Patents Issued in March 9, 2010
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Patent number: 7674130Abstract: An electric connector for passing a line through a housing wall has a rectangular housing made of an insulating material, at least one connection element and a securing element used to secure the connector to the rectangular wall opening of the housing wall. The securing element includes at least one fixing element and an elastic clamping element which is arranged in an essentially perpendicular manner in relation to the fixing element, such that the clamping element interacts against an inner edge of the narrow side of the wall opening when the connector is in the mounted state.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Stefan Giefers
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Patent number: 7674131Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a connector having a main body portion and a housing portion. The housing mounts over the connector main body. The housing is adapted for securing the connector to another element such as a piece of telecommunications equipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Cyle D. Petersen, Scott K. Baker
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Patent number: 7674132Abstract: An electric connector ensuring effective grounding contact includes coaxially arranged inner sleeve and outer sleeve and a conductive grounding element. The inner sleeve is adapted to receive a central conductor and an insulating spacer of a cable therein, and can be axially rearward moved from a first position to a second position, and the outer sleeve is adapted to receive a braided conductive grounding sheath and an insulating sheath of the cable therein. The conductive grounding element is externally immovably fitted around the inner sleeve. When a stripped free end of the cable is inserted into the connector and the cable is rearward pulled, the inner sleeve is simultaneously rearward moved from the first position to the second position, forcing the inner sleeve, the conductive grounding element, and a connecting ring coaxially mounted around the inner sleeve to electrically contact with one another.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: EZCONN CorporationInventor: Yi-Hsiang Chen
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Patent number: 7674133Abstract: A connector assembly includes a housing and a contact module assembly including first and second contact modules loaded into the housing. The first contact module has a plurality of ground leads extending between mating contacts and mounting contacts. The ground leads extend along separate paths within a first plane. The second contact module has a plurality of signal leads extending between mating contacts and mounting contacts. The signal leads extend along separate paths within a second plane. The ground leads are aligned with the signal leads in a direction transverse to the first plane, and the ground leads have a width and a thickness defining a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross sectional area of the signal leads.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: Michael Warren Fogg, Michael Frank Cina
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Patent number: 7674134Abstract: In a connector including a conductive contact, an insulating housing holding the contact, and a conductive shell covering the housing, the housing includes a protruding portion of a flat-plate shape having first and second principal surfaces faced to each other. The contact includes a first contacting portion disposed on the first principal surface of the protruding portion and a second contacting portion extending from the first contacting portion to the second principal surface of the protruding portion. The shell includes a shell contacting portion disposed on the second principal surface of the protruding portion. The second contacting portion and the shell contacting portion have confronting end faces faced to each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, LimitedInventors: Takahiro Yamaji, Kazukuni Hisatomi, Koji Hayashi, Masakazu Kuroiwa
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Patent number: 7674135Abstract: A board-to-board electrical connector comprising a male connector including a first insulating base, a plurality of male terminals, each said male terminal having a male contact and a male stator; a female connector including a second insulating base, a plurality of female terminals, each female terminal having a female lead and a female contact extending from the female lead in an bending direction for engagement with said male contact, and a female stator which engages with said male stator, the male contact is a closed ring in shape with at least a protrusion formed at its outside surface, which is restrained in the receiving cavity formed between the first convex of the female contact and the second convex set abreast to the first convex, and the outside surface of which contacts with the first convex and the second convex respectively, the first convex and the second convex being formed with the arm of the female contact bended forth and then back, the protrusion engaging with the first convex or the secType: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Jiangsu Famfull Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Qingyong Zeng
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Patent number: 7674136Abstract: Modular electrical jack connector system comprising at least one jack connector housing and at least one therein inserted jack connector subassembly wherein each jack connector housing comprises a front coupling side having at least two openings which openings are disposed one above the other to receive a variety of electrical plug connectors through the front coupling side and an oppositely disposed rear side for insertion of at least one jack connector subassembly wherein further each jack connector subassembly comprises a longitudinal strip-like carrier having a substantially right-angled profile and further on the upper side and on the lower side respectively a series of extrusion-coated or injection-molded jack terminals which at a front end of the strip-like carrier form uncoated, bent-back cantilevered contact portions.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Molex IncorporatedInventors: Stephan Steinke, Sven Filipon, Wolfgang Herrmann, Michael Hartmann
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Patent number: 7674137Abstract: According to one embodiment, a plug includes four terminals arranged around a core shaft at substantially equal intervals, a housing that supports proximal ends of the four terminals, and a cylindrical cover fixed to the housing such as to surround the four terminals. The four terminals include two power terminals and two ground terminals, and at least the two power terminals have insulating coating layers respectively at their distal end portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Junichi Sato
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Patent number: 7674138Abstract: A connectivity hub enabling multiple peripheral devices to be connected with a computer includes an integrated clip adapted to grip cables and to grip an edge of a work surface, thereby reducing cable clutter and providing for a more efficient use of work surface space. The connectivity hub includes a curved portion manufactured from a flexible and springy material, enabling a user to apply pressure to increase the distance between two edges of the clip in order to insert cables into the clip or to slide the clip over an edge of a work surface, or both.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth Mori
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Patent number: 7674139Abstract: An electrical connector (100) for electrically connecting with a chip module and a printed circuit board comprises a plurality of insulative housings (1), a plurality of contacts received in the insulative housing, and a frame (2) defining an accommodating space (26) to accommodate the insulative housings. The frame defines continuous lateral walls (23) and a plurality of enhancing ribs (24) extending from the lateral walls into the accommodating space. A plurality of first rivet sections (231) are disposed on at least one of the lateral walls of the frame and the insulative housings and a plurality of first mounting holes (16) are defined in at least one of the insulative housings and the lateral walls of the frame to receive the first rivet sections.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fang-Chu Liao, Shuo-Hsiu Hsu
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Patent number: 7674140Abstract: The disclosure relates to a service switching device having a housing, having a front face side, a rear face side, having front and rear narrow sides connecting the front and rear face sides, having lateral broad sides, a fastening side, having at least one screwless terminal connection, which is fixed in position in a terminal connection area in the interior of the housing, for connecting connecting conductors by fixedly clamping them with a clamping spring, which acts as a compression spring on the connecting conductor ends, fixedly clamps them in a window-like cutout of a busbar and has a number of spring elements which corresponds to the number of connecting conductors to be connected.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Klaus-Peter Eppe, Carola Thielen
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Patent number: 7674141Abstract: A connector includes a pair of terminals. Each of the terminals includes a housing and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is arranged in the housing. The connecting portion has a first end provided with a connecting member for connection of an electrical cable and a second end provided with a first blade and second blade arranged side by side. The first blade has a fitting arrangement and the second blade having a spring arrangement. The fitting arrangements of the first blades of the terminals are engaged to mate the terminals.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Tyco Electronics Brasil Ltda.Inventor: Henry Charles Canteri
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Patent number: 7674142Abstract: An electrical interconnect device attaches electrical devices with a cantilever spring with out the use of solder or adhesive. The cantilever spring latches to a contact structure such that there are a plurality of contact points between the spring and the contact structure. The cantilever spring has two tines at a tip end that define an opening in the spring. The contact structure is received by the opening between the two tines so that the spring and the contact structure mate. The spring may engage the contact structure by latching to the contact structure or by a post that urges the tip end of the spring against the contact structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: David K. Fork, Jurgen Daniel, Gordon T. Jagerson, Jr., Thomas H. Di Stefano
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Patent number: 7674143Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor and a method of producing the same, which makes an electrical connection condition between an electrode terminal section of a detection element and a metallic terminal member good. The sensor includes a lead frame (metallic terminal member) that changes a support condition of supporting an element abutment section for contact with a detection element on a frame main body section, into a one-point support or a two-point support. At a first-half stage of a work for assembly of the lead frame and the detection element, the element abutment section is put in a one-point support condition relative to the frame main body section and the lead frame produces a relatively smaller resilient force, such that it becomes possible to prevent an excessively large pressure from being applied to the detection element.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kouji Matsuo, Satoshi Ishikawa
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Patent number: 7674144Abstract: A watercraft has a hull, a deck, an engine, a steering assembly, a jet pump, a venturi, a steering nozzle, and a reverse gate pivotable between a fully stowed position and a fully lowered position. The reverse gate includes a reverse gate body having inner and outer arcuate surfaces, and reverse gate upper and lower edges. First and second side walls are connected to the sides of the reverse gate body. At least one deflector is connected to at least one of the outer arcuate surface, the first side wall, and the second side wall. The at least one deflector is spaced from the outer arcuate surface. A deflector trailing edge is disposed upwardly and rearwardly from a deflector leading edge at least when the reverse gate is in the fully lowered position. Water deflecting surfaces and turning deflectors connected to a reverse gate are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Michel Bourret, Andre Denis, Marc Schuler
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Patent number: 7674145Abstract: An outboard motor control system can have a first PTT switch and a second PTT switch in a first steering station and in a second steering station respectively, and a third PTT switch in a location outside of a boat hull. Operation instruction given by each PTT switch can be input to a first microcomputer of a first ECU. The first microcomputer can determine if the inputted operation instruction is to be sent to the outboard motor, based on which PTT switch the operation instruction came from, whether the main switch is ON or OFF, and which steering station has precedence in boat control.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Okuyama, Makoto Ito
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Patent number: 7674146Abstract: A propeller thrust transmission device includes a taper portion of a propeller shaft that is fitted in a spacer divided into a first half and a second half. A thrust force acting on a propeller is received by the taper portion of the propeller shaft through the spacer. The first half includes a taper hole having an inner surface which corresponds in shape to an outer surface of the taper portion and in which the taper portion is fitted. The second half has a smaller diameter portion extending from one side of a ring-shaped wall portion closer to the propeller and fitted in a hole of an attachment device spaced from the propeller shaft, and a larger diameter portion extending from the other side of the ring-shaped wall portion and fitted on an outer peripheral surface of the first half.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Iwashita
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Patent number: 7674147Abstract: A generator set (genset) for use in a marine environment is disclosed. The genset includes an alternator, an engine dedicated to driving the alternator, and an exhaust port connected to the engine to receive exhaust generated during operation of the engine to drive the alternator. An inner tubular structure is provided that is configured to receive exhaust gases from the exhaust port and communicate the exhaust gases therethrough. The exhaust processing device also includes an exhaust processing element mounted within the inner tubular structure to process the exhaust gases and an outer tubular structure mounted around the inner tubular structure to form an intermediate space therebetween. The exhaust processing device further includes at least one orifice through which to deliver a flow of water to the intermediate space to maintain the outer tubular structure at a temperature below a temperature of the exhaust processing element.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Brian Zwieg, Richard Koehl
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Patent number: 7674148Abstract: A method for tensioning a shadow mask includes positioning a first side of a shadow mask into contact with the lower half of a tensioning frame, positioning an upper half of the tensioning frame into contact with a second side of the shadow mask, and clamping the upper half of the tensioning frame to the lower half of the tensioning frame to form a tensioning frame, and rigidly clamping the shadow mask between the two tensioning frame halves. The method also includes elevating the temperature of the tensioning frame to tension the shadow mask.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventors: Todd R. Griffin, Thomas W. Palone
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Patent number: 7674149Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating field emitters by using laser-induced re-crystallization. A substrate is first provided on which a silicon-containing layer is formed. A plurality of extrusive tips are thereafter formed to be extruded from the surface of the silicon-containing layer by using laser-induced re-crystallization. The methods of the laser-induced re-crystallization include a step of subjecting the overall or partial silicon-containing layer to an energy source, either unpatterned or patterned.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Yu-Cheng Chen
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Patent number: 7674150Abstract: A toy. The toy includes a body and a plurality of tethers moveably coupled to the body. The toy also includes a corresponding plurality of tethered pieces coupled to the plurality of tethers and moveable between a retracted state in which the plurality of tethers hold the tethered pieces proximate the body and an extended state in which the plurality of tethers hold the tethered pieces away from the body. A triggering mechanism operatively is adapted to move the plurality of tethered pieces from the retracted state to the extended state responsive to a triggering event.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Keith Hippely
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Patent number: 7674152Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon weight system for an inflatable balloon having, singularly or in any combination, an electronic music producing device, a line distance adjusting device, to produce a descending and/or ascending of the balloon, and a fragrance distribution device.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: CTI Industries, Inc.Inventor: Brent Anderson
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Patent number: 7674153Abstract: An animal training device (10) having a housing (11), a sound-producing member, an actuator (15), and a whistle (21, 23). The sound-producing member is mounted within a central cavity (12) formed in the housing (11), and the actuator (15) is provided in an opening (14) in one face (13) of the housing (11). The actuator (15) is arranged to transfer to the sound-producing member a manual force applied to the actuator (15), thereby to produce a first audible signal. The whistle (21, 23) includes a resonance chamber (23) formed integrally in the other face (22) of the housing (11), and a mouthpiece (21) in communication with the resonance chamber (23). The whistle (21, 23) is adapted to produce a second audible signal upon a user blowing into the mouthpiece (21).Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2004Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventor: Stephen Geoffrey King
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Patent number: 7674154Abstract: An apparatus and method for polishing objects, such as semiconductor wafers, uses at least one object cleaner, which may be a movable object cleaner. The movable object cleaner allows access to different parts of the apparatus for maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: KoMiCo Technology, Inc.Inventor: In Kwon Jeong
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Patent number: 7674155Abstract: A process for artificially ageing blocks, in particular concrete blocks, vitrified bricks and natural stones, provides that the blocks are applied to an underlying surface. Essentially freely movable distressing bodies are applied to the surface to be worked of the blocks. The blocks and the distressing bodies are brought into movement in relation to one another by a vibrating motion of the underlying surface in such a way that the distressing bodies act on the surface and the adjoining, exposed edges of the blocks.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Baustoffwerke Gebhart & Sohne GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hans Gebhart, Martin Rothdach, Thomas Riedle, Hermann Sauter
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Patent number: 7674156Abstract: A cleaning device for chemical-mechanical equipment, which includes: an irrotatable center shaft irrotatably coupled with a spindle which is rotated, the irrotatable center shaft including a first channel and a second channel formed in an interior of the irrotatable center shaft, cleaning liquid flowing into the first channel and compressed gas flowing into the second channel; and a nozzle block coupled with the spindle so as to revolve about the irrotatable center shaft above a polishing pad, the nozzle block mixing cleaning liquid supplied through the first channel with compressed gas supplied through the second channel so as to generate twin-fluid, and pressure-injecting the mixed twin-fluid on the polishing pad. Accordingly, cleaning liquid is pressurized so as to be rapidly injected on a polishing pad so that slurry particles and alien substances on the polishing pad are completely removed. Furthermore, wafer scratch can be prevented and the life of the polishing pad can also be increased.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: K.C. Tech Co., LtdInventors: Jun Ho Son, Sung Bum Seo
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Patent number: 7674157Abstract: In effecting two-sided surface grinding for surface-grinding the opposite surfaces of a workpiece simultaneously by a pair of oppositely disposed grinding wheels, infeed grinding is performed by oscillating the workpiece within the range where the surfaces to be ground of the workpiece do not protrude from the inner and outer peripheries of the grinding wheel surfaces of the grinding wheels, and then through-grinding is performed by feeding the workpiece to allow the surfaces to be ground to pass along the inner and outer peripheries of the grinding wheel surfaces. As an effect, worn wheel edges or the like can be prevented from being formed in the inner and outer peripheral edges, that grinding wheel surfaces can be maintained in proper shape for a prolonged time, that the grinding accuracy is better, and that dress interval can be prolonged, thus improving the life of grinding wheels.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Koyo Machine Industries Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuo Shirao
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Patent number: 7674158Abstract: A self-propelled mobile marking removal system which comprises a mobile vehicle assembly including a chassis, a high pressure liquid pump in fluid connection with a liquid reservoir contained within said chassis, said high pressure liquid pump is further in fluid connection with a blast head, said blast head having at least one high pressure nozzle for delivering liquid at high pressure to a marked surface, a waste removal hose fluidly coupled with said blast head and a sump for collection of liquid and debris, said blast head positionable along a left or a right side of said chassis, a mechanical abrasion means, said mechanical abrasion means positionable along a left or a right side of said chassis in front of said blast head, said mechanical abrasion means is constructed and arranged to substantially remove marking material protruding above said marked surface and said blast head constructed and arranged to substantially remove any marking material extending below said marked surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventor: James P. Crocker
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Patent number: 7674159Abstract: A board for opening an oyster has a cradle consisting of a support wall and a cradle portion sloping upwardly therefrom. The outer wall supports and anchors first end portions of the oyster which rest in abutment against, while the second end portions are disposed and elevated slightly on the cradle portion for opening of the oyster at the second end portions.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventor: Tomislav F. Littledeer
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Patent number: 7674160Abstract: The gambrel includes a center bar, a left hook bar and a right hook bar. The center bar is a flat metal plate with a pivot pin bore, a support line bore and a stop pin bore. The left and right hook bars are elongated flat bars each of which has a hook pivot bore a pivot end, and a hook end. A pivot bolt passes through the left hook bar, through the center bar and through the right hook bar. A pivot bolt nut holds the center bar between the left and right hook bars. A stop bolt passes through the stop pin bore between the hook pivot pin bore and the center bar lower end. The left hook bar rests on the stop bolt and the right hook bar rests on the stop bolt nut when the hook bars are in a carcass support position.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventor: Lance E. Wheeler
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Patent number: 7674161Abstract: A method and apparatus for tenderizing meat by electrical stimulation is characterized by a portable device supplying an electrical current through an electrode or electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Camden Outdoors, LLCInventors: Brian Knochenmus, Delmer I Davis
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Patent number: 7674162Abstract: An apparatus for spitting whole poultry mid-wing sections into a first radius portion that includes the radius bone of the mid-wing and its surrounding muscle, tissue, and skin and a second ulna portion that includes the ulna bone of the mid-wing and its surrounding muscle, tissue, and skin. The apparatus is provided with a rotatably driven carrier wheel having a plurality of product carrier slots formed therein for accepting mid-wings and moving them along a predetermined arcuate path. A splitting blade is mounted in the arcuate path for engaging and splitting the mid-wings into the desired portions. The apparatus is additionally provided with a retention fender for preventing mid-wings from exiting the carrier slots while the mid-wings are being split, and an ejector comb for forcing the mid-wings out of the carrier slots after they have been split.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Remington Holdings, LLCInventor: Geno N. Gasbarro
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Patent number: 7674163Abstract: A fillet board for filleting fish having spines or horns on their pectoral fins extending outwardly from the sides of the fish body. The board defines apertures each sized to receive the horn of a fish laid flat on one side with the horn secured by the board. A plurality of apertures are sized and spaced along a portion of the length of the board to accommodate fish of different sizes. The fillet board has a spacer element to elevate the board above a supporting surface to provide clearance for fish horns to extend below the board. The fillet board includes a tail clamp for securing the tail of a fish.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventor: Michael R. Howard
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Patent number: 7674164Abstract: An air-conditioning system for the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The air-conditioning system includes an air-treatment unit and with a series of ventilation outlets distributed inside the passenger compartment and connected to the air-treatment unit. Some of the ventilation outlets are mounted on the side surface of a tubular body, which is set in a bottom portion of the passenger compartment. An internal pipe communicates with the air-treatment unit, and is mounted to oscillate about a longitudinal axis thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Giovanni Stefani
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Patent number: 7674165Abstract: An electronic device. The electronic device comprises a heat source, a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a fan disposed in the housing and selectively rotating at a first speed and a second speed higher than the first speed to generate air flow in the housing to cool the heat source, and a plurality of louvers disposed on the housing, having adjustable angles and selectively positioned at a first angle and a second angle. When the louvers are positioned at the first angle, the fan rotates at the first speed, and when the louvers are at the second angle, the fan rotates at the second speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Qisda CorporationInventors: Sheng-Chang Lu, Hung-Jen Wei, Tzu-Huan Hsu
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Patent number: 7674166Abstract: The present invention provides a server device for net games which can improve the excitement of watching net games. The lobby server 13 transmits the game watching information to watch a game which a user to be a player plays using the client computer 2A to the client computer 2B of another member to be a spectator of this game, and receives a message transmitted from the client computer 2B of one spectator, and transmits the received message to the client computer 2B of the other spectator.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidehisa Takahashi, Tatsuya Ishikawa, Kazuhiro Namba
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Patent number: 7674167Abstract: A traveling time calculation program causes a computer to function as the following: position determination programmed logic circuitry which determines a position of a movable object using a velocity vector with every update of a game screen, virtual position setting programmed logic circuitry which sets a virtual position between positions immediately before and after the movable object passes through a second position, and shifts the virtual position using an infinitesimal unit vector obtained by dividing a velocity vector at the position immediately before the movable object passes through the second position into predetermined numbers, and traveling time calculation programmed logic circuitry which calculates a traveling time from the first position to a position immediately before or after the virtual position crosses the second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keizo Ohta
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Patent number: 7674168Abstract: A gaming device including a game which displays a plurality of symbols to a player. A probability of being selected by the processor is associated with each of the symbols. Additionally, at least two picks of the symbols are provided to the player where the number of picks is less than the number of symbols. In a game, the processor randomly picks the symbols for the number of picks provided to the player. The player receives any awards associated with the symbols picked by the processor. The processor then eliminates the picked symbols from further selection in the game. Eliminating the picked symbols increases the probabilities associated with the unpicked symbols for future picks based on the probabilities associated with the picked symbols. The player continues to pick selections until there are no picks remaining in the game.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: IGTInventors: Peter Gerrard, Dov L. Randall
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Patent number: 7674169Abstract: A lottery system graphically portraying a lottery result in animation is provided. The lottery system includes a game generator which comprises a random number generator and an animation drawing subsystem. The random number generator randomly selects a lottery result at a predetermined time. The animation drawing subsystem selects one or more game events associated with the randomly selected lottery result, and compiles into an animated lottery game video one or more animation sequences corresponding to the selected game events.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.Inventors: Budd O. Libby, Daniel W. Bower, Michael G. Fisk
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Patent number: 7674170Abstract: A method for lottery wagering on actual events. The method according to the present invention includes selecting a subset of wagering data DW from a set of pre-qualifying data DPQ prior to conclusion of a pre-qualifying event of a phased competition consisting of a pre-qualifying event and a final event. The method further includes assembling pre-qualifying data DPQ for preliminary participants after conclusion of a pre-qualifying event and assembling concluding data DC for final participants after conclusion of the final event. Winners are selected from the final participants after the final event based on the concluding data. Winning lottery data DL is determined from a correlation between the winners' and their respective pre-qualifying data.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventors: James M. Odom, Scott D. Yellich
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Patent number: 7674171Abstract: Products and processes are disclosed for receiving a lottery record associated with a sale of a lottery ticket. The lottery record includes a plurality of lottery numbers, and a condition for creating at least one entry that includes the lottery numbers in a lottery drawing. It is determined if the condition is satisfied. The at least one entry in the lottery drawing is created only if the condition satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch
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Patent number: 7674172Abstract: A gaming device including at least one wagering station and a rotor. The rotor supports a series of symbols arranged about a center. The rotor also supports a series of landings arranged adjacent to the series of symbols. In operation, at least one ball travels along the rotor and eventually reaches a landing. One or more of the elements of the gaming device has a designated shape, construction or function to enable designated operations of a primary game, a secondary outcome determiner or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: IGTInventors: Paul D. Miltenberger, Mark C. Nicely
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Patent number: 7674173Abstract: A gaming machine (10) has a display (14) and a game controller arranged to control images displayed on the display (14).The game controller is arranged to play a game (16) wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display (14). If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine (10) awards a prize. When a special symbol is carried by a symbol-carrying element into a display position on the display (14), the special symbol substitutes as more than one occurrence of a standard symbol of the game (16).Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd.Inventor: Nicholas Luke Bennett
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Patent number: 7674174Abstract: A gaming device which includes a variety of methods to calculate one or more line pay awards as a function of the total amount wagered upon the game. In one embodiment, the gaming device multiplies the award for the most valuable symbol combination appearing on any payline by the total amount wagered upon the game.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: IGTInventors: Daniel M. Marks, Anthony M. Singer, Howard M. Marks
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Patent number: 7674175Abstract: A video slot machine is disclosed in which a plurality of reel images comprising at least two types of arranged symbols are displayed on a monitor. The video slot machine includes a game controller configured to control a game including a unit game in response to a BET operation; a display controller configured to control the monitor such that the symbols of the reel images are successively changed and then stopped for display during the unit game; a change time determination unit configured to determine whether or not it is time to change the reel images; and a reel image changing unit configured to change at least one of the reel images to a different reel image having a different symbol arrangement when the change timing determination unit determines that it is time to change the reel images.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Konami Gaming IncorporatedInventor: Toshiyuki Yoshimura
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Patent number: 7674176Abstract: Gaming systems/processes employing display elements activated by direction-indicating symbols from adjacent display elements. A slot game event provides a display grid having deactivated grid positions and at least one activated grid position. A direction-indicating symbol is randomly presented in the activated grid position, indicating the direction of a deactivated grid position, and the deactivated grid position is activated in response. Distinguishing non-selected grid positions from selected grid positions may involve visually de-emphasizing the non-selected grid positions, such as by dimming or obscuring, or highlighting the selected grid positions. An activated grid position may be deactivated if a stop symbol is randomly presented in the grid position. Game play may be repeated until all activated grid positions are deactivated grid positions and/or de-emphasized grid positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: King Show Games, Inc.Inventors: Bradley Berman, Adam Martin
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Patent number: 7674177Abstract: The present invention is an intelligent metering system for currency-activated devices having an electromechanical meter. The intelligent metering system includes an inductive pickup winding associated with the electromechanical meter. An amplifier is coupled to the inductive pickup winding to boost a signal detected from the inductive pickup winding when electromechanical meter is actuated. A pulse detector, coupled to the amplifier, detects pulses, false triggerings and filters out EMF spikes. A microprocessor is coupled to the pulse detector for counting the pulses detected by the pulse detector and for storing meter data related to the counted pulses in a memory device. An interface is coupled to the microprocessor for transmitting the meter data from the memory device.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Cole Kepro International, LLCInventor: Joseph W. Cole
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Patent number: 7674178Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Alexander Casey Naglestad Cohen, Tonja Marie Ferry, Adam Koby
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Patent number: 7674179Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Alexdander Casey Naglestad Cohen, Tonja Marie Ferry, Adam Koby
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Patent number: 7674180Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming device that the player is currently playing.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: IGTInventors: Jacob Graham, Greg Schlottmann, Michael N. Low, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider, Cara L. Iddings