Patents Represented by Attorney Steptoe & Johnson LLP

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  • Method and device for predicting electrolytic capacitor defects, converter and uninterruptible power supply equipped with such a device
    Patent number: 8090548
    Abstract: A method and device for predicting defects of a capacitor, the method including determining the ripple voltage (Udc), the temperature (TP), and the current (Ic) of the capacitor, determining the value of an equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the capacitor, and the capacitance value (C) of the capacitor using a digital filter, determining information representative of the state of aging of the capacitor according to the temperature of the capacitor, and displaying that information and information representative of the value of the capacitance (C) and/or information representative of a cause associated with the state of aging according to the capacitance value. The device may include a converter and an uninterruptible power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: MGE UPS Systems
    Inventors: Karim Abdennadher, Christophe Rosset, Gérard Rojat, Pascal Venet
  • High-voltage solid-state switch
    Patent number: 8089303
    Abstract: A solid-state switch according to the invention is designed to be connected in series with a load. The switch comprises at least two electric switching means connected in parallel, measuring means designed to measure an electric voltage at the terminals of the electric switching means and a main current flowing in the load, and control means delivering a control signal to act on opening and closing according to the value of the main current. The state of conduction of the first electric switching means depends at the same time on the main current flowing in the load, on a control current, on a control voltage delivered by the control means, and on the gain of the first electric switching means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Crouzet Automatismes
    Inventors: Dominique Girot, Hervé Carton
  • Semiconductor device
    Patent number: 8084859
    Abstract: In a wafer level CSP package, with respect to signal wiring 9b disposed in a signal wiring disposition forbidden region 16 in the vicinity of external output terminals disposed in a package outer peripheral portion, since a stress generated at signal wiring 9 can be dispersed by disposing dummy wiring 9a around the signal wiring 9b or by expanding the width of the signal wiring itself, occurrences of cracks in a surface protective film can be readily suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Michinari Tetani, Minoru Fujisaku
  • Foldable stroller
    Patent number: 8083240
    Abstract: A stroller (1), movable between an open position wherein the stroller can be locked and a folded position, comprising: front wheels (6) and rear wheels (5); a generally planar base frame (2) extending substantially between said front and rear wheels; two push bars (3) pivotally connected to the base frame by a front hinge (4) substantially located near the front wheels, which push bars extend substantially upwards and backwards in the open position; wherein the axis of the front hinge extends substantially in the plane of the base frame and substantially intersects the central axes of the push bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Nuna International B.V.
    Inventors: Imre Peter Jacobs, Martijn Hans Van Gelderen, Therese Johansson
  • Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO) to nitric oxide (NO)
    Patent number: 8083997
    Abstract: Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. A nitric oxide delivery system that converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Geno LLC
    Inventors: David R. Rounbehler, David H. Fine
  • Safety device for electrical distribution boards
    Patent number: 8084895
    Abstract: A shock prevention device for an electrical distribution board having at least one incoming terminal and one or more bus conductors for distributing electrical power from the incoming terminal to a plurality of outgoing conductor terminals projecting from a housing of the distribution board, the shock prevention device comprising an insulating body adapted to receive and shroud at least one conductor terminal; a moveable element moveable relative to the body so as to place the device in one of a first configuration in which the device can be fitted to or removed from the distribution board so as to cover the exposed terminal and a second configuration in which the device is braced between the conductor terminal and part of the distribution board housing, whereby removal of the device is prevented; and means for locking the moveable element in the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: James David Allen, Andrew Purdie Baker
  • Brushless motor including thrust cover for holding thrust plate
    Patent number: 8084906
    Abstract: A brushless motor is provided which has excellent anti-impact properties and is easily assembled even if the brushless motor is reduced in size. A stator (2) includes a bearing (5) for holding a rotating shaft (3), a bearing housing (6) in which the bearing (5) is placed vertically relative to the stator base (1), a thrust plate (7) for receiving one end of the rotating shaft (3) in a thrust direction, a metal thrust cover (8) for holding the thrust plate (7), a metal installation member (25) including an annular section (25a) which is superposed over a base (6b) of the bearing housing (6) and projecting pin sections (25b) which project from the annular section (25a) to the outer periphery of the thrust cover (8). The projecting pin sections (25b) of the installation member (25) have projection sections welded to the thrust cover (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Minebea Motor Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Masahito Hidaka, Kinjirou Okinaga, Koji Kuyama
  • Muscle-back, with insert, iron type golf club head
    Patent number: 8083610
    Abstract: A muscle-back iron golf club head includes a blade-like upper mass, a muscle-like lower mass, a planar front surface, a top surface, a sole surface, a heel surface, a toe surface, and a rear surface having a first contour. A recess is in the rear surface, the recess having a first portion in the blade-like upper mass and a second portion in the muscle-like lower mass. An insert may be provided in the recess, and such insert may substantially fill the recess and may include a back surface having a second contour which is different from the first contour of the club head rear surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Douglas E. Roberts, Trent E. Garner, Kevin A. Wolfe, Daniel J. Stone, Christopher J. Beck, Todd D. Harman, Brent L. Newsome, Michael J. Wallans, Nathaniel J. Radcliffe
  • Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
    Patent number: 8084352
    Abstract: A high-density N-type diffusion layer 116 formed in a separation area 115 makes it possible to reduce a collector current flowing through a parasitic NPN transistor 102. Thus, a normal CMOS process can be used to provide a driving circuit and a data line driver which make it possible to improve resistance to possible noise occurring between adjacent terminals, while controlling a chip size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Harada, Junichi Shibata, Akira Ueki
  • Probe device having first and second probe pins
    Patent number: 8085057
    Abstract: A probe device includes a probe body having a plurality of first holes extending through a first face thereof and a plurality of second holes aligned with the first holes and extending through an opposite second face thereof, a plurality of spaced-apart first probe pins inserted fittingly and removably into respective first holes and each including a first contact portion extending out of the first face, and a first connecting portion extending into the respective first hole, and a plurality of spaced-apart second probe pins inserted fittingly and removably into respective second holes and each including a second contact portion extending out of the second face, and a second connecting portion extending into the respective second hole and having an insert space. The first connecting portion is inserted fittingly and removably into the insert space, and mates with the second connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Chun-Chieh Wu
  • Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear nose and throat
    Patent number: 8080000
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Makower, John Y. Chang, Ketan P. Muni, John H. Morriss, Hung V. Ha, Isaac J. Kim, Julia D. Vrany
  • Mounting structure and mounting method
    Patent number: 8080884
    Abstract: A mounting structure of the present invention includes a semiconductor element 101, a circuit board 301 having electrodes 302 opposed to electrodes 102 of the semiconductor element 101, and conductive two-layer bumps 213. Second bumps 210 joined to the electrodes 302 of the circuit board 301 are formed larger than first bumps 209 joined to the electrodes 102 of the semiconductor element 101. The axis of the first bump 209 and the axis of the second bump 210 are not aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kojiro Nakamura, Yoshihiro Tomura, Kentaro Kumazawa
  • Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 8080855
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a protective seal S1 for protecting a transparent member 11 is composed of an organic base 16, adhesive layers 17, and a second adhesive layer 18 having low adhesion. The adhesive layers 17 are provided only on edges corresponding, on the organic base 16, to sides 11b of the transparent member and the second adhesive layer 18 is provided on a portion corresponding, on the organic base 16, to a surface 11a of the transparent member. The organic base 16 is fixed to the sides 11b and the surface 11a of the transparent member 11 with the adhesive layers 17 and 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsumasa Maruo, Masanori Minamio, Satoru Waga, Tetsushi Nishio
  • Blue light emitting semiconductor nanocrystal materials
    Patent number: 8080437
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal includes a core including a first semiconductor material and an overcoating including a second semiconductor material. A monodisperse population of the nanocrystals emits blue light over a narrow range of wavelengths with a high quantum efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Steckel, John P. Zimmer, Seth Coe-Sullivan, Nathan E. Stott, Vladimir Bulović, Moungi G. Bawendi
  • Wireless headset switching system
    Patent number: 8082010
    Abstract: Switching signals between a mobile communications device and a wireless headset can include setting a switch in a first position; connecting, through the switch, signals received from a mobile communications device to a wireless adapter for transmission to a wireless headset; and repositioning the switch, in response to input, to a second position, wherein signals received by the wireless adapter from the wireless headset are connected through the switch to the mobile communications device. Further, signals can be transmitted from the wireless adapter to the wireless headset using a short-range radio frequency protocol. Additionally, the input in response to which the switch is repositioned can be received from a hand-held trigger switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Stealthwear
    Inventor: Steve Crestol
  • Golf club head with improved mass distribution
    Patent number: 8075419
    Abstract: A golf club head having a striking wall having a front surface, and a rear surface, a top surface, and a sole portion extending rearwardly from the rear surface, the sole portion having a forward end, a rearward end, an upper surface and a lower surface. The intersection of the upper surface and the rear surface defines an interior sole line. The intersection of the upper surface and the rearward end defines a trailing edge. A region on the upper surface includes variation of the height of the trailing edge or exterior sole line relative to the height of the interior sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventor: Jesse D. Sukman
  • System and method for balancing information loads
    Patent number: 8079033
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for routing data in a system. The method includes determining an initial fixed distribution pattern, determining a queue parameter based on at least a current amount of system use and a maximum potential system use, determining a time parameter based on the time that a message in the application has been waiting for its processing, determining a load parameter based on at least the time parameter and the queue parameter, and modifying the distribution pattern based on at least the load parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Amadeus SAS
    Inventors: Jerome Daniel, Cyril Deguet
  • Electronic element package and method of manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 8077447
    Abstract: An electronic element package includes a plate-like sensor substrate with a detector formed thereon, and a plate-like first cover substrate and a plate-like second cover substrate joined directly or indirectly to a top surface and a bottom surface, respectively, of the sensor substrate so that the sensor substrate is located between the first and second cover substrates, the sensor substrate including, a frame surrounding the detector via a space, beams joining the detector to the frame, and an electrode disposed on the frame and electrically connected to the detector, one of the first cover substrate and the second cover substrate having a through-hole which contacts an electrode. The electronic element package enables a reduction in thickness and offers improved reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazushi Higashi, Shinji Ishitani
  • Gaming device having one or more shared award-modifier reels
    Patent number: 8075389
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels that enhance any winning outcome in a reel spinning game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Nathanial A. Hammond, Dominic Tiberio, Michael Shackelford
  • plant named Zanmufay
    Patent number: PP22336
    Abstract: A chrysanthemum plant named ‘Zanmufay’ characterized by its medium sized blooms with bronze ray florets and prolific branching; natural season flower date October 12-16; blooming for a period of 4 weeks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysanthemum Breeders Association Research B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Bernardus Blom