Patents Issued in January 12, 2010
  • Patent number: 7644836
    Abstract: A container for a stack of individually removable paper products (9) such as facial tissues, handkerchiefs, towels and the like, or similar products made of non-woven material is described. The container has an upper wall (2), in which a withdrawal opening is formed which is closed by a tear-off-able lid (8) and a cavity accommodating the stack of products. The lid (8) has on its inner surface (12) an adhesive or bonding surface (11) by which the uppermost paper product (10) of the stack adheres, preferably detachably, to the lid (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Emmanuelle Morin, Thami Chihani, Ann Chihani, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7644837
    Abstract: An object of a medicine supply apparatus which fills medicine bottles with medicines from a plurality of tablet cases is to improve a medicine filling performance and remove restrictions on the apparatus, and the apparatus comprises: a plurality of tablet cases which contain the medicines and into which the medicines can be thrown from above; a case storage section in which the respective tablet cases are juxtaposed in one stage on a plane and whose top is openably closed; and a filling device which is disposed under this case storage section and which fills the medicine bottle with the medicine dropping from each tablet case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinorl Hatsuno, Atsuo Inamura, Hideyuki Takahashi, Takashi Mori, Koichi Kobayashi, Manabu Haraguchi, Masayoshi Ogura, Toshitake Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7644838
    Abstract: A food dispensing machine and method of use that includes separately loaded, conveyed, and heated first and second food portions. A first food portion, such as a hot dog, is dispensed from a chain of portions in an sealing film via a first dispensing device, which slices the film and expels the food portion. The first food portion is loaded onto a projecting component, which transports the first food portion to a first heating device and rotates the food portion during heating. Second food portions, such as buns, within containers attached to a film so as to form a chain, are dispensed by a second dispensing device, which separates each container from the film for placement onto a tray. The tray conveys the second food portions to a second heating device, and the heated first and second food portions are combined and dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: LHD Vending Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Leykin, Leonid Khodor, Alex Kofman
  • Patent number: 7644839
    Abstract: A housing can be mounted to a pistol or other weapon and conveniently fired therefrom and can be used as a discrete weapon itself. A cap has a central aperture which secures the nozzle and/or valve stem of a canister of chemical irritant from movement and is secured to the proximal end of a hollow tube. A feature of the new invention is a slot access running along the length of the tube for some distance from its distal end. The tube may be either open or closed at its distal end. Toward the distal end of the tube, an interior ridge or stop cooperates with the cap aperture to secure the canister of irritant. When a canister is installed in the housing, the operator can release an irritant spray axially from the canister by pressing a digit against the side of the canister's storage cylinder and, thereby, displace its longitudinal axis along an arc. The housing need have no other mechanisms, except the housing and canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: James F. McNulty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7644840
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a housing and a valve member mounted within the housing rotatable about an axis and between at least a dispensing position and a further position, for instance a volume selection position during which a material can be withdrawn from a container, and, preferably, a seat for mounting and guiding the valve member within the housing, wherein at least one of said housing, valve member, and seat is made of a synthetic material and the assembly further comprises a spring, which urges at least two of said housing, valve member, and seat together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fluid Management Operations LLC
    Inventors: Micha Alexander Held, Arthur Frans Van der Knaap, Marcus Johannes Voskuil
  • Patent number: 7644841
    Abstract: A manually operated dispenser of the type containing a diaphragm at the bottom of the bottle, such that when the diaphragm is compressed a quantity of fluid is dispensed above the bottle through a spout. This invention uses a unique diaphragm shaped like a blister, that is integrated into the bottle bottom with a slide-pin allowing the blister diaphragm to move up and down, but not side to side. The diaphragm seals to the bottle bottom during dispensing, but when the diaphragm is substantially compressed, the seal self breaks as the diaphragm edge expands radially from the diaphragm axis over bumps on the bottle bottom allowing the diaphragm to refill. At the fluid output of the spout is a channel valve nozzle that channels the fluid into a stream when the fluid flows, but when the fluid is not being dispensed, prevents fluid from flowing back into the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: John P. Brainard, Terry A. Gugliotta, Beatrice A. Atchison
  • Patent number: 7644842
    Abstract: A dispenser has a housing, and a variable-volume storage chamber formed within the housing and defining a substantially fluid-tight seal between the chamber and exterior of the housing for storing a substance to be dispensed. A piston is mounted within the housing, and a one-way valve is mounted within the housing and coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7644843
    Abstract: A dispensing system having a reverse taper dispensing orifice seal. The reverse tapered seal depends from a lid of a flip-top closure providing a sealing engagement with a dispensing spout of the flip-top closure body when in a closed position. As the dispensing spout may have a variety of shapes, the reverse tapered seal is shaped to conform to the irregularities of the contacted surfaces of the dispensing spout. The decreasing thickness of the reverse tapered seal decreases the complexity of the molding process as well as minimizing the weakening or breaking of the seal during removal from the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Rexam Closures and Containers Inc.
    Inventors: Randall G. Bush, Gary V. Montgomery, William J. Shankland
  • Patent number: 7644844
    Abstract: A clothes hanger is provided having a first fixed arm and a second retractable arm to allow for easy placement of clothing thereon. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: James D. Bonner
  • Patent number: 7644845
    Abstract: A security holster for handguns with capability for use with a handgun with attached flashlight or laser sighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Lowe
  • Patent number: 7644846
    Abstract: Apparatus for restricting movement of a lawn implement shaft, for use in a lawn implement support system in cooperation with a vertically upstanding support member for horizontal support of shafted lawn implements during storage or transportation thereof including a support post for supporting a first end of a shafted lawn implement in conjunction with the vertically upstanding support member for supporting a second end of the shafted lawn implement. Further the apparatus includes a shaft support hook mounted to the support post, and projecting outwardly therefrom for a predetermined distance, the support hook being curved generally vertically and at a predetermined angle away from a first generally vertical plane defined by the support post, with a distal end of the shaft support hook being curved back toward a second vertical plane defined by the support post and perpendicular to the first vertical plane to define a shaft support region intermediate the hook and the support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Jungle Jim's Accessory Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James Thomas Hafendorfer, Blake Thomas Whitley, David William Schardein
  • Patent number: 7644847
    Abstract: A backpack frame comprises side rails defining a first profile. The first profile has a flat first base segment lying on a first reference plane, and a first concave segment leading from the first base segment to an upper end of the frame, with the first concave segment being spaced a maximum distance from the first reference plane at a first location between the first base segment and the upper end of the frame. An intermediate structure interconnects the side rails. The intermediate structure defines a second profile having a second flat base segment lying on a second reference plane parallel to the first reference plane, and a second concave segment leading from the second base segment to the upper end of the frame, with the second concave segment being spaced a maximum distance from the second reference plane at a second location between the second base segment and the upper end of the frame. The first and second locations are offset from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Frank A. Howell
  • Patent number: 7644848
    Abstract: A surgical cutting and stapling instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes an end effector and a handle. The end effector includes a channel, an anvil pivotally attached to the channel, a moveable cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned between the anvil and the channel, and a staple cartridge configured for removable receipt by the channel. The staple cartridge includes a sled that is engaged by the cutting instrument during a cutting stoke. The handle includes a motor for actuating the cutting instrument via a main drive shaft assembly. The instrument further includes a first interlock circuit for enabling initiation of motor operation based upon a position of the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Swayze, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kevin R. Doll, Eugene Timperman
  • Patent number: 7644849
    Abstract: An effort-saving stapler includes a shell, a magazine, a hammer, an elastic element, a block, a trigger and an extensive element. The magazine is disposed in the shell for supporting and feeding nails. The hammer is disposed in the shell for hammering the nails, one at a time. The elastic element is disposed in the shell for biasing the hammer. The block is disposed in the shell. The trigger is movably and pivotally connected to the shell and engaged with the block at an engagement point. The extensive element includes a first end connected to the hammer and a second end telescopically connected to the trigger. When the trigger is operated, the hammer is lifted by the extensive element and the engagement point is moved towards the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Apex Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Tsai, Pi-Yi Chang, Chih-Wei Hu
  • Patent number: 7644850
    Abstract: A stapling device (1) with at least two stapling heads (4, 5) attached to a stapling head unit (2) for stapling sheet-like material, in particular paper, cardboard or the like, is provided, wherein the distance between at least two stapling heads (4, 5) can be adjusted relative to each other. In a stapling device (1) according to the invention, the retrofitting necessary for various products is to be simplified. This is achieved in the invention by moveably arranging the stapling heads (4, 5) relative to each other, and providing a drive unit (9, 10) for setting the stapling head distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hohner Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Gerlach, Dirk Droge
  • Patent number: 7644851
    Abstract: Clincher holders hold a pair of clinchers for bending the legs of a staple driven by a driver, and have slanting guide faces for guiding the tips of the legs of the staple toward the clinchers. In a stapling table for receiving sheets of paper, an opening is made. The clincher holders are movable inside the opening. Drop-preventing portions for preventing the sheets of paper from dropping inside the opening in stapling are projected from opening edges of the opening toward the inside of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinpei Sugihara, Kiichi Haramiishi
  • Patent number: 7644852
    Abstract: A ball forming device and method used in a bonding apparatus, including a bonding arm, a capillary attached to the bonding arm, an electronic flame off probe for forming a ball at the tip of a wire passing through the capillary, and a gas atmosphere forming unit for bringing the vicinity of the tip end of the wire into a gas atmosphere. The gas atmosphere forming unit is made of an inner wall element and an outer wall element with a hollow space section in between. The bonding arm side of the inner wall element has an inside open space which is wider than the portion of the bonding arm where the capillary is attached, and gas ejection ports are formed in the inner wall element. A gas supply pipe is connected to the outer wall element to supply, for instance, a reducing gas into the hollow space section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shinkawa
    Inventors: Shinichi Nishiura, Fumio Miyano, Masayuki Horino
  • Patent number: 7644853
    Abstract: A method of attaching solder balls to a BGA package using a ball pickup tool is disclosed. An array of solder balls is formed on a first substrate for interconnecting with conductive sites on another substrate. The ball pickup tool picks up solder balls with a vacuum suction from a fluidized ball reservoir and utilizes a puff of gas to release the solder ball(s) carried thereon to conductive sites of a substrate for bonding thereto. In another embodiment, the bond pads of a substrate are coated with a flux or adhesive and lowered into a fluidized ball reservoir for direct attachment of solder balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. Cobbley, Michael B. Ball, Marjorie L. Waddel
  • Patent number: 7644854
    Abstract: A method of making porous shapes from unit structures such as beads involves coating the beads with two or more layers of material deposited such that it forms an energetic material. These bi-layer energetic materials are formed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to: Ti & B, Zr & B, Hf & B, Ti & C, Zr & C, Hf & C, Ti & Si, Zr & Si, Nb & Si, Ni & Al, Zr & Al, or Pd & Al, all of which can be deposited from vapor. Pressure is applied to prevent the components from moving and the solid-state reaction between the alternating layers produces exothermic heat. Heat from the reaction alone or in conjunction of an applied brazing compound joins the beads forming a porous shape that is desired. The reaction in the materials may be activated with a small pulse of local energy that can be applied using optical, electrical, or thermal sources. Common examples include an electrical pulse, spark, hot filament, a laser beam, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin C. Holmes, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7644855
    Abstract: In conventional Sn/Sb type brazing filler metals, there are disadvantages that large grains in a ?? phase are likely to deposit and that cracks are likely to occur in the elements and the bonded portion, and that voids are formed when the above described special coating is provided on the die bonding plane of the semiconductor element. The brazing filler metal of the present invention comprises 5 to 20 weight % of Sb and 0.01 to 5 weight % of Te, with the balance being Sn and incidental impurities, or a brazing filler metal comprises 5 to 20 weight % of Sb, 0.01 to 5 weight % of Te, 0.001 to 0.5 weight % of P, with the balance being Sn and incidental impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuki Mori, Kei Morimoto
  • Patent number: 7644856
    Abstract: A solder ball mounting method includes a step of providing a flux on electrodes of a substrate, a step of arranging a plurality of solder ball mounting masks in which ball feeding openings are formed in positions opposing to the electrodes and opening areas of the ball feeding openings are set to increase toward an upper layer on the substrate, a step of mounting solder balls on the electrodes by feeding the solder balls into the ball feeding openings while moving the solder ball mounting mask as an upper layer in a surface direction of the substrate, a step of removing the solder ball mounting masks from the substrate, and a step of joining the solder balls to the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 7644857
    Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable file folder with separate cases, which has a case placed in the middle of the folder, and which, as a result, has little steadiness and tends to fall down. The first and second cases between the front and rear sides of the expandable storing part are set such that the file holder can be more steady in a standing position. Two separated supporting areas form beneath the two cases. Thus the folder, when placed, will not tend to fall down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Chih-Ying Chou
  • Patent number: 7644858
    Abstract: A corrugated container for shipping containers, such as glass bottles, includes a shipping box, a liner, one or more cross-pieces, a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The liner, cross-pieces, top sheet and bottom sheet may be made of corrugated or hexacomb material to provide shock absorbing protection to the bottles received within the shipping box. The liner and cross-pieces do not extend the full height of the box to allow the corners of the box to crush or crumple in the event the container is dropped on one of its upper corners. A pair of staggered hand holes may be formed in the opposite sides of the box to enable ergonomic lifting of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C.
    Inventors: John T. Glaser, Mark Jasko
  • Patent number: 7644859
    Abstract: A card transaction device is provided for selecting virtual cards for transactions based on a context. The portable device includes a plurality of virtual cards, and a storage device for storing the plurality of virtual cards. The cards may relate to credit or debit cards, loyalty cards, reward cards, security or access cards, or identification cards, for example. The portable device includes a user interface for a user to maintain rules for selection of one or more virtual cards based on the context of the transaction. The portable device also includes a processor to process the rules and select at least one of the virtual cards based on the context of the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Kevin Zhu
  • Patent number: 7644860
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first recording medium, a password input unit, a password judging unit, and a condition judging unit. The first recording medium is capable of recording programs and data. The password input unit requests a user to input a password. The password judging unit judges whether a password inputted to the password input unit and a password stored in advance coincide with each other. The condition judging unit judges, when the apparatus is started, whether a condition set in advance is satisfied. When the condition set in advance is satisfied, the information processing apparatus sets a self-erasing program in the first recording medium. The first recording medium self-erases programs and data recorded in the first recording medium according to the self-erasing program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Matsushita, Hitoshi Yamada, Hidehito Okuda, Naoto Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7644861
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security check, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: BGC Partners, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Alderucci, Kevin Burman, Joseph M. Asher, James J. Coffey, Ronald Rushin
  • Patent number: 7644862
    Abstract: A affiliate marketing system and method for retail stores involves assigning a unique retail store identifier to a retail store and presenting the unique retail store identifier and a website address in conjunction with a product offered for sale in the retail store. A purchaser of the product may access the website and make a purchase. By entering the identity of the retail store, such as by entry of the unique retail store identifier or by selecting the retail store from a list, a commission for the purchase is allocated to the retail store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: GoFiniti, LLC
    Inventor: Devon A. Rolf
  • Patent number: 7644863
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for monitoring and predicting various data related to an inventory. A data processing apparatus interacts with one or more business computers to obtain one of replenishment and consumption activity data related to an inventory. A model for variations in the inventory is created. The model is used to determine estimates of variation for one of currently planned replenishment activities and currently planned consumption activities. The estimates of variation are used to predict future inventory levels. A system including one or more agent computers is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: SAP Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ye Chen, Alexander Renz
  • Patent number: 7644864
    Abstract: A code reader for reading one- and/or two-dimensional codes. A position resolving light receiver (3) is mounted in a housing (2). An imaging optics made of several components is associated with the light receiver and is also disposed in the housing. The imaging optics has at least one stationary optics (4) and a deflecting optics arranged on an optical axis (10) in front of the light receiver (3). A pivot arm is mounted on a pivot axis (9) in the housing. Pivoting of the pivot arm results in a positional and angular change of the effective back optical focal distance measured from the vortex of the last back surface of the lens to the focal point thereof. If the objects to be identified are at different distances from the identification apparatus, the pivot arm (8) is pivoted. As a result, the deflection optics mounted on the pivot arm changes the effective back focal distance as well as the focal length of the imaging optics to thereby project an exact image onto the light receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich Nuebling
  • Patent number: 7644865
    Abstract: A solid-state imager in a reader for electro-optically reading indicia located in a range of working distances includes an array of image sensors for capturing light from the indicia over a field of view during the reading. The range of working distances in which the indicia are read is varied, either automatically or manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Edward Barkan
  • Patent number: 7644866
    Abstract: A hand-supportable planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based code symbol reader includes: a hand-supportable housing having a light transmission aperture; a linear image formation and detection module having a linear image detection array; and a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing device having at least one visible laser diode (VLD) for producing a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB). The code symbol reader further includes an image grabber for grabbing digital linear images formed and detected by the image formation and detection module, an image data buffer for buffering the digital linear images grabbed by the image grabber and constructing a two-dimensional digital image from a series of buffered linear digital images, and an image processing computer for processing the two-dimensional digital image so as to read code symbols graphically represented in the two-dimensional digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, Michael D. Schnee, Xiaoxun Zhu, Thomas Amundsen, Charles A. Naylor, Russell Joseph Dobbs, Carl Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7644867
    Abstract: A business-card sized storage device which is a thin metal housing built-in with a flash memory module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Power Quotient International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Lung Lin, Yi-Ling Liu, Chang-Cheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 7644868
    Abstract: The inventions relate to security systems for securely accessing accounts and avoiding identity-theft scams. They include object-based passwords and passphrases. For example, the invention relates to method of verifying a user's identity to allow that user to gain access to an account. The method includes creating a first matrix of characters of size X; and upon logon, displaying a second matrix of characters of size Z, wherein Y characters represent a preselected password of the user and X>Z>Y. In this equation, X is greater than the number of letters, numbers and characters on a keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: William D. Hare
  • Patent number: 7644869
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the auxiliary stage control of multistage thermostats are disclosed. An illustrative multistage thermostat for a multistaged HVAC system installed within a building or structure can include a processor having a control algorithm adapted to operate the thermostat in either a normal mode for achieving rapid temperature changes within the building or structure or an economy mode for conserving energy usage. In the economy mode of operation, the thermostat can be configured to determine a target time for achieving a temperature setpoint by either delaying or suppressing activation of the system's auxiliary stage. The target time can be adjusted in part based on the past usage characteristics of the auxiliary stage, the behavior of the user, and/or the progress of the primary stage in achieving the setpoint change without operating the auxiliary stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Hoglund, Patrick C. Tessier, Cary Leen, Kenneth B. Kidder
  • Patent number: 7644870
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a turret for the distribution of irrigation water that includes a self-flushing mechanism to prevent accumulation of debris in a sprinkler control member and/or the interior of the turret. The sprinkler includes a main flow path that delivers water to a nozzle for irrigation and a secondary flow path that delivers water to flush part of the member and/or interior of the turret. The secondary flow path delivers water when the sprinkler cycles on and when the sprinkler cycles off. For example, with a pop-up sprinkler, the secondary flow path would deliver fluid sometime during its movement to the elevated position and movement to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mona-Lisa Alexander, Bradley D. Helzer
  • Patent number: 7644871
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve flux spray atomization and/or splash control are described. In one embodiment, a flux nozzle includes a plurality of injection holes to deposit flux fluid through an exit hole of an air cap onto a substrate (such as a printed circuit board). The flux fluid may atomize prior to deposition onto the substrate as relatively smaller broken down flux droplets that may aid reduced spray splash. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Harikrishnan Ramanan, Sabina Houle, Nitin Deshpande, Michael Colella, Nagaratnam Murugaiah
  • Patent number: 7644872
    Abstract: A powder port blow-off system for a plasma spray process includes a faceplate that includes a bore therein that is co-radially aligned with a nozzle of a plasma spray gun, which emits a plasma plume. A plurality of powder feed ports are arranged circumferentially around the nozzle for injecting a flow of powder particles toward the plasma plume. A plurality of powder port blow-offs are arranged circumferentially around the nozzle in order to direct blow-off gas across the powder feed ports. The powder port blow-offs are directed across the plasma plume to create a vortex for carrying away powder particles unconsumed by the plasma plume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Lang, Christopher W. Strock
  • Patent number: 7644873
    Abstract: A fuel transfer system having a nozzle with an inlet in communication with a source of pressurized fuel in a portion of a fuel tank, and an outlet through which the fuel is discharged. A restrictor is arranged between the source of pressurized fuel and the nozzle. A first venturi receives fuel dispensed from the nozzle, and a second venturi receives fuel dispensed from the first venturi. The second venturi has an outlet in fluid communication with the portion of the fuel tank housing the source of pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Cory J. Doble, Bryan J. Gettel, George E. Maroney, Glenn A. Moss
  • Patent number: 7644874
    Abstract: In an injector, a first shaft portion of a needle is slidably supported by a first sleeves which is loosely received in a first internal chamber, and a second shaft portion of the needle is slidably supported in a body. Thereby, the first and second shaft portions are supported by the different members, and a relatively large clearance is formed on a radially outer side of the first sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Kouichi Mochizuki, Moriyasu Gotoh
  • Patent number: 7644875
    Abstract: An injector has an inner sleeve between a needle pressure receiving face of a needle and a rear end face of a valve body. The inner sleeve is slidably fitted to an outer periphery of a middle shaft section of the needle. The inner sleeve receives a reaction force of a spring located between the inner sleeve and a pressurizing piston, so an axial tip end (edge section) of the inner sleeve is pressed against the rear end face to achieve close contact therebetween. Thus, a volume of a pressure chamber can be reduced, so a valve opening force for lifting the needle can be acquired efficiently. Accordingly, injection of a large flow rate can be performed by increasing a lift amount of the needle and also quick lifting of the needle can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kouichi Mochizuki, Masatoshi Kuroyanagi
  • Patent number: 7644876
    Abstract: A turning tool (5?) for turning a jet regulator, a nozzle, an intermediate holder, a flow regulator, a non-return valve or a similar plumbing fitting (5) is provided. The fitting (5), on the outlet side, is detachably held on a plumbing water outlet armature (2) by a threaded connection or a bayonet connection, whereby the turning tool (5?) can be placed on the plumbing fitting (5) in a rotationally fixed manner. The turning tool is characterized in that the turning tool is also provided in the form of a plumbing fitting or as a component of a plumbing fitting, that he turning tool (5?) can be placed in a rotationally fixed manner on an outer or an inner periphery of the fitting (5) that is held on the water outlet armature, and or that he turning tool (5?) has a face profiling or contouring (24, 25) that can be placed in a rotationally fixed manner on a mating profiling or a mating contouring (25, 24) provided on the outlet face of the fitting (5) that is held in the water outlet armature (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Weis, Hermann Grether
  • Patent number: 7644877
    Abstract: This invention finds application in the field of liquid distributing devices, and more particularly relates to a sprinkler head device, for example for use in sprinkler systems for distributing liquids or the like. The device comprises a support body to be removably coupled to a sleeve for connection to an external liquid supply line, a convergent nozzle between the body and the sleeve, and a diverter member downstream from the nozzle for diverting flow and sprinkling fluid out. The device further includes main connection means for removably attaching the nozzle to the support body while preventing any accidental separation thereof upon mutual coupling and uncoupling of the sleeve to the body, thereby allowing fast and easy periodic replacement of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Arno Drechsel
  • Patent number: 7644878
    Abstract: An injector includes a nozzle hole, a needle, an actuator, a piston that is displaced in an axial direction according to extension or contraction of the actuator, an outer sleeve holding the piston slidably on its outer circumferential side and defining a pressure chamber expanded or shrunk according to displacement of the piston. When fuel pressure in the pressure chamber is increased upon extension of the actuator, the needle opens the nozzle hole. The injector further includes an inner sleeve slidably fitted around the needle and received in the pressure chamber, an urging device for urging the inner sleeve in the axial direction and for increasing or decreasing its urging force according to displacement of the piston, an engagement surface, and a fuel chamber. A gap between the fuel chamber and the pressure chamber is closed or opened when the inner sleeve annularly engages or disengages from the surface, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kouichi Mochizuki, Masao Sawamura
  • Patent number: 7644879
    Abstract: A nozzle for both types of gas stove of liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas includes a nozzle and an adjustable member. The nozzle member includes a gas channel, a receiving portion communicated with the gas channel. The adjustable member is received in the receiving portion, which has a plurality of apertures thereon. The adjustable member is moved to various positions to have the predetermined apertures communicated with the gas channel respectively to provide different gas supplies for the gas stove of liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Sen-Yu Wu
  • Patent number: 7644880
    Abstract: A sterilisable particle-size reduction apparatus, component parts thereof and a method of sterilising and validating sterility thereof are provided. Also provided is use thereof to prepare sterile suspensions of drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Resolution Chemicals Limited
    Inventors: Alan K. Greenwood, Derek McHattie, Parveen Bhatarah, Gary Hembra
  • Patent number: 7644881
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a round undulating blade for shredder, where a sheet metal is integrally formed into a round undulating blade to serve as the blades for constructing a blade module. The blade includes: a periphery; an undulating blade flank including at least two cambers having a first curvature and at least two cambers having a second curvature alternatively arranged with respect to the cambers having the first curvature; and hooked edges formed on the periphery of the cambers having the first curvature, wherein the undulating blade flank of the blade serves to cut paper along a longitudinal direction to form paper strips having double-tapering end, and the hooked edges serve to cut the strips along a horizontal direction into paper chips. These characteristics help to reduce the manufacturing cost, reduce the motor load and power consumption, to thereby enhance the market competitiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Michilin Prosperity Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Simon Huang
  • Patent number: 7644882
    Abstract: A breaker having a first end and a second opposed end and a plurality of breaker drums arranged side by side in a row extending between said ends, the drums being arranged with their axes of rotation parallel to one another, at least two neighboring drums adjacent to the first end being arranged to continuously rotate in the same direction to define feeder drums for feeding material toward the second end, each breaker drum having radially projecting breaker teeth which co-operate with opposed breaker teeth on the adjacent drum to grip oversized material therebetween to cause breakage thereof, to permit passage of undersized material therebetween and to move unbroken oversized material toward said second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: MMD Design & Consultancy Limited
    Inventor: Alan Potts
  • Patent number: 7644883
    Abstract: A lid for a bowl of a food processor for processing a relatively large size or large volume of foodstuff including a top lid wall and a feed tube extending from the top lid wall along a feed axis. The feed tube including an inner feed surface defining a feed cavity and a mouth for accessing the feed cavity. A feed tube lid is movably secured to the mouth of the feed tube. A food pusher is movably mounted to the feed tube lid. The food pusher and feed tube lid cover the mouth of the feed tube when the feed tube lid and food pusher are in a working position. The food pusher is movable relative to the feed tube in first and second directions in the working position. The first direction is generally parallel to the feed axis and the second direction is generally perpendicular to the feed axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Mauch, Jennifer D. O'Flynn, William D. Starr, Francesco Leopoldo Carnevale, James H. Hallar
  • Patent number: 7644884
    Abstract: A machine used to rewind toilet paper from partial toilet paper rolls and make a single large toilet paper roll. The machine includes a pivotally mounted unwinding spool and a take-up spool mounted both horizontally over a platform. The take-up spool includes at least one plunger that extends outward from its outer surface to selectively engage the inside paper core commonly used on a roll of toilet paper roll. The take-up spool is coupled to an electric motor that rotates the take-up spool. A spring is disposed between the unwinding spool and the take-up spool to reduce tension of the toilet paper as it is rewound. During use, two partially used toilet paper rolls are placed on the take-up spool and the unwinding spool. The loose ends of paper on the partial rolls are loosely over lapped and wrapped on the take-up spool. The electric motor is then activated to wind the toilet paper from the unwinding spool onto the take-up spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Milton Foss, Ed Stuck, Neil Vanderven
  • Patent number: 7644885
    Abstract: A towel roll holder and dispenser has a housing for receiving a towel roll therewithin. The housing has a pair of sidewalls, a base connected to the sidewalls for mounting the housing on a support surface, and a pair of cover members pivotable between a closed position and an open position. One of the cover members has an opening through which towels may be dispensed from the towel roll. The cover members are releasably fastened to the sidewalls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Adams & Wilks
    Inventors: Dominic Briante, Mary P. Briante