Patents Issued in September 4, 2007
  • Patent number: 7264430
    Abstract: A magnetically levitated high-speed spindle assembly (20) is provided for forming non-circular holes (22) in workpieces (24) or non-circular surfaces on pins. The non-circular holes (22) can be formed with dimensionally varying axial trajectories at high speeds and with great accuracy. This is accomplished by supporting a rotating spindle (26) between first (58) and second (60) magnetic bearing clusters and independently controlling these bearing clusters (58, 60) to move a shaping tool (32) at the end of the spindle (26) in a predetermined orbital path (B). A multiple input-multiple output control strategy is used to control spindle (26) movements in the X and Y axes. The tilt angle between the cutting edge (34) of the shaping tool (32) and the orbital path (B) is maintained perpendicular under this multiple input-multiple output control of the magnetic bearing clusters (58, 60) to further improve shaping precision and spindle (26) stability during high-speed operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Federal Mogul World Wide, Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Bischof, William J. Zdeblick
  • Patent number: 7264431
    Abstract: A rigid fastener, for securing to one another adjacent portions of a cover member made of resiliently deformable material, has an end portion with an outward end section of relatively small outside diameter and an axially adjacent inward section of relatively large outside diameter. The end portion of the fastener is engagable in either of two positions in a corresponding recess formed into at least one of the adjacent portions of the cover piece, affording a high level of holding power in its filly inserted position and affording a low level of holding power in a partially inserted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Watertite Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Trueb, Steven R. Trueb
  • Patent number: 7264432
    Abstract: A device for transferring and characterizing objects positions the object on a horizontal work field. The device includes at least one rail extending parallel to the X direction and a displacement unit, movable back and forth in the X direction, having a motorized gripping mechanism for grasping an object. A processor for controlling movements of the displacement unit and actions of the gripping mechanism is distinguished in that the displacement unit includes a carrying device, movable together therewith along the rail, for transferring objects in the X direction. The carrying device is a plate for carrying objects moved onto this carrying plate using the gripping mechanism. According to a method of the invention, objects are moved onto the plate of the carrying device, transferred in the X direction, and deposited again at a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Markus Wiggli, Hanspeter Romer, Peter Muerset, Gregor Batliner, Fred Schinzel, Alois Oberholzer
  • Patent number: 7264433
    Abstract: An access system for passenger boarding of a vehicle is provided. The access system includes a frame mounted to the vehicle. A transfer member is movably mounted in the frame. The transfer member is movable with respect to the frame between a stowed position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. A first drive assembly is positioned along a first side of the frame and a second drive assembly is positioned along a second side of the frame. A linking member extends between and connects the first drive assembly with the second drive assembly. There is further provided a control assembly that is engageable to at least one of the linking member, the first drive assembly, and the second drive assembly to allow operator selection of a manual or automatic mode for deploying and stowing the transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventor: Sebastian Garcia Navarro
  • Patent number: 7264434
    Abstract: A vehicle display lift and rotator includes a base and a platform. A bearing between the base and the platform mounts the platform on the base for rotation about an upright axis. A rotator drive is provided for rotating the platform on the base. The apparatus also includes a base mounting column mounting the base on the ground. The column includes a lifting device for varying the height of the column between a lowered position with the platform substantially at ground level and a raised position with the platform positioned above ground level. With the column lowered, a vehicle may be driven onto the platform, tied down as necessary, lifted to the raised position and rotated for display purposes. This provides a simple drive on-drive off display that is visually very effective, easy to use and unobtrusive when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Kozak
  • Patent number: 7264435
    Abstract: A boom assembly for a work machine including a boom extending from a forward portion of the work machine toward a rear portion of the work machine, a rear link member connected between a frame of the work machine and the boom by a first frame pivot connection and a first boom pivot connection, and a forward link member connected between the frame of the work machine and the boom by a second frame pivot connection and a second boom pivot connection. The boom assembly also includes an actuator connected between the frame of the work machine and the boom by a third frame pivot connection and a third boom pivot connection. The second frame pivot connection is located vertically below the first frame pivot connection and above the second boom pivot connection when the boom assembly is in a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Michael C. Layko, Jeffrey M. Parker
  • Patent number: 7264436
    Abstract: There is provided a robot-guidance assembly for providing a precision motion of an object, especially for providing a precision motion of a disklike member such as a wafer, including a robot having at least one robot arm. The at least one robot arm has a free end and a fixed end. The robot can move the free end of the at least one robot arm in at least one moving plane. The assembly also includes a guiding apparatus for precisely guiding the free end of the at least one robot arm in the at least one moving plane. There is also provided a method for inspecting a surface of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Integrated Dynamics Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Tillmann
  • Patent number: 7264437
    Abstract: A device adapted to operably engage a vehicle to load and unload a container between the vehicle and a surface, and to cooperate with the vehicle to transport the container, is provided. Such a device includes a pair of laterally separated horizontal lifting members configured to be vertically movable with respect to the vehicle and a vertically-movable member operably engaged with the forward ends of the lifting members. A tether is operably engaged between each lifting member and the container so as to secure the container thereto. A translatory device is engaged between the vehicle and the vertically-movable member and configured to support the lifting members as well as move the lifting members longitudinally with respect to the vehicle. To unload the container, the vertically-movable member and the lifting members raise the container above the vehicle and then the translatory device longitudinally moves the container along the vehicle past a vertical plane defined by the rearward end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Pack-Rat Mini-Mover, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Aaron Lockamy, Edward Morton Byrd, Thor Robert (Ted) Thisse
  • Patent number: 7264438
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for cooling thermally stressed regions in a turbo machine which has a live-steam feed line (9), an inflow region (17), a housing (2) and an exhaust-steam region (7), a flow medium flowing through the turbo machine (1) and leaving in the exhaust-steam region (7) during operation, part of the flow medium from the live-steam feed line (9) being passed to the exhaust-steam region (7) and cooled by means of a heat exchanger (8) before entry into the turbo machine (1) and entering the turbo machine (1) via the inflow region (17), thermally stressed regions that are located in the inflow region (17) being cooled by the f low medium that has been cooled in this way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Diesler, Martin Grosse Düweler, Uwe Hoffstadt, Oliver Myschi, Uwe Zander
  • Patent number: 7264439
    Abstract: A device (1), for evacuating a chamber to pressures in the high vacuum range includes a suction-side vacuum pump (2) and an atmospheric-pressure-side vacuum pump (3). The suction-side vacuum pump (2) is a mechanical kinetic vacuum pump with a rotor (11) and a stator (10). The stator (10) has a rotationally-symmetrical inner surface which matches the outer rotor geometry. The rotor (11) in the mechanical kinetic vacuum pump (2) is provided with a structure (13) carrying out the gas pumping. Said gas pumping structure comprises webs (14), the angle and width of which decrease from the suction side to the pressure side. The gas throughflow is improved. The outer diameter of the rotor (11) and the inner diameter of the stator (10) of the suctnion-side pump decrease from the suction side to the pressure side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Adamietz, Roland Blumenthal, Dirk Kalisch
  • Patent number: 7264440
    Abstract: A fuel pump in which fuel can pass smoothly through through-holes of an impeller is taught. Through-holes communicate concavities formed in upper and lower faces of the impeller. These through-holes are formed at an inner side region within the concavities. When the impeller rotates, the rotational speed of the portion provided with the through-holes is slower than in the case where these through-holes are formed at the outer side region within the concavities. As a result, the fuel in the vicinity of the through-holes within the concavity has a slower rotational speed, and consequently the fuel passes easily through the through-holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Ikeya
  • Patent number: 7264441
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid cycle HP compressor (104) for a turbine engine, comprising in particular a first rotor wheel (16), a first rectifier (118) and a second rotor wheel (20), as well as a separation slot (22) fitted between the first rectifier and the second rotor wheel in order to supply the turbine engine with a secondary air flux. According to the invention, the first rectifier is a double grid rectifier comprising a grid of vanes upstream (30) as well as a grid of vanes downstream (34), these upstream and downstream vane grids being associated respectively with variable setting systems upstream and downstream (38,40) controlled in autonomous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: SNECMA Moteurs
    Inventor: Claude Loudet
  • Patent number: 7264442
    Abstract: A combustion chamber inner casing (24) has a flange (28) on its downstream end. A retaining seal ring (40) is bolted to the flange (28) and traps a flanged seal ring (46) against the flange (28) in a manner that allows the seal ring (46) to move by expansion, relative to seal ring (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce, PLC
    Inventor: Adrian L Harding
  • Patent number: 7264443
    Abstract: A pump includes a housing defining an internal chamber having an axial inlet passage, a generally radial passage with an outlet to a volute. A rotatable impeller, disposed within the chamber, has a conical rear shroud sloping away from the axial inlet to define a rear recess. A shaft seal is disposed within the recess to minimize the axial length of the pump. A front surface of the shroud carries vanes operable to impel fluid from the axial inlet passage to the volute. Portions of the vanes extend forward into the axial inlet passage to induce coolant pre-rotation in the inlet passage and to improve pump efficiency. Pump efficiency may be further increased by a conical wall defining the axial inlet passage, a sloped wall defining the radial passage and a large radius between the axial inlet and the sloped wall to smooth fluid flow between the axial inlet passage and the volute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick J. Rozario, Dennis Kitching, William A. Berry, Allen G. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 7264444
    Abstract: An aerofoil has a body, and at least one flow control device, the flow control device including a passage within the body of the aerofoil, and a passage outlet at an upper aerofoil surface of the aerofoil, whereby in use, air from the passage passes through the passage outlet to affect airflow over the upper surface of the aerofoil over at least a range of incidence angles, wherein the passage outlet is provided by an outlet fitting which is secured relative to the upper surface of the aerofoil, the outlet fitting including a surface part which lies contiguously with the surrounding upper aerofoil surface so there is no or only a minimal discontinuity where the surface part and the surrounding upper aerofoil surface interface, the surface part of the fitting further including an opening which communicates with the passage within the body of the aerofoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Westland Helicopters Limited
    Inventor: Shaun Stephen Dunn
  • Patent number: 7264445
    Abstract: A cooled blade or vane for a gas turbine has a main blade or vane part which starts from a blade or vane root and a blade or vane shank and has a leading edge and a trailing edge, as well as, inside the main blade or vane part, a plurality of cooling ducts, which extend in the radial direction, are connected in series in terms of flow and of which a first cooling duct has a main stream of a cooling medium flowing through it along the leading edge. A second cooling duct has a main stream of a cooling medium flowing through it along the trailing edge, from the blade or vane root to the tip of the main blade or vane part. The outlet of the first cooling duct is in communication, via a first diverting region, a third cooling duct arranged between the first and second cooling ducts, and a second diverting region, with the inlet of the second cooling duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Shailandra Naik, Sacha Parneix, Ulrich Rathmann, Helene Saxer-Felici, Stefan Schlechtriem, Beat Von Arx
  • Patent number: 7264446
    Abstract: A tiny-diameter, lengthwise extensive impeller utilized in an ultra-small centrifugal fan is molded by an injection molding operation. In order to avert difficulties attendant on injection-molding ultra-miniature parts, the thickness and length of a reinforcing ring on the tip of the impeller are set to within predetermined ranges. Further, the thickness of each of the vanes that constitute the impeller is made maximum where they join to the impeller ring section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Nidec Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Yoshida, Toru Tamagawa, Tomotsugu Sugiyama, Kazumi Takeshita
  • Patent number: 7264447
    Abstract: In an axial turbine wheel including a rotor disk and a plurality of turbine blades each having a base end retained by the rotor disk via a joint and extending radially from the rotor disk, a seal plate is received in outer and annular slots formed in the base ends of the turbine blades and rotor disk, respectively, and an annular shoulder is formed in the wall defining the inner annular slot on a side remote from the rotor disk, the annular shoulder thereby defining an inner narrow section and an outer wide section in the inner annular slot. Thus, the seal plate can be easily placed in position by first fitting the inner peripheral edge thereof in the inner narrow section of the inner annular slot, fitting the outer peripheral edge thereof in the outer annular slot until the inner peripheral edge clears the annular shoulder. Thereby, the outer and inner peripheral edges of the seal plate are received in the outer annular slot and outer wide section of the inner annular slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Ono, Hakaru Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 7264448
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an axial locking system for a row of blades in a turbine engine. While achieving the desired axial restraint, the system is configured to allow remote manipulation of the locking system. For example, a locking system provided on the upstream side of a row of blades can be accessed from the downstream side of the blades. Such a system can provide significant cost savings during the installation and removal of the blades. In one embodiment, the axial locking system can include a plate with a rotatable cam. Cooperating with the disc, the cam can be rotated to bring the radially outer end of the plate into locking engagement with the turbine blades. The cam can be manipulated from the other side of the disc by a tool extending through a passage formed between the disc and the blade root.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Marcus Garner
  • Patent number: 7264449
    Abstract: A liquid collection and disposal assembly for collecting and disposing of drainage liquid, the liquid collection and disposal assembly disposable in a pit and having a basin assembly with a collection cavity, a pump suspended in the collection cavity and a level detector to detect drainage liquid levels in the collection cavity. A controller responds to the level detector to activate the pump at predetermined levels of the drainage liquid to evacuate the drainage liquid. A transparent basin cover is supported on top of a basin member, and an effluent discharge pipe is connected to the basin cover and to a liquid outlet port of the pump, thereby supporting the pump a predetermined distance above the bottom of the collection cavity. The pump has a water jacket through which the discharging effluent passes to cool the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Little Giant Pump Company
    Inventors: Dick Harned, Bill Tusten
  • Patent number: 7264450
    Abstract: The method is provided for operating a pump unit with a centrifugal pump which is driven by an electric motor and which comprises a rotor running in a split tube. The rotor space is separated with respect to the stator in a fluid-tight manner. On running the motor to its operational rotational speed the fluid located in the rotor space due to the increasing rotational speed evaporates and is removed so that the motor finally functions as a dry-runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Grundfos a/s
    Inventor: Jorgen Christensen
  • Patent number: 7264451
    Abstract: A frame of a reciprocating compressor includes a main frame having a cylindrical insertion hole to receive a cylinder of a compression unit along a center axis thereof and a flange that supports an outer stator of a reciprocating motor at the outer circumference of the flange. A sub frame is engaged to the main frame by an engaging device and positioned to cover an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder to form an oil flow path in a space between the main frame and the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kyeong-Bae Park
  • Patent number: 7264452
    Abstract: Improved rotor position control for rotary machines allows for positioning mechanisms which are more compact, relative to the stroke of the machine. A crank having a center shaft which extends through the rotor chamber is rotatably mounted in a forward in wall of the chamber. An eccentric shaft of the crank is rotatably mounted by the rotor and is aligned with rotor axis. A stationary gear extends into the rotor chamber and is rigidly mounted in a forward in wall of the chamber. A crank web is connected to the center shaft rearward of the stationary gear. The eccentric shaft passes through the rotor gear and is connected to the crank web forward of the rotor gear. The rotor gear has a pitch radius greater than that of the stationary gear by a ratio of the number of lobes of the rotor divided by the number of lobes minus one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Joaseph A. Sbarounis
  • Patent number: 7264453
    Abstract: A motor accommodating chamber accommodates an electric motor such that a rotation axis of the motor is substantially horizontal. The pressure in the motor accommodating chamber is equal to the pressure in a suction chamber. A connecting passage connects a bottom portion of the motor accommodating chamber with the suction chamber. Therefore, mixture of liquids having a lowered insulating property is prevented from staying in a motor accommodating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Gennami, Yoshikazu Fukutani, Satoru Egawa, Shinji Tsubai, Kazuya Kimura
  • Patent number: 7264454
    Abstract: A rotary combustion engine includes a peripheral housing, a front housing plate, a rear housing plate, a piston, and an eccentric shaft, where the piston rotates to form three working spaces separated from each other by the tips of the piston. Shaft seals and piston seals seal off the oil-carrying interior space of the internal combustion engine, and the piston is sealed off against the front and rear housing plates by arcuate strips, which are bounded radially on the inside by an envelope curve. The gas forming in the working space during the combustion phase is under high pressure. Some of this gas leaks around the arcuate strips and flows inward along the flat surfaces of the front and rear plates by way of ring-shaped channels in the piston, thus arriving in recessed areas inside the envelope curves, from which it is then escapes through vent channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Wankel Super Tec GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Baier, Manfred Mäthner, Dankwart Eiermann, Rudolf Klotz, Michael Schirmer
  • Patent number: 7264455
    Abstract: A rotary positive displacement hydraulic machine includes a housing defining two mutually intersecting parallel working chambers having a low pressure inlet side and a high pressure outlet side. Two meshing rotors are mounted for rotation in the two chambers, respectively. Bearing supports at opposite ends of the chambers, support bearings in which the rotors are journalled for rotation. At least one end of the housing is closed by an end cover. The end cover and adjacent housing end have at least one elongate recess on each side of the working chambers. The end cover recesses are alignable with the housing recesses. There is at least one keying element in each pair of aligned recesses so that the open end of the housing is supported against relative movement by differential fluid pressure in the chambers in a direction transverse to a plane containing the axes of rotation of the meshing rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Robert Lipscombe
  • Patent number: 7264456
    Abstract: An integrated circuit leadframe has a pair of leadframe rails that are specially treated to adhere to injection mold compounds to a lesser or greater degree than portions of the leadframe rails outside of the treated areas. By adhering to mold compounds to a greater degree, mold compound not removed during a deflashing procedure does not flake off to form mold compound debris during a trimming and forming procedure. By adhering to mold compounds to a lesser degree, substantially all of the mold compound is removed during the deflashing procedure so there is no mold compound to flake off to form mold compound debris during the trimming and forming procedure. The leadframe rails may be treated by forming apertures in the rails, by increasing or decreasing the roughness of the leadframe rails, or by coating the leadframe rails with an adhesion promoting or reducing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon M. Williams, Michael D. Gifford
  • Patent number: 7264457
    Abstract: Equipment (1) used in the molding or plastic pipe includes die tooling (3) provided with a plastic flow distributor (25) at the upper end of the die tooling. The plastic flow distributor has adjustable flow to provide an even distribution of plastic from an extruder into at least one die passage (9) within the die tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventors: Manfred A. A. Lupke, Stefan A. Lupke
  • Patent number: 7264458
    Abstract: Medical device balloons are formed from a tubular parison by a process or apparatus which establishes a controlled location (initiation zone) on the parison where radial expansion is initiated. Initiation within the initiation zone is achieved by heating the parison in that location to a higher temperature than the remainder of the parison for at least a portion of the blowing time. A variety of apparatus configurations are provided, some of which allow for the size and location of the initiation zone to be readily reconfigured. Balloons can also be modified, post-blowing, using heating apparatus and methods described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Holman, Nam H. Hoang, Jeffrey S. Lindquist, Richard Dunn, Scott Schewe, Kevin Silberg, David Parsons, Ken Xiao Kang Zhang, Afsar Ali
  • Patent number: 7264459
    Abstract: A belt drive system for a reciprocating mold plate in a food product molding machine. The invention relates to a belt drive system having a belt tensioning device configured to tension a drive belt of an indexing motion food product molding machine. The invention provides ease of service and/or replacement of components of the drive system. The invention provides a manifold configuration to balance the flow and pressure of the food product over a wide fill area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Patriot Universal Holdings, LLC.
    Inventors: Rick G. Gosz, Mark A. Kubsh
  • Patent number: 7264460
    Abstract: A material processing plant comprises a first screw-type extruding machine (1) and a second screw-type extruding machine (2) which is disposed downstream thereof. Between the two screw-type extruding machines (1, 2), provision is made for a delivery zone (28) where a delivery orifice is provided, extending radially of the axes (12a, 13a) of the casing bores (12, 13) of the first screw-type extruding machine (1) and being directed towards the second screw-type extruding machine (2). The at least one casing bore (12, 13) of the first screw-type extruding machine (1) is lockable in the direction of its axis (12a, 13a) by means of a sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Coperion Werner & Pfleiderer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Munz, Jürgen Strecker
  • Patent number: 7264461
    Abstract: Externally adjustable extrusion insert for a multiple-orifice extrusion manifold. Adjustments to an extrusion insert precisely controls the extrusion path leading to one or more extrusion orifices of the manifold. Each insert is adjusted to reduce or eliminate variations in extrudate exit velocity among orifices in the extrusion manifold. Precisely tuned inserts provide extruded products of uniform length. Choke plates controlling the flow of extrudate to each orifice. Choke plates are manipulated with an externally adjustable cam. Such adjustment compensates for variations in temperature, pressure, surface properties, geometric variations, and other conditions which may affect extrudate flow rates through the orifices and extrusion manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Leon Ouellette
  • Patent number: 7264462
    Abstract: A consolidated cellulosic article of increased thickness and target face density, as well as an apparatus and method of manufacturing same, are disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second dies adapted to move toward one another with a mat of cellulosic material and a binding agent therebetween. When the dies move together, the mat is compressed under pressure and heat with forms on one of the dies forming indentations in the mat. Compression zones of increased density form between the indentations and a first face of the mat. By spacing the forms appropriately, the compression zones overlap, and the first face of the resulting consolidated board is provided with substantially uniform density. Since the entire board is not compressed to the same degree, its overall thickness is enhanced while the density of the first face of the mat is increased, and relatively little material is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis H. Vaders
  • Patent number: 7264463
    Abstract: Platen-mounted, post-mold cooling apparatus and method includes structure and/or steps for handling molded parts in an injection molding machine having a fixed platen, a moving platen, a core half, and a cavity half. A take off device coupled to the fixed platen is configured to remove molded parts from either the core half or the cavity half. A cooling device coupled to the moving platen is configured to cool the molded parts carried by the take off device. Preferably, the take off device extracts the just molded parts from the mold's core half and then moves linearly outboard of the mold halves. The subsequent movement of the moving platen to close the mold in the next molding cycle causes the cooling device's pins to engage the molded parts in the take off device part carriers. When the moving platen opens again, the molded parts are extracted from the part carriers by the cooling device pins. When the moving platen is fully open, the cooling device is rotated to eject the cooled parts from the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Limited
    Inventors: Robert Domodossola, Robin A. Arnott, Christopher Huntington
  • Patent number: 7264464
    Abstract: An intimate fit preform cooling tube with an inner mating surface that includes a polymeric coating to increase its lubricity and thereby reduce friction with a preform to be engaged therewith. The cooling tube of the present invention substantially reduces or eliminates preform ovality and gate stretching problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Matthias Unterlander, Witold Neter, Tomasz Uracz
  • Patent number: 7264465
    Abstract: An injection mold for producing, from thermoplastic plastic, fittings which have an annular groove on the inside. The injection mold includes an outer mold, divided into a first and second mold half and along a parting line, and a mold core being axially displaceable along a mold half. A complementary mold bead for forming the annular groove is formed by levers carrying ring segments. A slider, which bridges the parting plane of the outer mold and is connected to the second mold half, has guide grooves of differing obliqueness, in which there engage motionally lateral projections both of the mold core and of the actuating element. A guide, which extends the opening stroke of the mold core, is formed at a distance from the parting plane, between the slider and at least the mold core, the guide preferably comprising second, lateral projections and second guide grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: IFW-Manfred Otte Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ernst Schwaiger, Erich Mitteregger
  • Patent number: 7264466
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide combustion in a radiant tube in first, second and third stages, with flue gas recirculation that begins at the second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: North American Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Todd A. Miller, Dennis E. Quinn, Thomas F. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7264467
    Abstract: A convection oven that achieves a substantially enhanced degree of air flow through the use of a special nozzle design. Turbo flow air nozzles create an air flow pattern to provide higher velocity airflow with a smaller fan size and ductwork. The turbo flow air nozzles include main supply nozzles that direct high velocity air through air entrainment and mixing sections that entrain air from the oven interior to generate the increased air flow in a heat transfer zone of the oven. Appropriate ductwork is provided to direct air from a fan or fans to the supply nozzles to generate a high velocity air flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: International Thermal Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Mitchell, Yougui Zhao
  • Patent number: 7264468
    Abstract: An edgewise orthodontic bracket for use in an edgewise or straight-wire technique having a standard horizontally opening rectangular archwire slot and a mesiodistally extending tunnel or lumen separate from and vertically angled to the archwire slot for receiving a relatively small flexible wire during the use of an undersize rectangular archwire in the archwire slot to apply a force to the bracket for capturing lost torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventors: Peter C. Kesling, Richard C. Parkhouse, Christopher K. Kesling
  • Patent number: 7264469
    Abstract: A dental implant assembly that includes an apical insert and at least one other component. The apical insert includes a top portion that is adapted to be at least partially secured to the component via a tapered Morse fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Abarno
  • Patent number: 7264470
    Abstract: Implant (10) having a shaft which is adapted in use to be embedded in bone tissue and which has an outer surface provided with a circumferentially-oriented roughness. The circumferentially-oriented roughness has first and second axial sections (19, 21) with each section comprising a series of circumferentially-oriented peaks which have a crest and which are axially spaced apart by troughs. The axial spacing (d) between the crests of adjacent peaks in the first axial section (19) is less than the axial spacing (3d) between the crests of adjacent peaks in the second axial section (21). Although the axial spacing between the crests of adjacent peaks in the first and second axial sections of circumferentially-oriented roughness differs, the first and second axial sections of circumferentially-oriented roughness are adapted in use to provide the same or substantially the same pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Astrazeneca AB
    Inventor: Stig Hansson
  • Patent number: 7264471
    Abstract: Dental bleaching methods and kits employ a dental bleaching composition, a protective composition and a barrier layer. The dental bleaching composition is positioned so as to contact a person's tooth surfaces. The protective composition is positioned so as to shield a person's gingival tissue from the bleaching composition during tooth bleaching. The barrier layer protects at least the bleaching composition from saliva and/or mechanical forces during tooth bleaching. The dental bleaching composition and protective composition can be in the form of a sticky and viscous gel. The protective composition may alternatively be a flexible polymerizable material. The barrier layer may be a substantially flat sheet, strip or patch, or it may comprise a dental tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Malcmacher, Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7264472
    Abstract: This invention is an analog device that can be used before an audience to qualitatively demonstrate the interaction of diet, exercise and weight in the human body. The device folds for easy transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: David Nicholson Low
  • Patent number: 7264473
    Abstract: Automatically determining which one of a plurality of functions is to be associated with a movable member of an electronic device, depending on which one of a plurality of faceplates is coupled to the electronic device. A selected faceplate is coupled to a keyboard or other electronic device with movable members such as keys, buttons, knobs, etc. Protrusions or other configuration characteristics of the faceplate interface with one or more faceplate sensors, such as switches, that detect which faceplate is coupled to the electronic device. Based on the state of the faceplate sensors, the electronic device selects a predefined code, such as a scan code, that represents the coupled faceplate. The selected predefined code is communicated to a host computing device according to a keyboard protocol such as PS/2 or universal serial bus (USB). Consequently, an individual function is associated with each movable member based on the coupled faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Williams
  • Patent number: 7264474
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a plurality of color-coded cards and representing four personality styles and a set of two cards representing the Extraversion-Introversion scale of Carl Jung. On each set of two (2) cards, there is one that lists twenty (20) characteristics of the particular style associated with that card on a plurality of removable strips. The other card in the set of two (2) has a blank side to place the removable strips that characterize each participant. On the reverse side of this card is printed the workplace environment that most appeals to a person of this particular style. Each card has a place for a simple score, (i.e. a simple sum of the characteristics chosen). The color-coded cards are ordered numerically. The Extravert-Introvert (E-I) card is also scored. Participants are asked to place color-coded dots representing each participant's particular order of styles on their nametags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Personality Resources International
    Inventors: Joseph R. Sullivan, Frederick A. Leafgren, Lee B. Wagman, Lorne H. Karasik
  • Patent number: 7264475
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for curriculum management. The techniques include defining a curriculum type that includes one or more curriculum type elements, the curriculum type being a template for a curriculum; and defining a curriculum based on the defined curriculum type by selecting one or more curriculum elements for each of one or more of the curriculum type elements. The defined curriculum can include different types of training courses, including web-based trainings, classroom trainings, and on-the-job trainings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Hagen Eck, Rudolf Winkel, Marcus Philipp, Christian Hochwarth
  • Patent number: 7264476
    Abstract: A desktop teaching aid which has a body having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the bottom surface comprising a magnetic material for securing the body to a desk, the body defining a frame around an aperture, educational information represented on the top surface of the body, and a replaceable name tag positioned within the aperture of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Nancy Klodt
  • Patent number: 7264477
    Abstract: An underwater writing and drawing tablet that stretches a length of waterproof (plastic) vellum between two rollers over a flat surface thereby enabling the user to easily draw or write on said vellum and permanently save the drawing and writing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Lloyd Hagan
  • Patent number: 7264478
    Abstract: A retractable wiring harness device attaches to the trailer frame near the trailer hitch and contains a length of retractable wiring harness which extends from a housing member to install within the wiring connection on a towing vehicle, the trailer wiring harness wired into the lighting and braking wiring harness of the trailer. When the trailer is disconnected from the towing vehicle and the retractable wiring harness is disconnected from the wiring connection of the vehicle, the wire cable is withdrawn into the housing member to retain the retractable wiring harness, keeping it off the ground and out of the way of the trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: John D. Downing
  • Patent number: 7264479
    Abstract: Male and female elements of a co-axial cable connector include permanent magnets for the connective force between the male and female elements, a magnet of one polarity in the male element and one of opposite polarity in the female element. The male and female elements are designed and configured to provide a reliable electrical connection while at the same time allowing for quick and easy disconnect of the elements without damage to the connector when it is subjected to inadvertent break away forces. When connecting a musical instrument to a speaker and subjecting the connector to quick inadvertent disconnect there is no resultant disruptive noise or damage to the electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Vincent J. Lee