Patents Issued in January 9, 2007
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Patent number: 7160153Abstract: An electrical connector includes a connecting unit having a conductive terminal disposed in a sleeve end portion of a dielectric seat, and a metal shielding sleeve disposed around and covering the sleeve end portion of the dielectric seat. A metal shielding housing has an opening for access into an accommodating space thereof and permitting extension of a coupling end portion of the dielectric seat into the accommodating space via the opening for connection with the coupling end portion of the dielectric seat. The metal shielding sleeve projects from an intermediate metal sleeve connected electrically to both the metal shielding sleeve and the metal shielding housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: George Ying-Liang Huang
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Patent number: 7160154Abstract: Termination assemblies for terminating high-frequency data signal transmission lines include housings with one or more cavities that receive ends of the transmission line therein. The transmission line typically includes a dielectric body and a plurality of conductive elements disposed thereon, with the plurality of conductive elements being arranged in pairs for differential signal transmission. The termination assemblies, in one embodiment include hollow end caps that are formed from a dielectric and which have one or more conductive contacts or plated surfaces disposed on or within the cavity so that they will frictionally mate with the conductive traces on the transmission line. In another embodiment, a connector housing is provided with a center slot and a plurality of dual loop contacts to provide redundant circuit paths and low inductance to the termination assembly. A coupling element may be utilized in the slot to achieve a desired level of coupling between the termination contacts.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Molex IncorporatedInventors: David L. Brunker, Daniel L. Dawiedczyk, John E. Lopata, Arindum Dutta
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Patent number: 7160155Abstract: A device (10) has a contact surface (22) arranged laterally offset and essentially extending tangentially in relation to an insertion section (16), which, on introduction of the insertion section (16) into a housing opening, interoperates with a corresponding contact surface of the housing providing torsional stability, with the contact surface (22) of the connecting device (10) being embodied at areas of the contact surface tangentially opposite one another in each case with a plastic deformable contact surface projection (24) and/or the circumferential area of the insertion section having an annular closed area of the cylindrical surface on which a number of elastic, sprung, centering projections (20), projecting radially from the area of the cylindrical surface are provided which are arranged at intervals from one another around the circumference. This makes possible a functionally-optimized and tight-fitting interoperation between the corresponding contact surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Emanuel Sanftleben, Marcus Unruh
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Patent number: 7160156Abstract: A crimpable universal wire connecter assembly is conformable for use in connecting electrical wires to a post or terminal of an electrical component or for splicing together to other connecter bodies and includes an adapter which is dimensioned to facilitate connection of different gauge wires into one size of connecter body.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Randall A. Holliday
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Patent number: 7160157Abstract: An electrical terminal connection system includes first and second terminals that are interlocked by placing the first terminal on top of the second terminal and rotating the first terminal. The first terminal has a planar ring section with an outer perimeter and a centrally located aperture. The perimeter has cut-out portions. Inclined spring elements extend from the ring section near the outer perimeter. The second terminal includes a semi-circular part with an outer periphery and a centrally located collar. Curved walls extend perpendicularly from the outer periphery. The walls have ledges projecting over the semi-circular part. Aligning the cut-out portions of the first terminal with the curved walls and ledges of the second terminal enables the planar ring section of the first terminal to be placed on the semi-circular part of the second terminal, with the aperture receiving the collar. Rotating or twisting the first terminal causes the spring elements to contact and slide under the ledges.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.Inventors: James Leroy Jones, III, James Dickinson Roberts, Joseph Paul Kalisz, Kevin James Updike
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Patent number: 7160158Abstract: A watercraft has an engine that is controlled to provide a comfortable and natural operational feeling during an off-throttle steering environment. The engine is controlled by detecting engine speed, using the detected engine speed to establish an accurate watercraft speed, and detecting an operator steering torque and operator engine torque request. An operational characteristic of the engine is adjusted to increase the engine output by a predetermined amount after a predetermined steering torque is measured and the watercraft is determined to be in a predetermined deceleration phase. The operational characteristic can be an increase in airflow to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshimasa Kinoshita
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Patent number: 7160159Abstract: A drive apparatus (10) for propelling a vehicle across a body of water is described. The apparatus (10) comprises a prime mover, for example a gas turbine engine (12), and a propelling arrangement (26) driven by the prime mover for propelling the vehicle across the body of water and thereby provide a reaction force on the prime mover. The apparatus (10) also includes a braking arrangement (42) to apply a braking force to the propelling arrangement (26).Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventor: John R Webster
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Patent number: 7160160Abstract: The steering handlebar for outboard motor provided herein includes a power tilt and trim switch for adjusting a trim angle and a tilt angle of the outboard motor. The switch is advantageously mounted to the handlebar at a position that provides good operability. In one embodiment, the switch is mounted on a sideways-facing surface of the handlebar, forward of the accelerator grip. The switch does not rotate together with the accelerator grip of the handlebar, which results in the switch always being visible to the operator and easy to operate. Further, the lack of rotational coupling of these two components reduces wear on a lead wire of the switch, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the lead wire and the switch.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akiko Kojima
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Patent number: 7160161Abstract: A reduced pressure mixing device is for marine vessel exhaust gas with water, with the gas/water mixture that is produced in the device being passed out into the water in which the ship is floating. The device is designed such that gas and water flow through and to it longitudinally. Further, the device includes a centrally-arranged gas guide tube for the marine vessel exhaust gas as well as a propulsion water tube which is arranged coaxially around the gas guide tube and produces reduced pressure, with the tubes being located in an elongated housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Moustafa Abdel-Maksoud, Hannes Schulze Horn, Kay Tigges
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Patent number: 7160162Abstract: An exhaust system that reduces noise generated by exhaust gases is provided. The exhaust system includes a drive unit that supports an internal combustion engine. An exhaust guide forms an upper portion of the case. An oil pan is attached to a lower surface of the exhaust guide. An exhaust passage leads exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine from an upper side to a lower side of the case, and discharges the exhaust gas from the lower side into a body of water. A branch passage extends from the exhaust passage at an intermediate portion thereof. The branch passage is configured for discharging the exhaust gas inside the exhaust passage into ambient air, and includes an expansion chamber at its intermediate portion. The expansion chamber is partially defined by the exhaust guide and partially defined by the oil pan.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jun Nakata, Hideaki Masui
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Patent number: 7160163Abstract: Hydraulic steering device for outboard motors having an end for fastening to transoms of watercrafts. The motor/propeller assembly is mounted on the end to rotate about a substantially vertical steering axis. A closed hydraulic circuit has at least one pump driven by steering unit and at least one double-acting cylinder which is slideably fitted on at least one coaxial rod. The rod sealingly projects out of a cylinder head and carries a separating piston which divides the cylinder into two variable volume chambers. At least one of the inlets/outlets of at least one of the two chambers is formed by the at least one rod. The rod has an axial hole extending from its outer end to one or more ports for communication with corresponding chambers of the cylinder. The ports are arranged to be adjacent to the piston side turned toward the cylinder head from where the rod projects.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Ultraflex SpAInventor: Giorgio Gai
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Patent number: 7160164Abstract: A body board, or sports board, for recreational activities on snow or on water is disclosed. The board has a foam core, a binding layer laminated on top of one surface of the foam core, a printed graphics layer laminated on top of the binding layer and a clear protection layer laminated on top of the printed graphics layer. On the bottom surface of the board, the foam core can have a bottom foam layer applied thereto and a slick skin applied onto the outside of the bottom foam layer. The bottom surface can also have the graphics layer and binding layer applied between the bottom foam layer and the slick skin to provide an additional graphics side.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Joseph Lin
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Patent number: 7160165Abstract: A device for dabbling in water. A body section has a support frame which possesses a configuration of a ring so that a user can freely pass through the ring. A first floating section has first rods which are secured to the support frame to be spaced apart one from another by a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction and extend downward from the support frame, second rods which are respectively coupled to the first rods, and first floating parts which are respectively provided to lower ends of the second rods to float the supporting frame and a user. A second floating section has wires which are connected at one ends thereof to the support frame, and a pair of second floating parts which are connected to the other ends of the wires to be worn on the feet of the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Hyung Kyu Jung
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Patent number: 7160166Abstract: An underwater flotation safety device includes a base that may be positioned below the water surface of a swimming pool with ballast, a hook, or the like. A buoyant member is releasably coupled to the base and is also positioned below the water surface. A release member is positioned within a channel defined by the base for selectively releasing the buoyant member from the base. A transmitter is connected to the buoyant member for selectively transmitting a sing. A sensor for detecting a release of the buoyant member from the base is in communication with the transmitter for sending a signal when the buoyant member is released. An alarm unit remote from the transmitter includes a receiver for receiving the signal indicative of a release of the buoyant member. The alarm unit includes another transmitter for transmitting an emergency signal indicative of an emergency condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Thomas A. Humphreys
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Patent number: 7160167Abstract: Apparatus useful for providing buoyancy for animals are described. One apparatus includes a strap-like carrier and one or more non-inflatable floatation members secured substantially adjacent the carrier by a cover material stitched to the carrier. Another apparatus includes hook and loop fasteners to both fasten the ends of the carrier together as well as fasten the non-inflatable floatation members to the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Lynne R. Peters
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Patent number: 7160168Abstract: A method of manufacturing an image forming apparatus having an envelope made of members inclusive of a first substrate and a second substrate disposed at a space being set therebetween, image forming means and spacers disposed in the envelope, the spacers maintaining the space, the method comprising the steps of forming a spacer having a desired shape by cutting a spacer base member, and abutting the spacer upon the first and second substrates at non-cut surfaces of the spacer.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Fushimi, Kunihiro Sakai
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Patent number: 7160169Abstract: A method of forming carbon nanotube emitters and a method of manufacturing an FED using such carbon nanotube emitters includes: forming a carbon nanotube layer on a substrate on which a plurality of electrodes are formed, coating a photoresist on the carbon nanotube layer, patterning the photoresist such that the photoresist only remains above the electrodes, removing an exposed portion of the carbon nanotube layer by etching using the patterned photoresist as a etch mask, and removing the photoresist pattern and forming the carbon nanotube emitters on the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shang-Hyeun Park
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Patent number: 7160170Abstract: Disclosed herein is a panel-type magnetic toy having compartments where permanent magnets move. The magnetic toy includes a polygonal panel body having a space therein, a plurality of compartments defined in the space of the panel body, and separated from each other by at least one partition wall, and a permanent magnet movably provided in each of the compartments. According to this invention, as the magnets are rolled in the hollow compartments partitioned by the partition walls, attractive force is generated between the magnets of neighboring panels. Thereby, it is possible to connect the panels to each other at various positions. Since the magnets move according to the contact position of the panels, it is possible to manufacture variously shaped structures using a small number of panels, thus increasing creative potential.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Magnet 4 U Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bong-Seok Yoon
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Patent number: 7160171Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a pneumatic pump in combination with a pneumatic toy vehicle powered by a refillable compressed chamber. The improvement of the pump is defined by having a pipe that has an aperture to exhaust air being pumped therefrom. The pump further includes a means for launching the vehicle from the pump. The toy vehicle includes a pneumatic motor that when activated utilizes air in the chamber to propel the vehicle and activation of the motor is achieved by moving the vehicle. The vehicle includes an air inlet valve sized to securely engage the pipe of the pump such that movement of the vehicle during filling of the chamber is prevented. When securely engaged by the pipe, the vehicle is positioned against the launching means. A user operating the launching means pushes the vehicle, which activates the motor, such that the vehicle launches away from the pump.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Rehco, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper, Scott May, Charles Hartlaub
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Patent number: 7160172Abstract: Multi-disk processing system and method of continuous finishing of memory media disks for digital data storage systems in preparation for magnetic memory coating, comprising four main sub-systems: 1) multiple driven spindles mounted on a chassis, at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions; 2) finishing tape head units mounted on a base; 3) a robotic handler for loading and unloading disks onto/off at least one of the spindles; and 4) a programmable system controller that controls the sub-system operations and loading/unloading. The tape head sub-system includes its own programmable controller and sensors for control of the finishing tape advance. The multiple spindles and handler rotate relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the spindles are mounted on a rotating turntable that also oscillates. Alternately, the spindles are fixed in position and a rotating handler with multiple grippers for simultaneously loading/unloading disks from all spindles at once is used.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Xyratex Technology Ltd.Inventors: David Frost, John McEntee, Adam Sean Harbison
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Patent number: 7160173Abstract: The invention provides an abrasive article, and methods for the use and the manufacture of the article. The abrasive article comprises an abrasive surface; and a performance index associated with the abrasive article, the index indicating an aspect of the abrasive performance of the article. In abrasive applications, the performance index is used to determine initial process conditions under which the abrasive article will abrade a workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Gary M. Palmgren
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Patent number: 7160174Abstract: A method for processing a rotationally symmetric workpiece, preferably having optically effective surfaces, whose symmetry axis is aligned parallel with the z-axis and which is moveable parallel with the z-axis, using a rotating, rotationally symmetric grinding or polishing tool whose rotation axis is aligned parallel with the y-axis and which is thereby touching the surface of the workpiece by means of a processing surface, the workpiece rotating around its symmetry axis and to a tool for performing said method as well as a method for tactile measuring of such a workpiece. The invention may be used for processing aspheric workpieces having optically effective surfaces, in particular lenses or mirrors that have a non-processable zone, for example a conical bump in the middle of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Asphericon GmbHInventors: Sven Kiontke, Alexander Zschaebitz, Thomas Kurschel
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Patent number: 7160175Abstract: An attitude control device and a precision machining apparatus capable of accurately controlling the attitude of an object mounted on the attitude control device according to grinding stages. The attitude control device is constituted by a first flat-plate member 21 and a second flat-plate member 22 disposed in parallel with the first flat-plate while being spaced apart from the same by a distance L. A spherical member 3 is interposed between the first and second flat-plate members 21, 22 while fitting its portions in recesses 21a, 22a respectively formed in the first and second flat-plate members 21, 22. A first actuator 4a expandable in a Z-axis direction perpendicular to a plane defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis is interposed between the flat-plate members. Second actuators 4b, 4b expandable in a suitable direction in the plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis are connected to the second flat-plate member 22.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sumio Kamiya, Hisao Iwase, Tetsuya Nagaike, Hiroshi Eda, Libo Zhou
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Patent number: 7160176Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing conductive material from a microelectronic substrate. In one embodiment, a support member supports a microelectronic substrate relative to a material removal medium, which can include first and second electrodes and a polishing pad. One or more electrolytes are disposed between the electrodes and the microelectronic substrate to electrically link the electrodes to the microelectronic substrate. The electrodes are then coupled to a source of varying current that electrically removes the conductive material from the substrate. The microelectronic substrate and/or the electrodes can be moved relative to each other to position the electrodes relative to a selected portion of the microelectronic substrate, and/or to polish the microelectronic substrate. The material removal medium can remove gas formed during the process from the microelectronic substrate and/or the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Whonchee Lee, Scott G. Meikle, Scott E. Moore
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Patent number: 7160177Abstract: A device for high-precision machining of the surface of an object, such as for polishing and lapping semiconductor substrates, in which the object is held on an accommodation surface for its machining. The accommodation surface can be deformed by means of a actuators connected to the surface in a positive-lock and/or non-positive-lock manner. The actuators are provided between a base plate and an accommodation plate that are mechanically biased relative to one another. The accommodation plate is configured, on its inside, with concentric grooves forming rigid rings in the axial direction. The individual rings are connected by solid substance joints. Piezo-stacks configured as actuator-sensor elements, as well as springs, are disposed between the faces of the rings and the base plates and are offset relative to one another by 120°.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: IGAM Ingenieurgesellschaft für angewandte Mechanik mbHInventors: Volker Herold, Christian-Toralf Weber, Juergen Weiser
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Patent number: 7160178Abstract: An apparatus including a fixed abrasive article interposed between a substrate and a support assembly. The support assembly creates regions of high and low erosion force at the interface between the substrate and the fixed abrasive article. The high erosion force is sufficient to activate the fixed abrasive article.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John J. Gagliardi, Chris J. Rueb
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Patent number: 7160179Abstract: Planarizing machines, carrier heads for planarizing machines and methods for planarizing microelectronic-device substrate assemblies in mechanical or chemical-mechanical planarizing processes. In one embodiment of the invention, a carrier head includes a backing plate, a bladder attached to the backing plate, and a retaining ring extending around the backing plate. The backing plate has a perimeter edge, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface of the backing plate can have a perimeter region extending inwardly from the perimeter edge and an interior region extending inwardly from the perimeter region. The perimeter region, for example, can have a curved section extending inwardly from the perimeter edge of the backing plate or from a flat rim at the perimeter edge. The curved section can curve toward and/or away from the first surface to influence the edge pressure exerted against the substrate assembly during planarization.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Daniel G. Custer, Aaron Trent Ward
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Patent number: 7160180Abstract: A substrate delivery mechanism comprises a top ring, a substrate loader for loading a substrate, and a pusher mechanism, wherein the substrate loader comprises a top ring guide and the pusher mechanism comprises a top ring guide lifting table, in which the top ring guide and the top ring guide lifting table together form a sealed space below the substrate held by the top ring in a condition where the substrate loader is moved up by the pusher mechanism, wherein the substrate is detached from the top ring by exhausting the sealed space while at the same time injecting a fluid from through-holes provided in a substrate holding surface of the top ring.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Soichi Isobe, Hideo Aizawa, Hiroomi Torii, Daisuke Koga, Satoshi Wakabayashi
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Patent number: 7160181Abstract: A polishing pad used for polishing the surface of a semiconductor wafer in CMP equipment, includes a support layer adhered to the top of a rotary plate of the CMP equipment, a polishing layer disposed on top of the support layer, and an adhesive layer interposed between the support layer and the polishing layer and adhesively fixing the polishing layer to the support layer. In one embodiment, the polishing support layer is a plate-shaped molded article formed of a mixture including magnetic powder and a bonding agent containing synthetic resin. In another embodiment, a protective film extends along outer peripheral side walls of the adhesive layer and the support layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Gun-Ig Jeung
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Patent number: 7160182Abstract: A support stand (2) for a sanding apparatus having a housing, a motor, and a sanding belt of abrasive material adapted to be driven around a plurality of rollers by means of the motor is disclosed. The support stand (2) comprises a body portion (6) having recesses (10, 14, 18, 22) for engaging corresponding parts of the sanding apparatus to expose the sanding belt of the sanding apparatus, and a control knob (26) mounted to the body portion (6) to be accessible by a user's hand when the sanding apparatus is supported on the support stand (2). The support stand also has a wheel (36) having a friction belt (38) for engaging a belt speed adjustment knob of the sanding apparatus to enable adjustment of the speed of the sanding belt of the sanding apparatus in response to rotation of the control knob (26) in order to control the rate of removal of material by the sander.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Andrew Coe
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Patent number: 7160183Abstract: A buff is made from a non-woven fabric where the fibers are first carded and formed into a fairly thick fleece. The fleece is passed over a topographical surface on, for example, a moving belt or a drum. The fleece is subject to a bow-tie hydroentanglement process where many fine jets of water entangle the fibers on the topographical surface. Excess water is vacuumed from the system. The fabric is dried and chemically treated. With the fabric a variety of buffing tools are made, in wheel, belt or roll form. Tests against standard and mill treatment buffs show a remarkably lower fabric weight loss percentage and lower or normal operating temperatures. The fabric has exceptional mechanical strength having a tensile strength in excess of 650 N/50 mm according to DIN 29073/3. Preferably the fabric has a tensile strength of at least 1,000 N/50 mm in the machine direction and in excess of 900 N/50 mm in the cross direction according to such DIN.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Jason IncorporatedInventor: Robert J. Weber
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Patent number: 7160184Abstract: A conveyor system for linked sausage strands having a frame with an operating platform. The platform has opposite first and second ends, opposite sides, a top surface, and a wall extending along the sides and ends. A channel is formed in the top surface and a conveyor chain is disposed within the channel. Secured to the chain are a plurality of pivotable hooks that are movable between a loading position and an unloading position.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Stork Townsend Inc.Inventors: Kenneth L. Lebsack, Brent R. Schirm, Michael J. Hardy, Kenneth B. Arnote, David W. Alexander
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Patent number: 7160185Abstract: An air transfer apparatus which includes a door frame having a top, a bottom and opposed sides. The top, bottom and opposed sides define a door receiving cavity. A door is positioned within the door receiving cavity. The door is pivotally mounted to one of the opposed sides of the door frame for pivotal movement between an open and a closed position. The door has a first face and a second face. At least one fan is positioned in the door. The fan is adapted to either move air from the first face to the second face or from the second face to the first face. Preferably, the door is manufactured so it can be mounted with either side to the left or right and either end at the top or the bottom, so as to accommodate any conceivable installation.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Bradley Keith Gemmer
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Patent number: 7160186Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus game with an adjacent selection feature. In one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming device provides a plurality of adjacent player selectable selections. An award is associated with each player selectable selection. The award associated with each selectable selection is not initially displayed or revealed to the player. The player selectable selections are arranged or grouped into a plurality of associated or related selection sets. In one embodiment, each selection set has a different number of player selectable selections. In one embodiment, the related plurality of selection sets are arranged adjacent to each other to enable each player selectable selection in one set to be adjacent to at least one player selectable selection from another selection set. The player's pick in each selection set limits the available selections in the subsequent selection sets.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: IGTInventors: Ryan W. Cuddy, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Cari L. Blomquist
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Patent number: 7160187Abstract: A spinning reel slot machine comprises a plurality of mechanical rotatable reels and a video display. In response to a wager, the reels are rotated and stopped to randomly place symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area. The video display provides a video image superimposed upon the reels. The video image may be interactive with the reels and include such graphics as payout values, a pay table, pay lines, bonus game features, special effects, thematic scenery, and instructional information.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventors: Timothy C. Loose, Wayne H. Rothschild
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Patent number: 7160188Abstract: A gaming device having a multiple selection and award distribution bonus scheme. A selection is chosen from a group of selections. The game determines awards for distribution to the selection. Once determined, the awards are distributed to the selection and a player is provided with the awards. The game preferably utilizes a number of award pools in order to determine the award distribution. This award pool determination is based on, for example, a number of probability tables associated with the award pools.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: IGTInventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Randall D. Mead, Anthony J. Baerlocher
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Patent number: 7160189Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a player input is used as a value for a variable in an algorithm of a gaming device. The algorithm, in turn, is used to generate a pseudorandom value. The pseudorandom value, in turn, is used to determine an outcome for a game of the gaming device. Accordingly, a player is allowed to influence the outcome of a game by providing an input. The input may comprise, for example, a numeric input, a biometric input, or a physical input. The latter two types of inputs may be converted to a numeric form before being used in the algorithm. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a player input comprises selection of an algorithm for use in generating a pseudorandom value to be used to determine an outcome for a game of a gaming device. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a player input comprises a player selection of a visual representation of a pseudorandom value to be used to determine an outcome for a game of a gaming device.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham
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Patent number: 7160190Abstract: A gaming device wherein the success or failure of a current selection directly affects the player's chances for success in a later selection and the player's chances for obtaining the highest bonus award possible.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Bayard S. Webb, Joseph R. Hedrick
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Patent number: 7160191Abstract: A game player can change the rate at which a game character is rendered in a video game with respect to the rendering rate of its surroundings. This change results in a visual appearance in which the game character seems to be time traveling. This visual appearance can be that the game character and its surroundings are moving in opposing directions in time, in the same direction in time but at different rates, or that the game character is moving in time but its surroundings are not moving in time. A user interface is provided through which a player can change the relative rendering rates of the game character and its surroundings to provide the visual appearances of several display modes including fast forward, slow forward, pause, rewind, or recording/playback display modes.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Takuya Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7160192Abstract: Across shaft has four trunnions externally provided with roller bearings in a plurality of rows. Each of the trunnions is formed with a recess at its distal end face. A bottom region of the recess is formed in a spherical shape. An inner diameter of an opening region of the recess except the bottom region in a spherical shape is set to be gradually larger toward an opening end edge of the recess. A depth of the recess from the opening end edge to the deepest point is set to be 30 to 70% of the total length of the rollers in an axial direction. By providing this recess is a shape of a punch bowl, rigidity of each of the trunnions of the cross shaft can be reduced, while securing sufficient strength of the trunnion.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuo Komeyama, Kenji Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7160193Abstract: In a no-flange type outer joint member, the amount of abrasion in a large inner diameter portion formed for a track groove is intended to be restrained. In a tripod type constant velocity universal joint including: a no-flange type outer joint member; and a roller assembly including a roller, being attached to a trunnion so as to be capable of oscillating, hardened layers are formed on portions of a large inner diameter portion of the outer joint member, which are in contact with an inclined roller assembly. In this case, a value of F/D is set equal to or less than 0.45, where a distance from a center of the track groove of the outer joint member to the ends of both the hardened layers on the side of the center of the track groove is F, and a diameter of an outer circumference of the roller assembly is D.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Taku Itagaki, Tatsuro Sugiyama, Tatsuhiro Goto, Shintaro Suzuki
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Patent number: 7160194Abstract: A displacement joint includes an outer joint part having circumferentially spaced recesses to form tracks. A tripod is mounted in fixed rotative engagement to a driveshaft and includes a tripod spider which has spherical arms spaced circumferentially in symmetric disposition for engaging the recesses. Roller bearing assemblies are fitted in the outer joint part to support the tripod arms, with each tripod arm guided by two roller bearing assemblies. Each roller bearing assembly has a bearing shell, which receives the tripod arm, rolling members fitted with clearance in a cage and disposed between the track of the outer joint part and a contact surface of the bearing shell. The cage is guided by shoulders of the outer joint part, which laterally bound the track, wherein the cage has opposite collars in parallel relationship to the shoulders for providing an axial stop for the rolling members and the bearing shell.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: INA Schaeffler KGInventors: Piotr Olszewski, Siegfried Tisch, Martin Kruppa, Wolfgang Fugel
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Patent number: 7160195Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly includes an inner member having an outer surface with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion, and an outer member having an inner surface with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion. The splined portion of the inner member is capable of being slidably engaged with the splined portion of the outer member to form a splined connection therebetween. One of the inner and outer members includes a tunable energy absorption feature that controls an amount of interference between the inner and outer members. For example, the tunable energy absorption feature can be in the form of a friction ramp on one member that frictionally engages an angled leading ramp on the other member, a raised portion on one or more splines, or splines having different length that can progressively absorb energy during axial deformation of the propeller shaft assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventor: James Alexander Lyon
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Patent number: 7160196Abstract: A tray (10) for supplying coded golf balls (50) to the tee (41) of a golf driving range comprises a first zone (11) for receiving golf balls, one of which is selected to be played by moving it by means of a club over a barrier (14) to a second (12) where it passes under gravity through an outlet (30) past a code reader (41) to the tee (41). An indicator light (46) is provided to confirm that the code has been read. The barrier (14) may have a grooved side (15) to assist transfer of the golf ball from the first zone (11) to the second zone (12).Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: World Golf Systems LimitedInventors: John S. Thirkettle, David V. Jolliffe
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Patent number: 7160197Abstract: A sports training aid that displays multiple surface-targets so as to aid the practitioner in acquiring accurate alignment, identifying an intermediate surface-target upon which to focus, and building confidence. The training aid utilizes a beginning point (16a), intermediate target (16b), and ultimate target (16c) sources. The surface-target displayed by the ultimate target source (16c) is used to aim at the point where the practitioner ultimately wants his or her ball or object to come to rest. The ball or object is placed upon the surface-target displayed by the beginning point source (16a) and is hit so that it passes over the surface-target displayed by the intermediate target source (16b), and if hit with the correct amount of force, it will come to rest in or upon the ultimate target. The target sources are housed in or upon the target source containment base (14) and the target source containment base is supported by an angled support shaft (12) which is supported by a weighted base (10).Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Randy Lee James
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Patent number: 7160198Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for teaching a user to swing a golf club is disclosed herein. A plurality of lasers are movably and securably attached to a golf club. The lasers are set at an angle away from the shaft of the club, said angle being determined by a calculation based on the swing characteristics of the user. The user places a golf ball slightly in front of a visible guideline, said guideline being positioned parallel to the user's shoulders at address of the ball and extending behind and in front of the ball. The plurality of lasers on the shaft of the club produce a plurality of laser points that appear in relation to the guideline during the swing of the club, thereby providing the user with feedback regarding the plane of their swing and the position of the club head and club face. The apparatus is also useful for teaching a user to hit draw and fade shots.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Adam L. Coates
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Patent number: 7160199Abstract: Golf training devices and methods of using a training device, that includes primary for putting and chipping. The invention can include an attachment socket for attaching the device on top of a hand grip of a golf club and a plate extending from the top of the attachment socket at a bent angle approximately 45 degrees in elevation and at a twisted angle or preferably approximately 15 degrees away from the body of the golfer so that it rests against the lower inner forward forearm of a golfer during putting and chipping. The plate is narrow on a proximal end and wider on a distal end where it is slightly concave to conform to the shape of the forearm. The device is removably attached to the golf club by a fastener on the attachment socket having a threaded hole with an adjustment screw tightening an inner clamp against the grip of the golf club so that the grip of the golf club is fastened in the attachment socket.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: The Perfect Link, Inc.Inventors: Lawson C. Mitchell, Kenneth Robinson
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Patent number: 7160200Abstract: A biofeedback system including an elongated member, for feeding back sounds indicative of swing tempo of the elongated member is provided. The system comprises a plurality of acceleration measuring devices adapted to measure accelerations at a plurality of locations along the elongated member; a first microcontroller for processing the measured acceleration signals to reduce effects of gravity and forming a digital number related to an angular rotational speed raised to a power; said digital number comprising a plurality of bits; a second microcontroller for receiving the digital number and associating the bits with a plurality of groups each having an associated tonal composition and amplitude value indicative of bit content and for forming commands indicative of the tonal composition and amplitude value; and a synthesizer responsive to commands and producing an audio signal; and an output for outputting the audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Yale UniversityInventor: Robert D Grober
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Patent number: 7160201Abstract: A golf putting trainer includes a holder for a putter having a shaft and a head, elements for guiding the holder in a curved movement path and elements for holding the putter head in a position perpendicular to the direction of movement of the holder. The golf putting trainer includes elements for adjusting the curvature of the movement path of the holder both vertically and horizontally.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Tomas Dahl
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Patent number: 7160202Abstract: A golf club grip includes an anti-slip arrangement and a control arrangement. The anti-slip arrangement, having an outer anti-slipping surface, is adapted for coaxially attaching along an end portion of the golf club. The control arrangement, having an outer shock absorbing surface, is coaxially and downwardly extended from the anti-slip arrangement for coaxially mounting along the golf club, wherein the control arrangement, having a softness softer than the anti-slip arrangement for enhancing a sense of touching, is arranged for a controlling hand of the golfer to grip thereon. Therefore, the golfer is able to swing the golf club by securely gripping the gloved hand on the anti-slipping surface of the anti-slip arrangement and feelingly control the golf club by gripping the controlling hand on the shock absorbing surface of the control arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Yung-Hsiang Chen