Patents Issued in February 27, 2007
  • Patent number: 7181968
    Abstract: An improved accelerometer assembly including a circuit board and an accelerometer is provided. The accelerometer is configured to sense acceleration along a sensing axis. The accelerometer is attached to the circuit board and configured to sense acceleration along a sensing axis. A housing is configured to receive the circuit board in a first and second orientation, wherein the sensing axis in the first orientation is rotated 90° from the sensing axis in the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Still
  • Patent number: 7181969
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of one or more objects in an object holder. In a first embodiment of the method, the objects are immersed in a tank containing coupling fluid and a flow of fluid is generated in the tank beneath the object holder, thereby producing a suction pressure that tends to hold the objects in the holder. Each object is insonified with ultrasound from an ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasound reflected from or transmitted through the object is sensed. In a further embodiment, the object to be inspected is moved between the upper and lower chambers of a scanning station, over a surface in the lower chamber. A coupling fluid is supplied to the upper chamber so that coupling fluid flows through one or more holes in the bottom of the upper chamber and fills the space between the ultrasound emitting surface of the ultrasonic transducer and the object to be scanned, thereby providing coupling for the ultrasound and tending the hold the objects in the object holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sonix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph E. Busch, Brandon D. Fallon, James C. McKeon
  • Patent number: 7181970
    Abstract: A method and a device for testing a structural component having a complex surface contour utilizing ultrasound, at least one ultrasonic head (UPK) being guided along the surface contour (OK) of the structural component (BT) by means of a manipulator (MM) having several axial drives (MX, MJ, MZ, MA, MB) in several axes at a defined spacing (A) along the surface contour (OK) of the structural component (BT). To also ensure a high measuring accuracy in structural components which have a complex curved surface contour, the axial drives (MX, MJ, MZ, MA, MB) of the manipulator (MM) are synchronously moved along predetermined support points, a trigger drive (MRT) is controlled in synchronism with the axial drives (MX, MJ, MZ, MA, MB) and moved together with all engaged axial drives according to a predetermined surface line (OL) reproducing the surface contour (OK) and the trigger drive (MRT) generates equidistant trigger pulses relative to the surface line (OL) of the complex surface contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: GE Inspection Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Haase, Gerhard Finger, Roman Koch
  • Patent number: 7181971
    Abstract: A rattle and noise detection system useful for a large variety of automotive vehicles is provided. The vehicles are examined in a stationary position with one of their tires having been driven onto said detection system. This tire rests against a roller assembly driven by an electromechanical drive train, electrically powered and remotely controlled. Each roller in the assembly can individually rotate around its center axis as the assembly itself rotates over a specific RPM range causing the longitudinal side of each roller to continuously strike the tires' treaded lower half at a predetermined position. This position is primarily a function of the tire size and the roller assembly's diameter and mounting position in the detection system. As the rollers continuously strike the tire, vibrations and shock waves are produced in the vehicle causing and maintaining the same annoying rattles, squeaks and noises noticeable during driving conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: AutoTech Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Sauer, Edward J. Sauer
  • Patent number: 7181972
    Abstract: A sensor, in accordance with aspects of the present technique, is provided. The sensor comprises a membrane formed of gallium nitride. The membrane is disposed on a substrate, which is wet-etched to form a closed cavity. The membrane exhibits both a capacitive response and a piezo-response to an external stimulus. The sensor further includes a circuit for measuring at least one of the capacitive response or the piezo-response. In certain aspects, the sensor may be operable to measure external stimuli, such as, pressure, force and mechanical vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Samhita Dasgupta, Jeffrey Bernard Fortin, Steven Francis LeBoeuf, Vinayak Tilak, Chayan Mitra, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Steven Alfred Tysoe
  • Patent number: 7181973
    Abstract: An air pump includes a cylindrical casing, a manometer movably received in the cylindrical casing to be selectively extended out of the cylindrical casing, an air duct securely received in the manometer to be firmly engaged with an inner face defining the reduced bottom opening of the cylindrical casing, a tube to be received inside the manometer, a rod having an annular groove to receive therein a second O ring, a recoil spring mounted outside the manometer. Therefore, when the first O ring is moved upward relative to a downward movement of the manometer to abut a top periphery of the groove, air inside a space defined by the manometer and cylindrical casing is able to flow through a gap between the manometer and the tube and into the air duct via a channel in the rod and into an object to be inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Chuang Yii Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chui-Ching Yang
  • Patent number: 7181974
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a measuring cell having a base plate and a measuring membrane connected along its edge with the base plate, and means for generating an electrical quantity dependent on deformation of the measuring membrane; a circuit for registering the electrical quantity; and a capsule having a capsule body and a sealing element, with which the capsule is hermetically sealed along a joint. The capsule encloses the circuit, in order to protect such from influences of moisture; and the joint of the capsule is mechanically decoupled from the base plate. The mechanical decoupling of the joint means, for example, that at least the axial support of the pressure measuring cell in a housing is not allowed to be transferred through the joint. Despite arranging of the capsule on the base plate, pressure-related and temperature-related distortions of the base plate are not permitted to have any effects on the joint of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Hegner, Andreas Rossberg, Thomas Uehlin
  • Patent number: 7181975
    Abstract: A wireless pressure sensor system has a pressure sensing capacitor and an inductor mounted on a common housing. The pressure sensing capacitor has a conductive diaphragm, a dielectric layer and a fixed electrode separated at least in part from the diaphragm by a gap formed in the housing. The electrode is arranged with a protrusion such that displacement of the diaphragm varies the area of capacitive contact with the electrode by rolling along the protrusion. The inductor coil and pressure sensing capacitor are connected to form a passive inductive-capacitive (LC) tank circuit. A remote interrogation circuit, inductively coupled to the pressure sensor inductor coil can be utilized to detect the resonant frequency of the LC tank which varies as a function of pressure sensed by the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International
    Inventors: Alistair D. Bradley, Stephen R. Shiffer
  • Patent number: 7181976
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spring-elastic measuring element (1) for thermometers, pressure switches or manometers consisting of an arc-shaped measuring tube (3), a base body (2) and a connecting element (10) for the measuring mechanism. The aim of the invention is to achieve the fully automated welding of the thermally influenced zone and to improve the latter. To achieve this, the connections between the measuring tube (3) and the base body (2) and the measuring tube and the connecting element (10) are obtained using connecting elements (11, 12) that can be welded. This allows the risk of contamination of the measuring system to be eliminated to a great extent and reduces the formation of corrosion and vibration cracks by the use of a small thermally influenced zone. A connecting element (11, 12) can also be produced as one-piece with the measuring tube (3) by expanding or creating a bead on the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Armaturenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Otto Radau
  • Patent number: 7181977
    Abstract: A beam-type sensor capable of measuring displacement or acceleration includes a thin, flexible sheet of piezoresponsive material defining broad sides and a proximal end. In order to optimize boundary conditions, the proximal end of the sheet is supported by a clamp that provides a “clean” transition between support and no-support. Electrical connections to conductors associated with the broad sides are integrated into the clamp. In one embodiment, two sheets of piezoelectric material are connected electrically in parallel. In another embodiment, two sheets of piezoelectric material are connected electrically in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Measurement Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Thompson, Kyung-Tae Park, Cheng Young Hong
  • Patent number: 7181978
    Abstract: A method of forecasting strength of a chemically active material while hardening is disclosed. The chemically active material is characterized by at least one physical parameter. The method comprises: (a) measuring the at least one physical parameter over a predetermined time-interval, so as to obtain at least one series of measurements; (b) extracting a predetermined time-dependence of the at least one physical parameter over at least a portion of the predetermined time-interval; and (c) using the predetermined time-dependence of the at least one physical parameter to forecast the strength of the chemically active material at a future time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Concretec Ltd.
    Inventors: David Shtakelberg, Boris Wilge, Shimon Boiko
  • Patent number: 7181979
    Abstract: A system for inspecting a flexible device is provided, which is used for performing a performance inspection on a flexible device in a bending state, or after the flexible device has finished bending test so as to obtain a mechanical reliability. The inspecting system includes: at least one bending unit with at least one curvature; a conveyor unit used for conveying the flexible device so that a portion of the flexible device is passed through the bending unit and is bent into a bending portion; an inspecting unit performs a performance inspection on the flexible device. The performance inspection includes electrical, optical, or opto-electric inspection, and an inspection result can be recorded, displayed or both. The inspected flexible devices may be a flexible display device with complete or incomplete electrode thereon. In addition, a method for inspecting a flexible device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yan-Rung Lin, Shie-Chang Jeng, Chi-Chang Liao, Jyh-Wen Shiu
  • Patent number: 7181980
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for its use allow selective installation and removal of a canister such as one containing interface electronics to a mating connector on a housing, such as one containing a subsea multiphase flow meter sensor. The separately retrievable canister may contain multiphase flow meter detector electronics and is sealed, waterproof, and preferably light-weight. Installation and retrieval may be via use of an ROV and an alignment guide which acts as a guide to aid in correct positioning of the canister. The canister may be cooled by surrounding sea water and/or by insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Roxar Flow Measurement AS
    Inventor: Rolf Wium
  • Patent number: 7181981
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic tomograph for spatial and temporal characterisation of fluids in motion such as air and water. This tomograph comprises a plurality of pairs of emitting-receiving ultrasonic probes, whereas each pair may be inscribed, diametrally opposite, on a circle centred round a flow axis of the fluid. The probes are therefore laid out on either side of the flow and will neither modify nor disturb the flow. Each probe may be displaced in a plane perpendicular to the flow axis. Indeed each probe is allocated a stepping motor. Each probe is a piezoelectric ceramic transducer which does not drift with time and which does not require any re-calibration, which provides the tomograph according to the invention stability over time. Moreover this tomograph is robust since these ultrasonic probes may be used under extreme conditions. The frequency of ultrasounds ranges between 30 kHz and 300 kHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Universite Paris 7 — Denis Diderot
    Inventors: Frédéric Cohen Tenoudji, Vincent Dewailly, Jean-Pierre Frangi, Jean-François Mourey
  • Patent number: 7181982
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass-flow/density meter includes at least one measuring tube through which a two, or more, phase medium during operation. A support means of the Coriolis mass-flow/density meter is fixed to an inlet end and an outlet end of the measuring tube and thus holds the tube such that it can oscillate. During operation, the measuring tube is made to oscillate with mechanical oscillations, especially bending oscillations, by means of an exciter arrangement. Additionally, the Coriolis mass-flow/density meter includes means for producing measurement signals (xs1, xs2) representing inlet end and outlet end oscillations of the measuring tube. An evaluation electronics produces an intermediate value (X?m) derived from the measurement signals (x1, xs2) and representing a provisionally determined mass flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Matt Christian, Ida Wenger, legal representative, Michael Fuchs, Wolfgang Drahm, Alfred Wenger, deceased
  • Patent number: 7181983
    Abstract: A system to diagnose a malfunction of a torque sensor in a vehicle steering system includes a voltage difference generator that outputs a voltage difference by comparing a voltage of a contact part between a temperature correcting coil and a torque detecting coil in a torque sensor for a steering system and an offset voltage generated from an offset voltage generator, a malfunction determining part that determines a malfunction by comparing a reference voltage and an output voltage of said voltage difference generator, and a controller that executes a neutral steering when a malfunction is determined in said malfunction determining part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Ho Paek
  • Patent number: 7181984
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a magnetic sensor, comprising a circular base, the center of said base having a circular hole, the lower surface of said circular base being provided with a flange; and a plurality of ring-shaped permanent magnets of varying sizes, said ring-shaped permanent magnets having a plurality of magnetic poles, and said plurality of ring-shaped permanent magnets adhering individually to said circular base and having the center of said circular base as their center, with sensing action being achieved through use of the plurality of magnetic poles of said plurality of ring-shaped permanent magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Taigene Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ko Ching-shun, Yang Yao-song
  • Patent number: 7181985
    Abstract: There is disclosed a conduit inspection apparatus of a type adapted to be located within and transported along a conduit such as a duct, and a method of inspecting a conduit. In one embodiment, the conduit inspection apparatus (10) comprises a body (18) adapted for location within a conduit such as a duct (14), a centralization assembly (16) for centralizing the body (18) within the duct (14), a transportation assembly (20) for transporting the body (18) along the duct (14), and a data coupling (24) for data communication between the body (18) and a control station (22). In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus (10) includes a fluid applicator (78a) for supplying a fluid to a surface of the duct (14), the fluid applicator (78a) including a rotary member in the form of an atomiser (166) for imparting a force on the fluid to direct the fluid towards a surface of the duct (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Breval Technical Services Limited
    Inventors: John Stewart MacMillan, Patrick Gerard McBride, John Gibb MacMillan, Colin Main, David Kennedy, Kenneth Cameron
  • Patent number: 7181986
    Abstract: The present invention discloses various methods in which a quality of a diffusion media for use in a fuel cell assembly can be qualitatively evaluated. The material constant, an internal contact angle, a ratio of high and low energy pores, and an external contact angle can be calculated for the diffusion media and compared to a predetermined standard to evaluate the quality of the diffusion media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Joerg Roth
  • Patent number: 7181987
    Abstract: A precessional device having independent control of the output torque generated by the device and the oscillation race of the device is disclosed. The device comprises a rotor supported by an axle wherein the ends of the axle are supported by a circular race. The circular race is rotatable, and may be driven by, for example, a motor, thereby controlling the oscillation rate of the device independently of the output torque arising front the rotation rate of the rotor. The motor may be controlled by a control program that adjusts the rotation rate of the circular race to modify the shape of the resistance curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Winston Hamady
  • Patent number: 7181988
    Abstract: A rotary driving source is connected to one end of a frame. The rotary driving force of the rotary driving source is transmitted to a slider by the aid of a driving pulley, a belt member, and a driven pulley. The slider is displaced in the axial direction of the frame while being guided by a guide mechanism. Each of the frame and the slider is formed of, for example, an aluminum alloy. First guide rails are installed in the frame and second guide rails are installed in side surfaces of the slider. The first guide rails and the second guide rails are formed of a metal material subjected to a hardening treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Akio Saitoh, Masaru Saitoh
  • Patent number: 7181989
    Abstract: A double shaft supporting construction for an automatic transmission includes an outer shaft having a plurality of gears and an inner shaft having a first gear fixed to the vicinity of a first end and a large-diameter portion integrally formed on the vicinity of a second end thereof, wherein a first bearing is interposed between the end of the inner shaft and a case of an automatic transmission, a second bearing is interposed between the large-diameter portion of the inner shaft and the case, a third bearing is interposed between the first end of the outer shaft and the first gear and a fourth bearing is interposed between the other end of the outer shaft and the large-diameter portion of the inner shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jirou Obinata
  • Patent number: 7181990
    Abstract: A positioning device for a telescoping steering column includes a steering shaft having an upper steering shaft section disposed slidably on a lower steering shaft section and a lower steering shaft housing disposed around the lower steering shaft, an upper steering shaft housing disposed slidably on the lower steering shaft housing substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the steering shaft, the upper steering shaft housing disposed fixedly around the upper steering shaft, a lower housing plate disposed fixedly on the lower housing, a slider plate corresponding to the lower housing plate disposed fixedly on the upper housing, an anti-friction element disposed movably between the lower housing plate and the slider plate, and a positioning rib disposed fixedly in the slider plate or the lower housing plate substantially normal to the axis to limit a translation of the anti-friction element when the steering column is telescoped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Dale Feiertag
  • Patent number: 7181991
    Abstract: An automobile accelerator and brake pedal device, which is a brake pedal device comprising a vertically operable brake pedal having an auxiliary pad connected thereto, a transversely operable accelerator pad disposed in the auxiliary pad, and acceleration mechanism driven by the accelerator pad, wherein the accelerator pad is in the form of a plate-like member and chevroned with the intermediate portion bulging outward, the acceleration mechanism being operated by the slope surface of the chevron. Even if the brake pedal (1) is stepped on with the accelerator in its active position, this stepping-on action necessarily causes the accelerator pad (9) to move forward together with the auxiliary pad (3), thereby immediately bringing the accelerator lever (10) back to its original inactive position without any time delay involved as when a different pedal is stepped on, putting off the accelerator, and enabling the brake function to act normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Masuyuki Naruse
  • Patent number: 7181992
    Abstract: A tripping and re-cocking mechanism (202) is applied to an apparatus (200) by which a shifted apparatus (200) is re-positioned for operation after having shifted from its operational mode. A pivot mount (205) of a second-class lever (204) is connected to a member or casting (209) of apparatus (200). At the point of resistance of lever (204) a roller bearing (215) cooperates with, by latching onto a platform (217), the platform (217) on a standard (221) that is part of apparatus (200), to cock mechanism (202) so that apparatus (200) is returned to its operational position. The shaft (228) of an energized solenoid (227) releases roller bearing (215) from its latched seat on platform (217) in the operation of apparatus (200) thereby shifting it to a non-operational position. Arm (232) re-cocks mechanism (202) to shift apparatus (200) again into its operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel L. Riffe
  • Patent number: 7181993
    Abstract: A rotating cutting apparatus comprising a cutting blade holder with at least one hole on the outside diameter of the cutting blade holder into which cutting blades are inserted and bonded to the cutting blade holder. The cutting blade holder encloses a center hole, so that the rotating cutting apparatus can be mounted to a drive shaft of machinery or secured to a cup that can be mounted to the drive shaft of machinery and driven by the machinery. The cutting blade holder can be made of a less expensive material, with only the cutting blade being made of higher-grade materials that maintains its cutting edge well. Additionally, in some arrangements of the present invention, the cutting blade may be sharpened on two sides so that the rotating cutting apparatus can be used for longer periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Good Earth Tool Company
    Inventor: Edward E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7181994
    Abstract: A striking implement, such as a maul, to reduce the impact force on the handle used with the member. The device is fabricated of metal and has two elongated parallel supports, a base, and a two angled end portions joining together one end of each parallel support, the interior of the device being hollow. Preferably, the device is formed integral with the head of the member, the handle extending through the device and being secured to the head member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Norton
  • Patent number: 7181995
    Abstract: A line work tool device and method, wherein a tool guidance structure is provided for tool positioning assistance relative to the target workpiece, such as a high voltage switch, and wherein a unique inverted “L” shaped member extends from the device in such a manner as to facilitate interaction with the switch barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Jack H. Rider
  • Patent number: 7181996
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a handle having an internal gear formed in a head, two annular members rotatably received in the head and each having an internal gear, a stem rotatably engaged in the handle and having a pinion for engaging with and for rotating the annular members relative to the head. A shank is rotatably engaged in the head and includes four spring biased pawls each having one or more teeth for engaging with and for controlling the driving direction of the shank by the head or the annular members and the stem. The shank includes a through engaging hole having two open ends for selectively engaging with driven members by disposing the shank up aide down relative to the driven members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Te Chen Chu
  • Patent number: 7181997
    Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver and method of making same wherein there is a handle and there is a ratchet gear and pawls inside the handle. An adjuster is inside the handle and is movable by a tool extending into the handle for positioning the adjuster relative to the gear and thereby eliminating play between the gear and the handle. Ball bearings are interposed between the handle and the gear and the bearings rotatably support the gear and transmit the anti-play forces that act on the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Pilling Weck, Incorporated
    Inventors: James A. Rinner, Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 7181998
    Abstract: A wrench includes a wrench body having a ring portion and a handle portion. A retainer that holds a plurality of wedge members is disposed inside the ring portion. Wedge guide grooves are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the ring portion. Each of the wedge guide grooves has a free region which maintains the corresponding wedge member in a free state, and left-hand and right-hand wedge regions each of which maintains the corresponding wedge member in a caught state. The wrench is provided with a changeover mechanism for moving the retainer to a position at which the wedge member faces the corresponding free region, a position at which the wedge member faces the corresponding left-hand wedge region, or a position at which the wedge member faces the corresponding right-hand wedge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Nikken Kosakusho Works Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Matsumoto, Masahiro Taguchi, Susumu Mikado
  • Patent number: 7181999
    Abstract: A driver tool for coaxial cable connectors is provided. The tool can drive both F-series coaxial cable connectors having a hex sleeve and BNC coaxial cable connectors having a bayonet sleeve. The driver tool has a socket which includes a first drive surface in the form of a plurality of flat segments formed on the socket and engageable in rotationally interlocking relation with the hex sleeve of an F connector. The socket also has a second drive surface in the form of a collar sized for frictional engagement in rotationally interlocking relation with the bayonet sleeve of a BNC connector. A longitudinal slot in the sleeve accommodates a coaxial cable. A handle and shaft connect to the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ideal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Skeels, Robert W. Sutter
  • Patent number: 7182000
    Abstract: A flexible adaptable hand tool to facilitate access in constricted areas. It includes a working tool element engaging the bolt or other device to be manipulated, and a varying set of extension bar elements adapted to be removably affixed to the working tool element and to each other, providing a choice of lengths and angles between the hand of the user and the device to be manipulated. Adapters enabling the removable affixation of elements to each other are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Walter M. Dicksen
  • Patent number: 7182001
    Abstract: A frame member for the handle of a folding knife or multipurpose tool includes an integral flange with an integral leaf spring. Frames are shown in the form of a channel with an integral external flange extending outwardly from the top of a channel wall in a direction away from the channel. Pivot pins extending through the channel and out the channel wall carry pivoting tool blades. An integral leaf spring on the external flange bears against the base of a blade pivotably connected to the frame outside of the channel. Other tool blades are carried inside the channel and pivot about the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: 7182002
    Abstract: A screwdriver handle structure includes a handle having a storage compartment. The compartment comprises a number recesses to store screw heads therein. The handle is provided with a locator having a trough to receive an engaging device therein. The handle further comprises sliding sections to secure a sliding cover thereon in order to store screw heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Hung-ming Hu
  • Patent number: 7182003
    Abstract: A palm type spanner comprises a driving head having a receiving portion for receiving a driving tool; and a handle body being an integral plate-like structure; one end of the handle body being formed with an opening portion; the driving head being pivotally installed to the handle body; thereby the driving head being rotatable along the pivotal shaft; and the handle body having a hollowed groove which has a size capable of receiving the driving head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7182004
    Abstract: An adjustable device for pliers includes an operation member movably extending through a through hole in the first part and a slot in the second part. The operation member includes an exterior smooth section and a toothed section which can be disengageably engaged with teeth defined in the slot to set the width between the two jaws. A spring is biased to the operation member and stopped by an end member which is connected to a positioning member mounted to the operation member. The operation member is pushed to disengage the toothed section from the teeth of the slot so that the two parts can be pivoted to adjust the two jaws to a desired width and the operation member is released which is pushed back by the spring to engage the toothed section of the operation member with the teeth of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chien-Kuo Wang
  • Patent number: 7182005
    Abstract: An omnidirectional twisting tool comprises a handle; the handle being a hollow tube body; one end of the handle being opened; a strain gauge installed at a lower portion of the handle; the strain gauge including an integrating element and a connecting unit for connecting the integrating element and the driving portion; a driving head at a front end of the spanner body; a rotary unit at another end of the driving head; an annular groove being formed at a lateral wall of the rotary unit; the rotary unit being pivotally installed at one end of the handle so that the driving head can rotate through 360 degrees around an axis of the handle; a connecting rod extending from a lower end of the rotary unit; the connecting rod being received within the handle; and the connecting rod being connected to the connecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7182006
    Abstract: A torque-controlling wrench includes a handle, a socket-driving unit installed on the handle and a torque-controlling device. The torque-controlling device includes a rod installed in the handle and connected to the socket-driving unit, a knob installed on the handle and a spring compressed between the rod and the knob so that the knob can be turned to adjust a force exerted on the rod by the spring. An intermediate mechanism includes a first roller connected to the rod, a frame connected to the spring, a wheel installed on the frame and engaged with the roller and a second roller installed on the frame and engaged with the wheel. The centers of the first and second rollers are located on a same side of a vertical line passing a center of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Matatakitoyo Tool Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Min Wu
  • Patent number: 7182007
    Abstract: A substrate to be cut and/or scored is pre-printed with graphics, at least first and second registration marks, and optional encoded-to-print instructions, bar-encoded data, as well as ordinary graphics. The registration marks are sensed as the substrate is automatically transported to a cutting table station that defines a cutting reference plane. Sensed detection of location of the registration marks relative to the reference plane enable the cutting plan for the substrate to be amended for precise location of the graphics on the substrate relative to the reference plane. Automated cutting according to the amended cutting plan occurs. As the registration marks were printed simultaneously with and in known relationship to the graphics, the cut line will be precise relative to the graphics. Machine readable encoded-to-print instructions optionally printed on the substrate can further amend the cutting plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Esko-Graphics A/S
    Inventors: John Berge, Martin Reggestad
  • Patent number: 7182008
    Abstract: A decurl apparatus includes a heating device to heat an image recording carrier web at a constant temperature, which exceeds the glass transition temperature of a support for a constant time period; and a cooling device for subsequent cooling of the image recording carrier web to a temperature equal to or lower than the glass transition temperature, while the image recording carrier web maintains a predetermined shape. The heating device includes an induction-heated heating roller and holding rollers arranged at arbitrary angular positions with respect to the outer circumference of the heating roller. As a result, the image recording carrier web is reliably decurled by a simple construction without being influenced by a transfer velocity or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Negishi, Takayoshi Oyamada
  • Patent number: 7182009
    Abstract: A adjustable shuttle stop apparatus for use in controlling feeding of material to a machining operation on a machine tool, such as a band saw. The apparatus comprises a feed conveyor, a band saw adjacent to the feed conveyor, a shuttle vise movably disposed on the feed conveyor, and an adjustable stop on the feed conveyor for adjusting a distance between the stop and the shuttle vise and for stopping the shuttle vise at the cutting position. The adjustable stop compensates for undesired movement of the shuttle vise caused by clamping the workpiece such that the distance between the stop and the shuttle vise remains substantially constant. This allows for a consistent cut length of the workpiece on subsequent cutting cycles. Different embodiments of the adjustable stop are disclosed along with a method of use of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: HEM, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Harris, Timothy M. Neall
  • Patent number: 7182010
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing different hole patterns in sheet-shaped print materials. An apparatus and process for producing different hole patterns in a sheet-shaped print material is provided wherein a punch in a tool roller is raised and lowered relative to an outer surface of the tool roller in order to effectuate and ineffectuate, respectively, punching by the punch. According to a preferred embodiment, a die roller is provided having a die corresponding with the punch, and sheets are fed through the tool roller and the die roller. In one embodiment punches and dies are provided, and the punches are selectively raised and lowered in order to achieve a desired hole pattern in the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Kurt Blank, Markus Jenkel, Eduard Müller, Jürgen Ries
  • Patent number: 7182011
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of land mines and in particular to devices and techniques for neutralising and/or retrieving land mines. Existing mine retrieval/neutralisation techniques include mechanical excavation or shaped charge attack and such techniques are either susceptible to blast damage in the event of inadvertent mine explosion or can produce ambiguous results (i.e. an operator can be unsure as to whether a mine has been successfully attacked or a non-mine target has been attacked in error). The present invention provides a mine retrieval technique that involves spearing the mine for later retrieval to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Brett R Lowery, Thomas J Packard
  • Patent number: 7182012
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic cutting device has a guiding housing in which there is arranged a part to be severed, which is fashioned so as to be severable at a cut point by a cutting tool having a cutting chisel. A pressure pulse generator containing a pyrotechnic driving charge is arranged in the cutting device for generating a pressure pulse to drive the cutting tool. In the guiding housing there is arranged, between the pressure pulse generator and the cutting tool, an impact capsule that can be accelerated by the pressure pulse of the triggered pressure pulse generator toward an inner thrust base of the cutting tool on the end of the cutting tool opposite to the cutting chisel. The cutting tool has its cutting chisel abutting the cut point before the impact capsule strikes the thrust base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Brede, Jurgen Knauss, Diedrich Von Behr
  • Patent number: 7182013
    Abstract: An umbilical cord retractor assembly and method is provided for retracting an umbilical cord from a torpedo or other vehicle prior to launching the vehicle. A guide arm is utilized to guide a slide member along a predetermined path within the guide arm. The slide is connected through a link to the umbilical cord such that the umbilical cord is pulled to a predetermined position within the launch tube out of the way of the fins, shroud, and propeller of the vehicle. Prior to activation of the retractor assembly, the slide is affixed in position within the guide arm by a lock. A spring under tension applies a force to the slide. A release cord pulls a pin from the slide to release the cord at a desired time, thereby retracting the umbilical cord to the predetermined position within the launch tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Peter J. Hardo
  • Patent number: 7182014
    Abstract: A gun barrel that can be used to fire projectiles. The gun barrel may be used in satellite-launching operations, in artillery operations, or in fire-fighting operations. The gun barrel has an outer support layer, an inner support layer lining the bore of the gun barrel and a compressible material disposed between the outer support layer and inner support layer. The support layers may be steel, and the compressible material may be concrete. In one embodiment, the breech portion is made of a metal, for example, steel, and the remainder of the gun barrel is made of an inner support layer an outer support layer and a layer of compressible material therebetween. The gun barrel of this invention is less expensive to make and lighter than a similarly-sized gun barrel made of steel, while being sufficiently strong to launch large projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Rescue Academy Inc.
    Inventor: Rixford Smith
  • Patent number: 7182015
    Abstract: A multi-variable, multi-parameter projectile launching and testing device includes; a.) an elongated hollow acceleration tube having a firing end and an exit end; b.) firing mechanism functionally connected to the firing end of the elongated acceleration tube to create sufficient force to accelerate a projectile through the elongated acceleration tube; c.) a heating mechanism for temperature control of a projectile; d.) rotation means functionally connected to the elongated acceleration tube for rotating it; e.) a first control mechanism for variable control of the firing means; f.) a second control mechanism for variable control of the heating means; and, g.) a third control mechanism for variable control of the rotation mechanism. A user may accelerate a projectile through the elongated acceleration tube with a pre-selected force, at a pre-selected temperature and with a pre-selected rate of rotation using the first, the second and the third control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Li Young
  • Patent number: 7182016
    Abstract: A high pressure fluid jetting system generally includes a fluid cylinder pump, a drive assembly, a pressurized liquid supply and an applicator gun. The drive assembly includes a diesel or electric powered motor which drives a rotatable drive shaft. The drive shaft drives a triple plunger which are reciprocally driven. The plungers communicate fluid from the supply to the gun to selectively jet water from the gun at a pressure of approximately 50,000 psi and 10.0 gallons per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventor: Jamie A. Forrest
  • Patent number: 7182017
    Abstract: Disclosed is a conductivity detector assembly for use with a beverage preparation apparatus as well as a hot water dispensing apparatus. The conductivity detecting assembly includes a non-conductive spacer for spacing apart a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. A conductive path extends through the non-conductive spacer connecting the first and second conductive portions. An exterior surface of the non-conductive spacer is provided in a configuration, for example a generally conical shape with sloped sides, for shedding liquid away from the first conductive portion. A conductive circuit is completed when liquid is retained in the reservoir, the level at which contact can be made between the first conductive portion and a corresponding interior surface or conductive portion of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Knepler, Victor D. Goeckner