Patents Issued in April 24, 2007
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Patent number: 7207723Abstract: To provide a wheel support bearing assembly capable of securing a satisfactory sealability and of accomplishing an assured press-fit of an magnetic encoder, the wheel support bearing assembly for supporting a vehicle wheel rotatably relative to a vehicle body structure includes an outer member 2, an inner member 1 positioned inside the outer member 2 with an annular bearing space delimited between it and the outer member 2, and rows of rolling elements 3 rollingly within the annular bearing space. At least one sealing unit 5 is provided for sealing one of opposite open ends of the annular bearing space. This sealing unit 5 is comprised in part of a magnetic encoder 10 including a multi-pole magnet member 14 having a plurality of opposite magnetic poles alternating in a direction circumferentially thereof and a first sealing plate 11 serving as a core metal. The first sealing plate 11 is press-fitted onto the inner member 1 with the amount of interference fit to be within the range of 5 to 230 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Tatsuo Nakajima, Kouya Oohira, Arito Matsui, Kazutoyo Murakami
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Patent number: 7207724Abstract: A network comprising: (a) a plurality of different receptacles for facilitating a connection to different information networks requiring different access authorization, each different receptacle optically or electrically coupled to one and only one different information network, each different receptacle having an inner surface with a unique first geometry; and (b) a plurality of different plugs for optically or electrically coupling with the different receptacles, each different plug having a unique second geometry, each unique first geometry corresponds to one, and only one, unique second geometry of a plug such that plugs and receptacles having corresponding unique first and second geometries are mating pairs.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventor: Michael Gurreri
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Patent number: 7207725Abstract: Optical fiber coupler for coupling fiber optic elements includes a first fiber optic element extending in a first direction to position a free end thereof in a selected zone, and a second fiber optic element extending into the selected zone from an opposite direction to position a free end of the second fiber optic element in the zone confronting the first fiber optic element free end. A cured optical grade epoxy resin body defines the zone and envelopes the free ends of the fiber optic elements, to effect physical and optical connection between the first and second fiber optic elements. Once cured, the housing material is removed leaving the completed coupler device. The free ends of the fiber optic elements are in close proximity, or in the case of coupling from one strand to a plurality of strands, in enough of a spaced relation, to permit required light diffusion.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Lynn T. Antonelli, Patrick J. Monahan
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Patent number: 7207726Abstract: In an optical connector including an optical connector plug holding a first optical fiber and an optical connector plug holding a second optical fiber, the optical connector plugs cooperates with each other to obtain a connected state in which exposed longitudinal ends of the first and the second optical fibers are brought into contact with each other. The first optical fiber includes a long fiber portion and a short fiber portion higher in breakage resistance than the long fiber portion. One of the longitudinal ends of the short fiber is fused to one of longitudinal ends of the long fiber portion. Another of the longitudinal ends of the short fiber portion is exposed to serve as one of the exposed longitudinal ends.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, LimitedInventors: Go Kaneko, Akihiro Onogawa, Yuichi Koreeda, Jun Takeda
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Patent number: 7207727Abstract: A one-piece fiber optic receptacle is provided for aligning and optically connecting a plug ferrule with a back-side ferrule of like configuration. The fiber optic receptacle includes a receptacle housing defining an internal cavity opening through an external end and an opposed internal end, an alignment sleeve disposed within the internal cavity and received within the internal end of the receptacle housing, and a sleeve retainer removably secured to the internal end of the receptacle housing and operable for providing access to the alignment sleeve from the internal end of the receptacle housing. The fiber optic receptacle further includes biasing member supports that facilitate loading and ensure alignment of at least one biasing member during assembly and use. Tapered posts may be provided on at least one of the alignment sleeve and the sleeve retainer for retaining and guiding the at least one biasing member during assembly and use.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Hieu V. Tran, James P. Luther, Xin Liu, Thomas Theuerkorn, Charles A. Yow, Jr.
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Patent number: 7207728Abstract: Optical bond-wire interconnections between microelectronic chips, wherein optical wires are bonded onto microelectronic chips. Such optical connections offer numerous advantages compared to traditional electrical connections. Among other things, these interconnections are insensitive to electromagnetic interference and need not be located at the edges of a chip but rather can be placed for optimal utility to the circuit function. In addition, such interconnections can be given the same or other pre-specified lengths regardless of the placement in the module and they are capable of signal bandwidths up to 20 Gigahertz without causing a cross-talk problem. A method of fabrication of such optical interconnections using optical fiber, a laser or photodetector and etched mirror and etched V-shaped grooves.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignees: HRL Laboratories, LLC, Hughes Electronic CorporationInventors: Daniel Yap, Michael Yung
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Patent number: 7207729Abstract: The present invention relates to a TO-can type encapsulating element for enclosing, either hermetically or non-hermetically, optical-electrical chips with integrated optical element interfaces, detachable fibres and leadframes. The TO-can/encapsulating element enables the optical fibre (9) to be readily positioned relative to the chip (25) with the aid of a fix-able can-flange (7), and eliminates the risk of crack formation by virtue of the component leads of said TO-can having been provided with and connected to a leadframe (6).Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)Inventors: Claes Blom, Nivardo Davila Albornoz
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Patent number: 7207730Abstract: A small form factor transceiver module (1) for connection to an outer communication interface includes a chassis (2), a metal shell (3), a signal-transferring subassembly (4), a printed circuit board (5) and a shielding housing (6). The signal-transferring subassembly is received in the chassis and electrically connects with the printed circuit board. The housing receives the printed circuit board therein, and is fixed to the chassis. The metal shell electrically engages with the shielding housing to provide protection against EMI.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nan Tsung Huang, Chung Hsin Mou
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Patent number: 7207731Abstract: An optical module 11a comprises an optical-receptacle housing 13, an optical-communication subassembly 15, and a holder 17. The flange portion 13b has a plurality of first portions 13c, which extend along a reference plane perpendicular to a predetermined axis, Ax, and a plurality of second portions 13d, each of which is positioned between the first portions 13c. The outer periphery of the first portions 13c is positioned at the outside of a reference cylinder whose center is coincident with the predetermined axis Ax. The outer periphery of the second portions 13d is positioned at the inside of the reference cylinder. The optical-receptacle housing 13 and the holder 17 are temporarily fixed to each other at the second portions 13d of the flange portion 13b through second bonding members 27a to 27d. The optical-receptacle housing 13 and the holder 17 are further fixed with increased strength to each other at the first portions 13c of the flange portion 13b through first bonding members 25a to 25d.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuaki Nishie, Hiromi Nakanishi, Kenji Hirayama
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Patent number: 7207732Abstract: The present invention provides materials suitable for use as secondary coatings of optical fibers or the re-coating of spliced optical fiber junctions. With regard to the latter use, the coating materials a preferably characterized by a Young's modulus that is at least about 1200 MPa, and an interfacial strength as measured by the rod and tube method of greater than 25 MPa.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Michelle D. Fabian, Edward J. Fewkes, Gregory S. Glaesemann
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Patent number: 7207733Abstract: An apparatus for transferring effluent from photograph development systems, especially highly automated, high-volume developer systems. A silver-recovery system discharges an iron-rich solution into a tank. Developer fluid and fixer solution is mixed with the iron-rich solution in the tank to buffer its pH. A float in the tank activates a switch located outside the tank to actuate a pump for evacuating the mixed effluent from the tank for disposal. Water may be mixed under pressure with the pumped effluent to reduce clogging in effluent drainage lines due to precipitate and other and build-ups from effluent.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Academy CorporationInventor: Curtis Rhodes
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Patent number: 7207734Abstract: A printing system includes a printer and computers connected by an network. A mail server is provided for transmitting notification data from the printer to the computers in the form of an email message. Print data stored in the printer is erased once the print data has been used for reprint operations a certain amount of times. If the amount of print data stored in the printer exceeds a reference size, then print data sets are selected for erasure based on predetermined conditions. Data stored in the printer can be retrieved from the printer and amended at the computer.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akihiro Yamada, Hiroyuki Funahashi, Yoshiko Orito
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Patent number: 7207735Abstract: The present invention increases the freedom of usage of a page design. A digital camera 1 generates, in a file format that can be parsed by a printer, a print job for printing a full page design in which an image desired by a user is applied to a page layout by using a layout definition file that describes a page layout containing one or more image areas disposed on a page, as well as an image file desired by the user that is applied to a predetermined image area in the page layout. The print job file thus generated (print job file) is parsed by a printer 13 and printing is executed on the basis of the result of this parsing. The layout definition file and image file are associated with the print job file.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hideyuki Narusawa, Makoto Oyanagi
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Patent number: 7207736Abstract: A paper insertion limiting device of a paper feeding unit which prevents papers from being inserted to a drive roller when the papers are loaded. The paper insertion limiting device of a paper feeding unit is provided with a sheet regulating member mounted on the front end of the paper feeding unit to rotate by a certain angle, and regulate an insertion depth of papers loaded in the paper feeding unit, and a regulating member activator to actuate the sheet regulating member to block the front ends of papers when the carrier reaches a certain position, and to feed papers when the carrier moves out of the certain position. The sheet regulating member forms a right angle to the face of papers when the carrier reaches the certain position, and the paper regulation member forms an obtuse angle to the papers when the carrier moves out of the certain position.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Deok-hwan Jang
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Patent number: 7207737Abstract: A system and method of protecting a printer housing against moisture infiltration, including affixing a fixed covering portion over the printer housing, wherein the affixing includes exposing a printing opening of the printer housing, and securing a removable covering portion to the fixed covering portion, wherein the removable covering portion covers the printing opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Videojet Technologies Inc.Inventors: Chandrakant Bhatia, David A. Haas
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Patent number: 7207738Abstract: A writing instrument is capable of functioning both as an automatic mechanical pencil and as a shaking-type mechanical pencil. The writing instrument has a barrel cylinder constituted by a front cylinder detachably connected to a rear cylinder. A slider is disposed at the front end of the barrel cylinder, and a lead chuck, such as a ball chuck, is disposed rearwardly of the slider. A slider spring urges the slider forward and urges the lead chuck rearward. A lead reservoir is movably disposed rearwardly of the lead chuck. Around the outer periphery of the lead reservoir, a weight is disposed to undergo back-and-forth movement in an axial direction. On the outer periphery of the lead reservoir is disposed a weight-receiving cylinder against which the rear end of the weight abuts when the writing instrument is shaken. A knocking spring urges the weight-receiving cylinder forward and urges the lead reservoir rearward.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Micro Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kanari, Yasuhiro Sanpei
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Patent number: 7207739Abstract: A dispenser of personal care material employs a vertical hollow circular cylinder having a vertical axis and open at upper and lower ends. Upper and lower caps are secured and are detachably sealed to upper and lower ends of the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: Dennis Preteroti
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Patent number: 7207740Abstract: A paper fastener has a base piece with a pair of prongs which may be passed through a pair of keyed slots in a top piece and latched to the top piece to hold stacked papers together. Two latching covers hingedly extend from ends of the top piece. The prongs are folded inwardly against the top piece and the latching covers are folded over the prongs, and the prongs and the latching covers are engaged on a top surface of the top piece. Second teeth on downward facing sides of the folded latching covers engage first teeth on upward facing surfaces of the folded prongs, thereby preventing the prongs from sliding back through the keyed slots. The base piece and the top piece are disconnected by first releasing the latching covers, and then releasing the prongs, so that the top piece can be easily removed to add more pages to a stack of papers or to disassemble the stack of papers.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: R. Sherman Baggett
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Patent number: 7207741Abstract: A system is provided for securing two ends of a rotating member, such as a shaft, with respect to a non-rotating member, such as a mounting hub. Inner and outer sleeves have tapered surfaces and are positioned about the rotating member and provided within a bore of the non-rotating member. The tapered surfaces of the inner and outer sleeves cooperate in securing the shaft within the bore. The one or more inner sleeves collectively provide two threaded extensions for engagement with two nuts. Further, the one or more outer sleeves aggregately include two extensions, each having an annular groove to accommodate a lip formed in the nut. The system is engaged and disengaged through the interaction of the various tapered surfaces and the nuts, caused by the directional rotation of the nuts.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Thomas Gorski, Donald L. Nisley, James E. Mickelson, Roman M. Wajda
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Patent number: 7207742Abstract: An airstrip shoulder-bordering surface arrangement for extending the width of existing runway and taxiway shoulders comprising a flexible water-impermeable surfacing material extending laterally of a side edge of an airstrip shoulder, an artificial grass surface adjacent the water-impermeable surfacing material, and an edge-fastening system for securing the surfacing material in position relative to the airstrip shoulder and prevent water migration therebetween, the surfacing material having a relatively smooth top surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Fieldturf Tarkett Inc.Inventor: Jean Prévost
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Patent number: 7207743Abstract: A method for constructing an automotive vehicle parking lot (10) on a land area (12) is provided. A composite drainage material (20) is provided through which water drains. The composite drainage material (20) comprises a polymeric open mesh core (22) between first and second layers (24 and 26) of a non-woven geo-textile fabric. The land area (12) is covered with the material (20) by placing rolls (28) of the material adjacent one another. The rolls (28) are unrolled over the land area (12) so that longitudinal edge portions (30 and 40) of adjacent rolls adjoin one another. A portion (34, 44) of the longitudinal edge portions (30 and 40) are overlapped and secured to each other, and not to the land area (12), to create a gapless and continuous surface (84) of the material (20), with the majority of the land area (12) lying underneath the material. The first layer (24) of each of the rolls (28) contacts the land area (12).Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Polivka Parking Solutions LLCInventor: A. Basil Polivka, Jr.
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Patent number: 7207744Abstract: A method of repairing a paved surface utilizes a nonwoven or woven fibrous mat made from fibers including polymer fibers, the polymer fibers having a melting point greater than about 320° F. (160° C.). The mat has a load-elongation behavior such that when the mat is subject to tensile stress, the mat achieves at least 90% of its ultimate load at an elongation not greater than 5% of the specimen length in the direction of applied stress. Another mat comprises a nonwoven or woven fibrous mat made from fibers selected from the group consisting of mineral fibers, polymer fibers, natural fibers, and mixtures thereof, and a rubbery binder. Another mat comprises a nonwoven or woven fibrous mat made from a blend of high melt polymer fibers having a melting point of at least 350° F. (177° C.) and low melt polymer fibers having a melting point of less than 350° F. (177° C.).Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.Inventors: David R. Jones, IV., Gregory S. Helwig, David C. Trumbore
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Patent number: 7207745Abstract: A device for levelling a recently poured floor is disclosed wherein the device substantially comprises a frame with a drive motor, the drive shaft of which stands upright, and a rotor connected to the shaft and having two or more blades which are directed radially relative to the shaft and each of which can be placed at an angle relative to the shaft, wherein an annular support member is arranged concentrically round the drive shaft and is pivotally connected to each blade at a distance from the shaft such that a rotation of the ring brings about an equal and simultaneous tilting of each blade.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Full-Track Belgium BVBAInventor: Benny Goossens
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Patent number: 7207746Abstract: A novel watercraft lifting system for raising a watercraft to different positions relative to water and docks at least includes: at least one motorized winch adapted to be coupled via lift cables to a watercraft lift, the watercraft lift adapted to carry the watercraft thereon; a control unit coupled to the motorized winch to control the operation of the motorized winch; a cable tension detector adapted to detect the tension in the lift cables, and coupled to the control unit; and a user control transmitter adapted to transmit user-chosen RF control signals to the control unit. The control unit further at least includes a receiver adapted to receive the RF control signals, and the cable tension detector indicates that a watercraft has reached a buoyant level when the tension in the lift cables fall below a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: Don Legun
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Patent number: 7207747Abstract: Rain water is drained from a golf course sand bunker or like structure by a drainage system which comprises a conduit having a solid top and perforations in the sidewall. A conduit which is a chamber having an arch shape cross section is contained within a sand filled trench running along the bottom of a bunker. Water flows downwardly from the bunker into the trench, passing through opposing side trapezoid cross section spaces which are defined between the outwardly angled chamber sidewalls and the essentially vertical trench sidewalls. The water then flows horizontally into the conduit. Geotextile, in combination with downward sloping louvers which define slot perforations in the chamber sidewalls, hinders flow of sand into the interior of the chamber. The arch shape of the preferred conduit frees the trench bottom of vertical soil-compressive load and enables it to be fully exposed for water penetration.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Infiltrator Systems IncInventor: Andrew J. England
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Patent number: 7207748Abstract: A water collection and distribution system for yard maintenance includes a buried reservoir for collecting water from the roof of a structure and a submersed pump in the reservoir for supplying contained water to a pressurized manifold having outlets available for yard maintenance activities. One of the outlets is connected with a premix catch basin upstream of the reservoir in which additives may be mixed for storage in and dispensing from the reservoir. Another outlet is connected to spray nozzles in the reservoir for agitating the additive mixture.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: Mark C. Urban
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Patent number: 7207749Abstract: A method and apparatus employing an axially elongated ground piercing tool for forming an in-ground tunnel under a surface structure with forward axial movement of the tool in the ground under the structure with a pipe carried by the tool for depositing in the tunnel after a removal of a tip of the tool and a rearward pulling of the remainder of the tool from the tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: Stephen J. Lafontaine
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Patent number: 7207750Abstract: Support pad for a long hole drill head wherein the support pad includes a base body with a bottom surface, at least one side surface and a top surface. The top surface is arranged to function as a wear surface and is defined by a titanium-free wear-resistant coating, whereas the remaining surfaces of the support pad are defined by a titanium-containing wear-resisting coating.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property ABInventors: Raimo Annanolli, Veronica Böstrom
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Patent number: 7207751Abstract: A gun drill guide is disclosed comprising a cylinder body member of a resilient polymer material having a central opening extending therethrough, a radially extending flange means at one end thereof to engage the end face of a bearing assembly and an annular groove near the opposite end thereof defined by second and third radially extending flanges for engaging the opposite end face of the bearing assembly. A locking member, a chip deflector assembly, a stabilizer assembly or other guide attachment are disclosed which may be attached to the drill guide.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Rfour, Inc.Inventor: Frederick J. Feddersen
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Patent number: 7207752Abstract: The present invention discloses a reamer (20) and a method for reaming, for enlarging a pre-existing hole in a workpiece by rotational and axial cutting. The reamer (20) includes a body (24) extending from a shank (22). The body (24) has a first flute (30) providing a first flute cutting edge (32) at a distal end (34) of the body (24) for imparting a first cutting operation to the workpiece. The body (24) has a helical flute (42) providing a helical flute cutting edge (46) in the body distal end (34), radially spaced apart from the first flute cutting edge (32) for imparting a helical cutting operation to the workpiece. The first flute and helical flute cutting edges (32, 46) concurrently and collectively perform the first and helical cutting operations to a sculpture surface of the workpiece, thereby improving tolerances of the cutting operations, varying loads imparted to the workpiece and the reamer (20), and reducing heat generated therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Star Cutter CompanyInventor: Paul Martin Schulte
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Patent number: 7207753Abstract: An apparatus and method for shaping an edge of a tile. The preferred embodiment enables an operator to place a tile between an elevator and a reference plate. The operator snugs the edge of the tile up against a reference plate, and causes the elevator to press the tile towards the reference plate. The reference plate and the elevator are coupled with a transporter. The transporter is moved to maintain the tile in contact the guide surface, whereby the edge is placed into an edge shaping zone of a shaping tool, such as a router bit or a saw. Two or more shaping tools may be placed in series along the guide surface whereby the edge may be successively shaped by each shaping tool in a two or multi-stage process. A motor and a lead screw or a chain may be used to move the transporter and tile.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventors: Dennis C Stoscher, Enrique Rayon
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Patent number: 7207754Abstract: A tool for the machining of workpieces is provided with a coolant/lubricant supply and an actuation unit for the activation of supplementary functions of the tool, with an actuation element and an actuation medium circuit. The actuation unit is separated from the coolant/lubricant supply by a separation element. The separation element can be exposed on one side to the coolant/lubricant and on the other to the actuation medium.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: MAPAL Fabrik für Präzisionswerkzeuge Dr. Kress KGInventor: Dieter Kress
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Patent number: 7207755Abstract: In a cutting tool arrangement and a tool for chip removing machining, the cutting tool arrangement comprises a tool, fastening arrangement, and a shank. The tool is a one-piece unit. The axial channel is of non-circular cross-section to provide a key grip. An end of the axial channel comprises material at least partly blocking the axial channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Seco Tools ABInventor: Karl-Erik Berglöw
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Patent number: 7207756Abstract: A seat mounting rail suitable for mounting passenger seats to a floor, for example an aircraft cabin floor, is divided into an upper section for securing a seat and a lower section for mounting the rail to the floor. The upper section is preferably made of a titanium alloy. The lower section is preferably made of an aluminum alloy. Both sections are connected to each other by an interconnection preferably in the form of a metallurgical bond formed under heat and pressure. A bonding metal foil compatible with the metals of which the rail sections are made is used for enhancing the bonding strength of the interconnection.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Alexei Vichniakov, Herwig Assler
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Patent number: 7207757Abstract: An elongate fastener is provided for securing a pair of panels together wherein the panels includes respective bores therein. Each end of the fastener includes an expansible end portion thereon which is arranged to be received within the respective bore. A wedge member is mounted within each expansible end portion for longitudinal sliding movement between a disengaged position and an engaged position wherein the expansible end portions are expanded relative to the disengaged position. An actuator is located centrally between the expansible end portions for pivotal movement about an actuator axis which lies perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the fastener. The fastener permits a pair of panels to be mounted with one end of one panel abutted against the other panel wherein the actuator is accessible from a recessed installation aperture on an inner face of one of the panels. The resulting joint is secure while being hidden from view using a one-piece fastener.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: Craig Mengel
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Patent number: 7207758Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device for holding together a stack of at least two panels, comprising a female piece in the form of a clasp, and a male piece having a part in the form of a head, and a part in the form of shaft with a cross section in the form of a cam which can be axially inserted into the clasp. The device includes a component for immobilization of the male piece in the female piece which is connected with clasp and is produced in the form of finger which can be moved by deliberate action between a position of engagement in a notch of the head of the male piece, and a position of disengagement from said notch.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: LISI Automotive RapidInventors: Jean-Pierre René Leon, Rodolphe Dominique Gilles Perol, Gilles Jean Michel Marcel
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Patent number: 7207759Abstract: A fastener comprises a pin and a bushing having a hollow shank that is inserted into holes in a plurality of members being attached. A pin shank is inserted into the bushing shank to effect a widened-diameter coupling condition in which the diameter of the bushing shank is widened, and the members being attached are coupled between the diameter-widened bushing shank and a bushing flange. On the bushing shank are pawls for maintaining a non-widened-diameter coupling condition in which the pin and the bushing are coupled with the pin shank partially inserted into the bushing shank, and the diameter of the bushing shank is not widened. On the pin shank there is a groove for engaging the pawls, which normally extend out beyond the diameter of the attachment holes, but can bend inward. The groove has a depth that will accept the pawls when they are bent inward.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Hiroyuki Kato
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Patent number: 7207760Abstract: A washer has a body having an axis and provided with a first face surface located at one axial side and adapted to cooperate with a nut, a second face surface located at an opposite axial side and adapted to cooperate with an object to be assembled or disassembled, and at least one additional turning resistant surface adapted to cooperate with a bolt, the additional turning resistant surface of the body being formed as a frictional surface providing a friction between the body and the bolt to frictionally impede the bolt from turning and at the same to allow the bolt to be displaced in an axial direction when the nut is turned, the second face surface of the body being formed to provide a friction between the body and the object and therefore to impede the body from turning, and the first face surface of the body being formed with a smaller frictional characteristic than the second face surface of the body to at least reduce dragging of the body into turning by the turning nut; and a fastener is provided withType: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: John K. Junkers
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Patent number: 7207761Abstract: A new and improved fastener for fastening together thin gauge sheet metal components comprises a forwardly extending pointed tip portion having a tangent ogive configuration so as to facilitate the fast and accurate penetration of the fastener into and through the thin gauge sheet metal components without causing any excessive enlargement of the apertures formed therein, and a shank portion which comprises a lower, spiral thread shank portion which continues to facilitate the ease of penetration of the fastener into and through the thin gauge sheet metal components, and at the same time causes a mating thread to effectively be extruded within the thin gauge sheet metal components so as to effectively develop or generate enhanced surface areas or regions for ultimate contact with an upper shank portion of the fastener when the fastener is fully driven and seated within the thin gauge sheet metal components.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Dill, Norbert K. Kolodziej
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Patent number: 7207762Abstract: An attachment device for attaching a substrate to a support structure includes a housing having a space defined by facing wall portions. The space captures a rotatable push nut with flexible teeth. The housing is attached to the substrate using a flange positioned opposite one of the wall portions, the substrate being crimped between the flange and the wall portion. The device may be pushed onto a threaded stud to rapidly affix the substrate to the support structure. The push nut may be rotated within the housing to disengage it from the stud and thereby remove the substrate from the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.Inventor: Jimmy E. Teal
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Patent number: 7207763Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing system and wafer holder for a semiconductor manufacturing system which prevents a semiconductor wafer from being exposed to a process reaction and which includes a reaction tube for providing a sealed process space and a dual boat and which prevents the backside deposition by the wafer holder. The wafer holder includes a holder body to hide the backside of the semiconductor wafer during a process in the reaction tube and a wafer lifter having a portion that can be disengaged from and coupled to the holder body so that a lower portion of the semiconductor wafer is supported by the dual boat and so that the semiconductor wafer can be lifted up from the wafer body when the semiconductor wafer is loaded and unloaded. A separation boundary between the holder body and the wafer lifter includes a gas inflow interception surface to hinder reaction gas from flowing through the separation boundary.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Terasemicon Co., LtdInventor: Byung-Il Lee
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Patent number: 7207764Abstract: A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub. The wheel lift system includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to one another, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the lower portion of the arms, and a first support and a second support extending from the arms respectively for supporting a wheel and tire. A bias member is preferably attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in elevating the wheel and tire.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: Jonathan D. Snook
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Patent number: 7207765Abstract: An electrically-actuated lifting and transferring apparatus designed to facilitate the lifting and transfer process of a disabled person into and out of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is realized as having a vertical or semi-vertical electric or hydraulic extension arm, a mounting apparatus, a seat belt interlock system or foldaway safety arm, a support member along a plane having a horizontal component with option to pivot from its end point from a horizontal to a substantially vertical axis, and a seat surface with locking device pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: Thomas F. Egan
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Patent number: 7207766Abstract: A load lock chamber and method for transferring large area substrates is provided. In one embodiment, a load lock chamber suitable for transferring large area substrates includes a plurality of vertically stacked single substrate transfer chambers. The configuration of vertically stacked single substrate transfer chambers contributes to reduced size and greater throughput as compared to conventional state of the art, dual slot dual substrate designs. Moreover, the increased throughput has been realized at reduced pumping and venting rates, which corresponds to reduced probability of substrate contamination due to particulates and condensation.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Shinichi Kurita, Wendell T. Blonigan, Yoshiaki Tanase
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Patent number: 7207767Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an axial-flow or mixed-flow inducer (3) which is disposed upstream of a main impeller (2) for improving the suction capability of a pump such as a turbopump. In the inducer (3), a blade angle (?bt) from a tip (T1) to a hub (H1) at a blade leading edge (31) is substantially the same as an inlet flow angle (?1?t) at a designed flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Kosuke Ashihara, Akira Goto
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Patent number: 7207768Abstract: Aspects of the invention related to a system for providing advance notice of impending contact between a stationary component and a rotating component in a turbine engine. For example, the system can be used to warn of potential contact between a seal holder and a rotor disk in the compressor section of the engine. In one embodiment, a pad or other component can be provided on the stationary seal holder. If the seal holder and the rotor disk approach each other during operation, the pad can contact the rotor disk prior to actual contact between the seal holder and the rotor disk. An optical and/or an acoustic signal can be generated by such contact. The signals can be detected remotely from the point of contact by a signal detection device, thereby avoiding the need to pass wires through the compressor section.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Gordon, William Ryan, Lawrence Lee Ross, Brian D. Ottinger, Richard D. Holm, Nicholas D'Amico, Phillip W. Gravett, Nancy Ulerich
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Patent number: 7207769Abstract: Such a gas turbine is provided as can put into practical use a control technology which detects clearance between the tip of rotating blade and the inner circumference surface of ring segment surrounding them and adjusts the temperature, the pressure and the flow volume of the cooling fluid for blade rings/ring segments and the cooling fluid for rotors based on the output. A sensor is provided to detect the clearance between the tip of the rotating blade and the inner circumference surface of the ring segment. A sensor is integrated together with a first guide pipe by having a posterior portion thereof screwed together to a secondary pipe being installed to an edge of the first guide pipe inside of which a cooling fluid is introduced into. The first guide pipe is pressed to the blade ring from the outside of the casing so as to retain.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Tadateru Tanioka
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Patent number: 7207770Abstract: Materials, heretofore unknown for use in bearing assemblies, which produce equal or better wear resistance at reduced materials cost have been identified. These alternatives fall into four general categories: solid materials from which bushings and washers can be fabricated, coatings bonded to metallic vanes to minimize total system wear, solid lubricant coatings placed on any bushing or vane stem to reduce friction, and porous ceramic material from which seals can be fabricated.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Robert William Bruce
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Patent number: 7207771Abstract: A ring seal for sealing an annular gap defined between opposed surfaces of concentric inner and outer annular engine parts in a gas turbine engine. The ring seal being wholly disposed within the annular gap and having a wave pattern with alternating peaks. The ring seal radially inwardly loads the inner engine part and provides a fluid seal between the inner and outer engine parts.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Remy Synnott, Dany Blais
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Patent number: 7207772Abstract: On a compressor with compressor blades, a flow transition fixation mechanism (4) is provided on the suction side (2), approximately parallel to the leading edge (3) and upstream of the compression shocks acting upon the blade, which prevents the transition point from the laminar to the turbulent boundary layer flow from oscillating, thus suppressing oscillation of the compression shocks and their coupling effect with the natural frequencies of the compressor blades.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KGInventor: Erik Johann