Patents Issued in May 29, 2007
  • Patent number: 7222401
    Abstract: A head restraint assembly comprising a frame assembly including a retention member. A pillow coupled to the frame assembly with the pillow configured to allow access to the retention member. A cover assembly having a back end and a front end envelopes and conforms to the shape of the pillow with the cover assembly including a flat strip member coupled to the back end and a barb strip member coupled to the front end of the cover assembly. The flat strip member and the barb strip member couple with each other in the retention member closing the cover assembly over the pillow. Also, a method for making a head restraint assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Eagle Ottawa, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Ashton, Sandra Jean Hemmings, Bailey Ridgway
  • Patent number: 7222402
    Abstract: A fastening apparatus and method is provided for securing a plurality of modules to a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Imaginal Systematics, LLC
    Inventor: Larry G. Durkos
  • Patent number: 7222403
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for gripping a pad are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Omid Tehrani
  • Patent number: 7222404
    Abstract: A tool and process for installing a trim clip to a mounting surface. The tool includes a handle attached to a grasping portion. The grasping portion is provided with a base that is adapted for insertion into a hollow pocket that exists within the trim clip. A pair of retaining arms are maintained at some distance above the base and extend outwardly along the length thereof. The retaining arms each include at least one spring-loaded ball that extends downward from an underside thereof. When the grasping portion is engaged with the trim clip, the trim clip is retained by the presence of the base within the pocket and by a downward force exerted on the trim clip by the spring-loaded balls. The tool can be used to easily remove a trim clip from a storage medium, install the trim clip to a mounting surface, and subsequently release the trim clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Paula Lindsey, Kenneth E. Strickland, Shinichi Atsuta, Robert John Wheeler, Jack Leon Perecman
  • Patent number: 7222405
    Abstract: In an apparatus in which workpieces are joined by self-piercing rivets, for example, a jig is used to determine whether axial alignment of a punch and a die is within an acceptable range. The jig substitutes for a die and has a shank and a head, the shank fitting within a die-receiving bore of the apparatus and the head having an axial opening receiving the punch when alignment is within the acceptable range. The head is constructed to permit viewing of the relationship of the punch and the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Nobuharu Naito
  • Patent number: 7222406
    Abstract: Multi-layer seals are provided that find advantageous use for reducing leakage of gases between adjacent components of electrochemical devices. Multi-layer seals of the invention include a gasket body defining first and second opposing surfaces and a compliant interlayer positioned adjacent each of the first and second surfaces. Also provided are methods for making and using the multi-layer seals, and electrochemical devices including said seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Yeong-Shyung Chou, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Jeffry W. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7222407
    Abstract: A method of making a metering orifice disc from a work piece is disclosed. The work piece has a first surface spaced apart from a second surface over a first distance. The metering orifice disc has an outer diameter from 4 to 6 millimeters with at least one orifice disposed through the metering disc of about 75 to 150 microns in effective diameter. The method can be achieved by removing material from one of the first and second surfaces of the work piece to define a recessed surface between first and second walls, the recessed surface being located between the first and second surfaces of the work piece; and forming an orifice in the recessed surface proximate a shortest distance between the first and second walls to define two channels that extend towards the longitudinal axis, the orifice extends through the recessed surface to one of the first and second surfaces. A method of making a valve seat is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Hamid Sayar
  • Patent number: 7222408
    Abstract: An improved structure of a gas sensor is provided which is designed for achieving desired crimping of an end portion of a sensor housing to establish a higher degree of gas-tight seal between the housing and a sensor element. The sensor element is fitted within the sensor housing. The end portion of the sensor housing is crimped or bent to urge the sensor element into constant abutment with an inner wall of the housing through a sealing member. The housing has an unique shape and dimensions selected to ensure the higher degree of gas-tight seal regardless of the degree of wear of a crimper and/or dimensional error of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7222409
    Abstract: A driver IC and passive parts, which convert a direct current voltage into a three-phase voltage, and an FP coil for cyclically generating a magnetic field through the driver IC are mounted on a flexible substrate, which constitutes a small vibration motor. The driver IC is a so-called bare chip in which a circuit section is exposed and is not molded with resin and the like. Magnets and an unbalance weight are installed on a yoke having a shaft. The FP coil and the magnet are placed so as to face each other. A cover is caulked to fixed to a bottom plate. Thus, the vibration motor can be miniaturized and thinned. Moreover, the vibration motor can be automatically manufactured, and installing them to an electronic apparatus can be automatically performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yoshida, Shun Kayama, Katsuhiro Yoneyama, Yukiko Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7222410
    Abstract: A method of assembly of a disk drive including providing a disk drive base. The method further includes providing a first VCM plate with an attached first magnet. The method further includes applying a holding force against the first VCM plate for holding the first VCM plate against the disk drive base. The method further includes providing a second VCM plate with an attached second magnet. The first and second VCM plates being cooperatively formed to engage each other with the first and second magnets facing towards each other with a magnetic attractive force. The method further includes engaging the second VCM plate with the first VCM plate while maintaining the holding force against the first VCM plate greater than the magnetic attractive force between the first and second magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew S. Klassen, Kamran Oveyssi
  • Patent number: 7222411
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a load/unload ramp assembly which is interconnectable with a base plate of a dynamic load/unload-type disk drive. The load/unload ramp assembly generally includes a load/unload ramp and at least one base plate attachment cantilever. A fastener shaft is directed past each of the base plate attachment cantilevers and into a fastener receptacle on the base plate. A fastener head simultaneously exerts a force on each of the base plate attachment cantilevers that are engaged by the head to deflect such base plate attachment cantilevers toward the base plate, to in turn dispose the load/unload ramp assembly in forcible engagement with the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Maxtor Corporation
    Inventor: Michael C. McGrath
  • Patent number: 7222413
    Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for transferring boards, and a component mounting apparatus whereby a production efficiency can be improved in accordance with types of boards to be produced. For accomplishing this object, there are arranged a shift device capable of moving a mounted board from a process-finished board transfer path to an unprocessed board transfer path, a controller for controlling this moving, and an identifying device. This arrangement enables switching of a method of transferring boards in accordance with types of boards to be produced, and controlling supply of boards to the component mounting apparatus, so that production efficiency is improved in accordance with types of boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kurayasu Hamasaki, Makito Seno, Kunio Sakurai, Hiroshi Ota, Akiko Katsui, Yoshiyuki Nagai
  • Patent number: 7222414
    Abstract: A system for transferring electrical components. The system may comprise a plurality of electrical components. Each of the components may include leads and a physically asymmetric fiducial marker that structurally alters a physical appearance of the components. The system may also comprise a nest having a nest surface that defines a recess shaped to receive any one of the plurality of components only when the component is oriented such that the component's fiducial marker is received by a corresponding asymmetric portion of the nest surface. In addition, the system may comprise a component feed assembly for feeding the plurality of components to the nest, a component alignment detector, and a pick and place machine having a movable pick head. The movable pick head may have access to the component feed assembly and the recess of the nest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl L. Gamel, Kreg W. Hines
  • Patent number: 7222415
    Abstract: A manual machine for attaching an insulation displacement connector (10) has housing stoppers (34A,34B) for positioning it on a rest (33), a housing holder (35) for holding the connector on the rest, and a set block (36) disposed near the rest in order to position electric wires (11) at their ends or middle portions. The machine further has a wire holder (37) near the housing holder (35) so as to guide and hold the wires at a given pitch, and a wire stopper (38) pivoted to the set block (36) so as to swivel between an active position close to this block and an idle position remote from it. The wire stopper (38) has a collision portion (61) on which the wire ends (11) will impinge to be aligned one with another, and a biasing portion (63) that will urge the wires' middle portions towards the set block (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: J.S.T. MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Kinoshita, Kazuyuki Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7222416
    Abstract: A first hemming mold unit (20) and a second hemming mold unit (30), are installed in a single pressing machine. The first hemming mold unit (20) performs partial bending of an edge (95) of a workpiece (93; 96). The workpiece (93; 96), having undergone the partial bending, is transferred to the second hemming mold unit (30), the second hemming mold unit (30) performs remaining necessary bending of the edge of the workpiece (93; 96). Here, predetermined bending of the edge (95) of the workpiece (93; 96) can be completed within the single pressing machine only by downward movement of upper molds (24, 34) of the first and second hemming mold units (20, 30), without having to use a cam and cam driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kousei Baba, Toshiyuki Usui
  • Patent number: 7222417
    Abstract: A tooling system including a workstation assembly and a toolkit, is for performing an operation on a valve assembly. The workstation assembly includes a base platform; upright members extending generally vertically therefrom; an adjustable valve seat assembly coupled thereto for adjusting the height and alignment of the valve assembly being worked on; a stabilizing assembly for further aligning and securing the valve assembly; and a clamping assembly for engaging and securing the valve assembly once it is aligned, in order to permit the operation to be quickly and easily performed on the aligned, secured valve assembly. A method of use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Wasileski, Michael C. Moore, Stuart C. Weddle, Jesse Horton
  • Patent number: 7222418
    Abstract: These systems comprise sensors formed of an optical fiber conductor (4) fitted inside a sheath (8). The device comprises a support (1) provided with cylindrical revolving rollers (2, 3) made of a soft material which rotate in reverse direction to each other and between which an optical fiber conductor (4) is moved; and a supporting device (7) of the sheath (8) which makes it to be in line with the optical fiber conductor (4) so that it is inserted inside the sheath (8) as it is moved by the rollers (2, 3). It is provided with oil supply means (10) toward the optical fiber (4) to facilitate insertion thereof inside the sheath (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Melchor D. Castellon
  • Patent number: 7222419
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermal conductive plug of a ceramic substrate of a multi-chip package. A plurality of conductive openings and thermal conductive openings are formed on green tapes. A metal paste is filled into the conductive openings and the thermal conductive openings. The green tapes are stacked together so that the metal paste inside the conductive openings and the thermal conductive openings of every green tape is in contact respectively with its neighboring metal paste within the conductive openings and thermal conductive openings of the green tapes. Cofire those green tapes and the metal paste to form a pre-substrate. The pre-substrate comprises an insulating structure, a plurality of thermal conductive plugs and conductive plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Gwo-Ji Horng, Jen-I Kuo, Feng-Ger Hsiau
  • Patent number: 7222420
    Abstract: A front-and-back electrically conductive substrate includes a plurality of posts composed of a material that can be anisotropically etched and having an electrically conductive portion that has at least a first surface and a second surface that communicate with each other, and an insulative substrate that supports the plurality of posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kiyokazu Moriizumi
  • Patent number: 7222421
    Abstract: A circuit substrate manufacturing method including the steps of preparing a substrate on which a metallic foil is formed in a releasable state, forming a build-up wiring on the metallic foil, obtaining a circuit member having a structure that the build-up wiring is formed on the metallic foil by releasing the metallic foil from the substrate, and exposing a lowest wiring layer of the build-up wiring by removing the metallic foil of the circuit member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7222422
    Abstract: A process for refurbishing a worn surface of a shroud support component of a turbomachine, as well as a shroud support component refurbished with the process. The process generally entails removing a surface region of the worn surface so as to define a repair surface on the component. A braze tape formed from a slurry to comprise a braze material and a wear-resistant alloy is then applied to the repair surface, followed by a heat treatment to cause the braze tape to diffusion bond to the repair surface so as to define a built-up surface. The built-up surface is then machined to define a wear-resistant coating on the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bhupendra Kumar Gupta, Edward John Emilianowicz, Thomas J. Kelly, Glenn H. Nichols, Marek M. Steplewski
  • Patent number: 7222423
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a finned heat sink included obtaining a fin core, wherein the fin core is constructed of a conductive structural graphite-epoxy material. A fin cover is secured to the fin core using one of heat and pressure to define a heat sink fin, wherein the fin cover is constructed of a foil material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Egidio Marotta, Prabjit Singh
  • Patent number: 7222424
    Abstract: A method for producing a tubular spring (12) in the form of a cylindrical hollow body, especially for pre-tensioning a piezoelectric actuator element (2) of an actuator unit (1) of a fuel injector comprises the step of providing a thin-walled, solid-drawn steel tube with a plurality of regularly arranged longish recesses (14) by means of laser cutting. Thus, an actuator unit (1) comprises a piezoelectric actuator element (2) which is arranged in a thin-walled cylindrical hollow body, wherein the hollow body being elastically embodied and pre-tensioning the actuator element (2). Furthermore, the hollow body is a solid-drawn steel tube which is provided with a plurality of longish recesses (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dejan Jovovic, Günter Lewentz, Andreas Voigt, Claus Zumstrull
  • Patent number: 7222425
    Abstract: A journal bearing has a lining of bearing metal applied to a steel backing. The surface of the lining is laser peen hardened to locally increase the hardness and the seizure resistance of the lining. The underlying core of the lining is unaffected and maintains good conformability of the lining. The overall lining thus possesses both good seizure resistance and conformability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Warren J. Whitney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7222426
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a constant velocity joint (“CV joint”) and, more particularly, to a Rzeppa CV joint and method of forming the same. The method generally includes the steps of forming a bell shaped outer bearing race and separating the bell shaped outer bearing race into a disc shaped outer bearing race and a stub shaft. The method may further include the step of machining the bell shaped outer bearing race to create the stub shaft integrally connected to the disc shaped outer bearing race, before separating the bell shaped outer bearing race into the disc shaped outer bearing race and the stub shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Hopson, Glenn C. Ringle, Richard L. Seidel, Arvind Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 7222427
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting toenails and fingernails includes a sleeve that extends over a pair of blades that are each attached to a first end of a first and second member, respectively. The first and second members are attached at an opposite second end thereof and provide a spring action intermediate the first and second members sufficient to urge the blades away from each other. A lever is attached to the sleeve proximate the first end of the first and second members and is adapted to pivot about an axis to urge the first end of the first and second members towards each other for cutting nails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Alexandre Rachid Kaidi, Spencer Phillip Kaidi
  • Patent number: 7222428
    Abstract: An electric rotary shaver including: a locking member (50) having a plurality of arms (54) outwardly extending from the center, a cutter retaining plate (38) that engages with outer circumferential rims of outer cutters (24) and rotatably holds inner cutters (32), guide pins (56) provided on the tip ends of the arms (54) and slidably pass through the cutter retaining plate (38), permanent magnets (62) fastened to the cutter frame (20) and attach the guide pins (56) by magnetic attraction in a detachable manner, compression coil springs (64) mounted on the guide pins (56) and provided in a compressed state between the arms (54) and the cutter retaining plate (38), and anchoring elements (66, 68) which prevents a locking member (50) from being separated from the cutter retaining plate (38) by more than a predetermined gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Izumi Products Company
    Inventor: Hideaki Koike
  • Patent number: 7222429
    Abstract: A folding knife includes a handle having a distal portion and a proximal portion, and a blade rotatably connected to the distal portion of the handle. The blade may be moveable between an opened position and a closed position, and may have at least one lock member receiving recess formed therein. The folding knife may further include a lock bar pivotally connected to a medial portion of the handle and moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The lock bar may include a lock member which contacts a respective portion of the blade adjacent the lock member receiving recess to define a contact point between the lock member and the blade when the blade is in the opened position and the lock bar is in the engaged position. The folding knife may also include a lock pin connected to the handle adjacent the lock member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: John W. PerMar, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7222430
    Abstract: An object locator sight aiding a first person to communicate the location of a distant object to a second person provides a laterally elongate base, carrying upstanding forward and spacedly adjacent rearward panels. The forward panel is perpendicular to the base and defines objective sight elements inwardly adjacent each end portion. The rearward panel is parallel to the forward panel and defines ocular sight elements inwardly adjacent each end portion. A sight line passing through the aligned first ocular sight element and the first objective sight element is intersected by a sight line passing through the second ocular sight element and the second objective sight element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph J. Bandock, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7222431
    Abstract: Cartesian robots and methods for proper alignment are provided. More specifically, the invention uses reflective spheres and a laser to locate specific points that can then be used to determine correction factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Gilson, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Norton, Christopher J. Davis
  • Patent number: 7222432
    Abstract: A method of assembling a reticle module comprising a first element and a second element is provided. The method includes the following steps. First, a collimated beam of light shines on a first reticle of the first member and a second reticle of the second member to project an image of the first reticle and an image of the second reticle onto a screen. Thereafter, the projected image of the first reticle of the first element and the projected image of the second reticle of the second element are adjusted to align with each other. Then, the relative position between first and the second element is fixed. The method speeds up the process of assembling a reticle module and ensures both constituent reticles aligned in the same viewing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Yu Pai, Chia-Chun Chang
  • Patent number: 7222433
    Abstract: An angle sensor comprising a housing (1) having horizontal and vertical axes, which housing is adapted to receive a magnetic core (5) such that the core remains in substantially the same plane, e.g. by floating on a liquid (4). The core is provided with two orthogonal windings (8,18). In use, an electric field is applied across the vertical axis of the housing, which electric field induces a voltage in the windings, wherein the magnitude of the induced field is dependent on the angle of the magnetic core to the horizontal winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Autonnic Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Shelton
  • Patent number: 7222434
    Abstract: A supporting device (300) for supporting a guide rail (200) for guiding a movable member subjected to relative displacement in relation to the base table (3). The supporting device includes, base bodies (410, 510) engaged onto the base table (3) and carrying the guide rail (200), and holding section (440, 530) for holding the guide rail (200) intervening between the guide rail (200) in the state where the guide rail is carried by the base bodies (410, 510). The holding section (440, 530) supports the guide rail (200) in the state where it can move swingingly. A change in the posture or position of the base bodies (410, 510) is offset with a swinging movement by the holding section, and does not affect the guide rail. As a result, excessive force is not applied on the guide rail, so that the form of the guide rail is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeo Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7222435
    Abstract: An elongated construction workpiece having a viewable surface and adapted to be cut to a measured length or width at a work site, wherein the workpiece is provided on a viewable surface adjacent one or more of its edges with linear measure markings whereby a desired length or width of the workpiece can be cut utilizing only the markings thereon with no need for a tape measure or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Adam Orfield, Tony Orfield
  • Patent number: 7222436
    Abstract: A process for registering lines of termination with indicia in a transported sheet of web material is disclosed. The process provides for the steps of: (a) transporting the sheet of web material in a first direction; (b) applying indicia to the sheet from a print cylinder, the print cylinder having a first angular position; (c) imparting lines of termination to the sheet of web material with a rotatable blade, the rotatable blade having a second angular position; (d) calculating a position error by comparing the first angular position of the print cylinder and the second angular position of the rotatable blade; and, (e) adjusting the second angular position of the rotatable blade according to the position error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Lee Price, Prabhath Kiran Nanisetty
  • Patent number: 7222437
    Abstract: A combined stud finder and tape measure device includes a housing having any traditional stud finder circuitry integrally disposed therein along with a tape measure having a tape strip wound on a spindle. The tape measure is oriented so that the width of the tape strip lies parallel to the surface being scanned for studs or other obstacles. This orientation accommodates a wide viewing angle of the scale markings on the tape strip, making it easier to use the stud finder and the tape measure at the same time. Additionally, the tape measure can be re-oriented over at least 180 degrees so that the tape strip can be directed to either side of or from the bottom of the combined stud finder and tape measure device. Detents may be located at, for example, 90 degree intervals to provide a manner of locking the tape measure at predetermined angles with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Spanski, John C. Smith, Derek J. Nash, Daily Gist, Michael Williams
  • Patent number: 7222438
    Abstract: A device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising: a reservoir (6) for storing a fabric treatment composition and transfer means (300) to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble dryer and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; characterised in the provision of reservoir charging means (301) comprising one or more charging conduits (60) for directing fabric treatment composition to one or more regions of the transfer means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: David Jones
  • Patent number: 7222439
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an appliance comprising at least one sub-program step “drying”, which permits appliances comprising at least one sub-program step “drying” to be operated in the most economic manner possible and permits the efficient drying of items with a minimum energy consumption. To achieve this, during the sub-program step(s) “drying”, air is conducted from a treatment chamber via a conduit system, in which at least one Peltier element is located, and the air is then recirculated to the chamber. During its passage through the conduit system, the air is cooled, moisture is removed and the air is subsequently reheated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Kai Paintner
  • Patent number: 7222440
    Abstract: A resilient anti-fatigue layer shaped to fit under the sole and heel of a shoe of a wearer includes a mat of fibers heat bonded together with a tight surface against the sole and a loose surface against the floor. The mat of fibers includes a generally flat portion shaped to match the bottom of the shoe and a plurality of tabs formed of the mat at the edges of the bottom portion and projecting beyond the edges of the bottom portion with at least one tab at the front, two tabs at the rear and at least one tab at each side, with each tab having attached thereto a respective strap. The straps provide a on each side a single strap which extends from the front side connection tab, through slots provided in a toe connection member to the rear side tabs, to the heel tabs and over the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Ben Dombowsky
  • Patent number: 7222441
    Abstract: The sandal with interchangeable upper includes a sole portion and an instep enclosing section. The instep enclosing section is removably attached at first and second side edges adjacent the inner and outer edges of the sole portion, respectively. When the instep enclosing section is removed from the sole portion, a second section can be substituted for the first instep enclosing section. The instep enclosing section is attached to the sole portion using at least one pair of side hooks. These side hooks are sized and shaped to removably engage a pair of hook engagers located in the sole portion. The hook engagers are moved from a first, engaging position to a second disengaging position by at least one engager actuator. The side hooks and hook engagers may be vertically or horizontally oriented. An alternative instep enclosing has a toe-separating portion secured to the sides and front of the sole portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Rudolph Smith, Anthony Glenn Alfino
  • Patent number: 7222442
    Abstract: A convertible article of footwear has a primary article of footwear and a sandal that is removably inserted into the primary article of footwear. The primary article of footwear includes an outsole and an upper attached to the outsole. The sandal includes at least one strap. When the sandal is inserted into the primary article of footwear, it is disposed above the outsole, and forms a midsole of the primary article of footwear. When the sandal is removed from the primary article of footwear, the sandal can be worn independently of the primary article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Deckers Outdoor Corp.
    Inventors: Chris Hillyer, Jamison Horton
  • Patent number: 7222443
    Abstract: Footwear includes an insole with at least one covered opening in the insole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Rocky Brands Wholesale LLC
    Inventor: David P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7222444
    Abstract: A work vehicle with a tool pivotally attached to a linkage, an actuator for controllably moving the tool about its pivot, and a tilt angle sensor for sensing the absolute angle of the work tool relative to the earth. A controller is adapted to perform an auto-hold function for the tool, automatically maintaining an initial tool orientation by commanding movement of the tool actuator to hold the work tool at about the initial or set absolute angle of the tool. The controller is adapted to discontinue the tool auto-hold function when the operator manipulates a tool command input device affecting tool actuator movement, and resume the tool auto-hold function at the new orientation affected by the operator. Manipulation of an auto-hold command input device allows the operator to selectively enable and disable the tool auto-hold function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Scott Svend Hendron, Judson Paul Clark
  • Patent number: 7222445
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for uniformly pulling a base fabric taut for rug hooking. The apparatus includes an open rectangular frame having spaced parallel upper and lower members and spaced parallel side members having upper surfaces in a common plane. Grippers are pivotally supported on each of the frame members, wherein each of the grippers has a hinged outer edge and an upper surface adapted to grip the base fabric. Each gripper is independently pivotal between a relaxed position wherein the upper surface is parallel to the frame common plane and a raised position in which its upper surface is inclined outwardly. The apparatus further includes gripper actuators each having a gripper engagement end and a hand engagement end. The actuators are pivotal between a relaxed position and an engaged position, whereby the actuator moves the gripper to its raised position when the actuator is moved to the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7222446
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a greeting card having a holder element on the front surface of the greeting card. The holder element is capable of retaining a prepaid gift card or the like. One such embodiment provides the gift-giver with an opportunity to retain the prepaid gift card to the greeting card without reducing the area on the inner surface for writing a personal message to the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel R. Foster
  • Patent number: 7222447
    Abstract: A stand for a revolving card index is formed from parts which are fitted together to enable the economic manufacture of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: “Durable” Hunke & Jochheim & Co. KG
    Inventor: Horst-Werner Maier-Hunke
  • Patent number: 7222448
    Abstract: A business form particularly adapted for generalized use, although it may be used in a medical or hospital environment includes in a first embodiment a wristband that is provided with a face stock imaging area and an overlying laminate portion with each having one or more cinch slots through which the free end is inserted for securing the wristband about a person's appendage. The labels and the wristband may each be imprinted with identifying indicia such as bar coding and the form is laid out to be arranged in a continuous, relatively narrow, web for convenient processing through a thermal printer. A second embodiment of the invention includes a self laminating wristband similar in construction to other embodiments and comprised of a layer of face stock and a laminate, with the laminating portion having its overlapping half adjoined at the end of the first lamination portion instead of at its side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Laser Band, LLC
    Inventor: James R. Riley
  • Patent number: 7222449
    Abstract: A wall-mounted picture display device generally including a flat substrate and a transparent pocket. The substrate, which is preferably comprised of wall paper or a wall paper border, includes a permanent or non-permanent adhesive layer on a rear surface such that the display device may be attached to a wall, ceiling or other surface without the use of nails, tacks, etc. Likewise, the transparent pocket includes a permanent or non-permanent adhesive layer on a rear surface for attachment to the substrate. In use, the display device provides for easy insertion or removal of a display object, such as a photograph, picture, postcard, memento, etc., without having to detach the display device from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Claude D. Gourand, Robin Lynn Gourand-Gorris
  • Patent number: 7222450
    Abstract: The invention relates to locking devices preventing the unauthorized use of firearms. The invention provides a block, shaped partly as a normal magazine or a magazine or other shaped member which can be inserted into a firearm to block the magazine housing thereof or the barrel and which can be removed therefrom only by transmitting relevant biometric data to said block, said data corresponding with biometric data digitally stored in the block memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: N-Trance Security Ltd.
    Inventors: Eugene Cuprin, Igor Donskoy
  • Patent number: 7222451
    Abstract: A quick disconnect clamping assembly for releaseably attaching an accessory such as a bipod to an elongate support such as a picatinny-style mounting rail comprises a clamp body with a mounting yoke that is adapted to slide over and receive the picatinny rail. The yoke includes a substantially rectangular base plate defining the central upper surface of a clamp body and includes a pair of parallel sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom. The base plate has, in one embodiment, first and second transverse bores for first and second substantially rectangular upwardly movable bolts actuable to project upwardly from the yoke base plate. The clamp body's first and second transverse bolts, when raised and aligned with the transverse grooves of the picatinny rail, are received in the spaced transverse grooves of the rail to attach the yoke to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Da Keng, Maciej W. Matuszczak