Patents Issued in February 26, 2008
  • Patent number: 7334465
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring characteristics of earth formations surrounding a borehole, comprises a resistivity measurement device having a multiplicity of antennae spaced between each other in a longitudinal direction of the apparatus. A neutron measurement device of the apparatus comprises at least a neutron source and at least a neutron detector, each of the neutron detectors being at a distance from the neutron source in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus. The multiplicity of antennae are interleaved with the neutron measurement device in order to reduce a total length of the apparatus and in order to allow a determined area of the earth formation to be measured simultaneously using the neutron measurement device and the resistivity measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Wouter Smits, Christian Stoller, Michael Evans, Patrick Fisseler, Robert Adolph
  • Patent number: 7334466
    Abstract: Apparatus and accompanying methods to evaluate the performance of an antipersonnel/canister projectile using either test data or theoretical data. It provides a three dimensional projection of the fragments/payload that can be evaluated using a variety of performance criteria. The method can be applied to numerous target types and shapes. This method can also be adjusted to evaluate antipersonnel projectiles that utilize a fuze dispersion (payload is dispersed with an explosive charge).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Philip Brislin
  • Patent number: 7334467
    Abstract: An air data module is provided that is relatively small, lightweight, low cost, uses relatively low power, and is relatively easy to install, test, and maintain. The air data module includes a housing that is adapted to be mounted to an external surface of an aircraft, and includes at least a sensor compartment and an interface electronics compartment formed therein. A pitot-static probe is coupled to the housing and extends therefrom, and has a static pressure passageway that is in fluid communication with the sensor compartment. A plurality of static pressure ports are formed in the pitot-static probe and are in fluid communication with the static pressure passageway. A pitot pressure inlet port is formed in a distal end of the pitot-static probe. A static pressure sensor and a differential impact or absolute pitot pressure sensor, for example, may be mounted within the module and used to sense static pressure and impact or pitot pressure, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul B. DuPuis
  • Patent number: 7334468
    Abstract: A system for controlling a fluid flow control device positioned on a surface of a vehicle. The system includes a fluid flow control device, a ground clearance sensor and a controller. The fluid flow control device has a body with at least one surface and an actuation means in operative communication with the at least one surface. The actuation means is operative to alter at least one attribute of the fluid flow control device in response to a control signal. The ground clearance sensor detects a clearance between the surface of the vehicle and a road. The controller has control logic for generating the control signal in response to the ground clearance sensor. The clearance may be a current clearance between the surface of the vehicle and the road and/or a predicted imminent clearance between the surface of the vehicle and the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7334469
    Abstract: A method for characterizing pressure sensors to improve accuracy in an air data system is described where the sensors include at least one static pressure sensor and at least one total pressure sensor. The method includes characterizing the static pressure sensor and the total pressure sensor to determine a static pressure sensor error, Pse, and a total pressure sensor error, Pte, and performing a second ratiometric characterization to reference the total pressure sensor error, Pte, to the static pressure sensor error, Pse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honeyweill International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Miller, Steven H. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7334470
    Abstract: An digital interface and receiver for time-of-flight level measurement and pulse-echo ranging systems. The level measurement device comprises a controller, a transducer, a transmitter stage, an interface, and a digital receive signal processing module. The transmitter is operatively coupled to the transducer and responsive to the controller for emitting energy pulses directed at the surface of a material contained in a vessel. The interface is operatively coupled to the transducer and includes an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the energy pulses reflected by the surface. The digital receive signal processing module comprises a plurality of program components for processing the digitized echo pulses and determining a level measurement for the material contained in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel George Bartoli, Robert Campbell Brown
  • Patent number: 7334471
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and a method of measuring and interpreting reliably, simply and accurately the information on continuous liquid level, liquid temperature and other liquid properties within a vessel. The apparatus is suited for economical manufacturing and could be made of a powered heater element and temperature sensors that can be screen-printed, vacuum deposited, etched, welded, soldered or plated on one or both sides of a single rigid or a flexible substrate. The apparatus is compact and light weight and can be installed in relatively small liquid containers if necessary; Various parallel and serial configurations of thermocouples or temperature sensors can be used to measure the temperature along a heater. Simultaneous measurements from all the temperature sensors, before and after heat is applied, are used to generate accurate temperature profiles for the entire heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Josef Maatuk
  • Patent number: 7334472
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method for measuring quantity of exercise and an apparatus comprising an acceleration sensor for generating acceleration information by measuring the quantity of exercise according to user movement, sensor control unit for supplying power to the acceleration sensor and sampling the acceleration information generated from the acceleration sensor, a dynamic energy measurement unit for converting the sampled acceleration information into dynamic energy, comparing a local maximum value with a predetermined threshold value if an ascending gradient of the dynamic energy has the local maximum value exceeding a predetermined value and determining a user step if the local maximum value exceeds the predetermined threshold value, a calorie consumption measurement unit for calculating calorie consumption by analyzing an energy level of dynamic energy determined as a user step, a memory for storing information, and a display section for displaying information related to the number of steps and calorie cons
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Wook Seo, Wei-Jin Park
  • Patent number: 7334473
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a vibrator 1 is provided. The structure comprises a substrate 12 and bonding wires 14A, 14B fixed to the substrate 12 and connected with the vibrator 1. The vibrator 1 is supported with the bonding wires so that the vibrator 1 is not directly contacted with the substrate 12. “fd” and “fw” satisfy the following formula (1). “fd” represents a resonance frequency of a driving vibration mode of the vibrator and “fw” represents a characteristic frequency of a vibration mode of the bonding wire at room temperature. (fd/2)×1.05?fw, or, fw?(fd/2)×0.95.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd., Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeki Hayashi, Takayuki Kikuchi, Yusuke Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7334474
    Abstract: A force balanced instrument system and method for mitigating errors is provided. The system and method mitigate errors in measurement readings caused by charge buildup in force balanced instruments that employ charge pulses to generate an electrostatic force to null an inertial proof mass disposed between opposing electrodes. The system and method mitigate charge buildup by applying positive charge pulses alternately to each opposing electrode for a given charge cycle time period followed by negative charge pulses alternately to each opposing electrode for a second given charge cycle time period. The negative charge pulses remove any residual charge on the electrodes caused by the positive charge pulses. As a result the net residual charge left on the electrodes is reduced on the average.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Alexander Fax, Robert Griffith
  • Patent number: 7334475
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device includes an oscillating body and a beam connected to the oscillating body. The beam has a proximal end connected to the oscillating body, a distal end spaced from the oscillating body, and rotational comb teeth extending from the beam. Springs couple the beam to stationary pads to allow the oscillating body to rotate about a rotational axis. The springs are arranged along the rotation axis so at least one spring is located between another spring and the oscillating body. Stationary comb teeth extend from a stationary pad to be interdigitated with the rotational comb teeth extending from the beam. A voltage difference is applied between the stationary and rotational comb teeth to rotate the oscillating body about the rotation axis. A bottom layer includes mounting pads for supporting the stationary pads. An electrode is formed on a surface of the bottom layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced NuMicro Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Yee-Chung Fu
  • Patent number: 7334476
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor chip package includes an acceleration sensor chip; a sensor control chip; a re-wiring layer; an outer terminal; a sealing portion; and a substrate. The acceleration sensor chip includes a frame portion; a movable structure; a detection element; and an electrode pad electrically. The re-wiring layer has a wiring portion connected to the electrode pad. The electrode pad is electrically connected to a conductive bump. The sensor control chip has a sensor control electrode pad electrically connected to the conductive bump. The outer terminal is connected to the wiring portion and disposed in the outer region. The sealing portion seals the sensor control chip, the electrode pad, and the re-wiring layer, so that the movable structure is movable. The substrate is attached to the acceleration sensor chip to seal an opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7334477
    Abstract: In a plasma processing system, a method for detecting an arc event on a substrate in a plasma chamber having a chuck is disclosed. The method includes positioning a substrate on the chuck. The method also includes providing a vibration-sensing arrangement in the plasma chamber, the vibration-sensing arrangement being configured for measuring arc-induced vibrations on the substrate, the arc-induced vibrations being generated when an arc strikes the substrate during plasma processing of the substrate in the plasma processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: David Pirkle
  • Patent number: 7334478
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for guiding the movement of a transducer of an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for acquiring a 3-dimensional ultrasound image. A pair of guide rails is disposed near both side-ends of the transducer and is disposed apart therefrom by predetermined gaps. Slots are formed lengthwise at side surfaces of the guide rails. Each slot has a bottom wall and a side wall. Bearings coupled to the both side-ends of the transducer are received in the slots and roll on the bottom walls of the slots. First magnets are fixed to the both side-ends of the transducer and second magnets are fixed to the side walls of the slots along the overall length of the slots. The first magnets are received in the slots and are disposed opposite to the second magnets so that repulsive forces are generated therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Medison Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won Soon Hwang
  • Patent number: 7334479
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonically measuring the thickness of sputter targets of varying shapes. An immersion bubble (32) and transducer (36) provide pulses to a front surface (24) and a front surface/bonded surface (26) interface of a target. The pulses generate reflected echoes that are converted to electric signals. By measuring the difference in time that the electric signals occur the thickness of the target may be approximated to identify whether the thickness of the target is appropriate for use. The system includes a sputter track (15), specimen (20), chuck (28), nozzle (34), columns (60), opening (62), inlet (70), cable (58), gauge (59), turret (90), position (92), remote PC controller (110), electrical line (112), and rear part (84).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Tosoh SMD, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Leybovich
  • Patent number: 7334480
    Abstract: A pressure sensor that has a sensor membrane for exposure to fluid at a pressure to be sensed, and a compensation membrane sealed from the fluid at the pressure to be sensed. Associated circuitry connected to the sensor membrane converts deflection into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure. The circuitry also connects to the compensation membrane to convert deflection into an adjustment to the output signal that compensates for membrane deflection due to thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Samuel George Mallinson
  • Patent number: 7334481
    Abstract: A pressure sensor made of a wafer with a pair of parallel silicon layers and a silicon oxide layer there between, comprises a vibrating microassembly formed as a silicon beam, which is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the silicon layers and fastened to a supporting base. A control devise is formed from a portion of one of the silicon layers and is driven by a signal of a predetermined frequency component, which under absolute vacuum conditions makes the microassembly to freely oscillate at a known frequency and amplitude relative to the supporting base within a cavity formed by removing the silicon oxide layer. An optical detection system detects deviations of the frequency and/or amplitude of oscillation of the microassembly from the known frequency and/or amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Varian S.p.A.
    Inventor: Raffaele Correale
  • Patent number: 7334482
    Abstract: A method of monitoring pressure of a gas species up to at most a predetermined maximum pressure value is disclosed. The method includes exposing the gas species to transmission of laser light, periodically modulating the wavelength of the laser light over a wavelength band including at least one absorption line of the gas species, optoelectrically converting the transmitted laser light, thereby generating an electric output signal, performing at least one of first filtering the electric output signal with a filter characteristic having a lower cut-off frequency not lower than a transition frequency and of second filtering the electric output signal with a bandpass filter characteristic having an upper cut-off frequency not higher than the transition frequency and a lower cut-off frequency above the modulation frequency of the periodic wavelength modulation. The output of at least one of the filterings is evaluated as a pressure indicative signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Martin Lehmann, Jean-Noel Fehr, Martin Liechti, Urban Schnell
  • Patent number: 7334483
    Abstract: Methods and systems for thermal compensation of pressure measurements by a pressure gauge. Errors in pressure values are reduced by utilizing a predetermined correlation between the error in pressure measurements, due to temperature gradient in a pressure gauge, and the temperature gradient caused by temperature at a surface of the pressure gauge and temperature at an inner portion of the pressure gauge. Thermally corrected pressure values are derived based on the correlation between the pressure errors and the temperature gradients in conditions such as due to fast and large pressure variations in oil wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Sato, Yves Barriol
  • Patent number: 7334484
    Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for sensing a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor body having a cavity formed therein to couple to a process fluid pressure. A deflectable diaphragm in the cavity deflects in response to the first and second process fluid pressures. A first primary electrode couples to a wall of the cavity and forms a first primary capacitor between the first primary electrode and the deflectable diaphragm. A first secondary electrode couples to the wall of the cavity to form a first secondary capacitor between the first secondary electrode and the deflectable diaphragm. A second primary electrode and second secondary electrode are preferably coupled to a wall of the cavity opposite the first. Line pressure of the process fluid is determined based upon variation in the secondary capacitors relative to the primary capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Harasyn, Charles R. Willcox
  • Patent number: 7334485
    Abstract: A method, system and computer product for detecting the location of a deformation of a structure includes baselining a defined energy transmitting characteristic for each of the plurality of laterally adjacent conductors attached to the structure. Each of the plurality of conductors includes a plurality of segments coupled in series and having an associated unit value representative of the defined energy transmitting characteristic. The plurality of laterally adjacent conductors includes a plurality of identity groups with each identity group including at least one of the plurality of segments from each of the plurality of conductors. Each of the plurality of conductors are monitored for a difference in the defined energy transmitting characteristic when compared with a baseline energy transmitting characteristic for each of the plurality of conductors. When the difference exceeds a threshold value, a location of the deformation along the structure is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew T. Weseman, David T. Rohrbaugh, John G. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7334486
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for simultaneously monitoring the magnitudes and directions of fluid fluxes and dissolved contaminants fluxes of a general flow system in both simply and multiply screened monitoring wells as well as unscreened boreholes is provided. Also, parameters such as fracture locations, separations, inclinations, orientations of inclination and apertures in a fracture flow system can be estimated. The invention comprises the use of a sorbent layer containing an insoluble sorbent matrix that retains dissolved contaminants, which is attached to an impermeable flexible liner. The matrix may also contain visible or invisible tracers that can be displaced by the fluid flow. The monitoring comprises placing devices in contact with the contaminated flow over certain intervals, thereby allowing contaminants to be sorbed to the sorbing matrix of the layer. Sufficient time is allowed for the contaminant concentrations in the flow field to reach equilibrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Harald Rene Klammler, Kirk Hatfield, Michael D. Annable, John Anthony Cherry, Beth Louise Parker
  • Patent number: 7334487
    Abstract: Disclosed is a load cell including a Roberval mechanism having two parallel arms between a fixed end and a movable end, and four strain-generating portions, arranged such that two of the strain-generating portions are coupled to each other on each of the two arms. In certain embodiments, the four strain-generating-portions all have the same thickness, and the two arms include a first arm having strain gauges adhered to each of two of the strain-generating portions coupled to each other, and a second arm having a thickness smaller than that of the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Tsutaya, Yuzo Yabe
  • Patent number: 7334488
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for a composite material includes a base for holding the composite article, a load cell for placing a selected load on a portion of the composite article, and a displacement measuring device for measuring the amount of displacement for a selected load. In operation, a composite article is placed in a testing apparatus, a selected load is placed on the composite article, and the displacement of the composite article is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Miken Sports, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Vacek
  • Patent number: 7334489
    Abstract: A dual rate force transducer is disclosed. A spring is machined to have a first spring portion with a first spring rate, a second spring portion with a second spring rate, and a platen between the spring portions. A pair of flanges are affixed to the distal ends of the spring portions. At least one sensor is affixed to one of the flanges, and at least one other sensor is affixed to another one of the flanges. Mounting hardware is used to couple the springs, flanges and platen together, including at least one mechanical stop to limit displacement of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Seth Browning
  • Patent number: 7334490
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally related to a method and apparatus foe scanning a v-bank filter. In one embodiment, an apparatus for scanning a v-bank filter includes a hollow body having first and second ends. An outlet, formed at the second end of the body, is adapted for coupling a testing device to an interior volume of the body. A plurality of holes are formed through the body and are fluidly coupled to the interior volume. In another embodiment, a method for scanning a v-bank filter includes inserting a probe having a plurality of sample ports into a filter adjacent a filter pack, and traversing the probe along the filter pack. In yet another embodiment, a method for scanning a v-bank filter includes scanning a slot of a v-bank filter with a probe, and collecting samples of gas passing through the filter and into the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Camfil Farr, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Morse, Mark Huza
  • Patent number: 7334491
    Abstract: A sensor array, in particular a micromechanical sensor array, and methods for manufacturing the sensor array are provided, which sensor array includes a sensor section for supplying certain sensor signals, and a cover section provided on the sensor section to form a hermetically sealed sensor interior. An electronic analyzer device is at least partially integratable into cover section for analysis of the sensor signals, and electrically connectable to a corresponding circuit device of the sensor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Rudhard, Klaus Heyers
  • Patent number: 7334492
    Abstract: A shifting unit (1) for an automatic transmission, especially controlled by pressurized medium for an automobile, with multiple valves which are connected to each other through a pressure supply line (30) and a pressure reduction line (32). The chambers (16, 18) of servo cylinders (10, 12) fitted with servo actuators contain at least one shift valve each (22, 24, 26, 28). There is a pressure accumulator (36) designed in between the pressure supply line (30) and the shift valves (22, 24, 26, 28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Müller, Mario Steinborn
  • Patent number: 7334493
    Abstract: A device for the reduction of axial movement of the main shaft gears (2) in a transmission containing at least two countershafts. The main shaft gears (2) are held axially by two washer discs (3, 4) which is designed to be a pressing device (5, 6) on the main shaft (1) for at least one of the main shaft gears (2) against the washer disc (3) holding the main shaft gear (2) axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Stefan Renner
  • Patent number: 7334494
    Abstract: Apparatus for the absorption of torsional vibrations of an internal combustion engine includes an input shaft between the internal combustion engine and the transmission, and a drive shaft of the transmission, which is operatively associated with said input shaft. Each of the input and drive shafts includes a torsion bar that has a lower torsional spring constant than the rest of the shaft as a whole. The apparatus further includes a rotating mass device on each of the input and drive shafts, and the apparatus is disposed between the internal combustion engine and the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Richard Knoblauch, Christina Exner
  • Patent number: 7334495
    Abstract: There is provided a resin gear 1 capable of improving the strength of a key receiving portion, which is engageable with a key of a driving shaft, to prevent the key receiving portion from being broken by external force applied during rotation. In the resin gear 1, an outside rim 6 is connected to an inside hub 4 by a web 7 in radial directions. On the side of one end of the hub 4, a key receiving portion 10 for engaging a key of a driving shaft 2 is formed. The key receiving portion 10 has a side wall 1 for preventing relative rotation of the key 8 to the hub 4, and a bottom wall 12 for allowing the key 8 and hub 4 from being positioned in directions parallel to the driving shaft 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Takayama
  • Patent number: 7334496
    Abstract: A shifting device is provided for controlling the gear selection of a motor vehicle transmission with a housing, with a gearshift lever, which is arranged within a recess of the housing and can be pivoted in at least one vertical plane. A cover plate follows the pivoting movement of the gearshift lever due to its coupling with the gearshift lever. A scanning device includes sensors and corresponding signal transmitters for detecting the individual gear positions of the transmission. The scanning device has a sensor (10) arranged stationarily at the housing and a linear signal transmitter unit (13) at the pivotable cover plate (14), which said signal transmitter unit (13) sweeps over the scanning range of the sensor (9) and is provided with mark points for the gear positions, wherein the signals picked up by the sensor for the gear position are sent to a corresponding processor unit (12) for evaluation and forwarding. The shifting device for motor vehicle transmissions is inexpensive and reliable in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventor: Metin Ersoy
  • Patent number: 7334497
    Abstract: A shifting device for the preferably powerless transmission of shift commands to a fully automatic or semi-automatic transmission of a motor vehicle and a frame and/or housing and a gearshift lever mounted pivotably along a shift gate. A first shift stop and a second shift stop are provided for the gearshift lever which each define a shift position for the said gearshift lever. At least one detection device is provided for detecting the shift position(s). An inoperative position is provided into which the gearshift lever pivots back by itself from the deflected shift position, driven by a restoring force. The shifting device has an actuating device, which can countermand a shift stop, so that the gearshift lever can be pivoted beyond the shift position(s) defined by this shift stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Jörg Meyer
  • Patent number: 7334498
    Abstract: An initial tension device has a wire cable for connecting a drive unit and a movable member, a tension case fixed to an immovable member, a regular retainer engageable with an outer cable of the wire cable, and a slot formed in the tension case to extend in the longitudinal direction of the wire cable. The regular retainer engaged with the outer cable moves together with the outer cable by the tension applied to the wire cable through the length defined by the slot. The regular retainer is engaged with the outer cable in the state where a maximum tension is applied to the wire cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhito Yokomori, Shoji Wakatsuki
  • Patent number: 7334499
    Abstract: A grip for the handlebar of a bicycle includes an inner tube provided with at least one mounting face and at least one protruding block, at least one flexible clamping member mounted on the mounting face of the inner tube and having two distal ends rested on the protruding block of the inner tube, and at least one locking bolt extended through one distal end of the clamping member and the protruding block and locked in the other distal end of the clamping member to compress the clamping member radially and inwardly. Thus, the metallic handlebar is clamped by the metallic clamping member so that the grip is clamped on the handlebar rigidly and stably, thereby preventing the grip from slipping from the handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bikeforce International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan Lai
  • Patent number: 7334500
    Abstract: A pedal crank includes a crank arm having a hole formed in one end to receive one end of a crank shaft which may be rotatably attached to a bicycle frame. An expanding device may be engaged in the end of the crank shaft for expanding the crank shaft to engage with the crank arm, and to solidly secure the crank shaft to the crank arm. The crank arm and the crank shaft may include knurled surfaces for solidly engaged with each other. The expanding device includes a locking member engaged into the crank shaft and having an inclined outer peripheral surface for engaging with the crank shaft, and for expanding the crank shaft when the locking member is moved relative to the crank shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Leon Tseng
  • Patent number: 7334501
    Abstract: A gear case forming a lower part of a marine propulsion machine is provided with a gear chamber for housing a bevel gear mechanism, used for transmitting power from a drive shaft to a propeller shaft. The gear chamber is connected to the bottom of a vertical drive shaft receiving bore formed in the gear case to receive a drive shaft. The gear case is provided with a vertical shift rod receiving bore parallel to the drive shaft receiving bore and having an open upper end. A connecting hole is formed in the gear case to connect respective upper parts of the drive shaft receiving bore and the shift rod receiving bore. A covering member covers the upper open upper end of the shift rod receiving bore. A shift rod is passed through the covering member into the shift rod receiving bore. The covering member has upward bulging walls defining pressure-compensating chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Ide, Yoshiyuki Matsuda, Masahiro Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7334502
    Abstract: A combination tool comprising first and second sections designated a “hammer section” and a “wrench section” which as their names suggest, have a hammer function and a wrench function, respectively. These two sections are releasably and pivotally connected to one another at a pivot location so that these cooperate to function as pliers. The tool also accomplishes other functions. The handles of each of these sections each have a storage section for other components such as screw drivers, socket wrenches, a cutter, a can opener, a bottle opener, and other functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Durkee
  • Patent number: 7334503
    Abstract: A light bulb changing tool is adapted for use with a conventional vacuum cleaner whose suction nozzle is of an indeterminate diameter. In some embodiments, the light bulb changing tool includes a rotational slip joint that enables the tool to be rotated while the vacuum cleaner is stationary. In some cases, the tool includes a torque-limiting coupling that allows the tool to exert greater loosening torque than tightening torque, thereby avoiding over tightening of the bulb and ensuring that the bulb can later be removed without breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Frederick M. Newman
  • Patent number: 7334504
    Abstract: A torsional force structure of a ratchet device which includes a body having a head portion at an end of the body. The head portion has a space which is composed of a first recess and a second recess. A socket member is fitted in the first recess and having a plurality of teeth. A ratchet member is fitted in the second recess and provided at two ends thereof with two wedge portions configured to be fitted in an angular region between the inner wall of the space and the socket member. When the triggering rod is first adjusted to move the ratchet member to make one of the wedge portions of the ratchet member fit in the angular region and the the socket member is rotated, the wedge portion of the ratchet member will be forced to be tightly fitted in the angular region thereby enabling the socket member to provide a positive rotating force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Lin-Lang Liu
  • Patent number: 7334505
    Abstract: A hand tool consisting of an outer grip having an elongate inner housing formed therein engages with wing knobs used to tighten and loosen hanging file clamps. The outer grip is provided with a plurality of planar elongate gripping surfaces to enable a user to apply greater force to the wing knobs, which are frequently over-tightened by previous users. A pair of lattitudinally extending inner frame members are used to form two receiving areas for the wing knobs, a central elongate recess receives wing knobs of smaller diameter. By vertically recessing the upper surfaces of the inner frame members, wing knobs of greater diameter are received within the entire elongate inner housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald A. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7334506
    Abstract: A socket includes an inner lining detachably formed in an inner hole within the socket, with the inner lining formed therein with a differentially-sized torque recess including at least a large hexagonal hole defining a large diagonal distance (D1) between two diagonal points of the large hexagonal hole and a small hexagonal hole gradationally contracted inwardly from the large hexagonal hole and defining a small diagonal distance (D2) between two diagonal points of the small hexagonal hole, so that each inner lining may be provided for selectively engaging at least two differently-sized nuts (or bolts) for convenient and economic torquing purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: David Hui
  • Patent number: 7334507
    Abstract: A toothless adjustable spanner includes a handle, a head at one end of the handle; a fixing jaw extending from the head; the head being formed with a sliding groove and a receiving groove in the head and communicated to the sliding groove; a sliding rod being received in the sliding groove and installed below a movable jaw; the movable jaw being installed in the sliding groove; the sliding rod has an inclined lower surface; at least one rolling rod being installed in the receiving groove; an elastic unit resisting against rolling rod toward the movable jaw so that the rolling rod resists against the inclined lower side of the sliding rod; at least one driving sheet installed at one outer side of an opening of the receiving groove; and the sliding rod being installed to the driving sheets so that the sliding rod moves as the driving sheets move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Proxene Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Arthur Wu
  • Patent number: 7334508
    Abstract: A tool for loosening or tightening screws. The tool has a number of shafts with screwdriver bits on their ends that are stored in elongated grooves that are parallel to the longitudial axis and circumferentally spaced around the handle. Each stored blade can be rotated separately out of the storage handle 180 degrees on a pivoting hinge into a housing head which locks the extended shafts in place for operation. The housing head can be rotated 360 degrees perpendicular to the elongated axis of the handle in order to accomadate each blade separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan Mark Heaven
  • Patent number: 7334509
    Abstract: A method for assembling a torque-limiting driver, and the resulting drive. The method comprises the steps of providing a handle having a housing, drive assembly, and a testing assembly. The drive assembly is assembled, inserted into the testing assembly and calibrated. The drive assembly is then removed and inserted into the housing of the handle and secured to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 7334510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to on-car brake lathes configured for resurfacing brake rotor components, and in particular, to improved on-car brake lathes configured with a controlled variable speed drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Gerdes, Michael A. Olsen, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Alberto Caorle
  • Patent number: 7334511
    Abstract: A saw blade comprising a series of teeth at a longitudinal edge thereof, arranged in alternate directions and formed in a tooth shape as defined by a first flank angle, a second flank angle, and a rake angle, is characterized in that the first flank angle lies between approximately 50.0° to 54.0°, the second flank angle lies between approximately 14.0° to 16.0°, and the rake angle lies between approximately 11.0° to 14.0°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tools GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Hesselberg, Robert Field, Manfred Geier
  • Patent number: 7334512
    Abstract: In a vacuum type booster device, when the advance of an input member causes an atmosphere valve seat to be separated from an atmosphere valve to advance a power piston, the position of a vacuum valve seat is moved backward relative to the power piston by a distance to which the advance amount of the power piston relative to a housing is decreased at a predetermined ratio. Thus, when a slight advance of the input member causes the atmosphere valve seat to be separated from the atmosphere valve to advance the power piston relative to the housing, the vacuum valve seat is retracted relative to the power piston and is advanced by a distance which is obtained by subtracting a retraction amount of the atmosphere valve seat from the advance amount of the power piston relative to the housing, whereby a valve mechanism of the construction as aforementioned can be closed again with the advance of the power piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Hashida
  • Patent number: 7334513
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axial piston machine having a swash plate (12) and a control piston (18) which contacts the swash plate (12) by way of a slide block (31) which is partially received by the swash plate (12) or the control piston (18). The slide block (31) can be inclined at least in a direction relative to the swash plate (12) or the control piston (18) and can be inserted through an opening into a cutout (80) constructed in the swash plate (12) or the control piston (18), the slide block (31) being fixed in the cutout (80) by fixing regions (83) constructed in the cutout (80). Provided in the swash plate (12) or the control piston (18), there is a resilient element (86, 91) which acts on the slide block (31) with a force directed towards the regions (83) fixing the slide block (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Brueninghaus Hydromatik GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Belser
  • Patent number: 7334514
    Abstract: This invention provides a modular, efficient and self-feedback/balance, fluid-powered actuation system. This system comprises two basic modules; actuation module and positioning module, which are directly connected to each other. The actuation modules can be constructed as a triple acting actuator having a novel balanced linear-rotary mechanism converter or a double acting actuator with two novel balance guide bars. The positioning module is constructed as a two-staged, self-feedback/balance positioner with position as a variable for controlling positions of an output shaft of the actuation modules. An input shaft in the positioning module is operated by three types input signals. This system also provides a rotary force to actuate and control different rotary valves with lighter weight, superior seal and high accuracy and can be used for quick cycle, high vibration applications or other critical services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Jianchao Shu