Patents Examined by Anthony Ojini
  • Patent number: 7604529
    Abstract: The polishing pad (104) is useful for polishing at least one of magnetic, optical and semiconductor substrates (112) in the presence of a polishing medium (120). The polishing pad (104) includes a three-dimensional network of interconnected unit cells (225). The interconnected unit cells (225) are reticulated for allowing fluid flow and removal of polishing debris. A plurality of polishing elements (208) form the three-dimensional network of interconnected unit cells (225). The polishing elements (208) have a mean height (214) to a mean width (222) ratio of at least 3. The polishing surface (200) formed from the plurality of polishing elements (208) remains consistent for multiple polishing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials CMP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 7513177
    Abstract: The invention relates to wire-stripping pliers with an automatic adaptation to various wire gauges and insulation thicknesses that has two pairs of pivotable jaws of which the jaws of the first, outer pair are configured as gripper jaws and are pivotable by means of a first jaw arm and a jaw part about a common point, and the jaws of the other, inner pair are configured as cutting jaws with blades that cut into the insulation, and with a pull rod attached to the cutter jaws and longitudinally moveable within the jaw body providing the stripping motion that is coupled with a second plier arm. At least one sliding wedge is mounted in a recess shaped to match the sliding wedge within the first plier arm or in the jaw part, whereby a first sliding wedge facing the cutting jaws is flat and a second sliding wedge resting in the recess is so shaped that the separation between both sliding wedges at a central area of the sliding wedge diminishes toward at least one of the two sliding wedge ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventors: Horst Hofmann, Edgar Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7503833
    Abstract: The polishing pad (104) is useful for polishing at least one of magnetic, optical and semiconductor substrates (112) in the presence of a polishing medium (120). The polishing pad (104) includes a three-dimensional network of interconnected unit cells (225). The interconnected unit cells (225) are reticulated for allowing fluid flow and removal of polishing debris. A plurality of polishing elements (208, 308 and 408) form the three-dimensional network of interconnected unit cells (225). The polishing elements (208, 308 and 408) have a first end connected to a first adjacent polishing element at a first junction (209, 309 and 409) and a second end connected to a second adjacent polishing element at a second junction (209, 309 and 409) and having a cross-sectional area (222, 322 and 422) that remains within 30% between the first and the second junctions (209, 309 and 409).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials CMP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 7490535
    Abstract: This invention is about a device used for installing a fixing nut on the targeted objects-multiple fixing screw axes protruded from the hub or for separating them from the targeted object or the fixing screw axis in order to fix vehicle's tire wheel to the hub when installing or separating a fixing nut from targeted objects. Based on the idle operation of the operating gear, not based on the visual examination, the invention immediately recognizes the complete installation of a fixing nut. Likewise, this invention is to provide a wrench that maximizes user convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Yong Su Ha
  • Patent number: 7473161
    Abstract: A lapping machine that polishes a head block in which plural head devices are connected in a row includes a jig that has a bottom surface that opposes to a grinding plane, and fixes the head block onto the bottom surface, a pressure mechanism that applies a pressure to the head block against the grinding plane, a detector that is connected to the head block and detects a grinding amount of the head block, and a dummy block fixed onto the bottom surface adjacent to the head block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kiyotaka Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7469695
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a single stone into a regular dodecahedral ornament or a regular icosahedral ornament, and the ornament manufactured according to the method are provided. The method enables the ornament to be manufactured at low costs with ease without using a complicated, numerically computer-controlled shaping machine. The geometric features determining the faces and ridges of a regular dodecahedron or a regular icosahedron are drawn as cutting base lines on each surface of a cubic workpiece. On a face formed by cutting based on the cutting base lines, new auxiliary cutting lines are sequentially drawn by marking. Then, based on these auxiliary cutting lines and the remaining cutting base lines, a possible cut face is determined, which is in turn cut using a cutting tool. The cutting base lines which are erased after each cutting are complemented by auxiliary cutting lines to find a new possible cut face, which is in turn cut in sequence, thereby manufacturing the regular polyhedral ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kensuke Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7467574
    Abstract: A versatile folding ratchet tool comprises a ratchet assembly having two driving ends; and two tool assemblies connected to the two driving ends of the ratchet assembly, respectively; wherein each said tool assembly comprises a rotational core having one side connected to and driven by the driving end of the ratchet assembly; and two tool arms, each having one end thereof pivotably connected to the rotational core so that the tool arm is able to pivot with respect to the rotational core between a parallel position and a perpendicular position; and having an opposite end thereof pivotally attached by at least one tool element capable of pivoting with respect to the tool arm between a folded position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Yuan-Ho Lin
  • Patent number: 7448941
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to test the abrasion resistance of materials. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a conduit network, a primary air stream generating device to generate a primary air stream in the conduit network, a secondary air stream generating device to produce a secondary air stream in the conduit network, and a particulate handling device to deposit particulate into the conduit network so that the particulate enters the secondary air stream. The conduit network merges the secondary air stream into the primary air stream to allow the particulate to enter the primary air stream, and allow the primary air stream to blow the particulate at a test sample positioned within the conduit network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Christopher P. Drew
  • Patent number: 7441298
    Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system to maneuver the robot, an edge cleaning head carried, and a controller. The controller is configured to monitor motor current associated with the edge cleaning head and to reverse bias the edge cleaning head motor in response to an elevated motor current, while continuing to maneuver the robot across the floor. In another aspect, an autonomous coverage robot includes a drive system, a bump sensor, and a proximity sensor. The drive system is configured to reduce a speed setting in response to a signal from the proximity sensor indicating detection of a potential obstacle in a forward direction, while continuing to advance the robot according to a heading setting. Furthermore, the drive system is configured to alter the heading setting in response to a signal received from the bump sensor indicating contact with an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Selma Svendsen, Daniel N. Ozick, Christopher M. Casey, Deepak Ramesh Kapoor, Tony L. Campbell, Chikyung Won, Christopher John Morse, Scott Thomas Burnett
  • Patent number: 7437790
    Abstract: A pool cleaning vacuum employing multiple power supply sources and associated method includes a body including first, second and third vertically juxtaposed chambers formed therein. The chambers share a wall with the second chamber wherein the third chamber is isolated therefrom. A motor assembly and a filter section are housed within the first chamber. The filter section is located downstream of the motor assembly, and has an open lateral face exposed to the aqueous environment. An anchor shaft is seated within the second chamber and extends through an entire longitudinal length of the body. A vacuum head is pivotally attached to the anchor shaft. The vacuum head includes a conduit in communication with the filter section, and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to opposed corners thereof. A mechanism transmits a predetermined quantity of power to the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Mike Ajello
  • Patent number: 7427227
    Abstract: In a fluid polishing method for processing a fine aperture by slurry 7, the slurry is supplied from a cylinder 2a in a slurry flow rate target process until the flow rate increases to a target value of a slurry feed flow rate. When the flow rate reaches the target flow-rate, the cylinder is stopped and switched to another cylinder 2b and the operation fluid flow rate of the fine aperture is thereafter measured. In a metering process, to be executed next, a necessary processing time is calculated on the basis of the operation fluid flow rate and polishing is carried out for a necessary processing time by another cylinder 2b. Another cylinder is then stopped and switched and the operation fluid flow rate is measured. In this way, the metering process is repeated until the operation fluid flow rate reaches a predetermined value. In each process, the supply of the slurry is not interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhito Ooka
  • Patent number: 7424839
    Abstract: A wrench has a body, a head and at least one pivotal device. The body has two arms separately formed on a distal end of the body and a mounting recess formed between the two arms. Each arm has a hole defined through the arm. The head is rotatably and replaceably mounted inside the mounting recess and has a driving hole defined through the head and two pivotal holes defined in the outer surface of the head and facing the holes in the body. The at least one pivotal device is movably mounted between the body and the head for holding the head. When the wrench is in use, the body may be rotated at various angles relative to the head, so that the wrench could be used in a limited space and is convenient in use. Furthermore, the head may be conveniently replaced depending on a user's needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Mu-Pei Chiang
  • Patent number: 7424837
    Abstract: A quick switch hand tool includes a base board, a plate, a shell, and a cover connected together. A driving shaft is rotatably disposed in the base board, the plate, the shell and the cover. A switch means is mounted on the base board and is provided for switching the direction of the driving shaft. A quick actuating member is disposed on the driving shaft and provides the effect of quick actuating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Zu-Shung Shu
  • Patent number: 7363838
    Abstract: A method and assembly for tightening a locking element in an orthopedic implant comprises a ratcheting mechanism that includes a shaft portion and a sleeve portion operatively connected over the shaft portion. The assembly further includes a first handle or wrench operatively connected to the shaft portion and a second handle or wrench operatively connected to the sleeve portion. The method comprises aligning the ratcheting mechanism over the orthopedic implant; operatively connecting the first wrench to the shaft portion; operatively connecting the second wrench to the sleeve portion; rotating the second wrench counter-clockwise to establish a position for leverage; holding the first wrench in a firm position; and rotating the second wrench clockwise while the first wrench is held in the firm position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Custom Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Mahmoud F. Abdelgany
  • Patent number: 7350517
    Abstract: A tile saw guide apparatus comprising a right-angle triangle shaped guide body and an attachment structure. The right-angle triangle shaped guide body includes a tile receiving space accessible through a first non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. A first tile engaging edge defining the tile receiving space extends substantially perpendicular to the first non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. A second tile engaging edge defining the tile receiving space extends substantially perpendicular to a second non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. The attachment structure is fixedly attached to the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. The attachment structure is configured for fixedly securing the guide body to a table of a tile saw and extends across the hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Pedro Perez
  • Patent number: 7347768
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to test the abrasion resistance of materials. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a conduit network, a primary air stream generating device to generate a primary air stream in the conduit network, a secondary air stream generating device to produce a secondary air stream in the conduit network, and a particulate handling device to deposit particulate into the conduit network so that the particulate enters the secondary air stream. The conduit network merges the secondary air stream into the primary air stream to allow the particulate to enter the primary air stream, and allow the primary air stream to blow the particulate at a test sample positioned within the conduit network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Christopher P. Drew
  • Patent number: 7344433
    Abstract: A cover plate system for making custom natural stone cover plates for electrical outlets, wall switches and other outlets and openings over which it is desired to place a natural stone cover plate. The natural stone cover plates are made from quarried stone, cultured stone, and natural rock materials such as terrazzo, marble, and granite preferably supplied by the homeowner, or end user, to a central factory, then manufactured, then shipped back to the end user to match other such material being used in the end user's building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7337697
    Abstract: A depth stop device for a screw driving tool includes an adjusting ring (30), a connection sleeve (22) for rotatably mounting the adjusting ring (30) on the nose member (6) of the screw driving tool housing (4), a substantially sleeve-shaped depth stop (36) displaceable in an axial direction relative the connection sleeve (22) by rotation of the adjusting ring (30), and at least partially elastic locking element (40) engageable in the axial direction with both the adjusting ring (30) and the connection sleeve (22), the locking element being also adapted to secure the adjusting ring (30) on the connection sleeve (22) in a rotational direction (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Bader, Matthias Keith
  • Patent number: 7322879
    Abstract: A device for the continuous reprofiling of the rails of railroads includes at least one abrasive rail reprofiling unit (2) guided along the railroad tracks and comprising at least one abrasive disk (3) that can be pressed against a rail (1). This device notably includes at least one abrasive-waste pickup (20) having at least one segment forming a collection port (21). This segment is placed in the immediate vicinity of at least one abrasive disk (3) and into the geometric axis (41) of the major waste jet (40) produced during operation of this abrasive disk (3). The segment (21) simultaneously cooperates with means for transporting the waste. Moreover, each waste pickup (20) includes elements for reflecting and absorbing the kinetic and thermal energy that allow the formation of agglomerations of matter on the pickup to be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Speno International S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Meroz
  • Patent number: 7314402
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ‘through-the-pad’ delivery of slurry polishing agents directly to the land areas of a polishing pad is disclosed. The present invention further provides for improved control of the chemical composition of the slurry to address loss of chemical reactivity of the slurry during the polishing cycle. Additionally, various groove modifications to the polishing surface of the pad are also disclosed for improved slurry retention over substantially the entire surface of the polishing pad and reduction of the slow band effect. The present invention thus provides for a higher degree of planarization and uniformity of material removed from the surface of a processed workpiece in order to eliminate, or otherwise reduce, small-scale roughness and large-scale topographic differentials as well as to reduce the Cost-of-Ownership associated with slurry costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: SpeedFam-IPEC Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Laursen, Guangying Zhang