Patents Issued in April 17, 2007
  • Patent number: RE39575
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to chemical compositions of substituted thioacetamides, processes for the preparation thereof and uses of the compositions in the treatment of diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Cephalon, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Bacon, Sankar Chatterjee, Derek Dunn, John P. Mallamo, Jeffry L. Vaught, Matthew S. Miller
  • Patent number: RE39576
    Abstract: A compound of formula (I) wherein R1 is a C1-6 straight or branched chain alkyl group, a C2-6alkenyl group, a C2-6 alkynyl group, a C3-6cycloalkyl group or a C3-6cycloalkylC1-6alkyl group, each optionally substituted by one to three groups independently selected from: —CN; —NO2; a group —COR2 wherein R2 is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, —OR3 wherein R3 is hydrogen or C1-6alkyl or NR4R5 wherein R4 and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl; a group —S(O)mR6 wherein m is 0, 1 or 2, R6 is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, hydroxy or NR7R8 wherein R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl; a group PO(OR9)2 wherein R9 is hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl; a group NR10R11 wherein R10 and R11 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, —COR12 wherein R12 is hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl, or —S(O)m?R13 wherein m? is 0, 1 or 2 and R13 is hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl; halo; or a group —OR14 wherein R14 is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by one to three halo atoms, C6-10 aryl or —COR15 wherein R15 is hydroge
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Smithkline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Harold Francis Hodson, Richard Michael John Palmer, David Alan Sawyer, Richard Graham Knowles, Karl Witold Franzmann, Martin James Drysdale, Patricia Ifeyinwa Davies, Helen Alice Rebecca Clark, Barry George Shearer, Steven Smith
  • Patent number: RE39578
    Abstract: An incrementer pipelines the generation of carry lookahead signals. Count registers hold a current count of the incrementer. The current count is fed back as inputs to sum logic, which generates sum bits that are latched into the count registers as a next count. All-ones detect logic detects when all lesser-significance bits in the current count are ones. When all lesser bits are ones, the sum logic toggles the count bit to generate the sum bit for that bit position. Pre-carry logic generates pre-carry lookahead signals from the sum bits. The pre-carry lookahead signals are latched into pipelined carry registers. The pipelined carry registers drive pipelined carry lookahead signals to the all-ones detect logic. Thus carry lookahead signals are generated from a prior sum but used in a next clock cycle to generate then next sum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Faust Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Wei-Ping Lu
  • Patent number: RE39579
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a logic circuit and a synchronous dynamic random access memory including a core unit, integrated on a single semiconductor chip. The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a synchronous dynamic random access memory control circuit which receives external control signals for the synchronous dynamic random access memory from the logic circuit, and outputs internal control signals to the core unit of the synchronous dynamic random access memory. For testing of semiconductor integrated circuit device, external test signals are provided through external terminals. The external test signals are selected by a selector and are provided to the core unit of the synchronous dynamic random access memory for testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Makoto Hatakenaka, Akira Yamazaki, Shigeki Tomishima, Tadato Yamagata
  • Patent number: RE39580
    Abstract: The invention provides transgenic plants and transformed host cells which express modified cry 3B genes with enhanced toxicity to Coleopteran insects. Also disclosed are methods of making and using these transgenic plants, methods of making recombinant host cells expressing these ?-endotoxins, and methods of killing insects such as Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), southern corn rootworm (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber) and western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Leigh H. English, Susan M. Brussock, Thomas M. Malvar, James W. Bryson, Caroline A. Kulesza, Frederick S. Walters, Stephen L. Slatin, Michael A. Von Tersch, Charles Romano
  • Patent number: 7203970
    Abstract: A body armrest for relieving spinal, back or neck pain, and for providing a three point support for the upper torso combining the spine with a right and left body armrest, the body armrest constructed having a centrally disposed sleeve for the insertable receipt of a waist belt, the centrally disposed sleeve having an upper cradle or platform section extending generally horizontally outwardly therefrom, the cradle or platform section for contact with the individuals elbow and forearm, the sleeve member having depending therefrom, an arcuate contoured leg, the arcuate contoured leg contoured to the arcuate contour of the hip as it extends outwardly from the waist, both the cradle or contoured depending leg may be hingeably secured to the centrally disposed sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: Edward A. Abanto, Power Abanto
  • Patent number: 7203971
    Abstract: An adjustable baseball or sports type hat is disclosed having an adjustable circumferential portion along the bottom of the crown. A visor may be attached to the front or rear portion of the crown. A pair of adjustment clasps are affixed near each temple of the crown at or near where the visor is attached to the crown to alter the size of the circumferential portion of the crown. The adjustment clasps may be hidden when adjusted for the wearer or they may be attached on the exterior of the crown. In one embodiment the adjustment clasp is formed by a flap, which is formed above the temple of the crown where the edge of the visor attaches to the crown and has Velcro® on its underside which mates with Velcro® attached on the temple portion of the crown. The flap may be of any shape including that of a logo or trademark. A trademark or logo may also be affixed to the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Felipe Claro
  • Patent number: 7203972
    Abstract: A pair of strap adjustment assemblies for a bicycle helmet is provided. A first pair of straps is connected to one side of the helmet and a second pair of straps is connected to the other side of the helmet. A first strap adjustment assembly includes a release lever and a base for engaging the first pair of straps. The lever can be moved from a closed position to an open position. When the lever is in the open position, the user can move the strap adjustment assembly along the first pair of straps to adjust the location of the strap adjustment assembly. When the lever is in the closed position, the first strap adjustment assembly draws together the first pair of straps at a desired location. A second strap adjustment assembly is similar the first strap adjustment assembly and engages the second pair of straps, which are connected to the other side of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Christopher J. Bullock
  • Patent number: 7203973
    Abstract: Swimming goggles have a left frame, a right frame, head strap, a nose support connecting the left frame and the right frame. Lenses are slantwise formed in the left frame and right frame. The width between upper edges of inner surface of the lenses and upper edges of the left and the right frames is smaller than the width between lower edges of inner surface of the lenses and lower edges of the left and the right. In use, the lenses fit to the user's face and eyes for maintaining almost horizontal relative to the eyes and close to the eyes, thereby reducing resistance force when a user jumps into water and enlarging visual field of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 7203974
    Abstract: Water-soluble products and methods of making and using water-soluble products are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Microtek Medical Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Joan Adell Jones, John B. Steward
  • Patent number: 7203975
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for connecting a toilet seat and cover to a rearward extension behind a toilet bowl. A base member is permanently affixed to the extension. A hinge support member is rotatably linked to the base member in bayonet connection fashion. The hinge support, seat and cover can be removed from the, leaving only the base attached to the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Erich C. Vierkant, III
  • Patent number: 7203976
    Abstract: A floor level pumping system, that is non-disruptive to the existing flooring, including a conventional rear outlet toilet, a floor level tank for receiving waste and fluid from the outlet of the toilet including a tank chamber containing a designated area with a sensing system which activates a discharge pump when the level or quantity of the waste and fluid within the tank chamber reaches a predetermined level, wherein the chamber further includes one or more baffles extending upward from a floor of the tank chamber, which baffles at least partially segregate the designated area from the remaining area of the tank chamber, wherein at least one of said baffles contains a curved surface, and a discharge pump for pumping waste from the floor level tank out through a discharge pipe, wherein the discharge pump is secured to the floor level tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Zoeller Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Weller, Thomas J. Burch, Jr., Monica Henderson, legal representative, Kenneth E. Zoeller, deceased
  • Patent number: 7203977
    Abstract: A fill and drain hydromassage water vessel having an acrylic surface, resin and fiberglass backing and antimicrobial in components of the water vessel system. The antimicrobial reduces bacteria in the water vessel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: Roy W. Mattson, Jr., Paulette C. Ogden, Philip I. Ogden
  • Patent number: 7203978
    Abstract: A swivel handle structure for a bathtub includes a holder, a handle seat and a press ring. The holder comprises a connecting plate having a number of locating holes and a recess thereon. The handle seat comprises a rotary disc having a circular rim inwardly corresponding to the recess of the connecting plate. The press ring is sleeved onto the handle seat. The press ring has a block rim to block the handle seat so as to confine the press ring from moving any further. When turning the handle seat, the circular rim of the rotary disc turns within the recess of the connecting plate so that the press ring maintains the handle seat in a steady manner from rocking or shaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Shih-Kuo Chang
  • Patent number: 7203979
    Abstract: An improved combination security and decontamination gate to be used at various venues and areas which entertain large numbers of people. The gates may be set up at entrance and exit areas of the venue or area for security purposes, as well as to facilitate quick and thorough decontamination of as many people and objects as possible in the event of an emergency. The gate contains a plurality of liquid conduits and spray heads and can be mounted on a variety of surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: T. Darren O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7203980
    Abstract: A collapsible mounting frame for a raised platform or a raised bed as a unitary construction with two end frame assemblies and a plurality of hinged horizontal support links. The mounting frame may be moved from a collapsed or folded position to an open, extended, operable position to support the overhead platform or bed. The space beneath the raised platform or bed may be more effectively utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: KLN Steel Products Ltd.
    Inventors: John H. McBrayer, Jr., Clay J. Skarovsky
  • Patent number: 7203981
    Abstract: A rocker includes a basket pivotally mounted to the crib that has a mattress laying horizontally therein and covering an entire bottom thereof. First and second brackets couple to an outer surface of the basket and are located at axially opposed ends thereof. First and second pairs of anchor arms have proximal ends connected to the brackets. The anchor arms have axially opposed distal ends spanning away from the basket and terminating adjacent to a frame of the crib. The arms are telescopically adjustable along a longitudinal length thereof and each of the arms are independently articulated. A plurality of support levers are conjoined to a top edge of the crib and are connected to the distal ends of the arms. The device includes a mechanism for oscillating the basket and a mechanism for automatically playing back an audio file while the basket is oscillating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Joy Cowgill
  • Patent number: 7203982
    Abstract: A futon mattress cover having a partially elastic periphery eliminating the need of slide fasteners. The cover is preferably formed from elastomeric material to assure a snug fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Ernesto Cohan
  • Patent number: 7203983
    Abstract: A pillow apparatus comprising at least one roll portion, a bottom layer extending horizontally from the roll portion, a top layer extending horizontally from the roll portion substantially adjacent to the bottom layer, and a hollow core formed between the bottom layer and the top layer substantially centered within the pillow so as to form a central back-sleeping region and opposite, adjacent side-sleeping regions. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract so as to allow a searcher to quickly determine the subject matter. It is presented with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: AQSIS Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Reeves, Martin Geoffreys
  • Patent number: 7203984
    Abstract: Medical apparatus (1) for the relief, treatment and/or prevention of neck or back pain comprises a fluid inflatable support pillow (2) and an inflation device (3) connected to the pillow (2) The pillow (2) is adapted for interpositioning between a patient's head and a head rest (24) and supports the neck (23) and sides of the patient's head. The inflation device (3) includes a pump (4) and control means, such as a timer, for controlling the inflation and the deflation of the pillow (2) through a repetitive cycle utilizing two fluid inputs to the volumes of the pillow. Such movement of the patient's occiput (22) gently moves the patient's neck (23) to alleviate or prevent pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: Andrew Gardner, Arthur M. Newson Gardner
  • Patent number: 7203985
    Abstract: A shoe (and fabrication techniques therefor) on which is provided a bottom portion that includes a sole portion and a heel portion and that has a bottom surface and an upper portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion. The bottom surface of the bottom portion of the shoe has areas of a fabric material (such as cotton, nylon, polyester, any other cloth or fabric), or any of a variety of other first materials, interspersed with areas of a durable material (such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic rubber, any other plastic, and/or any other natural or synthetic leather or rubber), or any of a variety of other second materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Seychelles Imports, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Cox, John C. S. Koo
  • Patent number: 7203986
    Abstract: A cleaning tool having a clamp-on handle assembly. The clamp-on handle assembly includes a slidable locking element which can be moved from an open position, wherein the handle assembly can be placed over a handle portion of the cleaning tool, to a locked position wherein the locking element clamps the handle assembly securely onto the handle portion of the cleaning tool. Advantageously, no external tools or fastening implements are required to secure the handle assembly to the handle portion of the cleaning tool. The handling assembly allows the user to use the cleaning tool to reach elevated areas or other areas that would be difficult to reach with the user holding directly onto the handle portion of the cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Pears, Cheung Wun Yau
  • Patent number: 7203987
    Abstract: A side brush, which is adapted to be mounted on the body of a sweeping machine, for use as a brush rotatable about a rotation axis, and which includes a base and a plurality of individual bristle segments detachably mountable thereto, having bristles included therein integrated for a solid unit with a frame member joining the same. The base includes a substantially planar disc assembly which is provided integrally with a coupling system for coupling the bristle segments therewith on a snap fit principle. The coupling system includes elongated channels disposed in the base in a substantially radial direction and extending through the base, opening all the way to the edge thereof, which enable coupling the bristle segments immovably to the engagement with the body of a sweeping machine by means of the base with fasteners interconnecting the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sajakorpi Oy
    Inventors: Reijo Kuivikko, Kimmo Sajakorpi
  • Patent number: 7203988
    Abstract: A multipurpose cleaning implement that functions both as a broom and a scuff removing device. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plastic base that serves as the attachment point for (i) a plurality of bristles (ii) a handle, and (iii) a device that is useful for removing scuff marks from floors. A first general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a friction forming material that has been attached to a base or support that includes a rounded or curved forward surface. A second general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a detachable scuff remover that includes a piece of friction forming material mounted on a base which may be clipped to the end of a broom handle opposite the broom head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, Andrew B. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 7203989
    Abstract: A buffing and polishing ball made of a compressible polymeric foam material is formed by slitting a body of foam material in a substantially uncompressed state (1) from an outside surface of the body in a direction generally perpendicular to the rotational axis and (2) on circumferentially spaced planes that extend generally radially from the outside surface of the body to define a plurality of foam fingers. A fastening system is used to compress and hold a center portion of the foam body in a direction along the rotational axis such that the uncompressed outer ends of the finger assume a generally spherical ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lake Country Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott S. McLain
  • Patent number: 7203990
    Abstract: The invention starts with a wiper blade (20) comprised of a wiper strip support (22) and a wiper strip (24) that is guided laterally by a device (28) with a connecting rod (32, 74) vis-à-vis a wiper arm (10), whereby one end of the connecting rod (32, 74) is fixed so that it can pivot on an articulated part (12) of the wiper arm (10) approx. vertically to the windshield (26), and the connecting rod (32, 74) having lateral guide surfaces is adjacent to a part of the wiper blade (20). It is proposed that a pivot bearing (86, 88) be arranged on both ends of the connecting rod (32, 74), one of which permits a movement in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm (10) or the wiper blade (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Mayer
  • Patent number: 7203991
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus has a housing for movement along a surface with a suction nozzle assembly having an inlet and outlet provided on the housing. A recovery container is removably mounted to the housing. A hose having a first end detachably connected to the outlet of the suction nozzle and a second end in fluid communication with the recovery container floor-scrubbing machine is provided. A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, hose, and recovery container for drawing dirt from the cleaning surface into the inlet of the suction nozzle and into. The cleaning apparatus further includes a handle movably connected to the housing and movable between a first position that locks the first end of the hose to the housing to a second position that unlocks the first end of the hose to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. Stephens, Gary M. Johns, David W. Moine, Richard A. Wareham
  • Patent number: 7203992
    Abstract: The separator has a bottom (12), a cylindrical body with turbine blades (15), and a sealing ring (11) at the upper end. The separator is made of segments or of an integral one piece. The segment of the separator (10) is manufactured as a turbine wheel, where the radial supports (17) have a periphery (16), on which periphery (16) are disposed uniformly and approximately radially turbine blades (15) having a slightly inclined outer part in the counter-rotation direction. The sealing ring (11) has radial supports (17) and a ring (19), and at the bottom of the lid (1a) it has airflow directing means (20) manufactured as extensions inclined from the periphery towards the radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Hyla Proizvodnja Razjov In Trgovina D.O.O.
    Inventors: Janez Pogacar, Dorotej Erjavec
  • Patent number: 7203993
    Abstract: A floor care appliance is provided with a microprocessor based control arrangement. The microprocessor adjust the height of the suction nozzle through a motorized suction nozzle height gear and cam arrangement. The microprocessor is programmed to turn the current off to either of the motor-fan assembly or the agitator drive motor when the current consumed by either exceeds a predetermined amount based upon the nozzle height. The height of the suction nozzle is selected by one or more switches located on the appliance handle. A separate switch is provided to select bare floor mode and the microprocessor is programmed to store the height of the suction nozzle prior to bare floor mode being selected. By pressing a the bare floor mode button again or the use of a sensor the suction nozzle is returned to the stored position when the suction nozzle is returned to the carpeted surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Aaron P. Tondra, Evan A. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7203994
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner powered by compressed air includes a canister forming an internal collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner includes a drain at the bottom of the collection chamber from which liquid and debris can be drained, and may also provide for pressurizing the collection chamber for forcing collected liquid from the drain to a liquid drain or collecting drum or tank. This makes draining the collection chamber easier than in other vacuum cleaners. Preferably the bottom of the chamber slopes toward the drain. The chamber may be pressurized by the compressed air used to power the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner may also include a separate pressure tank for holding a degreaser, detergent, or soap which can be sprayed onto the residue of a liquid spill afier the liquid has been sucked up. The vacuum cleaner may includes wheels and a handle for easy movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Donald A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7203995
    Abstract: A rotary type hinge assembly for joining a body (310) and a cover (320) of a foldable electronic device has a first axis (A1) and a second axis (A2), and enables the cover open about the first axis and rotate about the second axis. The hinge assembly includes: a housing (210), rotatably attached to the body, and defining a container therein; a spring (220) received in the container; a driven element (230), wherein a first end thereof supports the spring, and a second end thereof has a cam surface (232); a cam (240), being coaxial with the driven element, a cam surface (243) defined on an end thereof including a mountain-shaped portion (244) having a flat surface engaging with the cam surface of the driven element; a rotary shaft (250); and a fixing means (260) for fixing the rotary shaft in the cover; wherein the rotary shaft extend through the cam, the driven element and the spring in that order, and is fixed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Cheng Hsu, Shi-Hua Tian, Xiang-Dong Chen
  • Patent number: 7203996
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge door arrester, particularly for vehicle doors, comprised of two hinge parts (2, 4), which are connected by a hinge pin (6) in a manner that permits them to swivel about a rotational axis (8) and between which a detent device (10) is integrated that defines different relative rotating positions. Said detent device (10) is comprised of at least one detent element (12), which is kinematically joined to the first hinge part (2) and which is spring-loaded in a radical working direction that is perpendicular to the rotational axis (8). The detent device is also comprised of a sliding surface (16), which is kinematically joined to the second hinge part (4), is provided essentially in the shape of a sector of a circle, is arranged, with regard to its radius of curvature, coaxial to the rotational axis (8), and which comprises at least one detent position (14) that interacts with the detent element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Friedr. Fingscheidt GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Linnenbrink, Thomas Heiber
  • Patent number: 7203997
    Abstract: A hinge includes a link with two lateral sides, and an assembly comprising a pair of side plates. Protruding from each lateral side of the link is a pair of parallel pins, and each side plate includes a pair of non-parallel guide slots. The assembly and the link are positioned such that each pin slidably engages one of the guide slots and the pins can simultaneously slide in their respective guide slots. Since the guide slots are non-parallel, when one pin is forced to slide in one direction, the other pin of the pair is forced to slide in a different direction, causing the assembly to both turn and translate with respect to the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: James C. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7203998
    Abstract: A composite knob including an injection molded translucent core having a side wall and a top wall with light pipe window or a light pipe opening formed in these walls. A trim ring is positioned on the core and has an opening therethrough to align with the light pipe window or opening. A cover is mounted on the trim ring and core and includes an opening aligned with the trim ring opening and the light pipe window or opening. A light pipe located in the light pipe window or light pipe opening is visible through the trim ring and cover openings. An opaque plastic light transmitting barrier is formed between the light pipe window or light pipe and the openings in the trim ring and cover. The light transmitting barrier is molded as a part of a gripping overlay applied to the outer surface of the skirt of the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7203999
    Abstract: A detachable, heat resistant, flexible button protector protects against button degradation during laundering, dry-cleaning or hot ironing operations. The protector has an enclosure for forming a cavity surrounding at least one button. A slit in the side of the enclosure accommodates insertion of the button into the cavity. Button degradation is prevented by sealing the enclosure to minimize penetration of cleaning fluids during insertion and residence of the button within the cavity. The protector shields the button from corrosive laundering and dry-cleaning chemicals, while allowing entry of chemicals that wash the fabric on which the button is sewn. It is strong enough to withstand compressive force and shock impact produced by laundering machinery. Chipping and chemical degradation of buttons is virtually eliminated. Laundering, dry-cleaning and ironing operations are carried out economically in an efficient, reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Valerie P. Bagot
  • Patent number: 7204000
    Abstract: A fastener joining accessories to automobiles includes a molded portion having a flexible skirt and two support posts extending from the flexible skirt. A metallic portion insert molded with the molded portion includes both a pair of deflection wings and a pair of looped bights oppositely extending from the flexible skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven M Benedetti, Rosalind A Nessel
  • Patent number: 7204001
    Abstract: The surfaces of a metal pull tab which is hingedly secured to a metal bracket on a zipper slider and/or the surface of the bracket which engages the pull tab is covered by a non-metallic relatively soft coating which prevents wear caused by metal-to-metal contact between the pull tab and the bracket and reduces noise caused by free-swinging contact between the pull tab and the zipper or slider to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Paragon Luggage, Inc.
    Inventor: Shin-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 7204002
    Abstract: A buckle including a pair of members (4, 5) coupled to or separated from each other. The buckle includes a socket (10) and a plug (30) capable of being inserted into the socket and hooked in the socket in the state where the plug is inserted into a prespecified position. The socket is attached to a one member (5) in the pair. The plug has a pull section (33) in the direction intersectional to the plug inserting direction, and a mounting section (37) with the other member mounted thereon is provided on the pull section (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Kaneko, Sakiko Minami, Yuko Moriguchi
  • Patent number: 7204003
    Abstract: A rental casket system includes a casket with a recessed side panel for ease of viewing. The casket includes a removable end piece which is one embodiment is located within grooves formed in the side panels of the casket. The grooves widen near the upper portion of the side panels and are partially covered by a top panel. The rental casket system includes a tray assembly that may be used as part of a cremation casket. The tray has short side walls and may include an inner assembly that prevents contact with a deceased when handholds in the tray assembly are used to move the tray assembly. The tray and a lid form a burial bell assembly that may be sealed for burial. The tray assembly may include side walls that are movably attached to end walls. Lid segments are provided with the tray so that the tray may also be used as an identification tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Vandor Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald H. Davis, Gary L. Cox, Chad L. Eversole
  • Patent number: 7204004
    Abstract: To provide a machine tool in which a workpiece can be delivered to/from a first and a second spindle headstock without any increase in front/back direction dimension of a machine main body. A second spindle headstock 4 is capable of moving to a position for workpiece delivery to/from a first spindle headstock 3 so as to be close to or to abut on the first spindle headstock 3. When the second spindle headstock 4 is positioned at the workpiece delivery position, a tool post 5 is positioned right under the first spindle headstock 3 so that its cutting point “c” is positioned vertically under an axis “a” of the first and second spindle headstocks 3, 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hashimoto, Hiroyuki Tsuchiya, Tsutomu Tokuma
  • Patent number: 7204005
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of an endless metal belt having metal rings built up and differing in circumference, includes the following steps of: a first circumference correction step of expanding each of the metal rings; and a second circumference correction step of expanding each of the metal rings after conducting a solution heat treatment to the expanded metal ring. In the manufacturing method, by executing the first circumference correction step and the second circumference correction step before and after the solution heat treatment, respectively, an expansion quantity for setting a circumference of each of the metal rings to become a predetermined length is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuji Fukada, Mitsutaka Akutsu, Masayuki Suzuki, Masaaki Yoshitome
  • Patent number: 7204006
    Abstract: A method for providing an end-stop for a slider on a resealable thermoplastic bag is provided. The resealable thermoplastic bag includes a profile track having a first side panel and a second side panel. A clip having first and second legs is made to straddle the profile track such that the first leg of the clip being proximate to the first side panel and the second leg of the clip being proximate to the second side panel. One of the legs has an inward-facing protrusion for engaging a corresponding recess on the panel proximate thereto, such that the clip resists vertical motion on the profile track. The other of the legs of the clip is sealed to the panel proximate thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Webster Industries Division Chelsea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: F. John Herrington, Bryon Hollenbeck
  • Patent number: 7204007
    Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, Lev Ring, Edwin A. Zwald, Andrei Gregory Filippov, Kevin K. Waddell
  • Patent number: 7204008
    Abstract: An electronics module is assembled by demountably attaching integrated circuits to a module substrate. The module is then tested at a particular operating speed. If the module fails to operate correctly at the tested speed, the integrated circuit or circuits that caused the failure are removed and replaced with new integrated circuits, and the module is retested. Once it is determined that the module operates correctly at the tested speed, the module may be rated to operate at the tested speed and sold, or the module may be tested at a higher speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin N. Eldridge
  • Patent number: 7204009
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor electret condenser microphone capable of being reduced in size and including an acoustic sensor 100 and a case 200 for accommodating the acoustic sensor 100, the acoustic sensor 100 has a semiconductor chip 110 forming necessary electronic circuits 111A to 111C, and opening a through hole 112 away from the electronic circuits 111A to 111C, an electrode layer 120 formed on the surface of the semiconductor chip 110 away from the through hole 112, an electret member 130 laminated away from part of the electrode layer 120 and through hole 112, and a diaphragm 140 provided with a spacing 160 to the electret member 130, in which the electrode layer 120 exposed from the electret member 130 is connected to the electrode 111a of the electronic circuit 111A through the case 200 (FIG. 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Hosiden Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Kawamura, Yoshiaki Ohbayashi, Mamoru Yasuda
  • Patent number: 7204010
    Abstract: A load sensor plate (100) is adapted for manufacture by stamping spaced apart openings (110) through a thin blank to define flexure beams (112) beside the openings (110); and forming the blank with spaced apart columnar walls (102), (106) joined by a web (104) having the openings (110) and the flexure beams (112) whereby, an applied load (116) exerted on one of the columnar walls (102) is distributed among the flexure beams (12), and another of the columnar walls (106) bears an opposing force (118) that resists the applied load (118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Measurement Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Damon Germanton
  • Patent number: 7204011
    Abstract: A method for assembling machines using multiple, structurally equivalent components. The characteristics of each component are tested. The tested components are sorted into component classes using the test information. Individual components are selected from the classes and combined in a manner that, when combined, will provide desired price/performance characteristics in the machine. Machines with improved price/performance characteristics may be assembled without requiring change to the quality of the components, or the manner in which the components are manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Matra Manufacturing & Services SAS
    Inventor: Boris A. Maslov
  • Patent number: 7204012
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a rotor arrangement for an electric machine in which a rotor body is provided and permanent magnets made from an isotropic magnetic material are embedded in the rotor body, the permanent magnets being magnetized by an external magnetizing device with a magnetization that corresponds at least approximately to a Halbach magnetic field distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Markus Kloepzig, Vladimir Vladimirovich Popov
  • Patent number: 7204013
    Abstract: In a method of forming a magnetoresistive sensor, first and second magnetic leads are formed. Next, a junction of magnetic and electrically conductive material is formed between the first and second magnetic leads. Finally, the magnetic and electrical conductivity of an outer shell portion of the junction is reduced to form a constricted junction comprising a magnetic and electrically conductive junction core that is at least partially surrounded by the outer shell portion. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to the magnetoresistive sensor that is formed using the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Ge Yi, Suguo Huo
  • Patent number: 7204014
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a magnetic head wherein a read head portion of the magnetic head includes a second gap insulation layer that includes a first portion that is fabricated upon the electrical leads of the read head and a second portion that is fabricated upon both a sensor portion of the read head and the first portion of the insulation layer. Both the first portion and the second portion of the insulation layer are made up of multi-layered laminations. Each said lamination is fabricated by depositing a thin film of metal, followed by the oxidation of that metallic thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Interntional Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hardayal Singh Gill, Douglas Johnson Werner