Patents Issued in August 14, 2007
  • Patent number: 7255467
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp for emitting light ahead of an automobile, includes: a semiconductor light emitting device; a reflector, having its optical center on the semiconductor light emitting device, for reflecting light generated by the semiconductor light emitting device forward; and a light transmitting member formed from material that transmits the light generated by the semiconductor light emitting device in such a manner that the light transmitting member covers the semiconductor light emitting device, the light transmitting member deflecting forward a part of the light generated by the semiconductor light emitting device and transmitting another part of the light generated by the semiconductor light emitting device toward the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishida, Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Patent number: 7255468
    Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating shoes and fashion accessories includes a fiber optic cable, a clasp and a control circuit. The fiber optic cable has a first coupling point and a second coupling point. The clasp has a housing, a retention mechanism, a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is configured to couple to the first coupling point and the second connector is configured to couple to the second coupling point of the fiber optic cable. The control circuit is disposed within the housing and has a power source and at least one illuminating device. The illuminating device is optically coupled to one or both of the first and second connectors in order to illuminate at least a portion of the fiber optic cable with light. At least one of the clasp and the illuminating device is removable to permit interchangeable selectivity of the color of the illuminating light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Jonathan Capriola
  • Patent number: 7255469
    Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, a light guide including an output surface, emissive material positioned between the light source and the output surface of the light guide, and an interference reflector positioned between the emissive material and the output surface of the light guide is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The interference reflector substantially transmits light having the second optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the first optical characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
  • Patent number: 7255470
    Abstract: There is provided a lamp fixing holder. A lamp fixing holder for fixes a lamp to a receiving container. The lamp provides a liquid crystal display panel with light. The lamp includes a first portion of a face and a second portion of the face. The light emitted from the first portion of the face advances toward the liquid crystal display panel. The lamp fixing holder comprises a lamp fixing body and a fixing member. The lamp fixing body holds a third portion of the face of the lamp. The second portion includes the third portion. The fixing member fixes the lamp fixing body to the receiving container. The lamp fixing holder according to the present invention fixes the lamp so that the lamp does not sway, while minimizing an amount of light that is shielded by the lamp fixing holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Hwan Lee, Jong-Dae Park, Young-Il Kim, Chang-Young Bang, Tae-Jin Lee, Yong-Seok Choi, Jae-Ho Jung, Keun-Woo Lee, Jae-Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 7255471
    Abstract: A night light having a lamp socket for holding a lamp and a lamp shade around the lamp such that when the lamp shade is removed from the lamp socket, power to the lamp is automatically interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Diorio, Jenkin P. Hua, Eddie A. Ling, Anthony Vallone
  • Patent number: 7255472
    Abstract: A device comprising a shaft, a front ring connected to this shaft, an end ring connected to the shaft at a distance A from the front ring, and a loose mixing ring, which is freely rotatable and located between the front ring and the end ring. The mixing ring has a first region in which its inside diameter is large enough for it to be able to overlap with a region of smaller diameter of the front ring has an adjoining region in which the mixing ring has on its inner side at least two channels (4k) which run axially parallel, at an angle in relation to the axis of the shaft or helically thereto, and also an adjoining third region in which its inside diameter is large enough for it to be able to overlap with a region of smaller diameter of the end ring and the mixing ring is so long that, in its respective end positions, the other of the two rings respectively is partially overlapped by the mixing ring. The mixing ring channels are offset in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hartmut Nikolai, Ernst-Jürgen Grittmann
  • Patent number: 7255473
    Abstract: To provide a portable timepiece having high durability constructed by a constitution capable of promoting operability of attaching and detaching a crown and holding a crown in an unoperated state so as not to rotate the crown unpreparedly. In a winding stem pipe attached to a case body, a crown urged in a direction of separating from the case body by a coil spring (urging member) included in a crown cylinder portion of the pipe is removably provided to a case body outside projected portion of the winding stem pipe. An outer periphery of the case body outside projected portion is formed with a plurality of communicating grooves along a rotational direction of the crown, a plurality of attaching and detaching through grooves communicated to the communicating grooves and opened to an end face of the case body outside projected portion, and a plurality of holding grooves communicated with the communicating grooves and formed in a dead end state and contiguous to the through grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Nobukazu Omori
  • Patent number: 7255474
    Abstract: A library of material samples is provided in a condition suitable for imaging using infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The samples are provided to one or more detection cells, each of the cells including or containing a reflective surface. Preferably, for imaging, an energy source (e.g. a source of infrared radiation) provides energy to the detection cells to interact with the samples. Thereafter, images (e.g., spectra) related to the samples are created based upon the interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peijun Cong, Shenheng Guan, Stephen Cypes, Jason Wells, H. Sam Bergh
  • Patent number: 7255475
    Abstract: A method in which thermal mass and manufacturing differences are compensated for in thermometry probes by storing characteristic data relating to individual probes into an EEPROM for each probe which is used by the temperature apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Quinn, Kenneth J. Burdick, Ray D. Stone, John Lane, William N. Cuipylo
  • Patent number: 7255476
    Abstract: A device temperature measurement circuit, an integrated circuit (IC) including a device temperature measurement circuit, a method of characterizing device temperature and a method of monitoring temperature. The circuit includes a constant current source and a clamping device. The clamping device selectively shunts current from the constant current source or allows the current to flow through a PN junction, which may be the body to source/drain junction of a field effect transistor (FET). Voltage measurements are taken directly from the PN junction. Junction temperature is determined from measured junction voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Franch, Keith A. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7255477
    Abstract: A locking bag includes an envelope with a single opening defined between a pair of side wall edges. A pair of plastic zipper portions are disposed on opposite sides of the single pair of side wall edges. A zipper closure clip is slidably attached to the single pair of side wall edges at one corner of the opening of the bag. The zipper closure clip is adapted to clamp the two portions of the plastic zipper together when the zipper closure clip is slid along the opening of the bag. The two plastic zipper portions include suitable means to make the closing of the opening permanent. In one embodiment, the zipper closure is removable from the bag after the bag is permanently closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Bemis Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Arnell
  • Patent number: 7255478
    Abstract: A transporting apparatus which can horizontally transport a carrier using an air bearing of which a rotational degree of freedom is kept relative to a surface of a base. The transporting apparatus is movable along a surface of a base and includes an air bearing placed on a base, a connector connected to an upper part of the air bearing and provided with a supporter in a center thereof, the supporter having a flexure hinge structure to allow the air bearing to be freely rotated relative to the base, and the carrier supported by the supporter of the connector to be transported while keeping a level with respect to the surface of the base. With this configuration, a movement of the air bearing does not affect the carrier, thereby improving accuracy and reliability of the transporting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-il Ahn, Suk-won Lee, Se-kyong Song
  • Patent number: 7255479
    Abstract: In a linear guide apparatus including an axially extending guide rail, a slider engaged with the guide rail, and a plurality of rolling elements loaded into the slider, the linear guide apparatus further includes a sealing device fixed to the slider in slidable contact with the guide rail for sealing a clearance existing between the guide rail and the slider, in which the sealing device includes: a lubricant-containing polymer member formed of a synthetic resin containing a lubricant, and having a contact portion contacting with the guide rail to surround the guide rail, both wing portions, a connecting portion connecting the wing portions to be C-shaped substantially, and a pair of first recesses formed in the respective wing portions for fixing the lubricant-containing polymer member to the slider; a first plate member fitted to the lubricant-containing polymer member opposed to the slider; and a pair of first cylindrical members inserted to the respective first recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Tsukada, Yutaka Igarashi, Soichiro Kato, Toshikazu Yabe, Fumio Ueki
  • Patent number: 7255480
    Abstract: A diamond bearing assembly comprises a support ring having at least one diamond bearing segment attached thereto. A plurality of bearing pads are disposed on the diamond bearing segment. The plurality of bearing pads have a plurality of flow micro-channels between the bearing pads. A flow channel is disposed in the support ring proximate the bearing segment, wherein the flow channel has a fluid flowing therethrough for cooling the bearing segment. In another aspect, a method of cooling a diamond bearing comprises disposing a plurality of bearing pads on a diamond bearing segment. The diamond bearing segment are attached to a support ring. A fluid flows through a substantially radial channel in the support ring to cool the diamond bearing segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Hendrik John, Andreas Krafczyk
  • Patent number: 7255481
    Abstract: A roller bearing for the rotational guidance of a motor vehicle wheel, the bearing comprising a rotating inner member, a fixed outer member and rolling bodies allowing their relative rotation about an axis. The inner member includes a bore on the periphery of which flutes are provided so as to allow the rotational coupling of a fluted shaft with the internal member. The bearing has a path forming an air passage having an outer channel and an inner channel designed to pass right through respectively each of the members, in which, in combination, the path has a groove formed by the omission of at least the front part of at least one flute, from an intermediate zone of the bore as far as its front face. The downstream end of the inner channel opens out in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: S.N.R. Roulements
    Inventor: Gérard Mermoud
  • Patent number: 7255482
    Abstract: A bearing apparatus for a vehicle driving wheel has a pre-loading mechanism formed in the serration fitted portion between the stem portion of the outer joint member and the wheel hub. A fastening member combines the wheel hub and the outer joint member. A releasing member, adapted to be arranged on the wheel hub, enables removal of the fastening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Ken Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7255483
    Abstract: A thrust roller bearing system comprising an inner rotating member, an outer rotating member and multiple rollers coupling the inner rotating member with outer rotating member. The inner and outer rotating members include thrust lips to enable the rollers to act as thrust rollers. The rollers contact inner and outer rotating members at bearing contact points along a contact line. Consequently, the radial/tilt and thrust forces move synchronously and simultaneously to create a bearing action with no slipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: John M. Vranish
  • Patent number: 7255484
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for locking and releasing a module utilized in a transceiver system that includes a plurality of modules in close proximity with one another. The module is generally configured to include a handle with an associated cam formed in a first section of the module. The handle is moveable in a direction to allow the cam to move an associated ejector button integrated with the module in order to release the module from the transceiver system, thereby permitting the module to be efficiently removed from the transceiver system. The module may thus be removed from the transceiver system utilizing the handle. The module may be locked into the transceiver system when the handle is placed in an upward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Harold Y. Walker, Jr., Richard L. Bell
  • Patent number: 7255485
    Abstract: An optical plug-in connection including: an optical plug-in connector; a coupling configured to receive the plug-in connector; and locking means for locking the plug-in connector in the coupling when the plug-in connector is inserted into the coupling, wherein the locking means are designed to prevent unintentional unlocking when in a locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Huber+Suhner AG
    Inventors: Willi Thäler, David Vollenweider, Michael Columbus
  • Patent number: 7255486
    Abstract: A load adapter and method for terminating an optical fiber in a small form factor connector having a ferrule portion and a barrel portion that include a pre-loaded thermoplastic adhesive material, and a housing. The load adapter includes a thermally conductive body having a base section and a connector mounting section extending axially therefrom. The base section is adapted to be inserted/placed in an oven port of a portable heat source. The connector mounting section has a substantially cylindrical shape adapted to surround a substantial portion of the small form factor connector housing and includes at least one slot. The connector mounting section includes a mount adapted to receive the small form factor connector. The mount includes a stem having a substantially cylindrical structure adapted to slidably receive the ferrule portion of the small form factor connector, where an end of a received ferrule portion of the small form factor connector extends beyond an edge of an inner wall of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Edward B. Lurie, Eric M. Morgan, David S. Hardcastle
  • Patent number: 7255487
    Abstract: A novel Fabry-Perot resonance cavity has been recognized with ruggedized packaging. This cavity is formed by simple planar and concave (or two concave) mirrors—attached at the fiber ends. The concave mirror is precisely aligned to the core of the fiber. The concave lens is fabricated on the end of the fiber by making an indentation of correct geometry and smoothness. The concave mirror has multiple dielectric layers applied on the concave lens to achieve the final, desired optical characteristics. This structure is packaged using novel techniques from which it derives great utility. The resulting packaged assembly is environmentally robust and capable of operating at very high frequencies with low input voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Youngmin A. Choi
  • Patent number: 7255488
    Abstract: A network element connector assembly including Stacked electrical and optical connector is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus is provided which includes an optical connector interface to couple an optical network connector with a mounting surface, an electrical connector interface to couple an electrical network connector with the mounting surface, where the optical connector interface and electrical connector interface are vertically aligned with one another with respect to the mounting surface, and where the optical connector interface and electrical connector interface are associated with a network element port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl W. Boone, James W. Edwards, III
  • Patent number: 7255489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for the detachable connection of at least one light waveguide to at least one optoelectronic component, which is arranged and electrically contacted as a chip directly to the surface of a support or a circuit board and which has an optical axis perpendicular to the support or circuit board. The light waveguide is provided with a fiber-optic plug connector at the end thereof for connection. The connector includes a base piece fixed to the surface of the support or circuit board, enclosing the optoelectronic component and includes a through-hole for the optical signal for exchange between the optical component and the light waveguide. The connector device also includes a coupling piece which connects to the base piece facing outwards and which comprises a socket opening for plugging in the standardized fiber optic plug connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Huber+Suhner AG
    Inventors: Roger Krähenbühl, Jörg Kühne
  • Patent number: 7255490
    Abstract: An optical transceiver module includes a housing comprising a first end and a second end, an electrical interface associated with the first end and an optical interface associated with the second end. The electrical interface is adapted to be locked into a receiving cage. The optical interface is adapted to be connected with one or more optical transceiver components. The optical transceiver module includes a locating mechanism that restrains the one or more optical transceiver components. The optical transceiver module also includes a locking mechanism that can lock the optical transceiver module to a receiving cage. The optical transceiver module further includes an automatic-restoring unlocking mechanism comprising a sliding plate, an unlocking lever, and a restoration spring, wherein the automatic restoring unlocking mechanism automatically restores the sliding plate to the normal position after the optical transceiver module is unlocked from the receiving cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Fiberxon, Inc.
    Inventors: Chao Zhang, Zhong Yang, Xiaobo Tang, Linhua Zhang, Hongbin Wang
  • Patent number: 7255491
    Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a new arrangement for an optical module that enables to align the optical fiber with the semiconductor optical device in active alignment technique. The optical module of the present invention includes a container, a base and a ferrule assembly. The ferrule assembly integrates the optical fiber, the ferrule and the holder, in which the ferrule secures the optical fiber in a center thereof and the holder having a V-groove secures the ferrule in the V-groove. The container has a depression, one end of which is opened, for receiving the ferrule therein. The semiconductor optical device is mounted on a region opposite to the open of the depression of the container. Both sides of the depression are regions on a primary surface of the container, and, when the holder is placed on these two regions, the ferrule is set within the depression with gaps against side surfaces of the depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Takagi
  • Patent number: 7255492
    Abstract: A method includes providing a light pipe having a metallized end surface, and soldering the metallized end surface of the light pipe to a surface of a substrate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Weston C. Roth, Damion T. Searls, Thomas O. Morgan, James D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7255493
    Abstract: An optical semiconductor module comprises an optical transmission channel including a waveguide transmitting a light beam, a holding member whose holding member holds the channel with the end of the channel being exposed from the surface, electric wiring formed on the surface, an optical semiconductor element, mounted above the surface, including an active area to emit or receive a light beam and an electrode pad electrically connected to the electric wiring, the active area optically coupled to the waveguide at the end of the channel, and an electrical insulation film between the optical semiconductor element and the holding member, including openings each corresponding to an electrical connection between the electrode pad and the electric wiring, and an optically coupling portion between the active area and the waveguide, the electrical insulation film being in contact with a portion of the end of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hamasaki, Hideto Furuyama, Hideo Numata, Takashi Imoto
  • Patent number: 7255494
    Abstract: A low-profile package for housing an optoelectric device is disclosed. The low-profile package includes an insulating base having an upper surface. The optoelectric device is mounted to the upper surface of the insulating base. The low-profile package also includes a metal sealing member having a top wall and a bottom wall. The bottom wall of the metal sealing member is attached to the upper surface of the insulating base. The low-profile package further includes a substantially flat metal cover attached to the top wall of the metal sealing member to thereby hermetically seal the metal cover to the insulating base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Tieyu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7255495
    Abstract: An optoelectronic module is seated onto a substrate connector by guiding the module along an initial path portion that is misaligned with respect to the mating direction defined by the substrate connector and further includes providing a positive pressure drive along an end path portion with sufficient force to secure the optoelectronic module to the substrate connector. Where the mating is via a pin-and-socket arrangement, the positive pressure drive requires sufficient force to push the main body of the module to ensure entry of the pins into the sockets. Typically, there is a conversion from force applied in one direction to module motion in the orthogonal direction. However, a rocking cam embodiment is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert H. Yi, Brenton A. Baugh, James H. Williams
  • Patent number: 7255496
    Abstract: A package for housing an optoelectronic device and an integrated circuit is disclosed. The package includes an insulating base having an upper surface. The optoelectronic device and the integrated circuit are mounted to the upper surface of the insulating base. The package also includes a metal sealing member having a top wall and a bottom wall. The bottom wall of the metal sealing member is attached to the upper surface of the insulating base. The package further includes a metal cover having a rim located at a bottom portion thereof. The rim of the metal cover is adapted to attach to the top wall of the metal sealing member to thereby hermetically seal the metal cover to the insulating base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Raghuram Narayan, Tieyu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7255497
    Abstract: A small-sized uni-directional optical power monitor with an excellent directional characteristic is disclosed. The monitor comprises: a GRIN lens having a tap film for transmitting and reflecting an optical signal from an input and an output optical fiber with a predetermined ratio; and a photodiode having a lens for detecting and measuring part of the optical signal that has transmitted through the tap film. The tap film of the GRIN lens is connected to the photodiode by an opaque black sleeve having two continuous circular holes serving as an internal optical path between them. The two circular holes are parallel to each other, their center axes are shifted from each other, and the two circular holes communicate each other through a through-hole at the sleeve intermediate position. The portion of the optical signal coming from one of the optical fibers and transmitting through the tap film passes through the two circular holes and the through-hole and is detected by the photodiode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Suzuki, Takeshi Satoh, Nobuhiro Ueno
  • Patent number: 7255498
    Abstract: A compact, low profile splicing system for joining optical fibers produces durable, low transmission loss fusion splices. The system employs active optical techniques such as profile alignment or local injection and detection to achieve optimized alignment of the fibers prior to fusion. Light injected into one fiber is propagated across the interface to a second fiber. A detector senses the intensity of the injected light in the second fiber. After the relative position of the fibers is manipulated to maximize the transmitted intensity, the fibers are fusion spliced using an electric arc discharge. The accurate alignment achievable using the local injection and detection system to drive adaptive fiber positioning affords a method for reliably producing low loss splices. The present system is compact and low in profile, making it operable in cramped quarters with limited clearance to adjacent equipment and structures and with only a minimal amount of free fiber slack available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Simon P. Bush, Nellie L. Cabato, John A. Crowell, Cheng P. Ma, Andrew Vellrath, Laurence N. Wesson
  • Patent number: 7255499
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cardiac suspension device (3) for a camera balance device (1), comprising two intersecting joint axes (G1, G2); one of said axes extending vertically (G2) (in a perpendicular manner) during operation and the other (G1) extending horizontally, in addition to an axis rotation (D) extending through the vertical joint axis (G2) and lying perpendicular to the horizontal joint axis (G1). A joint output fixing element (27) can be rotated around the vertical joint axis (G2) and is used to fix the cardanic suspension device (3) on the camera balance device (1). A joint input fixing element (25) can rotate around the axis of rotation (D) and is used to fix the cardanic suspension (3) to a support. A centering device (43) is provided in the region of the vertical joint axis (G2) and the horizontal joint axis (G1), enabling the relative position between the joint output fixing element (27) and the camera balance device (1) to be established without slip in said region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Camera Dynamics GmbH
    Inventor: Curt O. Schaller
  • Patent number: 7255500
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heat developing method and a heat developing apparatus for stabilizing density and making image quality stable when executing a heat developing process by a rapid process of 10 seconds or less. The heat developing method is a method for heating a film with a heat developing photosensitive material coated on one side of a support base thereof for a heating time of 10 seconds or less and then cooling it, which opens the face side of the film with the heat developing photosensitive material coated, heats it from the support base side, and cools it from the supports base side by opening the side of the film where the heat developing photosensitive material is coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kido, Mamoru Umeki
  • Patent number: 7255501
    Abstract: A printing device includes a function adding unit detachable to the printing device; a display unit for displaying an error message; a detection unit for detecting that the function adding unit is attached to the printing device; and a device control unit for controlling the display unit to display the error message when the function adding unit is not attached to the printing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Arai
  • Patent number: 7255502
    Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh E. McLoone, James H. Cauthorn, Jonathan A. Hayes, Kenneth V. Fry, William H. Vong
  • Patent number: 7255503
    Abstract: There is a need to develop a more sophisticated educational system of keyboard set ups for not only the disabled population from their worker's compensation injuries but for the entire continuum of keyboard, keypad and mouse users nationally and internationally for the prevention of computer related injuries. Due to the rising medical costs associated with upper extremity sprains and strains and more importantly, carpal tunnel syndrome, design companies are making ergonomic changes in the mouse, keyboard design. However, these changes are being made without regard for the user's dominance. Now a long term solution has been invented based on two simple tests by noted researchers. The dual system of keyboard/keypad, mouse or calculator input device selection based on the computer users human factors of dominance will have a decided impact on the reduction of computer related work force injuries or for other people with disabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Charlene H. Grafton
  • Patent number: 7255504
    Abstract: A paper detecting apparatus and an image forming apparatus having the same are disclosed. The paper detecting apparatus has a sensor unit installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus. The location of the paper detecting apparatus is varied according to the size of printing paper so as to be able to detect the presence or absence of printing paper loaded in the feed cassette. The presence or absence of printing paper is detected at the rear end portion of the printing paper. A sensor location varying unit varies the location of the sensor unit for detecting paper according to the size of printing paper such that the sensor unit can detect the printing paper at the rear end portion of the printing paper irrespective of the size of the printing paper loaded in the feed cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myoung-jin Kim
  • Patent number: 7255505
    Abstract: A liquid applicator assembly has a housing with a liquid storage and a dispensing roller fed by a continuos belt in housing, so that liquid may be applied evenly to a surface. This applicator assembly is especially useful for applying lotion to the skin of a person without any lotion or with minimal lotion coming into contact with a person's hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: James Peterson
  • Patent number: 7255506
    Abstract: A semi-enclosed applicator for distributing a substance onto a target surface including a first side having a first internal surface and a first external surface, a second side having a second internal surface and a second external surface, an internal cavity between said first and second sides, at least one externally accessible opening, and a flexible film reservoir containing a product. At least a portion of the flexible film reservoir of said flexible film reservoir is disposed between said external surfaces of said first side and said second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dana P. Gruenbacher, James H. Davis, Kevin J. Fields, Thomas J. Manske, Jr., Gary C. Joseph, Piyush N. Zaveri
  • Patent number: 7255507
    Abstract: A capless retractable sealed marking instrument has a sealed chamber incorporated in a marker casing. The sealed chamber includes a chamber, a wiper ring, and an annular rim and a seal portion with a cross-slit aperture defining surfaces or flaps which are moved out of contact by a linearly-advanced marker nib to open the seal for extension of the marker nib. The configuration of the disk provides positive sealing force between the lateral sealing surfaces of the seal flaps. Retraction of the marker nib draws the flaps back into the sealed chamber configuration to protect the marker nib and cartridge from atmospheric degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: InnoDesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Lammers, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Daniel Jay Wanhainen, Jeffrey Scott Plantz
  • Patent number: 7255508
    Abstract: A writing system for producing a writing having time-dependent characteristics includes: a pen including: a reservoir containing a fluid; and a writing tip configured to dispense the fluid to a writing surface, wherein the fluid includes a first chemical; and a writing surface including a second chemical chemically reactive with the first chemical, wherein the chemical reaction between the first and second chemicals has a known time dependence, and wherein an extent of chemical reaction between the first chemical and the second chemical is indicative of a time of dispensing of the fluid to the writing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew F. Knight
  • Patent number: 7255509
    Abstract: A paint roller assembly includes a roller support having head and neck portions and a support tube defining an axis, a coupling unit, and a roller unit. The support tube has a free end, and a plurality of spaced-apart apertures in fluid communication with an axial hole in the roller support. The neck portion has a retaining part. An end cap is sleeved on the free end of the support tube. The roller unit includes a tubular sleeve that has first and second end portions coupled rotatably and respectively to the retaining part and the end cap, and a sponge body fixed around the tubular sleeve. The coupling unit is disposed between the retaining part and the first end portion of the tubular sleeve. A handle is connected to the head portion of the roller support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Miguel Wang
  • Patent number: 7255510
    Abstract: A liquid cosmetic product dispenser includes mainly a reservoir, an internal piston and an applicator nozzle provided with an end valve. The reservoir consists of a base provided with an axial rod on which the piston can move longitudinally by rotating the base in relation to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Rexam Dispensing Systems S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Bougamont
  • Patent number: 7255511
    Abstract: A corner leg assembly comprises two grooved mating elements divided longitudinally which when held together form the female groove portion of two dovetail joints, one on each side facing laterally 90 degrees apart. One of the corner elements is a substantially triangular corner leg having perpendicular outside surfaces and parallel lengthwise L-shaped grooves on a 45 degree inside surface. The second element is a clamp block which includes opposite-facing L-shaped side grooves corresponding (being the mirror image thereof) to the grooves on the corner leg. The clamp block is affixed down the middle of the corner leg along the inside surface by one or more clamping fasteners such as a screw or bolt which passes through the clamp block. By turning the fastener(s), the clamp block may be loosened or removed to vertically adjust a laterally-extending panel or rail member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin P. Dolan
  • Patent number: 7255512
    Abstract: A device for filling an open trench with the dirt previously removed from the trench lying alongside the trench, using a skid-mounted frame having blades to initially fill the trench and leveling the dirt, followed by a compactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Marvin A. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7255513
    Abstract: A diamond trowel blade 20 comprises diamond particles that will attach to a power trowel for surface preparation of hardened concrete surfaces. The diamond trowel blade includes a diamond bearing surface 22, for preparing the concrete surface; a backing plate 24 for supporting the diamond bearing surface; and a mounting arm 26 for attaching the trowel blade 20 to the power trowel. A method for mechanically preparing a concrete surface with a diamond trowel blade 20 attached to a power trowel including the surface preparing steps of; selecting the diamond trowel blade 20 with the appropriate grit for the concrete surface, installing the diamond trowel blades 20 on the power trowel, and directing the rotating diamond trowel blade 20 over the surface until the smoothness is attained for the particular grit in use; and repeating the steps until the user achieves the smoothness desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Leonard A. Lampley, Tyron B. Draper
  • Patent number: 7255514
    Abstract: A method and system for removing contaminants from contaminated soil at a site utilizes particle size segregation and particle density segregation to yield a plurality of fractions, whereby each of the fractions are tested and identified for the presence of unacceptable levels of contaminants, and the soil fractions from the contaminated soil at the site corresponding to the identified contaminated fractions are collected for subsequent disposal or treatment, while the remaining untainted soil fractions are homogenized and returned to the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Brice Environmental Services Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Benjamin, Craig Jay Jones, Luther Alba Brice
  • Patent number: 7255515
    Abstract: The marine pipelaying system for vertical or near vertical laying of an offshore pipeline includes a main supporting structure; a pipe connecting station, wherein a pipe section is connected to an uppermost end of a previously launched pipeline; a static clamp adapted for releasably securing the uppermost end of the previously launched pipeline, wherein the static clamp is adapted to support the weight of the previously launched pipeline; a mobile clamp adapted for releasably securing the previously launched pipeline at a position below the static clamp, wherein the mobile clamp is adapted to support the weight of the offshore pipeline as the offshore pipeline is released from the static clamp; and a mobile clamp hoist connected to the mobile clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Itrec B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Pieter Dirk Melis van Duivendijk, Anne Klaas de Groot
  • Patent number: 7255516
    Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine for replacement of underground pipes includes a bursting head having a rearwardly opening recess and a front end opening that communicates with the recess. An inlet pipe is connected at its front end to a distal end of the drill string and extends into the recess of the bursting head through the front end opening. A striker is mounted for sliding movement along the inlet pipe, and a distributing mechanism responsive to pressure fluid supplied through the drill string and inlet pipe causes the striker to reciprocate in the rearwardly opening recess of the head to deliver forward impacts against the bursting head. The striker and distributing mechanism are mounted in a tubular housing, and a pulling connection is provided by which the impactor can be pulled by the drill string while the striker is delivering impacts against the head in the same direction as a pulling force exerted by the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Earth Tool Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Mark D. Randa, Robert F. Crane