Patents Issued in February 6, 2007
  • Patent number: 7172329
    Abstract: The present invention provides a back light module, having an optical element, a light source and an outer supporting means. The optical element includes main body and protrusions which protrude from an edge of the main body. Contiguous protrusions with the main body form a positioning groove. The conjunction region between protrusion and main body is a fillet. The outer supporting means fixes the optical elements and the light source, which has at least one positioning component disposed on the edge of the back plate. The positioning component includes one inner wall near to edge of the main body, a side wall near to the protrusion and a transition wall connecting the side wall and the inner wall. A separate distance g between the fillet and the side wall so that the optical element can be prevented from cracking during the impact or shock test of the back light module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hannstar Display Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Chen Kao, Hsin-Chieh Lai
  • Patent number: 7172330
    Abstract: A backlight assembly includes at least one lamp generating light, a container having a receiving space, and a lamp fixing member disposed in the receiving space of the container. The lamp fixing member includes base arms disposed substantially parallel with each other, at least one lamp clip that grips the at least one lamp and is connected between the base arms, and at least one buffer formed in the respective base arms to allow variation in a length of the base arms due to changes in a size of the receiving space. An image display device includes a display panel for displaying images, and the backlight assembly to provide the light to the display panel. The image display device also includes a top chassis having another buffer allowing variation in a length of chassis sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Hoon Lee, Jong-Dae Park, Jeong-Hwan Lee, Jae-Ho Jung
  • Patent number: 7172331
    Abstract: A backlight module is provided. The backlight module includes a frame, a reflector and a holding structure for holding the reflector on the frame. The frame has a first through hole and the reflector has a second through hole. The reflector is disposed on the frame. The holding structure includes a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion is used for connecting the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion. The first clamp portion and the second clamp portion are used for clamping the reflector and the frame when the shaft portion is inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Kuo, Ying Szutu
  • Patent number: 7172332
    Abstract: A bendable line voltage track lighting system includes a track having a conductor subassembly and first and second bendable sheaths that engage the conductor subassembly. The conductor subassembly includes first and second insulators that receive first and second bus-bars, respectively, and a compression gasket for biasing the two insulators into engagement with guide grooves in the bendable sheaths. Power is fed to the track by power connectors that engage the bus-bars contained within the conductor subassembly. Light fixtures are powered by making electrical contact with the bus-bars of the conductor subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tech Lighting L.L.C.
    Inventors: Aaron Mobarak, Victor Smith, Christopher Watson, Michael Shulman, Paul Furlow, Gregory Kay, Wallace Hepkema
  • Patent number: 7172333
    Abstract: An injection molding screw for metal injection molding includes a first end, a second end, a longitudinal body with a first stage and a second stage extending axially along a length of the screw between the ends, a pressure retention device, and optionally, a screw tip. The pressure retention element minimizes loss of pressure in the second stage portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignees: Southco, Inc., Trexel, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Anderson, Jingyi Xu
  • Patent number: 7172334
    Abstract: There is provided an hand held blender essentially having at least two housing or body portions, a first housing or body portion suitable for containing a drive motor and a second housing or body portion suitable for containing one or more shanks or shafts operatively connected to the drive motor, and a processing tool operatively connected to the one or more shafts. Each of first and second portions has at least one connector suitable to rotatably connect and/or disconnect the at least two portions, as desired, in a reliable and stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Frank R. Chiappetta
  • Patent number: 7172335
    Abstract: An automatic mashed potato system for efficiently and automatically creating seasoned mashed potatoes. The automatic mashed potato system includes a housing unit having an upper cavity with a closure, a seasoning unit within the closure, a fluid collection tray removably positioned within the housing unit, a heating container positioned within the housing unit, a mixing container removably positioned within the heating container, and a mashing apparatus extending from the closure. Potatoes and water are placed within the mixing container and the heating container heats the potatoes until the potatoes are softened. An automated drain within the mixing container drains the water, then the seasoning unit inputs seasons into the mixing container and the mashing apparatus thereafter mashes the potatoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Carmina F. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7172336
    Abstract: An oil phase solution injected into a mixing flow path from an upstream injection inlet forms a flow from an upstream injection inlet to a discharge outlet, and a rotary blade is provided downstream of a mechanical seal. Thus, a reverse flow toward a mechanical seal of a polyvalent isocyanate and a polyol injected from an inlet downstream with respect to the mechanical seal tends not to take place. A separating film member is provided to prevent the chemical solutions flowing in the mixing flow path from coming into contact with a pressing means, which is for pressing a seal ring member of the mechanical seal against a rotation ring member. A reaction product is not adhered to the pressing means of the mechanical seal, which would decrease the pressing force, and leakage of the liquid from the mechanical seal can be effectively prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomu Chikami, Kenichi Shinohara
  • Patent number: 7172337
    Abstract: One or more mixing impellers is carried on a driving shaft received in a mixing vessel. Impeller blades are angularly and/or axially distributed on the shaft and can be single staggered axially-spaced blades or groups of two or more placed angularly around the shaft, e.g., diametrically opposite. Each blade has a radially inner flat plate sloped to produce axial flow, preferably at about 15° from parallel to the rotation axis. An outer plate is joined to the inner plate at a bend line with an angle of about 20° located at about 70% of the outside diameter of the impeller path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Philadelphia Mixing Solutions, a division of Philadelphia Gear Corporation
    Inventors: Janusz Roszczenko, Wojciech Wyczalkowski
  • Patent number: 7172338
    Abstract: A stirring mixer for a dental impression material to decrease bubbles to be generated in a mixed dental impression material and the material to be left in a tubular main body, the mixer has a tubular main body wherein a discharging portion is provided following the mixing portion via a throttling portion from an injecting portion to which two pastes are injected, and a stirring rod with protruding stirring blades is rotated by a motor, leading ends of 1st blades are positioned in a largest diameter portion of the throttling portion, leading ends of 2nd, 3rd and 4th blades are positioned in an inner diameter portion of the mixing portion, 1st blade in a rotational direction and interval between 3rd and 4th blades is wider than that between the other adjacent blades, and opposing faces of 3rd and 4th blade to each other bulge towards the other blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kamohara, Nobutaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7172339
    Abstract: A receptor positioning device for taking dental bitewing radiographs of a patient's teeth comprises a receptor holding member adapted to receive a receptor for exposing x-radiation from the x-ray machine and a collimation plate having a substantially flat surface for aligning with an x-ray machine. The collimation plate has a rectangular opening in its surface for passage of radiation from the x-ray machine to expose a receptor in the receptor holding member and a pair of handles extending away from the plate for positioning the device. The collimation plate is constructed of metal having a thickness of at least 0.075 in., preferably at least 0.100 in., to reduce the passage of radiation from the x-ray machine to the patient except at the plate opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Jennifer A Diederich
  • Patent number: 7172340
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray irradiating unit configured to irradiate an X-ray to an object, an X-ray detecting unit configured to detect the irradiated X-ray, an image creating unit configured to create X-ray image data based on data detected by the X-ray detecting unit, a moving mechanism configured to move the X-ray detecting unit to the object, a capacitance sensing unit, including an electrode which is positioned so as to cover at least part of a detection plane of the X-ray detecting unit, configured to obtain a capacitance value of the X-ray detecting unit by the electrode and a distance measurement unit configured to measure a distance between the object and the X-ray detecting unit based on the capacitance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Oota
  • Patent number: 7172341
    Abstract: With the object of, when a table unit is moved downward as viewed in a vertical direction by use of an actuator, smoothly moving the table unit and enhancing operability, when the actuator moves the table unit from a first position in the vertical direction to a downward second position, a pressure controller adjusts the amount of fluid held in the actuator on the basis of the first position of the table unit, detected by a position detector to thereby control pressure based on the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Naoki Ariyama, Ryosuke Fujimoto, Akira Izuhara
  • Patent number: 7172342
    Abstract: A sealing member such as a shield plate or a seal that is attached to one of raceway rings of a rolling bearing and seals an annular space formed with the other raceway member includes a metal ring. The metal ring has a zinc plated layer on a surface thereof, and on a surface of the zinc plated layer an inorganic coating such as a lithium silicate coating is formed. When a coating amount of the inorganic coating is set or a way of forming the inorganic coating is controlled, the corrosion resistance and the workability same as or more than that in the case where the chromate layer is formed can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Oda, Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7172343
    Abstract: A rolling bearing includes: an inner ring mounted on a shaft to be supported; an outer ring provided around an outer periphery of the inner ring; a plurality of rolling elements rolling while contacting with an inner peripheral face of the outer ring and an outer peripheral face of the inner ring at surfaces thereof; and a retainer supporting the rolling elements. A sliding resistance-reducing film is formed on at least one of a first group being an outer peripheral face of the retainer or the inner peripheral face of the outer ring and a second group being an inner peripheral face of the retainer or the outer peripheral face of the inner ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Dai Kinno, Tsuyoshi Saito, Yasushi Tomizuka, Taikou Nawamoto, Hirotoshi Aramaki
  • Patent number: 7172344
    Abstract: Precise V-grooves allowing an optical fiber to project are formed in respective main surfaces of an upper plane substrate and a lower plane substrate. The optical fiber is mounted on one plane substrate, and a multi-layer film filter 2 is inserted into a filter insertion groove 1 crossing the precise V-groove in the main surface of the other plane substrate. Then, using the projecting optical fiber and the other precise V-groove as a guide rail, two plane substrates grapple the multi-layer film filter to fix and mount the filter. In an optical filter module obtained in this manner, a process of adjusting an optical axis between input/output optical fibers is eliminated, and displacement of the inserted optical filter is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunari Nishihara, Kazuo Fujiwara, Kanji Kato, Mikio Degawa, Tetsuro Shimamura
  • Patent number: 7172346
    Abstract: An optical communications adapter module is provided which includes a XENPAK-sized casing and an optical communications board assembly positioned in the casing where the optical communications board assembly has an optical transmission connector and an optical reception connector. The optical transmission connector and the optical reception connector are positioned in connector openings at a first end of the XENPAK-sized casing. The module further includes a board extender coupled to the optical communications board assembly where the board extender is capable of communicating data between the optical communications board assembly and a client computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas B. Mader, Daehwan D. Kim, Joshua T. Oen
  • Patent number: 7172347
    Abstract: The invention provides an optoelectronic arrangement having a pluggable optoelectronic module and an electric plug arranged on a host printed circuit board. The optoelectronic module comprises at least one optoelectronic transducer, at least one electronic chip, and a module printed circuit board with a plurality of first electric contacts. The electric plug is electrically connected to the host printed circuit board and has a plurality of second electric contacts which, when the module is plugged in, are in electric contact with the first electric contacts of the module printed circuit board. Also provided are a displacement mechanism for linearly displacing the module into an end position with reference to the electric plug, and a contact mechanism for making contact and breaking contact between the first electric contacts and second electric contacts. It is possible in this case to activate the contact mechanism only when the module is in the end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventor: Karl Schrödinger
  • Patent number: 7172348
    Abstract: An optical assembly of the present invention comprises a package installing a semiconductor optical device therein, a metal sleeve attached to the package, and the resin holder disposed between package and the sleeve member. When this optical assembly is installed within the optical transceiver and even the metal sleeve extrudes into the optical receptacle and is exposed to the outside there, the EMI noise can be prevented from importing into the transceiver and radiating to the outside, because the resin holder made of substantially insulating material is disposed between the sleeve and the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yabe, Satoshi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7172349
    Abstract: Provided is a light amount control device eliminating a deviation in image forming position over the entire area of the variable range of an aperture due to an ND filter and assuring smooth stopping operation. The light amount control device of the present invention includes: a first shading member and a second shading member which are adapted to move within a plane perpendicular to an optical axis to vary an area of a light passage opening; a lever member which is connected with the first shading member and the second shading member and which is rotatable; an actuator for driving the lever member; and an ND filter mounted to the first shading member. The ND filter is configured to cover an entirety of the light passage opening in an open state, and the second shading member has a guard portion which, with the light passage opening being in a closed state, is arranged between the lever member and the ND filter, preventing the ND filter from coming into contact with the lever member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masae Miyakawa
  • Patent number: 7172350
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a forming method using a thermal transfer printing sheet which is capable of implementing a three dimensional pattern. A method of forming a protruded surface using a thermal conduction difference of each portion of the pattern by a partial deposition thermal transfer printing sheet printed on a surface of a base material of a plastic substrate, or a gold or silver thin film partially printed by an engraving roller, and then the printed surface is heated to a certain temperature, so that the surface is divided into a heat blocked portion and a heat absorbed portion. In the forming method using a partial deposition thermal transfer printing sheet, or a gold or silver thermal transfer printing sheet, a thermal transfer printing sheet is dry-printed using only a heat and pressure, and a protruded surface is easily formed through a thermal diffusion process. It is possible to form various natural protruded surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Korea Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sook Hee Chung
  • Patent number: 7172351
    Abstract: An armature manufacturing method of forming an armature including an arm holding a printing wire, and magnetic circuit forming members attached to the arm places the magnetic circuit forming members on the arm with a resistive layer of a resistive material having high electric resistance sandwiched between the arm and each of the magnetic circuit forming members, and welds together the arm and the magnetic circuit forming members with the resistive films sandwiched between the arm and the magnetic circuit forming members by spot welding. The arm and the magnetic circuit forming members of the armature can be joined together by welds having a high weld strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 7172352
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a bearing comprises a cylindrical bearing surface supporting a spherical journal surface. In another embodiment, a device comprises a shaft having a spherical journal surface supported inside and rotatable against a cylindrical bearing surface. In another embodiment, a sheet media feed mechanism comprises: a chassis; a motor mounted to the chassis; a rotatable shaft operatively coupled to the motor; a roller affixed to the shaft; an idler disposed opposite the roller; the idler and the roller engagable with one another to form a nip therebetween; bearings mounted to the chassis and supporting the shaft, each bearing having a cylindrical inner bearing surface; and the shaft having a spherical journal surface inside and rotatable against each bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Shawn Close, Mark C. Riehl
  • Patent number: 7172353
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a chassis; a print head unit pivotably supported by the chassis; a platen roller rotatably supported by the chassis to perform printing with the print head unit; a metal feed roller rotatably supported by the chassis to convey paper; a metal press roller rotatably supported to the chassis so as to be pressed against the feed roller to convey paper; and feed roller bearings mounted to the chassis for rotatably supporting the feed roller. The feed roller bearings have contact parts that project toward the print head unit, such that the contact parts are pressed into contact with the print head unit when the print head unit is pressed against the platen roller during printing. The precision with which paper is fed and printing is performed can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunio Sawai
  • Patent number: 7172354
    Abstract: A self-contained edge printing machine which can print any sequence of numbers or letters adjacent the top edge or adjacent the bottom edge of a standard 8½? by 11? piece of paper. The machine is a stand-alone self-contained unit that has its own stationary inkjet printer and its own internal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Y. Nissim, Inc.
    Inventor: Yosi Nissim
  • Patent number: 7172355
    Abstract: To prevent the accidental separation of a lid body from a main body, a cartridge type feeding container has a tubular main body (1) receiving a cosmetic material (81), a lid body (2) with an applicator (21) including a rearward protruding applying member (21a) and being inserted into the main body, a cartridge (3) which receives a core chuck (31a) slidably therein and has its rear side inserted into the lid body, a feeding and drawing mechanism (4) for the core chuck, fist stage projections (51) provided on the main body or the applicator, second stage projections (52) provided on the main body or the applicator adjacently to the first stage projections, the projections (5) being V-shaped and having top and inclined portions, and a locking projection passing between the adjacent projections (5) provided on a surface where the projections (5) are not provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tokiwa Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Tani
  • Patent number: 7172356
    Abstract: A packaging and dispensing device for a friable product, in particular a cosmetic product. The device includes a hollow base, and a cup intended to accommodate the product in a well. The cup includes at least one lug on a stem fixed below the well. The lug is flexible and engages with a helical groove in the inner wall of the base. The lug can be disengaged from the groove, in particular at the ends of the groove. The arrangement allows “free” rotation in a plane orthogonal to an axis of the spiral. The device includes a sleeve mounted in free rotation about the base, whereas it is fixed in rotation with the cup. The cup moves axially as a function of rotation of the sleeve relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jacques Habatjou
  • Patent number: 7172357
    Abstract: An applicator may include a handle member, a stem connected to the handle member via a hinge, and an applicator element at a first end of the stem. The stem and the applicator element may not extend entirely along a common rectilinear axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 7172358
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide a writing device including a button pressed by a user, wherein the button engages a mechanism used to move a writing tip between stowed and operative positions. A counter receives at least one indication each time the button is pressed by a user. A display on the writing device indicates a count kept by the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Noble Logistics, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas William Rudelius, Steven James Rudelius
  • Patent number: 7172359
    Abstract: A marking implement for marking activities such as marking of a drill hole or indicating a cutting/sawing edge, and includes a marking pen having a pen housing and an application reservoir held in a axially fixed manner therein and a protective cap with an elongate interior for partially accommodating the marking pen. The marking pen has a gripping region and, adjoining it, a thinner neck region, on which a nib is formed at the free end. The cap has an interior section for partially accommodating the gripping region and a narrower interior section for accommodating the neck region. Furthermore, a fastening clip is disposed on the outer surface of the cap. The clip is integrally formed on the protective cap with a fixed end in a region adjacent to the opening and, from there, tapers substantially to the end of the cap that faces away from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Gerhard Möck
  • Patent number: 7172360
    Abstract: Art instruments having a self-contained reservoir for dispensing paint or ink to a paintbrush portion provided on one end of the instrument. The instrument includes an ink-dispensing assembly comprised of a series of capillary tubes, orifice restrictors, pins and plugs to provide an assembly that prevents distribution of ink during shipping, but can be easily activated by a user to produce controllable and reliable ink flow to the brush portion on demand. The invention provides differing valve body components and configurations to provide optimal ink flow for inks of differing viscosities, creating a self-wicking art instrument that resists leakage, splattering, and other undesirable characteristics of known self-contained ink art instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Elmer's Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anne M. McSweeney, Michael J. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7172361
    Abstract: An extendable shaft includes a first and a second shaft sections aligned on the same axis. External splines on an outer periphery of the first shaft section engage external splines on an inner periphery of the second shaft section. The first shaft section includes a slit extended from an opening end thereof for a predetermined length along an axial direction. A diametrically contractible portion adapted for elastic reduction in diameter is provided in a region ranging from the opening end of the first shaft section to place away therefrom by the predetermined length along the axial direction. A thin-wall portion is formed in a part of the diametrically contractible portion. A clamping member elastically clamps the diametrically contractible portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Minamoto, Ryouichi Tokioka, Shuzo Hirakushi
  • Patent number: 7172362
    Abstract: A divider barrier 1 for roadway delineation includes detachably juxtaposed divider members 2, 3, 4. The divider members have each a housing-like base body 5 which can be placed on the ground and has slanted roof-shaped lateral collision plates 6, 7. Connected to the lower longitudinal edges 10 of the collision plates 6, 7 are support plates 11, 12 which extend from the base body 5 outwards. A guide bar 15 is provided above the base body 5 at a vertical distance thereto. Connecting means 18–21 are provided to detachably couple successive divider members 2, 3, 4 with one another. The support plates 11, 12 of two successive divider members 2, 3, 4 are detachably connected to one another by means of fishplates 35 on the underside, wherein each fishplate 35 is hereby fixed with its first end portion 36 under the support plate 11 of the one divider member 2, 3, 4 and with its second end portion 37 under the support plate 12 of the following second divider member 2, 3, 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: SPIG Schutzplanken-Produktions-Gesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7172363
    Abstract: A paving machine may include a power source, a traction system, a hopper configured to contain paving material, and one or more conveyors configured to transfer the paving material from the hopper. The paving machine may also include a screed configured to lay a mat of the paving material. The paving machine may further include at least one front sensor mounted on a front portion of the paving machine and configured to measure height from a surface to the front sensor and at least one rear sensor mounted on the paving machine and configured to measure height from a surface of the mat to the rear sensor. The paving machine may also include a controller configured to determine a thickness of the mat by determining a difference between one or more front height measurements taken by the at least one front sensor and one or more rear height measurements taken by the at least one rear sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
    Inventors: Dale M. Olson, Mario J. Souraty
  • Patent number: 7172364
    Abstract: The dropped curb finisher is for use with a slip form paving machines for forming continuous curbs and gutters. The dropped curb finisher has a vertical mounting plate, a finishing plate, an end plate and a vibrator for imparting vibration to the end plate and the finishing plate. The finishing plate extends rearwardly from the bottom edge of the mounting plate and the end plate inclines upwardly from the end of the finishing plate remote from the mounting plate. In another embodiment the present invention comprises a method of forming a dropped curb with a slip form paving machine for forming continuous curbs and gutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nicholson Concrete
    Inventor: Leo Nicholson
  • Patent number: 7172365
    Abstract: A method is provided of making and using a walk behind rotary trowel that is “dynamically balanced” so as to minimize the forces/torque that the operator must endure to control and guide the trowel. Characteristics that are accounted for by this method include, but are not limited to, friction, engine torque, machine center of gravity, and guide handle position. As a result, dynamic balancing and consequent force/torque reduction were found to result when the machine's center of gravity was shifted substantially relative to a typical machine's center of gravity. Dynamic balancing can be achieved most practically by reversing the orientation of the engine relative to the guide handle assembly when compared to traditional walk behind rotary trowels and shifting the engine as far as practical to the right. This shifting has been found to reduce the operational forces and torque the operator must endure by at least 50% when compared to traditional machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Wacker Corporation
    Inventors: Todd J. Lutz, Gregory Kruepke, Darrin W. Dauffenbach, Richard D. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7172366
    Abstract: The invention is a system and method for managing a plurality of areas of interest of a golf course. The system comprises a plurality of subsurface aeration subsystems and a programmable master control module. Each subsystem provides to a specific area at least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum. In each area of interest, a local control module is responsive to a directive and to a datum (environmental or operational parameter). The local control module is configured to operate the subsystem and is in communication with the programmable master control module. The programmable master control module receives from the local control modules area information representing a status of the respective specific area to which the local control module is dedicated, and in response to the area information and to a command, the programmable master control module issues a directive to the local control module to operate the subsurface aeration subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: SubAir Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Robert F. Bishop, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7172367
    Abstract: An inflatable hose system which may act as a boom for rescue purposes or for controlling the flow of surface borne contaminants of rivers, lakes and seas and comprising first and second hose lengths each having one en flattened and sealed to be chiselshaped and the other end provided with a coupling. The two lengths and any interposing standard hose lengths may thus be coupled together and inflated to a pressure in the range of 2 to 3.5 bar to provide a boom of the required length, and one of the hose lengths includes an inflation valve. The hose length may be connected together in mutual alignment thus to produce a straight boom or with the interposition of elbows to form a curved boom capable of containing floating objects or substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: James Jeory
  • Patent number: 7172368
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for forming a trench of a predetermined shape. The trench-forming assembly includes a removable longitudinal form body, a pair of frame members and at least one mounting bracket assembly. The form body is capable of shaping a moldable trench forming composition poured around the form. Each frame member includes a support surface, and is in engagement with a respective side surface of the form body. The mounting bracket assemblies, each of which can include a mounting bracket and a pair of hook members, extend laterally across the top surface of the form body. In this regard, each mounting bracket assembly removably engages a downwardly facing side of the support surface of the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Harold Wallace, Barry Clifton Williams
  • Patent number: 7172369
    Abstract: A deformed thermoplastic liner is drawn through a cut host pipe and split sleeve halves attached to it and then reformed to its cylindrical configuration using pressurized steam. The split sleeve halves are removed, and an adapter flange is fused onto a cut end of the liner portion. The split sleeves halves are then re-attached with the adapter flange between bolted flanges of the split sleeve halves and a section welded to the adjacent host pipe to provide a permanent pressure sealed connection. The lined host pipe can also be connected to a lateral pipe using a lateral extension fused to the rerounded liner and a third split sleeve half with a lateral pipe extension that receives the lateral extension and is attached to the lateral pipe, either directly, or through a second split sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignees: Pipe Liners, Inc., Weatherford U.S.L.P.
    Inventors: John Douglas Crabtree, James Lewis Tate
  • Patent number: 7172370
    Abstract: A cutting system for splitting pipes includes a main body and at least one blade and at least two blade mount assemblies by which the blade may optionally be connected to the main body. The first blade mount assembly, in a particular fitted state, holds the blade at a different distance from the longitudinal axis of the main body than the second blade mount assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tracto-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7172371
    Abstract: Systems, components, and methods relating to subterranean containment barriers. Laterally adjacent tubular casings having male interlock structures and multiple female interlock structures defining recesses for receiving a male interlock structure are used to create subterranean barriers for containing and treating buried waste and its effluents. The multiple female interlock structures enable the barriers to be varied around subsurface objects and to form barrier sidewalls. The barrier may be used for treating and monitoring a zone of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Reva A. Nickelson, John G. Richardson, Kevin M. Kostelnik, Paul A. Sloan
  • Patent number: 7172372
    Abstract: A sediment control roll includes a threshold member having large apertures therethrough, a hollow sediment collection chamber, and an outflow filter having small apertures therethrough. The sediment control roll can be used to collect sediment in runoff from a construction site, or to reduce removal of sediment from an existing land mass. The sediment control roll can for example be made by rolling up extruded polymeric netting with filter cloth attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignees: Ertec Environmental Systems LLC
    Inventor: John H. McGinn
  • Patent number: 7172373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deburring tool with a quick change knife, which is formed by at least two parts, namely a guide sleeve having a larger diameter and a center bore, and a base body that can be inserted in the center bore in an axial direction. The base body can be secured in the center bore. A knife groove is arranged on the base body that can receive the knife to be secured, forming a pivot support in the base body. Due to this special support, the knife can be easily exchanged even when the deburring diameters are small, for example, less than 4 mm, while still being able to absorb large deburring forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Heule, ULF
    Inventor: Heinrich Heule
  • Patent number: 7172374
    Abstract: A backspot facing tool includes a shaft and a cutting element. The shaft has a first and second ends and a recess located near the first end. The shaft also includes an outer circumference and is centered on a first axis. The cutting element has an inner portion and an outer portion and is pivotally coupled to the shaft about a second axis. The cutting element is movable between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Cogsdill Tool Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike C. Burr, Hubert Shelley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7172375
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine tool realizing high-speed movement of a spindle and thus reducing the machining time without any increase in size of the whole machine. A machining unit 3 by which a spindle 2 with a tool T attached thereto is supported to be relatively movable in X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions is mounted on a long bed 4 having a plurality of machining areas a1 to a4 arranged in one direction, and the machining unit 3 is movable in the arrangement direction of the machining areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinn Tanoue, Ryuichi Fujiwara, Toshiaki Kotaka, Hikaru Ishigaki
  • Patent number: 7172376
    Abstract: A workpiece positioner includes a workpiece holder that is mounted to a chassis for rotation about a central axis, and further includes a first set of workpiece supports for retaining and supporting a first workpiece between a drive end and an idler end, and a second set of workpiece supports for retaining and supporting a second workpiece between the drive end and the idler end. The workpiece positioner also includes a support member that links the drive end to the idler end. This support member has a cross-sectional shape that is best characterized as an I-beam, and as such, the work envelopes for the first and second working pieces are very close together, but at the same time, still separated such that welding or other similar manufacturing and/or processing operations can be performed on each workpiece without any interference or effect on the other workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Progressive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anirudha D. Jagtap, Christopher T. Gullo, Richard J. Nicolai, Eric S. Anglin
  • Patent number: 7172377
    Abstract: An extension for a bit or cutter tool relative to a rotational power source. The extension includes a blind bore receiving the shank of the bit or cutter. The opposite end of the body has structure that can be operatively connected to the source of rotational power. A second bore through the side of the body intersects the first bore. The second bore has two portions. The inner-most portion has a smaller diameter and is internally threaded. The outer portion has a larger diameter and slidably receives a clamping member. Clamping member can be retained by a shoulder bolt and has an end that can enter into the blind bore to clamp the shank in place. Preferably the clamping member is a sleeve having a center bore and a concentric exterior. Another aspect of the invention includes a biasing means that biases the sleeve outward of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Robert E. McFarlin, Jr., David L. Henderson
  • Patent number: 7172378
    Abstract: A system for optimizing the load position for a container loaded onto a rolloff truck which has two side rails is effected by means of a number of pockets on each side rail. Removable stop assemblies are inserted into a corresponding pocket on each side rail. The container is then pulled up by means of a cable winch, until the container fits against the stops located on each rail. Sufficient tension is maintained on the cable so that the container cannot slide or otherwise move off the selected position, in which the load is equally distributed between the front and rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Carl Cerullo, Michael Gould
  • Patent number: 7172379
    Abstract: A fastening structure capable of preventing deterioration in the flatness of a surface of a flange portion (2) when a serration (7) of a bolt (5) is press-fit into the flange portion (2). In this fastening structure, one portion in an axial direction of an outer peripheral surface (6) of the bolt (5) is provided with the serration (7). The bolt (5) is press-fit into a bolthole (3) formed through the flange portion (2) of a mounting member (1). The serration (7) is located apart from respective end surfaces (2A) and (2B) of the flange portion (2) by first and second distances (D, C), and the first and second distances (D, C) each exceed 13% of the thickness (A) of the flange portion (2). With this arrangement, the serration (7) presses a bolthole inner peripheral surface (13) only in the region located far apart from both of the end surfaces (2A and 2B) of the flange portion (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruyuki Kawatani, Yasuhiro Miyata, Nobuyuki Seo, Tomohiro Ishii