Patents Examined by Tania C. Courson
  • Patent number: 7779554
    Abstract: The present invention provides a strip-like holding gripper which holds a semiconductor wafer when measuring a shape of the semiconductor wafer, wherein a side where the semiconductor wafer is held has a round shape, a groove which holds an edge of the semiconductor wafer along a side surface of the round shape portion is provided on the side surface, and the groove comes into contact with the edge of the semiconductor wafer from a periphery of the wafer to hold the semiconductor wafer. As a result, it is possible to provide the gripper, which can stably hold the wafer in a fixed state even if the gripper is inclined when holding the wafer, a holding method, and a shape measuring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignees: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd., Japan ADE. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Onishi, Koichi Kanaya
  • Patent number: 7779774
    Abstract: A vehicle may utilize a faceplate, such as a non-circular faceplate, as part of an indicating instrument, such as a speedometer, in a dashboard. The speedometer utilizes a laser to direct laser light onto or through indicia, adjacent a numerical scale, of the faceplate. A first motor mounted to a printed circuit board is used to rotate the laser in a first plane, and a second motor is used to rotate the laser in a second plane. The laser may reside in a housing having a slit or slot for the laser light to pass through to illuminate the faceplate indicia. The first motor is mounted between the printed circuit board and the second motor while a connecting post may be utilized between the first and second motors to position the laser closer to the faceplate indicia, depending upon spatial packaging requirements and the laser light of the laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Tianjin Liu
  • Patent number: 7770303
    Abstract: A marking template comprising a planar body portion having a central aperture, and a plurality of sets of apertures in the body portion, each set of apertures located a predetermined distance from the central aperture which enable rectangular patterns to be marked on a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventors: Kym Joanne Graham, Ann Margaret Duncan
  • Patent number: 7765712
    Abstract: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a caliper is configured to measure at least one physical dimension. The caliper has a display configured to present a first representation and a second representation of a measurement provided by the caliper. The format of the first representation is different from the format of the second representation, and the first representation is approximately simultaneously displayed with the second representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: American Radionic Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Stockman
  • Patent number: 7765702
    Abstract: An angle sensor includes two measuring pinions which rotate in the same direction in response to a drive pinion rotating. The measuring pinions have different absolute angular positions after rotating. The absolute angular position of the drive pinion is determinable from the absolute angular positions of the measuring pinions. A delta wheel between the measuring pinions has two coaxially arranged rings. One ring engages the second measuring pinion and the other ring engages the first measuring pinion such that the rings rotate relative to one another in the same direction in response to the measuring pinions rotating in the opposite direction. A spring connecting the rings together biases the rings to move in opposite directions toward one another after the rings have been rotated relative to one another in the same direction such that the rings respectively press the measuring pinions against the drive pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Schirp, Arnd Ruebenhagen, Oliver Maier
  • Patent number: 7762004
    Abstract: An inspection tool for a turbine bucket shroud includes: a clamp device for clamping a dovetail portion of a turbine bucket; a template plate provided with an aperture defined by a edge shaped to conform to a specified shape of the turbine bucket shroud, wherein the template is moveable to a location over the turbine bucket shroud in a direction toward the clamp device, and wherein, at the location, the aperture represents a design specification location for the turbine bucket shroud relative to the dovetail portion of the bucket. A measurement gauge is provided for measuring gaps between edges of the shroud and edges of the template aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Graham D. Sherlock, Paul L. Kalmar, Christopher E. Thompson, Benjamin E. Baker, Todd Moran
  • Patent number: 7752770
    Abstract: Tool for measuring of the diameter of a body with circular cross section, where two arms (1) are provided in a fixed angle to another, in that a distance sensor device (2) is provided axially between the two arms (1), in that the distance sensor device (2) is adapted to register a contact point for the distance sensor device (2) against the body with respect to the contact points of the arms against the body, and that a viewing device (3) is adapted to calculate and show the diameter of the circle on the basis of the three contact points on the circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Odd Viggo Mølmann
  • Patent number: 7752767
    Abstract: The invention is a bicycle rider fitting machine. It is used for finding optimal position of the rider on future bicycle/frame, based on parameters obtained during the workouts. Based on workout results like heart rate, power, speed, cadence, etc., what can be measured by integrated or independent electronic measuring devices, someone can compare those results and conclude the best possible positions of saddle and handlebars for particular rider. It is an apparatus that can simulate almost any position of the bicycle saddle and handlebar assembly with the reference to the Bottom Bracket centre (FIG. 1-4) as a starting 0/0 position. The saddle (FIG. 1-1) and handle bar assembly (FIG. 1-2) can be moved independently with respect to the bottom bracket. The obtained position of the saddle and handlebar position can be easily recorded for future adjustments of the machine, by means of Horizontal (X) Scales (FIG. 1-3) on the Seat Slider (FIG. 1-5) and Handlebar Slider (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Veselin Mandaric
  • Patent number: 7752991
    Abstract: The invention relates to a visual warning device adapted to extend between a first cargo-carrying unit and a second cargo-carrying unit. The visual warning device includes a first mounting adapted to attach to the first cargo-carrying unit, a second mounting adapted to attach to a second cargo-carrying unit, and a conspicuous, elongate belt that engages the first and second mountings. The invention also relates to a method for providing a visual indicator of a region between a dump truck and a pull trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: James D Graves
  • Patent number: 7752993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for a gauge for indicating a pressure of a fluid, including a gauge having a face where the face has a first plurality of graduation marks, each for indicating a pressure in an ascending direction. The face also has a second plurality of graduation marks, each for indicating a pressure in a descending direction. In addition, the gauge includes a sensor magnet for detecting the pressure of the fluid, a pointer magnet coupled to a pointer and in communication with the sensor magnet for moving the pointer in correspondence with a movement of the sensor magnet, and wherein the pointer traverses across both the first and second pluralities of graduation marks for indicating the pressure of the fluid in either an ascending direction or descending direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph B. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7748128
    Abstract: An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at a 45* angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called a spirit level. A box level including an elongate body, plumb and level vials, and spaced handholds having outer edges together defining first and second parallel application planes beyond first and second face planes of the elongate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Ross Martin
  • Patent number: 7743726
    Abstract: An indication instrument with improved illumination efficiency. The indication instrument has an indication panel (100), an indication plate (200) on which index parts (201) are disposed along the outer periphery of the indication panel (100), a pointer (11) for indicating the index parts (201), a drive source (7) for driving the pointer (11), and an indication plate light source (light source) (700) for illuminating the indication plate (200). The pointer (11) is routed around the rear of the indication panel (100) to reach the front of the indication plate (200). The indication instrument further comprises a frame (300) for joining to each other the indication panel (100), the indication plate (200), and the light source (700). An illumination chamber (R1) for guiding the light of the light source (700) to the indication plate (200) is formed in the frame (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7743725
    Abstract: Variously configured brackets, for displaying a flag and mountable to or integrally formed with a support member such as a helmet, are disclosed. One bracket includes an elongated cantilevered mast and a retention lip, the beam angled upwardly from the bracket and adapted to receive a sleeve formed along one edge of the flag inserted thereover and having a deflectable free end that is forced downwardly into captivated relation with the lip. Other brackets have a chamber and passage arrangement, respectively, for mounting a pole provided along one edge of the flag and passing the flag through the bracket. In one, the pole is parallel with and moved into a chamber at the rearward side of the bracket and the flag passed through a passage. In another, a chamber extends between the opposite lateral sides, the chamber and pole are coaxially aligned, the pole is inserted into the chamber, and the flag passed through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. Kengerski
  • Patent number: 7735445
    Abstract: A deployable marker banner structure and system including (a) an elongate, rollable/unrollable fabric body having opposite ends, a long axis, and opposite faces, (b) shape-forming biasing structure operatively connected to the body, applying shape-forming biasing forces thereto at plural, spaced locations distributed along the body's long axis in a manner whereby, with the body unrolled, the biasing structure produces complex, alternating, longitudinally distributed convex and concave topography portions in the body's faces, with at least one each of such convex and concave topography portions disposed in each face of the body, and with each convex topography portion in one face of the body corresponding, and being complementary, to a companion concave topography portion located directly in the opposite face of the body, and (c) facial visibility-enhancing structure operatively present at least on the convex topography portions in the body's faces, urged by the mentioned topography portions into complex conve
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: High Impact Technology LLC
    Inventors: Russell A. Monk, Chad Jeremy Knowles, Albert M. Baker
  • Patent number: 7735231
    Abstract: This Chalk Line End Fastener, is a hook similar in size to the conventional hooks but is cylindrical and narrower, coming to a sharp point. This pointed hook can still be used in the prior art manner, but more effectively can be pushed into most surfaces without the use of additional tools, fasteners, or a helper to hold the end of the line securely in place. The design of the front of the body of this invention allows for maximization of surface area, which eases any pressure on the user's fingers as they push the point into a material to secure the chalk line. The rear of the body is designed to allow the user to lift straight up on the chalk line and easily disengage the point. There is also a lip at the back of the body which allows the user to pry the point straight out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: David M Schardt
  • Patent number: 7730847
    Abstract: A personal gas flow indicator is disclosed in which a flow indicator is interposed between the proximal end of a gas delivery cannula that conducts breathing-gas from a breathing-gas source to an airway interface device (AID) for introducing the breathing-gas into the airway of an patient. By having the gas flow indicator positioned at the proximal end of the gas delivery cannula, the patient or some other person in visual contact with the patient can easily determine whether or not breathing-gas is flowing through the gas delivery cannula. The flow indicator is sufficiently lightweight that it can be worn by the patient. It is both disposable and portable and can be easily retrofit into existing-gas delivery systems. The flow indicator can be incorporated into an AID, into a gas delivery cannula, or it can be easily retrofit into one-piece gas delivery cannulas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Iris H. Redd, John L. Redd
  • Patent number: 7721672
    Abstract: An electrically illuminating indicator needle and a light guiding member therefor that allow such a control as length of the needle can be varied while undergoing less unevenness in luminance and can be manufactured at a lower cost are provided. The electrically illuminating indicator needle comprises a plurality of planes of incidence, a plurality of light reflecting surfaces disposed to correspond to the planes of incidence so as to reflect light coming from the planes of incidence, a light guiding member disposed to correspond to the light reflecting surfaces so as to cause the light reflected on the light reflecting surfaces to emerge, and a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed to oppose the planes of incidence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Nichia Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Nakano, Hitoshi Nojiri, Ryosuke Wakaki
  • Patent number: 7721459
    Abstract: There is a hot stick with measuring calipers. The hot stick has a hot stick stock and a hot stick driving bar. Movement of the hot stick driving bar controls the movement of fixed and movable jaw portions of internal and external caliper measurement jaws. In operation a dimension measuring element displays a distance between the fixed and movable jaw portions of the internal and external caliper measuring jaws. A hand grip allows an operator to move the hot stick driving bar relative to the hot stick driving bar. The hot stick stock and the hot stick driving bar both at least partially made of a dielectric material to allow measurements of at least one component of electrical power transmission equipment. The measurements may then be used to modify the electrical power transmission equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Cantega Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Martin S. Niles
  • Patent number: 7712431
    Abstract: Washers partially coated with a thermochromic material are incorporated into bolted electrical connections to monitor or record temperature changes undergone by the electrical connections as indications of the performance or integrity of the electrical connections. For monitoring ongoing performance, the color changes undergone by the thermochromic coated washers can be compared to each other within a common field of view or to a common datum, such as a nearby thermochromic coated washer mounted in a bolted non-electrical connection. Irreversible thermochromic materials can be used to record elevated temperature events such as approaching or reaching a design temperature limit or a fault condition. Different thermochromic materials can be combined within the same washers to monitor different ranges of temperature or to record multiple threshold events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Richard M. Roche
  • Patent number: 7698829
    Abstract: A device for determining a measureable variable on a measurement object has a baseplate mounted on a plurality of machine feet. A measuring head is arranged on a frame structure. The frame structure can be moved on the baseplate. A workpiece table can be placed over the baseplate in order to support the measurement object. The machine feet may project upward from the baseplate in order to hold the workpiece table with a reduced deformation of the baseplate regardless of the workpiece weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Hariolf Lutz