Patents Issued in February 9, 2010
-
Patent number: 7657957Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck assembly rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc.Inventors: James C. Alexander, Richard Hoofard
-
Patent number: 7657958Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a substrate cleaning apparatus includes a hand held hand roller including a roller cleaning member rotationally mounted in a handle and having a tacky peripheral contact surface, the tacky peripheral contact surface adapted to transfer foreign particles during cleaning of substrates. A roller cleaning substrate has opposed first and second surfaces. The first surface is coated with an adhesive adapted to transfer and retain said foreign particles from the surface of the roller for disposal; the second surface is a smooth surface. A mounting pad includes a soft layer of hardness lower than 100 Shore Hardness Scale A adapted to bond or adhere the second surface of the roller cleaning substrate to the mounting pad without the use of adhesives or mechanical clamping.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventors: John A. Korbonski, Jon W. Korbonski
-
Patent number: 7657959Abstract: A paint roller including a roller cover retainer that is releasable to permit a roller cover to be easily removed. The device includes a locking lever pivotable relative to the frame which actuates retainers located within the roller assembly. The locking lever also exerts an axial force adapted to disengage the roller cover from the roller assembly when the retainer is disengaged. A used roller cover can be removed without the need to grasp the used roller cover. Installation of a roller cover onto the roller assembly automatically engages the retainers and shifts the locking lever into the locked position.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Newell Operating CompanyInventors: Robin E. Smith, Natalia Johnson, Christopher John Parke, Brandon Seth Cross, George Andrew Hartel, Kimberly Clendenen Franklin
-
Patent number: 7657960Abstract: A quick release attachment for a power buffer having a rotatable spindle includes a buffing pad assembly and a quick release connector adapted to join the buffing pad assembly to the spindle. The buffing pad assembly includes a mounting plate and a buffing pad affixed to either side of the mounting plate. The mounting plate and the buffing pads each have respective aligned central apertures. The mounting plate aperture further comprises a circular ring disposed therein and has a pin extending diametrically across the aperture. The pin comprises a magnetically attractive material. The quick release connector has a main body adapted to fixedly engage the spindle. The connector further has a head end extending from the main body and having a circular cross-section sized to engage the circular ring. The head end further has a slot sized to engage the pin.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Richard T. Umbrell
-
Patent number: 7657961Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element coil or tube covered with a plastic sheath that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus also has expandable and compressible features and parts for protection against freezing.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLCInventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
-
Patent number: 7657962Abstract: An assembling operation of a wiper motor is facilitated. An output shaft and a gear shaft of the sector gear part are connected by a swinging plate. A first slidable contact member is mounted on a tip of the output shaft, and a second slidable contact part is mounted on a tip of the gear shaft. Since these slidably contact with a cover, axial-directional movement of the respective shafts is restricted. In addition, a provisional holding part having a leg part extending in an axial direction and a claw part protruding from the leg part is formed integrally with the second slidable contact part, and the sector gear part and the swinging part are sandwiched between the claw part and the second slidable contact part, whereby the motive power conversion member and the swinging plate are provisionally held.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventor: Keiichi Bendo
-
Patent number: 7657963Abstract: By reducing thickness of a slidable contact member which is attached to an output shaft and a sector gear part and slidably contacts with a gear case, a wiper motor is downsized. A motive power conversion member comprises: an arm part rotatably connected to the worm wheel; and a sector gear part meshing with the output gear, wherein a gear shaft of the sector gear part is swingably supported with respect to the output shaft by a swinging plate. A first slidable contact member is mounted on a tip of the output shaft, and a second slidable contact part which is formed separately from the first slidable contact member is attached to a tip of the gear shaft, wherein the first slidable contact member and the second slidable contact part slidably contact with a cover of the gear case.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventor: Keiichi Bendo
-
Patent number: 7657964Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface includes a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. Additionally the apparatus includes a solution tank, a recovery tank, both removable mounted to a handle, and a suction source. The solution tank supplies a flow of cleaning solution and the recovery tank receives dirt and liquid thorough fluid communication with the base portion and a suction nozzle secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the suction source to generate the suction. The solution tank has a fixedly secured carrying handle and the apparatus further includes a latch pivotally connected to the tank carrying handle and releasably connected to the handle for releasably latching the solution tank to the handle. Simultaneously grasping the latch and the tank carrying handle unlatches the solution tank from the handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Richard S. Parr, David L. O'Neal, Michael A. Durbin
-
Patent number: 7657965Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid delivery system including a supply of cleaning fluid and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The apparatus can comprise a passageway that passes heated motor cooling air in heat exchange with the cleaning fluid to heat the cleaning fluid. The apparatus can further comprise a mixing manifold that mixes first and second cleaning fluids at different concentrations for different cleaning modes. The apparatus can further comprise a fluid valve having a shape memory alloy actuator.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Allen W. Scott, Kurt E. Ashbaugh
-
Patent number: 7657966Abstract: An upright bypass type vacuum base section pulls from a suction chamber surrounding the bag.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Barry R. Schwartz
-
Patent number: 7657967Abstract: A brush vibrating apparatus for a vacuum cleaner. The brush vibrating apparatus includes a brush provided in a head portion of the vacuum cleaner and reciprocating and rotating for separating foreign substances from an object to be cleaned; support units provided on the head portion for rotatably supporting the brush; an elastic force supply unit installed between the brush and the support units for supplying elastic force from both sides of a center of the reciprocation of the brush to the center; and a driving force supply unit for supplying driving force, thereby minimizing noise and vibration generated from the reciprocation of the brush, thus allowing the vacuum cleaner to be operated in a smooth and calm state.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Young Sok Nam, Seong Ho Cho, Myung Keun Yoo
-
Patent number: 7657968Abstract: An improved wheel interface for walkers that includes a spring interface connection between the frame of the walker and the wheel assembly. The walker is able to better absorb shocks that occur when encountering an obstacle such as a curb, allowing the user to avoid the necessity of allowing the walker to fall or to risk falling himself.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Elaine Levin
-
Patent number: 7657969Abstract: An improved hubless castor wheel construction, particularly for a furniture article and the like, comprises a rotary element which is pivotably supported by a support element to be associated with a furniture article, said support element comprising two half-shells which can be coupled to locking means and are designed for defining an upright which can be engaged with connecting means to be connected to the furniture article, and an annular attachment for said rotary element.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: O.G.T.M. - Officine Meccaniche S.r.l.Inventor: Ruggero Trivini
-
Patent number: 7657970Abstract: A device for preventing door slamming including a housing that has a bore formed therein, a control element that slides in the bore, the control element having a bore formed therein, a plunger that slides in and out of the bore of the control element, the plunger being biased against a distal end of the bore of the control element by a biasing device, and a stopper element received in the plunger and extending into the control element, wherein a slamming force applied on the plunger dislodges the stopper element from the plunger so that the stopper element becomes lodged in the control element and the housing, thereby preventing the control element from sliding in the bore of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Rav Bariach Security Products Ltd.Inventor: Eyal Artsiely
-
Patent number: 7657971Abstract: A support system includes a frame member and a cover magnetically coupled to one another proximate an edge of the cover and in an aligned state. The cover is rotatable with respect to the frame member without any structural coupling therebetween while the frame member and cover remain substantially in the aligned state. A method of supporting a cover with respect to a frame includes magnetically attracting the cover and frame to each other proximate an edge of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Peter Danko
-
Patent number: 7657972Abstract: One embodiment of a handle attachment assembly formed in accordance with the present invention is provided. The handle attachment assembly may be used for removably attaching a handle to an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The handle attachment assembly may include a hand grip adapted to be gripped and held by a user and a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly may be coupled to the hand grip for removably attaching the hand grip to the elongate shaft between the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate shaft. The clamp assembly may include a first V-shaped clamp and a second V-shaped clamp. A fastening assembly may be used for driving the first V-shaped clamp toward the second V-shaped clamp to removably clamp the elongate shaft between the first and second V-shaped clamps.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Graeme Reid Jenkins
-
Patent number: 7657973Abstract: A handle adaptor for transport carts includes a block-shaped lower member with first, second, third and fourth upper surfaces with inner edges. The inner edges are disposed below the inner edges of the first and second upper surfaces. A fifth upper surface is formed the inner edges and coextensively shaped posts are monolithically formed with the outside faces of the lower member. The posts have apertures formed in distal ends. A block-shaped upper member has lower surfaces with a passageway surrounding the proximal ends of the handles of the transport. The upper member further includes a curved flange with a groove that receives and captures the U-shaped extension. The upper and lower members have passageways. A support plate includes a bracket with threaded shafts and a centrally registered slot. A cover has threaded aperture and a centrally registered slot. The adjustably pivoting mechanism includes a plurality of cotter pins.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Jim Hermann
-
Patent number: 7657974Abstract: A knob structure includes a holder, a steel ball, an elastic metallic piece, a swiveling element and a connecting element. The holder has at least one through hole. The steel ball is slidably placed inside the through hole. The elastic metallic piece and the swiveling element reside at either sides of the holder. The elastic metallic piece slidably lies against the steel ball. The swiveling element has a sliding portion which has a plurality of notches spaced at intervals. The sliding portion slidably lies against the steel ball so that the steel ball slides into or out of the notches by turning the swiveling element. The steel ball has a smooth surface and is in point-to-point contact with the sliding portion and with the elastic metallic piece. Therefore, frictions therebetween are so small that no scraps generate due to the frictional operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Altek CorporationInventor: Yu-Cheng Huang
-
Patent number: 7657975Abstract: The rotation of the band in relation to a boot to be fastened is prevented, so that reduction of the boot-fastening force is prevented, thereby preventing leakage of grease from a boot to be fastened, and so that boot-bands can be manufactured simply. An endless boot-fixing band 1 is formed as an endless ring, and is reduced in diameter by plastic deformation so as to fasten a boot by applying pressure onto said boot's outer surface. The boot band is formed entirely of an Al—Mg—Si alloy, and a surface-pressure-altering part 3, which changes the surface pressure for fastening the boot, is formed on the inner surface of the band.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Ogino, Yoshihiro Hemmi, Hiroshi Ikeda
-
Patent number: 7657976Abstract: A hanger allows a height position of an object to adjusted easily after the object is hung when hanging the object using wire rope. The hanger includes wire rope inserted through a lock case and has a wire grip mechanism and a hook, wherein a height position of the lock case with respect to the wire rope can be adjusted after the object is hung on the hook.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Takiya Co., LtdInventor: Nobuo Nakamura
-
Patent number: 7657977Abstract: A belt clamp with a pivotal article carrier attached thereto includes a base and a cover hinged together at the top. The cover includes a passageway at the lower end to accept a barb-like fastener integral with lower end of base to lock clamp closed. A tongue projects inwardly from the cover to contact and inhibit movement of a duty belt inside the clamp. The base includes a pair of intersecting arcuate slots and a reversible insert having one arcuate slot to make the clamp usable by either right- or left-handed users. A movable belt width adjustment bar is mounted inside the clamp to accommodate belts of various widths. Bosses around the lower opening of the cover inhibit twisting of locked clamp to prevent inadvertent opening. A locking plate is provided to inhibit rotation of fasteners used in pivotal mounting of an article carrier to the belt clamp.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Prezine, LLCInventor: Norman E. Clifton, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7657978Abstract: A safety buckle includes an intermediate buckle member, which has two opposite receiving holes and two smoothly arched grooves on the top and bottom sides in each receiving hole, and two connecting buckle members each having a plug insertable into the receiving holes of the intermediate buckle member and raised portions protruded from the top and bottom sides of the plug for engaging the smoothly arched grooves to secure the respective connecting buckle member to the intermediate buckle member for allowing the connecting buckle members to be biased relative to the intermediate buckle member within a predetermined angle. In an alternate form of the safety buckle, the locations of the raised portions and the locations of the smoothly arched grooves are exchanged.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Pei Chuan Lin
-
Patent number: 7657979Abstract: To provide a buckle switch and buckle device wherein a first switch section and a second switch section are unitized to provide improved assembling workability and increased production efficiency. As a tongue plate is inserted to a buckle body to move a slider, a pressing segment 23b of the slider rotates a leaf spring 46 in a direction a and, hence, a depressible portion 44c is depressed to cause a movable member 44 to move in a direction X2. At this time, a stationary contact 71a moves into and is pinched by pinch members 53 of a movable contact 50 disposed on the movable member 44, rendering the switch section SW1 to assume a conductive state. Concurrently, since a magnet M2 is placed in opposition to a magnetic detecting element 61, a second switch section SW2 is switched over. By unitizing the first and second switch sections, assembling workability of a buckle switch 40 to the buckle body can be improved, enabling an increase in production efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignees: Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Autoliv Development ABInventors: Yukinori Midorikawa, Ayaki Oyamada, Toshiharu Mori
-
Patent number: 7657980Abstract: A fastener for a lace includes a metal base, two clamp assemblies, a pull unit, and an anchoring member. Each of the clamp assemblies includes a substantially U-shaped member which has two opposite arms pivotally connected to the metal base, a U-bend connected to the arms opposite to the metal base, and a clamp member connected between and transverse to the arms. The pull unit includes a middle portion disposed over the metal base, and two opposite pull members extending from the middle portion and connected respectively to the U-shaped members. The anchoring member is made of metal, and has a press part pressing the middle portion of the pull unit against the metal base, and a plurality of anchoring legs extending from the press part, penetrating the middle portion of the pull unit, and welded to the metal base.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Kun-Chung Liu
-
Patent number: 7657981Abstract: A casket comprises a shell, a cap closable on the shell, and a dish assembly mounted to an underside of the cap. The dish assembly comprises a cap panel, and either a) an alcove structure formed in the cap panel and adapted to receive an ornament for display when the cap is open, a shelf mounted to the cap panel which projects forwardly and is adapted to support an ornament for display when the cap is open, and a drawer assembly mounted to the cap panel for display and storage of items of memorialization of a deceased, or b) an alcove structure and a shelf, or c) an alcove structure and a drawer assembly, or d) a shelf and a drawer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Batesville Services, Inc.Inventor: Daniel J. Parker
-
Patent number: 7657982Abstract: The invention relates to a suction device for liquids in hydroentangling machines, in which more than one water bar, which generate jets of liquid, are allocated to the exterior of the suction device. The suction device consists of a suction tube comprising one or more axial suction openings for each water bar, said openings being located along the working length of the tube. The liquid is sucked from the allocated water bar through said openings as a result of the negative pressure that is created in the tube. According to the invention, the suction openings that extend over the entire working width are configured to be sealed in relation to each respectively allocated water bar.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Fleissner GmbHInventors: Ullrich Münstermann, Roland Schweizer
-
Patent number: 7657983Abstract: In a method of producing an electrode for a resonator in thin-film technology, the electrode of the resonator is embedded in an insulating layer such that a surface of the electrode is exposed, and that a surface defined by the electrode and the insulating layer is substantially planar.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Avago Technologies Wireless IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Robert Aigner, Lüder Elbrecht, Stephan Marksteiner, Winfried Nessler
-
Patent number: 7657984Abstract: A robot positioned welding tip dresser assembly includes a pivot arm pivotally mountable on a welding gun apparatus. The pivot arm is pivotal about a pivot point. A welding tip dresser is mounted on a distal end of the pivot arm. A first retaining tab extends from the pivot arm. The first retaining tab includes an opening extending therethrough. At least one positioning mechanism is disposed relative to the pivot point and is cooperable with the first retaining tab to retain the pivot arm in one of a home position and a working position. The first retaining tab is engagable by end-of-arm tooling of a robot. The end-of-arm tooling is operable to release the positioning mechanism, and movement of the robot moves the pivot arm between the home and working positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Hirotec America, Inc.Inventors: Brian Hopkins, Melissa Wilkins
-
Patent number: 7657985Abstract: A boiler wall tube tool has a first clamp member positioned about one side of the boiler wall and a second clamp member positioned about the opposite side of the boiler wall. The first clamp member has recess or recesses, each recess receiving one of the tubes therein. The second clamp member has a radius or radiuses abutting against the opposite side of a tube or the tubes. The first clamp member and the second clamp member are coupled to one another about the tube or tubes through slots formed in the first clamp member and the second clamp member.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Mark W. McClure
-
Patent number: 7657986Abstract: A method of fabricating a condenser tube having a pre-determined tube length and multiple channels including the steps of forming an aperture in a flat strip of metal; moving the flat strip through a plurality of forming operations to fold into an enclosed tube containing channels, which channels include the aperture in their sides and bottoms; and severing the enclosed tube across the aperture to separate the enclosed tube into one condenser tube. The aperture eliminates the need for the channel sides to be severed, hence only the portion of the condenser tube enclosing the channels requires severing. Each pair of apertures is spaced from the next pair of apertures by the pre-determined tube length so that each sever produces one condensing tube of the pre-determined tube length with the apertures being divided into open notches. The invention also includes a heat exchanger utilizing the condenser tube with channel sides containing portions of the apertures.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James Anders, Terry Joseph Hunt, John Stanley Rosen, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7657987Abstract: A functional element for connection to a sheet metal part, and a method for connecting a functional element to a sheet metal part. The functional element includes a head part, a tubular rivet section extending from the head part and a tubular guide section disposed within the rivet section, with a portion of the guide section extending beyond the open end of the rivet section. When the sheet metal part is pre-holed, the portion of the guide section extending beyond the rivet section serves to dilate the pre-cut hole while centering the rivet section, and the functional element includes security components to provide an enhanced and stable connection as well as to secure against rotation. The guide section can be configured as a self-piercing component for use with a sheet metal part that is not pre-holed.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Jiri Babej
-
Patent number: 7657988Abstract: A manufacturing method and apparatus is disclosed, whereby a specific production process is used in conjunction with a specific tooling methodology to provide a tooling process package that is capable of controlling tolerance stack-ups and process variations by accounting for them at each step in the process. One application particularly suited for the present invention is in the manufacturing of panels that are assembled to form the skins of a tiltrotor aircraft (11).Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Greene
-
Patent number: 7657989Abstract: Method for the attachment of a functional element having a head end and optionally a shaft part, in particular a fastener element, to a sheet metal part, optionally in liquid-tight and/or gas-tight form, wherein the functional element is pressed against the sheet metal part supported by a die button having a shaping space and sheet metal material is pressed by means of at least one movably mounted shaped part, and preferably by means of at least two such shaped parts of the die button, and by a radially inwardly directed movement of the or each shaped part, into an undercut of the functional element, with the or each shaped part forming a respective wall region of the shaping space, wherein the or each shaped part is initially radially supported by an envelope surface region of an abutment envelope and is prevented from a radially inwardly directed movement so long until the sheet metal material is drawn by the head end of the functional element into the shaping space for the formation of a pronounced recessType: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Richard Humpert
-
Patent number: 7657990Abstract: Undercarriage assembly components of track-type machines having a PTA welded wear-resistant coating and methods for forming such coated undercarriage assembly components are disclosed. Bodies of the undercarriage assembly components, formed of an iron-based alloy, have a material PTA welded on a surface or into an undercut or channel of the iron-based alloy. A heat treatment of the formed component further hardens the body. The portion of the outer surface of the undercarriage assembly components having the wear-resistant coating corresponds to a wear surface of the component during operation of the endless track of the track-type vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Timothy D. Wodrich, Reinhard Jordan, Alois Kroll
-
Patent number: 7657991Abstract: A magnetization apparatus for magnetizing a magnetic material provided inside a yoke housing of a motor, which has a connector portion radially outward of the yoke housing, includes at least one pair of magnetization cores and a plurality of magnetization coils. The at least one pair of magnetization cores are provided to oppose to each other, wherein the at least one pair of magnetization cores have corresponding magnetization surfaces, which oppose to each other. The plurality of magnetization coils generate a magnetic field at the at least one pair of magnetization cores, wherein the plurality of magnetization coils magnetize the magnetic material in a state, where the yoke housing is provided between the magnetization surfaces. The at least one pair of magnetization cores defines a receiving recess therein for receiving the connector portion of the motor in the state, where the yoke housing is provided between the magnetization surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomomi Nakamura
-
Patent number: 7657992Abstract: A method of making a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head with single or double coil layers and with a small write shield stitched onto a main write shield. The stitched shield allows the main write pole to produce a vertical write field with sharp vertical gradients that is reduced on both sides of the write pole so that adjacent track erasures are eliminated. From a fabrication point of view, both the main pole and the stitched shield are defined and formed using a single photolithographic process, a trim mask and CMP lapping process so that the main shield can be stitched onto a self-aligned main pole and stitched shield.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Cherng-Chyi Han, Kenichi Takano
-
Patent number: 7657993Abstract: A shim coil for use in magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy (MRIS) is formed by cutting or punching in a sheet of electrically conductive material the required coil pattern. The pattern can be punched using a CNC punch or stamping machine.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Tesla Engineering LimitedInventor: Michael Colin Begg
-
Patent number: 7657994Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for assembling a first component, such as a switch pad, to a second component, such as a circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chris R. Snider, Mark A. Gill
-
Patent number: 7657995Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS switch that is fully integratable in a semiconductor fabrication line. The method consists of forming two posts, each end thereof terminating in a cap; a rigid movable conductive plate having a surface terminating in a ring in each of two opposing edges, the rings being loosely connected to guiding posts; forming upper and lower electrode pairs and upper and lower interconnect wiring lines connected and disconnected by the rigid movable conductive plate. The conductive plate moves up, shorting two upper interconnect wirings lines. Conversely, the conductive plate moves down when the voltage is applied to the lower electrode pair, while the upper electrode pair is grounded, shorting the two lower interconnect wiring lines and opening the upper wiring lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Louis Hsu, Timothy Dalton, Lawrence Clevenger, Carl Radens, Kwong Hon Wong, Chih-Chao Yang
-
Patent number: 7657996Abstract: A tube connecting apparatus capable of stably and reliably connecting tubes in which liquid is contained and sealed is provided. A tube connecting apparatus 1 equips a first tube-holding assembly 2 and a second tube-holding assembly 3, each holding tube 8, 9 in which blood is contained and sealed in a parallel state. A first clamp 6 and a second clamp 7, each pressing the tubes to a flat state, is provided at the first tube-holding assembly 2 and the second tube-holding assembly 3. A tube-pushing member 10 which presses the tubes to a flat state is disposed movably to and integrally with the first clamp 6 at a side of the second clamp 7. The tube connecting apparatus 1 has a cutting mechanism 4, disposed between the first clamp 6 and the second clamp 7, for melting and cutting the tubes, and has a movement mechanism which moves the first tube-holding assembly 2 and the second tube-holding assembly 3 such that end portions to be connected contact closely each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroaki Sano, Masaru Nagashimada, Shinji Ishida, Satoshi Yamanushi, Hideya Fujihara, Osamu Sumiya
-
Patent number: 7657997Abstract: In a printing apparatus, individual positional data for positions of four object marks provided on a plurality of FPCs held on a conveyance tray are acquired by a mark position acquisition section based on an image acquired by an image acquisition unit. In a displaced mark specifying section, relative positional relations of four object marks are determined, and compared with a reference positional relation, by which a displaced object mark is specified. Then, in a reference position determining section, a reference position for a plurality of FPCs on a conveyance tray is determined based on a plurality of object marks resulting from excluding the displaced object mark out of the four object marks. Thus, a reference position in execution of printing in a printing unit can be determined with high precision.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kentaro Nishiwaki, Yoichiro Ueda, Takayuki Fukae
-
Patent number: 7657998Abstract: A protection circuit module for rechargeable batteries includes a substrate, electronic components mounted on the obverse surface of the substrate for forming a protection circuit for rechargeable batteries, a housing mounted on the obverse surface of the substrate and including a top wall partially defining an enclosure for accommodating the electronic components, and a resin sealer loaded in the enclosure of the housing for sealing the electronic components. The top wall of the housing includes an opening for loading the resin sealer into the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Naoya Tanaka
-
Patent number: 7657999Abstract: In a method of forming an electrical circuit assembly, a substrate is provided including a plurality of first segments that form an electrical circuit. The first segments have surfaces that rise above surfaces of other segments that form the electrical circuit. All of the segments are deposited on the substrate via one or more shadow mask vapor deposition processes in a vacuum. A photoresist caused to cover all of the segments is hardened and then abraded until surfaces of the first segments are exposed, but surfaces of the other segments are not exposed, and a surface of the abraded photoresist is at the same level as the exposed surfaces of the first segments. Second segments can be deposited on the exposed surfaces of the first segments via a shadow mask vapor deposition process in a vacuum to a level above the top surface of the abraded photoresist.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Advantech Global, LtdInventor: Thomas Peter Brody
-
Patent number: 7658000Abstract: A method for attaching a proximity probe offset to an axis defining an extension cable. The method includes a sensing element; a cylindrical part molded with a moldable material; a recess configured in one of two opposing ends defining the cylindrical part to receive the sensing element; a first and a second ferrule each extending from opposing surfaces defining an exterior of the cylindrical part, a first axis defining the first and second ferrules being offset from a second axis defining the cylindrical part; and an extension cable operably attached to the sensing element via the first and second ferrules, the sensing element being disposed offset relative to the extension cable.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen James Sufka, Thane Fleming Tahti, David Ray Price, Steven Francis Roy, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead
-
Patent number: 7658001Abstract: A method for electrically connecting disk drive suspension assembly elements including positioning a first component having a first terminal with an edge adjacent to a second component having a second terminal and applying solder to form a solder joint over the edge of the first terminal and onto the second terminal. Heat to melt the solder is provided from a source that is physically remote from the components.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Hutchinson Technology IncorporatedInventor: Galen D. Houk
-
Patent number: 7658002Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrical distribution harness assembly and a method of manufacturing the electrical distribution harness assembly. The electrical distribution harness assembly is configured for coupling with a modular wall panel. The electrical distribution harness assembly includes at least one electrical connector including an elastic clip bracket configured for snap-fitting to the modular wall panel. The method of manufacturing the electrical distribution harness assembly includes the steps of forming an elastic clip bracket configured for snap-fitting to the modular wall panel and encapsulating at least a portion of the elastic clip bracket in an electrical connector.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Group Dekko, Inc.Inventor: Ray H. Riner
-
Patent number: 7658003Abstract: A fracture surface treatment method of a fractured ductile metal part for treating fracture surfaces 51a and 52a of the ductile metal part 50, said fracture surfaces 51a and 52a being fracture surfaces obtained by a fracturing operation of fitting halved mandrel portions into a penetrative bore of the ductile metal part having the penetrative bore and driving a wedge in between the halved mandrel portions, said fracture surface treatment method holding said fractured ductile metal part 50 in a state where said fracture surfaces 51a and 52a are separated from each other so as to keep a certain space between them, applying a specified vibration to at least one of said fractured ductile metal part portions in a direction intersecting the direction of fracture and removing fracture powder 59 stuck on said fracture surfaces 51a and 52a, and thereby enabling the optimum face fitting operation in case of fitting again the fracture surfaces of the fractured ductile metal part to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: The Yasunaga Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroichi Hase
-
Patent number: 7658004Abstract: For the finish machining of turbine blades cast in titanium aluminide, the feeders (3) and runner portions (6) yielded by the casting process remain on the blade and serve as auxiliary clamping structure for clamping the blade to the workpiece carrier (15). In a position corresponding to the reference points for machining, clamping surfaces (12) with conical recesses (13), followed by threaded holes (14) are produced on the runners. For clamping the workpiece to a workpiece carrier (15), spring-loaded taper centering sleeves (18) arranged in the workpiece carrier or clamping bolts (21), respectively, engage the conical recesses and threaded holes, to enable the blade to be clamped and machined by way of the auxiliary clamping structure in the position corresponding to the reference points.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KGInventor: Rainer Mielke
-
Patent number: 7658005Abstract: A heat exchanger panel for a surface of a room, the panel having plate-type heat exchanger elements and having a heat exchanger pipe. The heat exchanger elements include two main surfaces facing away from each other and a peripheral surface linking the main surfaces, a fiber mat and a thin plaster layer. The plaster layer adheres to the fiber mat and the heat exchanger pipe extends at least partially within the plaster layer. The pipe has at least two connections in the area of the peripheral surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Hans-Dietrich Sulzer
-
Patent number: 7658006Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a beverage dispensing head, a first section is molded to include an exit channel and a first portion of a valve bore. A second section is molded to include an entry channel, a passage through the second section, and a second portion of the valve bore. A third section is molded to include a passage through the third section and a third portion of the valve bore. The first section is mated with the second section and the second section is mated with the third section to form a handle including a passageway therethrough. The mating of the first section with the second section and the second section with the third section aligns the first portion with the second portion and the second portion with the third portion to form the valve bore for the passageway. In addition, the entry channel is sealed to form a fluid entry aperture and a fluid entry conduit for the passageway. Further, the exit channel is sealed to form a portion of a fluid exit conduit for the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Schroeder Industries Inc.Inventor: Alfred A. Schroeder