Patents Examined by Charles Greenhut
  • Patent number: 7284942
    Abstract: A motorcycle dolly which rolls upon a flat surface on four lower wheels positioned in a set radius on the flat surface, the dolly including an upper surface adapted to securely receive a rear wheel of a motorcycle while remaining stationary as the rear wheel of the motorcycle is rolled onto the upper surface, the dolly rolling along the flat surface in an arc equal to the set radius, the radius being the equivalent of the distance between the flat surface contact point of a front wheel and the contact point of the rear wheel, wherein the front wheel of the motorcycle remains stationary upon the flat surface, while the rear wheel upon the upper surface of the dolly is pivotal rotated along the radius, sliding the rear of the motorcycle along the flat surface for movement to a stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Keith Allen
  • Patent number: 7258520
    Abstract: A system for opening a substrate carrier includes a substrate carrier having an openable portion. The substrate carrier also has an opening mechanism coupled to the openable portion. A substrate transfer location has a support adapted to support a substrate carrier. The substrate transfer location also has an actuator mechanism. The actuator mechanism is positioned relative to the support so as to interact with the opening mechanism of the substrate carrier. The actuator mechanism of the substrate transfer location and the opening mechanism of the substrate carrier are adapted to interface with each other at the substrate transfer location so as to employ movement of the substrate carrier to achieve opening and closing of the substrate carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin R. Elliott, Michael Robert Rice, Robert B. Lowrance, Jeffrey C. Hudgens, Eric Andrew Englhardt, Loy Randall Stuart
  • Patent number: 7255202
    Abstract: A forklift truck for mounting on the rear of a carrying vehicle comprises a u-shaped chassis having a crossbar and a pair of side bars mounted at the ends of the crossbar and projecting forwardly therefrom. A wheel is located adjacent the free end of each of the side bars and a steerable rear wheel is located centrally on the crossbar, a drivers station is positioned to one side of the chassis and a motive power unit is positioned on the opposite side of the chassis. The chassis mounts a vertical multi-lift mast having a plurality of mast sections, one of which carries a pair of forks. The fork-carrying mast section further comprises a freelift mast system having means to positively move the forks upwards relative the mast section and means to positively move the forks downwards relative the mast section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Moffett Research and Development Limited
    Inventor: Eric O′Keeffe
  • Patent number: 7249927
    Abstract: A storage rack connectable to a mounting structure of a vehicle for supporting a load, comprising a load supporting structure, a swing arm assembly, and a lift assembly. The load supporting structure is adapted to support the load when the load is associated with the load supporting structure. The swing arm assembly is connected to the load supporting structure, the swing arm assembly being attachable to the mounting structure of the vehicle. The lift assembly is associated with the load supporting structure for facilitating lifting of the load to the load supporting structure whereby the load can be supported by the load supporting structure and thus the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Tactical & Rescue Gear, Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald W. Wooten, Robert E. Reed, Jr., Robert F. Fisher
  • Patent number: 7246985
    Abstract: A transfer system for use with a tool for processing a work-piece at low or vacuum pressure such as an ion implanter for implanting silicon wafers. An enclosure defines a low pressure region for processing of work-pieces placed at a work-piece processing station within the low pressure region. A two tier multiple work-piece isolation load lock transfers work-pieces from a higher pressure region to the lower pressure for processing and back to said higher pressure subsequent to said processing. A first robot transfers work-pieces within the low pressure region from the load locks to a processing station within the low pressure region. Multiple other robots positioned outside the low pressure region transfers work-pieces to and from the two tier work-piece isolation load locks from a source of said work-pieces prior to processing and to a destination of said work-pieces after said processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Ferrara
  • Patent number: 7246984
    Abstract: A transferring apparatus transfers an article to be processed, which is carried by a carrier device, to a holder provided in a processing chamber defined by a processing vessel and adapted to hold the article at a specified processing position. The transferring apparatus includes a temporarily holding member, and transfers the article from the intermediate position to the processing position after receiving the article carried by the carrier device at an intermediate position distanced from the holder and temporarily holding it. The temporarily holding member is retracted to a position in the outside of the processing vessel after the article is transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho, Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Sarumaru, Hideshi Yamane, Katsumi Watanabe, Hiroyuki Ueno, Hideki Adachi, Eiji Fukatsu
  • Patent number: 7244090
    Abstract: A storage rack connectable to a mounting structure of a vehicle for supporting a load, comprising a load supporting structure, a bracket assembly, and a lift assembly. The load supporting structure is adapted to support the load when the load is associated with the load supporting structure. The bracket assembly is connected to the load supporting structure, the bracket assembly being attachable to the mounting structure. The lift assembly is associated with the load supporting structure for facilitating lifting of the load to the load supporting structure whereby the load can be supported by the load supporting structure and thus the vehicle when the bracket assembly connects the load supporting structure to the mounting structure of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Tactical & Rescue Gear, Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald W. Wooten, Robert E. Reed, Jr., Robert F. Fisher
  • Patent number: 7244089
    Abstract: A machine which travels on railroad rails includes a conveyor belt which transports metallic objects from a railway bed into a hopper. The conveyor belt revolves around a pair of rollers mounted on the framework of a conveyor belt assembly. One roller magnetically picks up the metallic objects and a hydraulic motor powers the other roller to drive the conveyor belt. The magnetized roller is mounted via two mounting bearings which slidably engage the assembly. An adjustment bolt on the assembly engages the mounting bearing to move the magnetized roller to adjust conveyor belt tension to facilitate replacement of the belt. A lift beside the assembly raises and lowers one end of the assembly which rotates about a pivot tube within the conveyor belt. The lift, pivot tube and hydraulic lines connected to the motor are all situated to allow the belt to be removed without interference therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sperling Railway Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred S. Sperling
  • Patent number: 7244086
    Abstract: A vacuum transport chamber has a transport robot arrangement. A processing arrangement has at least one processing station communicating by at least one workpiece pass-through opening with the vacuum transport chamber. A loadlock arrangement communicates by at least one workpiece pass-through opening with an atmosphere outside the vacuum transport chamber and the processing arrangement. One single loadlock and processing tower is formed by the processing arrangement and the loadlock arrangement being arranged vertically on upon the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: OC Oerlikon Balzers AG
    Inventors: Rainer Ostermann, Arthur Buechel, Mustapha Elyaakoubi
  • Patent number: 7217078
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted carrier for lifting and securing in an elevated position waste receptacles and other articles for transport. A housing including a pair of side plates, a rear plate and a bottom plate having apertures for mounting to a conventional trailer tow hitch assembly or to a vehicle bumper. A lever arm terminating at one end in a channel for receiving the article of transport and pivotally connected to the housing at the opposite end. A latch assembly is provided for securing the article of transport in an elevated position and for selectively releasing allowing the user to controllably lower and disengage the article of transport. The latch assembly includes a latch rod operably secured to a pair of springs secured to the lever arm and a pair of springs secured to the latch rod and to a lever handle. Lever arm stop element secured to the housing to limit the rotation of the lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Russell James Short
  • Patent number: 7207763
    Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing system and wafer holder for a semiconductor manufacturing system which prevents a semiconductor wafer from being exposed to a process reaction and which includes a reaction tube for providing a sealed process space and a dual boat and which prevents the backside deposition by the wafer holder. The wafer holder includes a holder body to hide the backside of the semiconductor wafer during a process in the reaction tube and a wafer lifter having a portion that can be disengaged from and coupled to the holder body so that a lower portion of the semiconductor wafer is supported by the dual boat and so that the semiconductor wafer can be lifted up from the wafer body when the semiconductor wafer is loaded and unloaded. A separation boundary between the holder body and the wafer lifter includes a gas inflow interception surface to hinder reaction gas from flowing through the separation boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Terasemicon Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Byung-Il Lee
  • Patent number: 7207764
    Abstract: A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub. The wheel lift system includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to one another, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the lower portion of the arms, and a first support and a second support extending from the arms respectively for supporting a wheel and tire. A bias member is preferably attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in elevating the wheel and tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Snook
  • Patent number: 7201552
    Abstract: A vehicle game lift adapted for releasable attachment to a trailer hitch mounted on a rear of a vehicle. The game lift is used for suspending a killed animal above a ground surface. The lift includes an inverted “L” shaped post having a vertical post member and a horizontal hoist arm. The hoist arm is attached to a upper portion of the vertical post member. One end of a trailer hitch tongue is adapted for attachment to a trailer hitch. An opposite end of the trailer hitch tongue is attached to a tongue collar. The tongue collar is received around a lower portion of the vertical post member. One end of a moveable horizontal suspension arm is attached to a sliding collar. The sliding collar is received around a portion of the vertical post member. An opposite end of the suspension arm is attached to a balance beam having a plurality of hooks thereon. The hooks are adapted for releasable attachment to the killed animal. A chain hoist is attached to the horizontal suspension arm and the horizontal hoist arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventors: Tony Angel, Roger Jensen
  • Patent number: 7179042
    Abstract: A foldable ramp for use with vehicles wherein the ramp has a base with an arch plate for eliminating the step up to the ramp surface and an arched bridge to eliminate the step from the top of the ramp to the bed of a vehicle. A foot at the end of the arched bridge is pivotable and allows the ramp to engage the vehicle bed with a flat portion for stably engaging the truck. An adjustable belt connected between the vehicle and the ramp secures the ramp to the vehicle and prevents slipping. The ramp is foldable along its length for ease of storage. The ramp may have one bi-fold ramp for a short wheelbase use or narrow need uses, a tri-fold ramp for wider wheelbase use or two separated bi-fold ramp sections for wide wheelbase uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lund International, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Hartmann, James F. Weiderman
  • Patent number: 7165928
    Abstract: Wrapped cotton bales transported from a cotton harvest area to a receiver at the gin are moved intact to a position generally above a receiver upstream of the ginning equipment. As the bales are supported and conveyed, knife or similar cutting structure severs a portion of the wrap allowing egress of the cotton from the wrap into the receiver. Wrap removal structure prevents the wrap from entering the ginning equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, the wrap is conveyed to a wrap processor after the cotton falls into the receiver. The bale handler can include transversely adjustable cantilever supports to tension wrap for efficient cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Virgil Dean Haverdink, Jesse Dru Haecker, Jason Daniel Wattonville
  • Patent number: 7156608
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hand truck having a tiltable platform for carrying heavy objects, which is safe to use and easily maneuverable, and requires the minimum amount of energy required for movement of heavy objects. The present invention provides a tiltable hand truck with minimal risk of injury and minimal risk of accidents for the operator while operating the present invention. The present invention provides a method for transporting a heavy load using a tiltable platform, which makes it easy for heavy objects to be transported with minimal effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Robert L. Henry
  • Patent number: 7153080
    Abstract: A trailer, having the capability of lowering its deck to the ground surface for ease of loading and unloading from the ground; raising its deck to a loading dock height for ease of loading and unloading from a loading dock or other elevated surface; and tilting its deck for dumping is disclosed. The deck is maintained in a transport position for travel. All the changes in position may be effected by a single actuator. Rollers, affixed to a rail affixed to the deck roll inside C-channels affixed to the frame arranged at a diagonal to the vertical when raising or lowering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Bruce E. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7153086
    Abstract: A turnover apparatus and method for inverting articles such as lumber or board pieces being conveyed sideways on two or more conveyor chain loops in which each article is advanced on the conveyor chain loops by speed up belts engaging the underside of the articles to force a leading side against a pair of lugs mounted on a respective conveyor chain loop, the article thereafter flipped up to an on edge position by flipper arms also mounted on the conveyor chain loops which each engage an adjustable cam ramp at a turnover station, the article thereafter tipped over backward by being driven by the speed belts against an elevated overhung trailing edge on the lugs to complete the turnover. Optional pivoted let down elements may be arranged to engage the trailing side of the articles to controllably lower the same by motion induced by a second cam ramp at the turnover station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventors: Richard W. Kauppila, Daniel L. Hintsala
  • Patent number: 7147423
    Abstract: In combination, a vehicle including a body having a floor and generally upright walls and a material ejection system for the vehicle including a generally flexible floor mounted adjacent to and generally covering the floor of the vehicle when in extended position. A flexible floor drive roller is rotatably mounted generally adjacent the rearward end of the vehicle and is connected to the flexible floor drive roller and a drive device such as an hydraulic cylinder is operatively connected to the flexible floor drive roller for rotating the flexible floor drive roller to wrap the flexible floor on the flexible floor drive roller. Finally, the operative connection between the drive means and the flexible floor drive roller includes at least one flexible member in tension which transfers torque to the flexible floor drive roller for rotating the flexible floor drive roller to wrap the flexible floor thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventors: Randy Golden, Fred P. Smith, Daniel Payne
  • Patent number: 7137770
    Abstract: A transporting apparatus is provided with a moving platform capable of moving vertically, an article loading platform that can be moved horizontally with respect to the moving platform, a contactless sensor provided on the moving platform, a detected member that is provided on the article loading platform, whose position can be altered between an position detected and a position not detected by the contactless sensor, and an operating member operatively linked to the detected member. The operating member can come into contact with an article loaded on the article loading platform, and changes the position of the detected member between the detected position and the non-detected position. Due to this configuration, it is possible to provide an article position sensor between the article loading platform and the moving platform without using wires, which are deteriorated due to the relative movement between the article loading platform and the moving platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Ueda