Patents Examined by Tania C. Courson
  • Patent number: 7913410
    Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the overall length of a firearm is constructed with a rectangular base with a back plate affixed perpendicular to the base. One end of the base is fixed with a plate attached perpendicular to the base. The other side of the device has a movable plate that rides back and forth on a rail. Underneath the rail is a ruler which is used to read the overall length of the firearm. The design of the fixture will allow for repeatable measuring of firearms. Also, the sliding plate ensures the furthest point of the firearm is that being measured regardless of the angle at which the barrel is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Monturo
  • Patent number: 7913640
    Abstract: There is provided a moisture indicator for a heat and moisture exchange (HME) device that uses a pre-colorant and an activator applied to an inner surface of the HME device. The colorant undergoes a color change of Delta E (?E) of equal to or greater than 3 units upon exposure to moisture but not upon exposure to high humidity. The colorant is visually obvious to the unaided human eye under normal light conditions through the body of the device. The HME device with the visual indicator for moisture can indicate to the care-giver that it is time to change the HME device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Allison Salyer Bagwell, Molly K. Smith, Jeffrey E. Fish, Jason Lye, Brian J. Cuevas, Michael Sleva
  • Patent number: 7908763
    Abstract: A method for and apparatus for determining the loop size of a rodeo rope comprising determining a circumference C, determining a spoke S length, providing a chart having loop sizes corresponding to a range of circumference measurements and spoke measurements, and finding a loop size based upon the measured circumference and measured spoke. The loop size refers to a set of parameters that characterize the rope. The method can be implemented by a computer and associated software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Sandy H. Stephens
  • Patent number: 7900369
    Abstract: The invention relates to the simple and low-cost production of an electronic measuring tape (10) comprising an external housing (12) provided with a tape exit opening (14), a tape winding-up device (20), a tape (30) which is wound up in the tape winding-up device (20) and is withdrawable from the external housing (12) through the tape exit opening (14), wherein said tape is provided with first and second surfaces. A radiation source (50) is arranged between the tape exit opening (14) and the tape winding-up device (20) for sending a beam to the first surface of the tape (30). A detecting device (60) is placed at the side of the second surface of the tape (30) for receiving the beam and transmitting data representing the received radiation to an evaluation device (70) for determining, from these data, the length of the tape (30) extracted through the tape exit opening (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hoechstmass Balzer GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7891102
    Abstract: A nanowire magnetic sensor and position sensor for determining the position of a magnetic object and direction of magnetic field is disclosed herein. The magnetic compass includes a number of magnetic nanosensor printed on a flexible substrate, which covers 360-degree angle at equal intervals. Each magnetic nanosensor generally includes magneto-resistive nanowires with high magnetic sensitivity printed in sets e.g. of ten on the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate can also be bent to form a circular configuration to detect the azimuth direction of the magnetic field. The individual nanosensors can be connected into resistive Wheatstone bridge configurations by metalization. The magnetic nanosensors can be utilized as a position sensor of a magnetic object for position determination. Additional electronics can also be mounted or printed on the flexible substrate from other type of nanowires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Andrzej Peczalski
  • Patent number: 7891111
    Abstract: A goniometer including an arcuate rotor plate rotatable about an axis of motion spaced apart from the rotor plate for supporting a device and a base having an arcuate base plate The rotor is rotationally coupled to the base by shaft and a resilient shaft bearing mounting exerting a resilient force on the shaft to maintain a positive engagement between the roller and rotor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: George Edward Mauro
  • Patent number: 7891104
    Abstract: In a method and an engagement sensor device for engagement measurement for a machine tool for processing workpieces using tools or a laser the machine tool possesses a clamping device with a clamping face for clamping an object, in particular a tool or a workpiece and the engagement sensor device is provided for the measurement or engagement of a face of clamped object at the clamping face or any gap between the face of the clamped object and the clamping face. The sensor device comprises at least one engagement sensor, arranged to the side of the clamping face, with a measurement range aligned in the direction of the gap or of the clamping face for the detection of an electrical or magnetic stimulation field, such field extending between the face of clamped object and the clamping face and being able to be influenced by any gap, the measurement range extending essentially along the clamping face in accordance with a depth direction of any gap or parallel to the clamping face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Muellner
  • Patent number: 7886456
    Abstract: The invention concerns a measuring device for the simultaneous examination (testing) of lengths of at least essentially equal length sections (20) of a rod shaped profile material, whereby two opposite measuring sides (30, 40) can be positioned between at least two sections (20) in longitudinal direction (L) next to each other and can be positioned on an acceptance (10) in a specified bundle and a travel device (90) for at least one of the two measuring sides (30, 40) by which the distance between the two measuring sides can be reduced and is characterized by that at least one of the two measuring sides (30, 40) at a minimum shows one in longitudinal direction (L) aligned relative to a measuring side (30, 40) moveable measuring plunger (60) is shown and one section (20) after the reduction of the distance between the two measuring sides (30, 40) touches with one end exactly one of the measuring plungers (60) and with the other end touches the other measuring side (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Ulrich Rattunde
  • Patent number: 7877889
    Abstract: An anchor bolt positioning system is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, an anchor bolt holder is present and is configured for holding an anchor bolt. The anchor bolt holder may be selectively positioned along a first rail and may be selectively positioned along a second rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jack C. Griffin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7874078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle measuring apparatus for establishing baselines and dimensionally measuring a vehicle's upper and lower structure, without requiring the use of a fix mechanical grid mechanism. A method is presented which includes having a pre calibrated portable gauge (52) placed to a selected point on the vehicle with a squaring device (66) on gauge (52) positioned outwardly of the vehicle and having a light source (20) placed on or in proximity to the vehicle for projecting a plane of light (90 or 92) to align to squaring device (66). This alignment establishes a light beam baseline at a predetermined dimensional value with respect to the vehicle. Once the baseline is established measurements of the vehicle's upper or lower body may be determined by placing a portable gauge (52) relative to a point on the vehicle and using squaring device (66) to square the alignment of gauge (52) to the selected baseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventors: Mitchell C. Harrill, Elena Harrill
  • Patent number: 7861433
    Abstract: A railway car coupler head contour gauge includes a cylindrical portion configured to be rotatably coupled to a coupler head. A gauging blade is coupled to the cylindrical portion. The gauging blade includes a gauging contour that is configured to align with a contour face of a top pulling lug of the coupler head after operational use of the coupler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: McConway & Torley, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin S. Saeler
  • Patent number: 7849605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional measuring assembly for determining the relative position of components, such as machine parts and/or instruments. The invention also relates to a method for determining the relative position of components, such as more particularly machine parts, using a reference member according to any of the foregoing claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: IBS Precision Engineering B.V.
    Inventors: Henrikus Adrianus Maria Spaan, Ivo Widdershoven
  • Patent number: 7841291
    Abstract: A horn powered by a compressed air canister and/or battery pack, that emits sounds that are too high for humans to hear (ultrasonic) and/or too low for humans to hear (infrasonic), to act as a means for repelling animals that can hear these sounds (e.g., mammals, birds, reptiles, or insects), combined with a strobe light powered by the battery pack, that can temporarily blind animals. The canister may contain air or other gases. Ultrasonic and infrasonic sounds may alternate. There can be different sound patterns adapted to different species of animals. It may be hand-held and operated by push button or other means. It can also enable lost persons to send signals to rescuers. It may have a strap for carrying, that can be placed around a user's neck. Alternatively, it may have a clip that can be used to attach the device to a belt, back pack, bicycle, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Philip John Milanovich
  • Patent number: 7841102
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus for measuring a distance between a base surface and an upper surface of a stepped structure of a workpiece. The measurement apparatus includes a supporting member having an upper surface for supporting the workpiece, a holding member fixed on the top surface, and a micrometer. The holding member includes a reference platform and a depression formed on the reference platform and facing the upper surface. The micrometer is fixed to the holding member and includes an extendable measuring shaft with a contacting portion extending out of the reference platform. The distance is measured by pushing the workpiece into the depression until the base surface make contact with the reference platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shi-Xin Xiao, Chung-Yuan Chen, Long-Fong Chen
  • Patent number: 7832114
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for mounting variously configured medical imaging probes to a tracker assembly for imaging applications. In one aspect, a tracker assembly provides multiple degrees of freedom for positioning a probe relative to a patient and/or maintaining a probe in a desired location for imaging purposes. The tracker generates location information that may be utilized as frame of reference information for acquired images. In another aspect a holding device allows for interfacing/holding differently configured probes in a common orientation to a predetermined frame of reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Eigen, LLC
    Inventors: Jasjit S. Suri, Dinesh Kumar, Animesh Khemka
  • Patent number: 7818892
    Abstract: A duct traversal preparation apparatus that temporarily adheres to a surface to enable hands-free traversal is provided. The apparatus includes scales to accurately locate the positions of traverse holes and a template with a locking device to guide the drilling of the traverse holes. The apparatus also orients a measuring probe to coordinates for accurate and repeatable airflow measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Pius O Ileogben
  • Patent number: 7814671
    Abstract: A mobile bearing calculator having a geomagnetic sensor for detecting earth-magnetism and a control unit for calculating a geographical bearing based on detection values of the geomagnetic sensor. The control unit monitors for an event such as a change of operation of electronic parts mounted on the mobile bearing calculator and corrects the geographical bearing in accordance with the occurrence of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeo Okeya
  • Patent number: 7814857
    Abstract: A cable control apparatus comprises a carrier disposed on a loop of cable; one or more trigger points disposed on the loop of cable; a control mechanism to control movement of the loop of cable, the control mechanism comprising a plurality of sensors to sense the one or more trigger points, and a motor to impart movement to the loop of cable. The sensors are functionally connected to the motor, and the motor has at least two wheels about which the loop of cable is wrapped a plurality of times. A first sensor of the plurality of sensors stops the motor and reverses the direction of the cable to bring the carrier to a base location; a second sensor of the plurality of sensors stops the motor when the carrier reaches the base location; and a third sensor of the plurality of sensors restarts the motor. In one embodiment, the carrier takes the form of a predator for frightening animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Patrick Hally
  • Patent number: 7788821
    Abstract: A linear measuring arrangement for measuring a relative position of two objects. The linear measuring arrangement includes a unit having a housing and a scale in the housing and a scanning unit, which can be shifted relative to the unit in a measuring direction, wherein the scanning unit is arranged inside the housing and includes a heat-generating electrical component. The arrangement further includes a mounting piece, which is fastened to the scanning unit by a coupling, which is rigid in the measuring direction and resilient transversely thereto, and which extends to a mounting area arranged outside of the housing. The arrangement further includes a heat-conducting element, which is designed for transferring heat generated by the heat generating electrical component to the mounting piece and permits relative movements between the mounting piece and the scanning unit at least transversely to the measuring direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Affa, Johannes Haunreiter
  • Patent number: 7784422
    Abstract: A speed-indicating instrument for a motor vehicle provided with a cruise-control system comprises a dial (1) provided with a speed-indicating pointer (3) that co-operates with a graduated scale (5). Displayed in a position adjacent to the graduated scale (5) is an arc of light (6) terminating at one end (6a) that indicates on the graduated scale (5) the cruise-speed value set. Said arc of light is displayed using a first optical filter (7) and a second optical filter (8) superimposed on one another and backlighted, at least one of which being controlled in angular position about the centre (4) of the dial (1) as a function of the cruise speed set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Piermario Repetto, Stefano Bernard