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Prairie Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Hollis, Weston S. Koennecke, John R. Geer, III