Patents Issued in December 18, 2007
  • Patent number: 7309243
    Abstract: A circuit board mounted connector is equipped with an insulative housing, which holds a plurality of rows of contacts and is mounted on a circuit board. Each contact has a contact portion, for contacting another connector, and a leg portion, which is connected to the circuit board. Each leg portion has an extending portion that extends from a rear wall of the insulative housing; a flexible portion, which is formed continuously with the extending portions; and a linear portion that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the circuit board from the flexible portion and is connected to an aperture of the circuit board. Of the plurality of rows of contacts, at least the row closest to the circuit board has extending portions that extend away from the circuit board, up to the flexible portions. The linear portions of each of the leg portions are partially tin plated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP K.K
    Inventor: Hidehisa Yamagami
  • Patent number: 7309244
    Abstract: An anisotropic conductive connector device including an anisotropic conductive film provided with a plurality of conducting path forming portions extended in a direction of a thickness in a state in which they are insulated from each other through an insulating portion, and a sheet-like connector in which an insulating sheet is provided with a plurality of electrode structures extended in a direction of a thickness thereof. The sheet-like connector is provided integrally on or is integrated with the anisotropic conductive film in a state in which each of the electrode structures is positioned on each of the conducting path forming portions of the anisotropic conductive film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: JSR Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Yamada, Kiyoshi Kimura, Naoki Arasaki
  • Patent number: 7309245
    Abstract: A card connector for accommodating a removable card, includes a housing into and from which the removable card is inserted and ejected; connector terminals which come in contact with contacts of the removable card, respectively, when the removable card is inserted into the housing; a slider which moves in a card insertion direction and a card ejection direction, opposite to the card insertion direction, when the removable card is inserted and ejected into and from the housing, respectively; a first coil spring which biases the slider in the card insertion direction; and a second coil spring which biases the slider in the card ejection direction. Each of the first coil spring and the second coil spring remains in contact with the slider and the housing, respectively, regardless of the position of the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Elco Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Sadatoku
  • Patent number: 7309246
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a conductive shell and a connector having a dielectric housing disposed within the shell. The housing has a mating face configured to receiver the contacts of a mating connector and a mounting face configured to mount the connector to a circuit board. A dielectric member is disposed proximate the mating face of the connector and is connected to the shell. The dielectric member includes apertures configured to receive the contacts of the mating connector therethrough when the mating connector is mated with the connector. The dielectric member includes a conductive trace that is electrically connected to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Paul Walter, Brent David Yohn
  • Patent number: 7309247
    Abstract: A connection device comprises first and second connectors. The first connector has a sleeve having axially extending slots at a distal end to define tines yieldable resiliently inward, and a resilient seal encircling the sleeve proximally of the slots. The second connector has a shroud dimensioned to receive the distal end of the first connector sleeve within the shroud and to engage the first connector resilient seal when the sleeve is fully received within the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Micro-Coax
    Inventor: Michael J. Keating
  • Patent number: 7309248
    Abstract: A connector fixing structure for fixing a connector 11 to a board 10 includes a fixing metal member 12, and the fixing metal member 12 includes a connector mounting piece portion 16 for mounting on the connector 11, and a board joining piece portion 17 which is formed integrally with the connector mounting piece portion 16, and extends therefrom so as to be disposed on the board 10 in parallel relation thereto, and is adapted to be soldered to a land 23 formed on the board 10. A hole portion 24 is formed in the land 23, and an insertion piece portion 21 for insertion into the hole portion 24 is formed at the fixing metal member 12, and this insertion piece portion is formed by stamping out part of the board joining piece portion 17 and then by bending the stamped-out portion. The insertion piece portion 21 is soldered to the hole portion 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7309249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for joining two conductors, including a first semi-housing and a second semi-housing that can be moved from a position in which said second semi-housing is in a pre-locked state with the first semi-housing into a final locked position. The inventive connector also comprises an electrically conducting clamp which contacts and interconnects the two conductors in the final locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Thomas Bernhard Pabst, Hans-Otto Geltsch
  • Patent number: 7309250
    Abstract: A shielded housing that provides a shield to a circuit board connector of the SFP-style includes a conductive body that encompasses the connector. The housing has an opening that defines an entrance of the housing through which an opposing mating connector may be inserted. The housing also includes a pair of engagement tabs that are bent inwardly of the housing at an angle thereto and these tabs engage openings formed in a shell of a plug connector that mates with the SFP-style connector. The tabs rest in the openings and may be released by way of latching mechanism that is part of the plug connector. This mechanism includes a handle and two arms that extend lengthwise. The arms end in cam portions that contact and lift the engagement ends out of the plug connector shell openings to unlatch the plug connector from the SFP-style connector. A biasing member is also provided that returns the delatching actuating mechanism to its initial position once the connectors have been released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce Reed, Brian Keith Lloyd
  • Patent number: 7309251
    Abstract: A groove is formed on a connecting section surface of an electrically conductive terminal, this groove is subjected to a bending deformation into a convex shape toward the surface side from the backside of a connecting section to form a bent convex section on the surface of the connecting terminal, and edge sections formed on both sides of this groove are positioned on the surface of the bent convex section. When joined to a counterpart connecting section, the groove edge sections are displaced to approach one another to provide a wiping effect on the surface of the counterpart connecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: I-PEX Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Narita
  • Patent number: 7309252
    Abstract: A low profile connector assembly comprises at least one contact having a surface mount portion and a wire engagement portion extending from the surface mount portion, and a housing insertable over the at least one contact and retained to the at least one contact. The housing encloses the wire engagement portion and has a wire receiving aperture therethrough. The wire receiving aperture provides access to the wire engagement portion when the housing is retained to the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: David James Fabian, Lawrence John Brekosky, Timothy Lee Kocher, William Gary Lenker
  • Patent number: 7309253
    Abstract: A battery cover fixing mechanism is provided for coupling a cover (1) to a housing (2) of a portable electronic device. The battery cover fixing mechanism includes a blocking mechanism, an opening (16), a latching mechanism, a slot (20) and a cutout (24). The cover forms the blocking mechanism and defines the opening. The housing defines the slot and the cutout. The latching mechanism includes a block (30), an elastic member (32), a slider (34) having a blocking part, and a holder (36) fixed to the housing. The slider is slidably attached on the holder. The block is fixed on the slider and extends through the cutout and the opening. The blocking mechanism of the cover engages in the slot of the housing and with the blocking part of the slider. Two ends of the elastic member are respectively attached to the holder and the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industrial Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Peng-Jing Ge, Xing-Huang Luo, Rui-Hao Chen, Ye Liu, Shui-Yuan Qin, Hsiao-Hua Tu
  • Patent number: 7309254
    Abstract: In a connector to be mounted to a substrate, a strengthening member is coupled to a housing holding a contact The strengthening member is adapted to fix the housing to the substrate and includes a side plate portion extending in a direction away from the substrate in a state where the connector is mounted to the substrate, a top plate portion adjacent to the side plate portion and faced to the substrate, and first and second mounting portions to be attached to the substrate, The first mounting portion extends from an end of the side plate portion adjacent to the substrate in a widthwise direction of the housing perpendicular to a fitting direction in which a mating connector is fitted to the connector. The second mounting portion extends from the top plate portion at a side opposite to a fitting side to be fitted to the mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Limited
    Inventors: Mamoru Suzuki, Masaki Yamashita, Kazukuni Hisatomi, Kazuhito Hisamatsu
  • Patent number: 7309255
    Abstract: A coaxial cable connector including a connector body having a rearward sleeve receiving end and an inner engagement surface and an axially movable locking sleeve seated in the rearward sleeve receiving end of the connector body is disclosed. The locking sleeve has a rearward cable receiving end and an opposite forward connector insertion end. The forward connector insertion end is formed with at least one flexible finger for gripping a cable inserted in the sleeve when the locking sleeve is moved from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Julio F. Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 7309256
    Abstract: A flat flexible cable assembly includes a flat flexible cable having one or more substantially rectangular conductors encompassed within an insulating sheath. An overmold encapsulates and is secured to a portion of the flat flexible cable in an area in which the insulating sheath has been stripped. One or more sealing members are integrally-formed with the overmold and encapsulates and is secured to each stripped conductor to form a seal. The overmold and the sealing member(s) may be made of the same material by using a one-step process. Alternatively, the overmold and sealing member(s) may be made of different material by using a two-shot process. A method of manufacturing the flat flexible cable assembly is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Alloway, Wolfgang Ziegler
  • Patent number: 7309257
    Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed with a connector housing and a leadframe assembly received in the connector housing. The leadframe assembly may include a dielectric leadframe housing and first and second electrically-conductive contacts extending through the leadframe housing. Each of the contacts may define a respective broadside and a respective mating end. The leadframe housing may define a hinge between the mating ends of the first and second contacts. The leadframe housing may be folded along the hinge such that the broadside of the first contact is positioned along the broadside of the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Minich
  • Patent number: 7309258
    Abstract: A memory card socket structure includes a base shell and a cover shell adapted to face a top and a bottom surface of a memory card, a contact block disposed in a rear side of a card compartment formed by the base shell and the cover shell, and a plurality of contact terminals fixed at the contact block and extended from the contact block toward an opening side of the card compartment to be in contact with terminals of the memory card. The plurality of contact terminals have at least one shorter terminal and at least one longer terminal, the support position at which said at least one longer terminal is supported by the base shell being closer to the opening side of the card compartment than the support position at which said at least one shorter terminal is supported by the contact block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsunehiro Anzai, Hirohisa Tanaka, Toshiya Kimura
  • Patent number: 7309259
    Abstract: An electrical card connector (100) for compatibly insertion of a MINI SD card (91) and a SD card (92), includes an insulative housing (1), a number of first electrical contacts (31) and second electrical contacts (32) retained in the insulative housing, a shielding shell (2) attached to a top of the insulative housing, and a shutter mechanism assembled to the shielding shell. The shielding shell comprises a shaft (8), a rotary portion (6), a pair of bolts (5) each provided with a projecting portion (55) extending above the rotary portion, and a pair of springs (7) exerting a resilient force on the rotary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Song Sun, Qi-Jun Zhao, Mao-Lin Lei
  • Patent number: 7309260
    Abstract: A PCB mountable module includes logic circuitry that translates between serial and wireless communication protocols. Supported standards include I2C, CAN, ProfiBus, SPI, and USB, IP, ARP, UDP, TCP, ICMP, Telnet, TFTP, AutoIP, DHCP, HTTP, and SNMP. Modules can optionally provide security, MILARRS functionality, and web related services such as email alert. The novel modules can be used wherever a device designer wants a plug-in (or “drop-in”) system that obviates the need for independent development and maintenance of wireless capability. Examples include servers, desktop and laptop computers, and even devices such as kitchen appliances with relatively simpler electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lantronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Brower, Curtis D. Brown, Daryl R. Miller
  • Patent number: 7309261
    Abstract: An electrical connector with improved crosstalk compensation is disclosed. By including at least one coupling with a different frequency dependency than other couplings in the connector, crosstalk compensation performance is improved over a greater frequency range. The different frequency dependency may, for example, be used to compensate for phase shifts caused by distances between compensation circuitry and the plug/jack interface. Embodiments for decreasing these distances are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Masud Bolouri-Saransar
  • Patent number: 7309262
    Abstract: A connector assembly for coupling to an implantable medical device includes a core element formed of a first thermoplastic material shaped to receive a connector member for receiving a lead. The connector assembly further includes a circuit member positioned adjacent to the core element. The circuit member includes a portion extending along the core element to the connector member and an antenna structure extending over a portion of the core element outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Zart, Andrew J. Ries, Brian R. Burwick, John E. Nicholson, Jay K. Lahti, Gregory A. Theis
  • Patent number: 7309263
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for a utility power transmission system includes a first conductive member having a first hook portion and a first base wedge portion with the first hook portion extending from the first wedge portion and is adapted to engage a main conductor. A second conductive member includes a hook portion and a wedge portion with the hook portion extending from the wedge portion and adapted to engage a tap conductor. The wedge portion of the first conductive member and the wedge portion of the second conductive member are adapted to nest with one another and be secured to one another by hand without specialized tooling. The assembly further comprises a displacement stop that is located on at least one of the first and second conductive members once fully mated. The displacement stop is positioned to define a final displacement relation between the first and second conductive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Charles D. Copper, Ned E. Corman
  • Patent number: 7309264
    Abstract: The electronic apparatus includes a circuit board on which electronic component is mounted and a chassis housing the circuit board. The chassis is provided with a biasing force applying member applying a biasing force to at least one of top and bottom surfaces of the circuit board to hold the circuit board in position such that the circuit board is allowed to be displaced in a direction parallel to a plane of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Mizutani, Satoru Umemoto
  • Patent number: 7309265
    Abstract: In an outboard motor steering system, the engine speed is detected as a value indicative of the speed of the boat and a current value for operating a steering hydraulic cylinder is determined to decrease with decreasing engine speed. The current value can therefore be determined in accordance with the steering load to reduce electric power consumption. Moreover, owing to the fact that the drive current is determined as a function of steering load, it is possible to prevent the output of the cylinder from becoming excessive relative to the steering load, thereby ensuring that the steered angle tracks a desired steering angle with good accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Takada, Taiichi Otobe, Shinsaku Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7309266
    Abstract: A portable pressurized personal watercraft (PWC) flushing and winterization system that gives consumers a simple and convenient PWC marine engine pressurized flush and winterization option. The PWC flushing system generally includes a compression tank with a manual or electric pressure-regulated pump (ac or dc) connected by coiled hose assembly through a stop valve, through a pressure regulator to the existing water-flush connection on most PWCs. The flushing and winterization system includes a flush chemical concentrate that is introduced into the tank and mixed with the proper amount of fresh water, and the tank/pump/regulator combination maintains a regulated output pressure of chemical or anti-freeze into the PWC engine. In addition to pressure-regulation, the amount of flush solution or anti-freeze is demarcated by level-indicator gradients on the tank, and visual monitoring of the operation of the device is possible through a clear hose assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Botsaris, Jason Parrott
  • Patent number: 7309267
    Abstract: An emergency floatation system associated with a landing gear of a rotorcraft comprising at least a float unit and a raft module. The float unit is formed by a base and a float cover with an inflatable float being positioned therebetween. The raft module is formed with a raft compartment adapted to receive an inflatable raft in the packed condition thereof. The raft module is supported on the float by the base. The raft is adapted for inflation and deployment from the raft module independently of the float deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Air Cruisers Company
    Inventors: Brian T. Henry, Thomas W. Swierkocki, Jonathan Vezzosi, Brian Gibson
  • Patent number: 7309268
    Abstract: An inflatable towable device capable of both being towed across a surface and to hover over the surface is disclosed. The device includes an inflatable frame and a wing surface that extends across the bottom surface of the inflatable frame. The inflatable frame is aerodynamically shaped to includes an elongated central section with seating surfaces for a rider that extends into wing sections that curve around to extend alongside the central section. The wing surface extends between the central section and the side wing sections to provide a lightweight wing structure that provides sufficient lift for the device when being towed to enable the device to hover above the surface for long distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Sevylor, Inc.
    Inventor: Konstantin Klimenko
  • Patent number: 7309269
    Abstract: In this embodiment, an interval distance between a desposition source holder 17 and an object on which deposition is performed (substrate 13) is reduced to 30 cm or less, preferably 20 cm or less, more preferably 5 to 15 cm, and a deposition source holder 17 is moved in an X direction or a Y direction in accordance with an insulator (also called a bank or a barrier) in deposition, and a shutter 15 is opened or closed to form a film. The present invention can cope with an increase in size of a deposition apparatus with a further increase in size of a substrate in the future.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Masakazu Murakami
  • Patent number: 7309270
    Abstract: A spacer on which static electricity is restricted and an electron beam apparatus in which the spacer is provided. In the electron beam apparatus comprising an electron source provided with electron emission devices, a face plate provided with anodes and spacers installed between the electron source and the face plate, unevenness is formed on the surface of the spacer substrate, and further a thin film which has a smaller thickness than a roughness. This makes possible the restriction of incident angle multiplication coefficient for the primary electrons whose energy is lower than the second cross-point energy of a resistive film. The electron beam apparatus provided with the above spacer is excellent in display definition and long-term reliability since the display of light emission points and the creeping discharge accompanying the static electricity can be restricted due to the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Ito, Hideaki Mitsutake
  • Patent number: 7309271
    Abstract: An organic electroluminescence device includes a first substrate, a first electrode layer formed over the first substrate, an organic light emitting layer formed over the first substrate, a second electrode layer formed over the organic light emitting layer, a second substrate, a seal pattern on an outer portion of the first substrate or the second substrate for forming a cell gap between the two substrates and for attaching the two substrates, and a plurality of cell gap maintaining structures located between the first substrate and the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Yong Park, Kwan-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 7309272
    Abstract: A child training system is provided, including a doll having a soft, hollow compressible leg reservoir; a hollow torso; a head formed with a mouth orifice into which liquid can be introduced; and a liquid discharge orifice containing a supply assembly of tubing and a check valve disposed so as to supply liquid to the leg reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Narmin Parpia
  • Patent number: 7309273
    Abstract: A controller for a radio-controlled toy, comprising a housing, a first interface disposed on a first side of the housing, a second interface disposed on a second side of the housing, and a steering wheel having a steering shaft, the steering shaft being adapted to be inserted into either of the first and second interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Radioshack Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuaki Ogihara
  • Patent number: 7309274
    Abstract: A Small Hive Beetle trap, which replaces the bottom board of beehives, includes a frame having three walls and a top surface, a trap plate, an entry device, and a trapping means. The trapping device provides a dark environment attractive to small hive beetles and contains a small hive beetle attractant made from pollen dough and inoculated with yeast that produces small hive beetle attracting volatiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter E. A. Teal, Baldwyn Torto, James H. Tumlinson, III, Drion G. Boucias
  • Patent number: 7309275
    Abstract: A brassiere incorporating at least one gel pack positioned to provide thermal therapy to a breast. Located within the breast cup construction are one or more cells of thermal gel packs designed to dispense thermal therapy to the breast, preferably cold therapy. The gel sac or sacs form an integral part of the garment sandwiched between layers of material forming the interior and exterior of the garment. The respective breast cup gel sac can be formed to partially or fully encompass the breast or segmented into a plurality of segregated sacs having padding positioned therebetween forming gel sac support. The garment closure means is easily moved between a worn engaged state and disengaged state for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: James Morales
  • Patent number: 7309276
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a wireless support system for a brassiere. The wireless support system comprises at least one centerfront support and two sideback supports which are composed of a material such as a polyester film. The two sideback supports may be attached to the centerfront support via a stabilizing ribbon or stitches. The brassiere of the present invention has the advantage of providing comfortable support that is form fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Vanity Fair, Inc.
    Inventors: Irene Dalindin Legaspi, Justina Mazza Lyons
  • Patent number: 7309277
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure of the present invention is a method of obtaining a honeycomb structure 10 having a predetermined shape by processing a peripheral portion of a crude honeycomb structure 2, the method being characterized in that the peripheral portion of the crude honeycomb structure 2 is processed by a cutter having linear cut-off device. It is possible to effectively manufacture a honeycomb structure suitably used in a carrier for a catalyst having a catalytic action, for use in internal combustion engine, boiler, chemical reactor, reformer for fuel cell, etc., or as a filter for trapping particulate matter present in an exhaust gas by the method at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akifumi Nishio, Toshiharu Kondo, Takashi Noro
  • Patent number: 7309278
    Abstract: A lens presser for holding an eyeglass lens includes: a base member which is to be attached to a distal end of a lens chucking shaft; an abutting member which has an abutting surface which is to be abutted on a rear refractive surface of the lens; a movable member to which the abutting member is to be attached; a circular-arc-shaped concave portion which is formed in one of the base member and the movable member and has a radius center of a circular arc on a central axis of the chucking shaft; and a circular-arc-shaped convex portion which is formed in the other of the base member and the movable member and is fitted into the concave portion so as to slide only in a direction of the circular arc. The movable member is tiltable with respect to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoji Shibata
  • Patent number: 7309279
    Abstract: A system for removing heat from a plurality of electronic assemblies including a cabinet having brackets for supporting electronic assemblies in a vertical array between a first vertical airflow path and a second vertical air flow path of the cabinet, and a plinth underlying the cabinet and having an input port receiving air from the first vertical airflow path of the cabinet, an output port transmitting air to the second vertical air flow path, a heat exchanger positioned in an air flow path extending between the input and the output ports, and a fan assembly for driving air through the heat exchanger and towards the input port. The system further includes at least one air flow distribution device establishing a predetermined flow rate distribution through electronic assemblies supported by the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Sanmina-Sci Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony C. Sharp, Andrew Hudz, Peter Jeffery
  • Patent number: 7309280
    Abstract: A gaming machine, with which a plurality of players play a game against each other, is provided so as to enable the players to perform realistic tactical interactions with each other. In a player-versus-player type gaming machine, a plurality of players including a virtual player prepared in advance play the game. Each virtual player is provided with individual personality data and/or response data and images of players are arranged to be displayed in accordance with these data. A change in expression of a real player may be captured by an image taking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: ARUZE Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirobumi Toyoda
  • Patent number: 7309281
    Abstract: A gaming device having unisymbol display reels, wherein each symbol on a display of the gaming device represents or is included on a different reel. The present invention structures the paylines of the gaming device such that the gaming device can include different reel strips having different winning symbols or different proportions of winning symbols, while still maintaining payout symbols and payout combinations that have uniform odds and uniform payouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Bayard S. Webb
  • Patent number: 7309282
    Abstract: A gaming device having unisymbol display reels, wherein each symbol on a display of the gaming device represents or is included on a different reel. The structure of the paylines of the gaming device is such that the gaming device can include different reel strips having different winning symbols or different proportions of winning symbols, while still maintaining payout symbols and payout combinations that have uniform odds and uniform payouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Bayard S. Webb
  • Patent number: 7309283
    Abstract: An interactive presentation and/or entertainment system, such as interactive personal computer software and/or interactive, live theater, allows participants to determine the events that occur throughout a story. Given simulated environments and story characters within them, the player introduces elements, picked from a list, which advances the narrative, event by event. Feedback about the current state of the situation or characters provides motivation to choose subsequent events. These events change situations, environments, and/or the characters within the narrative. As a result, greater flexibility and control with less confusion is achieved over previous methods and apparatuses. The story can be rewound and/or played with different choices, resulting in different outcomes. Source image/sound/description data may include prerecorded video, prerecorded audio, prewritten description, live acting, computer-based audio, computer-based imagery, computer-generated dialogue, and/or computer-generated characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Keith Nemitz
  • Patent number: 7309284
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus is disclosed that includes a housing, a value input device, a transparent panel having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a plurality of mechanically rotatable slot reels disposed in the housing so that the mechanically rotatable reels are visible to a player through the transparent panel. The gaming apparatus also having a light valve that includes a suspended particle device disposed between the inner surface and the slot reels, and a controller coupled to the light valve to cause the light valve to become opaque to substantially block the view of the slot reels to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Chauncey W. Griswold, Harold E. Mattice, Richard L. Wilder
  • Patent number: 7309285
    Abstract: A gaming device including a mechanical display device including a main housing and a plurality of movable symbol displays mounted in the main housing, wherein each of the symbol displays includes at least one symbol. The main housing includes a substantially horizontal first axis which extends from the rear of the housing to the front of the housing. Each of the symbol displays are positioned on a separate second axis, which each intersect and are transverse to the first axis. Upon a triggering event in a game, each of the symbol displays move about its second axis and then stop and display at least one symbol to a player. The gaming device indicates one of the displays symbols and provides the indicated symbol to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dennis Nordman, James M. Gray
  • Patent number: 7309286
    Abstract: A gaming device having an extendable button and a co-molded switch. The apparatus and method includes inserting a pushbutton switch and connection cord into a mold. A first portion is formed around the cord by injecting a first material onto the cord proximate the button. A second portion is formed around the cord by injecting a second material onto the mold proximate the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph R. Hedrick, Tai Rosander
  • Patent number: 7309287
    Abstract: A change in input is made to a graphic displayed on a second display screen (12a) covered with a touch panel, with a stylus (16) or the like. By doing so, a player character P1 on a first display screen (11a) moves according to the change in the input. This allows a wide range of players to enjoy a game in a game machine having two display screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Hirohito Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 7309288
    Abstract: There is provided a gaming machine which enhances interest in the entire game by diversifying the contents of the game, such as an RPG, and enables players to play a game adjusted to the individual players. When an object for ring customization is determined to be able to change a ring type, the ring type can be changed from a normal ring to another ring in accordance with an operation input. Moreover, when an ally character is in an Anomalous Status upon sustaining attacks or the like from an enemy character, the ranges of timing areas, the preset rotational speed and the preset number of revolutions of the rotary bar, and the size of a judgment ring are corrected in accordance with the type of a cause which has brought the ally character into the Anomalous Status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Aruze Corporation
    Inventor: Matsuzo Machida
  • Patent number: 7309289
    Abstract: A first mark for indicating the direction of the rotational unbalance of a propeller shaft is provided on the propeller shaft while a second mark for indicating the direction of the rotational unbalance of a companion flange is provided on the companion flange, which is to be connected to the propeller shaft at a rotation-transmitting device. One of the directions of the rotational unbalances indicated by the first mark and the second mark is set as a direction along which the rotating mass becomes larger while the other is set as a direction along which the rotating mass becomes smaller, and one of the first mark and the second mark is provided over an angular region with a predetermined angle around an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rikiya Kunii, Yasushi Sugiura
  • Patent number: 7309290
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the putting target includes a rectangular base portion, a circular center depression, a center fencing wall, at least one overrun depression, and at least one overrun fencing wall. The circular center depression is formed in a raised upper surface of the base portion and simulates an actual golf hole. The center fencing wall, overrun depression or depression and overrun fencing wall or walls act to affect and collect golf balls that have been putted toward the putting target with the incorrect speed or precision. The putting target may be included in a kit that includes one or more putting mats with each putting mat defining a putting surface and each putting surface defining a selected texture to simulate actual putting conditions. The putting target may also be used to play a competitive putting game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Earl C. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 7309291
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a body and ball alignment indicia that protrudes forwardly of the front surface of the body. A transparent plate covers the ball alignment indicia and has a front face arranged for impacting a golf ball. A flange on the transparent plate is received in a recess in the body thereby forming a mechanical interlock between the transparent plate and the body. The ball alignment indicia has a partial spheroid shape and is located intermediate heel and toe ends of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie J. Bryant, Gregory J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7309292
    Abstract: A swing training device includes an axial hole and a gap communicated with the axial hole. A diameter of the axial hole is greater than or equal to a diameter of the neck of the head of the golf club. A width of the gap is greater than a diameter of the shaft of the club at a portion adjacent to the head, and the diameter of the neck is greater than the width of the gap. To mount the device of the present invention on a golf club, the device is fitted to the shaft via the gap, and then is moved downwards to be engaged with the neck of the head firmly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Chung-Hsing Tu Teng