Patents Issued in May 6, 2008
  • Patent number: 7367120
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid-state imaging device. An end portion on the aperture side of each of the plurality of wirings forms an internal terminal portion and an end portion on the outer peripheral side of each of the plurality of wirings forms an external terminal portion, the internal terminal portion of the wiring being connected electrically with an electrode of the imaging element. The wirings are made of thin metal plate leads, the base is made up of a resin molded member in which the thin metal plate leads are embedded, and at least a part of a side edge face of the thin metal plate leads is embedded in the base. The rigidity of the base is enhanced by the thin metal plate leads, thus reducing a curl and a warp of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Minamio, Mutsuo Tsuji, Kouichi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7367121
    Abstract: An electrical box is mounted on a wall stud, and a wiring panel is installed within the electrical box so as to partition the interior of the electrical box into a user inaccessible wiring compartment and a user accessible module compartment. A protective cover is attached to the wiring panel so as to protect the wiring panel during a makeup phase of wall panel installation and painting. After the makeup phase, the protective cover is removed from the wiring panel and a module having a user operable electrical function is mounted to the wiring panel within the user accessible module compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: ProtectConnect
    Inventor: Michael Gorman
  • Patent number: 7367122
    Abstract: A method is provided for repairing a driven compressor housing including a bore having an inner surface configured to engage a shaft-mounted knife seal. The method includes the steps of removing material from the bore inner surface, press-fitting a sleeve into the bore, and plasma-spraying an abradable coating onto the bore inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan E. Yip, Jeremy N. LyBarger, Timothy Thompson
  • Patent number: 7367123
    Abstract: A damper pin for a turbine bucket includes an elongated main body portion of substantially uniform cross-sectional shape having opposite ends, one only of said opposite ends coated with a corrosion and oxidation-resistant coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gary Michael Itzel, Ariel Caesar-Prepena Jacala, Doyle C. Lewis, Kathleen B. Morey, David V. Bucci, Ganjiang Feng
  • Patent number: 7367124
    Abstract: This invention relates of the problem, to create a butterfly valve neck without an emergence of a gap between the butterfly valve neck and the butterfly valve. This invention disposes the problem trough a parted butterfly valve neck, with between attached sealing, where the butterfly valve rest on in the closed location. This invention causes, to reduce considerable the leakage air quantity, by the absent of a gap, between the butterfly valve neck and the butterfly valve in the closed location. An inhibition of the butterfly valve in the parted butterfly valve is no more possible. By the inventive sealing of this invention, the motor can operate with a lower idling speed and a smaller emission. Further, an advantage of this invention is the regulation (adjustment) of the dimension of the parted butterfly valve and the sealing, where-by each of the rule curves by starting will achieved from the closed location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventor: Thomas Hannewald
  • Patent number: 7367125
    Abstract: A wet-shaving system can include an exfoliation member, the position of which is adjustable relative to a housing and/or handle portion of the wet-shaving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Gregory D. Aviza
  • Patent number: 7367126
    Abstract: A razor includes a load and a voltage conversion system coupled to a voltage source and the load for transforming a variable voltage provided by the voltage source into a constant operating voltage for driving a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Dirk Freund, Uwe Schaaf, Gerrit Rönneberg, Martin Simeth, Fred Schnak, Torben Kruch
  • Patent number: 7367127
    Abstract: A hair trimmer with a rattle dampening structure, includes an elongated main body; a cutter block having a stationary blade and a movable blade, both of which are comb-shaped and are slidably in contact with each other, the cutter block being protrudingly installed at one end of the main body; a comb-shaped cylindrical comb attachment covering the cutter block such that it is movable in a projected direction of the cutter block; and an elastic member for elastically pressing the comb attachment for trim length adjustment, in a direction approximately perpendicular to a moving direction of the comb attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Nakakura, Hitoshi Ogawa, Seiko Yabuuchi
  • Patent number: 7367128
    Abstract: A rotary ring system for use in scale reading apparatus comprises a rotary ring (12), provided with scale marks on its surface and at least one intermediate member (24). The at least one intermediate member (24) is fitted between the rotary ring (12) and the machine part (10) on which the rotary ring is to be mounted. Application of a force to the at least one intermediate member adjusts the effective radius of the rotary ring. The at least one intermediate member may be tangentially compliant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: David R McMurtry, James R. Henshaw, Alexander D. Ellin
  • Patent number: 7367129
    Abstract: A leveling or plumbing device for indicating a line or a plane on a surface, such as wall or floor. The device includes a light beam generator that emits a light beam exteriorly of a body or housing. Level and/or plumb indicators, such as vials, are mounted to the housing for positioning the device in a predetermined orientation on the surface. The device includes a series of extendible and retractable engagement members, each of which defines an outer end having an adhesive. The adhesive engages the surface to releasably secure the device to the surface. The engagement members are biased inwardly toward a retracted position. The adhesive engagement of the engagement members with the surface maintains the engagement members in the extended position against the inward bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Level & Tool Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jian Hong Lu
  • Patent number: 7367130
    Abstract: A snap line for use in applying powdered material to a surface. The line comprises at least one strand of material that has been coated with water repellent material. The line may be used in conjunction with powder that has also been coated with water repellent material. The line and the powder enable a user to apply lines to wet or damp surfaces in a normal fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: William J. Vary
  • Patent number: 7367131
    Abstract: A system for locating a junction box installed within the framework of a structure and behind a wall includes a first magnet mounted on a plate with the plate being removably mounted to a junction box, a spring actively biasing the magnet outwardly from the plate, and a second magnet located outside of the wall used to identify the location of the first magnet, and thereby, the electrical box, behind the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Hordis
  • Patent number: 7367132
    Abstract: A contact-type displacement measuring apparatus includes a first movable body that reciprocates in a first linear direction; a driving unit that drives the first movable body; a second movable body that reciprocates in a second linear direction parallel to the first linear direction, in association with movement of the first movable body; a probe detachably arranged at a tip of the second movable body; a measuring force detecting unit that detects, at a rear end of the second movable body, a measuring force to an object when the probe is in contact with the object; a position detecting unit that detects, between the probe and the measuring force detecting unit, an amount of movement of the second movable body; and a control device that controls the amount of movement such that the measuring force is kept constant corresponding to an output of the measuring force detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Mitsuhashi
  • Patent number: 7367133
    Abstract: In a device and a method for coordinate measurement, a probe head generates a switching signal in response to contact with a workpiece. The device includes position-measuring units for each coordinate axis to be measured, with the aid of which the relative position of the probe head is measurable; and a processing unit, which operates in a discrete-time manner in time intervals of a controller clock signal. For coordinate measurement, position-measuring values are measured in time intervals of a probing clock signal, which is generated by a probing clock generator and has a higher frequency than a controller clock signal of a processing unit. The position-measuring values are stored in a position-data memory. A time span between a pulse of the controller clock signal and the occurrence of the switching signal at the switching probe head is measured in a time-measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Hagl, Herbert Reiter, Erich Strasser
  • Patent number: 7367134
    Abstract: A mechanized vent for a dishwasher employs a vent plate moving about a hinge axis as driven by a cam mechanism at a surface of the vent plate removed from the hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Osvatic, Michael K. Hintz, Joel C. Bragg, Jeffrey J. Krieger, Mark D. Rodaer
  • Patent number: 7367135
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Kato, Kouji Nishihata, Tsunehiko Tsubone, Atsushi Itou
  • Patent number: 7367136
    Abstract: An umbrella and shoe drying device, for use removing moisture, dirt, and debris from shoes and umbrellas, having a mat portion, a blower housing, and an umbrella holder. The mat portion has a substantially flat top surface having a grating upon which shoes are placed. The blower housing is mounted upon the flat top surface of the mat portion, supports the umbrella holder, and contains a blower. The umbrella housing has a main bore for accommodating umbrellas. The blower is in communication with the main bore and grating, and generates suction that removes moisture, dirt, and debris from umbrellas in the main bore and from shoes positioned upon the grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Carlo J D'Antonio
  • Patent number: 7367137
    Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus comprising a cabinet (1) having external walls (2) and internal walls (3), said internal walls (3) defining an interior region (4) for receiving clothes, said apparatus further comprising a door (6) connected to said cabinet (1), at least a supporting device (5) for supporting clothes within said interior region, a ventilator (7), water supply means (8) and an ultrasonic nebulizer (9) operatively associated to said water supply means (8). Said apparatus is characterized in that the air within the interior region (4) is recirculated by said ventilator (7) through an air duct (10) located between said internal walls (3) and said external walls (2) forming a closed loop with said internal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Stefan A. Jonsson, Christer Wiss, Rica Pantermehl, Maurizio Del Pos, Jean-Yves Noel
  • Patent number: 7367138
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for reducing particle contamination of a surface of an object such as a reticle used in an EUV lithography system. An exemplary apparatus includes a thermophoresis device and an electrophoresis device. The thermophoresis device is situated relative to and spaced from the surface, and is configured to produce a thermophoretic force, in a gas flowing past and contacting the surface, sufficient to inhibit particles in the gas from contacting the surface. The electrophoresis device is situated relative to a region of the surface contacted by the gas and is configured to deflect particles, having an electrostatic charge, in the gas away from the region as the gas flows past the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Sogard
  • Patent number: 7367139
    Abstract: This vacuum processing apparatus has a fixed processing chamber 24 and two movable load lock chambers 28a and 28b. A gate valve 26 is provided on the processing chamber 24, and gate valves 30 are respectively provided on the load lock chambers 28a and 28b. Each of the load lock chambers 28a and 28b is moved in a Y direction by a preparatory chamber moving mechanism 34. A vacuum seal 54, which is expandable and shrinkable so as to vacuum seal a gap G between the gate valves 26 and 30 which are set close to each other during the expansion, is provided around a peripheral edge portion of the processing chamber gate valve 26. Further, a substrate transporting mechanism for transporting a substrate 2 between the processing chamber 24 and each of the load lock chambers 28a and 28b set close thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Nissin Ion Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori Ando, Masatoshi Onoda
  • Patent number: 7367140
    Abstract: In a method of drying molds or mold parts for the manufacture of optical lenses, in particular ophthalmic lenses and especially contact lenses, the mold or mold part to be dried is exposed to drying air. For this purpose, humid pressurized air (T) is used to which the mold or mold part is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Michael Wolf, Bernhard Seiferling, Axel Heinrich, Peter Hagmann, Thomas Richter
  • Patent number: 7367141
    Abstract: A waterproof and breathable sole for shoes, having a structure including a supporting layer which, at least in a preset macroportion, is made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material. A membrane made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor is associated above the supporting layer at least in the at least one preset macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material, which it covers. A tread made of plastic material, with at least one through macroperforation at the at least one preset macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material, is joined hermetically to the membrane and to the supporting layer at least at the perimeter of the at least one macroportion made of net, felt or other diffusely perforated material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: GEOX S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Polegato Moretti
  • Patent number: 7367142
    Abstract: An open shoe, such as a slipper, sandal and the like, comprising a sole with which an insole and an upper are associated. The insole has part of its edges engaged in a corresponding recess, which is provided as an undercut on the upper perimetric side wall of the sole and is formed by an inward rim, which is perimetric and has, for each side of the sole, a discontinuity for guiding insertion of the edges of the insole in the inward lip. The discontinuities are located at at least part of the regions of the side wall where the upper connects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Exo Italia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Aldo Ferniani, Stefano Ferniani
  • Patent number: 7367143
    Abstract: A cutter for working the soil includes a cutting frame, at least two cutting wheels that are supported on the cutting frame in a rotatably drivable manner about parallel axes of rotation, and an adjusting device, The adjusting device functions to adjust the center distance between the parallel axes of rotation of the cutting wheels, and includes a knee-lever mechanism. A method for working the soil is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Stoetzer
  • Patent number: 7367144
    Abstract: A wear assembly provided with a tapered opening and a complementary tapered lock wherein the lock can be pried into and from the opening to thereby eliminate the need for hammering. The lock is formed with a body and a latch that is movable between a hold position where the latch is engageable with a stop in the opening to releaseably retain the lock in the opening and a release position where the latch disengages the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventors: Larren F. Jones, Christopher M. Carpenter, David M. Graf
  • Patent number: 7367145
    Abstract: A novelty item has a base and a display extending upwardly from the base. The display comprises at least a first segment and at least a second segment each having an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall, the inner and outer walls separated from one another thereby defining a first interior space, and the inner cylindrical wall defining a second interior space. A divider is located between the first and second segments, the divider supporting the second segment over the first segment in generally vertical alignment, the display having a generally open top leading to an interior of the display defined by the second interior space of said first and second segment. The novelty item may have the appearance of a gaming machine “top” light and may be also be configured for utilitarian use, such as a writing utensil holder or mug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Oliver C. Mou
  • Patent number: 7367146
    Abstract: The present invention represents a breakthrough in advertisement tools. The liquid sign uses a system of chambers and electrically powered pumps to produce a dynamic and visually appealing advertising sign. The advertising sign of the invention uses a liquid in motion contained in a front chamber of the sign to highlight the color and other visual characteristics of a beverage or any liquid product being advertised. The liquid in motion highlights and showcases any given characteristic of a product being advertised, including bubble or foam producing capacity, color, brightness, or a logo or symbol placed on the background of the liquid in motion. It also provides for a visually attractive, electrically or battery powered and affordable advertising tool which can be used indoors or outdoors in many different settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Carlos A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 7367147
    Abstract: A single pass process and apparatus for manufacturing a folded yard sign from a pre-cut sheet previously coated on both sides with a fusible polymer includes the steps of printing an image on an outside of the sheet, curing the image, scoring the printed sheet, folding the scored sheet, ultrasonically sealing regions along side edges of the folded sheet, and stacking the sealed sheets, which are finished sign products ready for packaging. The ultrasonic sealing fuses the polymer coated inside surfaces along the edges of the folded sheet. The sealed side edges form a sign support receiving pocket in the finished sign member in cooperation with a folded edge of the sign member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Gil Studios, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Harms
  • Patent number: 7367148
    Abstract: A baton includes an elongated flexible resilient member having a wand portion extending from a handle formed at a first end of the member and divided into two separate elongated half sections substantially longitudinally bisecting the wand portion and the handle. The two half sections may be releasably mounted to one another to form the baton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: William Dean Moody
  • Patent number: 7367149
    Abstract: Label holders adapted to be mounted on a supporting surface formed of a grid of wire rods, such as a wire basket, a wire rack, a wire shelf or the like. The label holder includes a planar backing element supporting the label holder portion for viewing at a preselected angle, with a trapezoidal connector formed in the backing element to snappingly engage over a horizontally extending wire rod of the grid. The trapezoidal connector may include a plurality of flexible bumps or ridges for enhanced gripping of the wire rods of the grid. The remainder of the backing element rests against the vertically extending wire rods of the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Fast Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Jacob Fast, Michael G. Lowry
  • Patent number: 7367150
    Abstract: A firearm trigger locking device with two sides and fixed hardened steel pins. The device is designed to be universal for a particular family of guns—e.g., all rifles, all shotguns, or all handguns (or all revolvers or automatic pistols)—of a given firearm manufacturer. The device further features a pin behind the trigger to prevent firing, hardened steel plates in each side sufficient in size to cover the trigger guard and prevent transverse application of a saw to the trigger guard, and a ring of hardened steel pins around the periphery of the trigger guard to prevent application of a saw between the plates. The method for producing this trigger locking device uses lateral and axial profiles of the family of firearms to develop features and feature locations that will allow it to be used with any member of the family of firearms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Regal Industrial Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Farchione, Patrick Farchione, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7367151
    Abstract: A gun bore cleaning system for efficiently cleaning a bore of a gun. The gun bore cleaning system includes a cleaning member having a spiral groove and a length of cord positionable within the spiral groove. The cord is extended through a bore of a gun with the cleaning member cleaning the bore of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: New Producst Marketing Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley F. Black, Charles D. Black, Robert J. Black
  • Patent number: 7367152
    Abstract: A pivoting accessory mount used for attaching auxiliary devices such as sighting devices to a firearm. The accessory mount includes a base member that attaches to the firearm and includes a mounting support and a shaft. An accessory receiver is pivotally received and retained about the shaft. The accessory receiver is pivotable between an inactive position along the side of the upper receiver of the firearm and an active position extending substantially vertically relative to and in alignment with the upper receiver of the firearm. The mounting shaft is linearly displaceable, thereby engaging the accessory receiver when in the active position to prevent accidental displacement of the accessory receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Scott W. Samson
  • Patent number: 7367153
    Abstract: The planar board disclosed features a convexo-concave board characteristic that allows the boards to channel the water creating a water rail for smoother more controlled performance. The planar board also features one removable cross member end that allows for collapsibility quickly and conveniently with out the aid of tools. The collapsibility allows for easy storage. Each board member also features openings therethrough the side of each board which are pressure increasing holes pulling the board in a more defined manor. The distal end of each running board member has a groove that acts as a vacuum release allowing the board to run smoother freeing the board from drag resistance for better performance. Disclosed is a planar board that incorporates collapsibility with convexo-concave characteristic, a vacuum release characteristics and a pressure opening feature giving a faster water displacement response and water rail effect producing a higher riding; smoother performing planar board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Stanley G Koch, III
  • Patent number: 7367154
    Abstract: The present invention provides a force applying lever assembly for use with a foothold type trap. The force applying lever assembly has at least one force applying lever that is coupled to the biasing device or spring of the trap. The at least one force applying lever is also pivotally coupled to the base of the trap, allowing it to pivot with respect to the base. The trap's anchor, which is usually coupled to the base of the trap, is instead coupled to the end of the force applying lever opposite the base. When the ensnared animal pulls against the anchored trap, the pulling causes the force applying lever to pivot with respect to the base so as to increase the biasing force applied by the biasing device on the jaws. This additional biasing force on the jaws tightens the grip on the ensnared animal, which prevents it from escaping and discourages it from struggling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Kurt D. Beauregard
  • Patent number: 7367155
    Abstract: A trait of interest is detected as being present within individual ones of a plurality of agricultural samples (such as seeds or plant tissues) by imaging the plurality of samples to form a magnetic resonance image. The image of the plurality of samples is then analyzed to detect image information indicative of the presence of the trait within one or more of the imaged samples. A determination is then made as to whether the trait is exhibited in individual ones of the samples based upon the foregoing analysis. As an example, the samples may be a plurality of seeds, and the detected trait may be oil. A determination is made, based on the image analysis, as to whether each individual seed in the multi-seed image contains oil. A further examination may be made to determine a relative content of oil in each seed as well as a content by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: John J. Kotyk, Kevin L. Deppermann
  • Patent number: 7367156
    Abstract: An inkjet recording device records images by forming dots on a recording medium with droplet modulating method. The inkjet recording device includes a recording unit, a multilevel-data creating portion, and a dot-layout-data creating portion. The recording unit ejects ink droplets for forming dots at corresponding pixel positions. The recording unit is capable of changing a volume of each ink droplet to form dots with different sizes. The multilevel-data creating portion creates multilevel data based on image data. The multilevel data includes a dot size for each dot. The dot-layout-data creating portion creating dot layout data based on the multilevel data, so as to prevent the recording unit from forming dots having the same size continuously by greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The recording unit performs recording operation based on the dot layout data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Kondo, Yasunari Yoshida, Masashi Ueda
  • Patent number: 7367157
    Abstract: An apparatus for watering Christmas trees includes a bottle defining a reservoir and having an opening for allowing fluid to travel outwardly through an elongated flexible hose attached thereto. The apparatus further includes an elongated rigid tube engageable with the hose and a basin housing a tree. The apparatus further includes a stand for supporting the bottle thereon and at an inverted position. The stand includes a top member having a substantially annular portion for receiving the bottle therein and for allowing the tube to be selectively positioned therethrough. The stand further includes a plurality of fastening members for selectively engaging the top member and the base member with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce C. Doan
  • Patent number: 7367158
    Abstract: A fixing agent in the form of an oil/water type, lamellar emulsion or suspension in which the aqueous phase is the principal component, the aqueous phase containing water and a byproduct of agriculture or fermentation and the oil phase containing oil and emulsifiers. The emulsion or suspension is prepared by adding an aqueous solution to the oil phase in order to produce a water/oil type emulsion or suspension, by adding a portion of the aqueous phase in order to produce an inverse oil/water type emulsion or suspension, and by thereafter mixing the oil/water type emulsion or suspension with the remainder of the aqueous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignees: Neste Oil Oyj, Kemira Growhow Oyj
    Inventors: Marja-Riitta Hakala, Pekka Lukkarinen, Jari Peltonen, Heikki Hero
  • Patent number: 7367159
    Abstract: A sliding door for selectively opening and closing an opening. The door comprises a first guide track defining a first linear guide path and a second guide track defining a second linear guide path. The second guide track is spaced from the first guide track. The door further comprises a door panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The door panel is adapted to translate laterally relative to the opening between a closed position and an open position. A first portion of the door panel is attached to the first guide track and a second portion of the door panel is attached to the second guide track. The door moves vertically as the door is translated from the open position to the closed position as rollers engage recesses positioned on the first and second guide tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Rytec Corporation
    Inventors: Joe Delgado, Arno Klein, Louis B. Mueller, Mark Semmann
  • Patent number: 7367160
    Abstract: An operator for use in connection with a door system including an axle having an operator framework supporting an operator motor, the operator framework defining a clearance adapted to insertably receive the axle therein, a gear assembly defining a bore in which the axle is received and including a removable gear segment adapted to selectively medially open the bore to receive the axle, wherein the motor is interconnected with the gear assembly to cause rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Donald B. Kyle, David B. Davies
  • Patent number: 7367161
    Abstract: A gate opener has a gate that rotates between an open and a closed position in order to allow or retard ingress and egress through the gate. A plate is secured to the ground while a motor is secured to a post of the gate and is rotatably secured to the plate. Activation of the motor causes the post to rotate and thereby swing the gate open. Subsequent activation of the motor causes the post to counterrotate and thereby swing the gate closed. Appropriate limit switches delimit the arc of travel of the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Wayne Jones
  • Patent number: 7367162
    Abstract: A system for supporting a window sash that allows for the removal of the sash from between opposed window jambs. The system supports the window sash through counterbalance shoes supporting sash support arms pivotally attached to the sash. The shoes include hooks which, in first positions, engage lances in the window jambs to hold the shoes in place as the sash is removed from or installed between the window lambs. The hooks, in second positions, engage pins extending from the support arms to retain the support arms on the shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robert Michael Lucci
  • Patent number: 7367163
    Abstract: A facia system for use in a building structure, the facia system having first and second members, a first member having a portion thereof secured to a roof and a drip edge, a second portion being adapted to extend generally vertically and having first cooperative locking section associated therewith, the second member being a facia member which has second cooperative locking arrangement at an upper portion thereof such that when the first and second cooperative locking portions hold the facia member in position, the second member also having an inwardly extending flange arrangement to abut and adjoining soffit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventors: Guy Brochu, Stéphane Brochu
  • Patent number: 7367164
    Abstract: A flash pan is adapted for collecting and distributing water infiltrating a building at an access opening. The flash pan includes a low-profile base designed to reside beneath the access opening. The base has opposing longitudinal inside and outside edges, opposing lateral end edges, and top and bottom major surfaces. A plurality of feeder channels are formed with the top major surface of the base, and extend from the inside edge towards the outside edge. A longitudinal collection channel is formed between the inside and outside edges of the base. The collection channel communicates with the plurality of feeder channels for receiving water collected by the feeder channels. A drain channel communicates with the collection channel, and extends outwardly towards the outside edge of the base. Water collecting in the feeder channels flows to the collection channel, and is distributed away from the base through the drain channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Moisture Warranty Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Burton, Mike Minigh
  • Patent number: 7367165
    Abstract: A wall is provided comprising an inner wall component, an outer wall component, and a plurality of the moisture control strips described above, disposed between the inner wall component and the outer wall component. The projections on the first wall component contacting face engage one of the inner wall component and the outer wall component. The second wall component contacting face engages the other of the inner wall component and the outer wall component. The moisture control strips are horizontally spaced from each other within the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Hatzinikolas
  • Patent number: 7367166
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a door skin comprising an exterior surface having outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and tonal portions having a planar area and a plurality of spaced depressions recessed from the plane of said planar area. The present invention is also directed to a method of etching a plate, for use with a molded die set, for embossing a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and the etched plate formed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Karine Luetgert, Mark E. Richter, William R. Immell, Stephen G. Huhn
  • Patent number: 7367167
    Abstract: A block according to the present invention is a block comprising a base body part, a first protruding part, and a second protruding part, which are integrally formed with each other. The base body part has a left lower side face, a right lower side face, a left upper side face, and a right upper side face formed as respective sloping faces. The first protruding part has a lower surface thereof formed by first to third left-hand sloping faces, an upper surface thereof formed by fourth to sixth left-hand sloping faces, and a left side surface thereof formed by seventh and eighth left-hand sloping faces. The second protruding part has a lower surface thereof formed by first to third right-hand sloping faces, an upper surface thereof formed by fourth to sixth right-hand sloping faces, and a right side surface thereof formed by seventh and eighth right-hand sloping faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Hokusei Shoji Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7367168
    Abstract: A connector for joining a supported member to a supporting member is formed with a series of angularly-joined flanges. The flanges are substantially planar and are substantially vertically oriented, when joining the supported member to the supporting member. The connector allows the end of a supported truss to be connected to a vertical member in the open web of a supporting truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Jie Lin
  • Patent number: 7367169
    Abstract: A common bundling tape (T) to be used for bundling bank notes of different denominations is held in a tape reel (14). A printing mechanism (21) is disposed on a tape feed passage (20) to print the bundling tape (T) with a mark indicating the denomination of bank notes. The printing mechanism (21) prints a mark indicating the denomination of bank notes of a bank note stack (P) on the substantially whole part of the outermost layer of the bundling tape bundling the bank notes when the bundling tape is fed. After winding the printed bundling tape (T) round the bank note stack (P), a tape carrying system (17) is reversed to take up a slack in the bundling tape (T) wound round the bank note stack (P) and tighten the bundling tape (T). Subsequently, a tape cutter (10) cuts off the bundling tape (T) not used for bundling the bank note stack (P) and heat-bonding member (13) heat-bonds together superposed leading and trailing end parts of the bundling tape (T) bundling the bank note stack (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Glory Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osami Katsumata