Patents Issued in May 29, 2007
  • Patent number: 7223002
    Abstract: This invention provides a hybrid fiber optic framing projector of high optical efficiency that emits no UV (ultraviolet) or IR (infrared) energy in the projected beam. A preferred embodiment includes a light source on an optical axis at the primary focus of an ellipsoidal cold mirror reflector. The ellipsoidal reflector focuses visible light from the light source to a conjugate focus through a dichroic hot mirror and then into a heat-absorbing, UV-absorbing glass rod. The glass rod transmits light by total internal reflection as an optical fiber from the conjugate focus to the focal plane of a collimating lens. A confocal reflector has a spherical radius about the light source, that radius being equal to the distance from the primary focus to the conjugate focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Jack V. Miller, Ruth Ellen Miller
  • Patent number: 7223003
    Abstract: A backlight assembly includes a lamp assembly, a bottom chassis and a heat transferring member. The lamp assembly includes the lamps and a lamp holding part holding electrodes of the lamps. The bottom chassis combined with the lamp holding part to receive the lamp assembly has a bottom plate and at least one sidewall extended from edge portion of the bottom plate. The heat transferring member is combined with the lamp holding part to fix the lamp assembly, and also combined with the bottom chassis so that heat generated from the lamp is transferred to the bottom chassis through the heat transferring member. Therefore, lamp setting process may be simplified and heat generated from the lamp may be discharged to enhance a display quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Il Kim
  • Patent number: 7223004
    Abstract: A light guide plate includes two opposite incident surfaces for receiving light beams, an emitting surface joining the two incident surfaces and a bottom surface opposite to the emitting surface. The emitting surface has a V-shaped profile defined by two symmetric oblique surfaces slanting down toward each other at a predetermined angle. Further, each of the oblique surfaces defines a plurality of grooves extending therein and being arranged along an oblique direction thereof. The surface light source incorporating the light guide plate is inexpensive and has higher intensity of illumination at the center region thereof. Thus a liquid crystal display incorporating the surface light source satisfactorily illuminates a main visible range thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ga-Lane Chen, Charles Leu
  • Patent number: 7223005
    Abstract: Backlighting systems are disclosed, which include a lightguide with at least one light source optically connected to an edge of the lightguide for supplying light into its interior and a reflective cavity with at least one light source optically connected to the reflective cavity for supplying light into its interior. The reflective cavity may include a first reflector and a second reflector and at least one source may be disposed at an edge of the reflective cavity. Alternatively, the reflective cavity may include a back reflector portion and light sources may be disposed at the back reflector portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: David J. Lamb, Keith M. Kotchick, Mark E. Gardiner, Mark B. O'Neill, Patrick H. Marushin, Kenneth A. Epstein, Philip E. Watson
  • Patent number: 7223006
    Abstract: A front light including a light-guiding plate for receiving light from a light-entering surface and emitting the light from a light-emitting surface, an intermediate light-guiding body disposed along the light-entering surface, light-emitting elements disposed at longitudinal ends of the intermediate light-guiding body. A side surface of the intermediate light-guiding body adjacent to the light-entering surface of the light-guiding plate is a light-emitting surface for emitting light from the light-emitting elements to the light-guiding plate. A side surface opposite to the light-emitting surface is a reflective surface. The total length of the intermediate light-guiding body and the light-emitting elements is the same as the width of the light-guiding plate, the length of at least the light-emitting surface of the intermediate light-guiding body is the same as the width of the light-guiding plate, and the length of the reflective surface is smaller than the length of the light-emitting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuro Sugiura
  • Patent number: 7223007
    Abstract: A device and method for optimizing lighting for a display (108) in a multi-display electronic device (100), is disclosed. The method includes emitting light waves (302) from at least one light source (244), to a back surface (122, 132) of each display in a plurality of displays (108, 110), thereby back-lighting the plurality of displays (108, 110). At least one display of the plurality of displays is selectively back-lighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Fredley, Julio C. Castaneda, Abraham M. Haidar
  • Patent number: 7223008
    Abstract: The backlighting device (1) enables an information display element of a portable object such as a wristwatch to be illuminated from the back. This device comprises a light guide plate (7) having a front face and a rear face, a light reflector (6) located on the rear face of the light guide plate, a light diffuser film (9) and a rectifier film (11) located on the front face of the light guide plate and a source of visible light (2). This light source, such as a light emitting diode (2), feeds light beams to the edge of the light guide plate, which spread in the light guide plate between its two faces. A layer, such as a diffuser film, has a zone (10?) with opacity decreasing from a limit (25) located close to the boundary area of the light guide plate, which receives the light beams of the light source, in order to attenuate the intensity of the light crossing said zone. This zone with decreasing opacity is, for example, a shading white or black dye disposed on the diffuser film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Fabien Henriet, François Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 7223009
    Abstract: The backlighting device (1) enables an information display element of a portable object such as a wristwatch to be illuminated from the back. This device comprises a light guide plate (7) having a front face and a rear face, a light reflector (6) located on the rear face of the light guide plate, a light diffuser film (9) and a rectifier film (11) located on the front face of the light guide plate and a source of visible light (2). This light source, such as a light emitting diode (2), feeds light beams to the edge of the light guide plate, which spread in the light guide plate between its two faces. A layer, such as a diffuser film, has a zone (10?) with opacity decreasing from a limit (25) located close to the boundary area of the light guide plate, which receives the light beams of the light source, in order to attenuate the intensity of the light crossing said zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Fabien Henriet, François Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 7223010
    Abstract: An edge-light type backlight system including a point light source, a light guide panel including a light incident part into which light enters from the point light source and a light emitting surface from which light is emitted, and an optical path-changing unit which changes a propagation path of light traveling inside the light guide panel. The light incident part includes a light incident surface on which a prism pattern is formed, the light incident surface facing the point light source, and first and second surfaces extending from the light incident surface in a direction in which light travels inside the light guide panel and adapted to reflect light passing through the light incident surface to reduce a direction angle, the first and second surfaces being opposite to each other with respect to an optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jee-hong Min, Hwan-young Choi, Moon-gyu Lee, Jin-hwan Kim, Jin-seung Choi
  • Patent number: 7223011
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for changing a fluorescent light, in particular a compact fluorescent light. Generally, the device comprises a light bulb receiving portion with a receptacle sufficient in size to accommodate a compact fluorescent light. The device further comprises a latching mechanism for engaging the bulb portion of a compact fluorescent light bulb, whereby the latching mechanism is located on the light bulb receiving portion and facilitates removal of a compact fluorescent light. By properly orientating the device around a compact fluorescent light, one can also use the device to install a compact fluorescent light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Otis Wright
  • Patent number: 7223012
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light string having bulb assemblies with various connective statuses, wherein the bulb assembly includes a shell to receive the bulb holder and the bulb. The shell is provided with a male flange and a female groove for connecting with another groove and another flange of related shells respectively. The connective bulb assemblies of the light string display a stable outlook, which is also variable by adjusting the connecting position between the bulb assemblies, to provide various decorative effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Hung-Huei Cheng
  • Patent number: 7223013
    Abstract: A hydration tank provided with an interior rotating vessel located between a stationary wall of the hydration tank and a stationary wall of a central inlet tube provided centrally within the tank. Liquid flows downward into the tank via a central inlet tube, then upward between the inlet tube and the rotating vessel, and then again downward between the rotating vessel and the tank wall to the exit. Horizontal vanes are provided on both the inside and outside of the rotating vessel that interleaf with horizontally extending stationary vanes provided on the wall of the tank and the central inlet tube. Together, the stationary and rotating vanes constantly mix the liquid in a direction that is normal to the direction of flow of the liquid without interfering with flow of the liquid through the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas E. Allen
  • Patent number: 7223014
    Abstract: A remotely programmable integrated sensor transmitter device for measuring and reporting a physical quantity of a given medium comprises a sensor for measuring a physical quantity of a medium and providing an electrical output as a function of the property measured, a scaler module for receiving the electrical output and for producing a scaled analog signal as a function of the physical quantity and a scale selection input, and a data interface for receiving programming data from an external computer and for providing the scale selection output to the scaler module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Intempco Controls Ltd.
    Inventor: John Lojen
  • Patent number: 7223015
    Abstract: A security bag includes a tamper-evident closure which provides a visual indication if the closure is opened. The closure includes an ink layer deposited on one wall of the security bag or on a flexible strip secured to one wall of the security bag, and an adhesive layer in overlying relationship with the ink layer for sealing the bag closed. The ink layer includes a release material deposited in a predetermined pattern, and a layer of a solid ink applied over the release material so that the predetermined pattern of the release material is not visible in the closure. The solid ink layer includes void spaces arranged in a predetermined pattern. Preferably, the pattern of the void spaces is out of registry with the pattern of the release material so that the void spaces and release material overlap to varying degrees in the closure. If the closure is forced open, the solid ink will delaminate from the surface on which it is printed, revealing in the closure the predetermined pattern of the release material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Superior Bag Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Steffens
  • Patent number: 7223016
    Abstract: A collapsed bag of unitary construction is made of supple polymeric material, having first and second opposed contiguous flat sidewalls joined at edges and at the bottom but free or with user-releasable weakening at upper edges. The upper edges define a bag mouth. Appropriately situated graspable points at or near bag edges allow the sidewalls to be tensioned or snapped in opposing directions thereby causing the interlayer cling, to which supple polymeric bags are renownedly susceptible, to be readily disrupted for the full distance of contact between the tensioning points and thus for virtually the entirety of the bag mouth to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Kim N. I. Bell
  • Patent number: 7223017
    Abstract: A bag constructed of a mono-web material is provided. The bag includes a first panel, a second panel, a reclose feature and at least one gusset. The first panel has an inner side and an upper edge. The second panel also has an inner side and an upper edge. The gusset has an inside edge disposed between the inner side of the first panel and the inner side of the second panel. The reclose feature has two halves of complementary shape and a flange. The first half of the reclose feature is attached to the upper edge of the inner side of the first panel. The second half of the reclose feature is attached to the upper edge of the inner side of the second panel. The flange covers a portion of the inside edge of the gusset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney M. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7223018
    Abstract: A biaxial linear-revolving guide unit is disclosed, which is comprised of a pair of linear motion guide units each composed of a guide rail and a slider fit over the guide rail, and a revolving bearing installed between the linear motion guide units to joint them for revolving movement relative to one another. The revolving bearing is composed of an outer ring, an inner ring and rolling elements. The inner ring is joined directly to the slider of any one linear motion guide unit while the outer ring is joined directly to the other linear motion guide unit. A table system compact in construction is provided, in which more than one the biaxial linear-revolving guide unit is installed between a moving table and a stationary bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Kanehira
  • Patent number: 7223019
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel slide bearing comprising an inner first bearing part (31) with an outer first bearing surface (31a) and comprising an outer second bearing part (32) with an inner second bearing surface (32a). The outer bearing part (32) surrounds the inner bearing part (31), and the outer periphery of the outer bearing part (32) is provided in the form of a ring having a spherical segment-shaped third bearing surface (32b), via which it is mounted, whereby being able to move in a manner similar to a ball but in a limited manner, inside a third bearing part (33) having a spherical segment-shaped inner fourth bearing surface (33a) that encircles the third bearing surface (32b). In order to ensure an easy mounting, at least one insertion slot (36) is provided on one side of the third bearing part (33), and the second bearing part (32) until it reaches a position in which the center of curvatures (M) of the third and fourth bearing surface (32b, 33a) overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Brueninghaus Hydromatik GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Hoppe
  • Patent number: 7223020
    Abstract: A bearing assembly including a bearing having an outer bearing ring and an inner bearing ring. The outer bearing ring is axially received in a bearing-receiving recess that includes a substantially cylindrical inner wall. An element that is radially flexible is located between at least one of the outer bearing ring and the inner wall of the recess, and the inner bearing ring and a rotatable member that is rotatably carried in the bearing assembly. The flexible element includes at least one annular element that is undulated in the radial direction, or is provided with projections. Flexible elements can also be disposed against a side surface of the bearing ring for damping axial vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Christian Bauer, André Linnenbrügger, Hans-Walter Wodtke
  • Patent number: 7223021
    Abstract: An electronic device with an illuminated nameplate includes at least one light-emitting device, at least one circuit board, at least one casing and at least one opening. In this casing, at least one connector connects with the circuit board. The casing has at least one nameplate. The light emitted by the light-emitting device passes through at least one part of the nameplate. The opening is formed on the nameplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Tzu Hsien Tung, Hung-Chang Hung, Hui Tze Tsai
  • Patent number: 7223022
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for aligning at least one optic and/or electronic component on a substrate or a corresponding support structure, wherein the method includes: arranging a hole in the support structure; arranging at least three stud bumps on the surface of the component; and arranging said stud bumps along the periphery of the hole for alignment of the component to the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Kari Kautio, Harri Kopola
  • Patent number: 7223023
    Abstract: Optoelectronic transmission and/or reception arrangements having a surface-mounted optoelectronic component and a circuit board provided with electrical lines, the optoelectronic component being surface-mounted on said circuit board, the optical axis of the optoelectronic component running perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board. In one embodiment, provision is made of a holding apparatus for receiving and orienting an optical waveguide to be coupled to the optoelectronic component, which holding apparatus directly adjoins the side of the optoelectronic component that is remote from the circuit board. In another embodiment, the circuit board has a cutout and light is coupled into or out of the optoelectronic component in the direction of the cutout of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thomas Killer, Hans-Ludwig Althaus, Josef Wittl, Frank Weberpals, Alfred Hartl
  • Patent number: 7223024
    Abstract: An optical module includes a support substrate, and an optoelectronic device on the support substrate. A coupling device provides optical coupling of the optoelectronic device with an optical fiber. The coupling device is integrated in the substrate, and is a reflection device inserted into an optical path between the optoelectronic device and the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: STMicroelectronis S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Fincato
  • Patent number: 7223025
    Abstract: An optical device assembly comprises a substrate with a component and fiber groove thereon. A segment of optical fiber is engaged with the fiber groove, which positions the fiber segment for optical coupling with a component on the substrate. A fiber retainer maintains the fiber segment in engagement with the groove. The fiber retainer may be secured to the substrate with adhesive means. Recessed regions formed on the substrate/retainer are filled with adhesive means, forming retaining members. Alternatively, the fiber retainer comprises a resilient member engaged with the device substrate and biased so as to urge the fiber segment into the groove. The resilient member may be variously configured and/or adapted for enhancing engagement of the fiber segment with the fiber groove. Either embodiment may include a housing, which may be variously configured and/or adapted for engaging a mating fiber-optic connector, providing fiber pigtail(s), mechanical splicing, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Xponent Photonics Inc.
    Inventors: Albert M. Benzoni, Joel S. Paslaski, Peter C. Sercel
  • Patent number: 7223026
    Abstract: Techniques for packaging in an optical device and an opto-electrical conversion device are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, the optical device is packaged in a piece of tubing and the opto-electrical conversion device is packaged in a TO-can. While the optical device and the opto-electrical conversion device are coaxially aligned, the tube and the TO-can are integrated by a certain amount of epoxy that is later cured by a UV light or heat. As a result, an integrated optical device is formed and enjoys features of small footprint, better alignment, enhanced impact performance, lower cost in addition to easier manufacturing process and environmental-safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Chun He, Steven Zhu, Chuying Chen
  • Patent number: 7223027
    Abstract: An optical communications adapter module is provided which includes a casing of a XENPAK-sized module and an optical communications board assembly positioned within the casing. The module also includes a first optical connector coupled to a second optical connector by fiber optics capable of communicating data between the first optical connector and the second optical connector where the first optical connector is coupled to a data transmission connector of the optical communications board assembly and the second optical connector is positioned at a face plate of the casing. The module also includes a third optical connector coupled to a fourth optical connector through fiber optics capable of transmitting data where the third optical connector is coupled to a data reception connector of the optical communications board assembly and the fourth optical connector is positioned at the face plate of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas B. Mader, Robert F. Buchheit, legal representative, Dana L. Rose, Daehwan D. Kim, Joshua T. Oen, Steve J. Buchheit, deceased
  • Patent number: 7223028
    Abstract: Reducing transmission of electromagnetic waves through a barrel portion of an optical module. A barrel for optically coupling an optical device to an optical fiber within a fiber optic cable can include a plastic portion and a metallic shielding portion for reducing transmission through the barrel. An optical device can be coupled to the plastic portion. The metallic shielding portion can be coupled to the plastic portion and surround at least a portion of the plastic portion. The metallic shielding portion can be shaped and configured so as to reduce transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventor: Harold Young Walker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7223029
    Abstract: The optical fiber fusion-splice device comprises a pair of electric discharge electrodes provided opposed to each other along a predetermined axis, a conductor electrode disposed on one side with respect to a plane with the predetermined axis contained therein, and section for generating electrostatic attraction in the direction tending from the above-described plane toward the one side, between the conductor electrode and the electric discharge path produced between the electric discharge electrodes. The means for generating electrostatic attraction is connected to the conductor electrode. This fusion splicer fusion-splices together the end portions of optical fibers disposed on the other side with respect to the above plane by electric discharge produced between the electric discharge electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunari Hattori, Ryuichiro Sato, Kazuo Iizuka
  • Patent number: 7223030
    Abstract: A printing system (250) includes a printing subsystem (255) in the form of a printer assembly (14). The printing subsystem (255) includes a printer housing (257) in which a print engine (259) resides and a memory (261) for storing data indicating the position of labels on media. The contents of memory (261) can be obtained from an end user application (270) which may supply the position data to the printing subsystem (255) in a print data stream. Pre-programmed position data is read from a tag (88) on print media (28) having multiple tags embedded thereon. The pre-programmed position data is compared to position data received in a print request data stream to determine the position of at least one tag on the print media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Fessler, Keith Bryan Hardin, Mark Stephen Underwood
  • Patent number: 7223031
    Abstract: A ribbon sensor includes a first and second emitter and a receiver. The first emitter is configured to transmit a yellow light signal and the second emitter is configured to transmit a blue light signal. The receiver is configured to produce an output signal in response to the transmission of the yellow and blue light signals through a panel of a print ribbon, wherein the output signal is indicative of a color of the panel. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to a printer that includes the above-described sensor and a method of using the sensor to identify colored ribbon panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Fargo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Countryman, Gary M. Klinefelter, Matthew K. Dunham, James R. Meier, Ryan G. Park
  • Patent number: 7223032
    Abstract: A ribbon roller is fixed in a ribbon cartridge via a fixing element. The fixing element includes an accommodation means and a fastening element. The accommodation means fixes a tab of the ribbon roller, and the fastening element engages the ribbon cartridge. When transporting the ribbon cartridge, the fixing element is capable of preventing the ribbon roller from rotating so as to prevent the ribbon from wrinkling and affecting printing quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Hi-Touch Imaging Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Chi Liu, Yu-Feng Lin
  • Patent number: 7223033
    Abstract: A pinch control apparatus in a printer for controlling a pinch force exerted on a medium which is being fed into a printing zone is provided. The pinch control apparatus includes a camshaft rotatably mounted across a width of the medium, at least one cam attached to the camshaft, a plunger and a biasing rod. The cam has a predefined profile and is able to rotate with the camshaft. The plunger abuts the predefined profile of the at least one cam. The biasing rod extends from a pinch plate to the plunger to bias the pinch plate to a linefeed roller for exerting the pinch force on the medium therebetween. The pinch force exerted on the medium is controllable by the rotation of the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Xiaoxi Huang, Kong Hock Lim, Yonggang Zhang, Ramanathan Alaganchetty
  • Patent number: 7223034
    Abstract: A liquid-cosmetic applicator is provided having a wiper formed on the inside of an elongated opening of a liquid-cosmetic container for scraping off the liquid cosmetic that adheres to the stem of a stemmed brush. The wiper includes at least two wiper domains that overlap along the longitudinal axis of said opening, each domain having a scraping section at one axial end, and a non-scraping section at an opposite end, the scraping sections being axially offset from one another and having sides that mutually engage along at least one interface. The interface provides a gap between said stem when said stem of said brush engages said scraping sections of said wiper domains that in turn defines an air passage that allows air to axially flow through said wiper as said stem is being wiped thereby eliminating unwanted suction forces when the applicator is withdrawn from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: SINWA Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hiyama
  • Patent number: 7223035
    Abstract: A device for containing and applying cosmetics includes a container that has a flexible product containing portion and a neck portion extending therefrom. An applicator attaches to the neck of the container and includes a wand and head that extend into the container such that the wand extends through the neck and the head extends into the product containing portion. The container may include an integral wiper that extends inwardly from the base of the neck. The head passes through the wiper when it is removed from the product containing portion, such that excess mascara is wiped off the head during removal. The flexible portion can be squeezed to load the brush with mascara and can be pinched to remove any tail of cosmetics that might otherwise form on the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: Steven P. Engel
  • Patent number: 7223036
    Abstract: An auto loading and auto dampening cleaning apparatus which comprises a base sweeping pad, a fluid reservoir superimposed over said sweeping pad which defines a slit between the two, a handle having a fork shaped frame which is rotateably attached to the sweeping pad. A lower roll bar contains clean, cleaning material and an upper roll bar receives soiled cleaning material. First and second trigger mechanism activates the roll bars and fluid reservoir to advance the cleaning material and disperse cleaning solution onto the cleaning material on the lower roll bar passes through the slit defined by the fluid reservoir and sweeping pad around the bottom of the sweeping pad and up to the upper roll bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Long Chang
  • Patent number: 7223037
    Abstract: Provided is a writing instrument comprising an ink tank, an ink holder which can hold an ink, a pen tip, an ink guiding part for guiding the ink in the ink tank to the pen tip and an ink occlusion body which can feed the ink to the ink guiding part and which has an outer skin, wherein through parts are provide in the outer skin of the ink occlusion body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Furukawa, Yojiro Sano
  • Patent number: 7223038
    Abstract: An apparatus spreads flowable materials such as adhesives and/or sealants on a surface such as a floor and/or a wall. The apparatus has a pad retainer for a removable spreader pad and a reservoir chamber for flowable material pivotally attached to the pad retainer to permit pivoting of the reservoir chamber frontwards and backwards. The reservoir chamber has an adjustable gate through which the flowable material may exit. The gate is proximal the bottom of the reservoir chamber and complementary to the width of the pad retaining means to permit more uniform spreading of the flowable material. A handle is attached to and extends from the reservoir chamber. The handle may pivot from side to side on the reservoir chamber and may be hollow to house a cable associated with the means for opening the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Billy Star Holding Ltd
    Inventors: David E. Livingstone, Robin G. Pitman, Ronald W. Matechuk
  • Patent number: 7223039
    Abstract: An automatic toothbrushing assembly has a handle casing and a reservoir casing connected to each other by mating grooves and ribs. The reservoir casing has a reservoir space containing toothpaste, and which has an inner stepped series of lateral feet and an opening at an upper end thereof, and a cover. The handle casing has an outer stepped series of feet and contains a brush having a handle and a brush head, with a spring extending between the handle casing and the brush handle. A latching assembly permits latching of the cover to the handle casing. A piston is located in the reservoir space and has elastic lateral wings which incrementally advance upwardly along the stepped series of feet of the reservoir casing, and an elastic piston tail which incrementally advances upwardly along the stepped series of feet of the handle casing upon application of downward sliding force ion the reservoir casing relative to the handle casing, thereby extruding toothpaste to a position where the brush head is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Pjer-Mise Velickovic
  • Patent number: 7223040
    Abstract: Two first binding members supported rotatably by a base, which will be fixed to a back cover, and two second binding members, which engage with the front ends of the first binding members to form closed loops, are provided. Spaces between the base sections of the first and second binding members are connected via a first and second connecting plate, respectively. A releasing element is disposed between the respective connecting members, and a force is given by the releasing element in the direction that the closed loops via binding members are released. It is such adapted that, when the first binding members are nipped by fingertips and given an operation force in the direction that the same come closer to each other, the engagement with the second members are released and the front ends can rotate in the direction that the same are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignees: Kokuyo Co., Ltd., Kabushikikaisha Izumiseisakusho
    Inventors: Seiichi Koike, Tomoya Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7223041
    Abstract: A camming coupler for removably attaching a music desk or other object to an upright support leg. The camming coupler includes an inner sleeve for receiving the upright support leg. The inner sleeve has at least one longitudinal slit formed therein, and preferably has four substantially equidistant longitudinal slits. The inner sleeve also has a cammed exterior surface. An attachment member extends from the inner sleeve, and is attachable to the music desk or other object. The camming coupler further includes an outer sleeve positioned over the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a cammed interior surface that corresponds with the cammed exterior surface of the inner sleeve. In use, the camming coupler is secured to a music desk or other object. An upright support leg is inserted in the inner sleeve, and the outer sleeve is rotated to compress the inner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Manhasset Specialty Co.
    Inventors: Barry T. Heid, Peter J. Abercrombie
  • Patent number: 7223042
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting profile for structures used at fairs and exhibitions which is provided, on the exterior thereof, with longitudinally extending grooves for connecting additional supporting profiles, and which, in a core area, comprises a receiving compartment for a turnbuckle. This receiving compartment is part of an adapter piece which is inserted into guides of the supporting profile and which is axially retained by securing means that are inserted into bore holes of the profile. In addition, an end plate is provided which is adapted to the cross-section of the supporting profile, which is placed at least on an open face of the supporting profile, and which is connected to the adapter piece. This end plate can be configured as a shaped body in order to be adapted to the outer curvature of a round profile. In addition, the end plate can also comprise a joint part so that additional supporting profiles can be connected in an articulated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Octanorm-Vertriebs-GmbH fuer Bauelemente
    Inventor: Hans Bruder
  • Patent number: 7223043
    Abstract: A joining arrangement for use in the construction of stud frames and for releasable attachment of a first member to a second structural member forming part of the frame. The first member includes in at least one side wall a female recess which, when the members are joined, engages a corresponding male protrusion in at least one wall of the second member. The respective formations in the first and second members engage such that they are generally in alignment thereby securing the first member to the second member and wherein the first member is a stud and the second member is a plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: William Andrews
  • Patent number: 7223044
    Abstract: A frame member miter guide or brace has first and second legs configured for insertion and engagement with adjoining frame members at a mitered joint, the miter guide having a stop with stop edges which accurately position intersecting walls of the frame members for precise alignment of the mitered joint. Stop edges of the stop correspond with the correct positions of the frame members, so that the members are held in place for final attachment and installation. Positive engagement of edges of the frame member walls with the stop edges insures highly accurate orientation of the mitered joint. A fracture line for welded installation of the frame members, and a leg profile which minimizes damage in handling and installation is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Anchor Tool & Die Company
    Inventor: Mark J. Quintile
  • Patent number: 7223045
    Abstract: A device (1) for detachably connecting two abutting structural parts (2, 3) comprises a tie member (4), adapted to be at least partially inserted in a recess (5) formed in a first (2) of the structural parts (2, 3), and a locking element (6) operable to be disposed in a second (3) of the structural parts (2, 3) and to cooperate with an engagement surface (14, 45) of a rod member (10), slidably housed in a body (8) of the tie member (4), to pull the same towards the second structural part (3). The body (8) is provided with a first, expandable, portion (9) adapted to frictionally engage the recess (5) and with an engaging zone (13) cooperating with an expander region (12) of the rod member (10) operable to expand the first, expandable, portion (9) of the body (8) upon displacement of the rod member (10) relative to the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Agostino Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Migli
  • Patent number: 7223046
    Abstract: A device to ensure that when the transverse contraction joint in a pavement and the like cracks, the crack extends through the middle of the dowel bar. A dowel is a smooth continuous bar that is embedded in a concrete pavement. It provides vertical shear resistance across a joint. Shortly after the concrete is place and sets, the concrete pavement starts to dry out. The drying out process produces a strain in the concrete pavement due to shrinkage causing the concrete to crack. In order to control the cracking, a saw cut is made in the pavement. The saw cut is centered in the middle of the embedded dowel bar. The saw cut provides a weaken plane in the pavement, thereby controlling the location of the crack. The saw cut and crack form the transverse contraction joint in the pavement. The crack extends from the bottom of the saw cut through the dowel bar to the bottom of the pavement. The crack does not always extend straight down to the bottom of the pavement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Malcolm K. Lim
  • Patent number: 7223047
    Abstract: Safety improvements of airport runways and taxiways are achieved by providing a flexible, water-impermeable surfacing material on a compacted soil base directly adjacent to an edge of airstrip shoulders. A synthetic grass surface is provided on the area beyond the surfacing material so that foreign objects such as loose particles of the airstrip shoulder materials will be driven by jet blasts and run-off across the relatively smooth texture of the surfacing material and will be trapped by the synthetic grass, thereby minimizing foreign object damage to aircraft engines, particularly to those overhanging engines which extend well beyond the existing runway and taxiway shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Fieldturf Tarkett Inc.
    Inventor: Jean Prévost
  • Patent number: 7223048
    Abstract: A detectable pavement warning assembly includes a web having a plurality of projections attached to one another by linear connectors, a planar cover with a series of apertures for receiving the projections therethrough and an adhesive sheet. In use a rigid substrate such as a sidewalk is selected, and a primer is applied. The web, cover and adhesive sheet all pre-assembled are placed on the primed substrate. Next, the warning assembly is heated with an open flame to soften and fuse the pavement warning assembly with the primed substrate. The projections will remain extended sufficiently above the cover to provide a warning to pedestrians that walk thereon, such as when approaching a traffic area or other hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Flint Trading, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Greer, Christopher J. Corbett
  • Patent number: 7223049
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for directionally degrading a paved surface. A substantially cylindrical rotary tool may include cutting inserts embedded within its cylindrical surface. The tool may be rotated about a rotational axis extending from a top end of the tool to its cutting head and may contact a paved surface such that the tool degrades the surface in a direction substantially normal thereto. The tool may be mounted to a motorized vehicle and adapted for independent movement to limit degradation to an isolated area, extend degradation beyond the width of the motorized vehicle, and/or avoid obstacles in the pavement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott R. Little, David Wahlquist, Joe R. Fox
  • Patent number: 7223050
    Abstract: In order to effectively prevent diffusion of a harmful substance to a non-polluted soil side with a relatively simple and inexpensive construction without requiring a large-scale system, a pollution diffusion preventive wall member is installed underground for partitioning between a polluted soil side and a non-polluted soil side, the wall member being formed of wall forming material having water-permeability and containing a rare earth compound carried therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Fujita
  • Patent number: 7223051
    Abstract: A removably insertable apparatus for creating and accessing manholes and a method for rehabilitating manhole structures and the like, using the apparatus. The apparatus comprises two sections, both of which are load bearing composite materials such as reinforced fiberglass. The top unit is a removable, hollow, upwardly extending riser portion, of varying heights, which may contain an external flange on top, to support a manhole cover or other closure. The second section is a base unit with an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the top unit. The base unit is embedded into the ground, or into a concrete pad. The top unit fits over the base unit, and any gap between the two units may be sealed with an o-ring type gasket to seal the interior and prevent the introduction of fluid, gas, or other matter into the interior of the units once installed. Both units may be cut on site or pre-cut with holes or stubouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Removable Maintenance Port, LLC
    Inventors: Mack M. Vought, Pat Flowers