Patents Issued in December 25, 2007
  • Patent number: 7311223
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of powders, such as colorants for paint, caulking or grout or components of cosmetics, comprising a plurality of containers for holding the powders, a plurality of metering powder pumps, connected to a container or having a connector for releasably connecting a container to the respective powder pump, wherein the capacity of the metering powder pump is selectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Fluid Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan H. N. Post
  • Patent number: 7311224
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning the beverage-carrying components of a beverage dispensing system in order to clean these components for future use is disclosed. The cleaning system includes a controller, a plurality of junctions, a plurality of couplers and a multiplier. The controller controls the different phases of the cleaning process, which include a beverage conservation phase, a beverage lockout phase and a cleaning phase. Each of the plurality of junctions are fluidly connected to at least one coupler and each coupler is affixed to a beverage container, e.g., keg, for opening a beverage port thereto. The multiplier is communicatively coupled to each junction so as to provide electrical control signals thereto that dictate whether fluid is to communicated through a junction to the coupler(s) associated with that junction, and thereafter directed to dispensing unit(s) over beverage line(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joerg Emmendoerfer, Knut Richter
  • Patent number: 7311225
    Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a non-carbonated beverage mixture comprises a manifold having a mixing chamber. A first inlet orifice is in communication with and is sized to admit a metered flow of a first liquid into the mixing chamber. A second inlet orifice is in communication with and is sized to admit a metered flow of a second liquid into the mixing chamber. The first and second liquids are combined into a mixture in the mixing chamber. An outlet communicates with the mixing chamber. The mixture exits the manifold through the outlet. A first constant flow valve is in communication with the first inlet orifice and is configured to provide a constant flow of the first liquid to the first inlet. A second constant flow valve is in communication with the second inlet orifice and is configured to provide a constant flow of the second liquid to the second inlet. A dispensing mechanism is in communication with the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: John R. Newton
  • Patent number: 7311226
    Abstract: A mixed liquid dispenser head (7) is provided with a carbonated water supply port (39), raw material exits (33), and a diluting water exit (35) within a head main body (11); a nozzle (13) that is attached to the head main body so as to cover the carbonated water supply port (39), the raw ingredient exits (33), and the diluting water exit (35); valve devices (49) that are provided in the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exits and that open and close due to liquid pressure changes; a flow straightening plate (41) for making carbonated water discharged from the carbonated water supply port flow along an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle; and low pressure caps (57) and (59) provided for each of the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exit and covering the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exit together with the valve devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuuji Kado, Toshinari Hirakawa, Yushi Yonekura
  • Patent number: 7311227
    Abstract: A venting system of a manually operated trigger sprayer vents the interior of a liquid container connected to the trigger sprayer. The trigger sprayer is provided with a vent chamber that surrounds the pump chamber, and a vent piston that surrounds the pump piston. The vent piston is received in the vent chamber for reciprocating movements between a vent closed and vent opened position in the vent chamber, and the vent chamber having two different interior diameter sections with a larger interior diameter section reducing drag on the vent piston when the vent piston is moved to the vent opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Continental AFA Dispensing Company
    Inventor: Donald D. Foster
  • Patent number: 7311228
    Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus for dispensing liquid crystal onto a substrate includes a liquid crystal container, a nozzle structure, and a valve structure. The liquid crystal container contains the liquid crystal to be dispensed. The nozzle structure is disposed at a lower portion of the liquid crystal container, and the liquid crystal is dispensed through the nozzle structure onto the substrate. The valve structure is disposed to control flow of the liquid crystal from the liquid crystal container to the nozzle structure in accordance with a gas pressure provided from a gas input of the liquid crystal container. The liquid crystal container may be formed of substantially entirely of metal. An inside surface of the liquid crystal container may include a fluorine resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Soo Kim, Hyug-Jin Kweon, Hae-Joon Son
  • Patent number: 7311229
    Abstract: A slide tap particularly suitable for use on disposable containers has a valve body with a sliding actuator movable between closed and opened positions of an outlet formed in the body. A spring mechanism returns the actuator to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventor: Andrew N. Wrigley
  • Patent number: 7311230
    Abstract: A hanger is made from non-pure paper pulp with any one or a combination of bamboo, olive palm fiber, hemp and coconut shell that is not usable to make paper. The hangers are made from a paper mold. The hangers further include a hook and a supporting portion, with several fortified indentations on the hook and the supporting portion. A chemical solution is spread on the surface of the whole structure to fortify the surface strength for durable, functional and environment protection purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: Chi-Yee Yeh, Huang Christine
  • Patent number: 7311231
    Abstract: A hydration pouch with a releasable coupling is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydration pouch is a flexible bag or pouch with a separate inlet and outlet. A hose or tube is provided for a user to draw refreshment from the pouch. A bite valve is provided at one end of the tube to be actuated by a user's teeth. A coupling is provided for attaching and detaching at least a portion of the hose at an opposite end of the hose. The coupling includes a shutoff or check valve that maintains the patency of the pouch when the hose is disconnected. In an alternative embodiment prefilled, disposable hydration pouches are removably coupled to the hose and then disposed and replaced following consumption of the liquid contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited LLC
    Inventors: Micheal M. Noell, Jeff Skillern
  • Patent number: 7311232
    Abstract: A motorcycle saddlebag mounting device having a restricting means for staggering timings of yawing occurring in a motorcycle body and resonance caused by lateral swing of a saddlebag is provided. The restricting means is provided between a support bracket mounted to a seat rail and a saddlebag mounting frame rotatably mounted to the support bracket. Rotation of the frame with respect to the support bracket is restricted, so that resonance caused by yawing of the motorcycle body and lateral swing of the saddlebag is cancelled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignees: Honda Access Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Watanabe, Hideo Ochiai, Katsumasa Mukai
  • Patent number: 7311233
    Abstract: A bicycle lock holding apparatus for fastening to a bicycle frame that may be installed and removed quickly to hold a bicycle lock includes a holding structure for fastening to the bicycle frame and a coupling structure for coupling with the lock. The holding structure has an anchor seat with one end fastening to a latch dock. Through an anchor plate coupling with the anchor seat, the latch dock may be turned to change the direction of a wedge trough formed on one end thereof. The coupling structure has a latch section latching in the wedge trough with two extendable button extended from two sides to insert into apertures formed on two sides of the wedge trough so that the coupling structure and the holding structure form a firm coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jennifer Chen
  • Patent number: 7311234
    Abstract: A web control device is provided as a generally cylindrical hollow bar having a plurality of holes disposed thereon. Each of the plurality of holes is capable of providing fluid contact between the central portion and the outer portion of web control device. The web control device provides contact-less support of a moving web material and can reduce the Poisson lateral contraction in a moving and/or tensioned web material without wrinkling or significantly stretching the moving web material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Bruce Jerome Solberg
  • Patent number: 7311235
    Abstract: An electric pencil sharpener is accommodated in a front part of a lower housing. An electric stapler is accommodated in an upper housing including a shared surface that is used as a top face of the lower housing, as its bottom face. A power transformer for supplying DC power to the electric stapler is arranged in a rear part of the lower housing. The shared surface also serves as a paper table used for guiding a bundle of paper into the electric stapler. A caulking plate for bending both legs of a staple that is made to penetrate through the bundle of paper by a hammer is provided on the shared surface. Since the electric stapler is arranged in an upper part and the electric pencil sharpener is arranged in a lower part, it is possible to provide an electric stapler with pencil sharpener in which cutting waste generated by sharpening a pencil does not affect the stapling operation and good stability is achieved because of a lowered weight balance and which requires only a small installation area on a desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoaki Aoki
  • Patent number: 7311236
    Abstract: A stapler includes a double plate anvil with a single piece clincher and a pair of paper guides to sense the presence of the workpiece to reduce jamming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: TSI Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Robert Stevenson Smith, Yu Shi Cheng, Anthony Jairam
  • Patent number: 7311237
    Abstract: Two slide bases (106) synchronizingly traveled on linear guides (105) arranged upwardly and downwardly in parallel with each other are rotatably attached with a clincher unit (107) and a driver unit (104) and provided with a click stop mechanism for fixing the clincher unit (103) and the driver unit (104) at a 0 degree position or a 45 degree rotated position. Respective outer peripheral portion thereof are provided with claw portions (119), (120), in correspondence with the 0 degree position and the 45 degree rotated position and a stopper pin (121) is arranged at a traveling path. When the driver unit and the clincher unit are traveled from an initial position to a skewed binding position, the 0 degree claw portion 119 impinges on the stopper pin (121) and the driver unit and the clincher unit are rotated to the 45 degree rotated position to fix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Yoshie
  • Patent number: 7311238
    Abstract: An electric stapler comprises an enclosure, a motor, a power transmission device, a working arm pivotally attached to the enclosure, a magazine receiving a plurality of staples and a clinching assembly. A guide device is mounted upon the working arm and rotating therewith. The guide device defines a guideway therein. The magazine is slidably engaged with the working arm. The clinching assembly combines a blade support and a blade, both received in the guideway of the guide device and movable therein. The blade support is engaged with the lever. The power transmission device transmits power and torque from the motor to the clinching assembly. The guide device is mounted upon the working arm and rotates therewith, the blade support slides in the guideway and simultaneously rotates with the guide device, thereby no interferences between the blade support and guide device occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Ringsun (Shenzhen) Industrial Limited
    Inventor: Yingming Liu
  • Patent number: 7311239
    Abstract: A tool for attaching fine preformed probes to a substrate for use with a vacuum source is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a body portion; a tip portion disposed at one end of the body portion; a first orifice extending from a first end of the body portion to the working tip; and at least one second orifice extending from an outer portion of the working tip and communicating with the first orifice, wherein the vacuum source is coupled to the body portion so that a vacuum generated by the vacuum source is provided to the at least one second orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: SV Probe Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward T. Laurent, Dan Mironescu
  • Patent number: 7311240
    Abstract: Exemplary methods for making a solder joint between two articles are disclosed. The method includes the steps of positioning a first article and a second article to be soldered together. At least one of the first article and the second article has at least one button attached to it. The button has a desired height above a surface of the article to which it is attached. The second article has a quantity of solder located in a position where the solder joint is to be formed. A heat source is applied until the quantity of solder liquefies. The heat source is removed until the solder solidifies with a uniform thickness approximately equal to the height of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Kinya Nippa, Wei Hong Soh
  • Patent number: 7311241
    Abstract: A printed board is arranged above solder blowing nozzles of a spot flow soldering apparatus with first terminal groups facing upward, second terminal groups projected toward the solder blowing nozzles are shielded by shield jigs, solder jetted from the solder blowing nozzles solders soldered portion of the first terminal groups to a first conductor on a back side of the printed board, then the printed board is turned upside down to put the second terminal groups in an upward facing state and to use a jig to shield the first terminal groups facing downward, and solder jetted from the solder blowing nozzles solders soldered portion of the second terminal groups to a second conductor on a front side of the printed board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunji Taga, Kazuhiro Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 7311242
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting a connecting surface of a first silicon wafer [WA1] with a connecting surface of a second silicon wafer [WA2] so as to form an insulated cavity after assembly, at least one of the two silicon wafers [WA] including at least one functional area [DA] intended to be within the cavity. The method according to the invention includes a step [PLTS] of depositing alloy soldering bumps [PLTC] on the connecting surface of the first silicon wafer [WA1], said bumps [PLTC] being separated from one another by an even distance which is sufficiently small to cause joinings during the assembly of the two silicon wafers. Said step [PLTS] of depositing the soldering bumps [PLTE] is carried out during the step of depositing the soldering bumps [PLTE] intended for the electrical contacts. The method includes a reflux soldering step [RFX] for assembling the two silicon wafers by melting of the alloy soldering bumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Six
  • Patent number: 7311243
    Abstract: A two-piece cup is formed by a sidewall member having an upper edge, a lower edge, a pair of opposite side edges, a front surface and a back surface with the opposite side edges overlapped and sealed along an overlapped side seam, and a bottom member sealed along the lower edge of the sidewall member. The upper edge of the sidewall member is curled into a continuous rim. Upper corners of the sidewall member are formed with a plurality of parallel score lines extending inwardly from each side edge immediately beneath the upper edge, the score lines overlapping in the side seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Paper Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Daryl R. Konzal
  • Patent number: 7311244
    Abstract: A system and method for funding a collective account via aggregating usage of electronic tags is disclosed. The system and method promotes the use of electronic tags, and the funding of collective accounts that may be associated with charitable or other philanthropic causes. Further benefits may be realized by replenishing the prefunded account that serves as the source of funds for the electronic tag to an affinity account that also benefits the charitable or other philanthropic cause.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Inventor: Charles E. Schwarz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7311245
    Abstract: A system indicates fault conditions in an automated banking machine apparatus. A journal printer (12, 106) is supplied with paper from a paper supply (16, 112). A paper take-up device (18, 114) receives paper from the printer. Movement of the take-up device is sensed by a detector (70, 146, 124). The detector is connected to an electronic circuit (74, 118) including a processor (76, 120). Fault signals are generated by the electronic circuit responsive to the detector sensing conditions representative of a paper jam and a paper break.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Mason, Barry Watzman, Hideo Tatiyama, Milton Luciano Ifuki
  • Patent number: 7311246
    Abstract: A method and system of transmitting electronic value information between terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Arisawa
  • Patent number: 7311247
    Abstract: A system for electronically controlling physical operation of dangerous equipment is provided. The system reads data from an electronic key and controls the flow of electricity, air, water and/or hydraulic fluid, for example, to a piece of dangerous equipment. The system includes electronic keys that store electronic key data and an electronic key reader that reads the electronic key data. The electronic key data analyzer analyzes the electronic key data and produces disconnect control data based on the electronic key data and other information like the status of the dangerous equipment. The system further includes a disconnector that can disable the piece of dangerous equipment based on the disconnect control data. The disconnector can also re-enable the piece of dangerous equipment. When operated in a networked environment, the system can perform actions like logging data, scheduling personnel and material, and performing EDI for pieces of dangerous equipment and related equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Lenner
  • Patent number: 7311248
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatically detecting fraudulent applications. The system receives application data from one or more clients and compares the application data with an identification database, such as a database maintained by list providers. The system contacts each applicant to confirm the applicant's identity and whether or not the applicant filed the application. The system allows applicants to confirm contact information and directs applicants to a client call center for reporting fraudulent activity or erroneous information. The system may leave information enabling the applicant to contact the system and/or a client call center to verify the applicant's identity and whether or not the applicant filed the application based on the client's business logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Prairie Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Halvorson, Shelley L. Moore
  • Patent number: 7311249
    Abstract: A system and method for conducting a PIN-enabled stored value account refund transaction is provided. A refund request is received, wherein the refund request is for a stored value account having an associated value purchased in a previous transaction, and the refund request comprises a PIN associated with the stored value account. The refund request may be received by a central processor from a merchant terminal at the request of a customer. The central processor or merchant terminal determine whether any of the associated value has been previously redeemed. A refund amount is determined. The refund amount may be provided to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: e2interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Merrill Brooks Smith, Phillip Craig Graves
  • Patent number: 7311250
    Abstract: An RFID weight-based security method with container compensation which compares total weights. The security method includes receiving item identification information from RFID labels affixed to items in a container, obtaining a reference container weight, obtaining reference item weights using the item identification information, obtaining a combined weight of the items and the container from a scale, comparing the combined weight with the sum of the reference container weight and the reference item weights, and processing payment for the items if the combined weight is within a predetermined threshold of the sum of the reference container weight and the reference item weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Nathaniel Christopher Herwig
  • Patent number: 7311251
    Abstract: A system and method of completing a transaction involving goods tagged with radio frequency identification (RFID) labels which uses a portal to read the RFID labels. The system includes a computer for obtaining label information read from radio frequency identification labels on products selected for purchase by a customer by a plurality of radio frequency identification label readers in a portal, for storing the label information with an identifier associating the customer with the label information in a transaction record, and for providing the label information to a transaction terminal so that the transaction terminal can determine prices associated with the products and process customer payment for the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel F. White
  • Patent number: 7311252
    Abstract: Systems predict the availability of travel resources and select an appropriate data source for obtaining travel resource inventory availability information by analyzing historical travel resource availability data. Such systems receive customer travel requests and determine candidate itineraries. The candidate itineraries are used to determine the probability that the candidate itineraries will remain available for certain periods of time based on historical availability information and fare rules. Such systems increase the reliability of booking travel itineraries by determining when it is necessary to obtain updated availability information. The systems make this determination by looking up candidate itineraries in a situation table calculated from historical availability information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Sabre, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell L. Strothmann, Gary J. Potter, Stanislav Brezina
  • Patent number: 7311253
    Abstract: An anti-theft/anti-fraud system includes a tag assembly that renders a retail item ineligible for merchandise return or refund if tag is removed from the retail item, if the label attached to the front side of tag has been removed or tampered with, or if the retail item is a garment that had been washed or dry-cleaned. The backside of the tag contains the anti-theft/anti-fraud system trademark and a warning message. The label thereon contains the anti-theft/anti-fraud system trademark and code data preventing the item from being returned for refund after the retailers return policy period has passed, or after the item has been washed or dry-cleaned. The tag is attached to a discreet portion of the retail item. If attachment of the tag has no feasible location then a single label is utilized and applied to a discreet portion of the retail item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Ralph Garner
  • Patent number: 7311254
    Abstract: A booking station, comprising: a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a right side, and a left side, said front having a large front door that is hingedly connected to said front, said front also having a small front door that is hingedly connected to said front; a keyboard tray is substantially horizontally slidably mounted to a frame within the booking station upwardly from said large front door, said keyboard tray slidably mounted to said frame; a short front drawer is substantially horizontally slidably mounted to a frame within the booking station upwardly from said small front door, said top and said front having a scanner cut-out that is disposed upwardly from said short front drawer; and a substantially horizontally oriented scanner ledge is disposed upwardly from said short front drawer and begins substantially at the front extending rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Micheal Olsen
  • Patent number: 7311255
    Abstract: A magnetic detection device has a roller unit to which conveying rollers are attached, a fixing unit that installs the roller unit movably in the direction to contact to or leave away from a magnetic head, and eccentric shafts that are provided rotatably between the fixing unit and the roller unit. This magnetic detection device has an adjusting means to adjust a gap between the magnetic head and the conveying roller by relatively moving the roller unit to against the fixing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takuji Kato
  • Patent number: 7311256
    Abstract: Computer software which includes code configured to create a printer label format based on a printed label that has been scanned. The code is configured to scan a label by either using a plurality of different types of scanners, or by using a single piece of hardware which can perform a plurality of different types of scans. Then, the scanned label is used to generate a label format. The label format created from the scanned label is thereafter useable to print labels similar in format to the label which was scanned. Preferably, barcodes are recognized as barcodes, and not just as graphics. Preferably, a user is prompted, via a visual display, to confirm that the scanned objects have been correctly characterized and the user can change any of the characterizations made by the software. The user can link any object to a variable field, and can add embedded printer-specific non-printing control codes to the label format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventor: Karl Torchalski
  • Patent number: 7311257
    Abstract: A card reader for reading data from a data card includes a support. A light source is supported by the support and is configured to emit light toward the data card. A sensor is supported by the support and is configured to sense the data being carried by reflected light from the data card. A translucent cover is mounted to the support and defines recesses in which the light source and sensor are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7311258
    Abstract: A data acquisition device includes a housing, a card reader, a scanner, an electronic signature pad, and a data communication system. The card reader, the scanner, and the electronic signature pad are integrated with the housing and with the data communication system. The data communication system is configured to receive the data that is read by the card reader, the scanner, and the electronic signature pad, and to communicate the received data to a computer connected to the data acquisition device. The computer processes the data acquired by the data acquisition device with appropriate software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Market Scan Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Trippe, Steven Saigeon, Ronald H. Means, Russell G. West
  • Patent number: 7311259
    Abstract: A bar code reader includes a first circuit board on which a photodiode, which receives light reflected from a bar code, is installed and a second circuit board on which a processing unit that processes a signal output from the photodiode. The position at which the first circuit board is placed can be decided irrespective of the position at which the second circuit board is placed. The first circuit board is placed at a position that is most suitable for receiving light reflected from the bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Frontech Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuo Watanabe, Isao Iwaguchi, Hideo Miyazawa, Kozo Yamazaki, Masanori Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 7311260
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a base capable of receiving a camera including a lens, and a projector coupled to the base and adapted to project a plurality of beams of light onto a plane positioned at a focus distance from the base, wherein the projections of the beams of light on the plane are geometric shapes, and wherein an intersection of the geometric shapes is at the center of the field of view of the lens when the lens is installed on the base. In addition, an apparatus is disclosed comprising a base capable of receiving a camera including a lens, an image processor capable of being coupled to the camera for processing an image of a target captured by the camera, and a confirmation projector coupled to the image processor, wherein the projector projects a confirmation beam onto the plane of the target when the image processor signals the confirmation projector that it has processed the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Microscan Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew J. Zosel, Danny S. Barnes, Matthew E. Allen
  • Patent number: 7311261
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a discrete optical correlation system. One embodiment of the present invention includes a portable electrical illumination system and an optically opaque hollow module, configured to releasably couple to the portable electrical illumination system in a manner such that when the portable electrical illumination system is activated, the system produces a discrete correlated or focused illumination output. The portable electrical illumination system further includes a light emitting diode, a power source, a switch, and a coupling mechanism. The optically opaque hollow module further includes at least two openings, a hollow internal region, an optically opaque outer surface, and a coupling mechanism disposed on at least one of the at least two openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory Kennedy, Douglas Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7311262
    Abstract: A method for encoding a symbol such as a barcode with a finder of a known pattern, comprises steps of determining a potential point on the finder edge and tracing and verifying a path representing the finder edge by checking the color of each point on the path against a threshold. The threshold is preferably reevaluated at least every several pixel movements along the path. The method may decode the barcode directly from the gray image displayed on a LCD screen without a need of a whole characterized image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazukuni Hosoi, Haruo Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 7311263
    Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for handling cards, wherein the cards comprise a memory element that may be read out in a contactless manner via a transponder, and pass through a plurality of handling stations, a card and a card carrier are initially brought together and joined. Subsequently, the card carrier is enveloped. Then a reading operation with regard to the card carrier which has been enveloped is performed so as to determine, on the basis of a signal received from the card carrier enveloped, whether a card is contained in the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Boewe Systec AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Eichler, Martin Delles
  • Patent number: 7311264
    Abstract: The novel method and device provide for process control—closed-loop control or open-loop control—for a thermal system with an obstruction-curved and/or thick-walled component through which a medium flows. The wall temperatures of the component are detected, the heat flux density of the heat flux from the medium into the wall of the component is determined, the respective heat transmission coefficient is determined, using the wall temperatures. The heat flux density, and the heat transmission coefficient thus determined are used to influence the medium properties, with the heat stresses in the component being taken into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Rüdiger Franke, Klaus Krüger, Manfred Rode
  • Patent number: 7311265
    Abstract: A liquid reservoir of a hand-held, air-assisted spray apparatus is characterized by a plurality (i.e., two or more) of liquid-holding compartments. Each liquid-holding compartment is connected through an outlet port into fluid communication with the flow channel of the hand-held spraying apparatus. The liquid-holding compartments are isolated from fluid communication with each other such that a liquid introduced into one of the compartments is held apart from a liquid introduced into the other compartment. A rotatable element is associated with each liquid-holding compartment. Each rotatable element has a predetermined displacement. The rotatable elements are coupled together for rotation by a common shaft, so that, in use, the relative volumes of liquids dispensed from the respective liquid-holding compartments into the flow channel remain in a predetermined ratio regardless of the rate at which the liquids flow from their respective compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Kamlesh Kumar Bhatia
  • Patent number: 7311266
    Abstract: A freeze-proof water valve (10) for supplying secondary water under pressure in freezing ambient conditions to a snow making apparatus (11) having primary water spray nozzles (12) and secondary water spray nozzles (13,14). The valve housing (15) is provided with an interior primary water chamber (16) with a water inlet (17) and a primary water outlet (18) for continuous passage of primary water under pressure therethrough for delivery to primary water spray nozzles (12) on the snow making apparatus (11). A valve body (22,24) is mounted within this valve housing (15) within the primary water chamber (16) for flow of water therearound from the housing inlet (17) to the primary outlet (18) to prevent freeze-up of the valve body (22,24) when in the off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Charles N. Santry
  • Patent number: 7311267
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 7311268
    Abstract: A nozzle body for a cleaning system on a motor vehicle includes at least one feed line element adapted for connection to a cleaning liquid supply container. At least one nozzle element is connected to the feed line element by a channel section in the basic body. A heating device to heat the connecting channel section is arranged adjacent to the nozzle element, such that the nozzle element is located in a heating zone that is primarily heated by the heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Rehau AG & Co.
    Inventors: Jürgen Sporer, Peter Zielke
  • Patent number: 7311269
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle having a cleaning fluid injection port at one end and an opened end at the other end thereof, a nozzle holder having a flow path which communicates with the cleaning fluid injection port and a first joint portion which fits on the other end portion of the nozzle, and a cleaning fluid supply portion, wherein a first and second annular portions are formed on circumferential surface of the nozzle and the first joint portion, respectively, when the other end portion of the nozzle fits on the first joint portion of the nozzle holder, the first and second annular portions fit each other in concavo-convex fitting manner to thereby form a first fit portion, and the nozzle is held by the first fit portion rotatably relative to the nozzle holder around a fitting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 7311270
    Abstract: An eductor for mixing liquids and solid particles includes a nozzle, an initial mixing chamber, a first diffuser, an intermediate mixing chamber and a second diffuser. The nozzle includes a semicircular nozzle outlet that is offset from a centrally-located first axis. Motive flow is accelerated through the nozzle through a first and second acceleration segment. Solid particles are added to the motive flow in the initial mixing chamber and directed to the first diffuser. Each diffuser includes an acceleration and a deceleration segment separated by an elliptically-shaped throat. The intermediate mixing chamber is located between the first and second diffusers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mukesh Kapila
  • Patent number: 7311271
    Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for improving atomization in a spray coating device by internally mixing and breaking up a desired coating fluid prior to atomization. In one embodiment, a flow barrier is disposed in the spray coating device downstream of an internal fluid valve and upstream of a fluid exit. The flow barrier may have a plurality of passages configured to direct fluid streams to create a fluid swirling and rotating motion around a central axis of a central flow path to facilitate fluid mixing and breakup. The plurality of passages may direct the fluid streams toward a surface, and may be angled substantially toward one another or diverging from one another. Embodiments of the spray coating device may further include an atomization mechanism adapted to facilitate formation of a spray of the fluid flowing from the fluid exit. The resulting spray coating has refined characteristics, such as reduced mottling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R Micheli
  • Patent number: 7311272
    Abstract: A stacked structure is formed such that a plurality of thin plates, which include at least one liquid flow passage thin plate provided with a liquid flow passage having a predetermined pattern formed on at least one surface, are stacked with an adhesive. A release groove for releasing the adhesive is formed on the liquid flow passage thin plate. An air release hole, which is communicated with the release groove and which penetrates in the stacking direction, is bored through a thin plate stack stacked on the liquid flow passage thin plate. An opening, which allows the air release hole to be open to the outside, is formed on the thin plate disposed at the outermost layer of the thin plate stack. The air release hole has a diameter which is larger than the width of the release groove and which is larger than the opening disposed on the outermost layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Ito