Patents Issued in July 31, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080178408
    Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly having a windshield wiper blade housing and a windshield wiper blade attached to the windshield wiper blade housing. A heating wire is affixed at one end to a rubber cover on the wiper blade and at another end to an electrical power source, wherein the electrical power source enables the heating wire to heat the wiper blade. A remote control device can be utilized for selectively activating and deactivating the heating wire in heating the wiper blade. Further, the heating wire is positioned externally to an interior or cab of the vehicle, whereby no wiring is required within the interior or cab of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Ray King
  • Publication number: 20080178409
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) comprising a wiper strip (24) that is provided with a folding wedge (38) and a wiper strip back (34) that are connected to each other via a tilting web (36). It is proposed that additional webs (42) be arranged lateral to the tilting web (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicants: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH, VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Jan Dietrich, Wilhelm Fangmeier
  • Publication number: 20080178410
    Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a battery-powered suction unit (3) and a steerable vehicle (1) on wheels which is driven by muscle power, wherein the suction unit (3) is drivable on wheels (10) and is connected to the vehicle (1). The cleaning device also comprises a suction nozzle (4) disposed in the region of the steering axis (15) of the vehicle (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: VERMOP Salmon GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Salmon
  • Publication number: 20080178411
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of vehicle snow clearing systems and more specifically, to an apparatus for clearing snow and ice from the roof or top surface of a commercial vehicle such as, a tractor trailer. The apparatus includes at least one upright member with a longitudinal axis and a lifting carriage assembly coupled to the at least one upright member for movement along the longitudinal axis thereof. A carriage driving assembly is operatively connected to the lifting carriage assembly and the lifting frame for selectively moving the lifting carriage assembly along the longitudinal axis of the at least one upright member. Also provided is a snow clearing assembly carried by the lifting carriage assembly and positionable on the roof or top surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Michel Couture
  • Publication number: 20080178412
    Abstract: This patent discloses a cleaning system for shopping carts. The cleaning system may include a prewash station, a wash station, a rinse station, a drying station, a physical disinfecting station, a conveyor, and a recovery tank. The wash station may include brushes. The drying station may include a fan configured to blow a thin sheet of air downward and onto the shopping cart. The physical disinfecting station may include an ultraviolet light generator. The conveyor may include a track system having hooks attached to chains that are configured to be moved by a conveyor motor. A frame may surround and support the stations. The cleaning system additionally may include a water recovery/supply system and an external spray wash hose attached to a reservoir to pre-prewash the shopping carts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: MICHAEL A. KITER
  • Publication number: 20080178413
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pulse cleaner for cleaning a diesel exhaust aftertreatment device. The pulse cleaner includes a cabinet, a diesel exhaust aftertreatment device mount positioned within the cabinet for mounting the diesel exhaust aftertreatment device during pulse cleaning, and a collection filter positioned within the cabinet for collecting material displaced from the diesel exhaust aftertreatment device during cleaning. The pulse cleaner can be equipped with features such as an exhaust aftertreatment device core temperature sensor, an air flow concentrator or an air swirling vane. The pulse cleaner can also include adapters for providing system compatibility with different styles of exhaust aftertreatment devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Wayne M. Wagner, Mary Joanne Lorenzen, John T. Herman
  • Publication number: 20080178414
    Abstract: A platform mounted drive train for a professional carpet and floor cleaner system, the platform mounted drive train being formed of a rigid platform; a power plant having two spaced apart mounting structures secured to the rigid platform; a vacuum blower having one mounting structure secured to the rigid platform; a rigid structural connector coupled between the power plant and the vacuum blower for rigidly securing the vacuum blower in fixed lateral, angular and rotational alignment with the power plant; and a coupler assembly interfaced between an output drive of the power plant and an input drive of the vacuum blower. The drive train is optionally mounted using one or more vibration isolators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Charles James Hayes, Wayne Eric Boone
  • Publication number: 20080178415
    Abstract: A system for removing material from a surface comprises at least one conduit that also has an outlet at a distal end. A straight stream nozzle may be disposed within the outlet and the conduit. Another end of the conduit is fixed with respect to the vehicle and is in communication with a fluid source. A cam assembly may be in mechanical communication with the conduit and be adapted to provide an oscillation motion at the distal end within the conduit's elastic range. The straight stream nozzle may be adapted to direct a stream of fluid to a removal mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Publication number: 20080178416
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a unit that is self contained and has a shoulder strap reel containing a shoulder strap that is manually or automatically deployable or withdrawable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20080178417
    Abstract: A platform mounted drive train for a professional carpet and floor cleaner system, the platform mounted drive train being formed of a rigid platform; a power plant having two spaced apart mounting structures secured to the rigid platform; a vacuum blower having one mounting structure secured to the rigid platform; a rigid structural connector coupled between the power plant and the vacuum blower for rigidly securing the vacuum blower in fixed lateral, angular and rotational alignment with the power plant; and a coupler assembly interfaced between an output drive of the power plant and an input drive of the vacuum blower. The drive train is optionally mounted using one or more vibration isolators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Charles James Hayes, Wayne Eric Boone
  • Publication number: 20080178418
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a member having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus and includes a suction motor. At least one cyclone is positioned in the fluid flow path and has at least one material outlet. A material collection chamber is in flow communication with the at least one cyclone and the cyclone and/or the material collection chamber is releasably magnetically secured in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20080178419
    Abstract: A tool for a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a housing having a suction opening. An agitator, such as a brush bar, is rotatably located in the suction opening of the housing. The interior of such a tool can get blocked due to large objects being drawn in through the suction opening, or else by threads and fibres becoming tangled in the brush bar. The brush bar may be removed through the suction opening for replacement or repair. A portion of the housing may also be removable to clear the way for the user to access a narrow opening in the neck of the tool which may be prone to blockage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Benjamin Courtney, Nicholas George Byatt, James Elliott Cameron
  • Publication number: 20080178420
    Abstract: Several embodiments of an upright surface cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the upright surface cleaning apparatus. A support member is mounted to the surface cleaning head. A mounting member mounted to the support member. At least one of a first cleaning stage of the upright surface cleaning apparatus and a suction motor is mounted directly or indirectly to the mounting member. A suction motor is provided in the fluid flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20080178421
    Abstract: This invention relates to a two-piece grommet adapted for holding a cable in an aperture, such as in a desk or work surface so as to absorb any strain imposed on the cable and to provide an attractive covering for the hole drilled to pass the cable. The grommet consists of two portions. The first portion comprises a cap having an extended flange and adapted to frictionally fit into the cylindrical sleeve and against the lip. The cap has an aperture cut into it through which the cable passes therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas A.J. Mockett
  • Publication number: 20080178422
    Abstract: A device for controlling a speed of a door includes a detecting unit that detects a position of the door, and a control unit that controls the speed of the door in such a manner that an acceleration of the door becomes substantially zero at a point that is calculated based on the position. Thus, a target maximum speed of the door is adjusted depending on the remaining moving distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Takuya Imai, Tsunenori Senbongi
  • Publication number: 20080178423
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hookfree curtain and fixture thereof. More particularly, the invention encompasses a hookfree shower curtain that can be used in the motel/hotel industry. This invention further includes inventive features, such as, a snap-on or clip-on curtain fixture or module or ring which is either a single piece or a two piece module that is secure to a curtain and allows the curtain, such as, a shower curtain, to be slideably secured to a rod, such as, a shower rod, without having to disassemble the rod, such as the shower rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Niranjan Patel
  • Publication number: 20080178424
    Abstract: A curl spring shoe cassette includes a mounting bracket mounted to interlock with connectors on top of a shoe body so that an uncurled length of the curl spring can be attached to the mount to hold the spring, the mount, and the shoe body together during shipment. Once the cassette is properly positioned within a shoe channel, it can be fastened to a back channel wall with screws so as to automatically disengage the mount from the shoe body, which can then support a counter balance sash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: CALDWELL MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: Jeff Tuller
  • Publication number: 20080178425
    Abstract: A curl spring sash shoe cassette improves upon the suggestions of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,353,548 and 5,463,793 by providing a mounting bracket that holds an uncurled length of the curl spring and is securely mounted on top of the shoe cassette to maintain an assembly of the shoe body, the curl spring, and the mount during shipment to a window manufacturer. The mount can receive two mounting screws to resist torque caused by curl springs and sash weight. The shoe is also improved to facilitate removal and reinsertion of sash pins into the tilt lock cams of the shoes and ensure that shoe body halves do not rotate relative to each other when sash tilting splays the body halves apart to lock them in a shoe channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: CALDWELL MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: Jeff Tuller
  • Publication number: 20080178426
    Abstract: A furniture hinge includes a carrier arm and a door fitting having a recessed cup that is rotatably disposed at one end of the carrier arm. A fastening plate is adjustably connected to another end of the carrier arm. A mounting plate is longitudinally adjustably attached to the fastening plate and is attachable to a furniture body. Either the fastening plate or the mounting plate includes a guide wall having a guide slot where the guide wall is bent perpendicularly to a plane of the respective plate. The other of the fastening plate or the mounting plate includes a guide tongue extending into the guide slot where the guide tongue is parallel to a plane of the other respective plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Horst Lautenschlager
  • Publication number: 20080178427
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for motor vehicle includes a base having two parallelly extended brackets; a supporting arm having a proximal end located between the two brackets and provided with a shaft hole having a diametrically extended stop rib; a pivot shaft extended through the two brackets with a longitudinally slotted end engaged with the stop rib on the supporting arm; a restoring spring located outside one of the two brackets to connect at two ends to the base and the pivot shaft to deform when the pivot shaft is rotated and thereby produces an elastic restoring force; and a damper located outside the other bracket to connect to the slotted end of the pivot shaft and form a resistance to the rotating pivot shaft, so that a saddle or a trunk lid connected to the supporting arm may be pivotally lifted and closed at a moderate speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: STARTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ke-Chien Chen
  • Publication number: 20080178428
    Abstract: A locking hinge assembly (32) has first and second hinge members (38, 40) having a respective hinge section (50, 51), proximate wall (46, 47) and mounting flange section (42, 43) for mounting on respective first and second panels (24, 26). The first and second hinge members are pivotably connected together at the hinge sections and are pivotably movable between a first position and a second position. The mounting flange section (42) has a channel (54) extending along the proximate wall section (48) for slidably receiving a locking member (56). The locking member (56) has at least one locking flange (60) extending through aligned apertures in the proximate walls. The locking flange has a hook section (62) at a distal end such that when the locking member slides to a locking position, the hook section engages a proximate wall to lock the hinge members in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Curt Andrew McDonald
  • Publication number: 20080178429
    Abstract: A carriage is described, in particular for transporting medical devices in hospitals, comprising a carrier (2) for bearing a load to be transported, at least three, preferably four casters (5) arranged in a roller plane having caster swivels (6), on which the carrier (2) rests, at least two of the caster swivels (6) being adapted for pivoting around a geometric rotational axis (7) which runs perpendicular to the roller plane, and a fixing mechanism (15), by which the carriage (1) can be secured against rolling away. According to the present invention, the fixing mechanism (15) has locking devices (17) coupled to an actuating element (16), by which the at least two of the rotatable caster swivels (6) are lockable, by actuating the actuating element (16), in different rotational angle positions in such a manner that the casters (5) fastened thereto are oriented differently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: HANS HEIDOLPH GMBH & CO., KG
    Inventor: Reinhard Haselsteiner
  • Publication number: 20080178430
    Abstract: A furniture glide for supporting a furniture leg on a leg supporting surface. The furniture leg defines a leg free end. The furniture glide includes a slider, the slider including a slider body defining a body end surface. The body end surface has a substantially convex configuration. The body end surface is substantially covered with a plurality of substantially elongated textile fibres extending substantially away therefrom. A leg-to-slider attachment is operatively coupled to the slider for attaching the slider to the furniture leg substantially adjacent to the leg free end in an operative configuration in which the substantially elongated textile fibres extend substantially away from the leg free end with the body extending between the substantially elongated textile fibres and the leg free end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Gilles Berthiaume, Pierre Berthiaume
  • Publication number: 20080178431
    Abstract: In an apparatus in spinning preparation for separating foreign objects at a roll for opening or doffing fibre material, at least one device for separating the foreign objects is associated with a face of the roll. That device comprises an arrangement for producing a current of blast air flowing onto the face for detaching the foreign objects and carrying them away. The arrangement comprises a plurality of blast nozzles arranged across the width of the roll. To permit separation and allow rapid changes of the action of the blast air current, a bar for mounting the blast nozzles is present and the outlet of the blast nozzles is locally displaceable in relation to the face of the roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Trutzschler GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventors: Jorg Schmitz, Konrad Temburg
  • Publication number: 20080178432
    Abstract: In an apparatus in spinning preparation for separating foreign objects at conveying equipment for fibre material, at least one separation device is associated with the conveying equipment. The separation device comprises an arrangement for producing a blast of air that flows in the direction onto the conveying equipment and generates an air flow that detaches the foreign objects from the conveyed fibres and carries them away. The arrangement comprises a plurality of blast nozzles arranged across the width of the conveying equipment and connected to a compressed air pipe and to valves. To reduce the proportion of good fibres in the waste in a simple manner, and to allow a more selective action of the blast air current, a bar member for mounting the blast nozzles is present and the nozzles are integrated in the bar member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Truetzschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jorg Schmitz, Konrad Temburg
  • Publication number: 20080178433
    Abstract: Processes for the preparation, concentration and recovery an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from aqueous process streams including contacting mother liquor generated in the precipitation of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals with a selective membrane to produce a retentate enriched N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and a permeate depleted in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Sunder Rangachari, Ed Ries, Eduardo Casanova, Randall Alberts, Todd Friedman, Greg Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20080178434
    Abstract: A cable tie is disclosed. The cable tie comprises an elongate metallic strap, a metallic locking head, first and second metallic roller means and first, second and third protuberances. In operation, the combination of the roller means and the protuberances serves to increase the retained tension in the elongate strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventor: John J. Bulanda
  • Publication number: 20080178435
    Abstract: A personal audio listening device is adapted to be worn on a user's ear. The personal audio listening device includes a housing, a coupling seat, and an ear hook member. The coupling seat is mounted on a surface of the housing, and includes a pivot portion. The coupling seat defines an axis passing through the center of the pivot portion. The ear hook member includes an ear hook portion and a hooking ring. The ear hook portion is substantially C-shaped, and is adapted to be worn on the user's ear. The ear hook portion has a first opening. The hooking ring extends integrally from one end of the ear hook portion to form a C-shape. The hooking ring has a second opening confronting the first opening. The ear hook member engages the pivot portion of the coupling seat through the hooking ring, and is rotatable about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Chun-Hsin Liu, Chung-Chun Wu, Yu-Chang Hung
  • Publication number: 20080178436
    Abstract: A hook fastener capable of engaging a suitable loop fabric, and a method of forming this hook fastener, are disclosed. The hook fastener comprises a base substrate with a surface having a multitude of engaging projections, the engaging projections having a top surface and an attached end which is joined to the surface of the base substrate at a bond juncture, wherein the top surfaces of at least some of the engaging projections comprise nonlinear microstructured features, such as intersecting peak and/or valley structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Zhiqun Zhang, Haiyan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080178437
    Abstract: A fitting system for securing a panel to a wall frame having a first member removably secured to a second member. The first receiving member includes an outer flange with a center aperture and a ring-like member extending backwards from a bottom surface of the flange to define a receiving passageway. The flange has a plurality of apertures for securing the first member to the wall frame with the ring-like member disposed within a recess in the wall frame. The second insertion member includes an outer flange and a male insertion portion. The outer flange is used to secure the second member to the panel. The male member is adjustable making its insertion within the receiving passageway easier. Attachment clips of the second member mate with an inner ledge of the receiving passageway to lock the two members together and thus secure the panel to the wall frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: ROBERTO LOTTINI, Fiorenzo BANDECCHI, Enrico Ciacchini
  • Publication number: 20080178438
    Abstract: A buckle of the present invention includes a male member (A) and a female member (B). The male member includes: a base (10); a pair of legs (20) that project from the base; and engaging portions (25) that are provided on the legs and are engageable with the female member. The base includes a projecting portion (14) that projects in a projecting direction of the legs. A recess (15) is formed on a front or rear surface of the projecting portion. The recess (15) includes a front end (15A) and a rear end (15B) in an inserting direction of the male member (A). The front end substantially has the same height as the front surface of the base. The rear end is substantially lower than any other position on a surface connecting the front end and the rear end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: YKK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Yoshie, Miyuki Ohgaku
  • Publication number: 20080178439
    Abstract: A strap-tightening apparatus includes a base, a handle pivotally disposed on the base and a hollow reel rotationally disposed on the base for reeling a strap. A first spring-loaded detent is disposed on the base. A second spring-loaded detent is disposed on the handle. The ratchet wheels are attached to the hollow reel. The ratchet wheels engage with the second spring-loaded detent during the rotation of the handle in a direction so that the handle causes the hollow reel to reel in the strap. The ratchet wheels engage with the first spring-loaded detent in the rotation of the handle in an opposite direction so that the handle does not cause the hollow reel to reel out the strap. The recovering element is formed with a first end connected to the hollow reel and a second end connected to the base for causing the reel to reel out the strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Publication number: 20080178440
    Abstract: A device and method for use in securing a load for transport are described in which a load retaining strap may be thrown over a load in a manner that limits the potential for user injury. Notably, the device includes a strap receptacle for receiving a portion of a load-retaining strap, the strap receptacle operatively attached to a lever member such that application of a throwing or flexing force to the lever member will propel the strap portion from the strap receptacle and over the load. Both the device and method may be customized based on the needs of the user in order to prevent injury and improve safety during transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Darren Lane Douglas
  • Publication number: 20080178441
    Abstract: A fastener for a lace includes a metal base, two clamp assemblies, a pull unit, and an anchoring member. Each of the clamp assemblies includes a substantially U-shaped member which has two opposite arms pivotally connected to the metal base, a U-bend connected to the arms opposite to the metal base, and a clamp member connected between and transverse to the arms. The pull unit includes a middle portion disposed over the metal base, and two opposite pull members extending from the middle portion and connected respectively to the U-shaped members. The anchoring member is made of metal, and has a press part pressing the middle portion of the pull unit against the metal base, and a plurality of anchoring legs extending from the press part, penetrating the middle portion of the pull unit, and welded to the metal base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Kun-Chung Liu
  • Publication number: 20080178442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle suitable for jetting high pressure and high temperature steam, and a method and an apparatus for producing an entangled nonwoven fabric using the nozzle. According to the apparatus, a steam inlet side main conduit and a steam outlet side conduit are connected with both end parts of a tubular nozzle holder in a longitudinal direction provided integrally with nozzle members having a plurality of nozzle holes. A steam outlet side conduit is provided with an opening/closing valve and a trap conduit is branched from a conduit at an upstream side from the opening/closing valve. By opening the opening/closing valve, a rapid temperature rise of the nozzle holder can be enabled at a time of starting a production of a nonwoven fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Rayon Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro TANIGUCHI, Tomio Suzuki, Shinichi Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20080178443
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a liquid ejecting head unit that has a plurality of liquid ejecting heads combined with one another. Each of the plurality of liquid ejecting heads has a fluid channel formation substrate, which has pressure generation chambers that are in communication with nozzle orifices through which liquid is ejected, and piezoelectric elements, each of which is made up of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer that has hysteresis characteristic in a polarization electric field, and an upper electrode, formed on the fluid channel formation substrate with a vibrating plate being interposed therebetween. The liquid ejecting head unit production method according to an aspect of the invention includes: acquiring coercive electric fields of the piezoelectric layers of the liquid ejecting heads; classifying the liquid ejecting heads into ranks on the basis of the acquired coercive electric fields; and combining the liquid ejecting heads that belong to the same rank together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi TOKUKURA
  • Publication number: 20080178444
    Abstract: A piezoelectric thin film resonator which can reduce variations in resonant frequency and resonant resistance by uniformly planarizing a structural film, and a method of manufacturing the piezoelectric thin film resonator. The piezoelectric thin film resonator has a substrate having at least one flat major surface; a dielectric film having two support portions supported by the major surface of the substrate and a floating portion which is connected to the support portions and which is disposed over the major surface of the substrate with an airspace layer provided therebetween; and a vibration portion which is formed of a pair of electrodes and a piezoelectric thin film provided therebetween and which is provided on the floating portion of the dielectric film at a side opposite to the airspace layer. A surface of the dielectric film at a side opposite to the substrate is planarized by a plasma treatment using an inert gas or a gas containing an element forming a dielectric film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Fujii, Ryuichi Kubo
  • Publication number: 20080178445
    Abstract: By providing a unique product enhancing step which enables any desired section, portion, or element of a product being produced to be treated in a manner to provide desired enhanced physical, structural, and/or aesthetics characteristics, a new, fully integrated enhanced foam manufacturing system is attained which is capable of producing virtually any desired foam product, with each product incorporating any desired area or zone being formed with a particular physical, structural, and/or aesthetic property, characteristic, or enhancement. In addition, in accordance with the teaching of the present invention, any desired cross-sectional shape or configuration is capable of being manufactured in fully automated, high volume, rapid production conditions, with virtual ease and simplicity, with a specific physical, structural, or aesthetic property incorporated therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: James R. Richmond, Andrew C. Yiannaki, Ivan I. Sobran, Randal I. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20080178446
    Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a machining unit, a base plate, and an intermediate plate. The machining unit is fixed to a frame. The base plate is movable along a rail on the frame. The base plate moves a work piece toward and away from the machining unit. The intermediate plate is movable along the rail between the machining unit and the base plate. The intermediate plate pushes a reference plane of the work piece set on the base plate so that the work piece is positioned in a machining position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shingo Mitsui, Shugo Arakawa, Makoto Izumi
  • Publication number: 20080178447
    Abstract: The invention provides a machining center having a first main spindle unit and also a second main spindle unit with a ram shaft attached to a vertical machining center. A machining center 1 comprises a rotary table 20 that moves in the direction of an X-axis on a bed 10, and a cross rail 40 supported by a column 30 and moving in the direction of a Z-axis. A first main spindle unit 60 is attached to a saddle 50 supported by the cross rail and moving in the direction of a Y-axis. The first main spindle unit 60 is equipped with a first main spindle 70 that rotates around a B-axis. A second main spindle unit 100 disposed between the first main spindle unit 60 and the saddle 50 is equipped with a ram shaft 110 that moves in the direction of a W-axis and a turning head or a milling head that is replaceably attached to the leading end of the ram shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Satoshi Okada, Tomohiro Kintoki, Masaki Tanase
  • Publication number: 20080178448
    Abstract: A rotation sensor (19) is used for detecting relative rotation between a rotatable member (11, 12) and a non-rotatable member (10) of a bearing unit. The sensor (19) is retained in a sensor carrier body (18) of plastic material and annular shape. An annular supporting insert (17) serves to mount the sensor carrier body (18) onto the non-rotatable member (10) with the sensor operatively facing an impulse ring (15) secured to a rotatable member (12) of the unit. The sensor carrier body (18) and the supporting insert (17) provide a lock and seats (18a, 18c, 18d, 18m, 18n; 17c, 17d, 17m, 17n) for releasably locking the sensor carrier body (18) to the supporting insert (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Raffaele Montagnoni, Andrea Serafini
  • Publication number: 20080178449
    Abstract: A core component of a medical electrical lead extends within an inner conductive surface of a conductive ring such that an outer surface of the core holds a portion of a conductor against the inner conductive surface for electrical contact therewith. The outer surface of the core may be deformed by a compressive force of the conductor portion having been forced against the inner surface of the ring. Such a conductor junction may be formed by pushing the ring over the core to capture the conductor portion between the ring and the core and thereby displace a layer of insulation surrounding the conductor portion. The inner surface of the ring preferably has a diameter at one, or both terminal ends that is greater than a diameter of the inner surface between the ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Craig T. Huotari, Joseph F. Lassar, Mark D. Breyen, Ryan Thomas Bauer
  • Publication number: 20080178450
    Abstract: A number of pre-production calibration tightenings are performed at a screw joint identical to a screw joint used in production and using the same impulse wrench as to be used in production tightening. The value of one or more tightening related parameters are registered at the attainment of the desired pre-tension level, and those parameter values are used to statistically form a basis for a reference set-up. The tightening parameter values registered during production tightening are compared to the reference set-up, and an indication is obtained as to discrepancies between the reference set-up and the actually registered parameter values to get an indication as to whether the impulse wrench is malfunctioning and/or the screw joint is faulty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: John Robert Christian Friberg, Mats Cornelius Holmin, Knut Christian Schoeps, Torbjorn Rafael Sjoblom, Nils Gustav Erland Karlberg, Christa Maria Karlberg
  • Publication number: 20080178451
    Abstract: In a case where the load is not smaller than the predetermined value, the positioning is not completed even when it is determined that the movable body is moved to the position supposed to be the target position, then the movable body is moved to a retry starting position different from the position supposed to be the target position, subsequently a retry operation is performed for moving the movable body from the retry starting position to the position supposed to be the target position, and consequently the positioning is completed when the load becomes smaller than the predetermined value after the retry operation is performed for a predetermined number of times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Kume, Hiroyuki Yamamura, Katsuhiro Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20080178452
    Abstract: A decorative utility rod assembly that may be attached to a wall or other support surface. The rod assembly has a base rod, a cross rod, a cover plate, a set screw, and a knob or end cap. The proximal (wall) end of the base rod is threaded on its exterior surface. The distal end of the base rod forms a threaded hole. The cover plate forms a threaded hole in a central portion thereof. The cover plate is screwed onto the proximal end of the base rod to hide the wall attachments. One end of set screw is screwed into the threaded hole in the distal end of the base rod. The end cap is screwed onto the other end of the set screw. The cover plate and end cap may be made of a multitude of materials, may have a multitude of surface configurations, may be formed into a multitude of shapes, and may contain indicial of a seasonal, a vanity, an interest of the use, advertising, or decorations to match interior decoration décor. Alternative embodiments include a towel ring, a toilet paper holder, a hook, and shelving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Susan C. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20080178453
    Abstract: Ribbons containing e.g. inorganic NMOS devices are assembled in electrical contact with ribbons containing e.g. PMOS devices (preferably organic) to enable flexible electronic textile circuits to be inexpensive and practical for a wide variety of functions. The use of ribbons provides flexibility, reduces costs, and allows testing during assembly and different processes to be efficiently used for different components. This is apparently the first time that ribbons (especially inorganic-device-containing ribbons) have been interconnected to form a flexible CMOS electronic textile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce Gnade
  • Publication number: 20080178454
    Abstract: A self-piercing blind fastener comprising a mandrel having an elongate cylindrical shell mounted on a stem of such mandrel and which extends co-axially about a central elongate axis of the blind fastener, the shell having a radially extending flange at one end and a tail-end portion at the opposite end for insertion through a workpiece, the mandrel further having a mandrel head in operative engagement with the tail-end of the fastener for transmitting a setting force thereto during setting of such fastener, the blind fastener further comprising a longitudinally extending indenting member extending co-axial with and away from the tail-end of the blind fastener, which indenting member having a cross sectional area less than the cross sectional area of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Morris, Dan Smith
  • Publication number: 20080178455
    Abstract: An apparatus and method enhances installation of a waste disposer mounting assembly at a drain-received sink flange. The apparatus comprises a carriage guide, a carriage assembly, and a spring-actuable notch stop. The carriage guide comprises a hooked end, a handled end, and a notched face extending intermediate the hooked and handled ends. The carriage assembly is translatably and cooperably associated with the carriage guide and comprises a centralized rail guide aperture and a plurality of fastener-engaging arm assemblies. The guide aperture is sized and shaped to receive the guide rail and the notch stop engages the notched face for selectively prevent translation of the carriage assembly relative to the carriage guide. The arm assemblies of the carriage assembly carry a mounting assembly via fastener-port engagement to a mount position where a snap ring fastener may be manually installed to prevent downward displacement of the mounting assembly from the mount position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel W. Cox, Kevin M. Schnurstein
  • Publication number: 20080178456
    Abstract: A hitting face of a golf club head having improved strength properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. The multiple materials form layers of a laminate construction of a flat portion of a hitting face insert. The layers of the laminate are joined together using a diffusion bonding technique. Preferably, at least one layer of the laminate is a thin layer of a very strong material that forms the rear side of the hitting face insert so as to prevent failure of the hitting face insert on that rear side due to repeated impacts with golf balls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Scott A. Rice, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Raymond L. Poynor
  • Publication number: 20080178457
    Abstract: A small-diameter circular column portion having a diameter slightly smaller than that of a small-diameter hole (press-fitting hole) of an inside-outside communication hole is formed at a press-fitting end portion of a bush. A narrow annular clearance is formed between the small-diameter circular column portion and the small-diameter hole when the bush is press-fitted. Even if a press-fitting burr is produced at the press-fitting end portion during manufacturing of a common rail, the press-fitting burr is confined in the depth of the annular clearance. Even when fuel flows through the inside-outside communication hole during engine operation, movement of the fuel and the fuel flow acting on the press-fitting burr are limited in the depth of the annular clearance, inhibiting the press-fitting burr from dropping out or flowing out. Thus, a highly reliable common rail can be provided at low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoaki Nagasaka, Hiroyuki Yokoya