Patents Issued in February 20, 2007
  • Patent number: 7178972
    Abstract: A machine for combining powder material with cohesive site-won spoil has an input hopper which provides a preliminary breaking up step. Some lime is added from a lime feeder as the material is transported to a pan mixer. During transport a rotavator acts on the cohesive material so that finely divided material enters the mixing means. Further powder ingredients can be added to the components in the pan mixer by means of a powder ingredient supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Keanes Limited
    Inventor: Frank I Owen
  • Patent number: 7178973
    Abstract: High levels of treated fumed silica, processing fluid and high molecular weight silicone polymer are continuously compounded into a homogeneous silica filled heat-vulcanizable silicone composition by forming a premix in a continuous annular layer mixer and continuously discharging the premix into a compounding apparatus for compounding to form the filled heat-vulcanizable silicone composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jodi Boffard, Navjot Singh, Alan L. Tate, Robert Dean, Devesh Mathur
  • Patent number: 7178974
    Abstract: A plural component polymer grout plant device for mixing, batching and distributing a multiple component polymer having a filler additive. The polymer grout plant device comprises a frame, at least two primary mixing containers, two batching containers, attached to the frame, a pump assembly operatively attached to the batching containers, and a distribution system operatively attached to the pump assembly. Each batching container includes a floor and distribution opening space from the floor for the removal of the individual components and filler of the polymer. The pump assembly is designed to transport the components and filler of the polymer from the batching containers to the distribution system wherein the distribution system combines the polymer components and distributes the polymer to the desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Marcus O. Bell
  • Patent number: 7178975
    Abstract: Devices for mixing and/or reacting combinations of one or more liquids, gases or solids is provided. The device can generally have at least one cavity into which a fluid flows by way of a tangential orifice, thereby forming cavitation bubbles. The cavity is configured to alternate between a closed position, where pressure increases in the fluid and the cavitation bubbles collapse, and an open position, where the fluid exits the cavity. Also provided are methods for mixing and/or reacting fluids. Also provided are mixture and reaction products made using the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Five Star Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Oleg V. Kozyuk
  • Patent number: 7178976
    Abstract: An assembly is mounted to a soft serve confection freezer. It includes a set of modules in a circular array and separately replaceable in a magazine. Each module supports a container storing a dry food ingredient in particulate form, and has a motor driven product impeller for controlled discharge of particulates from the container to a blender assembly. The blender assembly has a housing and screw-type auger of cooperating configurations and which cooperate with a central passageway for frozen confection flowing from the freezer, to blend solids into the confection and discharge into a customer's container for immediate consumption. Control panel selection of ingredients by the operator according to the customer's order, is provided. Components are arranged to facilitate cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Flavor Burst Co.
    Inventor: Ernest C. Gerber
  • Patent number: 7178977
    Abstract: In a homogenizer for the processing of products to be homogenized, in particular foodstuffs incorporating dairy products, where the homogenizer is of the mixer type with a blade wheel(8) in a mixer tank (1) and a tubular perforated skirt (3) located radially closely outside the blades (10) of the blade wheel (8), that the skirt stationary relative to the rotor on the hub (6) is arranged axially displaceable also during the rotation of the blades (10) for displacement from a position in which a perforated skirt section (3.2) having a set of flow perforations or orifices (4) is located radially opposite the blades (10) of the rotor, to at least one other position in which another perforated skirt section (3.1 or 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Scanima A/S
    Inventors: Holger Colding-Kristensen, Hans Henrik Mortensen
  • Patent number: 7178978
    Abstract: This invention relates to devices, methods, and systems for mixing materials, and in particular provides linkages and containers such as syringes in operative arrangement such that actuation of the linkages can move material from one container to another thereby mixing the material. This invention may be used in a wide variety of applications, including industrial, domestic, and medical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Santa Rosa Corp.,
    Inventors: Jeffery C. Argentine, Ian Ayton
  • Patent number: 7178979
    Abstract: A water agitation system configured to be positioned within a water retention structure configured to receive and retain water, includes a housing having a drive shaft extending downwardly therefrom; at least one upright member connected to a cross beam that is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft; and at least one buoyant stirrer that slidably engages an upright member. The buoyant stirrers are configured to move relative to the upright members in response to a level of water within the water retention structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 7178980
    Abstract: An x-ray system HAS adjustable operating parameters with a dependency existing between different auxiliary types of equipment selectable for an examination and a suitable setting of the parameter. A control system of the x-ray system has a data input device to detect the used auxiliary equipment, a data storage device with data concerning the relation between each type of auxiliary equipment and an optimal setting of the parameters therefor, and an adjustment device for automatically adjusting the parameter dependent on the selection of the auxiliary equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hörnig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Patent number: 7178981
    Abstract: A linear roller bearing is provided having a guide carriage (1) which can be mounted on a guide rail (2) in a rolling manner via roller bodies (4). The guide carriage is provided with at least one continuous roller body channel (3) for the roller bodies (4). The roller body channel (3) includes a support channel (5) for supporting the roller bodies (4), a return channel (11) for returning the roller bodies (4), and deflecting channels (10) which connect the support channel (5) to the return channel (11). The deflecting channels (10) are provided in end elements (9) of the guide carriage (1), and the roller bodies (4) in the roller body channel (3) are subject to displacement resistance in the direction of rotation. The end elements (9) are respectively provided with a sensor (12), whereby a preferably electric sensor signal therefrom is dependent on the displacement resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Dietmar Rudy, Peter Lutz, Martin Menges
  • Patent number: 7178982
    Abstract: A retaining device for rolling-element includes the partition and the link-belt. The characteristic of the retaining device for rolling-element is that the partition is linked to form a ring by the link-belt, then the ring is turned in to form a space for retaining the rolling-element, so as to reduce the friction of the rolling-element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventors: Wang Chin-Pei, Wu Chun-Liang
  • Patent number: 7178983
    Abstract: A rotational member and a stationary member included in a spindle motor provided with air bearings are electrically connected while the bearing is rotating, and abrasion of the rotational member and the stationary member at stages of starting and stopping and damaging the rotational member and the stationary member by external shocks that may be exerted thereon during transportation and handling are avoided. In one embodiment, a sleeve is formed integrally with a motor base. The sleeve has an inside surface serving as a radial-bearing surface that forms a radial bearing together with the outside surface of a rotational shaft, and a thrust-bearing surface that forms thrust bearing together with a thrust plate attached to the rotational shaft. The radial-bearing surface of the sleeve is provided with a recess (groove) for holding lubricating oil while the rotational shaft is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Shindo, Marutomo Goto, Takashi Kouno
  • Patent number: 7178984
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement for supporting a universal joint trunnion in an outer cup includes a radial bearing having cylindrical rolling elements disposed between the trunnion and the outer cup, and a resistance member made of a material to allow elastic deformation and bearing upon a confronting surface area of an end surface of the trunnion. The resistance member and the trunnion are hereby so configured either alone or in combination as to form a large lubricant reservoir. Disposed at a distance to the end surface of the trunnion is a stop member to define an axial gap, whereby the stop member inhibits an axial movement of the trunnion after the trunnion has moved in axial direction to close the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Martin Kruppa
  • Patent number: 7178985
    Abstract: In a bearing holding structure in which a bearing whose outer circumferential surface is formed in a spherical shape is sandwiched between an end frame and a holding plate, the holding surfaces of the end frame and the holding plate extend axially in opposite directions to each other and each of the holding surfaces is tapered axially to expand straight toward the opposing holding surface. Accordingly, the bearing holding structure may be easily formed with simpler shape of the holding surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Harita, Toshihiro Sato
  • Patent number: 7178986
    Abstract: In a rolling bearing including a cage arranged in an annular space between an outer ring and an inner ring, a plurality of rolling elements held by the cage, and a solid lubricating agent provided in the cage, the cage has a plurality of rolling element receiving pockets in a circumferential direction, and has recess portions between the rolling element receiving pockets in a circumferential direction, and each of the rolling elements is received in each of the rolling element receiving pockets. The solid lubricating agent is attached to the recess portions in such a manner as to be in a slidable contact with a rolling element raceway surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Ohtsuki, Shinji Fukuda, Hiroyuki Urano, Hiroshi Ueno, Thomas Grabosch, Antonet Wijnen
  • Patent number: 7178987
    Abstract: A bearing assembly comprising a centrifugal debris trap for removing contamination debris from lubrication fluid prior to lubrication of the bearing assembly components is provided. The centrifugal debris trap comprises an annular groove on an inner race such that with sufficient centrifugal force, contamination debris in the lubrication oil is forced into the groove and held there. Removal of contamination debris from the lubrication oil prevents damage to bearing balls and races of the bearing assembly, thus reducing bearing fatigue. A method for lubricating bearing assembly components using the bearing assembly of the present invention is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Bridges, Raymond J. Knorr, Scott J. Marshall, Edward (Edd) M. Brady
  • Patent number: 7178988
    Abstract: An optical connector plug adapted to be freely and readily attached to or detached from either an SC or an FC connector adapter comprising a housing that couples to the adapter and attaches the plug to the adapter, a plug frame disposed within the housing, which plug frame supports a ferrule secured to one end of an optical fiber and a flange secured around the outside of the ferrule such that the ferrule and the flange can rotate around the axial center of the ferrule, and a plug holder, disposed inside the housing, for positioning the ferrule in relation to the housing by non-incrementally rotating the ferrule to any determinable angle in relation thereto, the plug holder having a coupling part that couples to a groove formed in the flange and is capable of rotating in relation to the plug frame around the center axis of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Terakura
  • Patent number: 7178989
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical receptacle having a superior insertion/extraction performance of the ferrule, and an optical sub-assembly applying the optical receptacle. The optical receptacle 1 includes a stub, a bush 4, a sleeve, and a sleeve cover. The stub having a lower portion covered by the bush, and an upper portion covered by the sleeve. The sleeve may be a rigid sleeve without any slit along the optical axis in its outer surface. The sleeve cover covers the sleeve and the bush. In the present optical receptacle, the bush is press-fitted into the gap formed between the stub and the sleeve cover. Accordingly, in addition to the application of the rigid sleeve, not only the sub is hard to slide out from the sleeve, but also the insertion/extraction performance of the ferrule to be inserted into the sleeve may be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industrics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Yoshida, Hiromi Nakanishi, Yoshiki Kuhara
  • Patent number: 7178990
    Abstract: A fiber optic stub fiber connector for reversibly and nondestructively terminating an inserted field fiber having a buffer over at least a portion thereof. The connector includes a housing and a ferrule including a stub fiber disposed within and extending from a bore through the ferrule. The ferrule is generally at least partially disposed within and supported by the housing. The connector further includes a reversible actuator for reversibly and nondestructively terminating the inserted field fiber to the stub fiber. The reversible actuator includes a buffer clamp for engaging with the buffer to simultaneously provide reversible and nondestructive strain relief to the terminated field fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Shaun P. Brouwer, Vince M. Barone, Scott R. Hartman, Andrew J. Stroede
  • Patent number: 7178991
    Abstract: An optical transceiver module includes a plurality of optical signal transmission/receiving units to receive and transmit optical signals, and is fastened to a base by a fastening unit. Each optical signal transmission/receiving unit includes a heat sink to promote heat dissipation efficiency. An electromagnetic shielding part covers the optical receiver to isolate from electromagnetic interference. A guiding plate is provided in the module to comb terminals of the module when the low-density wavelength-multiplex transceiver module is to be placed in an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chia-Hung Chiu, Cheng-Da Shaw, Yi-Ming Chen, Chiung-Hung Wang, Yuan-Jen Chang, Chi-Lun Hsu, Ming-Fa Huang, Chih-Hao Hsu
  • Patent number: 7178992
    Abstract: The present invention includes an optical transceiver having a fiber module with an optical data input and an electrical data output. The fiber module further includes a signal detect output that indicates the receipt of valid optical data. A physical layer device having a receive input is coupled to the electrical data output through a switch that is controlled by the signal detect output. The switch passes electrical data from the electrical data output of the fiber module to the receive input when the signal detect output indicates the receipt of valid optical data, and does not pass the electrical data when the signal detect output indicates invalid optical data. By using this configuration, the signal detects pins of the physical layer device are eliminated. In another embodiment, the switch is not utilized, and the electrical data output of the transceiver is ac-coupled to the differential receive input of the physical layer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Vafiades, Art Pharn
  • Patent number: 7178993
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical transceiver that reduces the EMI noise leaked from a portion between the receptacle body and the optical subassembly. The transceiver of the invention comprises the optical subassembly, the substrate, and the upper and lower housings. The subassembly built with the receptacle body is assembled with the housing as movable in vertical position. The assembly between the subassembly and the receptacle body is carried out by inserting the sleeve of the subassembly into the opening of the receptacle body. The cross section of the opening has an extended circular shape combined with a pair of flat portion in both sides thereof and a pair of arched portion connecting the flat portions. The interval between the flat portions is smaller than the diameter of the sleeve, while the diameter of the arched portion is greater than that of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7178994
    Abstract: A circuit board uses both electrical and optical connectors to carry signals in both electrical and light form. The optical connector employs redundant alignment features to provide for reliable connectivity between plug in boards and the electro-optic back plane. A process is of forming the back plane and other multilevel circuit boards so as to embed optical connectors is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Viasystems Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. A. M. Tourné
  • Patent number: 7178995
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an optical component configured to minimize reflectance. The component generally includes an optical housing having a bore formed therethrough, the bore having a central component receiving portion, and a glass block positioned in the component receiving portion in abutment with a fiber receiving bore. The component further includes a fuzzy mount secured in the central component receiving portion, the fuzzy mount being secured via a plurality of extending teeth formed on an outer surface thereof, the teeth being configured to engage an inner surface of the central component receiving portion to secure the fuzzy mount therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Lew Aronson, Jignesh Shah, Paul Rosenberg, Ramesh Sundaram
  • Patent number: 7178996
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high density small form factor opto-electronic transceiver system in which the module housing and guide rail from a large form factor transceiver system, e.g. an X2 transceiver, are used to house a plurality of small form factor transceivers. Ideally up to four independently functioning pluggable small form factor transceivers are plugged into the module housing of the larger form factor transceiver, which has been modified to form a shell. The shell houses a printed circuit board, which has a plurality of electrical connectors on one end for receiving the transceivers, and a single electrical connector on the other end for plugging into a host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Daniel Malagrino, Jr., Michael L. Zumbrunnen
  • Patent number: 7178997
    Abstract: A holding device holds a camera rearward of an ocular of a glass such as a monocular or binocular to record an image utilizing the camera. The image is made available by the glass. This holding arrangement is usable with many cameras and binoculars or monoculars. A rapid change between the camera positioned forward of the ocular and a cleared ocular is made possible for the direct viewing by the user through the glass (binocular or monocular).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hensoldt AG
    Inventors: Volker Claudi, Kurt Becker, Frank Michel, Peter Will
  • Patent number: 7178998
    Abstract: A drive member attached to the output shaft of a DC motor placed on a shutter base board includes a drive pin connected to the arm of a shutter blade within a blade chamber for driving the shutter blade to open and close an exposure opening with the reciprocal rotation of the DC motor. A brake member rotatably attached to the shutter base board and having a frictional force applied thereto by a spring washer brakes the rotation of the drive member when a bent portion is pushed by the drive pin to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nidec Copal Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichirou Usuda, Shigemi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7178999
    Abstract: A flash camera has a single-piece shutter-opening/closing and shutter-flash synchronization driver that translates in one direction to pivot a pair of shutter blades away from one another and simultaneously push a movable switch contact of a normally open shutter-flash synchronization switch to close the switch. Then, the movable switch contact is spring-urged to move the switch contact to reopen the shutter-flash synchronization switch and push the single-piece driver in a reverse direction to move the blades towards one another. Movement of the blades away from and towards one another uncovers and recovers an exposure aperture to take a picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Wayne E. Stiehler
  • Patent number: 7179000
    Abstract: The present invention provides a resist development processor consisting of a development processing chamber for storing a resist substrate having an exposed resist on the substrate and for developing the exposed resist by means of a development solvent consisting of a supercritical fluid; and a supercritical fluid container for storing a supercritical fluid, where the supercritical fluid container is connected to the development processing chamber through a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Science Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisayuki Takasu, Kouichi Miyazawa, Toru Iwaya
  • Patent number: 7179001
    Abstract: There is provided a printing-and-embossing composite apparatus which performs a printing process of a symbol image and an embossing process of a braille character on the same process sheet, the apparatus including: a printing-area setting device for setting a printing area for the symbol image on the process sheet; an embossing-area setting device for setting an embossing area for the braille character on the process sheet; and a notifying device for issuing an alarm when the printing area and the embossing area are at least partially overlapped with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Akaiwa
  • Patent number: 7179002
    Abstract: A thermal image forming apparatus is provided adapted to form images on both sides of a recording medium. The thermal image forming apparatus includes an image forming part having a recording head for forming an image on the recording medium and a support member facing the recording head and supporting the recording medium with respect to the recording head. The recording medium has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. A position changing unit rotates the recording head around a shaft of the support member to move the recording head to first and second locations respectively facing the first and second sides of the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-duk Lee, Heon-soo Park, Jong-sung Jung, Dong-Hun Han
  • Patent number: 7179003
    Abstract: A lipstick mechanism including an internal substantially tubular duct that rotates in an external substantially tubular duct, the ducts having longitudinal slots and helical slots that guide in translation studs of a lipstick-holder cup disposed in the internal tubular duct, the internal duct including a substantially cylindrical base with a restriction relief that bears elastically on a substantially cylindrical surface connected to the external duct, such that the surface connected to the external duct is elastically deformable and the restriction relief is formed by a raised area sunk in the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignees: Rexam Reboul
    Inventors: Bernard Boulogne, Claude Susini
  • Patent number: 7179004
    Abstract: A clip comprising a slidable member upon at least one track with two parallel rails. The clip may be attached to a handheld instrument, such as a pen. Indicia, such as an advertising logo, or graphic material may be placed upon the slidable member, possibly with a transparent cover on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Cotapaxi Custom Design and Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Carl Cetera
  • Patent number: 7179005
    Abstract: An ink follower for a ballpoint pen using a water-based ink in which a value of the test for oil separation (60° C., 24 hours) according to JIS K 2220-5.7-1993 is 0.5 to 12% and which has a viscoelasticity predominant in an elastic response or a value of tan ? of 0.1 to 1.5 at a temperature of 25° C. and in the full frequency range of an angular frequency of 0.1 to 630 rad/sec, and it contains as a base oil, a non-water-soluble organic solvent having a viscosity of 5 Pas·sec or less at a temperature of 25° C. and a shearing speed of 1 to 400 sec?1. Polybutene, mineral oil and silicone oil can be used as the base oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Miyamoto, Yoji Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7179006
    Abstract: An ink follower which has stable followability regardless of a pen body specification, a flow rate for writing and a writing speed and does not cause back leaking of the ink originating in shortage in the ink follower in the middle of writing and scattering of the ink follower by impact applied to the pen body and which does not flow out from the ink reservoir in storing the pen body at a high temperature and provides a stable flow rate for writing. An ink follower is also provided which prevents the ink from volatilizing by shutting off the ink from the outside air (volatilization preventing property) and which prevents the ink from leaking in writing with the pen turned upward. The ink follower, for example, contains a non-volatile or slightly volatile organic solvent and a non-styrene base thermoplastic elastomer which is soluble or swollen in the organic solvent and showing viscoelasticity which is predominant in elastic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Miyamoto, Yoji Takeuchi, Kenji Sato
  • Patent number: 7179007
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semi-enclosed applicator for distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator has a first side, a second side, and an internal cavity between the first and second sides. The applicator further includes at least one opening, such that the internal cavity is externally accessible, and the applicator further comprises: (a) a material comprising absorbent and substantially non-absorbent fibers on one of the first and second sides; (b) an absorbent core on the other of the first and second sides; and (c) a substantially fluid-impervious barrier layer within the internal cavity adjacent the absorbent core. The applicator includes at least one opening, such that the internal cavity is externally accessible, and the applicator further comprises: (a) a substantially fluid-impervious barrier layer within the internal cavity adjacent one of the sides; and (b) a rupturable fluid-containing reservoir located between the barrier layer and the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Arthur Wong, David John Pung, Alejandro Cedeno, William Paul Dirksing, Thomas James Manske, Jr., Dana Paul Gruenbacher, Alan Edward Sherry, Kirk Wallace Lake, Jan Hendrik Maria Verbiest
  • Patent number: 7179008
    Abstract: A device for applying liquid adhesive to seal a variety of parcel post items such as, containers, packages, boxes, envelopes and stamps. The device includes a hand-held pen-shaped housing having a roller ball therein for dispensing the adhesive. The device further includes a vent and a drain hole in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: David Lee Holcomb
  • Patent number: 7179009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connection between a steering mechanism and a steering column (1) of a motor vehicle steering system. The connection comprises a steering coupling (2) which connects these two components, is attached by one end (3) to the steering mechanism or to the steering column (1) and, at the other end (4), bears a coupling piece (5) in an articulated manner. The latter forms a connecting partner with the other component (1) in each case and has two clamping jaws (6, 7) which, after the coupling piece (5) has been pivoted around the axis of articulation (8), engage around a section (9) of the other component (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Markus Stimpfl, Erwin Koller, Wolfgang Bräutigam
  • Patent number: 7179010
    Abstract: An adjustable clamp assembly capable of securing various sized cylindrical members is generally formed from a high strength plastic material dispensing the need for a cushion insert for the cylindrical member disposed therebetween. The clamp assembly contains a pair of unitary clamp halves having an inner surface contoured to adequately contact the surface of various sized cylindrical members to provide support when clamping forces are applied. The clamp halves can be interlockingly engageable with one another to enhance the cylindrical member size adjustment capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: ZSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Kris A. Weger, Marc J. Craig, John E. Nemazi
  • Patent number: 7179011
    Abstract: A locking device to securely connect a first fitting to a second fitting is provided. An actuator piston and rod-end locking device for locking a first fitting to a second fitting comprises a locking support body mounted on the first fitting, the locking support body positioned in engagement with the second fitting to prevent rotation of the second fitting, a shelf element mounted on the locking support body, the shelf element extending over the second fitting, and a fastening member mounted on the shelf element and interposed radially between the shelf element and the second fitting, the fastening member capable of pivotal movement relative to the shelf element, wherein the fastening member pivots relative to the shelf element into engagement with the second fitting to secure the locking support body to the second fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Murray Cohen
  • Patent number: 7179012
    Abstract: A lock joins two bodies together. The first body has a first hole and the second body has a second hole, and the lock includes a rail on the first body adjacent to the first hole, two spaced-apart cradles movable on the rail, a spring between and attached to the two cradles that urges the two cradles toward each other, a plunger that moves perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the spring through the first hole, where the plunger has a locking end that moves into the second hole to join the bodies together. The lock has two levels that are each hinged to a different one of the cradles and to the plunger and that cause the locking end of the plunger to retreat from the second hole to unlock the bodies when the cradles move toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Navreet Kainth
    Inventor: Daljit S. Bedi
  • Patent number: 7179013
    Abstract: A one-piece molded apparatus includes a first body section having a head, a skirt, a pair of support posts joined to the skirt, and a first engagement wing. A second body section includes a second engagement wing, and a living hinge joining the second wing to the support posts. The second wing rotates about the living hinge and engages with the support posts such that at least the second wing can thereafter deflect. In another embodiment, a dog-house assembly is provided on a trim piece to mate with the apparatus. In still another embodiment, a method for forming the fasteners is provided. In yet another embodiment, a method to attach a trim piece to a vehicle is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Steven M Benedetti
  • Patent number: 7179015
    Abstract: A vehicle access control device having vertically-disposed tire-piercing spears. An upwardly spring-biased tent-like covering over the spears protects pedestrians, the covering being movable between a lower position in which the spears are exposed and an upper position in which the spears are covered. The weight of a pedestrian is insufficient to force the covering from the upper position to the lower position but the weight of a car is sufficient to do so. A remotely-controlled horizontally-movable plate selectively enables and disables the tent-like covering to lower under the weight of a car. The plate and the covering both have windows to allow the spears to pass therethrough when the covering is lowered, the plate blocking the windows in the covering when the lowering of the covering is disabled. The device is surface-mountable on a roadway without the need for digging into the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: James Rittenhouse, Rudor M. Teich
  • Patent number: 7179016
    Abstract: A post for supporting a roadway sign comprises a hollow, continuous sleeve formed of thermoplastic resin. The sleeve has an interior surface and a continuous core disposed within the sleeve and generally coextensive with the interior surface of the sleeve. The core is formed at least partially of recycled crumb rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Caminoverde II, L.L.P.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Riker
  • Patent number: 7179017
    Abstract: A solvent-based solution including methods of making and using for treating and protecting for heavy traffic asphalt pavement, particularly against water-associated problems, such as repeated freeze/thaw cycles, and damage caused by exposure to UV light. The mechanism of protection include an internal coating and partial internal sealing of voids and pores with a special blend of pre-oxidized asphalt emulsion that has been modified with moisture-insensitive silicone-based compounds and surfactants to enhance penetration depth and effectiveness. The sealer works from within the asphalt pavement as well as at the surface. A water-repelling function prevents water from penetrating from the surface while allowing vapor transmission across the pavement through connected voids and capillaries. The sealer should also enhance the bonding strength between asphalt coated particles, thus eliminate chipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Radi Al Rashed
  • Patent number: 7179018
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for working asphalt pavement, comprising one or both of a mechanical, hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic means for providing high-speed rotation; a rotary tool comprising a first end comprising a working surface and a second end adapted for connection to the means for providing high-speed rotation; and a screed, cooperatively arranged with the rotary tool, and comprising a working surface adjacent the working surface of the rotary tool, wherein the rotary tool is spun at high speed and applied to the asphalt pavement, frictionally heating the asphalt pavement to a temperature sufficient to work the pavement locally adjacent rotary tool and the screed. The screed and rotary tool comprising abrasion resistant materials selected from the group consisting of high-strength steel, hardened alloys, cemented metal carbide, polycrystalline diamond, and cubic boron nitride. The rotary tool and the screed apparatus may comprise a closed loop control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Francis Leany, Robert P. Chase, Garret Smith, Matthew Hellewell, Joe Fox
  • Patent number: 7179019
    Abstract: A laying method for laying communication cables (16) is provided which allows to lay optical fiber cables (20) in an underground pipeline such as a sewage pipe neither placing direct tension nor allowing slack on them, and for a main pipe in which a plurality of optical fiber cables (20) are to be laid, the method also allows to lay optical fiber cables (20) in the upper space of inside the pipeline and to obviate the need of an expensive robot for the laying operation. In the proposed laying method, a high-strength low-elongation tension member is disposed to be slidable in the lengthwise direction along each optical fiber cable (20, 21, 22), and the tension members (25, 26, 27) are drawn into the underground pipeline (1) to tension the trunk tension member (25) thereby stretching the trunk tension member (25) substantially straight in the underground pipeline (1), and thus the optical fiber cables (20, 21, 22) are laid in the upper space of inside the underground pipeline (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignees: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd., Sanski Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Seto, Fumiaki Tsuchiya, Isaburo Yagi, Katsuhiko Azuma, Nobuyasu Kishibe, Koji Aso, Yasuhiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 7179020
    Abstract: An improved mine roof bolt is disclosed. The mine roof bolt comprises a bolt portion having a threaded end, a slidable camming nut, a stop, and an expansion shell having a central threaded nut with wedge fingers extending from it. The camming nut is fitted into the expansion shell which is threaded onto the threaded section of the bolt. Turning the bolt while it is in a hole causes the expansion shell to move along the bolt and carry the camming nut to the stop located on the bolt, and this causes the wedge fingers to engage with the camming nut, spreading the wedge fingers into contact with the hole sides. As the turning of the bolt continues, the relative movement of the camming nut and wedge fingers increases the wedging effect within the hole until the bolt is anchored in the hole. While turning of the bolt may serve to mix a catalytic adhesive, the adhesive is not needed to activate the mechanical anchoring mechanism of the mine roof bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Roy Lee Robertson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7179021
    Abstract: A cutting insert holder for releasably clamping a quadrilateral cutting insert in a predetermined clamping position, the cutting insert having a through bore and a non-obtuse insert mounting corner. The cutting insert holder includes a clamping portion formed with a wedge supporting surface and a locking pin received in the through bore. A clamping wedge abuts the wedge supporting surface and has an insert receiving pocket with a pair of pocket side walls forming an insert receiving corner for receiving the insert mounting corner. In a top view of the base surface a normal to the wedge supporting surface passing through a center of the locking pin passes through a first pocket side wall of the pair of pocket side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Iscar Ltd.
    Inventor: Philip Shaheen
  • Patent number: 7179022
    Abstract: A cutting tool coated with diamond in which diamond is coated as a film on a substrate having a step 15 to 500 ?m in height in the vicinity of a cutting edge on the rake surface and/or the flank surface. Only the diamond film in the vicinity of the cutting edge can be polished first, without polishing the film of the diamond formed centrally of the rake surface and/or the flank surface. This enables the maximum effect (sharpening of the cutting edge and prevention of welding formation at cutting edge) to be realized with the necessary minimum polishing (with a decreased polishing removal), without setting special conditions and which is suited as a finishing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Okamura, Satoshi Iio