Patents Issued in February 26, 2008
  • Patent number: 7334313
    Abstract: Numeric control bore for boring an eyeglass lens and corresponding method. The bore comprises a bedplate (1), attachment device (3) for the lens (5), rotation device (9) for the lens (5) according to a first axis (7) (first degree of freedom), and a support column (11) with a head (15), wherein the attachment device (3) and the support column (11) can be moved between each other (second degree of freedom). The support column (11) has a first end linked to the bedplate (1) being capable of rotating about a second end (third degree of freedom) and the head (15) is linked to the column (11) by translation structure (fourth degree of freedom). The apparatus only has these four degrees of freedom in order to fix the relative position between the head (15) and the lens (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Indo Internacional, S.A.
    Inventors: Santiago Albert Seseña, Sergio Fructuoso González, Carlos Pérez Ribera
  • Patent number: 7334314
    Abstract: A work treatment installation comprises several side-by-side machine tools and at least one work supply and discharge device. It further comprises a work transport device which bridges both of them and comprises a displaceable and vertically sliding lifting skid with a work grab. The work transport device comprises lowering stops for the lifting skid. They are fixed between charge and discharge positions of the machine tools and designed for engagement and disengagement in the charge and discharge positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Cross Hüller GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg-Michael Nussbaum, Klaus Strohhäcker
  • Patent number: 7334315
    Abstract: For use in switchgear equipment having channel bus bars joined together at a bus joint, there is provided a method of servicing and maintaining a channel bus splice assembly and method. The channel bus splice assembly comprises switchgear or switchboard equipment having channel bus bars joined together at a bus joint, there is provided a channel bus splice assembly. The channel bus splice assembly comprises an inner splice plate defining a plurality of throughbores. A sliding clamp plate is configured to reciprocally move within the inner splice plate. The sliding clamp plate defines a plurality of access ports. A pair of nut plates is coupled to the sliding clamp plate and having threaded orifices corresponding to selected throughbores in the inner splice plate. An outer splice plate having a plurality of throughbores corresponding to the threaded orifices in the nut plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason P. Wiant, Harry W. Josten
  • Patent number: 7334316
    Abstract: A method of sealing a generator stator bar and a stator bar end fitting receiving the end including the steps of: brazing the fitting to the end of the stator bar with a braze material; applying a metallic barrier coating material to the end of the stator bar in the fitting; heating the fitting at a temperature at least as hot as a liquidus temperature of the metallic coating material and cooler than a solids temperature of the braze material; coating the end of the stator bar in the fitting with liquid metallic barrier coating material, and solidifying the liquefied metallic coating material to form a metallic barrier coating on the end of the stator bar in the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yu Wang, Jeffrey Michael Breznak, Lawrence Lee Sowers
  • Patent number: 7334317
    Abstract: A method of forming a magnetoresistive junction in a process of manufacturing a magnetoresistive memory cell includes providing a semiconductor substrate having at least one via contact layer on a main surface thereof, depositing a layered structure of magnetoresistive junction layers on the via contact layer, depositing an etch stop layer on the layered structure of magnetoresistive junction layers, depositing at least one hard mask layer on the etch stop layer, patterning and etching the hard mask layer to create a hard mask, removing of polymer residuals from the hard mask, etching of the etch stop layer, and etching the layered structure of magnetoresistive junction layers to create the magnetoresistive junction. The etching stops at the etch stop layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: Infineon Technologies AG, Altis Semiconductor
    Inventor: Philippe Blanchard
  • Patent number: 7334318
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an inexpensive fine resistor which do not require dimensional classifications of discrete substrates is disclosed. The method eliminates a process of replacing a mask according to a dimensional ranking of each discrete substrate. The method includes: dividing an insulated substrate sheet along a first slit dividing portion and a second dividing portion perpendicular to the first dividing portion; forming a top electrode layer on a top face of the discrete substrate; forming a resistor layer such that a part of the resistor layer overlaps the top electrode layer; forming protective layers so as to cover the resistor layer; and forming side electrode layer on a side face of the discrete substrate such that the side electrode layer is electrically coupled to the top electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Hashimoto, Yoshiro Morimoto, Akio Fukuoka, Hiroaki Kaito, Hiroyuki Saikawa, Toshiki Matsukawa, Junichi Hayase
  • Patent number: 7334319
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve the breaking ability of vacuum interrupter in the medium- and high-voltage range. Said aim is achieved whereby the contact pieces which may be displaced relative to each other are moved with a relatively high speed during a first phase (S1) of the separation process until about ¼ to ½ of the ultimate separation (extinction stroke Eh) and are brought to the given ultimate separation (isolating stroke Eh) during a second phase (S2) with relatively low speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Kusserow, Roman Renz
  • Patent number: 7334320
    Abstract: Tolerance to ESD is increased in an electronic fuse by providing at least one non-conductive region adjacent to a conductive region on the surface of an insulator. Such an arrangement reduces the thermal stresses imposed on the insulator in high current applications. Where multiple conductive and adjacent non-conductive regions are disposed on an insulator, the fuse can fail in discrete steps, thus providing a well defined and easily detected transisition to a blown state, as well as providing a stepwise increase in resistance between prescribed resistance values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Steven H. Voldman
  • Patent number: 7334321
    Abstract: An automated wire harness machine is capable of manufacturing a wire harness in an automated process. The wire harness is generally a plurality of bundled, preferably un-stripped, insulated wires. Each un-stripped end portion of each wire is preferably terminated by an electrical terminal in one of a series of electrical connectors of the wire harness. Each connector has at least one wafer which houses a plurality of terminals. The wire harness machine utilizes a pallet that holds all of the wafers of one wire harness. A conveyor transports the pallet and wafers through a series of stations which perform automated manufacturing steps. The first station is a terminal inserter which inserts and locks the terminals within pre-assigned cavities of the wafers. The next station is an automated wire loader which measures, cuts and crimps the two ends of each wire into the respective terminals of the loaded wafer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Gourash, John Thomas Kightlinger, Nick M. Loprire, Robert Alan McFall, John C. McLane, Andrew F. Rodondi
  • Patent number: 7334322
    Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling condition detecting device for element rows of a slide fastener. A chain stopping means for stopping a chain at a detecting position of coupling right and left elements adjacent an upstream end of a space in the chain is disposed downstream along a chain carrying direction. A detecting portion having a mechanical detecting means for detecting presence/absence of a deviation in coupling of the elements is provided at the detecting position. The detecting portion has an element position detection member movable between a normal first contact position where the detection member does not contact any elements and an abnormal second contact position where it contacts an element. When the detection member exists at the first contact position when the chain is stopped, it is determined that the coupling is normal and when the detection member exists at the second contact position, it is determined that the coupling is abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Taishin Kameda, Satoshi Matsumura, Tsuneo Takamura
  • Patent number: 7334323
    Abstract: A method of making a circuitized substrate which includes a high temperature dielectric material in combination with a low temperature conductive paste, the paste including an organic binder component and at least one metallic component. The flakes of the metallic component are sintered to form a conductive path through the dielectric when the dielectric is used as a layer in the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Endicott Interconnect Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank D. Egitto, Voya R. Markovich, Luis J. Matienzo
  • Patent number: 7334324
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a, in order to accommodate the words range and to clarify the multilayer wiring board, grooves for forming a wiring circuit and via holes are formed in an insulating substrate formed from a thermoplastic resin composition comprising a polyarylketone resin with a crystalline melting peak temperature of at least 260° C. and an amorphous polyetherimide resin as the primary constituents, a metallic foil is embedded within the grooves so that the surface of the foil protrudes to the surface of the insulating substrate, and a conductive material formed by curing a conductive paste is used for filling the via holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Minoru Ogawa, Masahiro Izumi, Shigeyasu Itoh, Shingetsu Yamada, Shuuji Suzuki, Hiroo Kurosaki
  • Patent number: 7334325
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for improving coupling across plane discontinuities on circuit boards. A circuit board includes a discontinuity, e.g., a split, slot, or cutout, formed on a voltage reference plane. A conductive layer overlies the discontinuity. The conductive layer has a first portion connected to the underlying reference plane and a second portion spanning the discontinuity. The first portion is connected to the reference plane using a slot or vias. And the conductive layer has a third portion extending over the reference plane but remaining disconnected from it. The conductive layer might be graphite or carbon black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Weston Roth, Jayne L. Mershon, Xang Moua, Jason A. Mix
  • Patent number: 7334326
    Abstract: A method for making an integrated circuit substrate having embedded passive components provides a reduced cost and compact package for a die and one or more passive components. An insulating layer of the substrate is embossed or laser-ablated to generate apertures for insertion of a paste forming the body of the passive component. A resistive paste is used to form resistors and a dielectric paste is used for forming capacitors. A capacitor plate may be deposited at a bottom of the aperture by using a doped substrate material and activating only the bottom wall of the aperture, enabling plating of the bottom wall without depositing conductive material on the side walls of the aperture. Vias may be formed to the bottom plate by using a disjoint structure and conductive paste technology. Connection to the passive components may be made by conductive paste-filled channels forming conductive patterns on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Amkor Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Patrick Huemoeller, Sukitano Rusli
  • Patent number: 7334327
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a RF connector includes the following steps. First, a first workpiece with first assembly units is provided. Each first assembly unit includes a first joint piece with a first joint portion, a metal shell with a ring and soldering tags extending therefrom, and a first connection portion connecting the first joint piece and the ring. Next, a second workpiece with second assembly units is provided. Each second assembly unit includes a second joint piece with a second joint portion, a center contact with a base and a center pin disposed thereon, and a second connection portion connecting the second joint piece and the base. Then, the first and second joint portions are positioned to contact with each other and then riveted together. Then, dielectric bodies are formed to at least correspondingly cover part of each ring and each base. Thereafter, a singularizing process is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Speed Tech Corp.
    Inventors: Li-Sen Chen, Wen-Hsing Zhang, Jia-Wei Li
  • Patent number: 7334328
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an axis seal, first, a roll of rolled metal material is cut into metal material plates of a predetermined size. Next, metal material plates are etched from both sides so as to form a predetermined size. Subsequently, the thin metal plates are arranged so as to be in a ring shape, oriented in the same direction, and are welded so as to be fixed. Additionally, during these processes, heat treatment is performed by heating rolls of rolled metal materials or metal material plates or thin metal plates at a predetermined timing, thereby eliminating residual stress (strain).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Uehara, Tanehiro Sinohara, Takasi Nakano, Sin Nisimoto, Takayuki Kurimura, Yuichi Hirakawa, Tatsuji Takahasi, Sin Koga
  • Patent number: 7334329
    Abstract: In a method for pretreating a piezoelectric ceramic (1) and a method for adjusting an injection valve (7), the piezoelectric ceramic (1) is exposed to environmental conditions, leading to a reduction of polarization and also a reduction of the length of the ceramic (1). The obtained length exhibits a greater long-term stability due to said adjusting phase. Consequently, the injection valve (7) can be re-adjusted before use. As a result, renewed adjustment thereof is required only after a long period in service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias Goller, Stefan Kohn, Wolfgang Reisinger, Andreas Voigt, Claus Zumstrull
  • Patent number: 7334330
    Abstract: Thermally insulating layer incorporating a distinguishing agent and method for inspecting the insulating layer are provided. The distinguishing agent may be used for determining a remaining thickness of the thermally insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven James Vance
  • Patent number: 7334331
    Abstract: A method of using a machining assembly to machine a plurality of different turbine components that include a dovetail having a contoured profile. The method includes removably coupling a first set of retainers into the machining assembly, the first set of retainers include an upper portion having a profile that substantially mirrors a portion of the first dovetail, and a lower portion having a profile that substantially mirrors an opposite side of the first dovetail, coupling a first turbine component between the upper and lower portions such that the first turbine component is secured by the first set of retainers, coupling the machining assembly into a milling machine, and machining at least one seal groove into the dovetail of the first turbine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric Bouchard, Michael Anthony Umney, Robert Allan Ahti
  • Patent number: 7334332
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a hollow blade for turbine engine comprising a foot and a rotor blade, the method comprising a production stage of two external parts (14) as well as an assembling stage via diffusion bonding of these two external parts so as to obtain a blade preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Snecma Moteurs
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Ferte, Jean-michel Franchet, Daniel Lhomme, Alain Lorieux
  • Patent number: 7334333
    Abstract: Hollow fan blades for turbo fan gas turbine engines are formed of two separate detail halves. Each detail half has a plurality of cavities and ribs machined out to reduce weight. The floor and opposite interior walls of each cavity are machined simultaneously. The configuration minimizes the number of cutter plunge cuts for the internal cavities, and maximizes cutter size, in order to minimize the time required to machine them. These detail halves are subsequently bonded and given an airfoil shape in the forming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Mark Palazzini, Michael A. Weisse, Douglas A. Senecal
  • Patent number: 7334334
    Abstract: A catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine exhaust system comprises a single-piece, seamless metal housing having tubulated gas inlet and outlet ports and a tubulated intermediate section with a catalytic element therein. The intermediate section is connected to the inlet port by an inlet transition section and to the outlet port by an outlet transition section. The inlet and outlet ports and the inlet and outlet transition sections are formed by swaging the ends of a seamless tube used to form the housing. Exhaust gas produced by operation of the engine passes into the converter and through the catalytic element. A swaging process is used to form tubulated ends on the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Evolution Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul B. Lancaster, John M. Tursky
  • Patent number: 7334335
    Abstract: A monolithic ink-jet printhead, and a method of manufacturing the same, includes a substrate having an ink chamber, an ink channel, and a manifold, a nozzle plate formed on the substrate, a nozzle, a heater, and a conductor. The ink chamber includes sidewalls formed to a predetermined depth from the front surface of the substrate for defining side surfaces of the ink chamber and a bottom wall formed parallel to the front surface of the substrate at the predetermined depth from the front surface of the substrate for defining a bottom surface of the ink chamber. The nozzle plate includes a plurality of passivation layers, a heat dissipating layer being stacked on the passivation layers, and the nozzle for ejecting ink out of the printhead. The heater is positioned above the ink chamber and heats ink in the ink chamber and the conductor delivers a current to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Su-ho Shin, Seog-soon Baek, Seung-joo Shin, Yong-soo Oh, Jong-woo Shin, Chang-seung Lee, Ki-deok Bae
  • Patent number: 7334336
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing a polymer sleeve including a polymer sleeve for use with an image cylinder or a blanket cylinder in an electrophotographic process so that the sleeve has a stretched length as mounted on the mandrel equal to a length of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Biao Tan, Craig M. Cody, Po-Jen Shih, Joseph A. Pavlisko
  • Patent number: 7334337
    Abstract: A small-bored cylindrical bearing member which can enhance the maintainability for a lubricating oil therein. The member has blind grooves in a seamless cylindrical central body portion of the interior hollow cylindrical surface of the bearing member. A method of manufacturing the cylindrical bearing member having blind grooves with blocked-in end portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and spaced from the ends of the member. The grooves can be easily formed in the central body portion of the inner circumferential cylindrical surface of the central body portion with the blocked-in ends spaced from the opposite ends of the seamless bearing member. The seamless member is first formed with a tapered or flared portion at one open end which is later narrowed into a round cylindrical form. Before narrowing the tapered or flared portion, the blind grooves are formed by a groove punch pushed through the open end into the central body cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Tetsufumi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7334338
    Abstract: A reciprocatory dry shaver has a shaving head carrying an outer cutter, and an inner cutter. An actuator is mounted in the shaving head for driving the inner cutter. The actuator includes an oscillator which carries a joint for driving connection to the inner cutter. Resilient coupling links are provided to support the oscillator to the shaving head in order to allow the oscillator to reciprocate relative to the shaving head. The resilient coupling link has its upper end coupled to the oscillator and has its lower end which is farther away from the inner cutter than the oscillator and is anchored to the shaving head. Thus, the oscillator is supported as being floated or lifted with respect to the shaving head, thereby being allowed to travel along a path which is somewhat arcuate in coincidence with the arc of the outer cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Shiba, Ryo Motohashi, Hidekazu Yabuuchi, Hiroaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7334339
    Abstract: In an exemplary sharpening element storage embodiment of the present invention, a sharpening element (5000) may be inserted in a groove (5001) that would be provided in an interior wall (5004) of a knife handle (or knife blade housing) (5005). When the first notch (5002), located in the blade's tongue (5003), in the knife blade (5006) is aligned with the conforming shape of the first end (5008) of the groove (5001), it would be possible to move the sharpening element (5000) in the direction of the opposing handle part (not shown), out from the groove (5001), in order to extract the sharpening element (5000) completely out from the knife handle (5005) for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Richard H. Miltner, Julie L. Adams
  • Patent number: 7334340
    Abstract: A cutting tool for forming a hole in the wall of a plastic pipe has a body portion defined by a rear grasp portion and by a frontal portion. The frontal portion is provided at one end with a through going vertical passage which accommodates the cutting element therein and guides the cutting element. A frontal portion of the body has a mounting pin and the body has an upper compartment with a spring. A pressure handle enables pivotal displacement thereof between an erected position and a depressed position which enables forceable displacement of the cutting element from an uppermost position to a lowermost position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Mordechai Eldar
  • Patent number: 7334341
    Abstract: A measurement device provides coordinates for a specified location and position on the exterior surface of a vessel, including a base adapted to contact the exterior surface of the vessel; a rail extending upwardly from the base, the rail including a measurement scale; a head slidably supported by the rail; the head including a clamping mechanism used to releasably secure the head to the rail; and a laser carried by the head for projecting an image on the exterior surface of the vessel. The device quickly measures both the radial position and the angular position of an indicated location relative to the axis of the nozzle, and the skew of a transducer probe which provided the indicated location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Teresa K. Donaldson, John Abbott, Scott Hall, Darryl Baucom
  • Patent number: 7334342
    Abstract: A marking device is disclosed to enable the placement of an indicator mark on one side of a sheet of material to mark the approximate periphery of a stationary object. The device is affixed to the stationary object with channels that allow for an element to be mounted within the object. A removable contact pad, portions of which extend above the base surface, is connected to the base through the use of a pair of flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: William Ack Barr, Deborah F Barr, William H Fulton
  • Patent number: 7334343
    Abstract: Rolling element holding members have two holding window for holding rolling elements in rolling element running channels formed between both track faces of a rail and a slider. Further, the rolling element holding members are held between two end caps fixed opposite end surfaces of the slider by engagement of four retaining grooves formed on the end caps and opposite end portions of the rolling element holding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Soichiro Kato, Nobuhide Kurachi, Masaru Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7334344
    Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, a chalk line, a chalk receptacle, a chalk line recharger, an activator, and an advancer. The chalk line is easily advanced and retracted for making marks at varying distances. The chalk is stored in a chalk storage receptacle that allows the chalk line to be re-chalked and is refillable for multiple uses. The activator allows the retractable chalk line to transfer a chalk substance from the chalk line to the surface to be measured and marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Dane Scarborough
  • Patent number: 7334345
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a bio-mass processing system, and method of processing waste bio-mass, wherein one or more mixers mixes a bed of bio-mass material such as manure at substantially any and all locations in a defined length and width portion of the bed, in a dryer. Heated air percolates upwardly through the bed. Separation apparatus separates a relatively dryer fraction of the bio-mass material from the dryer. The separated finished product from the dryer is optionally fed to a boiler where the dried bio-mass material is burned. Heat of combustion from the boiler is used as dryer heat for drying the bio-mass feed material in the dryer. Excess heat is optionally used to produce steam, which powers a turbine, which powers an electrical generator. Residual ash from the combustion process comprises about 2% by weight of the solids content of e.g. a feed stream coming into the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Skill Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Wallace R. Lasonde
  • Patent number: 7334346
    Abstract: A device for controlling dehydration during freeze-drying in an enclosure connected to a vacuum line includes an analyzer for analyzing the gases contained in the enclosure, the gas analyzer comprising a system for ionizing the gases comprising a plasma source in contact with the gases combined with a generator adapted to generate a plasma from the gases and a system for analyzing ionized gases comprising a radiation sensor situated in the vicinity of the area of generation of the plasma connected to apparatus for analyzing evolution of the radiation spectrum emitted by the plasma. The plasma source is preferably produced by inductive coupling and the analyzer for analyzing the evolution of the radiation spectrum is preferably an optical emission spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Cyrille Nomine
  • Patent number: 7334347
    Abstract: Dried, singulated cellulose pulp fiber is produced by introducing wet pulp steam and air into a jet dryer. The air is heated to a temperature of 250° C. to 600° C. Steam is injected at a nozzle pressure of from 344 KPa (50 psig) to 4,137 KPa (600 psig). The pulp is removed from the jet dryer and separated from the air. The product formed has advantageous properties such as low fines count, improved kink curl and twist, and high permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Christopher A. Mann, Christopher Q. Tveter
  • Patent number: 7334348
    Abstract: A dryer apparatus for use with a woven and knitted fabric is constructed such that a first drying rack is disposed at an upper portion of the frame, and at least one second drying rack is disposed at a lower. Each of the drying racks is formed of a ventilated drying surface. A first drying device is disposed above the first drying rack, and a second drying device is disposed above the second rack. Each of the drying devices is formed of a drying irradiation surface for irradiating a heat ray and/or heated air, and is constructed to be movable for reciprocation along the drying surface of the drying rack by means of a driving device. The second drying device is arranged so as to be pivotable between a position in which the drying irradiation surface of the second drying device opposes an upper surface of the at least one second drying rack, and a position in which the drying irradiation surface of the second drying device opposes a lower surface of the first drying rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Morita
  • Patent number: 7334349
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a midsole element that defines a void, and the void may extend substantially vertically through a central area of the midsole element. The void may also extend between an upper surface and a lower surface of the midsole element to define an interior surface. A plurality of bores are also defined in the midsole element. The bores may extend substantially horizontally through the midsole element, and the bores may extend between an exterior surface of the midsole element and the void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Susanne Amalie Wolf-Hochdoerffer, Lorrie Vogel
  • Patent number: 7334350
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one removable midsole section formed by a midsole portion, wherein the removable midsole section is non-orthotic. The removable midsole section is inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the removable midsole section. The removable midsole section may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The removable midsole section provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Anatomic Research, INC
    Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis, III
  • Patent number: 7334351
    Abstract: A shoe is provided for improving use efficiency through reduction of neuromuscular fatigue. The shoe includes an upper having a generally horizontal bottom wall. The bottom wall includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper comprises a forward region having a forward center of loading and a rear region having a rear center of loading. The shoe further includes a sole comprising a midsole and an outsole. The midsole comprises a suspension element, which can have a generally elongated shape. The suspension element further has a center of compression, which is generally aligned with at least one of the first and second centers of loading of the upper. The shoe can have a hinge located within the sole for providing enhanced efficiency to the user. The hinge and suspension element(s) can take various forms. The position and structure of the hinge and suspension element(s) in relation to the midsole can take various forms as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Energy Management Athletics, LLC
    Inventor: Lenn Hann
  • Patent number: 7334352
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (1), especially a sports shoe, comprising a sole (2) and a shoe upper part (3) linked therewith, the sole (2) having a receptacle (4) in which a damping element (5) is detachably arranged. The aim of the invention is to improve the cushioning and damping behavior of the shoe. According to the Invention, the receptacle (4) substantially or completely extends through the sole (2) at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L) of the shoe (1) and the detachably mounted damping element (5) is constituted of a plate-type base (6) that comprises a plurality of recesses (7) in which damping parts (8) can be disposed. The recesses (7) in the damping element (5) extend across the entire height (H) of the damping element (5) in the vertical direction (V).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Puma Aktiengesellschaft Rudolf Dassler Sport
    Inventor: Brad Lacey
  • Patent number: 7334353
    Abstract: The devices sole purpose is to keep the integrity of a knot once it is formed with the shoe lace to keep the shoe securely fastened about the foot. This will be accomplished by precluding the bows and excess laces on each side of the knot from movement or slippage in any direction. The semi attached properties of the device will allow its user to remove it from one shoe and place it on another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Gary W. Lampkins
  • Patent number: 7334354
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an ankle support, and a sole structure. The upper receives a foot of an individual and includes a tab that is convertible from a folded first position to an extended second position. The ankle support is configured to extend around an ankle of the individual, and the ankle support is positioned proximal the tab. The sole structure is secured to the upper. The footwear is convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration. The tab is in the folded first position and separate from the ankle support in the first configuration, and the tab is in the extended second position and joined with the ankle support in the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Foxen, Joshua P. Heard
  • Patent number: 7334355
    Abstract: A footwear base (320) and a structurally designed footwear bracing system (340) including a footwear base is provided. The footwear bracing system reduces the likelihood of ankle injuries when incorporated in a variety of footwear. The footwear bracing system permits the production of a very high structurally designed footwear base (320) by coupling it to and working in unison with a simple articulated but structurally designed support system (340). Very large forces can exist with this footwear and moderate but very injurious forces can be experienced in many types of footwear and these forces cannot be controlled by the ankle alone. Using the principles of the present invention these forces can be transferred to and resisted by the lower leg. The support system controls the forces generated by the footwear height or ground unevenness and relieves the ankle of this task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Francis Sheridan
  • Patent number: 7334356
    Abstract: Footwear, particularly athletic shoes, that has a sole structure copying support, stability and cushioning structures of the human foot. Still more particularly, this invention relates to the use of the shoe upper portion to envelop one or more portions of the shoe midsole in combination with portions of the shoe sole having at least one concavely rounded portion of the sole outer surface, relative to a portion of the shoe sole located adjacent to the concavely rounded outer surface portion, and at least one convexly rounded portion of the inner surface of the midsole component, relative to a portion of the midsole component located adjacent to the convexly rounded portion of the inner surface of the midsole component, all as viewed in a frontal plane cross-section when the shoe sole is upright and in an unloaded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Anatomic Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis, III
  • Patent number: 7334357
    Abstract: An improved front hitch assembly is provided for mounting a snowplow to the front of a vehicle. The hitch assembly includes a pair of mounting brackets secured to the vehicle frame, and a pair of receivers releasably connected to the mounting brackets. The plow includes a frame with a pair of horns which are releasably received in the receivers. A pad is provided in each of the mounting brackets and is engaged by each of the receivers to absorb impact forces when the plow hits an object. The brackets include pairs of forward and rearward slots for supporting the receivers in the brackets, with the pads being mounted on the rearward pins. The pads are made of polymeric or urethane material so as to absorb the forces of impact when the plow hits an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Charles E. Altheide
  • Patent number: 7334358
    Abstract: A portable dredging apparatus comprising a cutter housing in communication with a hydraulic power supply and a discharge pump through lengths of tubing whereby said cutter housing is submersible. The cutter housing is comprised of a platform having walls depending therefrom with the cutter blade positioned therewithin and height adjustable wheels exteriorly located on opposing sides. Also extending between the walls proximate to the cutter blade is an angularly positioned wiper element designed to dislodge debris caught between the teeth of the cutter blade. Angularly depending screen situated between the wiper blade and discharge port located in the rear wall prevent objects larger than the screen mesh from discharge port passage. Releasably fastened to the exterior side of the discharge port is an appropriate length of flexible conduit terminating at a remote discharge pump with additional conduit extending from the discharge pump to a desired debris discharge location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Colin D Whyte
  • Patent number: 7334359
    Abstract: A machine for recording or assigning the use of articles of apparel having a sheet of stiff material, perforated and folded over the hook of a hanger, and having one or more substantially flat surfaces upon which notes, assignments, usage advertisements, or other data maybe recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Pamela Reitz Palmer
  • Patent number: 7334360
    Abstract: A contrivance (30) simulates smoke and flames emanating from an intense burning simulated log stack fire (13). The visual effect is provided by unrestricted fluctuating light reflected off spaced apart sunburst formation bunches (41) of colored rotating metallic strips(9) of different length that transmit uneven flashes of colored light and shadow through a bronze tinted tempered glass diffusing screen(16)(39) simulating images of smoke and flames when viewed from the front, simultaneously the simulated log stack bed (13) adjacent the lower area of the screen(17)(40) is illuminated providing a glowing surface and a intense flickering flame effect is transmitted and viewed through the plurality of openings(14) in between the individual protruding angle backward log configuration of the log stack bed(13) creating the overall images of smoke and flames emanating from out of a real log stack burning fire with intense burning core simulating a natural roaring log fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Arthur Andrew Corry
  • Patent number: 7334361
    Abstract: A system for accessing internal electrical components of an LED display panel assembly includes a case and a display panel having a plurality of LEDs on an outer surface and electrical components on an inner surface. A linkage assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the case and the inner surface of the display panel and configured for generally translational and generally rotational movement of the display panel from a closed position to an open position for accessing the electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Adaptive Micro Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jesse E. Schrimpf, Kelly J. Bronk, Scott S. Liebert, Gregory P. Schleusner
  • Patent number: 7334362
    Abstract: Displays for information exist, which appear to emerge out of a solid piece of metal. In order to obtain an aluminium-like and translucent material, according to prior art glass has aluminium vapour deposited onto the front surface, and a diode matrix display is hidden behind this translucent material while inactive, whereas it becomes visible when lit. In order to avoid the use of glass and to make the metal surface and the display surface indistinguishable from each other under all lighting conditions, the surface is made out of the piece of material constituting the surrounding parts. A cavity is formed from behind, and the bottom of said cavity is made very thin and hence translucent by etching or a similar material removing process. Oxide layers support this translucent layer, and an internal support is provided in the cavity, said support also carrying the sources of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bang & Olufsen A/S
    Inventor: Henrik Henriksen Bladt