Patents Issued in November 18, 2008
  • Patent number: 7451517
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning article to be used while being attached to a holder. The cleaning article includes: a base sheet; a brush portion provided on one side of the base sheet; and a holding sheet provided on the other side of the base sheet. The base sheet, the brush portion and the holding sheet are fusion-bonded together to have at least two fusion-bonded portions which are spaced apart from each other and define a holding space between the base sheet and the holding sheet for accommodating the holder. One of the base sheet, the brush portion and the holding sheet is provided with a color different from those of the others so that the fusion-bonded portions have a color different from that of the holding sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7451518
    Abstract: A multi-roller applicator for the application of paint having a handle member and a frame member, the frame member having secured thereto in parallel relationship, a pair of spaced apart axles for the receipt of a frame core member and paint absorbing sleeve member rotationally mounted thereon for the application of paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Angelo Koumarianos
  • Patent number: 7451519
    Abstract: There is provided a sheet holding structure in which a sheet holding force can be increased, and a cleaner having the structure. The sheet holding structure includes a base material made of a flexible material and having main surfaces, and a slit formed in the main surfaces of the base material. The slit includes a curved slit, and a plurality of protruding slits spaced from each other in a direction along the curved slit, connected to a protruding portion-side forming edge of the curved slit, and protruding and extending from the protruding portion-side forming edge of the curved slit. A part of the base material surrounded by the curved slit is bent and a part of the sheet placed on one of the main surfaces of the base material is inserted into the curved slit and the protruding slits and locked to thereby hold the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Nishinaka, Kiyoshi Ishii
  • Patent number: 7451520
    Abstract: A wiper blade is proposed with which to clean windshields, in particular of automobiles. The wiper blade (10) has an elongated belt-shaped, flexible spring support element (12), with a separate first component designed as an elastic rubber wiper strip (14) that can be pressed against the windshield (20) located at the bottom belt surface (13) of the support element and with a separate second component located at the other upper belt surface (11) of the support element (12) that is designed as a wind deflection strip (24) that extends at least along a longitudinal section of the wiper blade (10). A particularly low-disruption wiper blade results if the two components (14, 24) are connected together at their sides facing one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Weiler, Joachim Zimmer, Jan Dietrich
  • Patent number: 7451521
    Abstract: An apparatus for removal of material by suction, comprising, supported by the chassis of a truck, a partial vacuum unit for a collection tank, to which aspirated material is conveyed. The tank is fitted on an unloading device suitable to lift on one side the tank in order to empty by gravity the material accumulated therein. The unloading device comprises a frame rotatably coupled to the chassis by interposing a rotatable center bearing, provided with an actuation for actuating the rotation of the frame with-respect to the chassis. The frame has a base for connection to the center bearing, and a supporting structure for the tank is associated with the base. The structure is adapted for multiple movements for positioning and unloading the tank outside of the truck footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Cappellotto S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Cappellotto
  • Patent number: 7451522
    Abstract: A hinge has a positioning bracket, a rotating bracket, a pivotal pin, a washer, a mounting ring and two resilient sleeves. The positioning bracket has a sleeve. The sleeve has a through hole and an elongating groove. The rotating bracket has a connecting segment. The pivotal pin is attached to the rotating bracket and has a mounting shaft, a connecting shaft and a head. The washer and the mounting ring are mounted around the connecting shaft of the pivotal pin. The resilient sleeves are mounted around the connecting shaft, are mounted in the through hole of the sleeve and each resilient sleeve has a sleeve segment and a mounting slice. The sleeve segment has a through hole and a gap. The mounting slice is formed on the sleeve segment near the gap and is inserted into the elongating groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Nan Lu, Jia-Hao Hsu
  • Patent number: 7451523
    Abstract: A hinge has a stationary bracket having multiple limiting slots, two resilient spacers, a pintle having a bar and an enlarged head, a stop element mounted in the pintle between the enlarged head and the resilient spacers and having multiple limiting tabs corresponding to and mounted in the limiting slots in the stationary bracket to make the limiting tab and the pintle to seal the opening and a keyhole provided the pintle to mount in and having an inner diameter being not bigger than an outer diameter of the bar to provide a tightness between the keyhole and the pintle. So the pintle is sturdy in the sleeve and the oil would not leak out of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 7451524
    Abstract: A side handle (2) for a hand-held power tool, such as, e.g., hammer drill or chisel hammer, includes a handle holder (10), an attachment device (6) for securing the side handle (2) on the power tool (4), and a decoupling device (8) for connecting the handle holder (10) with the attachment device (6) and for guiding the handle holder (10) relative to the attachment device (6), with the decoupling device (8) having two, spaced from each other, swinging elements deflectable parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christian Sattler
  • Patent number: 7451525
    Abstract: A sprung surface handle for flat surfaces, such as the end of a trunk, or box, comprising a base plate 1 having edges 2, 3, 4; a handle 6 having a cross arm 7, side arms 8, 9, and turned-in arms, or ends, 11, 12; a handle-mounting plate 13 on the base plate 1, having bearings 19, 20 at least partially surrounding the turned-in arms, or ends, 11, 12; a spring 33 to bias handle 6 adjacent base plate 1; stops 21, 22 to engage the side arms 8, 9 to stop rotation of the handle, after it has rotated away from the base plate 1; and raised handle protecting parts 29, 30, 31, 32, on the base plate 1, between the edges 2, 3, 4 thereof and the arms 7, 8, 9, to protect the handle from other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Penn Elcom, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger P. Willems
  • Patent number: 7451526
    Abstract: In an apparatus for consolidating a conveyable fibre web, for example of cotton, synthetic fibers or the like, there is provided, at the exit from a flat card, roller card or the like, a web funnel together with take-off rollers, the outlet region of the web funnel has a substantially rectangular cross-section, and an endlessly revolving consolidating device, for example comprising two rollers, is provided downstream of the web funnel. In order to improve the apparatus for consolidation, the consolidating device comprises at least two roller pairs arranged one behind the other, which are biased by a force and the speed of rotation of which can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Trutzschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Günter Duda, Gregor Eschenbruch
  • Patent number: 7451527
    Abstract: A rope terminator comprising, an elongate hollow barrel (12) formed from a fiber reinforced synthetic resin material, the barrel having therein a rope receiving passage (13), and said passage having a first end region from which the rope (18) to be terminated extends in use, and an opposite, second end region, the passage tapering in internal diameter from a minimum at said first end region to a maximum at said second end region, a tapering wedge member (14) for insertion into said passage of the barrel to trap fibers (19) of the rope (18) between the outer tapering surface of the wedge member and the inner tapering surface of said passage, said barrel having an outer surface region tapering in diameter. The terminator further includes a hollow outer body member (11) having therein a tapering passage within which said outer tapering surface of said barrel is received, providing a means (15b) of attaching the terminated rope to an anchor point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Colt Systems Limited
    Inventors: Colin Richard Pearce, Justin Nicolas Farrelly
  • Patent number: 7451528
    Abstract: In a device for the connection of an end part (5) of a band (1) to a rigid part (2), in particular a watchband to a watch casing, a pin (3) arranged at the end part (5) of the band (1) and extending, with its longitudinal axis, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the band (1) can be engaged with at least one recess (7) of the rigid part (2). In order to attach the band (1) to the rigid part (2)—even if said part has different shapes—with as little clearance as possible, the device is characterized in that the pin (3) is movable into different positions relative to the band (1) in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis and can be fixed to the band (1) in these positions which it can assume relative to the band (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hirsch Armbänder GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Sima
  • Patent number: 7451529
    Abstract: Transparent and colorable elastomeric compositions are provided. The transparent elastomeric compositions can be covulcanized with rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, isoprene-butadiene rubber, or natural rubber and polybutene processing oil. The colorable rubber compositions have sufficient properties to function as a reinforcing member in a shoe sole or automobile tire. Preferably, both the transparent and colorable elastomeric compositions include at least one copolymer of a C4 to C7 isoolefin and a p-methylstyrene, silica and a high cis-polybutadiene rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Walter H. Waddell, Robert R. Poulter
  • Patent number: 7451530
    Abstract: A device for forming a seal includes upper and lower seal members, and a slider, wherein mating surfaces of the seal members interlock. In at least one embodiment, a lifting rib and closure bar on the slider cooperate with a lifting wing and closure bar groove on the upper and lower seal members, respectively. By moving the slider in one direction, the lifting rib lifts the upper seal member from the lower seal member. Moving the slider in the opposite direction causes the upper and lower seal members to interlock. In another embodiment, a slider has an intermediate lateral member connected on one side the slider top, and connected on the other side to the slider bottom. A breakaway sealing device is also provided, allowing a person to break the closed seal. A beginning stop block is also provided that includes a means for securing the upper seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Meager
  • Patent number: 7451531
    Abstract: A fastener adapter for connecting fastener straps. The fastener adapter includes an outer member, and an inner member attached at an angle to the outer member such that the outer and inner members cooperate to form first and second pockets. At least one of the first and second pockets defines one of an all-hook and an all-loop pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: EBI, LLC
    Inventors: James Israel, Eric Heiberg
  • Patent number: 7451532
    Abstract: A method of making a fastener product having discrete regions of fastener element stems extending from a strip-form base includes providing a gap formed along a peripheral surface of a rotating mold roll, the mold roll having a plurality of cavities exposed about the peripheral surface. A sleeve is introduced to the gap. The sleeve is positioned about the mold roll and covers selected cavities. Molten resin is introduced to the gap such that the resin forms at least a part of the strip-form base of the product at the peripheral mold roll surface and at least partially fills a plurality of the cavities to form fastener element stems as projections extending from the strip-form base, while the resin remains blocked from said selected ones by the sleeve. The resin is solidified and stripped from the peripheral surface of the mold roll by pulling the projections from their respective cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: George A. Provost, William H. Shepard, William P. Clune
  • Patent number: 7451533
    Abstract: An NC automatic lathe including abase board, a headstock provided with a main spindle and so arranged as to move in a direction of Z1 axis, a back attachment provided with a sub spindle which is so arranged as to be opposed to the headstock, the back attachment being so arranged as to move in directions of Z2 axis, X2 axis and Y2 axis, a guide bush, a first turret tool post arranged at a side of the guide bush so as to move in directions of X1 axis and Y1 axis, a second turret tool post arranged at a side of the guide bush so as to move in directions of Z3 axis, X3 axis and Y3 axis, and a fixed back machining tool unit arranged at a position offset with respect to at least one of the first turret tool post and second turret tool post, to the back attachment in a direction of Z axis, and provided with tool holding portions in at least two rows and two lines in directions of X axis and Y axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kawasumi, Satoru Ozawa, Naomi Aono
  • Patent number: 7451534
    Abstract: A valve seat and valve guide machining tool for the precision machining of valve seats and valve guides in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine is disclosed, comprising at least two tool parts (3,5) of which a first comprises at least one geometrically defined cutter (11), provided for the valve seat machining and a second comprises at least one geometrically-defined cutter (15), provided for valve guide machining, which are connected to each other by means of a precision interface (17). The precision interface (17) is a squat conical connection, comprising a first plane surface (19) on the first tool part (3) and second plane surface (21) on the second tool part (5), arranged perpendicular to a mid-axis (23) of the tool (1) and, in the assembled state of the tool (1), lie adjacent to each other, said first tool part (3) being made from steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: MAPAL Fabrik fur Prazisionswerkzeuge Dr. Kress KG
    Inventor: Dieter Kress
  • Patent number: 7451535
    Abstract: A semi-frameless cabinet system including a top panel, bottom panel, two side panels, and a back panel. The cabinet may also include one or more middle shelves, drawers, or doors. Each of the forward facing sides of the cabinet include a grooved surface, wherein edging is secured to each panels such that the panels and edging form an interior space within the cabinet. The edging overlaps the outer edge of the cabinet panels, but not the inner edge, such that the edging and panels are flush within the interior space of the cabinet. As such, the cabinet employs the advantages of both framed and frameless cabinetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wells, Wayne Andrew Brinkman, John Bennett Rose, II
  • Patent number: 7451536
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods for mounting fingerstock EMI shielding gaskets on sheet metal structures. The fingerstock EMI shielding gasket may include a generally D-shaped cross section with at least one mounting tab forming at least part of an upright portion. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a mounting method generally includes providing a sheet metal structure with inner and outer tabs which protrude outwardly from a surface of the sheet metal structure. The inner tabs may be oriented generally toward the outer tabs and may be laterally separated from the outer tabs. The shielding gasket may be slidably inserted into position longitudinally between the inner and outer tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony M. Sosnowski
  • Patent number: 7451537
    Abstract: Method for fabricating a microscale anemometer on a substrate. A sacrificial layer is formed on the substrate, and a metal thin film is patterned to form a sensing element. At least one support for the sensing element is patterned. The sacrificial layer is removed, and the sensing element is lifted away from the substrate by raising the supports, thus creating a clearance between the sensing element and the substrate to allow fluid flow between the sensing element and the substrate. The supports are raised preferably by use of a magnetic field applied to magnetic material patterned on the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Chang Liu, Jack Chen
  • Patent number: 7451538
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides an apparatus for assembling a rotor. The exemplary apparatus includes a base that has a central aperture and a seating surface for receiving the rotor. An arbor then extends through the central aperture, the arbor having a longitudinal axis that is substantially orthogonal to the seating surface, and including threaded ends opposite with respect to one another. The exemplary apparatus also includes at least one member of a family of fixtures coupleable to the arbor, the family including a pressure fixture that has first and second piston assemblies disposed at diametrically opposite locations to one another, the family also including a support fixture coupleable the arbor and having members extending axially therefrom, the members being configured to support securing members of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: William P. Pizzichil
  • Patent number: 7451539
    Abstract: An electromagnetic shield for an electronic module includes a surface finish that is applied to the surface of an electronic module so as to minimize the size of the shield. Once the shield is in place, the shield acts to address electromagnetic interference (EMI) concerns associated with the electronic module. An electronic module having a ring of conductive material embedded about its peripheral edge is formed. The electronic module is then sub-diced so as to expose the ring of conductive material. After sub-dicing, a conductive material may be applied through an electroless plating process followed by an electrolytic plating process. Alternatively, a conductive epoxy may be sprayed or painted onto the surface of the electronic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Morris, Milind Shah, Donald Joseph Leahy, Lewis Kermit Law, II
  • Patent number: 7451540
    Abstract: Fabricating (100, 1300) a printed circuit board includes fabricating patterned conductive traces (305, 310, 1410, 1415) onto a foil, laminating the patterned conductive traces to a printed circuit board substrate (405, 1505) by pressing on the foil, such that the conductive traces are pressed into a dielectric layer of the printed circuit board, and removing the foil to expose a co-planar surface of conductive trace surfaces and dielectric surfaces. Removal may be done by peeling (125) and/or etching (130, 1315).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaroslaw A. Magera, Gregory J. Dunn, Jovica Savic
  • Patent number: 7451541
    Abstract: A protective sheath for a fluid-carrying tube is made from a larger tube cut into longitudinal tube segments and slice into opposed halves before being re-secured together about the fluid-carrying tube. Slip joints are preferably provided between adjoining outer tube segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Honza Stastny, Eng Lim
  • Patent number: 7451542
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-exchanger tube structured on both sides with excellent heat transfer characteristics utilizing both outer and also inner fins and secondary grooves intersecting the inner fins. Two spaced-apart rolling tools are provided in the utilized device in order to form the outer fins of two adjacent rolling tools; the inner structure is formed by two differently profiled mandrels. The first mandrel forms in a first forming area the inner fins. The second mandrel forms in a second forming area the inventive secondary grooves into the earlier created inner fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Wieland-Werke AG
    Inventors: Karine Brand, Andreas Knoepfler, Andreas Beutler, Ronald Lutz
  • Patent number: 7451543
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for an electric machine includes a rotatable shaft, a rotor core coupled to the shaft for common rotation, and an impeller coupled to the shaft for common rotation. A bearing is coupled to the shaft generally between the rotor core and the impeller. The bearing can include an outer race sized smaller than an opening defined by the machine housing. The bearing can include steel rolling elements such as steel balls or generally cylindrical steel rollers. An adaptor sleeve can be disposed generally around the outer race. The adaptor sleeve can be disposed within the opening defined by the housing for securing the adaptor sleeve and the bearing within the opening defined by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: William P. Stewart, Charles P. Ketterer, Donald J. Williams
  • Patent number: 7451544
    Abstract: A pair of gardening shears include a first cutting member, a second cutting member, an end cap, and a sliding member. Thus, the gardening shears are used to cut branches or leaves and are available for a grafting purpose, thereby enhancing the versatility of the gardening shears. In addition, the male slip of the son plant and the female slip of the mother plant are formed by the blade of the sliding member to match each other exactly, so that the male slip of the son plant is inserted into and combined with the female slip of the mother plant rigidly and closely, thereby enhancing the grafting effect of the son plant and the mother plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Ho Cheng Garden Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yao-Chung Huang
  • Patent number: 7451545
    Abstract: A hand knife has a handle (1), a blade (2), and a fixing clip (3). The blade is adjustable between a closed position and an open position relative to the handle (1). The fixing clip (3) is adjustable between a withdrawn position and a projecting position relative to the handle (1). An adjusting assembly (10) adjusts the fixing clip (3) from the projecting position into the withdrawn position by adjusting the blade (2) from the closed position into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Heinr, Boker Baumwerk GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Vörös
  • Patent number: 7451546
    Abstract: A hand-held jigsaw machine includes a machine housing (11), a saw blade (13) that is drivable in a reciprocating manner by a motor, a support device (20) with a support roller (23) that supports the saw blade on its back (132), and a holder (22) that is fixed to the machine housing (11) and accommodates the support roller (23) between two arms (222, 223), and a guide device (21) for guiding and supporting the saw blade (13) transversely to the saw direction with guide elements (24, 25) on opposite sides of the saw blade (13) at an adjustable distance from each other. To ensure economical production of the support and guide device and to reduce the number of components required, the guide device (21) is integrated in the holder (22) of the support device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefano Delfini, Daniel Saegesser, Thomas Ruoff
  • Patent number: 7451547
    Abstract: A marking device or scribe for marking masonry pieces on a horizontal deck area surrounding a pool, sauna or similar below-ground construction. The device is designed for use during construction of deck areas to enable defining a border or margin a constant distance from a curved vertical edge. This marking facilitates subsequent cutting of the marked masonry pieces for removal and construction of a more aesthetic edge border. Device guide wheels follow curved vertical walls of the pool and guide a frame and attached marker that is supported on wheels on the deck. The marking device is biased against the masonry pieces to create a path line mark as the frame and guide wheels are manually move along the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Lantinen
  • Patent number: 7451548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle, said device comprising a hub gripping element (20) for gripping and rotating a hub (50) of the wheel axle, and at least one measuring sensor (58). The invention also relates to a method using said device. The aim of the invention is to create one such device and one such method which enable measuring values to be much more precisely recorded. To this end, the hub gripping element (20) comprises at least one stud (42, 44, 46) that can be screwed into a threaded borehole on the hub (50) or the brake disk (62) in order to fix the wheel axle to the hub gripping element (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: AuE Automations und Einstelltechnik Kassel GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hohlrieder, Holger Reichbott, Ralf Lamster
  • Patent number: 7451549
    Abstract: A magnetic compass apparatus and method to account for magnetic distortion while determining a magnetic heading is disclosed. The method enables a compass module, comprising at least two magnetometers, to characterize its magnetic environment dynamically, while collecting data of a geomagnetic field; a user moves an apparatus through various orientations; the environment may or may not contain magnetic distortion influences. Data gathered by magnetometers and, optionally, accelerometers are processed through at least two filters before being transferred as a processed data set for repetitive measurement calculations. A series of calculations is executed recursively in time by solving one or more linear vector equations using processed data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: PNI Corporation
    Inventors: Raj Sodhi, Jay Prunty, George Hsu, Becky Oh
  • Patent number: 7451550
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow unlimited rotational alignment between two boundaries for alignment with anatomic landmarks while still referencing both posterior condyles for A/P sizing of the distal femur. In particular embodiments, the system provides at least one movable paddle that provides a reference point from the condyles so that the measuring assembly can be aligned to be parallel with the epicondylar axis. Once the measuring assembly is properly angled, the A/P length of the bone can then be measured from a proper reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Ryan Dees, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7451551
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gyroscope production method and to the configuration of a gyroscope thus produced. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of producing a base (15, 35) for a scale (24, 44) on a gyroscopic ring (3, 7) belonging to a gyroscopic suspension of an arm of a parallel kinematic machine, said gyroscopic ring (3, 7) being provided with bearing pins (5, 9). According to the invention, the bearing pins (5, 9) are worked in a secure fixed state and the base (15, 35) for the scale (23) is also worked in the same fixed state, without said state being changed between the working of the bearing pins (5, 9) and that of the base (15) for the scale (24, 44). The invention also relates to a scale configuration produced using the aforementioned method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: PKMTRICEPT S.L.
    Inventor: Thomas Andersson
  • Patent number: 7451552
    Abstract: An electronic measuring tape that includes a roller onto which the measuring tape is arranged to be wound up onto and wound out from through the roller being rotated, a first end of the measuring tape is attached in the roller, and where the roller is located inside a housing. A rolled up measuring tape is arranged in loops on the roller. All loops are in direct contact with the surface of the roller, an angle sensor is arranged at the roller to record an angle of rotation during rotation of the roller. An electronic circuit converts the angle of rotation into a length that corresponds to the length by which the measuring tape has been withdrawn from the housing, and the measuring tape records absolute values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Haglof Sweden AB
    Inventor: Stefan Haglöf
  • Patent number: 7451553
    Abstract: A clean room shoe article, e.g., shoe, boot, safety shoe, safety boot. The article has a sole region. The article has an upper particle free polymer material having a toe region and an ankle region. The upper particle free polymer material is coupled to the sole region. The upper particle free polymer material is capable of enclosing a foot of a human user. The toe region houses an entirety of toes of the human user. The article has a steel toe housing member enclosing and protecting the entirety of the toes of the human user. The article has an enclosure provided in the toe region of the upper particle free polymer material. The enclosure is adapted to house the steel toe housing member. A sealing region is provided within a vicinity of the enclosure. The sealing region is adapted to maintain the steel toe housing member within the enclosure and is also adapted to open and remove the steel toe housing member from the enclosure provided in the toe region of the upper particle free polymer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventors: Jo Wei Dun, Jen Lung Lan, Chi Yin Wu, Zheng Rong Sun
  • Patent number: 7451554
    Abstract: A fluid system for an article of footwear or other products is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the fluid system includes a pump chamber and a pressure chamber. The pump chamber is formed to exhibit a four layer structure to imparts an expandable configuration. The four layers are bonded to each other such that the sidewall has a zigzag-shaped configuration. In another aspect of the invention, the fluid system includes two pump chambers and a pressure chamber in order to increase the resulting pressure in the pressure chamber. In yet another aspect of the invention, at least one of the two pump chambers has an expandable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Pieter Hazenberg, Frederick J. Dojan
  • Patent number: 7451555
    Abstract: An inflatable inner sole for footwear has a flexible, inflatable enclosure with an inflation system that may includes an on-board air pump and a pressure relief valve. The inflatable inclosure may include a plurality of chambers that are independently adjustable by selectively adding or removing a gas from each chamber. The inflatable enclosure may also include a pressure gauge and an improved pressure relief valve sleeve with a spring seat. The inflatable enclosure may be formed with one or both of first and second sheets formed as contoured prefabricated sheets. Alternatively, the sheets may be flat sheets. A recess is formed in the sheets so that the recess extends out of a plane of intersection between the first and second sheets. The recess may be formed by causing a portion of the first and second sheets to bend out of the plane of intersection of the first and second sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Nikola Lakic
  • Patent number: 7451556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion (20) for use in a shoe sole. The cushion (20) includes a medial chamber (26) for cushioning a medial portion of a wearer's foot, an internal chamber (40) disposed within the medial chamber (26) to increase a stiffness of the medial chamber, and at least one lateral chamber (24) for cushioning a lateral portion of the wearer's foot. The medial chamber (26) and lateral chamber (24) may be of unitary construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.
    Inventors: Edith Harmon-Weiss, Hans Peterson, Sean B. Murphy, Cathleen Aron, Octavio Lubrano, Ping-Chih Shih
  • Patent number: 7451557
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The upper is configured to receive a foot, and the outsole is secured to the upper. The outsole defines a plurality of apertures extending entirely through the outsole. In addition, the outsole has a ground-engaging surface positioned at a first elevation. The midsole is separate from the upper and the outsole. The midsole is also positionable within the upper such that a lower surface of the midsole extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures. The lower surface is at a second elevation, the first elevation being less than the second elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven McDonald, Bradley S. Long
  • Patent number: 7451558
    Abstract: A wear assembly that includes a wear member and a boss to define an opening for receiving a lock forward of the front edge face of the lip which can mount the wear member in a stable and balanced manner without a through-hole in the lip. The wear member includes an aperture and a rib to define bearing faces on opposite sides of a central plane of the lip. The boss includes rails to hold the wear member in place, and a brace at the rear end, which supports the rails on the boss, abuts the rear of the wear member to reduce the loading on the lip, and deflects earthen material away from the wear member under reverse loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventor: Larren F. Jones
  • Patent number: 7451559
    Abstract: The invention relates to an iron comprising a cartridge (4) for containing a liquid (5), a nozzle means (6) having at least one aperture (20), a pump means (14) for delivering said liquid to the nozzle means, said cartridge (4) comprising an outer wall (29) with vent means (25) including a vent hole (28) for ventilating said cartridge (4). To prevent soiling of the iron due to spillage of liquid (5) through the vent hole (28), said vent means (25) comprises a storage chamber (26)for receiving an excess of liquid from the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Sen Kee Chen, Narendra Pawar
  • Patent number: 7451560
    Abstract: The present invention provides a holder for arranging against a wall one or more image carriers such as photos, cards, photo frames, brochures and the like, wherein the holder comprises: a support member for placing along the wall; a fixing member which is connected to the support member and can be arranged against the wall; a first spacer, arranged at a suitable distance from the support member, for arranging the image carrier therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Johan Frederik Kodde, Otto-Jan Staleman
  • Patent number: 7451561
    Abstract: An identification tag includes a marker portion having first and second faces and first and second inside surfaces. Personalized identification indicia are applied to at least the first face, and a pocket assembly is attached to the first inside surface. The pocket assembly has an opening to receive a card bearing personal identification information, and other information. An attachment mechanism connected to the marker portion operates to secure the identification tag to a bag, a piece of luggage, or other personal belonging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: It's . . . In The Bag! Inc.
    Inventor: Charles K. Weisbart
  • Patent number: 7451562
    Abstract: A container for a picture frame capable of withstanding temperatures of 500-1000° F. for 15 to 20 minutes that employs the use of water as its main protectant. The present invention works on the property of the phase change of water from a liquid to a gas. During the phase change the temperature of the water will remain constant until all of the water has changed to gas. At sea level this temperature is about 212° F. of 100° C. Tests showing that most photographic paper can withstand temperatures of this magnitude. This test involved putting a picture is a watertight plastic baggie and submerging it in boiling water for 20 minutes. The photograph emerged unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Kurt Lightner
  • Patent number: 7451563
    Abstract: A molded plastic device which contains all the components that are necessary to perform the multiple steps required in loading a percussion in-line muzzle loading rifle in the field. Incorporated in this device are provisions for carrying multiple powder charges along with a bullet/projectile for each. The device also contains several different means of igniting said powder charges. By the use of different magazines, each of which contain a different form of ignition, the device can be used with several types and styles of muzzle loading rifles which may require different methods of discharging the bullet/projectile. The device also contains a bullet/projectile starter which is used to start the bullet/projectile down the barrel a few inches prior to seating the bullet/projectile with a ram rod. The device is carried on a neck strap which makes it easily accessible when loading in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Larry Donald McKnight
  • Patent number: 7451564
    Abstract: A system for use with firearms which permits the ready exchange of barrels on a single action and stock assembly. The barrels may be quickly and easily exchanged under field conditions using a single simple tool and without removing the action and receiver from the firearm stock. Barrels of different calibers may be used on a single firearm leading to greater versatility. The system relies on a pinch lug or clamp attached to the receiver which will draw all barrels onto the receiver and into invariable coaxial alignment with the receiver and action thus insuring the bullet will always have the same trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Full Nelson, LLC
    Inventor: Nelson Maxwell Wait
  • Patent number: 7451565
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining a proper firearm fit for a user. In an embodiment, a firearm alignment device is disclosed. The firearm alignment device comprises a reflective surface and an opening. In addition, the firearm alignment device includes a band. The band may be horizontally disposed on the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen R. Musser
  • Patent number: 7451566
    Abstract: A gun sight system featuring point-to-point visual alignment is provided. A front sight coupled to a forward end of a gun includes a top sighting point and optionally lateral sighting points. A rear sight coupled to a rearward end of the gun includes a pair of spaced apart rear lateral sighting points each visually alignable with and visually touching one of the front lateral sighting points or the top sighting point for visually touching the top sighting point with a target while simultaneously visually aligning at least one of the rear lateral sighting points with a point on the front sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Donald H. Price