Patents Issued in November 6, 2007
  • Patent number: 7290313
    Abstract: A clasp is described that comprises two identical parts (10,12) that can be joined together to fasten the clasp and that can be separated from each other to release the clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Royal College of Art
    Inventor: Andrew Richard Southern
  • Patent number: 7290314
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a complex nonwoven fabric which consists in continuously producing a complex wherein a first web of a cellulosic fibres is continuously sandwiched between two webs of spunbonded filaments, and which consists in: producing a first web of spunbonded filaments, the bundle of extruded and drawn filaments being received on a mobile conveyor belt in the form of a non-bonded lap; depositing on said web by airlaid process a second web of cellulosic fibres; depositing on the textile web a second web of non-bonded continuous filaments; transferring the resulting complex onto an installation for water-jet bonding and hydro-entanglement consolidation; and in drying the nonwoven mixed product and then recuperating it, for example in the form of a cloth wind-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Rieter Perfojet
    Inventors: Andre Vuillaume, Frederic Noelle
  • Patent number: 7290315
    Abstract: A method including forming a ceramic material directly on a sheet of a first conductive material; forming a second conductive material on the ceramic material; and sintering the ceramic material. A method including forming a ceramic material directly on a sheet of a first conductive material; forming a second conductive material on the ceramic material so that the ceramic material is disposed between the first conductive material and the second conductive material; thermal processing at a temperature sufficient to sinter the ceramic material and form a film of the second conductive material; and coating an exposed surface of at least one of the first conduct material and the second conductive material with a different conductive material. An apparatus including first and second electrodes; and a ceramic material between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the ceramic material is sintered directly on one of the first and second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Cengiz A. Palanduz, Yongki Min
  • Patent number: 7290316
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to an improved automatic screw machine employing a first servomotor connected to cause rotation of a first set of tooling cams independently of the operation of a spindle drive, and a second servomotor to cause rotation of a second set of cams independently of the operation of the spindle drive, wherein a multi-axis controller controls at least the speed of the spindle drive in conjunction with at least each of the two servomotors, and where the operation of at least the two servomotors is electronically synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Patrick L. Muscarella, Ronald LaRock, Charles D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7290317
    Abstract: A blind rivet setting tool has a construction in which a tubular spring-biased handle gripped by an operator moves axially of the tool. An interlock between a trigger lever and the handle prevents operation of the tool until a rivet held by the tool is properly positioned in a hole of a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignees: Newfrey LLC, Nissan Shatai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyoshi Kato, Yoshiharu Kawasaki, Seidou Murai
  • Patent number: 7290318
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for applying electromagnetic force (EMF) to flanging and hemming metal panels to form a hemmed panel assembly. First and second apparatus and method steps use a translating EMF coil to flange a sheet and to finish a hem by progressive non-planar bending. An alternate embodiment uses EMF hemming for difficult-to-hem portions of a flange and optionally precedes this with conventional hemming of straight hem portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Bradley, John E. Carsley
  • Patent number: 7290319
    Abstract: A method for installing a locking retainer in a tube to maintain internal components within the tube under compression comprising the steps of: a) providing an elongated retainer spring having large and small diameter sections with the large diameter section of a size for an interference fit with the interior diameter of the tube and the smaller diameter section of a size having a clearance with the interior diameter of the tube; b) inserting a smaller diameter section of an elongated tool into the larger diameter section of the elongated retainer spring; c) engaging a transition between the smaller and larger diameter sections of the tool against a transition between the larger and smaller diameter sections of the elongated retainer spring; d) inserting the combined tool and retainer spring into an open end of the tube containing internal components with an end of the smaller diameter section of the retainer spring entering the tube first; e) advancing the combined tool and retainer spring within the tube to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventor: Russel P. Higgins
  • Patent number: 7290320
    Abstract: A wire oven rack, capable of being later-coated with porcelain, including, a plurality of elongated steel wire members joined together to form an oven rack having an outer surface. The plurality of elongated steel wire members are made from a steel rod material containing from about 80 to about 99.9% by weight of iron, from about 0.001 to about 0.08% by weight of carbon and from about 0.001 to about 0.2% by weight of a carbon stabilizing transition metal, preferably selected from the group consisting of Vanadium, Tantalum, Titanium and Niobium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: SSW Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David James Blankenship
  • Patent number: 7290321
    Abstract: An apparatus for passively aligning first and second substrates having micro-components disposed thereon when the substrates do not include patterned surfaces which face each other. The apparatus includes a first depression which cooperates with an alignment sphere to mechanically engage a corresponding depression disposed on the front surface of the first substrate and a second depression which cooperates with a second alignment sphere to mechanically engage a corresponding depression disposed on the front surface of the second substrate. The first and second depression of the alignment apparatus and the alignment spheres cooperate to passively align micro-components disposed on each of the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dan A. Steinberg, Mindaugas F. Dautartas, Jasean Rasnake
  • Patent number: 7290322
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar for an automotive vehicle includes a stabilizer bar, and a generally ring shaped first mechanical stop mounted onto and extending about an outer diameter of the stabilizer bar. The first mechanical stop is crimped in place onto the stabilizer bar such that the first mechanical stop is positioned within a groove formed within the outer diameter of the stabilizer bar as the first mechanical stop is crimped onto the stabilizer bar, whereby the first mechanical stop is retained within the groove to prevent movement of the mechanical stop along the stabilizer bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Haimian Cai, Xinjian Fan, Mikhal el Arculli
  • Patent number: 7290323
    Abstract: A fingerprint-sensing device with a sensor array that does not use active switching elements is fabricated on a base. Sensor support integrated circuits, which contain processing and addressing circuitry, are separately fabricated and subsequently mounted on the base, establishing electrical connections with an interconnect structure within the base, and are thus not integrated with the sensor array. The sensor support integrated circuits can be covered by a bezel structure and the sensor array by a covering material. In addition, a connection cable can be provided to connect the sensor array and the sensor support integrated circuits with a power source and to other external devices and to convey signals generated by the sensor array to the external devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fidelica Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith T. Deconde, Srinivasan K. Ganapathi, Randolph S. Gluck, Steve H. Hovey, Shiva Prakash, Robert Dobkin
  • Patent number: 7290324
    Abstract: A magnetic head including a media heating device. Following the fabrication of the heating device, a sacrificial layer of material is deposited to protect the heating device during subsequent process steps. Thereafter, write head components, such as write head induction coils and/or a P1 pole pedestal are fabricated above the heating device, and the sacrificial layer is substantially consumed in protecting the heating device during the aggressive etching and milling steps used to create those components. Further components, including a second magnetic pole are thereafter fabricated to complete the fabrication of the write head portion of the magnetic head. The sacrificial layer may be comprised of alumina, or a material such as NiFe that can act as a seed layer for a subsequent head components such as the P1 pole pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands, B.V.
    Inventors: Robert E. Fontana, Jr., Jeffrey S. Lille
  • Patent number: 7290325
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an exemplary method for manufacturing a magnetic head includes forming a plurality of magnetoresistive devices, a reference device, and a monitoring device, where the reference device includes a desired stripe height less than the magnetoresistive devices and monitoring device. Material is removed from the air/tape bearing surface, e.g., by lapping, thereby reducing the stripe height of the magnetoresistive devices and monitoring device. A characteristic of the reference device, e.g., resistance, voltage, or the like, is compared with a similar characteristic of the monitoring device, wherein the characteristic of the monitoring device varies as material is removed. Material may be removed from the bearing surface until the characteristic of the monitoring device and the reference device are substantially equal, at which time, the stripe height of the monitoring device and magnetoresistive devices are substantially equal to that of the reference device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew L. Wu
  • Patent number: 7290326
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing high layer count, multi-layer circuits which includes fabricating a fixture having an opening therein for placement within a press. A material stack, particularly a material stack having multiple layers of liquid crystalline polymer, is placed within the opening of the fixture before activating the press to laminate the material stack positioned within the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Dynaco Corp.
    Inventor: Steven Lee Dutton
  • Patent number: 7290327
    Abstract: A component mounting method and a component mounting apparatus for picking up an electronic component, positioning the electronic component on a circuit substrate and mounting the electronic component to the circuit substrate are adapted to perform an idling operation during a pause of component mounting operation, thereby eliminating any degradation of the component mounting accuracy due to temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Nakano, Koji Odera, Takeshi Kuribayashi
  • Patent number: 7290328
    Abstract: Major surface of a substrate having an optical waveguide and a modulation electrode is pasted to a base substrate through a thermosetting resin, and then the rear surface of the substrate is machined thus making thin the entirety. Subsequently, the rear surface of the substrate thus rendered thin is subjected to machining or laser machining to form a thin part, which is further subjected to machining or laser machining to form a first thin part at a part, including the optical waveguide, of the thin part and a second thin part thinner than the first thin part contiguously thereto. Thereafter, the rear surface of the substrate is pasted to the major surface of a supporting substrate through a thermosetting resin and the base substrate is stripped thus obtaining an optical modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jungo Kondo, Yukio Mizuno, Minoru Imaeda, Atsuo Kondo
  • Patent number: 7290329
    Abstract: A cable includes a conductor having an insulation layer wrapped substantially about the conductor. A foamable polymer layer is applied substantially about the insulation layer. A cross-section of the foamable polymer layer has a substantially uneven outer surface. An armor shell is applied exterior to the foamable polymer layer. The armor shell is substantially concentric to the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Rockbestos Surprenent Cable Corp.
    Inventor: Scott Magner
  • Patent number: 7290330
    Abstract: A system including a circuit board and several pluggable modules coupled to the circuit board. The several pluggable modules are insertable through side-by-side slots in an enclosure in which the circuit board resides. A first pluggable module is coupled to the circuit board via a first connector, while a second pluggable module is coupled to the circuit board via a second connector such that the second pluggable module is laterally offset from the first pluggable module. The first and second connectors are right angle connectors, and the second right angle connector is inverted relative to the first right angle connector. The first and second pluggable modules are I/O modules for transporting high speed differential signals, and wherein the first pluggable module includes several XFP connectors, and wherein the second pluggable module includes several SFP connectors. The second pluggable module includes several SFP connectors arranged on both sides of the pluggable module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Steven D. Sardella, Stephen E. Strickland, Bassem N. Bishay, Thomas J. Connor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7290331
    Abstract: In a component mounting apparatus in which integrated components having a chip-on-chip structure are formed by mounting upper chips on lower chips. The lower chips picked up from a component carrying-in unit by a component carrying-in head are placed on a mounting stage, and the upper chips picked up from a second component tray by a component transporting head are vertically flipped around a rotation axis and transferred to a mounting head at a component transferring position, then the upper chips held by the mounting head are descended and mounted by solder bonding on the lower chips held by the mounting stage at a component mounting position. Integrated components formed by mounting are carried out of the mounting stage by the component transporting head and stored in a first component tray in a component storing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunji Onobori, Shozo Minamitani, Shuichi Hirata, Tomoaki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 7290332
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of constructing an interposer is provided. A conductive layer is formed on a nonconductive layer. The conductive layer has via portions, non-via portions, and first and second opposing surfaces. The first surface of the conductive layer is adjacent to the nonconductive layer. Portions of the nonconductive layer are removed to expose portions of the first surface of the conductive layer. Conductive pads are formed on the exposed portions of the first surface and the second surface of the conductive layer. The non-via portions of the conductive layer are removed to form a plurality of electrically separated conductors. Each conductor includes at least two conductive pads and a via portion of the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Exatron, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Howell
  • Patent number: 7290333
    Abstract: A conductive film has a plurality of clearances (openings) and a plurality of auxiliary clearances. The plurality of clearances and the plurality of auxiliary clearances are formed to have such numerical apertures and locations that generate no bias in the distribution of conductive film in consideration of the entire conductive film. The conductive film can disperse stress caused by thermal expansion etc., to ease by having the plurality of clearances and the plurality of auxiliary clearances. Accordingly, the conductive film is less prone to being peeled off the insulating film. Further, since the distribution of conductive film is substantially uniform as a whole, the transfer characteristics that are fixed by the distribution become substantially uniform as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Matsui
  • Patent number: 7290334
    Abstract: Method for connecting an electrical conductor (17) to a metal bar (11) by bolted connection, whereby a bushing (10) provided with a collar (12) is inserted into, and is by radial expansion fastened in, a hole in the metal bar, a cable lug (16) connected to the electrical conductor is caused to abut against the bushing, and the cable lug is connected to the bushing by means of a bolt (14) disposed in the bushing and forming part of the bolted connection. An expansion device (23) with a threaded portion (26) and an expansion collar (25) is drawn through the bushing in order to expand the latter. A fitting nut (20) with a thread (21) cooperating with the threaded portion (26) is rotated in abutment against the collar (12) of the bushing in order to draw the expansion tool through the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Safetrack Infrasystems Sisab AB
    Inventor: Ola Pettersen
  • Patent number: 7290335
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of installing a drive chain (201) uses one or more restraints (101) that do not interfere with drive chain function in an operating engine nor fall off during installation. One or more restraints (101) near a sprocket (207) attached to the crankshaft or other device facilitate installation of one or more drive chains (201) during engine assembly by limiting the movement of the drive chain (201) away from the sprocket (207).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Martin R. Zielke
  • Patent number: 7290336
    Abstract: A circuit provides energy to a plurality of piezoelectric diaphragm structures formed in a two-dimensional array. Each piezoelectric diaphragm structure includes a piezoelectric element in operational contact with at least a first side electrode and a second side electrode. A switching system includes a first connection for a first power source, for application of power to the first side electrode and a second connection for a second power source, for application of power to the second side electrode. In a first state, power appropriate for performing a poling operation of the piezoelectric material is available for application to the first electrode, and the second electrode, and in a second state, power appropriate to activate the piezoelectric material to cause operational movement of the poled piezoelectric diaphragm structure is available for application to the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven A. Buhler, John S. Fitch, Meng H. Lean, Karl A. Littau
  • Patent number: 7290337
    Abstract: In this manufacturing method for a frame body, after ring rolling a metal material to form a ring-shaped member, a rectangular member is formed by pressing and deforming this ring-shaped member in the radial direction. At this time, an angle of corner portions that impart the rectangular shape to the rectangular member is formed smaller than an angle of the frame body that is to be obtained by die forging the rectangular member. According to the frame body obtained by this manufacturing method for a frame body, it is possible to increase the mechanical strength, and in particular, the creep strength. Furthermore, when forming the frame body, the occurrence of defects during manufacture may be restrained, it becomes possible to realize a reduction of the amount of waste metal material and the manufacturing time, and thereby this frame body may be formed inexpensively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kikuchi, Shoichi Takahashi, Kiyoshi Tamaru
  • Patent number: 7290338
    Abstract: Disclosed are an electric pole manufacturing apparatus having an improved distal end, capable of reducing the cost, arranging tensile cores corresponding to a design load, and providing a high quality electric pole, and a method of manufacturing the electric pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hammtek Asia, Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Soo Kim, Jung Ho Kong
  • Patent number: 7290339
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus for easily opening plastic packaging comprises: first support member 100, second support member 200, first shaft 400, second shaft 401, third shaft 402, first cutting wheel 300, second cutting wheel 301, third cutting wheel 302, handle 303, first drive wheel 304, and a second drive wheel 305.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Mark J. Schmelzer
  • Patent number: 7290340
    Abstract: A circular cutter comprising a circular blade mounted to a front end of a handle via a shaft assembly, in the handle is disposed a slide member for controlling a hood, the hood is formed with a T-shaped hole located correspondingly to a center of the circular blade and is defined with an arc gap located in a cutting direction of the circular cutter, the T-shaped hole is arranged at both sides of the circular blade and located outside of the shaft assembly, when the hood draws back under the control of the slide member, a surface of an object to be cut will press against the hood, so as to make the shaft assembly deviate within the T-shaped hole, and therefore, both a left hand user and a right hand user can use the same circular cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Tsai-Lian Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 7290341
    Abstract: A knife is disclosed for cutting crop materials, and includes a base portion having an interior edge and a pair of end edges. The base portion has an exterior region opposite the interior edge and has opposite major faces. The knife further includes a plurality of teeth extending from the base portion, with each tooth being defined by a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge of the tooth includes a leading edge portion and a transition edge portion extending between the leading edge portion of the tooth and an adjacent tooth. The leading edge portion is formed by a leading edge surface lying substantially in a plane that is oriented at a first bevel angle with respect to one of the major faces. The transition edge portion is formed by a transition edge surface that is oriented with respect to one of the major faces at a second bevel angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Phillip Kooima
  • Patent number: 7290342
    Abstract: A circular saw assembly of the type that includes a motor housing, a handle coupled to the motor housing, a generally circular saw blade disposed within a blade housing at a first end of the motor housing, and a foot member through which the blade extends for guiding the saw assembly along a work surface, where the circular saw assembly including a depth of cut locking system and an angle of cut locking system. The depth of cut locking system includes an arcuate bracket with an arcuate slot, and an engagement member extends through the slot and is operatively connected to the motor housing and slideable in the arcuate slot. The angle of cut locking system includes a bracket having an arcuate slot and an engagement member movable in the slot and configured to the bracket. A biasing member is provided to bias the engagement member, and at least one detent recess is provided to retain the engagement member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: James R. Hartmann, Ralf Bocka, Joseph Z. Wascow
  • Patent number: 7290343
    Abstract: A motor-driven saw has a gearing housing (4), which has at least two housing parts (6, 8), a stroke bar (10), which in operation executes a stroke movement in the direction of a stroke axis (26), and a reciprocating movement generator (36) that can be turned on or off, by virtue of which the stroke movement is superimposed with a reciprocating movement executed transverse to the stroke axis (26). All bearing zones (30, 44, 62) over which the reciprocating movement generator (36) is supported on the gearing housing (4) in a preferred direction of advance (16) of the saw, are arranged in the same carrying housing part (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengsellschaft
    Inventor: Markus Hartmann
  • Patent number: 7290344
    Abstract: A monolithic body having angle scaling is rotatable about an axis to measure the rotational position of a machine part. The body has a first annular region which has a flange-type configuration for connection to the machine part, and a second annular region on which the angle scaling is arranged, as well as a crosspiece region. The crosspiece region is arranged between the first annular region and the second annular region. The crosspiece region has a geometrical extension in the direction of the axis which is at least three times smaller than the greatest geometrical extension of the second annular region in the direction of the axis (Z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Brandl, Juergen Hertenberger
  • Patent number: 7290345
    Abstract: An improved sighting device is provided. The sight may be used on a bow or other device which is typically sighted on an object during use. The sight includes at least one light-gathering fiber-optic fiber having at least one end from which absorbed light may be transmitted for viewing by a user. The fiber-optic fiber includes an associated element that regulates the amount of light absorbed in inverse proportion to the impinging light intensity in an automatic manner providing a more constant light intensity output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Montana Black Gold
    Inventor: Michael J. Ellig
  • Patent number: 7290346
    Abstract: An extension set for a spirit level having an elongated leveling face for setting on a surface and defining a nominal working length, an opposite face to the leveling face, a pair of opposite major side surfaces, and a pair of opposite end sections, the extension set including a pair of discrete elongated U-shaped profile spirit level extenders for lengthwise accommodating an end section of the spirit level with its leveling face facing towards the surface and its opposite face facing away therefrom on spaced apart alignment on the surface such that the pair of spirit level extenders partially underlie the spirit level's leveling face and their remaining portions extend lengthwise therebeyond for extending its nominal working length, and a pair of spirit level clamps for mounting on the pair of spirit level extenders for clamping the spirit level thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kapro Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Emanuel Szumer, Stephen Sweet, Mordechai Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7290347
    Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of facet joint prostheses at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing a cephalad facet joint prosthesis including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a cephalad facet joint prosthesis for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a measurement tool for installing a caudal facet joint prosthesis including a stem element and a trial caudal bearing surface element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a caudal facet joint prosthesis for implantation in a patient. Yet another aspect is a measurement tool holder including a measurement surface connected to a holder element. This tool holder assists in determining the measurements obtained with the caudal facet joint prosthesis measurement tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Archus Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Teena M. Augostino, Richard J. Broman, Leonard Tokish, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7290348
    Abstract: The invention provides a circularity and cylindrical shape measuring device that can decrease the measurement errors generated due to the weight of a measured workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Shozo Katamachi
  • Patent number: 7290349
    Abstract: A blade setting tool for calibrating the mounting position of a reciprocating blade in an electric trimmer after the blade has been removed for cleaning or sharpening. The blade setting tool provides a time-saving and convenient method for mounting of the reciprocating blade such that a pre-determined clearance is maintained between the reciprocating blade and the stationary blade to avoid cutting or biting problems during a hair cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Bobby J. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7290350
    Abstract: The invention is adapted particularly for simplifying the difficult task of measuring the openings of picture frame mats, and then transferring those measurements to a mitering machine for the purpose of accurately cutting, to the proper length, a piece of picture frame fillet molding. The invention includes at least a generally rectangular body, comprising a top plate and a base plate. A slide mechanism is slideably mated to the top plate by means of a male dovetail, which mates with the matching female dovetail. In addition, the slide mechanism is mated to the top plate by introducing the side of top plate into the slot of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry Lee
  • Patent number: 7290351
    Abstract: A bracket includes a fixing piece on a rotation element (3), said fixing piece comprising a body (22) in the general form of a ring, provided with an annular radial projection (23). The body includes an opening (33) which permits a variation in the diameter of said body (22) on assembly with engagement of the projection (23) in a corresponding groove (9) on the rotation element (3) to give a radial interference fit. A bar (28) prevents a variation in the diameter of the body (22) as above after the assembly thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: François Niarfeix
  • Patent number: 7290352
    Abstract: A measuring tool is designed to measure the relationship between an inner hub land and an outer land for a valve body. A locating face engages the inner hub land such that the measurements are taken with respect to the inner hub land. A probe is designed to engage the outer land. By rotating the valve body, the entire circumference of the outer land can be measured in relation to the inner hub land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Deferme, Patrick Bervoets
  • Patent number: 7290353
    Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated, crosslinked, and dried fibers. In accordance with the process, a feed pulp containing a crosslinker is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be further treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl, and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Yancey, Brian Wester, Michael David Vrbanac, Ramon Charles Dezutter
  • Patent number: 7290354
    Abstract: A shoe suspension system for use with a shoe or boot having an upper and lower sole. The system includes a first tandem hinge pivotally engaged between the upper toe sole and the lower toe sole which opens and closes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe a plurality of tandem hinges pivotally engaged between the upper mid heel sole and the lower sole which also open and close parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe and return springs engaged between the upper mid heel sole and the lower sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen Perenich
  • Patent number: 7290355
    Abstract: A skate boot for enclosing a human foot having a forefoot and a front ankle portion. The skate boot has a tongue comprising a first section and a second section. The first section covers the forefoot of the foot and the second section is connected to the first section via a flexing zone that enables the second section to be movable in relation to the first section between a first position and a second position. In the first position the second section covers a portion of the front ankle portion of the foot, and in the second position, the second section overlaps a portion of the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Bauer Nike Hockey Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan Labonté
  • Patent number: 7290356
    Abstract: Articles of footwear having a unitary midsole with an integrally molded toe cap that extends over the wearer's toes are disclosed, in which the midsole is molded in multiple sections one of which includes the integrally-molded toe cap which are joined to one another to provide the unitary midsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Keen, Inc.
    Inventor: Rory W. Fuerst
  • Patent number: 7290357
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a connecting portion positioned adjacent the upper and extending along a longitudinal length of the upper. A plurality of discrete sole elements extend downward from the connecting portion. The sole elements define a lower surface, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward from the lower surface and into the sole structure. An outsole may be located within the sipes and extend between the sole elements, with a lower portion of the outsole extending beyond the lower surface of the sole elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve McDonald, Tobie D. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 7290358
    Abstract: An apparatus, in its first, second, and third embodiments, that is intended to be temporarily attached to the soles of ski boots, whenever the wearer is not attached to skis and desires the ability to comfortably walk or desires protection for the soles of the ski boots. The first three embodiments generally comprise of sandal-like soles made of a resilient, elastic, springy material, which aids in the natural walking action by alternately compressing and releasing, adding energy to the step, thereby aiding walking while wearing ski boots. A fourth embodiment is made by altering the ski boots themselves so that the heel (41) and toe (40) sections of the boot are hinged (42) to the underside of the boot, and contain a spring that adds energy to each step taken by the user. The hinged sections are pinned against the boot while skiing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Charles Jelinek Francis
  • Patent number: 7290359
    Abstract: In summary, therefore, the inventive method and apparatus enables one to mount and dismount an implement, such as a snow plow, from a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, with a heretofore unknown simplicity. The method mounting the plow basically comprises the steps of driving the vehicle toward the blade assembly until the frame assembly mounted on the front of the vehicle is in operative proximity to the blade assembly. Generally, that proximity is established by just touching the blade assembly with the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Meyer Products LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Potak
  • Patent number: 7290360
    Abstract: An excavating apparatus having a prime mover with a longitudinal centerline and a main frame with an engine, a ground drive system and an excavation boom operatively attached thereto wherein the excavation boom has a first end and a second end. The first end of the boom is operatively pivotally attached to the main frame along a main frame pivot axis. The main frame pivot axis is transverse to the longitudinal centerline of the prime mover. A head shaft operatively rotatably attached to the second end of the boom and is operatively pivotally attached to the second end of the boom. Also, the excavation drum is mounted onto the head shaft in a manner that the excavation drum cooperates with the excavation chain and a fixed cutter pattern of the excavation chain to stay in consistent alignment with the fixed cutter pattern of the excavation drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark Unzicker, Mark Cooper
  • Patent number: 7290361
    Abstract: A decorative container assembly includes a container and a cap is removably connected to either one of two ends of the container. The cap has an enclosed space defined therein and a combination liquid is received in the enclosed space. The combination liquid includes a first liquid, a second liquid and decoration pieces. The two respective specific weights of the first and second liquids are different so that when the container is filed with a third liquid which transfers its temperature to the combination liquid and the decoration pieces are movable in the combination liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chiu-Li Liao
  • Patent number: 7290362
    Abstract: A display provides a sign panel for use in displaying a sign. Pairs of first and second feet preferably extend downwardly from the sign panel and provide an adjustable width channel for connecting to a tailgate of a vehicle. A sign is supported by the sign panel and first and second shaft connectors receive a shaft having an ornament connected thereto, such as a flag or shaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: William Leonard Passmore