Patents Issued in February 17, 2009
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Patent number: 7490360Abstract: A knee pad with locking clips adjustable straps clip onto the pants of the wearer at the sides of the knees, with no uncomfortable strap encircling the leg. Clip lock rings slide over spring clips to lock them, thereby retaining the knee pad attached to the pant leg under all conditions of use.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Dexter Meadows
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Patent number: 7490361Abstract: A weighted exercise vest includes a plurality of pockets for holding small items, and standard free gym weights. Each pocket includes a pocket opening and a pocket flap for securely retaining the items and weights within each corresponding pocket opening. The vest includes shoulder support pads for protecting the shoulders of a user by cushioning the weight of a weight-lifting equipment, such as a barbell, permitting a person to use the vest with alternative exercise regimens. The vest also includes shoulder panels and side panels including adjustable fastening means for adjusting the size of the vest to conform to different users.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Noriko M. Floyd
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Patent number: 7490362Abstract: A cover for use in breast feeding or bottle feeding an infant is disclosed, wherein the 5 cover (11) is formed from a sheet of fabric or the like shaped so that it may be comfortably draped around a mother's torso during breast feeding in order to allow discrete breast feeding of an infant. The cover is provided with a single strap means (15) to fit over a shoulder of the mother to prevent the cover from falling away from the torso. The cover may also be provided with one or more pockets (18) to hold nursing pads and the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Jennifer Owen
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Patent number: 7490363Abstract: The invention relates to a hand harness for use with exercise and healthcare equipment such as a recumbent cross trainer. The harness includes an adjustable mount, a surface attached to the adjustable mount and a glove attached to the surface. The glove has adjustable portions which extend around the user's hand, locking the hand into place.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Nustep, Inc.Inventors: Mark Hildebrandt, Roger Fettes, Douglas Hennigar
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Patent number: 7490364Abstract: The present invention relates to a functional cap that is provided with a holder adapted to be attached to a cap body, the holder having a given shape like a square, oval, round, and triangle, with a plurality of ventilating holes or without having any ventilating holes formed thereon, such that a plate having a character formed of a specific picture or letter is detachably mounted to the holder of the cap body. The plate of the present invention has a specific character recognized by naked eyes like a specific letter or picture formed on one surface thereof, and the plate can be detachably mounted to the holder by an external force applied by a wearer. Therefore, the functional cap of the present invention can be utilized for advertising specific organizations or groups when the plate is exchanged for their purpose.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Leo Hipom Kim
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Patent number: 7490365Abstract: Swimming goggles, wherein belts are fitted to an eye protective eye cup portion, a mounting/dismounting mechanism for mounting and dismounting the goggles on and from a head part is fitted to the belts, whereby since the mounting/dismounting mechanism for mounting and dismounting the goggles on and from the head part is fitted to the belt fitted to the eye cup part, a user can mount and dismount the goggles on and from the head part by merely slightly pulling the belt to connect and disconnect the mounting/dismounting mechanism, and must not extend the belt by pulling to such a length as to provide an allowance for installation on the head, and the swimming goggle making it hard for hairs to be disturbed more than before when installed on the head part can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsumi Matsumoto, Katsuya Takeshi, Hirofumi Tominaga
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Patent number: 7490366Abstract: A bolt assembly for use with toilet seats and other objects consists of a threaded bolt with a threaded axial bore and a head larger than the opening in the toilet bowl flange, a nut sized to fit the bolt, and a screw dimensioned to cooperate with the bore. The bolt is inserted through the opening in the flange, extending there beyond. The bolt is secured from below the flange with the nut. The seat assembly is then placed on the flange so that the aperture in the seat assembly bracket communicates with the threaded bore. The seat assembly is secured in place by passing the screw through the aperture in the bracket and threading it into the bore. The seat assembly can then be reversibly removed for cleaning by merely removing and replacing the screw without having to reach under the flange. The screw can have a gripping head so that it can be rotated without the need for a screwdriver, or there can be a slot centered on the top of the head so that a screwdriver can be used.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Milton Richter
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Patent number: 7490367Abstract: Method and system for processing waste from human activities, including solids, liquids and vapors. A fluid-impermeable bag, lined with a liquid-impermeable but vapor-permeable membrane, defining an inner bag, is provided. A vacuum force is provided to extract vapors so that the waste is moved toward a selected region in the inner bag, extracted vapors, including the waste vapors and vaporized portions of the waste liquids are transported across the membrane, and most or all of the solids remain within the liner. Extracted vapors are filtered, and sanitized components thereof are isolated and optionally stored. The solids remaining within the liner are optionally dried and isolated for ultimate disposal.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Eric Litwiller, John A. Hogan, John W. Fisher
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Patent number: 7490368Abstract: A spa cover is assembled from two or more molded foam sections. The sections may be molded from polystyrene, polyethylene, or a mixture of polystyrene and polyethylene. Panels are molded into the sections along mating edges, which panels cooperate to align the sections. The sections further include latches for holding the sections in alignment. The sections taper from a peak at the center of the cover to facilitate the run-off of rain, water sprays, or spills. Tie downs or inserts may be molded into the foam to facilitate the use of child safety straps to secure the cover to a spa. The cover may be sized to match known spa sizes, and may include a molded in decorative pattern and/or color.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Carl J. Procida
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Patent number: 7490369Abstract: A bathtub has a shell for transmitting light thorough a thickness. A light emitting diode is disposed under the shell, in which the light from the light emitting diode is transmitted thorough the thickness of the shell. A bathtub includes a reflector sheet for reflecting light from the light emitting diode. The light emitting diode may be disposed between the reflector sheet and the shell. A bathtub includes a light diffuser panel disposed between the shell and the light emitting diode. A bathtub includes a support panel disposed between the shell and the light emitting diode.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Jason International, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey L. Cunningham
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Patent number: 7490370Abstract: A combination spa and video entertainment system is disclosed wherein the video monitor is removably mountable to the spa so that it does not interfere with spa cover removal or replacement. The transportable video monitor is plug connectable to a mounting post attached to a sidewall of the spa which contains power, video and control cables. The video monitor is also plug connectable to a docking station that may be located indoors, which contains power, video and control cables, for viewing the video monitor indoors when the spa is not being used.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Stephen S. Macey, Christopher Larsen
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Patent number: 7490371Abstract: A shower receptor with improved control of moisture and trapped water comprising one or more of the following improvements: the flange is significantly higher above the threshold than prior art receptors; the threshold is disposed higher than the ledge area where the shower wall materials meet the receptor; weep valleys are provided in the corners of the ledge area and where the ledge meets the threshold; the ledge area comprises multiple steps adapted to meet the subwall and finish wall materials wherein the steps are sloped toward the base and the tile step is lower than the subwall step; a raised curb is provided along the outer edge of the horizontal surface of the threshold, the curb adapted to redirect water that leaks out of the door enclosure back into the shower receptor.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Lasco Bathware, Inc.Inventor: Raymond C. Torres
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Patent number: 7490372Abstract: A shower head includes an adapter, an extension pipe, a cover, and a filter. Thus, the locking blocks of the extension pipe are locked in and unlocked from the locking slots of the adapter by rotation of the extension pipe, so that the extension pipe is mounted on and detached from the adapter easily and rapidly, thereby facilitating a user mounting and detaching the shower head.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Shu Zhu Huang
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Patent number: 7490373Abstract: A shower having a water saving system, which comprises a deviation device defining two trajectories of flow of the water coming from the conventional pipe, a tank for storing the water that exits when opening the handles controlling the discharge of water of the shower so that said deviation device deviates the “first” water towards said tank; and a venturi tube placed in fluid communication between said deviation device and the shower outlet, said venturi tube including a conduit extending inside said tank for connection with a hose to allow the water contained in said tank to re-enter into the conventional pipe to be discharged towards the shower outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Juan Pablo Zavala-Avelar
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Patent number: 7490374Abstract: A spa apparatus includes an internal support structure having a front end and a rear end; a basin removably coupled and supported by the internal support structure proximate the front end, with the basin including a fluid circulation device; a seat coupled to the internal support structure, intermediate the basin and the rear end of the internal support structure; and at least a first and second shroud panel removably coupled to the internal support structure and configured to enclose a portion of the internal support structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: European Touch Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Norman R. Fugate, Robert J. Miller
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Patent number: 7490375Abstract: A garbage disposer replacement unit for straining food waste comprises a drainage means fitted to one or more sink for transporting food wastes to a sewer system and a main interceptor connected in series with the drainage means. The main interceptor is fluidly connected in series to the sink drain outlet through an adapter funnel and includes a convex reservoir and a number of legs for supporting the main interceptor above a floor. Two opposite side outlets are positioned at the lowermost level of the convex reservoir. A tray is slidingly suspended within the main interceptor above the reservoir, wherein the tray has fine bottom perforations for retaining small particles of food waste. A draining basket is removably positioned under the side outlets for catching escaped wastes bypassing the main interceptor. The interceptor has a top opening over which the adaptor funnel is placed concentrically to redefine the top opening to fit with the existing sink drainage means.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Ricky Wangchi Luk
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Patent number: 7490376Abstract: A drain tube assembly for use with a lavatory or other plumbing fixture is disclosed. The lavatory has a basin, a lower drain outlet having an internal threaded bore, and a one-piece drain structure having a drain tube adjacent one axial end, an attachment sleeve adjacent an opposed axial end which is radially outwardly threaded, and a radially extending flange there between. When attached, the drain structure has an axial path extending through the attachment sleeve, flange, and drain tube to carry liquid from the lavatory out the drain tube. In a first position the flange can form a clamp member if the assembly is to be mounted through a counter top. Alternatively the flange can in a second position form a base for the lavatory when the lavatory is suspended. Movement between the positions is created by varied degrees of threading the sleeve into the lower drain.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventor: Mark F. McMullen
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Patent number: 7490377Abstract: This invention is directed towards a patient single surface system, PS3, which is a next generation system solution for patient accommodation, diagnosis, treatment, transfer and transport. PS3 provides a single surface for the patient to remain on from the trauma site through diagnosis, treatment and convalescence. Needs addressed by the PS3 system include improved patient treatment through reduction in time to treatment, reduced or eliminated unnecessary patient movement and injury, as well as improved comfort throughout treatment and convalescence. In addition, the PS3 system solves significant economic considerations.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Ahlman IP, Inc.Inventor: Scott M. Ahlman
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Patent number: 7490378Abstract: A collapsible apparatus includes a frame member being formed from a flexible twistable material, a first membrane and a second membrane, and an inflatable bladder. The second membrane is removably attachable to the first membrane.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Kelsyus, LLCInventors: Brian E. Le Gette, Tai Hoon Kim Matlin, James Ashley Waring, Ronald L. Wilson, II
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Patent number: 7490379Abstract: The present invention is an infant play mat. This play is designed so that it is light-weight and easily portable. One embodiment of the play mat includes a cushioned base, a hub, a tension control device, a plurality of cords and four supports. Each support may be detachably coupled to a height extension member that is detachably coupled to the base. The height extension members allow the height of the supports relative to the base to be increased or decreased so that the mat can accommodate infants of various sizes and ages. The tension control device can be adjusted to increase or decrease the tension in the cords so that the supports are detachably coupled to or detached from the hub. The play mat can be easily dissembled by detaching the supports and/or height extension members from the base so that they can be placed into a carrying case.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventors: Angela Danielle Solomon, Luis H. Solomon
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Patent number: 7490380Abstract: A cleaning tool is to remove foreign matter from a surface of a photographic device. The cleaning tool includes an adhesive member and a stick body. The adhesive member has an adhesive surface for the foreign matter to adhere to. The stick body has an end to which the adhesive member is attached. The adhesive surface has an arcuate area, of which part of the outline is an arcuate section and a rectangular area that has a rectangular shape. The arcuate area is located between two theoretical lines which extend from two adjoining sides of the rectangular area.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Hoya CorporationInventor: Yuji Terao
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Patent number: 7490381Abstract: A tube scraper for removing deposits from the interior surface of heat exchange tubes, the scraper being fitted with a set of diverging scraper blade arms mounted on an arbor in nested relationship such that scraper blades have overlapping scraping edges.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Goodway Technologies CorporationInventor: Joseph J Franzino
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Patent number: 7490382Abstract: A disposable child sized article is provided. The disposable child sized article is releasably carrying a benefit composition. An article of commerce comprising disposable child sized article is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Joyce Marie Benjamin, Michael Wayne Mason, Jenna Mason
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Patent number: 7490383Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning articles along the floor to inhibit a person from having to bend over to clean the article includes a handle being graspable by a person. A plurality of cleaning heads is included. One of the cleaning heads is mountable to the handle. Each of the cleaning heads comprising a base section and a cleaning section. The base section is mountable to the handle. The cleaning section is coupled to and extends outwardly from the base section. The cleaning section is abutted and moved along an article to clean the article.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Vicki J. Dean
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Patent number: 7490384Abstract: A door hinge apparatus of a refrigerator comprises a hinge body having a screw hole and mounted at a refrigerator body, a hinge shaft coupled to the screw hole of the hinge body so that a height thereof can be controlled by a rotation and for rotation-supporting a refrigerator door, and a selective rotation preventing unit for selectively fixing or releasing the hinge shaft. As the refrigerator door is always located at a position to sufficiently cover a freezing chamber or a cooling chamber of a refrigerator at the time of assembling or using the refrigerator door, cold air inside the freezing chamber or the cooling chamber is prevented from being leaked to outside through the refrigerator door.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Chang-Lim Lee
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Patent number: 7490385Abstract: A position-adjustable base for furniture hinges comprises a base body superposed on a fastening plate. The base body in turn comprises means designed for fitting of a hinge wing and has a pair of opposite side flanges. Each flange has a slot for sliding fastening which is elongated in the adjusting direction of the base, and the fastening plate has a corresponding through hole appearing in the area under the slot to be passed through together with the latter by a screw for fastening of the base to the piece of furniture and to enable sliding of the base body on the fastening plate in said adjusting direction with the screw head bearing on side edges of the corresponding slot. The holes in the fastening plate are surrounded by a raised collar entering the slot and constituting a rest for the head of the corresponding screw when the screw is tightened. Thus a pre-established sliding-resisting force can be obtained, irrespective of the tightening force of the screws.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Carlo Migli
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Patent number: 7490386Abstract: A snap fastener comprises a female part to be clamped on a first flap, for example of the fabric material, and a male part, to be clamped on another flap of the fabric material, in which the female part comprises an active element and a clamping element, the active element and clamping element having different surface finishings. Moreover, through the exposed to view part of the active female element are provided a plurality of openings, having different configurations, therethrough it is possible to see the top surface of the clamping element. With respect to prior snap fasteners, the inventive snap fastener has the advantage of providing chromatic effects, which can be easily obtained at the female part of the pushbutton.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Gaetano Raccosta
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Patent number: 7490387Abstract: A rope, cable or other linear tension member is retained along its length by a device 10 having a body 12 with a plunger 18 that is movably located in an internal cavity 14 of the body. The body provides a first surface 16 to engage the tension member and the plunger provides a second surface 24 that is disposed in substantially parallel relationship to the first surface. A biasing means 26 is used to urge the plunger upwardly in the internal cavity, so that the first and second surfaces are urged towards registration. Opposing ends 28, 30 of the body may be shaped in a manner to provide a cleat upon which the tension member may be wound or tied off. Mounting means 32, 34 in the body permit the body to be fixed to a surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Clyde Hillier
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Patent number: 7490388Abstract: A pipe clamp for attaching a duct to a base surface. The pipe clamp has a clamp body with an aperture for arranging the pipe clamp around the duct, a tightening element for keeping the ends of the clamp together, and a spring nut arranged on the second end of the clamp body and provided with a set of resilient lips with free ends facing one another, engaging the tightening element. The spring nut has a baseplate with a through-opening for the shank, and a set of connecting arms. The resilient lips are situated at a distance from the baseplate and are respectively connected to an associated connecting arm which extends substantially transversely to the resilient lip.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: J. Van Walraven Holding B.V.Inventor: Jan van Walraven
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Patent number: 7490389Abstract: Swivel hook units are usable to position a fabric cover, such as a swimming pool cover. A base portion of unitary construction can be attached to a fabric cover via a strap sewn to the cover. A hook member is attached to the base portion via a fastener device which permits rotational displacement of the hook member to accommodate adjustment during installation. A single rivet-type fastener device may be employed. A swivel hook unit may have a flat bottom for placement against a fabric cover without protrusions which would facilitate abrasion of the cover fabric during use. A flexible member to restrain the hook member from unintended disconnection from an eyebolt may include an end section contour configuration to resist lateral displacement of the flexible member relative to the hook member.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Meyco Products, Inc.Inventor: John T. Ciniglio
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Patent number: 7490390Abstract: A manufacturing method is provided for a voltage controlled oscillator comprising an thin film BAW resonator and a variable capacitor element. The thin film BAW resonator includes an anchor section formed on a Si substrate, a lower electrode supported on the anchor section and positioned to face the Si substrate, a first piezoelectric film formed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed on the first piezoelectric film. The variable capacitor element includes a stationary electrode formed on a Si substrate, an anchor section formed on the Si substrate, a first electrode supported on the anchor section and positioned to face the Si substrate, a second piezoelectric film formed on the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the second piezoelectric film.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takashi Kawakubo, Kazuhide Abe, Mayumi Morizuka
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Patent number: 7490391Abstract: The bead trimmer is preferably applied in a production line for elements having longitudinal weld beads (21), where an element slides along a parallel direction to a longitudinal axis thereof (x), and comprises a tool-bearing turret (2) for removable fixing of a trimming tool (30), associated to a first slide (3) which is slidable along a horizontal direction (y) which is transversal with respect to the longitudinal axis (x) between an internal position, in which the tool (30) is aligned with the weld bead (21), and an external position, in which the tool (30) is not aligned with the weld bead (21). The first slide (3) is associated to a second slide (4) which is vertically slidable on a bearing structure (40) along a vertical direction (z) between a lowered position, in which the tool (30) is in contact with the weld bead (21), and a raised position, in which the tool (30) is distanced from the weld bead (21).Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Oto Mills S.p.A.Inventors: Aleardo Chezzi, Luciano Micali
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Patent number: 7490392Abstract: A cushion subassembly includes a support, a cushion of non-woven polymeric (PET) or PETE fibers with a formed edge that wraps over an edge of the support, and an upholstery sock pulled onto and covering the support and the cushion. The formed edge has sufficient structure to retain the cushion in place on the support as the upholstery sock is pulled onto the support. A back support shell supports the cushion assembly, and has first fasteners that engage in a first direction and second fasteners that prevent disengagement. The cushion assembly is stressed during assembly, especially at corners, but is thermally stress-relieved after assembly to relax the polymeric fibers and the upholstery sock to a state of minimized balanced tension. The back support shell includes a shallow depression on its face. The cushion fills the depression sufficient to eliminate loose fabric but provides a same force deflection curve across its shape.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventor: Gordon J. Peterson
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Patent number: 7490393Abstract: A semi-automatic method for reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The female connector is mounted to a fixture and subsequently appropriately aligned. Weld metal is automatically applied to the worn portion of the female connector while attached to the aligned fixture. The excess weld metal is then automatically machined away so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. A measurement of the weld area can again be taken to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: TTX CompanyInventors: Richard A. Brueckert, William A. Guess, Donald F. Kroesch
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Patent number: 7490394Abstract: A nut and screw set for reducing the amount of hindered motion therebetween is disclosed. The nut and screw set includes a screw and a nut. The screw includes a plurality of screw threads. The nut includes a plurality of nut threads. The nut threads are threadably engagable with the screw threads. The nut threads are sized reduce hindered motion between the screw and the nut as a result of thermal expansion of the screw and the nut.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Edward Zakrzewski
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Patent number: 7490395Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an item to load-bearing fabric including male and female strips that snap together on opposite sides of the fabric. The male strip is attached to the item to be secured to the fabric, and includes male prongs that are pushed through the weave of the load-bearing fabric. The female strip preferably defines a series of receptacles that snap onto the male strip. The male and female strips are elongated strips formed from a molded thermoplastic or other formable material. In a preferred embodiment, the male prongs include barbs and the receptacles include angled fingers that act as a snap, such that the barbs of the male prongs can easily be pressed through the fingers, but are retained once in place.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Tanja Krstov
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Patent number: 7490396Abstract: A method for constructing a metal wire with embedded filaments or cavities therein for biomedical applications. The method includes first drilling nonconcentric apertures in a symmetrical pattern in a metal rod and then embedding filaments in the apertures. The metal rod is then drawn and thermally-treated to form a metal wire with embedded filaments therein. The filaments may advantageously provide fatigue resistance, radiopacity, and electrical conductance to the metal wire. The method optionally provides an additional step for withdrawing or removing the filaments using various methods to create cavities for cavity access within the metal wire. The metal wire may be finished to provide access to the cavities or filaments embedded therein. The cavities may then be filled with a therapeutic drug for elution inside the human body or used for passage of body fluids.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Fort Wayne Metals Research Products CorporationInventor: David J Bradley
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Patent number: 7490397Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing, a polymeric sleeve aligned with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, and a length of mesh tubing extending the entire length of corrugated tubing and over the polymeric sleeve. The distal end of the corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing are received in a sleeve which is formed integrally with an end piece. The sleeve is crimped into permanent retaining engagement with the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the length of mesh tubing. The end piece functions to secure the flexible connector into engagement with an adjacent component.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Flex-ing, Inc.Inventor: Thomas L. Ingram
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Patent number: 7490398Abstract: A robotic tool for assembling a portion of a disk drive includes a movable end effector that includes a first portion and a second portion that is movable relative to the first portion. The first portion may be configured to engage the actuator assembly and the second portion may be configured to engage the flex circuit connector. A controller may be provided to control the movable end effector, causing the end effector to pick up the head stack assembly in a first configuration, move the second portion of the end effector relative to the first portion thereof so as to articulate the head stack assembly into a second configuration that is different than the first configuration, and place the head stack assembly into the base.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrew S. Klassen, Kenneth Allen
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Patent number: 7490399Abstract: All images of a plurality of sucked and held electronic components are picked up, sucked and held states of the electronic components are successively recognized by their respective images in an order of placing the electronic components onto a circuit board, and the electronic components for which such recognition processing is completed can be successively placed onto the circuit board in this order during a process of the recognition processing.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yutaka Mitsumoto, Kazuhiro Ikurumi, Kazumasa Okumura, Mikiya Nakata, Masaharu Tsujimura
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Patent number: 7490400Abstract: A wire-processing device has a swivel-arm with gripper and open gripper-jaws and is able to thread a wire into a guide-tube arranged on a holder of the gripper and which serves as feeder to feed wire-ends to processing stations. The swivel-arm with the gripper is swiveled with reduced torque from a neutral position toward a wire-guide that functions as a threading aid, a pipe of the gripper actuating the wire-guide from a rest position to a working position. To allow threading of the wire into the guide-tube, the wire-guide bridges a distance between the pipe and the holder. After threading, the swivel-arm swivels back into the neutral position, the gripper-jaws being thereby closed, and the wire-guide is returned to the rest position by a tension spring.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Komax Holding AGInventor: Heinz Zurkirchen
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Patent number: 7490401Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a bedding foundation having a base and a wire grid of support wires, comprising at least one vertically moveable staple gun having a staple head and a wire positioner associated with the staple head, the wire positioner being configured to engage one of the support wires and to position the one support wire relative to the staple head such that upon activation, the staple gun staples the one support wire in the intended position to the base, wherein the wire positioner has a fixed positioning element and a movable positioning element, the elements adapted to position the one support wire therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: Niels S. Mossbeck, Franklin H. Rawlings
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Patent number: 7490402Abstract: The present invention provides a number of techniques for laminating and interconnecting multiple substrates to form a multilayer package or other circuit component. A solder bump may be formed on the conductive pad of at least one of two or more substrates. The solder bump preferably is formed from an application of solder paste to the conductive pad(s). Adhesive films may be positioned between the surfaces of the substrates having the conductive pads, where the adhesive films include apertures located substantially over the conductive pads such that the conductive pads and/or solder bumps confront each other through the aperture. The two or more substrates then may be pressed together to mechanically bond the two or more substrates via the adhesive films. The solder bump(s) may be reflowed during or after the lamination to create a solder segment that provides an electrical connection between the conductive pads through the aperture in the adhesive films.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc.Inventors: Deepak K. Pai, Ronald R. Denny
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Patent number: 7490403Abstract: In a soldering method for soldering an electronic component including a palladium or palladium alloy layer formed on a surface of the electronic component and also including a soldering lead terminal onto a printed wiring board including a soldering land and plated through hole, a solder layer containing tin and zinc as main components is formed on the surfaces of the land through hole by a HAL treatment. The lead terminal is inserted and mounted in the through hole. The printed wiring board is brought into contact with jet flows of a solder containing tin and zinc as the main components to thereby supply a solder to the land and through hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignees: NEC Infrontia Corporation, NEC Toppan Circuit Solutions Toyoma, Inc., Soldercoat Co., Ltd., Maruya Seisakusbo Co., Ltd., Nihon Den-netsu Keiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiko Tanabe, Hiroaki Terada, Masahiro Sugiura, Tetsuharu Mizutani, Keiichiro Imamura, Takashi Tanaka
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Patent number: 7490404Abstract: An improved manufacturing method for a gas sensor is provided which is capable of establishing a required hermetic seal in a body of the gas sensor. The method includes preparing a sensor assembly including a housing, an air cover, an insulation porcelain, and a sensor element, pressing the air cover against the housing to fit an end of the air cover on an end of the housing to form an overlap thereof, and welding the air cover to the housing over the overlap. The welding is accomplished while pressing the air cover against the housing, thereby compressing an elastic member in the air cover to establish a hermetic seal between the sensor element and the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hirokazu Yamada, Masato Ozawa
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Patent number: 7490405Abstract: The liquid droplet discharge head comprises: a piezoelectric actuator shaped in a cylinder having a hollow part; a pressure chamber shaped in a cylinder formed in the hollow part of the piezoelectric actuator; and a droplet discharge port which is communicated with the pressure chamber and is designed for discharging a droplet of liquid in the pressure chamber by means of deformation of the pressure chamber accompanying displacement of the piezoelectric actuator, wherein the piezoelectric actuator has a structure in which displacement characteristics of a piezoelectric member are intermittently or continuously varied along an axial direction of the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Kazuo Sanada
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Patent number: 7490406Abstract: Bicycle wheel rims with internally reinforced spoke seats are disclosed along with methods for producing them. The rims are produced from a rim blank with at least one circumferentially extending spoke attachment region that has a relatively uniform given thickness. Access holes are formed in an upper web of the rim blank and tooling is positioned above and below the spoke attachment region to form a reinforced spoke seat and a spoke hole therein. Material that is upset and moved from the location of the spoke hole is displaced into an annular region where it reinforces the spoke hole. Material in the vicinity of the spoke hole can be displaced towards the inside of the rim and material can be removed from the undisplaced portions of the spoke region leaving a reinforced area around the spoke hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: William Shook
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Patent number: 7490407Abstract: A method of fabricating a support structure. In one embodiment, the method is comprised of forming a layer of material into the support structure. The layer of material is adapted to be attached onto a substrate surface. The method further comprises treating the layer of material. The present method is further comprised of etching said layer of material. The fabricated support structure is then implementable during assembly of a display device. In one embodiment, the support structure is attached to the substrate surface prior to the forming, treating, and etching of the layer of material. In another embodiment, the support structure is attached to the substrate surface subsequent to the forming, treating, and etching of the layer of material.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: George B. Hopple, Roger W. Barton, John D. Porter, Theodore S. Fahlen, Bob L. Mackey
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Patent number: 7490408Abstract: An electric-powered shaving apparatus with a drive part excitable by an electric motor into performing an oscillatory motion, the drive part transmitting its motion for cutting hairs to a short-hair cutter and to a long-hair trimmer. The long-hair trimmer is displaceable relative to the housing into an advanced and a retracted position. The motion of the drive part for the short-hair cutter is utilized for moving the long-hair trimmer into the advanced position.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Reinhold Eichhorn, Detlef Gleich, Sebastian Hottenrott, Peter Junk, Christof Kleemann, Michael Odemer, Thorsten Pohl, Tobias Schwarz, Jürgen Wolf
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Patent number: 7490409Abstract: A head moving type electric razor includes an upper cap mounted on a housing and having holding protrusions formed at left and right inner surfaces thereof, a head support having left and right walls, pivot supporting recesses, lower coupling grips formed at outer surfaces of the respective walls, and hooks caught by the holding protrusions, a waterproof rubber plate mounted in the housing, a guide plate mounted in the upper cap and having an elongated center guide hole, a vibrator slidably coupled into the guide hole and having an upper coupling pin and a lower clevis recess, an eccentric shaft slidably coupled into the clevis recess, a swing head having pivots fitted into the pivot supporting recesses, upper coupling grips, and an arcuate trimmer drive slot, and a locking knob coupled to the upper cap and having a latch detachably coupled to the swing head.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Tae-Jun Oh