Patents Issued in January 2, 2007
  • Patent number: 7157608
    Abstract: In the production of allyl ethers of polyol by reacting a straight-chain polyol compound with an allyl halide in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide, wherein the straight-chain polyol compound has carbon atoms each having one hydroxyl group, the reaction between the straight-chain polyol compound and the allyl halide is proceeded in the presence of water having the amount dissolving the straight-chain polyol compound at a reaction temperature, then 14% by mol, based on total molar amount of a hydroxyl group contained in the straight-chain polyol compound, of the allyl halide is added to a reaction system before at least part of water is released out of the reaction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Daiso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasumi Shimizu, Kaoru Nakao, Tohru Matsutomi
  • Patent number: 7157609
    Abstract: A process of producing propylene chlorohydrin using a reactor having a one-way flow reaction area and a circulating flow reaction area which are connected in series. In this process, a propylene-containing gas is supplied to an aqueous solution of chlorine in the one-way flow reaction area to carry out at least part of a propylene chlorohydrin forming reaction so as to form a reaction mixture fluid containing propylene chlorohydrin and propylene and/or chlorine. The above reaction mixture fluid discharged from this reaction area is supplied to the circulating flow reaction area as at least part of a make-up medium, a propylene-containing gas and/or chlorine are/is supplied as required to continue the reaction in the circulating flow reaction area so as to obtain a reaction solution having a desired content of propylene chlorohydrin, and part of the reaction solution is extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Tokuyama Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Tanaka, Yoji Mizushima, Yoshikazu Kodama, Tomoaki Fujii, Manabu Kamamoto, Koujiro Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7157610
    Abstract: A process for recovering methanol from mixtures containing methanol and water, comprising multistage evaporation with heat integration, wherein the pressure is reduced from each stage to the next, and a downstream series of distillation stages with heat integration, wherein the pressure is increased from each stage to the next. The process reduces the amount of energy required for methanol recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignees: Degussa AG, Uhde GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Hofen, Thomas Haas, Bärbel Kolbe
  • Patent number: 7157611
    Abstract: A method for marking a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon. The method comprises adding to the liquid petroleum hydrocarbon a pyrazinoporphyrazine dye having an absorption maximum from 700 nm to 900 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Rajiv Manohar Banavali, Kim Sang Ho
  • Patent number: 7157612
    Abstract: A process is provided to stabilize and/or reactivate an olefin production catalyst system which comprises contacting an olefin production catalyst system, either before or after use, with an aromatic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Warren M. Ewert, William M. Woodard, Harvey D. Hensley, Mark E. Lashier, Glyndal D. Cowan, Jeffrey W. Freeman, Ralph V. Franklin, Ronald D. Knudsen, Richard L. Anderson, Lyle R. Kallenbach, Bruce E. Kreischer
  • Patent number: 7157613
    Abstract: A process for producing branched olefins from a mixed linear olefin/paraffin isomerisation feed comprising linear olefins having at least 7 carbon atoms in 5–50% w comprising in a first stage skeletally isomerising linear olefins in the isomerisation feed and in a second stage separating branched and linear molecules wherein branched molecules are substantially olefinic and linear molecules are olefinic and/or paraffinic; novel stages and combinations thereof; apparatus therefor; use of catalysts and the like therein; and use of branched olefins obtained thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Peter Arnoldy
  • Patent number: 7157614
    Abstract: A treatment device having an antimicrobial sheet material operably connected to an appliance. The antimicrobial material includes a first layer of polymeric material such as a gel composition containing a block copolymer and mineral oil, and a second layer that contains a bactericidal metal such as silver. The appliance retains the antimicrobial material in a selected position in the user's mouth, nose, or other body cavity; it may assume a variety of configurations depending on position and extent of the treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Fountainhead, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Robert O. Becker, John Scofield
  • Patent number: 7157615
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the recombinant production of biofilaments, such as spider silk or insect fibroins, using transgenic animals which secrete the biofilaments in their milk and/or urine, and transgenic cells which secrete the biofilaments into culture media. Such a method is useful for producing large quantities of biofilament material. Also disclosed is a nucleic acid molecule for generating such transgenic animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Nexia Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Costas N. Karatzas, Jeffrey D. Turner, Anthoula Lazaris-Karatzas
  • Patent number: 7157616
    Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that certain variants of ?-casein may induce Type-1 diabetes in susceptible individuals while other variants do not. The invention consists of the selection of non-diabetogenic milk producing cows and recovering and processing their milk and milk products. Another aspect of the invention is selectively breeding cows which produce the non-diabetogenic milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Robert B Elliott, Jeremy P Hill
  • Patent number: 7157617
    Abstract: Methods of producing pesticidal cotton cells, cotton plants and seeds by transformation with heterologous pesticidal lectin encoding nucleic acid sequences are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Mycogen Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Yenofsky, Miriam Fine, Thirumale S. Rangan, David M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7157618
    Abstract: A method for conferring resistance to a plant virus to plants by introducing into the plant a polynucleotide encoding a protein capable of binding to a movement protein of the plant virus is provided. Also provided are transgenic plants having resistance to a plant virus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
    Inventors: Masamichi Nishiguchi, Hiroshi Nyunoya, Yasuhiko Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7157619
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase-like polypeptides (LCAT) and acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferases-like polypeptides (ACAT). The invention provides polynucleotides encoding such cholesterol:acyltansferases-like polypeptides, polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides, and the use of such polynucleotides to alter sterol composition and oil production in plants and host cells. Also provided are oils produced by the plants and host cells containing the polynucleotides and food products, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceutical composition containing plants or oils of the present invention. The polynucleotides of the present invention include those derived from plant sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Lassner, Alison Van Eenennaam
  • Patent number: 7157620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the transformation and regeneration of transformed embryogenic tissue of coniferous plants. In particular, the invention relates to improved methods for transforming embryogenic tissue of coniferous plants and for regenerating transformed embryogenic tissue of coniferous plants. The invention is well suited to the transformation and regeneration of transformed embryogenic tissue of plants of the subgenus Pinus of pines and hybrids thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Mead Westvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Marie B. Connett-Porceddu, Heather J. Gladfelter, Jon E. Gulledge, Ryan R. McCormack
  • Patent number: 7157621
    Abstract: The preparation and use of nucleic acid fragments useful in altering the oil phenotype in plants are disclosed. Chimeric construct incorporating such nucleic acid fragments and suitable regulatory sequences can be used to create transgenic plants having altered lipid profiles. Methods for altering the oil phenotype in plants using such nucleic acid fragments also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignees: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Allen, William B. Allen, Rebecca E. Cahoon, Sabine Epelbaum, Omolayo O. Famodu, Leslie T. Harvell, Todd J. Jones, Anthony J. Kinney, Theodore M. Klein, Changjiang Li, Igor Cunha Oliveira, Hajime Sakai, Bo Shen, Mitchell C. Tarczynski
  • Patent number: 7157622
    Abstract: A novel soybean cultivar, designated SG1431RR, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar SG1431RR, to the plants of soybean SG1431RR and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the cultivar SG1431RR with itself or another soybean variety. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar SG1431RR with another soybean cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Soygenetics, LLC
    Inventor: Drew R. Ivers
  • Patent number: 7157623
    Abstract: The invention provides a fertile transgenic monocot, e.g., maize, plant encoding an endosperm specific prolamin box binding factor peptide (PBF) that is expressed so as to increase the methionine and/or lysine content of the seeds of said plant over said content in the seeds of the corresponding plant that lacks said gene, wherein said corresponding plant was used to prepare said transgenic plant, or an ancestor of said transgenic plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California, San Diego
    Inventors: Robert J. Schmidt, Stephen P. Moose, Jesus Vicente-Carbajosa
  • Patent number: 7157624
    Abstract: An inbred corn variety, designated LHE323, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn variety LHE323, to the plants of inbred corn variety LHE323 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred variety LHE323 with itself or another corn variety. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn varieties derived from the inbred LHE323.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald G. Eggerling
  • Patent number: 7157625
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I325350. This invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I325350, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I325350 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. This invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I325350 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line, and to crosses with related species. This invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I325350, and also to the SSR and isozyme typing profiles of corn variety I325350.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jon Popi, Dale S. Wickersham
  • Patent number: 7157626
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I390171. This invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I390171, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I390171 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. This invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I390171 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line, and to crosses with related species. This invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I390171, and also to the SSR and isozyme typing profiles of corn variety I390171.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald Bockelman
  • Patent number: 7157627
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I161538. This invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I161538, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I161538 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. This invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I161538 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line, and to crosses with related species. This invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I161538, and also to the SSR profiles of corn variety I161538.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Peter J. Bradbury, Richard G. Stelpflug
  • Patent number: 7157628
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I322683. This invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I322683, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I322683 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. This invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I322683 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line, and to crosses with related species. This invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I322683, and also to the SSR profiles of corn variety I322683.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael A. Hall
  • Patent number: 7157629
    Abstract: Transgenic monocot plants and seeds comprising monocot seed-specific promoters from seed-storage protein genes and monocot seed-specific targets sequences of expression of heterologous proteins in subcellular compartments to protect the protein are disclosed. The transgenic monocot plants include maize, wheat, rice and barley. Also disclosed are methods of producing transgenic monocot seed from the transgenic plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Myeong-Je Cho, Peggy G. Lemaux, Bob B. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7157630
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I119135. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I119135, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I119135 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I119135 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I119135.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Richard G. Stelpflug, Peter J. Bradbury
  • Patent number: 7157631
    Abstract: An inbred maize line, designated NP2467 having a lower ear height and a white versus a red cob compared to B73. NP2467 has better resistance to Gray Leaf Spot and Southern Leaf Blight than B73 and because of its improved plant health, NP2467 has much better Stay Green than B73. When NP2467 is crossed with other inbred maize lines produces hybrids with greater yield, stalk strength, emergence rating and push test percentage. This invention further relates to the seeds of inbred maize line NP2467, to the plants of inbred maize line NP2467, to hybrids made using the inbred maize plant NP2467 and another inbred maize plant, and to methods for producing a maize plant by crossing the inbred line NP2467 with itself or another maize line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventor: Albert R. Hornbrook
  • Patent number: 7157632
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a hybrid maize plant, designated as 37K84, produced by crossing an inbred maize line with a Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize line. This invention relates to the hybrid seed 37K84, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and trivial modifications of hybrid 37K84. This invention also relates to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic maize plants produced by those methods. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize lines derived from hybrid maize line 37K84 and to the maize lines derived by the use of those methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lori Lisa Carrigan, Todd Elliott Piper
  • Patent number: 7157633
    Abstract: A simulated stringed musical instrument practice device having integrally formed longitudinal ridges simulating strings is herein disclosed. The present invention generally comprises an elongated section of material that is similar in shape to the neck of a conventional stringed instrument. The elongated section has a flat surface fashioned thereon having transverse ridges simulating frets as well as longitudinal ridges integrally attached thereto simulating strings. The frets are spaced progressively longer distances apart in order to more accurately simulate the fret board of a conventional stringed instrument. Optionally, the present invention may also provide utility as a computer keyboard wrist rest. Non-slip footings are provided for attachment to the flat surface in order to provide for secure placement adjacent the keyboard of a computer in a manner similar to conventional wrist rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Martin Kopesec
  • Patent number: 7157634
    Abstract: A stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar, wherein an easily accessible adjustment member allows the user to change the vertical height of the instrument's neck without affecting the angle of the neck relative to the guitar body. This invention allows the user to quickly adjust the action of the instrument without affecting the intonation or scale length of the guitar in one simple step without requiring the user to remove the strings, loosen any screws, or perform any additional mechanical adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Babicz
  • Patent number: 7157635
    Abstract: A thumb pick comprises a pick body for a guitar and a belt body which fixes the pick body to a finger. The pick body is extended integrally with a protruding portion for picking the strings from a base end portion made into contact with the thumb. The belt body is separately formed from the belt body. Both end portions of the belt body is adjustably connected to the pick body. There is provided a cut bent from the protruding portion to the base end portion of the pick body, a substantially tongue-like connecting piece is formed within the cut, and the connecting piece and the one end portion of the belt body 2 are detachably connected. with such construction, a disadvantage of displacing the position of the thumb pick by heat generation and perspiration of the fingers during a performance is solved, and picking suitable for each kind of performing method becomes possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Shinjo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sogabe
  • Patent number: 7157636
    Abstract: A two-legged cymbal support for a cymbal assembly includes two legs, two connecting ribs and two clamping devices. First distal ends of the two legs are pivotally connected to one of the clamping devices and second distal ends of the two legs are supported on the ground. First distal ends of the two connecting ribs are pivotally connected to the other one of the two clamping devices and second distal ends of the two connecting ribs are pivotally connected to the two legs. Each clamping device has a first arcuate recess and a second arcuate recess complimentarily corresponding to the first arcuate recess such that when the first and second arcuate recesses are combined to form a circular space, the pole of the cymbal assembly is clamped therebetween. When the first and second arcuate recesses are separate, the pole is easily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Wu-Hong Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7157637
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a percussion musical instrument such as a tambourine, riq, pandiero and the like having non-rectangular windows within which the jingles are supported. The configuration of the window affords a greater range of pitch motion for the jingles than otherwise afforded in similar conventional instruments. As such, the pitch motion of the jingles may equal or exceed the range of roll motion of the jingles. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an instrument having an ovoid shaped shell to provide distinct rotational moments of inertia along a major axis and a minor axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Nicholas Petrella, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7157638
    Abstract: A workstation system produces a display presentation of a selected performance composition (e.g., a musical composition) responsive to composition data and responsive to one or both of input variables and a selected operating mode. The workstation can communicate with one or more external devices, such as other workstations, etc. The display system provides for selection of original compositions, creation of derivative compositions, distribution of compositions, monitoring of each performer's performance, group virtual performances, and for local and distributed retrieval and editing, which for music includes things such as changing keys, pitch, tempo, and other parameters. The musical composition's transformation can be performed locally or at the central or distributed music database. The musical composition data can be transposed via a controller, and can be transmitted to a plurality of the individual workstations that then display the musical composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: David H. Sitrick
  • Patent number: 7157640
    Abstract: An undersaddle pickup for a musical instrument. The undersaddle pickup is constructed from a layer of sensor material or sensor element coupled at a first surface to an electrode. A second electrode is created by coupling a second surface of the sensor material or sensor element to a conductive overbraid surrounding the undersaddle pickup. Depending upon the way the undersaddle pickup is constructed, one or both of the surfaces of the sensor material or sensor element are capacitively coupled to their respective electrodes. A subassembly of the undersaddle pickup may be conveniently manufactured from a sheet of sensor material and an insulating base having a plurality of electrodes deposited on or attached to the base's surface. A sheet of sensor material may be laminated to the base using an adhesive and individual subassemblies may then be die-cut from the insulating base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Lloyd R. Baggs
  • Patent number: 7157641
    Abstract: A bi-layer photovoltaic cell, and method (100) of making same, with an electric field applied at the p-n heterojunction interface. The cell includes a first semiconductor layer including a binder, nanocrystals of an n-type semiconductor, and spatially bound cations and a second semiconductor layer contacting the first semiconductor layer that includes a binder, nanocrystals of a p-type semiconductor, and spatially bound anions. The cell further includes a p-n heterojunction at the contacting interface between the first and second semiconductor layers. An electric field is created by the spatially bound cations and anions that are located in the layers proximal to the p-n heterojunction. The nanocrystals are single crystals of organic semiconductors that are less than 50 nanometers in size and that comprise a majority of the volume of their respective layers. The binder is a polymer matrix, such as an epoxy. The cell includes electrical contacts abutting the semiconductor layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Brian A Gregg
  • Patent number: 7157642
    Abstract: A frame for reinforcing a handhole of a round metallic utility pole, includes a generally elliptical body defining a major axis and a minor axis and forming a generally elliptical outer periphery, and a generally elliptical inner periphery bordering an opening extending through front and back sides of the body, the opening defining a center axis of the frame. A flange is formed integrally with the body and projects forwardly therefrom at a location spaced inwardly from the outer periphery, wherein the flange is separated from the outer periphery by a forwardly facing shoulder surface of the body. The flange includes an outer flank facing outwardly and intersecting the shoulder surface, wherein the flange outer flank forms an oblique angle with the center axis as seen in a sectional view taken along the major axis, and lies substantially parallel to the center axis as seen in a sectional view taken along the minor axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hapco Aluminum Pole Products
    Inventors: Joseph Manuel Bowman, Ray Carl Minor
  • Patent number: 7157643
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly for termination of electrical and communication wires which generally includes a box having a floor and a sidewall extending upwardly from the floor, a cover attached to the box and a divider attached to the cover between the box floor and the cover. The box defines an interior therein and the cover at least partially encloses the interior. The divider divides the box interior into first and second wiring compartments adapted to respectively contain electrical and communication wires therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7157644
    Abstract: An electrical cable includes a cable jacket defining a central longitudinal axis and a plurality of twisted pairs of insulated conductors oriented longitudinally within the cable jacket. Each of the twisted pairs of insulated conductors has a width. A filler element is disposed in the cable jacket and is located adjacent to at least one of the twisted pairs of insulated conductors. The filler element defines a width that is substantially larger than the width of each the twisted pairs of insulated conductors. The filler element has a central axis laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis of the cable jacket. The filler element reduces alien crosstalk from an adjacent cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: General Cable Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Lique, Asef Baddar, Thomas McLaughlin, Mike Doorhy, David Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7157645
    Abstract: A coaxial cable includes an elongate inner conductor. A dielectric layer surrounds the inner conductor. A first outer conductor surrounds the dielectric layer and has perforations defined therein. A second outer conductor surrounds the first outer conductor. A polymeric jacket surrounds the second outer conductor. The cable is adapted such that, when the dielectric layer is melted, at least a portion thereof and/or smoke therefrom can flow through the perforations in the first outer conductor. According to some embodiments, the second outer conductor defines a plurality of voids therein and, when the dielectric layer is melted, at least a portion thereof and/or smoke therefrom can flow through the perforations in the first outer conductor and into the voids. According to some embodiments, the second outer conductor is braided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: CommScope Properties, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Huffman
  • Patent number: 7157646
    Abstract: A circuitized substrate which includes a plurality of contiguous open segments which define facing edge portions within an electrically conductive layer to isolate separate portions of the conductive layer such that the layer can be used for different functions, e.g., as both power and ground elements, within a product (e.g., electrical assembly) which includes the substrate as part thereof. A method of making the substrate, an electrical assembly utilizing the substrate, a multilayered circuitized assembly also utilizing the substrate and an information handling system, e.g., a mainframe computer, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Endicott Interconnect Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Lauffer, James M. Larnerd, Voya R. Markovich
  • Patent number: 7157647
    Abstract: A circuitized substrate which includes a plurality of contiguous open segments along a side edge portion of the at least one electrically conductive layer thereof, these open segments isolated by a barrier of dielectric material which substantially fills the open segments, e.g., during a lamination process which bonds two dielectric layers of the substrate to the conductive layer. A method of making the substrate, an electrical assembly utilizing the substrate, a multilayered circuitized assembly also utilizing the substrate and an information handling system, e.g., a mainframe computer, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Endicott Interconnect Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Lauffer, James M. Larnerd, Voya R. Markovich
  • Patent number: 7157648
    Abstract: A sliding module employing a semi-automatic opening/closing of the portable terminal, is disclosed. A driving force is used to open and close the sliding-type portable terminal with the resilient force of an elastic means, by converting the direction of the driving force by means of sliders formed on a sliding guide and a sliding plate, respectively. Thus, a user can conveniently manipulate the sliding-type portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Juseop Park
  • Patent number: 7157649
    Abstract: Method and apparatus using bending wave vibration to calculate information relating to a contact on a contact sensitive device. The contact sensitive device has a member capable of supporting bending waves, and a device attached to the member measures bending wave propagation in the member to determine a measured bending wave signal. The measured bending wave signal is processed to calculate information relating to the contact. The contact sensitive device may comprise a transparent touch sensitive plate mounted in front of a display device. A stylus (e.g., pen) may be used for writing text or other matter on the touch-sensitive plate. The plate may also be an acoustic device. Three transducers are mounted on the plate. At least two of the transducers are sensing transducers and are thus sensitive to and monitor bending wave vibration in the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: New Transducers Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas P. R. Hill
  • Patent number: 7157650
    Abstract: A casing (1); a first conductive track (31) and a second conductive track (27); a first conductive dome (3) which is resiliently deformable so as to be able to pass to a configuration, in which it forms an electrical contact between the first track (31) and second track (27); and an activation device comprising an operation element (9) which is mounted in the casing so as to slide in an orthogonal manner (X) relative to the axis of deformation (Z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvain Rochon
  • Patent number: 7157651
    Abstract: An independently positionable key switch including a key base having a key cap receiving opening and at least one gripping feature operative to facilitate gripping of the key base. An actuatable key cap is arranged in the key receiving opening of the key base. The key cap is actuatable between an unactuated position and an actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Ergodex, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Rix, Michael S. Roberts, Preston D. Brown, Scott W. Summit, Larry J. Kelly, Tim L. Canepa
  • Patent number: 7157652
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to switches and assemblies configured and adapted to enable “hot plugging” of electrical components and/or elements. According to an embodiment, slide switch assembly includes a body portion configured and adapted to support a first and a second spaced apart contact pin therein; and a plunger slidably supported within the body portion. Each contact pin is electrically connectable to an electrical conduit. The plunger has a first position in electrical contact with one of the first and second contact pins, and a second position in electrical contact with both the first and second contact pins. In use, when the plunger is in the second condition electrical current is transmitted between the first and the second contact pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: David James Fabian, John Michael Landis
  • Patent number: 7157653
    Abstract: A magnetic latching switch includes a housing having mounted therein a movable electrical control structure normally retained in a first position with a stationary electrical lug structure. The electrical control structure and the electrical lugs are held together by a retaining system including a magnetic arrangement contacted by a biasing arrangement for providing a magnetic biasing force. A diaphragm assembly is movable into direct contact with the magnetic arrangement in response to a predetermined counteracting force exerting an operating force which overcomes the magnetic biasing force, and enables the biasing system to move the contact structure to a second position with the stationary lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Deltrol Controls
    Inventor: Brian T. Cahill
  • Patent number: 7157654
    Abstract: A pressure switch for pressures up to a maximum permissible pressure (pmax), with a housing (1) and a membrane (2), whereby the membrane is fastened in the housing. The membrane has an exposed face on which a pressure can act, and it is deformed when a pressure acts upon it. The pressure switch comprises a means (4) that converts the membrane deformation into a stroke, as well as an electric contact system that interacts with this means. The means causes a membrane deformation to actuate the electric contact system. The pressure switch also comprises a cast solid abutment member (5) that completely fills a cavity between an inner wall of the housing and the face of the membrane opposite the exposed face when the membrane is exposed to the maximum permissible pressure pmax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics and Components GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Markus Trisner, Joachim Korherr
  • Patent number: 7157655
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a keyboard includes a barrier layer. The barrier layer may be mounted between an upper and lower housing portion of the keyboard so as to provide a substantially water impermeable pocket about a keyboard circuit. The barrier layer includes at least one key aperture that allows the barrier layer to attach to a key, the attachment providing a substantially water impermeable seal between the barrier layer and the key. Thus, the barrier layer acts to prevent liquids that are spilled on the keys from contacting and damage an electrical keyboard circuit provided below the barrier layer. In an embodiment the keyboard may be rinsed under running water without damaging the keyboard circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Chris A. Murzanski
  • Patent number: 7157657
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device is disclosed. The device includes a printed circuit board, a first button module, a second button module and an actuator module. The printed circuit board has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first button module includes a plurality of first dome-like switches disposed on the first surface. The second button module includes a plurality of second dome-like switches disposed on the second surface. The actuator module actuates the plurality of first and second dome-like switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Hsin-Ping Lin
  • Patent number: 7157658
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for fabricating a dry cell storage battery from a plurality of dry cells by soldering a battery strap to terminals of adjacent dry cells in a battery pack. A resistance heat solder apparatus is provided for soldering a joint defined by an end portion of a battery strap and a terminal of a dry cell, so that adjacent dry cells in the battery pack are in physical and electrical contact. Terminal probes, connected across the secondary coil of a step-down transformer, are used to make contact with the joint to be soldered for applying a voltage across the joint. Terminal probes have contoured tips. A preferred embodiment provides terminal probes which are contoured to be a mirror image of the contour of the joint where the particular terminal probe makes contact with the solder joint. Application of a voltage across the joint provides a collimated current flow path through the joint. An intense heat is created within the joint by the current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Chaskin
  • Patent number: 7157659
    Abstract: In a state that a plate-shaped insulator is disposed adjacent to a plate-shaped electrode, a discharge gas containing an inert gas is supplied to a vicinity of a processing object from one gas exhaust port located nearer from the plate-shaped electrode, out of at least two-line gas exhaust ports which are disposed around the plate-shaped electrode and which are formed so as to be surrounded by the plate-shaped insulator and moreover which are different in distance to the plate-shaped electrode from each other, while a discharge control gas is supplied from the other gas exhaust port to the vicinity of the processing object. Simultaneously with the supply of the gases, electric power is supplied to the plate-shaped electrode or the processing object, by which plasma processing of the processing object is carried out. Thus, plasma processing method and apparatus capable of processing for desired fine linear portions with high precision are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Yashiro, Tomohiro Okumura, Tadashi Kimura, Mitsuo Saitoh