Patents Issued in July 10, 2007
  • Patent number: 7240403
    Abstract: A removable handle for a cooking utensil comprising a handle section and a utensil connecting section disposed parallel thereto and being interconnected by an intermediate section, a guide and locking pin extending from the free end of the utensil connecting section, and a stop extending from the utensil connecting section generally adjacent the intermediate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: John T. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7240404
    Abstract: A fastening system for objects, such as pockets, that can be attached to an item of clothing in various positions includes a mechanism with an interlocking action for objects, e.g. pockets and a buckle located on the object to be fastened to the item of clothing, below the upper fastening region of each fastening strap. The lower section of the contact surface of the object to be fastened to the item of clothing is provided with one or more pocket loops arranged next to one another, their number corresponding to the number of fastening straps that are situated on the object. The free end of the fastening strap(s) that is/are situated on the object is equipped with a respective gripper element including a hook, the element being used to secure the fastening strap(s) to a clothing loop lying below the pocket loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Uwe Flössner
  • Patent number: 7240405
    Abstract: A seat belt device for adjusting the tension of a seat belt webbing drawn across a user's body when the seat belt is in a latched condition, the seat belt device comprising: a housing defining a receiving area configured to slidably receive the seat belt webbing therethrough; a clamp member slidably mounted to the housing, the clamp member being configured for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein a clamping surface of the clamp member urges a portion of the seat belt webbing against an engagement portion of the housing when the clamp member is in the first position, the engagement portion being included in the receiving area; and a biasing member being configured to urge the clamp surface toward the engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Webber, Michael T. Moury, David G. Hlavaty
  • Patent number: 7240406
    Abstract: A package fastening clip having enhanced security of engagement with packaging materials by the provision of at least three material engaging legs, one of which cooperates with a latch member to secure the clip in assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ivan Neil Liverman, Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Patent number: 7240407
    Abstract: A buckle that is compact in a longitudinal direction and uses an unlatching force that may be effectively applied to a latch member when releasing a tongue from a buckle. The buckle is configured so that as an operation button is manipulated in the unlatching direction from a state in which a tongue and a latching portion of a latch member are latched, the slider moves so that the inclined face of a pressed portion of the slider comes in contact with the inclined face of a pressing portion of an ejector and presses the ejector. Then, the ejector is spaced from the tongue and the biasing force of an ejector spring is effectively applied to the latch member via the ejector and the slider in the unlatching direction. An unlatching force is thereby applied to the latch member so that the latch member pivots in the unlatching direction, causing release of the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Kawai, Takaaki Kimura
  • Patent number: 7240408
    Abstract: A region of a pile fabric is impacted with a laser at spaced illuminated areas in a dithered image, wherein the laser energy and duration of impact in the illuminated areas are selected to shorten the fibers within the illuminated area. The spacing of the illuminated areas within the region and the amount of shortening within the illuminated areas are selected to essentially maintain a hand or feel of the pile fabric. Fleece and corduroy can be sculpted to provide a three-dimensional image, while maintaining the hand of the fleece. In dyed pile fabrics, the illuminated areas can be selected to change the dye distribution within the pile material to provide an altered coloration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Icon Textile Laser Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George P. Latos, Wayne K. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 7240409
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric thin film component wherein a thin titanium film is deposited on a bottom metal layer such that parts of the thin titanium film remain on crystal grain boundaries of the bottom metal layer and form seed crystals. A polycrystalline piezoelectric thin film is formed on the bottom metal layer so that a pervoskite crystalline lattice is grown from the seed crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Sumi, Qiu Hong
  • Patent number: 7240410
    Abstract: A piezoelectric thin film resonator having a stabilized temperature characteristic of resonant frequency, a method for manufacturing the same, and a communication apparatus using the piezoelectric thin film resonator are provided. The piezoelectric thin film resonator is provided with a substrate having an opening, first and second insulation films which are provided on one surface of the substrate while covering the opening and which primarily include SiO2 and Al2O3, respectively, Al2O3 having oxygen defect and being in an amorphous state, and a piezoelectric thin film which is provided on the second insulation film and is sandwiched between electrodes and which primarily includes ZnO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Yamada, Masaki Takeuchi, Hideki Kawamura, Hiroyuki Fujino, Yukio Yoshino, Ken-ichi Uesaka, Tadashi Nomura, Daisuke Nakamura, Yoshimitsu Ushimi, Takashi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7240411
    Abstract: To provide a machine tool in which positioning accuracy of a ram is ensured, realizing improved machining accuracy. A cylindrical ram 14 supporting a spindle 6 is inserted in a ram guide hole 13a formed in a cross slide 13, the ram 14 has supported surfaces 14d, 14d in a V-shape formed on a lower side of an outer circumferential surface thereof, and the supported surfaces 14d are placed on supporting surfaces 22a, 22a in a V-shape formed on an inner circumferential surface of the ram guide hole 13a of the cross slide 13, so that a Z-axis direction position of the ram 14 is automatically aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Matsumoto, Takeshi Otawa
  • Patent number: 7240412
    Abstract: To provide a composite lathe enabling the overlapping of movement areas without lowering supporting stiffness of a tool post, and thus realizing enhanced machinability. An XY supporting plane A by which a tool post 5 in is supported to be movable in an X-axis direction is set non-parallel to an XZ supporting plane B by which a third spindle 6 is supported to be movable in the X-axis direction, and an axis of the movement in the X-axis direction of the tool post 5 is set apart in a Y-axis direction from an axis of the movement in the X-axis direction of the third spindle 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinaga Sasazawa, Kazuhiko Matsumoto, Tsutomu Tokuma
  • Patent number: 7240413
    Abstract: A process for producing a clutch friction plate in which a plurality of friction material segments are bonded to an annular flat face of an annular core plate so that oil channels are formed between the segments, the process including: a step of forming a plurality of strip-shaped friction materials by cutting a band-shaped friction material along its longitudinal direction; a step of aligning and holding portions, corresponding to the segments, of leading edge parts of the materials in positions above the core plate while positioning the portions in the peripheral direction and in the direction along one diameter of the core plate; a step of forming the segments by cutting off the leading edge parts of the materials positioned above the core plate along a cutting-off line that includes at least an arc line that follows the outer periphery of the core plate, and a step of pressing and bonding the segments onto the face coated with an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Kensuke Oguri, Tsutomu Tsuboi, Akihiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7240414
    Abstract: A method of sizing, resizing or reshaping the interior of a prosthetic device includes placing a lightweight moldable or shape assuming, pliable material that adheres and hardens on the interior sides of a socket of a prosthetic device. An end of a residual limb is placed into the socket causing the moldable material to conform to the shape of the residual limb. The limb is maintained in position for a few minutes in the socket until the moldable material has sufficiently hardened. After hardening, the molded material is dressed down, sanded or feathered to remove any burrs or sharp edges. Low spots or holes may be filled in with more moldable material and the fitting process repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Matthew T. Taylor, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7240415
    Abstract: A machine for processing, in particular for cutting workpieces in the form of slabs, comprises a spindle (36) slidably supported by a beam (32) displaceable transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of a working surface (12). The beam is in turn slidably supported at its ends by two bridge structures (22, 24) situated at the two ends of said working surface. The spindle (36) is rotatably adjustable through 360° about its vertical axis and supports a disk cutting tool (60) which may be secured thereon or picked from a tools magazine also comprising other tools and a plurality of cutting heads. When other tools are used, allows other machining operations than cutting can be performed by the machine. The working surface consists of a conveyor belt (14) made of rubber, in particular disposable rubber, and is supported at the bottom by a fixed metal surface. The machine according to the invention is suitable for insertion along a continuous processing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Dario Toncelli
  • Patent number: 7240416
    Abstract: A method of forming a device, such as an electrode array for a cochlear implant. The method comprises a step of forming a predetermined pattern of relatively electrically conductive regions and relatively electrically resistive regions in a sheet of biocompatible electrically conductive material, such as platinum foil. The method can comprise a step of working on the sheet to remove predetermined portions therefrom to form the one or more discrete relatively conducting regions. The step of working on the sheet can comprise embossing the sheet, cutting or slicing the sheet, or using electrical discharge machining (EDM) to remove unwanted portions of the sheet, the EDM equipment having a cutting tool comprising an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Dusan Milojevic, John Parker
  • Patent number: 7240417
    Abstract: A framing assembly with lower stiffness design and a method of manufacturing that framing assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, a framing assembly pattern is cut from a piece of a thin planar material, such as metal. The pattern is then bent to form a framing assembly with a base piece, two arms, and supports for a connection plate. In an alternate embodiment, the base piece includes a rear support and a support base. In a further embodiment, excess material surrounding the pattern is cut away so as to allow the most efficient use of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Gao Yao, Masashi Shiraishi, Yi-Ru Xie
  • Patent number: 7240418
    Abstract: A slider includes a slider main body and a thin-film magnetic head element. The slider main body has an air bearing surface, an air inflow end, and an air outflow end. The air bearing surface has a first part closer to the air outflow end, a second part closer to the air inflow end, and a border part between the first part and the second part. The second part is slanted against the first part so that the entire air bearing surface has a convex shape bent at the border part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignees: Headway Technologies, Inc., SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sasaki, Hiroyuki Itoh, Takehiro Kamigama
  • Patent number: 7240419
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetoresistance effect element includes forming an insulating layer on a first ferromagnetic layer, forming an aperture reaching the first ferromagnetic layer by thrusting a needle from the top surface of the insulating layer, and depositing a ferromagnetic material to form a second ferromagnetic layer overlying the insulating layer which buries the aperture. The aperture can have an opening width not larger than 20 nm. A current flowing between the first ferromagnetic layer and the needle can be monitored, and thrusting of the needle can be interrupted when the current reaches a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shiho Okuno, Yuichi Ohsawa, Shigeru Haneda, Yuzo Kamiguchi, Tatsuya Kishi
  • Patent number: 7240420
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which enable post-fabrication reduction of minimum feature size spacing of microcomponents. A method for producing an assembly of microcomponents is provided, in which at least two microcomponents are fabricated having a separation space therebetween. At least one of the microcomponents includes an extension part that is operable to reduce the separation space. Such an extension part may include an extension member that is movably extendable away from its associated microcomponent to reduce the separation space between its associated microcomponent and another microcomponent. The extension part may be latched at a desired position by a latching mechanism. The extension part may be implemented such that the extension member eliminates the separation space, thereby resulting in such extension member engaging another microcomponent. Such engagement may be achieved without requiring power to be applied to the microcomponents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Zyvex Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. Ellis, Eric G. Parker, George D. Skidmore
  • Patent number: 7240421
    Abstract: An electric-wire guide unit is provided with a fixed roller and a movable roller that is supported movably toward and away from the fixed roller, and holds an electric wire from both of the sides of the electric wire in cooperation with the fixed roller. An electric-wire nozzle unit is provided with a fixed nozzle guide and a movable nozzle guide that is slidably placed, and forms a nozzle opening through which the electric wire is inserted, in cooperation with the fixed nozzle guide. A link mechanism, which couples the movable roller and the movable nozzle guide so as to be interlocked, is prepared. An tension spring, which presses the movable roller in an approaching direction toward the fixed roller, is attached. In accordance with the size of the diameter of the electric wire to be held between the movable roller and the fixed roller, the movable nozzle guide is slide-operated through the link mechanism so that the nozzle opening is size-adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Miyoshi, Tetsuya Yano
  • Patent number: 7240422
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for detaching a semiconductor chip from an adhesive tape on which it is mounted. The apparatus comprises a platform adapted to contact the adhesive tape at a position of the chip and a retaining force generator coupled to the platform for drawing the adhesive tape in a direction away from the chip. An elevation device is projectable from the platform that is movable both laterally across a surface of the platform and vertically with respect to the platform for elevating the chip. By moving the elevation device across a width of the chip while lifting the chip, controlled lifting of the chip and propagation of delamination between the chip and the adhesive tape may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: ASM Assembly Automation Ltd.
    Inventors: Yiu Ming Cheung, Chou Kee Liu, Ching Hong Yiu, Chi Ming Chong
  • Patent number: 7240423
    Abstract: A method of fabricating the parallel leading wire in a focusing mesh of field emission display and a structure thereof is provided. A cathode leading wire is formed along one edge of a cathode plate in a field emission display. When the metal mesh is formed on the cathode plate, one edge of the mesh becomes a leading wire parallel to another edge thereof. The leading wire has a designated length and a thickness thinner than the metal mesh. Without applying external force, the parallel leading wire is drooped and contacted the cathode plate because of itself weight. Be way of sintering, parallel leading wire is connected to cathode leading wire and enveloped by the metal mesh within the cathode plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: TECO Nanotech Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Yao-Zong Chen
  • Patent number: 7240424
    Abstract: A method of forming an LTCC structure having at least one open cavity on each of first and second opposing sides is disclosed that includes the steps of forming a first LTCC structure including a first side having a plurality of cavities and a second side, subjecting the first LTCC structure to a first pressure, forming a second LTCC structure including a first side having a plurality of cavities and a second side, subjecting the second LTCC structure to a second pressure, arranging the first LTCC structure and the second LTCC structure such that the first LTCC structure second side faces the second LTCC structure second side, and subjecting the placed-together first and second LTCC structures to a third pressure to join the first LTCC structure to the second LTCC structure. A product formed by the subject method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia W. Berry, Alex E. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7240425
    Abstract: What is provided is a multi-layer PCB having a plurality of stacked dielectric layers, a conductor disposed on at least one of the plurality of dielectric layers, and a non-conductive via extending through at least a portion of the plurality of dielectric layers to intersect the conductor. A conductive body in an activated state is introduced into the non-conductive via, and upon contacting the conductor, the activated state conductive body adheres to the conductor. The activated state conductive body is then effected to a deactivated state, wherein the conductive body is affixed to the conductor to provide an electrical connection thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Leon M. Khilchenko, Mark W. Gailus
  • Patent number: 7240426
    Abstract: Equipment for bonding a flexible printed circuit board made of thermoplastic resin on a printed circuit board includes a heater and a jig. The heater head presses and heats the flexible printed circuit board. The jig prevents the thermoplastic resin from flowing out when the flexible printed circuit is bonded on the printed circuit board. The jig is to be disposed between the flexible printed circuit board and the heater head. The jig includes a thin plate having a base plate and a wing plate. The base plate is parallel to a top surface of the heater head to be sandwiched between the flexible printed circuit board and the heater head. The wing plate is disposed on both sides of the base plate to bend from the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Makoto Totani, Akinari Higashida
  • Patent number: 7240427
    Abstract: A pin contact for pressing into electrical engagement with a plated section in a hole in a circuit board. The contact includes a deformable portion for engaging the plated section with a feed-through portion and a terminal portion at opposite ends thereof. An end part of the deformable portion adjacent to the feed-through portion is deformed prior to insertion of the deformable portion into the hole. This substantially eliminates deviation of the feed-through portion from a central longitudinal axis or rotational deviation of the contact caused by pressing of the contact into the hole. A method and apparatus for making the contact are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Belgium EC N.V.
    Inventor: Tom Ocket
  • Patent number: 7240428
    Abstract: A method for producing probes for atomic force microscopy comprises producing, on a surface of one side of a semiconductor substrate, one or more moulds for the production of one or more probe tips. One or more probe configurations and at least one set of a probe tip and a cantilever are also produced on the side of the substrate, wherein each configuration comprises a contact region for attachment of a holder. The surface area of each contact region is smaller in size than the surface area of the holder. The method further includes attaching one or more holders to the contact region(s), and releasing the probe configuration and the holder from the substrate by under-etching the probe configuration from the side of the substrate on which the probe configuration is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
    Inventor: Marc Fouchier
  • Patent number: 7240429
    Abstract: A conductor pattern is formed on a resin film which is made of a thermoplastic resin. Each single-sided conductor pattern film has via-holes filled with an electrically conductive paste. A printed conductor pattern and a printed resistor are formed on a ceramic substrate. The single-sided conductor pattern films are laminated on the ceramic substrate. Then, the multilayered assembly is heated and pressed from both sides thereof to obtain a printed circuit board. During the heat and press treatment, respective single-sided conductor pattern films and the ceramic substrate bond together while the interlayer connection is obtained between the conductor patterns as well as between the conductor pattern and the printed conductor pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Shiraishi, Koji Kondo
  • Patent number: 7240430
    Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of solid conductive bumps for interconnecting two conductive layers of a circuit board with substantially coplanar upper surfaces. The method comprises the steps of applying a continuous homogenous metal layer onto a dielectric substrate, applying a first photoresist and exposing and developing said first photoresist to define a pattern of conductive bumps, etching the metal layer exposed by said development to form said plurality of conductive bumps, removing said first photoresist, applying a second photoresist onto the metal layer, exposing and developing said second photoresist to define a pattern of conductive bumps and circuit lines; etching the metal layer exposed by said development to form a pattern of circuit lines in said metal layer; and removing said second photoresist. The methods of the present invention also provides for fabricating a multilayer circuit board and a metallic border for providing rigidity to a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bernd Karl-Heinz Appelt, James Russell Bupp, Donald Seton Farquhar, Ross William Keesler, Michael Joseph Klodowski, Andrew Michael Seman, Gary Lee Schild
  • Patent number: 7240431
    Abstract: A plating resist film 2 is formed on a wiring board substrate 1 as a core material of a multilayer printed wiring board, then a through-hole 3 is formed, and through-hole conductor 4 is formed along the wall surface of the through-hole 3 and the through-hole surface of the plating resist film 2, so that protrusion portion 4a is formed in the through-hole conductor 4. The plating resist film 2 is then stripped off and a panel plating layer 5 is formed on the surface of the wiring board substrate 1 and the through-hole conductor 4 so that the through-hole 4 and the panel plating layer 5 are connected with the protrusion 4a coated, and thus the connection area can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukihiro Ueno
  • Patent number: 7240432
    Abstract: A contactor is placed between a semiconductor device and a test board. A contact electrode of the contactor electrically connects the semiconductor device to the test board. The contact electrode is formed of a conductive layer provided on an insulating substrate. The contact electrode comprises a first contact piece which contacts a terminal of the semiconductor device, a second contact piece which contacts an electrode of the test board, and a connecting portion which electrically connects the first contact piece and the second contact piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Maruyama, Hirohisa Matsuki
  • Patent number: 7240433
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a thermal inkjet head equipped with a symmetrical heater and the head fabricated by the method are provided. The method incorporates two thick photoresist deposition processes and a nickel electroplating process. The first thick photoresist deposition process is carried out to form an ink chamber in fluid communication with a funnel-shaped manifold and an injector orifice. The second thick photoresist deposition process forms a mold for forming an injector passageway that leads to the injector orifice. The nickel electroplating process provides an orifice plate on top of the inkjet head through which an injector passageway that leads to the injector orifice is provided for injecting ink droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chen-Kuei Chung, Chun-Jun Lin, Chung-Chu Chen
  • Patent number: 7240434
    Abstract: A stage apparatus may include a first stage, a second stage movable with respect to the first stage, at least one flexure hinge to connect the first stage with the second stage, a plurality of actuators provided between the first stage and the second stage to push the first stage and the second stage and to be symmetric with respect to a center of the first stage and the second stage, and a controller to control the plurality of actuators to move one of the first stage and the second stage with respect to the other one of the first stage and the second stage. Thus, a position error of the stage can be reduced, which enables an ultra precision position control. Further, a piezoelectric driver using piezoelectric elements may be used as the actuator to decrease the position error more than a conventional driver such as a motor. The position error may be decreased to ±10 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suk-won Lee, Byung-il Ahn, Dong-woo Kang, Ki-hyun Kim, Dae-gab Gweon, Dong-min Kim
  • Patent number: 7240435
    Abstract: An adjustable carpentry trim gage includes a scribing block adjustably attached to a guide block. The guide block includes a guide surface, adapted to be placed against a jamb. The scribing block includes a scribing surface along which a scribing instrument, such as a pencil or an awl, can be drawn to mark guidelines on the jamb, to facilitate installation of a casing on the jamb. The position of the guide block with respect to the scribing block is adjustable to allow the position of the scribing surface on the scribing block, with respect to the guide surface on the guide block, to be set in such a manner that the scribing surface will be placed to indicate a desired reveal on the jamb, when the guide surface is bearing against the jamb. The scribing surface extends beyond the maximum reveal setting of the gage, in a direction parallel to the face of the jamb against which the guide surface is bearing, to facilitate making intersecting guidelines indicating corners of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: William J. Dowdakin
  • Patent number: 7240436
    Abstract: An alignment and positioning guide tool for use in mounting metal door frames in metal wall stud construction. The device is a one-piece integral unit having a pair of spaced parallel engagement legs extending from an integral body member. The free ends of the legs extend outwardly for selective engagement with the door frame. The tool is positioned over the stud wall mounting base plate and slidably positioned therealong for engagement reference of a door jam during framing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventors: Charles R. Miller, Brad Shultz
  • Patent number: 7240437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved pipe sizing and alignment device that can quickly and precisely attach it's concave base to, and align itself with the horizontal axis of a circular, main pipe. Through the use of multiple lasers, one of which is mounted to an adjustable arm that pivots about the center of a graduated protractor mounted on the concave base, the device can be located along the main pipe and the collimated beam of light from the laser directed at a distant plumbing component. This shows the specific fitting location for a tie in between the main pipe and plumbing component that will allow the horizontal axis of the main pipe to remain true to it's original spatial position with respect to the building structure. An electronic distance measuring device, also mounted to the adjustable arm, precisely indicates distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Emilian Moldovan
  • Patent number: 7240438
    Abstract: An aligning apparatus includes a loading plate to load at least one alignment object; first and second alignment bars to align the at least one alignment object loaded on the loading plate, wherein the first and second alignment bars are bent by a force greater than a threshold value when contacting the alignment object; and at least one driving unit to drive the first and second alignment bars in close and open directions toward and away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Go Lim, Jae-Gyu Jeong
  • Patent number: 7240439
    Abstract: A magnetic end hook for a tape measure has a hook member having a mounting section extending in a first direction and a hooking section extending away from the mounting section in a second direction generally transverse to the first direction. A distinct bezel affixes to the hooking section so as to capture a magnet between the bezel and the hooking section. A magnet is disposed at least partially in a hole in the hooking section and a hole in the bezel so as to be visible from both front and rear views of the end hook. The magnet may include flanges and a fastener, such as a rivet, may secure the bezel in place. There may be a second magnet similarly situated. A tape measure and methods of assembly are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Critelli, Lin Ping Lin
  • Patent number: 7240440
    Abstract: The system dries pasty or powdery products such as sludge from wastewater purifying stations, the drying occurring in a chamber receiving the products to be dried. The system includes a greenhouse with translucent or transparent walls erected on a slab upon which a bed of products to be dried is deposited. At least one wind generator is provided for generating energy which is converted to heat that is delivered to the slab upon which the bed of products to be dried is spread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventor: Luc Delons
  • Patent number: 7240441
    Abstract: An excavator thumb assembly for use with an excavator having a boom, a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder shaft that extends and retracts from the hydraulic cylinder, and a bucket pivotally attached to an end of the boom and operatively attached to the hydraulic cylinder shaft. The excavator thumb assembly includes a thumb pivot plate attached to an intermediate portion of the boom. The thumb pivot plate has a thumb attachment point positioned above the longitudinal axis of the boom. The excavator thumb assembly also includes a thumb pivotally attached to the thumb attachment point along a thumb pivot axis, and operatively attached to the hydraulic cylinder shaft. The excavator thumb assembly is configured so that the thumb and bucket opposably grab and release objects as the hydraulic cylinder shaft extends and retracts, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Ted McCoy
  • Patent number: 7240442
    Abstract: A sound-producing folding insert for a magazine is disclosed. A foldable support structure comprises a primary page and a secondary page. The secondary page is folded upon itself to form a pocket that retains a sound emitting means. The sound emitting means includes an electronic microchip sound generating device that includes a switch means connected at one end to a slidable tongue mechanism that is attached at the other end to the primary page, such that upon opening of the folding insert by separating the primary and secondary pages the slidable tongue mechanism allows the switch means to close, thereby activating the sound emitting means. Conversely, closing the folding insert brings the primary and secondary pages together forces the slidable tongue mechanism to open the switch means, and thereby deactivating the sounds emitting means. The sound emitting means is relatively flat and includes a generally flat speaker mounted to the secondary page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Timothy Clegg
  • Patent number: 7240443
    Abstract: A method wherein an indicia is selected from one of diverse indicia sources that promotes an informational application, a holder may be selected from a holder source specialized for the given application, and a display is selected from a display source. The indicia is placed in a suggested manner in the display or the indicia and holder unit are placed in the display such that the desired information is displayed. The flap portions of the display are manipulated to expose or conceal releasable, reusable adhesive portions, to suit the carrying of the display appliance, as in a book or bag, or the display of the display appliance from either side in a vertical or horizontal position, as on a cabinet, or wall. An easel insert oir easel attachment allows for a standing position on a counter top or table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Aha! Concepts Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Nathanson, Craig Adam Nathanson
  • Patent number: 7240444
    Abstract: A computer device for assisting a user to type from printed matter, which includes a crossbar provided with mounting posts that allow it to be positioned on a laptop screen. The present invention further includes a document grasping mechanism with clips secured to the crossbar. The power mechanism for automatically repositioning the printed matter along the width of the laptop screen includes an electric motor, an output shaft, and pulleys. A belt is caused to move in a direction corresponding to the shaft rotation and is powered by the motor. The power mechanism also includes a USB cable connected to the electric motor and a laptop USB port respectively. When a user types, the laptop communicates with the electric motor via the USB cable for causing the motor to rotate selectively position the document along the laptop screen so that a user can maintain a line of sight with the screen during operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Jose R. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7240445
    Abstract: A display apparatus having a base portion and a display support portion extending vertically from the base portion. At least one display feature bearing at least one graphic presentation is connected to the display apparatus. More specifically, the display apparatus includes elongate pontoons, a plurality of column members extending from each of the pontoons, an elongate transverse member with each of the column members connecting thereto, and a plurality of cross-members extending between the pontoons. The pontoons, the column members, the transverse member and the cross-members each comprise an independently inflatable compartment. The display apparatus further comprises a ballast system including elongate ballasts mounted to the pontoons, and display features removably affixed to the column members which extend between the transverse member and the pontoons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: William Richard Barlow
  • Patent number: 7240446
    Abstract: An identification bracelet for mounting about a person's wrist or the like incorporates a sealable window to protect wearer-related information against contact with moisture and the like. The bracelet includes a flexible band defining an information-bearing zone, in combination with an overlying adhesive-backed transparent cover strip. In an initial state, the cover strip has opposite ends securely adhered to the band, and a central window segment separated from the band by a peel-off release film. The window segment is adapted for lift-away separation from the band as by tearing along a line of weakness line at one end thereof to expose the information-bearing zone for receiving wearer-related information, and for facilitated peel-off removal of the release film, followed by adhesively seating the strip central window segment onto the band in a manner defining a sealed perimeter overlying and protecting the wearer-related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Precision Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Bekker
  • Patent number: 7240447
    Abstract: A mix and match framing system comprising a frame adapted to receive artwork, such as a mirror, painting, print or the like therein. The frame includes a ledge or ridge against which the artwork abuts and swivelled closure members at spaced locations on the back of the frame for securing the artwork in place. The system also includes spacing elements that may be used to compensate for differences in thickness of the artwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Neall Humphrey
  • Patent number: 7240448
    Abstract: A projectile weapon, preferably adapted to fire non- and less-lethal munitions. An elongate tubular body includes a barrel portion and a receiver portion, with a breech assembly disposed in the receiver portion adjacent the barrel portion. A handle is affixed to and extends outward from the receiver portion. A firing mechanism is disposed within the receiver portion adjacent the breech assembly. A trigger is adapted to slide in a longitudinal direction along the elongate tubular body. The trigger extends outward from the receiver portion in a direction generally parallel to the handle. The trigger is slidable between at least a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the trigger assembly is adapted to actuate the firing mechanism. In the retracted position, the trigger face is recessed into the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Less Lethal, Inc.
    Inventor: Homer D. Knapp
  • Patent number: 7240449
    Abstract: A firearm safety system includes a magazine block having a pair of opposed parallel shoulders slidably inserting beneath a pair of respective lips at an upper portion of a magazine and positionable in a loading chamber of a firearm to trap the charging handle to make it inoperable. Once the magazine block is positioned within the loading chamber, the firearm cannot operate because the magazine block inhibits ammo rounds from entering the loading chamber and prevents a spring-loaded bolt and firing pin from moving forward for propelling ammo rounds. The firearm safety system may operate in a stealthy mode by attaching the magazine block to a cover plate including a pair of resilient elements for locking to a female receptor notch of the magazine block thereby rendering the magazine block, loading chamber, ejection port and a portion of at least one loaded spare magazine hidden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Norman E. Clifton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7240450
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for placing a slide of a handgun in proper position relative to the barrel so that an otherwise concealed barrel pin is now revealed. The invention is particularly suited for handgun designs otherwise lacking a positive stop, external barrel pins or levers. The device includes an indentation for receiving a front face of the handgun. The indentation is at least partially surrounded by a raised ridge adapted to prevent the slide from entering the indentation. Placing the barrel in the indentation forces the slide backwards from the front face. The elevation difference between the depth of the indentation and the ridge is selected to expose a barrel pin of the handgun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: David R. Shober
  • Patent number: 7240451
    Abstract: The present invention is a telescopic sight mount for attachment to a firearm having a longitudinal vent rib on its barrel. The mount is readily attachable and detachable and includes a cantilevered main body having a front portion and a back portion, a clamp portion, and at least three clamping screws. The screws adjoin the front portion of the main body with the clamp portion and draw the front and clamp portions horizontally towards one another and into rigid clamping engagement with the vent rib. The back portion of the main body is able to receive and mount a telescopic sight. The mount can be rigidly mounted onto the firearm with stability sufficient to remain in place permanently despite recoil, and can also be easily detached from the firearm if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: NTR Group Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Brad Blair
  • Patent number: 7240452
    Abstract: A structure for fixing a scope includes a fixing base, a rotatable disk, a locking bolt, and two elastic components. The fixing base is departably attached to the gun. The rotatable disk is rotatably disposed at a bottom of the fixing base and has a screw bolt disposed on its center. The locking bolt is disposed within the containing room and capable of being moved upward or downward. The locking bolt has a screw hole formed on its center and the screw bolt is screwed into the screw hole. When the rotatable disk is rotated in a first direction, the screw bolt is used to push the locking bolt upward into the fixing slot of the gun. When the rotatable disk is rotated in a second direction, the locking bolt is pushed downward by the two elastic components and thus disconnected from the fixing slot of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Shu-Li Ho