Patents Issued in February 6, 2007
  • Patent number: 7171728
    Abstract: A knob includes a hub to be fixed in a seat open at the front of an electrical household appliance, a grip, which can slide axially, against the action of an elastic element, on a first end of the hub. Between the grip and the hub there is defined a closed chamber having a variable volume that is a function of the axial position of the grip on the hub. A sliding seal is provided for sealing the closed chamber. A calibrated restriction connects the inside of the chamber with the external environment in such a way as to bring about a negative pressure in the chamber as a result of the axial movement of the grip away from the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.R.L.
    Inventor: Dino Chirumbolo
  • Patent number: 7171729
    Abstract: A buckle achieves improved strap tensile strength by providing a bridge portion, about which a free end of a buckle strap is wrapped in tension, with an inwardly projecting concave surface to create a greater deformation of the strap under tension. The buckle also includes at least one strengthening cross rib on the bridge portion and a strap receiving inset with a concave shaped pocket to improve the strap tensile strength. Furthermore, the buckle includes a bendable retainer element with an inwardly directed clamping tab near its free moving end to retain a portion of the strap within the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: John J. Bulanda, Earl J. DeBerry, David P. Newman
  • Patent number: 7171730
    Abstract: A plastic zipper equipped with a slider, which zipper is imparted with high hermetical-sealability and facility in unsealing and reopening/reclosing. The zipper is capable of detection of its having been unsealed after sealing packaging, and a bag body is fitted with the zipper with a slider attached. The zipper portion is bonded in the plastic zipper equipped with a slider or protrusion portions for slider guide via an easily peelable plastic layer and two different colors are imparted to the resin at the portion to be bonded. The bag body is capable of assuring high hermetical-sealability enabling long-term preservation of contents therein, is easy to open, and is imparted with a function of revealing unjust unsealing as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Showa Highpolymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Juichi Kasai
  • Patent number: 7171731
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tie-down strap that may be used more or less universally for securing cargo of various kinds under varying conditions, and further includes a self-organizing mechanism that is simple, practical, and easy to use for storage and re-use of the tie-down strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Paul R. Borcherding
  • Patent number: 7171732
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compressive shrinking a textile web of material (9) with the aid of a rubber blanket shrinking system, wherein the rubber blanket (3) is cooled after the main cylinder is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ernst Klas, Hans Hoppenstock, Peter Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7171733
    Abstract: A chest of cinerary urns which has a simple structure capable of allowing convenient placing of cinerary urns therein, while minimizing decay and degradation of cremated remains stored in the placed cinerary urns. The chest of cinerary urns includes a chest body having a plurality of urn receiving spaces, a plurality of cover plates detachably attached to the chest body to cover the urn receiving spaces, seal members each interposed between a portion of the chest body around the associated urn receiving space and the associated cover plate, hollow inlet members each protruded from an associated rear wall portion of the chest body, each of the inlet members communicating with the associated urn receiving space, valve mounting members each coupled to the associated inlet member, and injection valves each fitted in the associated valve mounting member, and centrally provided with an injection hole to allow gas to be injected through the injection hole into the associated inlet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Arumdaun Dong San Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taek-Ki Min
  • Patent number: 7171734
    Abstract: An apparatus for semi-automatically reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The apparatus is mountable to the connector and measures to find areas and amounts of wear on portions of the connector. The apparatus then applies weld metal to the worn portion of the connector. The excess weld metal is automatically machined away by the apparatus so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. The apparatus can again measure the weld area to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved. A method of aligning an articulated connector to a reconditioning fixture is also disclosed. The method includes securing the fixture to the connector and the use of gauges and tools to appropriately align the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: TTX Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Brueckert, William A. Guess, Donald F. Kroesch
  • Patent number: 7171735
    Abstract: The invention provides a shape member manufacturing apparatus and a shape member manufacturing method which aims at cutting and grinding a joint projection 8B formed when a plurality of shape members are joined together by welding or friction stir welding, in a short time with high accuracy. A plurality of mounts 11 having a side structure 8 placed thereon are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the side structure. A joint projection 8B of a welded portion or a friction stir welded joint is formed on the surface of the side structure 8 in its longitudinal direction. A carrier 100 travels in the longitudinal direction of the side structure 8. Columns 105 are installed in a girder 103 of the carrier, and a milling cutter device 80 and a grinding device 90 are installed in lower portions of the columns 105. A milling surface of a milling cutter 81 of the milling cutter device 80 has a circular-arc shape with a radius R.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Okafuji, Koji Hamada, Takeshi Yano, Kazushige Fukuyori
  • Patent number: 7171736
    Abstract: A method of assembling and storing a portable stand for a fire extinguisher having a case, a pylon and a base. The case has a rear wall and a bottom wall. The pylon has a front surface, an open bottom with an outer flange and a top that is narrower than the outer flange. In addition, the base is generally rectangular and has a central opening in its upper and lower surfaces. The assembly method involves inserting the top of the pylon upwardly through the central opening until the outer flange engages the base, mounting the case onto the front surface of the pylon and positioning the fire extinguisher inside the case such that it rests on the bottom wall. The storage method comprises detaching the case from the pylon of each stand, separating the pylon and the base of each stand, stacking the pylons and stacking the bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Add Kennon
  • Patent number: 7171737
    Abstract: A rollup barrier is provided for a robotic station. The barrier includes a track having a tapered portion at its lower end. A switch is mounted at the extreme lower end of the track. The switch prevents actuation of the robotic equipment unless the barrier is moved to its extreme lowermost position. Extensible cylinders are used for connection to a chain trained around a sprocket in order to roll the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: GSG, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Sidlinger, Jan C. Mangelsen, John P. Christen, Harlon Neumann, Mike Skahill, Greg Judge
  • Patent number: 7171738
    Abstract: Systems, including method and apparatus, for processing workpieces driven automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path. In some embodiments, a workpiece may be processed at one or more of the positions using two or more processing stations, such as a first processing station that cuts the workpiece into segments and a second processing station that performs another processing operation on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer B. Dick, Stuart Aldrich, David A. Morgan, David Lee
  • Patent number: 7171739
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an on-chip transformer balun includes creating, on a semiconductor substrate, a primary winding having at least one substantially symmetrical primary turn on a first dielectric layer and at least one metal bridge on a second layer. A secondary winding is created on the semiconductor substrate, the secondary winding having at least one substantially symmetrical secondary turn on a third dielectric layer and at least one metal bridge on a fourth dielectric layer. In an alternative embodiment, the primary winding has at least one first primary turn on a first dielectric layer and at least one second primary turn on a second dielectric layer and at least one via that operably connects the first primary turn to the second primary turn. The secondary winding has at least one first secondary turn on a third dielectric layer and at least one second secondary turn on a fourth dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Hung Yu (David) Yang, Jesse A. Castaneda, Reza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 7171740
    Abstract: A tape head module assembly method is disclosed. A first and second module holder are placed in an initial alignment with module holder ends facing each other, the module ends each holding a tape head module. A tape wrap angle between the first and second module is set by first performing a fringe alignment and then lifting a rear end of the first and second module holder a prescribed amount. A horizontal adjuster produces a rotation for the first module holder so that gaps between the first and second modules are parallel. An alignment along a longitudinal axis for the second module holder is selected and the second module is translated laterally until the second tape head module held by the second module holder is aligned with the first tape head module held by the first module holder to provide reader-opposite-writer track-to-track registration. Then, the first and second tape head modules are joined together using a joining agent in the gap between the first and second tape head modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Glenn Biskeborn
  • Patent number: 7171741
    Abstract: A Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) sensor (900) having Current Perpendicular to Plane (CPP) structure is formed providing an extended first pinned layer (914) as compared to second pinned layer (912) and free layer (910). Increased magnetoresistance changes, increased pinning strength, increased thermal stability, and decreased susceptibility to Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) events is realized by maintaining equivalent current densities through free layer (910) and second pinned layer (912), while decreasing the relative current density through first pinned layer (914).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Hardayal Singh Gill
  • Patent number: 7171742
    Abstract: A device for assembling circuit boards. The device has an upper surface for receiving a compressing force. The device also has a lower surface for compressing a number of compression devices in a land grid array assembly while allowing access to a number of fasteners associated with the compression devices. The device is able to assist in the formation of an electrical contact between a chip package in the land grid array assembly and a circuit board by the lower surface being pressed against the compression devices to compress the compression devices and then allowing the plurality of fasteners to be tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Dan Cromwell, Rudy Rivera, James Hensley
  • Patent number: 7171743
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for warpage compensation of a display panel substrate assembly are described. A method and apparatus for warpage compensation of a display panel substrate assembly are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the selection of a substrate having a substrate warpage level exceeding a warpage tolerance level. Once selected, a plurality of conductive bumps are formed over an area of the selected substrate. Once formed, a thermal process is applied to the plurality of conductive bumps to obtain a virtual plane over the area of the selected substrate have a coplanarity level below a coplanarity specification level. As such, utilizing embodiments of the present invention, lower cost substrates with substandard warpage levels may be utilized to form OLED panel substrate assemblies when compensated utilizing embodiments of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Kenzo Ishida
  • Patent number: 7171744
    Abstract: A substrate frame includes an insulative board (10a) having a pair of ear portions (13) extending along its longitudinal edges; a plurality of wiring substrate regions (11) arranged on the insulative board (10a) between the ear portions (13) at predetermined intervals; and a plurality of slits (15) provided between the wiring substrate regions so as to extend across the ear portions (13) or a plurality grooves (18) around the wiring substrate regions (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norio Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7171745
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for force mounting semiconductor packages onto printed circuit boards without the use of solder. The apparatus includes a substrate, a first integrated circuit die mounted onto the substrate, a housing configured to house the first integrated circuit die mounted onto the substrate, and a force mechanism configured to force mount the housing including the integrated circuit die and substrate onto a printed circuit board. The method includes mounting a first integrated circuit die onto a first surface of a substrate, housing the first integrated circuit die mounted onto the substrate in a housing, and using a force mechanism to force mount the housing including the first integrated circuit die mounted on the substrate onto a printed circuit board. According to various embodiments, the force mechanism includes one of the following types of force mechanisms clamps, screws, bolts, adhesives, epoxy, or Instrument housings or heat stakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Shahram Mostafazadeh, Joseph O. Smith
  • Patent number: 7171746
    Abstract: A process is described in which surfaces of foamed plastics are provided with electrical conductor tracks, with the aid of selectively ablating processes. The process permits low-cost production of moldings from plastic with conductor tracks integrated on the surface. The products of the process may be used in the electrical and electronics industries, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ticona GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Reil, Stefan Diel
  • Patent number: 7171747
    Abstract: A honeycomb body is produced with a number of sheet layers, of which at least a part are at least partly structured sheet layers, which lend the honeycomb the property of permitting fluid to flow through the same as a result of the structure thereof. The honeycomb body has a given, continuous, free volume in the interior thereof, for receiving a measuring probe. The method includes selecting a section of a sheet strip from a feed roll, identifying the sheet layer and reading a corresponding hole position and a corresponding hole boundary from a memory, generating a hole with the hole boundary in the sheet layer at the given hole position before the further preparation of the honeycomb body, and winding, stacking and/or entwining of several such pre-prepared sections to give a honeycomb structure, such that a free volume for a measuring probe is formed from the individual holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft fuer Emissions- Technologie mbH
    Inventor: Rolf Brück
  • Patent number: 7171748
    Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing method of a liquid jet recording head which includes a forming step of forming a recess portion between a flexible film wiring board and a recording element board, a providing step of providing in the recess portion an electrical connecting portion for electrically connecting the flexible film wiring board and the recording element board, a membrane curing step of injecting first resin into the recess portion to cure the first resin in a membrane form, and a covering step of covering an upper portion of the electrical connecting portion and the first resin with second resin subsequent to the membrane curing step. The electrical connecting portion is protected against liquid droplets and the like, and its electrical reliability is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kigami, Manabu Tanimoto, Noaki Nakajo, Junichiro Iri
  • Patent number: 7171749
    Abstract: A tube connector 10 of the invention is used for a fuel supply device to feed a supply of fuel to a fuel tank FT. The tube connector 10 is attached to the fuel tank FT and is connected with an inlet hose H, which is fastened by a clamp CP. The tube connector 10 has a connector main body 11 that is attached to the fuel tank FT to surround a tank opening FTa, a reinforcing tube 16 that has a flange 16a and is used to reinforce the connector main body 11, and a conduit formation member 18. The conduit formation member 18 has a fixation end 18b that is welded to a welding element 14f of the connector main body 11 to fix the flange 16b of the reinforcing tube 16. This structure of the tube connector 10 ensures secure and easy fixation of the reinforcing tube 16 to the connector main body 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7171750
    Abstract: To provide a method of producing a torsional damper to prevent an annular rubber undulation in the pressing of the annular rubber between a hub and an annular mass, improve strain durability of the torsional damper, and decrease a press-in load in the press-in of the annular rubber, and enhance axial and radial run-out accuracy of the annular mass to a hub bore portion. To this end, in the method of producing the torsional damper made by pressing the annular rubber in an axial direction between the hub and the annular rubber, a silane coupling agent is applied to the hub faces and the annular mass between which faces the annular rubber is pressed, and the agent is dried. A fitting liquid is then applied to any one of the hub, the annular mass or the annular rubber, and the annular rubber is pressed between the hub and the annular mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nok Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Kano
  • Patent number: 7171751
    Abstract: An electric shaver including first and second oscillators that convert rotational driving, which is supplied from a driving motor via joint portions that are connected to each other in a plurality of locations in the height direction of the shaver, into reciprocating driving that is oriented in mutually opposite directions and transmit this reciprocating driving to cutter units. The first and second oscillators are connected to first and second eccentric pins which are installed in upright at positions where phases are substantially opposite above and below the eccentric joint portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Izumi Products Company
    Inventors: Seiji Iwashita, Akira Hirabayashi, Yukio Izumi, Hiromi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 7171752
    Abstract: A trimmer includes a blade connection portion and a handle, and a blade is engaged with a recess defined in one side of the blade connection portion. A C-shaped clamp has two ridges extending from two insides thereof and the two ridges are slidably engaged with a first groove defined in the other side of the blade connection portion and a second grooves defined in an outside of the pattern block so as to sandwich the blade between the pattern block and the blade connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ching Lu Lee
  • Patent number: 7171753
    Abstract: A tool for mid-span cable stripping having a wheel enclosure surrounding an inner wheel with at least one cable saddle formed in an outer circumference, the cable saddle(s) adapted to rotatably cradle a cable of a desired outer diameter. The wheel enclosure having an access cut-away with an over hanging portion that exposes the cable saddle for insertion of the cable. The cable saddle moveable, via rotation of the inner wheel, under the overhanging portion whereby the cable in the cable saddle is retained and a blade coupled to the wheel enclosure with a cutting edge projecting inward engages the cable. Rotation of the tool about the cable strips an outer sheath of the cable. Where multiple cable saddles of different sizes are formed about the circumference of the inner wheel, the tool may be used with a range of different diameter cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Korczak, Timothy Crawford, Al Cox, David Low
  • Patent number: 7171754
    Abstract: A blade or punch assembly for double-ended nibbler tools which affords easier removal by in part providing a blade having central portions of a single diameter equal to or slightly less than the composite bore through which it is adapted to extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph M Strong
  • Patent number: 7171755
    Abstract: A level designed for use in hanging pictures is disclosed. The level is proportioned to be easy and convenient to use in conjunction with a picture frame, having a pair of perpendicular legs that can rest on a corner of a picture frame and a level vial positioned within one of the legs. The level can be used to help guide the mounting of a frame on the wall or may be used to check the placement of an already-mounted frame and adjust the frame as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Arent, Dennis Wordell
  • Patent number: 7171756
    Abstract: A construction laser having a housing and a tilt part positioned within the housing. The tilt part includes a laser unit for generating a laser beam and a deflector for deflecting the laser beam. The tilt part is adjustable relative to the housing by an actuation element. The actuation element includes at least one piezo actuator that is controlled by control electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christoph Wuersch, Reinhard Waibel
  • Patent number: 7171757
    Abstract: A folding ruler is provided. One embodiment of the folding ruler includes a first panel, a second panel, a hinge and a stiffening member. The first and second panels are interconnected end to end by the hinge so that the ruler can move between a folded state wherein the first and second panels are generally parallel and overlapping, and an unfolded state wherein the first and second panels are coplanar and oriented end to end. The stiffening member couples with the first and second panels to lock the first and second panels in the unfolded state. In some embodiments the stiffening member provides a grip for holding the ruler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Learning Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Bruce Stoneberg
  • Patent number: 7171758
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring the extension of a cutting tool from a boring bar used to semi-automatically recondition an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car. The apparatus is a generally c-shaped base member with generally parallel ends. At least one of the ends preferably has a plurality of stepped shoulders on an inner portion of that end. The shoulders vary in dimension but are preferably configured to bear against a cutting tool used during reconditioning of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: TIX Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Brueckert, William A. Guess, Donald F. Kroesch
  • Patent number: 7171759
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed to measure the angular orientation of two surfaces. The device consists of two frames which are aligned to the surfaces. A continuous string is routed between the frames and put under tension. A position indicating instrument on one mounting frame monitors the string position. The frames are then flipped over or switched between surfaces. The string is tensioned a second time. The measured change in string position is used to determine the angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Vincent Loen
  • Patent number: 7171760
    Abstract: A measuring device for use with powered table saws and related equipment. The measuring device provides for a quick and easy determination and setting of cutting blade height on power equipment in a workshop. The device has a support cylindrical sleeve base with a height indicator slidably received therewithin. Incremental indicia on said height indicator relates to the portion of the blade above the work engagement surface of the tool by direct engagement therewith and the proportional distance of the height indicator extending above the cylinder sleeve base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: William Lemon
  • Patent number: 7171761
    Abstract: An increased air pressure forced hot air towel warmer comprising a substantially airtight enclosure configured to be more desirable and user friendly when placed in close proximity to a tub or shower whether mounted within cabinetry, on the wall or when permanently installed between existing standard 16 inch on center wall support studs while protruding as little as possible into the room. Intended for use with large area plush towels and bath sheets for which insertion in a limited width wall enclosure or shallow depth cabinetry leads to greater vertical depth of towel material to be penetrated and substantially increases the resistance to air flow, therefore back pressure, thereby necessitating increased supply pressure to maintain adequate hot air flow through the towel. Increased supply pressure is created without objectionable noise by use of low noise rotary blowers and associated pressure accumulator cavities arranged in tandem such that their respective pressure gradients are additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Barney Dean Hunts
  • Patent number: 7171762
    Abstract: A self-cleaning centrifugal pellet dryer and method for removing surface moisture from pellets and enabling complete removal of all pellets from the dryer after each drying cycle. By eliminating dried pellets retained in the dryer, contamination of different type pellets dried during a subsequent drying cycle is avoided. Air and water under pressure are discharged toward various pellet hang-up points in the dryer to remove retained pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Roberts, Charles E. Aaron
  • Patent number: 7171763
    Abstract: A dryer and a dryer control method using a sensing unit and a timer to vary drying operations depending on the state of drying laundry are disclosed. The method for controlling an automatic dryer having a drying part including a heater, a fan, and a drum includes the steps of operating the drying part while monitoring an internal temperature and an internal humidity of the drum, continuously operating the heater, the fan, and the drum until the internal temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and operating the fan intermittently when the internal temperature reaches the predetermined temperature. The method further includes operating the heater intermittently when the internal humidity reaches a predetermined humidity, discontinuing heater operation upon lapse of a first predetermined time, discontinuing fan operation upon lapse of a second predetermined time, and discontinuing drum operation upon lapse of a third predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Doo Kim
  • Patent number: 7171764
    Abstract: An insole construction for footwear comprising a base member, an intermediate member formed of a foam and having a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced raised cushioning elements on the upper surface thereof, and a flexible cover member surrounding the intermediate member and extending beneath the base member. The intermediate member preferably is formed of a foam such as polyurethane foam. The raised cushioning elements are of a height of approximately 6 millimeters above the upper surface of the intermediate member and are spaced approximately 10–30 millimeters from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Pfander
  • Patent number: 7171765
    Abstract: An airflow adjusting device is used in an air cushion shoe and includes an air cushion body having a buffer portion, an air inlet connected to the buffer portion and an air outlet connected to the buffer portion. When the buffer portion is impacted, the buffer portion will be compressed and thus induce an elastic force to have a buffer effect. When the buffer portion is compressed, air in the buffer portion will be drained out from the air outlet. When the compressing force disappears, the buffer portion will restore and air is sucked from the air inlet. An adjusting device including an adjusting seat and an adjusting button screwed on the adjusting seat; and a stopper being formed on the adjusting button for changing air flow rate of the air flowing out of the air outlet so as to change the elasticity of the buffer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chie-Fang Lo
  • Patent number: 7171766
    Abstract: A ankle and foot stabilization support apparatus and method that provide stability while the user's foot is in the neutral, dorsiflexed, and plantarflexed positions. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a support foundation and two adjustable lateral tension bands. One band extends from the support foundation to a location on an item of footwear that is proximate to the lateral heel counter and provides support in the neutral and dorsiflexed position. The second band extends from the support foundation to a location on the item of footwear proximate to the lateral quarter and provides support in the plantarflexed position. Another embodiment includes medial stabilization tension bands. The invention can be readily moved from footwear to footwear, may be integrated into an item of footwear, and may contain a combination of lateral and medial tension bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Richard T. Bouche, Donald C. Labourr
  • Patent number: 7171767
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin W. Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd, Todd Anthony Waatti
  • Patent number: 7171768
    Abstract: A modular shoe system having interchangeable uppers and outsoles, comprising an internal support structure, a plurality of interchangeable first removable covers and a plurality of interchangeable second removable covers. The internal support structure includes a midsole, a heel counter and a toe box. The internal support structure has a front portion including the toe box and a rear portion including the heel counter. Each of the first removable covers includes a front upper and a front outsole. Each of the first removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the front portion. Each of the second removable covers includes a rear upper and a rear outsole. Each of the second removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Skins Footwear, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Klein
  • Patent number: 7171769
    Abstract: A video monitoring system is disclosed which may be used by the operator of a vehicle to guide the approach of the vehicle to an implement or a trailer or the like to bring connecting members of a hitch mechanism respectively located on the vehicle and on the implement or trailer into alignment and engagement with each other. A video camera is installed onto either the vehicle in the closest possible proximity to the hitch latching mechanism and is directed toward an alignment indicia located on the implement or trailer. A video monitor in the cab of the vehicle displays the video image “seen” by the video camera of the alignment indicia, allowing the vehicle to be driven into a position in which the implement or trailer may be hitched to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn W. Schultz, Timothy G. Koch, Terry C. Wendorff
  • Patent number: 7171770
    Abstract: An improved snow plow blade is disclosed which has a fixed upper plow blade and a pivoting lower trip blade mounted on the swing frame of the snow plow with the axis of rotation of the trip blade being directly in line with the swing frame and the support frame of the snow plow. Since the axis of rotation of the trip edge blade is located at the height of the vertical center of the swing frame (and is thereby in the same horizontal plane), the forces imparted to the swing frame will be essentially compressive in nature rather than including a torsional element as well. The trip edge blade and the trip edge springs used to bias the trip edge blade into an untripped position are substantially supported by the swing frame of the snow plow rather than being supported from the upper plow blade. The trip edge blade is also sufficiently high to prevent damage to the upper snow plow blade due to impacts with curbs or other high obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn W. Schultz, Ann M. Schmid, Robert N. Gamble, II, Terry C. Wendorff
  • Patent number: 7171771
    Abstract: A lock that includes a wedge and a spool are used to releasably secure separable components of an assembly together. The wedge and spool are threadedly coupled together to drive the wedge into and out of an opening in the assembly without hammering or prying. The direct coupling of the wedge and spool eliminates the need for bolts, washers, nuts and other hardware so as to minimize the number of parts. As a result, the lock is inexpensive to make, easy to use, and unlikely to become inoperative because of lost or broken parts or due to fines or other difficulties encountered in harsh digging environments. Further, the wedge can be driven into the assembly to provide the degree of tightness necessary for the intended operation and/or to re-tighten the assembly after incurring wear during use. A latch assembly is preferably provided to securely hold the wedge in place and avoid an undesired loss of parts during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Esco Corporation
    Inventor: Terry L. Briscoe
  • Patent number: 7171772
    Abstract: The present reflector is an acrylic screen or curtain created for the purpose of illuminating designs and images by candlelight. The reflector is a free standing, thermo-molded, light-weight, acrylic form with decorative fabric affixed to the convex side of the form to be used in conjunction with a candle placed within the concave area of the form for illuminating the fabric images and softening the light from the candle. The concave side of the form, not covered with the fabric, reflects the light in such a way as to give the appearance of a flame levitating in the air, as if a hologram, above the actual candle. The designs are printed on a synthetic poly silk fabric using dye sublimation process and may easily be cleaned with a damp sponge or cloth. The. curved acrylic form is edged with copper foiling for a decorative finish that will patina over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Cynthia Lee Male
  • Patent number: 7171773
    Abstract: A display system for use with a trailer hitch, the display system including a banner and a frame to support the banner. The frame includes a pair of vertical frame members and a frame support is provided to support the frame. The frame support includes a first elongate member positionable adjacent the frame and configured for connection of the vertical frame members to the frame support, and a second elongate member extending from the first elongate member. A support connector is provided having a first portion thereof configured to receive the second elongate member of the frame support and a second portion thereof configured to be connectable with the trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: William Luther Haggard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7171774
    Abstract: A pair of sign support frames connected to a sign with upright member has upright reinforcement bars secured to arch or base members. The bars are associated with the upright members to reinforce the upright and arch members in motor vehicle impact areas above the arch members. When the upright members are hit with a motor vehicle the sign support frames move upwardly and rearwardly into engagement with the bumper or front frame of the motor vehicle to limit rearward movement of the sign toward the motor vehicle and reduce bending and breaking forces on the upright members and sign support frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Paul A. Lang
  • Patent number: 7171775
    Abstract: A gun sight reticle that has orthogonally intersecting center horizontal and center vertical straight hairlines is designed such that at least a portion of the vertical hairline located on a first side of the horizontal hairline is discontinuous such that discontinuities are disposed between straight segments of the vertical hairline. Sighting areas are disposed in at least some of the vertical hairline discontinuities, and the sighting areas are circumscribed by indicia that encloses the sighting area. In one example, the sighting areas are circular, and the indicia for each of the circumscribed sighting areas forms a circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nikon Inc.
    Inventor: Jon B. Lacorte
  • Patent number: 7171776
    Abstract: A device has structure that can support the device on a weapon, and a range portion that specifies a range to a target. A sensor portion provides sensor information representing an orientation of the device, and an electronic control portion is responsive to sensor information from the sensor portion and a range from the range portion for calculating how to hit the target with a munition. The device includes a sight that facilitates weapon orientation in preparation to fire the munition, the sight having an analog indicator that is disposed within its field of view and that is responsive to the electronic control portion for indicating how to orient the weapon so that the munition will hit the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: John R. Staley, III
  • Patent number: 7171777
    Abstract: The invention comprises a trap (1), adapted for small animals, generally shaped as a tunnel part (A), where one end area (1) of the tunnel part is shaped and adapted to a space (B), intended for a bait (100), where this space (B), in a direction with the tunnel and towards its other end area (A2), is demarcated by one or several mechanism-releasing means, such as threads (31), and where an open snare (32) is oriented, in any case close to the floor and wall sections of the tunnel, and positioned in a direction into the tunnel, is relationship to the mentioned means or threads (31), where the mentioned means of threads (31) are adapted to, via a pulling tensional force or corresponding, let a mechanism (2) constrict an open snare in an activated position, and at broken threads or similar, let the mechanism pulling the snare be deactivated, when the mentioned mechanism consists of a spring arrangement, among other things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: John Henrik Guy Welin-Berger