Patents Issued in January 30, 2007
  • Patent number: 7168838
    Abstract: To enlarge the design and technical use options of a vehicle lamp, in particular for motor vehicles, which includes at least one functional lamp and a light exit cover covering the internal space of the vehicle lamp, provided on surface regions of at least one component (1) of the vehicle lamp, which are visible from the exterior and which do not cover the at least one functional lamp, is an electroluminescence arrangement which includes at least one flat capacitor (20) which includes at least a rear base electrode (25), a pigment layer (27) which in operation lights up, and a transparent cover electrode (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: FER Fahrzeugelektrik GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Moser
  • Patent number: 7168839
    Abstract: A LED bulb and light module utilizes a LED light source and directs light therefrom in a manner which improves efficiency and illumination. Ideally, the LED bulb is structured to create a virtual image whereby the efficiency of light directed out of the module is greatly improved, even with a single LED light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeyachandrabose Chinniah, Christopher L. Eichelberger, Jeffrey Allen Erion, John Li
  • Patent number: 7168840
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) (110) includes a chip body (113), an encapsulation can (115) surrounding the chip body, and a base (111) supporting the encapsulation can and the chip body thereon. A diffraction grating (117) is provided at a surface of the encapsulation can, and the encapsulation can is made of a piezoelectric material for widening radiation angles of light beams emitted from the chip body. With the diffraction grating and the piezoelectric encapsulation can, light beams from the chip body are diffracted and attain wider radiation angles. A backlight system (100) includes a light guide plate (120), and a number of the above-described LEDs disposed adjacent to the light guide plate. Light beams having wide radiation angles are emitted from the LEDs and enter the light guide plate. This enables a light-emitting surface (122) of the light guide plate to have highly uniform brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles Leu, Tai-Cherng Yu, Ga-Lane Chen
  • Patent number: 7168841
    Abstract: A backlight module including an independent light source is provided. The backlight module includes a light generation device, a light transmission device, a light mixing device and a planar light generation device. The light generation device may include one or more light emitting components. The light transmission device may be adopted for receiving and transmitting the light emitted by the light generation device. The light mixing device may be adopted for mixing the light emitted by the light transmission device to generate a mixed linear light. The planar light generation device may comprise a light distributing portion for receiving the mixed linear light to generate a planar light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Epistar Corporation
    Inventors: Min-Hsun Hsieh, Chou-Chih Yin, Chun-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 7168842
    Abstract: In a light emitting device including a transparent covering, a fastener having a vertical member and a horizontal member, a light-emitting chip disposed on one face of the vertical member and encased by the transparent covering, a circuit board disposed on one face of the horizontal member, at least one conductive means connecting the light-emitting chip to the circuit board, and at least one heat-dissipating plate perpendicularly disposed on the other face of the horizontal member, light may be emitted longitudinally along a light-guiding plate, thus optimizing the travel path of the emitted light, while maintaining a compact shape by enabling placement of the printed circuit board and heat dissipating plates away from a longitudinal axis of the light-guiding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Shen-hong Chou, Hui-Kai Chou
  • Patent number: 7168843
    Abstract: Modular lighting bar mountable on a surface into which may be mounted one or more miniature light sources and an electrical supply line. The light sources can include light emitting diodes. The lighting bar has alternative single and two-component configurations that fix the position of the electrical supply line, and may be formed with a recess that receives an asymmetrically shaped electrical supply line in only one possible orientation. The ends of the lighting bar include mateable features for connecting additional bars. The bars may include recesses for receiving rigid members such as railing balusters, and optionally rotatable plugs to allow adaptation of the mounting bars to fit stair case railings with lighting and/or balusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Suncor Stainless, Inc.
    Inventor: Roman F. Striebel
  • Patent number: 7168844
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing and dispensing a liquid deicer. The apparatus and method allow deicer ingredients or precursors to be combined in an exothermic reaction to produce a heated deicer at the location where it will be used. In one implementation, potassium hydroxide and acetic acid are combined using the apparatus and method to make hot potassium acetate for use in numerous deicer applications, including deicing of airport runways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Cargill, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hoerle, Lawrence L. Micek, Donald T. Ireland
  • Patent number: 7168845
    Abstract: A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: McGill Technology Limited
    Inventor: Shane R. McGill
  • Patent number: 7168846
    Abstract: A rotary product processing device that has a frame made of endplates and at least one sidewall of one piece and unitary construction that encompasses a product processing chamber and product conveyor that is rotatively supported by a plurality of bearings that are each of one-piece, unitary and homogeneous construction. A drive cantilevers outwardly from an upraised mount of one of the endplates disposing it so it overlies part of the chamber. The endplate also carries and helps enclose a drivetrain that rotatively couples the conveyor to the drive. At least one of the bearings also functions as a thrust bearing for part of the drivetrain. Complementary angled tabs and slots facilitate assembly of the endplates and sidewall producing an integral frame. In one frame assembly method, angled lugs are received slots locating and helping self-fixture the endplates and sidewall enabling them to be attached along adjoining regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Maupin
  • Patent number: 7168847
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for storing and/or mixing and/or injecting cements, especially bone cements. The device includes a tube having a longitudinal axis, a front end with an outlet opening, a rear end; and an internal cylindrical cavity having a first end and a second end; a locking mechanism detachably connected to the front end of the tube so that the outlet opening can be sealed; and a lid detachably connected to the rear end of the tube; the lid having a borehole extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Synthes (USA)
    Inventors: Christian Frei, Beat Ehrsam
  • Patent number: 7168848
    Abstract: An impeller apparatus for use with a magnetically coupled mixer includes in one embodiment an axial-pumping impeller spaced axially apart from a driven magnet by a shaft. In another embodiment the impeller apparatus includes an up-pumping impeller spaced axially apart from a magnetic element by a shaft, the magnetic element cooperates with a superconducting element for levitating the impeller apparatus away from the bottom of the tank and cooperates with a motive device to rotate the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Bernd Gigas, Richard Howk
  • Patent number: 7168849
    Abstract: An agitation system for producing a slurry, mixture, or solution from addition of dry solids to a liquid is provided. A first tank has a first longitudinal axis, a static liquid level, a dynamic liquid level, and a holdup. A solid inlet is configured to feed dry solids into the first tank. A first drive shaft is disposed in the first tank generally along the first longitudinal axis and a first impeller is attached to the first drive shaft at a first location. The first impeller is configured to pump material in a generally upward direction. A second tank having a second longitudinal axis is in fluid communication with the first tank. A second drive shaft is disposed in the second tank generally along the second longitudinal axis and a second impeller is attached to the second drive shaft at a first location and a third impeller is attached to the second drive shaft at a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel M. Adams
  • Patent number: 7168850
    Abstract: In a mirror surface state detection device, a light-emitting element obliquely irradiates the mirror surface of a mirror with light. A light-receiving element is arranged adjacent to the light-emitting element to have an optical axis almost parallel to that of the light-emitting element and a tilt angle almost equal to that of the light-emitting element and receives scattered light of the light emitted from the light-emitting element. A condensation detection unit detects the state on the mirror surface on the basis of the scattered light received by the light-receiving element. A moisture detection device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kanai, Kazumasa Ibata, Shigeki Shoji, Masaki Takechi, Zentaro Nakamura, Masahiro Komatsu, Shingo Masumoto
  • Patent number: 7168851
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring heat dissipation of a target heating element includes a reference heating element for emitting heat; a control unit; and a pair of temperature measuring devices for measuring representative temperatures of the target and the reference heating element and transmitting to the control unit signals indicating the representative temperatures. The reference heating element has an outer configuration and sizes substantially identical to those of the target heating element. The control unit controls the reference heating element such that the representative temperature of the reference heating element becomes substantially identical to that of the target heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Postech Foundation
    Inventors: Moo Hwan Kim, Jeong Seob Shin
  • Patent number: 7168852
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method and a system of modules for carrying out thermal analysis of cast iron melts. The characterizing step of the method is de-termination of the position of the thermocouples used for recording cooling curves. The system comprises a thermocouple unit, a thermocouple holder, and a sampling unit. The system comprises means for ensuring that the thermocouples are correctly positioned before starting the thermal analysis. The system also comprises means for automatically transferring calibration data regarding the thermocouples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: SinterCast AB
    Inventor: Henrik Linnarsson
  • Patent number: 7168853
    Abstract: This invention relates to digitally measuring operating parameters, for example, temperature, within a semiconductor chip and making those measurements internally available to hardware, firmware, and software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herschel Ainspan, Philip G. Emma, Rick A. Rand, Arthur Zingher
  • Patent number: 7168854
    Abstract: A multi-use examination table provides x-ray imaging thereby conserving examination room space and to speed patient examination while retaining standard examination table features such as table extensions, foot end drawers, trays and stirrups, and a step for access to the high examination table surface. A repositionable imaging boom allows the table to remain unobstructed when x-ray imaging is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Lowry Ergun, Richard Franklin Morris
  • Patent number: 7168855
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray stand comprising an outer C arm along which a support for an inner C arm is displaceably mounted. The inner C arm which carries an X-ray tube and an image intensifier is displaceably arranged in the support. The X-ray stand further comprises a drive device for the displacement of the support along the outer C arm and the displacement of the inner C arm along the support. The aim of the invention is to create an X-ray stand of the above-described kind that comprises a drive device that is relatively inexpensive, requires little space and allows for a relatively high positioning accuracy. This aim is achieved in that the drive device is provided with a single drive means that influences the inner C arm and the support simultaneously in such a manner that the inner C arm and the support move in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Göran Engström, Mikael Lundberg, Erik Mellström
  • Patent number: 7168856
    Abstract: Wet cup throat seal (3) and bearing (2) combination is designed for use in a reciprocating piston pump where in the wet cup (1) is designed to hold the seal assembly thereby insuring proper displacement rod (5) alignment and maximizing seal life. The construction also allows for easy and inexpensive replacement and allows piston seals (6) and throat seals (3) to be interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Mark T. Weinberger, James P. Korzenowski, Mark D. Hilde
  • Patent number: 7168857
    Abstract: The invention provides a special type bearing device that is insusceptible to damage, is light in weight, has a long service life and excellent wear resistance, is insusceptible to the effect of change in temperature, is easy to fabricate, and has little offensiveness towards mating members. Further, the same is capable of sufficiently retaining a lubricant such as oil and grease, and retaining the lubricant for a long period of time without the need of supplying oil during operation, thereby rendering it maintenance-free. That is, the special type bearing device as described above has an axial shaft, a pair of rotating bodies fixedly attached to the shaft, and a supporting body with which the rotating bodies are in contact, wherein any one of the shift, the rotating bodies, and the supporting body is made of RB ceramic or CRB ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Hokkirigawa, Rikuro Obara
  • Patent number: 7168858
    Abstract: A high performance main bearing cap has particular surfaces densified for improved fatigue crack resistance. The surfaces densified are the bolted face (F) inside of a perimetral margin and outside of bold head interface areas around the main bolt holes (B), the surfaces of the main bolt holes and the side bolt hole threads (S). Preferred methods of densification are single needle programmable pattern peening of the bolted face peened area, over-burnishing of the bolt holes, and forming the threads rather than cutting them for the side bolt threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: GKN Sinter Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan M. Cadle, legal representative, Joel H. Mandel, Donald J. Phillips, Terry M. Cadle, deceased
  • Patent number: 7168859
    Abstract: The object is to reduce the contact surface pressure between the balls and the retainer of a thrust ball bearing at slide contact positions, thereby suppressing the wear of the retainer. By increasing the depth of drawing of inner and outer portions embracing the balls received in pockets of the retainer, when the balls roll on the raceways of the outer ring and the inner ring, the balls and the retainer are adapted to slidably contact each other at three portions, i.e. the peripheral edge of each pocket, and the outer portion and the inner portion of the retainer. Thus, it is possible to reduce the contact surface pressure at the respective slide contact positions compared to the prior art. Thus, it is possible to suppress the wear of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Michio Hori, Yasuyuki Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7168860
    Abstract: An assembly for an optical home network includes a socket having input and output optical fibers, for transmitting optical signals, installed at corresponding positions of both sides of a connection hole. The assembly further includes a plug connected to a device and including input and output optical transmission lines respectively connected to the input and output optical fibers when the plug is inserted into the connection hole of the socket so as to be connected to the socket. The optical signals transmitted through the input and output optical fibers pass through the socket when the plug is not connected to the passive socket, and are transmitted to the device through the plug when the plug is connected to the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lae-Kyoung Kim, Do-In Choi, Yun-Je Oh, Hee-Won Cheung, Jong-Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 7168861
    Abstract: A optical fiber connector cord capable of being detachably attached to a receptacle fixed to an optical apparatus includes an optical fiber having at least one hole which extends along an optical axis, a plug having a fiber hole through which the optical fiber extends and which is capable of being fitted into the receptacle, a first sealing member which is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the plug and which seals a gap between the plug and the receptacle along the outer periphery of the plug, and a second sealing member which seals a gap between an inner surface of the plug's fiber hole and the optical fiber along the outer periphery of the optical fiber, so that holes in the optical fiber are effectively prevented from communicating with the atmosphere. In addition, an optical coupling set includes the optical fiber connector cord and the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuhiko Saitoh
  • Patent number: 7168862
    Abstract: An optical fiber decoration device has various merits: small power consumption, no danger of fire, simple water-proof design and economical, battery can be used, excellent portability, long service life of light source, and no danger of destruction during transportation. The optical fiber decoration device is characterized by having an LED light source consisting of a plurality of LED's which are arranged at an end of optical fiber for emitting one or more colors and partially superimposed, enabling synthesis of colors. In FIG. 1, the optical fiber decoration device (I) includes an LED light source unit (2) and an optical fiber (1a). The distance L between the LED light source (2) and the optical fiber is 5 to 100 mm. Red, blue, and green LED's are used to realize multiple colors. The optical fiber decoration device can be used for signboards, outdoor decorations, bus advertisement, indoor decorations, decorations in an aquarium, unit type Christmas trees, clothes, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Elite Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen Qi, Yasunari Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7168863
    Abstract: An optical element includes an optical section having at least one of an emission section and a photodetection section, a sealing member that surrounds at least a part of the optical section through an internal space, an electrode that is electrically connected to the optical section, a conductive member that is contained in the sealing member and conductively connected to the electrode, a substrate that is disposed opposite to an optical surface provided at the optical section, and a wiring that is formed on the substrate and conductively connected to the conductive member, wherein the optical surface is at least one of a plane of light emission and a plane of light incidence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Yajima
  • Patent number: 7168864
    Abstract: A method of fusion splicing optical fibers with different diameters, comprising: (a) preheating for a predetermined period of time an end of a large-diameter optical fiber; (b) advancing relatively the small-diameter optical fiber toward large diameter fiber; (c) preheating for a predetermined period of time the ends of the both optical fibers; (d) advancing at least one of the optical fibers so that end faces of the optical fibers are brought into contact with each other; and (e) heating a predetermined period of time the faces of the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fujikura, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Inoue, Ng Wei Kiang
  • Patent number: 7168865
    Abstract: A normally closed shutter in a camera has at least one blade that is moved to open and close the shutter. A movable blade-driver in the camera has a supporting connection with a fixed support to support the blade-driver for movement, and has a driving connection with the shutter to drive at least the one blade to open and close the shutter when the driver is moved. A fixed blocking ramp in the way of the blade-driver stops the blade-driver once the blade-driver has moved to drive at least the one blade to close the shutter. The fixed ramp is inclined to urge or cam the blade-driver to create a high friction-type force at the supporting connection that impedes movement of the blade-driver to drive at least the one blade to re-open the shutter, whereby the shutter is prevented from being reopened unintentionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Wayne E. Stiehler
  • Patent number: 7168866
    Abstract: A washing bath in a photographic paper processor has plural washing chambers for washing photographic paper with washing water by passage of the photographic paper. Plural cell units are coupled with one another vertically by a modular structure. Each of the cell units has one of the washing chambers. A sealing medium of silicone rubber keeps a cell connection portion between the cell units in a liquid-tight state. A blade mechanism is secured to a panel constituting the cell units, allows the photographic paper to pass between the washing chambers, and blocks passage of the washing water. A transporting rack transports the photographic paper serially to pass the washing chambers. The cell connection portion includes a connection surface, disposed to extend horizontally, and separable for removal of the cell units in the vertical direction. The sealing medium is secured to one of two cell units being coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Itoh
  • Patent number: 7168867
    Abstract: A pen with a sensor is capable of marking a visible path on a surface, and effecting a change in an attribute of the visual path. The change is derived to a color or image sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
  • Patent number: 7168868
    Abstract: A printing control apparatus is provided which can produce an appropriate copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image by adding a monochrome copy-forgery-inhibited pattern even if monochrome mode printing is performed in the condition in which a color copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set. When the monochrome mode printing is performed in the condition in which the color copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set, and if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern color is output with its color unchanged, the color is not converted into 100% black. Considering this, when a forced monochrome mode is selected and a user's setting for the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is color, the user is notified to change a printing mode. Otherwise, the user is notified that the setting of the printing mode and the setting of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern are conflicting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuro Uchida, Masanori Aritomi, Yasuhiro Kujirai, Hiroshi Oomura, Yoshihiro Takagi
  • Patent number: 7168869
    Abstract: A tape printer includes a detection device that detects a type of tape in a tape cassette, a print data storage device that stores print data, a print head that performs printing on the tape based on the print data stored in the print data storage device, a recycle mark storage device that stores recycle mark data to be printed on the tape, wherein the recycle mark data can indicate whether the tape can be recycled, a composition device that composes, if the tape is detected by the detection device to be recyclable tape, the recycle mark data stored in the recycle mark storage device with the print data stored in the print data storage device, and a print control device that controls the print head so that the print head performs printing based on composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitomi Hioki, Takeo Ito
  • Patent number: 7168870
    Abstract: A thermal activation method for a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet having a front end and a rear end. A heat-sensitive adhesive sheet is conveyed between a thermal head for generating heat and a platen roller by rotating the platen roller against the thermal head to thermally activate the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet. The thermal head is driven to cause the thermal head to generate heat in synchronization with conveyance of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet by the platen roller so that the thermal head starts generating heat before the front end of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet enters between the thermal head and the platen roller and while the platen roller rotates less than once between the point at which the thermal head starts generating heat and the point at which the front end of the heat-sensitive adhesive sheet enters between the thermal head and the platen roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Sato, Minoru Hoshino, Hiroyuki Kohira, Masanori Takahashi, Tatsuya Obuchi
  • Patent number: 7168871
    Abstract: The present invention reduces the peak torque of a motor used in a ribbon takeup mechanism and makes the motor, used for driving, smaller and less costly. A ribbon takeup device includes ratchet wheels (5) provided on ribbon takeup axes (4), a feed claw (6) that engages the ratchet wheels, a displacement member (9) driven and displaced by a motor (11) so that at least a linear displacement is given, a slide member (3) that moves the feed claw, and an elastic member (15). The configuration is that the elastic member engages the slide member that has the ribbon feed claw for taking up a ribbon and, with force applied to the slide member into one direction by the elastic member, a motor driving force is added to the slide member into the same direction as the direction in which the elastic member applies force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tsugaru
  • Patent number: 7168872
    Abstract: Disclosed is a printer paper spooler with error condition detector including a first slot structure and a second slot structure, a bobbin disposed between the first slot structure and the second slot structure, a light emitting diode, and a phototransistor that receives a detecting light beam emitted by the light emitting diode. Also included is a take-up reel that is powered by a take-up motor, associable with the bobbin via printed receipt paper, and disposed on a take-up tower. Further included is a base structure, on which the first slot structure, the second slot structure, and the take-up tower are disposed, and a spooler control program, associable via a data exchange connection with the phototransistor, the take-up motor, and a printer control program, which is associated with, and controls, a receipt paper printer that is printing the printed receipt paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Capps, Thomas J. Howard, Richard W. Vanderpool, III
  • Patent number: 7168873
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in applying lotion to a portion of a body of an individual includes first and second handles which are connected with a lotion dispensing section. The lotion dispensing section includes a reservoir which holds a supply of lotion and a plurality of rollers. Each of the rollers has an inner portion exposed to the lotion in the reservoir and an outer portion which is engageable with the body of the individual using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Inventia Product Development LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Shawan, Isador H. Lieberman
  • Patent number: 7168874
    Abstract: A device for applying a substance, in particular a cosmetic, the device comprising an applicator having a structure for application purposes and capable of transporting the substance onto a surface to be treated, and optionally a wiper member for wiping said applicator prior to applying the substance, wherein inside at least a portion of said structure and/or the wiper member there are disposed one or more elements generating or suitable for generating a magnetic field of predetermined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 7168875
    Abstract: A cosmetic pen a hollow outer body and a hollow inner body with an applicator and a lip stick unit are respectively connected to two ends of the hollow outer body. A transmission unit is located between the sleeve of the lip stick unit an the inner body. The sleeve includes an exterior threaded section which is engaged with a cap so that when rotating the cap, the cosmetic liquid in the inner tube can be pushed out from the applicator. The lip stick unit includes a base with a spiral groove and a lip stick is connected to the base, a sleeve is engaged with the spiral groove so that the base can be moved axially by rotating the sleeve to use the lip stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Chuen Chern Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Zhang, Li-Mei Liu
  • Patent number: 7168876
    Abstract: A writing instrument for a water-metachromatic member has a cylindrical container capable of holding water, formed with an opening at a tip end thereof to communicate the interior of the container with the exterior thereof, a hollow cylindrical holder which directly holds a pen point member, being formed at a tip end with an opening through which the tip end of said pen point member is projected outwardly and at a rear end with a communication hole, and a gap provided between an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical holder and an outer peripheral surface of the rod-like body to form a gap for generating a capillary force therebetween. When the holder is held to the container, water is supplied through said communication hole to said pen point member. When the holder is detached from the container, the opening of the container is usable for water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Nakashima, Takao Kani
  • Patent number: 7168877
    Abstract: A brush applicator forms a tapered inner wall and inwardly extended flange inside of a nozzle, which secures either molded or crimped brush assembly. Two edge applicators apply a substantially uniform thin layer of adhesive or glue only on the edge surface of a workpiece. A first edge applicator applies glue through an exit and a second edge applicator has a roller with side flanges and with a reduced portion in-between. A flat surface applicator implements may have plural vanes and channels inside of two outer walls to distribute adhesive to a wider flat exit. A biscuit applicator applies glue on two side surfaces of elliptical slots that are formed by biscuit cutters. The glue flows through plural vanes or plural transversely positioned openings and passes to form two opposite layers of glue. A dowel applicator applies a thin substantially uniform layer of glue on the wall of a dowel-receiving hole prior to installation of dowel pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Joon Park
  • Patent number: 7168878
    Abstract: To prevent leakage, excessive delivery and stagnation of a liquid material applied by an applicator, the applicator comprises a core member 2 having a hole part 2a, a projection part 2f and a communication hole 2j, an application member 3 made of an elastic material having a delivery hole 3f, and an inside space 4 between the front end side of the core member 2 and the application member 3, and structured such that the liquid material flows to the delivery hole 3f through a roundabout way via the hole part 2a, the communication hole 2j and the inside space 4 to cause fluid resistance and that the front face of the projection part 2f is close to or in contact with the delivery hole 3f to control delivery of the liquid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Tokiwa Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Tani
  • Patent number: 7168879
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for removably interconnecting a first structural member and a second structural member comprises a resiliently deformable female coupling part adapted to be inserted into a socket at the first structural member such that it is retained therein. The female coupling part comprises a ball-shaped cup, an intermediate annular wall integral with said ball-shaped cup and serving as a guide portion, and a tubular external wall integral with said annular intermediate wall. The external wall surrounds at least a part of the ball-shaped cup in spaced relation thereto and engages a peripheral wall of the socket when the female coupling part is inserted into the socket. A male coupling part comprises a ball-shaped head and a fixing portion for securing the male coupling part to the second structural member. The intermediate annular wall of the female coupling part is of an undulated shape at least in a certain area thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Bollhoff GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Bertram, Rainer Süssenbach
  • Patent number: 7168880
    Abstract: An impact attenuator system includes a hyperelastic member that comprises an energy absorbing material which behaves in a rate-independent hyperelastic manner so that its permanent set is minimized and the material can absorb tremendous amounts of impact energy while remaining fully recoverable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James C. Kennedy, Jr., Charles R. Miele, Chuck A. Plaxico, Joseph R. Preston, Jay R. Sayre, W. Scott Versluis, Carl J. Serman, Kary L. Valentine
  • Patent number: 7168881
    Abstract: A movable barricade for use in controlling vehicle travel through a traffic control locus of a security perimeter, such as the fenced-in boundary often found around a building, a plant, an industrial area, or other infrastructure. Barricades structured according to certain aspects of the invention are capable of disabling forward progress of even large cargo-carrying vehicles, such as 18-wheeled trucks and trailers, or large-capacity tanker trucks. Preferred embodiments of the invention include a high-mass barrier element, such as a concrete Jersey Barricade, adapted to be rolled into a blocking position to obstruct the flow of traffic, and rolled into an open position to permit unobstructed flow of traffic though an access control point. Certain embodiments of the invention also provide control of pedestrian traffic through the locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Walter H Hartlauer
  • Patent number: 7168882
    Abstract: A road barrier has a bottom part and a top part which extends upwardly and forms in the top part at least one downwardly inclined side surface so that when in a case of an accident a vehicle hits the road barrier from a side of the at least one downwardly inclined side surface, it can be thrown back into its lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Alfred Owen
  • Patent number: 7168883
    Abstract: A simulated clay tennis surface has a first region tufted with synthetic ribbons of a first height, and a second region tufted with synthetic ribbons higher than those of the first region. A granular infill material is applied to a depth which covers the ribbons in the first region, but leaves the tips of the ribbons of the second region visible to form court markings of a contrasting color to the infill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Grass Manufacturers Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Gary Wayne Waterford
  • Patent number: 7168884
    Abstract: A paving structure (11) of the type having an upper wear layer (12) and an underlying sub-base layer (15) of rigid insoluble hard particulate material forming voids for the collection of water permeating through the permeable surface where layer (12) has an intermediate reinforcing grid (16) located at an intermediate level of the sub-base layer (15) such that it is covered by an upper part of the sub-base layer (15U) which is of a thickness not less than 1½ times the dimension of the largest particles in that part of the sub-base layer. A reinforcing grid (26) at the base of the sub-base layer between this and the sub grade (18) may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Formpave Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Hart
  • Patent number: 7168885
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a vibratory mechanism. The method includes sensing a vibratory amplitude of the vibratory mechanism and determining a decoupling point of the vibratory mechanism. An output signal is generated based on the determination of the decoupling point for controlling the vibratory amplitude of the vibratory mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
    Inventors: Federico Mauro John Rio, Dean Roger Potts, Kevin Lynn Mann
  • Patent number: 7168886
    Abstract: The present application relates to methods for laying a traffic calming surface, in which molten material is deposited on the surface of a road or path and is then moulded so as to form a continuous, substantially sinusoidal profile which extends along the intended direction of travel. The profile can be formed by employing at least one pair of longitudinal rails which are positioned on the surface of the road so as to be spaced apart from each other and such that they are aligned with the intended direction of travel. The upper surface of the rails exhibits the required profile so that molten material deposited between the rails can be spread between the rails to form the required surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Prismo Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Loader
  • Patent number: 7168887
    Abstract: A process for repairing a crack in a recreational court or surface comprising cleaning the crack to remove loose material, filling the crack with a crack filling material, such as a flexible sealant material which adheres to the edges of the crack and securely seals the crack, applying a laminate to the recreational surface and to the exposed sealant material to completely cover the crack, wherein the laminate comprises a waterproof adhesive applied to a flexible material, and securing a polyester flexible fabric to at least the edges of the laminate using an adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: James Christopher Rossi