Patents Issued in May 4, 2010
  • Patent number: 7707709
    Abstract: A bearing race and pinion bearing race installation tool kit or set includes a pneumatic and manual driver handles in combination with a multiplicity of separate drivers. The component parts may be selected from the kit, combined and then used for installation of a bearing raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 7707710
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed for driving a slide under a wedge within a slot of an armature or field of a dynamoelectric machine. The tool comprises a frame including a pair of elongated rail members; a force application block located between the rail members; a drive connected to the frame, substantially intermediate opposite ends of the frame; a lead screw threadably engaged at one end with the force application block and connected at an opposite end to the drive such that the drive rotates the lead screw when actuated. Rotation of the lead screw causes axial movement of the force application block. The armature or field includes a core, and this core may have one or more vent slots for facilitating ventilation of the armature or field. A slot plate for locating the tool relative to the slide is present, and a portion of the slot plate extends into one or more vent slots. The slot plate establishes a reaction point for forces applied by the force application block to the stator slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brock M. Lape, Michael J. Bousquet, Kenneth J. Hatley, Richard M. Hatley, William G. Newman, Kenneth G. Troiano
  • Patent number: 7707711
    Abstract: A vented cover includes a pair of cross-flow ventilation ducts each including an acoustic noise reduction lining. The ducts are “cross-flow” in that they cross and bypass one another. The cover is affixed to an enclosure containing components of a computer system and abuts against a panel of the enclosure having an airflow aperture. An air moving device (AMD) passes air through the enclosure from the ducts if the cover is an intake cover, and/or into the ducts if the cover is an exhaust cover. The ducts increase the air path length, and the acoustic absorbing surface, thereby increasing acoustic attenuation. Airflow resistance is reduced by reducing surfaces perpendicular and close to the area where air enters and by reducing sharp turns in the ducts. The cover has a relatively thin depth because the ducts cross and bypass each other in a very space efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Charles Bartell, Gerard Frances Muenkel, Matthew A Nobile
  • Patent number: 7707712
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for assembling a camera module comprising a support frame that is formed in a rectangular shape and has a jig horizontally connected to an upper end thereof; a plurality of stages that are vertically stacked and installed in the support frame and adjust a printed circuit board (PCB) in three-axis directions; a board holder that is formed to extend from one end of the uppermost stage and has the PCB mounted on the extending end thereof; and a jig assembly that is disposed on an opening of the jig and has a barrel-integrated housing mounted on the central portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Duck Hun Kim
  • Patent number: 7707713
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a component-embedded board including detecting, before the board is covered with an insulating layer, the actual position of an electronic component formed on the surface of the board, calculating a displacement between the design position of the electronic component and the actual position of the electronic component on the surface of the board, and for holding the displacement as displacement data, and correcting, based on the displacement data, design data to be used for processing the board after the board is covered with the insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Akagawa, Kazunari Sekigawa, Shinichi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 7707714
    Abstract: Production of microscopic and nanoscopic coils, by rolling up conductor layers during the removal of auxiliary layers from a substrate. By removing the auxiliary layer from the substrate, for example by virtue of a sacrificial layer situated in between being selectively etched away, the auxiliary layer folds back and, if appropriate, automatically rolls up upon continuation of the removal operation and a conductor track concomitantly rolls up in the process. The auxiliary layer may be formed by two layers having different lattice constants. It is possible to produce microcoils, microtransformers, or microcapacitors constructed from said microcoils, with diameters in the nanometers or micrometers range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Max-Planck Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Wissenschaften E.V.
    Inventors: Oliver G. Schmidt, Christoph Deneke
  • Patent number: 7707715
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a multilayer printed circuit board, which enables the formation of a micro circuit able to be realized through a semi-additive process using the CTE and rigidity of a metal carrier on a thin substrate which is difficult to convey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuhichi Okabe, Je Gwang Yoo, Chang Sup Ryu, Myung Sam Kang, Jung Hyun Park, Ji Hong Jo, Jin Yong An, Soon Oh Jung
  • Patent number: 7707716
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a build-up printed circuit board, in which the circuit of a build-up printed circuit board including a core layer and an outer layer is realized by forming the metal seed layer of the core layer using a dry process, consisting of ion beam surface treatment and vacuum deposition, instead of a conventional wet process, including a wet surface roughening process and electroless plating. When the wet process is replaced with the dry process in the method of the invention, the circuit layer can be formed in an environmentally friendly manner, and as well, all circuit layers of the substrate including the core layer and the outer layer can be manufactured through a semi-additive process. Further, the peel strength between the resin substrate and the metal layer can be increased, thus realizing a highly reliable fine circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Seok Song, Taehoon Kim, Dong Sun Kim, Hye Yeon Cha
  • Patent number: 7707717
    Abstract: A method of repairing a used electrode device 1 is disclosed wherein the method has the steps of providing a used electrode assembly 1 having an inner conductor 9 with an integral electrode tip 3 encapsulated in an insulator body 8 having an outer conductor 10 and an outer electrode tip 4C; and pressing the inner conductor 9 with integral electrode tip 3 while holding or restraining the insulator body 8 to apply an force sufficient to overcome at least partially the adhesion forces at the mating surfaces of the inner conductor 9 and the insulator body 8. Thereafter by grasping an end 9A of the inner conductor 9 opposite the tip 3 while holding the insulator body 8 and withdrawing the inner conductor 9 from the insulator body 8 the parts can be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Healthtronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Earnest Pringle
  • Patent number: 7707718
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for preventing disengagement of electrical connectors in the assembly of computers. In one embodiment, a computer system includes a chassis, an electrical component contained within the chassis, an electrical connector engaged with a receptacle on the electrical component, and a retainer to prevent disengagement of the electrical connector from the receptacle. The retainer has a mounting portion that can attach to at least one of the electrical component or the computer chassis, and a connector interface adjacent to the electrical connector to prevent the connector from disengaging from the receptacle on the electrical component. In one aspect of this embodiment, the retainer is a one-piece retainer with a mounting portion that attaches to only one surface of the electrical component. In other embodiments, the retainer can be a two-piece retainer having a bracket and a movable retainer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig L. Boe
  • Patent number: 7707719
    Abstract: A method for protecting contacts within a receptacle housing of a connector assembly from becoming contaminated. An example method includes inserting a connector insert into the receptacle housing, the connector insert includes a body portion having an exterior configured to correspond to at least a portion of the interior of the receptacle housing of the connector assembly. The body portion of the insert includes an opening which extends into the body portion to receive the contacts and protect the contacts from the exterior environment surrounding the receptacle housing when at least a portion of the body portion is received within the receptacle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Meister, Ray D. Sturbaum
  • Patent number: 7707720
    Abstract: A method for forming an impeller for a pump provides a reliable protective barrier that prevents or eliminates the ingress of pumped fluid that might otherwise attack the magnetic assembly of the impeller. An inner barrier is hermetically connected to an internal impeller section at one or more seams to cover at least part of a first magnetic assembly. Filler is introduced into a spatial volume of the first magnet assembly associated with the internal impeller section. The remainder of an impeller is molded over or in association with the internal impeller section to form the impeller with the inner barrier and an outer barrier overlying the inner barrier for protection of the first magnet assembly from the pumped fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative Mag-Drive, LLC
    Inventors: Manfred P. Klein, Jeffrey S. Brown, Scott A. McAloon
  • Patent number: 7707721
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing multiple transmission units with individually selectable gear ratios that vary from unit to unit, a gear pair having a desired transmission ratio is selected from a multiplicity of interchangeable gear pairs that includes both spiroplan gears and conventional crown gear and pinion combinations. The selected gear pair is then installed into a housing having first and second bearing sections configured to support bearings in which the shafts of the selected gear pair are rotatably mounted. The bearing sections are configured such that, for every gear pair that may be selected from among the multiplicity of gear pairs, the bearing sections support the first and second shafts in such a position and orientation that teeth of the gears engage with each other and a longitudinal axis of one of the gears of the gear pair is offset by a fixed distance from a longitudinal axis of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hubert Leibold
  • Patent number: 7707722
    Abstract: A novel technique for setting a multiplicity of precious stones such as diamonds into a unique setting to enhance the beauty and presentation of the multiplicity of set stones, with the technique including setting a center stone into a socket and having it held by a multiplicity of prongs, an outer series of small stones wherein each outer stone is respectively placed in a socket and is held in most designs by a pair of the same prongs which hold the center stone and is also held by a lower groove in the interior facing surface of the outer wall, and an intermediate series of stones which are placed in a respective socket and are held by a pair of the prongs which also retain the center stone and in most designs all of the smaller stones and are also retained by a groove in the interior facing surface of the outer wall, the intermediate series of stones also serving to retain the small series of stones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Fine Jewellery (India) Ltd.
    Inventor: Premkumar L. Kothari
  • Patent number: 7707723
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a roller thrust bearing having a plurality of rows of rollers, the bearing featuring reduced differential slip, reduced friction and wear, and increased longevity without flaking. The method includes forming a cage to accommodate the rollers, crowning the rollers, and arranging the rollers in pockets such that the rollers held by a pocket have respective end surfaces in direct contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Tamada, Kikuo Maeda, Tomoaki Kawamura, Hirokazu Nakashima, Takumi Fujita, Mitsuo Sasabe
  • Patent number: 7707724
    Abstract: To avoid a difficulty of inserting a spline shaft into a spline hole, respective holding members 29 constituting a holding device 28 for holding a hub 3 are displaced in a radial inward direction of a small diameter stepped portion 15. The inner peripheral surface of the inside end of an original hole 25 is elastically deformed radially inward the same as or slightly greater than the elastic deformation caused by externally securing tightly an inner ring to the small diameter stepped portion 15. In this condition, a female spline portion for constituting a spline hole is formed in the original hole 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yasumura, Shoji Horike
  • Patent number: 7707725
    Abstract: An electric shaver has a pivotally mounted longhair cutter unit that is pivoted outward into an operating position by motion of an operating switch of the shaver via an actuator that also causes the cutting blades of the longhair cutter unit to extend from the longhair cutter housing. Because the longhair cutter retracts into the longhair cutter housing when the longhair cutter unit is folded shut, the sharp edges of the blades are protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Eichhorn, Detlef Gleich, Peter Junk, Christof Kleemann, Michael Odemer, Thorsten Pohl, Tobias Schwarz, Thomas Verstege, Martin Vitt, Juergen Wolf, Christoph Zegula
  • Patent number: 7707726
    Abstract: A reciprocating shaver including an inner cutter upwardly pushing spring for pressing the inner cutter against the inner surface of the outer cutter; slide members held on the outer cutter frame so as to be able to slide; outer cutter elastically supporting members which are for elastically supporting the outer cutter and mounted in the outer cutter frame with one end of each one of them engaging one of the slide members, and another end thereof engaging the outer cutter; and float setting members which are provided in the shaver main body and respectively engage the slide members, in linkage with the mounting motion of the outer cutter frame relative to the shaver main body, so as to determine the position of the slide members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Izumi Products Company
    Inventor: Shinji Shiba
  • Patent number: 7707727
    Abstract: The invention comprises of a trimmer body with pivotally mounted handle mechanism attached to a flexible curvature adjuster band going through a plurality of cutting units articulately arranged side by side with a flexible scissor type mechanism attached to every cutting unit and trimmer body to maintain equidistant spacing between cutting units and to prevent the formation of an uneven curvature. The curvature of the cutting section is adjusted with the release of the restraining mechanism with the thumb of one hand and the pivotal movement of the front handle mechanism with the other hand. The one hand operated foliage trimmer's cutting blades are arcually reciprocated by electromagnets. The elongated foliage trimmer's head body and cutting section's hemispherical spatial orientation is adjustable and restrainable with the rear handle mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony A. Szoke
  • Patent number: 7707728
    Abstract: An engagement system for removably connecting gardening tools and similar type devices to a power unit comprising a drive motor, the system comprising a base element suitable for being fixed to a crankcase housing the drive motor, a fastening element of a tool that can be actuated by a shaft of the drive motor, suitable for coupling with the base element, a button mounted on the base element and suitable for cooperating with a corresponding opening formed on the fastening element to removably lock the elements in an engagement position, the base element being equipped with at least one electrical safety switch actuated elastically by a rod between a first position in which the electrical safety switch is closed and prevents the operation of the drive motor, and a second position in which the electrical safety switch is open and allows the operation of the drive motor, the second position only being obtainable when the fastening element is engaged with the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: EMAK S.p.A.
    Inventor: William T Cobb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7707729
    Abstract: A reciprocating tool comprising a drive shaft and a motor, a plunger for reciprocating motion, the plunger being driven by a wobble plate and pivotally supported in a front bushing and in a manner not prohibiting the plunger to rotate about a longitudinal axis of rotation, the plunger has a rear spherical end, a movable counterweight and a drive arm for moving the counterweight, the counterweight having an opening for receiving the plunger, the opening has side walls that support the rear spherical end of the plunger as it moves relative to the counterweight, a first wobble plate assembly connected to the drive shaft and having a first wobble plate interface engaging and reciprocating the plunger in the front bushing and the counterweight; and a second wobble plate assembly operatively connected to the drive shaft and having a second wobble plate interface engaging the drive arm of the counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jaime Moreno
  • Patent number: 7707730
    Abstract: An annular body has an angle scale for measuring the rotational position of a machine part about an axis, the body having recesses and projections on its inner circumference, and at least one of the recesses being suited for a form-locking rotatably fixed attachment on the machine part. The sum of the central angles, which are respectively defined by starting points and end points of the projections is smaller than the sum of the central angles, which are respectively defined by the starting points and end points of the recesses. Such a body on a high-speed shaft of a machine tool may be used for measuring the rotational position of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Mitterreiter, Jens Dormann, Pascal Haible
  • Patent number: 7707731
    Abstract: This invention discloses a component marking device to allow components to be marked by using the rotation provided by a CNC type of machine or other machine tool, and which utilizes a stylus which shares the same approximate axis of rotation as the CNC machine and which utilizes rotating impact balls to impart a strong throwing force on hammer pins and a hammer to cause the sudden downward movement of the stylus as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: The Tapmatic Corporation
    Inventors: Mark F. Johnson, Allan S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7707732
    Abstract: A scribing system comprising a mounting mechanism, stylus, and force generating mechanism is provided. The mounting mechanism is configured to rotate an elongated object in such a manner that the object is subjected to a bow effect wherein a middle portion of the object bends relative to the end portions of the object. The stylus is for scribing the object at a position x along the long dimension of the object while the mounting mechanism rotates the object. The force generating mechanism is connected to the stylus so that the stylus applies the same constant force to the elongated object regardless of the position x along the long dimension of the object that the stylus is positioned, while the mounting mechanism rotates the object and thereby subjects the object to the bow effect, thereby scribing the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Solyndra, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Shenderovich, Boris Djurovic, Daniel Liu, Wen Chang, Benyamin Buller, Erel Milshtein
  • Patent number: 7707733
    Abstract: A support unit for a level indicator capable of being mounted on a geomatic pole, such as a prism pole or a GPS pole. A housing of the support unit is mounted on the geomatic pole. A first holder in the housing holds the level indicator and a second holder holds a tool, such as a stylus or a hex wrench, for use along with of the support unit. The level indicator is pivotally adjustable with respect to the housing for alignment with the geomatic pole when mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: SECO Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Ralph C. Mize
  • Patent number: 7707734
    Abstract: A chalk line marking device includes a chalk line that is held in a storing, dispensing and retracting device. The device comprises a housing and an element for gripping the chalk line when it is extended from the dispensing device and lifting it from the workpiece surface at a point remote from the device. A spring mechanism causes the gripping element to suddenly snap back to its original position, when released, thereby causing the chalk line to leave a linear chalk mark on the workpiece surface. The device may also comprise a gripping element arranged within the housing that includes a plunger responsive to movement of the housing, for lifting and suddenly releasing the gripping element. A worker can extend the chalk line with one hand while holding the dispensing device in the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Alexander
  • Patent number: 7707735
    Abstract: An embodiment of a hole angularity gage includes a gage body and a contact disc positioned within the gage body. The contact disc includes a central opening defined by an inner edge. The gage also includes a center pin that extends through the central opening, and a hole probe adapted to rotate the center pin from a primary gage axis toward the contact disc's inner edge. The gage also includes an indicator adapted to activate when the center pin makes contact with the contact disc. Another embodiment of a hole angularity gage includes a hole probe and a circuit. The circuit includes an indicator and a switch, which is adapted to close when the hole probe is rotated by an angle greater than a gage setting angle. The indicator is adapted to activate when the switch is closed. Other embodiments include methods for using and manufacturing hole angularity gages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kin Y. Wong, Lewis J. Sprague
  • Patent number: 7707736
    Abstract: A device for establishing an area of incision on a breast includes a positioning component adapted to be positioned on or adjacent to a nipple areola complex of the breast and a template component connected to the positioning component. The template component includes at least one substantially arcuate-shaped stencil to facilitate a curved incision marking or curved incision on the breast. The device may include an elongated member connecting the template component to the positioning component. The template component may be pivotally attached to the elongated member and may be adjusted to move along the length of the elongated member. The positioning component may be substantially circular or substantially semi-circular. One or more handles may be attached to the device. A method for utilizing the aforementioned device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Donald M. Keenan
  • Patent number: 7707737
    Abstract: A three dimensional measuring device including: a first retractable member for measuring in a first dimension, a second retractable member for measuring in a second dimension, and a third retractable member for measuring in a third dimension. Each of the retractable members is configured to angularly pivot relative to any of the other retractable members thereby rendering a recordable angular measurement. The three dimensional measuring device is adapted to accurately measure the size of three dimensional objects. The three dimensional measuring device is also capable of rendering a three dimensional representation of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Caren Michele Davis Lightfoot
  • Patent number: 7707738
    Abstract: A low cost digital ruler with desirable ergonomic characteristics and accuracy. A low friction sliding position indicator includes a compliant element that forces its connection pads against the ruler's electronic scale contacts, to determining measurement positions. The position indicator includes an instrument receiving feature that engages a writing instrument and moves in conjunction with it, thereby measuring a line as it is drawn. A position indicator preload arrangement includes the compliant element, which is deflected to exert a preload that forces the sliding position indicator against a housing of the digital ruler. Alignment features of the position indicator and housing have cross sections that provide a self-aligning angled interference fit, which accurately aligns the sliding position indicator, under the action of the preload force. Misalignment constraint surfaces constrain the sliding position indicator in approximate alignment by, even if an external force overcomes the preload force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Nahum, Michael Vilhauer, Yuhua Ding, Casey Emtman
  • Patent number: 7707739
    Abstract: A scale is attached to a carrier by optically contacting. The optically contacting bonds are formed by raised surface regions of the scale set apart from each other. Additional measures, such as the provision of adhesive surfaces, provide a rigid and vibration-resistant joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Holzapfel, Joerg Drescher, Peter Speckbacher, Josef Weidmann, Wolfgang Pucher, Kilian Bauer
  • Patent number: 7707740
    Abstract: A height scale includes a base, a column assembly mounted on the base and a height rod assembly movably mounted along and within the column assembly, the height rod assembly including a lever assembly with a lever, a lever bracket and a rod cap having self-locking release tabs on opposite sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventors: Weilong Li, Zhen Yu, Ricardo Murguia
  • Patent number: 7707741
    Abstract: A system and method for drying cavities loaded with high level waste (“HLW”) is devised. The invention utilizes a non-intrusive procedure that is based on monitoring the dew point temperature of a non-reactive gas that is circulated through the cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a method comprising: a) flowing a non-reactive gas through the cavity; b) repetitively measuring the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity; and c) upon the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity reaching and remaining below a predetermined dew point temperature for a predetermined time, discontinuing the flow of the non-reactive gas and sealing the cavity. In another aspect, the invention is a system designed to carry out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Krishna Singh
  • Patent number: 7707742
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and/or prosthetic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis, III
  • Patent number: 7707743
    Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper and including a support assembly having an upper member and a lower member spaced from the upper member. A first layer is positioned beneath and in contact with the upper member and has a wave shaped profile with a plurality of first wave crests and first wave troughs. A second layer is positioned above the lower member and has a wave shaped profile with a plurality of second wave crests and second wave troughs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Schindler, Fred G. Fagergren
  • Patent number: 7707744
    Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Schindler, John F. Swigart
  • Patent number: 7707745
    Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Schindler, Sebastien Mermet, Troy C. Lindner, Andrew Caine
  • Patent number: 7707746
    Abstract: An outsole for a footwear construction to provide added softness in the heel strike area of a foot while providing added stability to the outer edge of the outsole, comprises: a top layer contoured to the shape of a foot, thereby providing cradle support to the foot; and, a lower layer having a bottom most layer with a heel portion so constructed as to achieve different degrees of softness, the heel portion including a wedge-shaped piece positioned on the heel portion, positioned over the heel strike area and being of a softer durometer value material and having an outer edge of a harder durometer value material thereby providing added stability to the footwear construction and avoiding lateral collapsing. The top layer and bottom layer are cemented together, encapsulating the wedge-shaped piece in the footwear construction between the top layer and bottom most layer to form a stable walking platform for the footwear construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Norman C. Dean
  • Patent number: 7707747
    Abstract: A footwear shoe structure for sports and general outdoor activity, having excellent benefits with respect to hallux vulgas, has an internal half-size tabi (Japanese sock) structure that uses a stretchable cloth and separates the big toe from the other four toes, the internal structure being interposed between an instep covering material and an upper toe part of a sole. The stretching property of the stretchable cloth forming an upper part and the stretching property of the stretchable cloth forming a lower part of the internal structure are differentiated from one another so as to be smaller in the latter than in the former. A partition member 4 formed of a soft elastic material is fitted into a crotch part between a big toe part and a part of the internal structure for the other four toes. In one embodiment, the upper part of the internal structure is formed of two sheets comprising stretchable cloth of nylon or polyester fiber, and a urethane foam 1c is interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Urban-Nawachi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Nawachi, Mitsuyuki Habara
  • Patent number: 7707748
    Abstract: Support structures for footwear and the like include a contacting member (e.g., an outsole) that includes at least two recessed segments extending in a longitudinal direction in the forefoot portion. The recessed segments provide lines of flex such that various regions of the contacting member independently move about the lines of flex and separately engage/disengage from a contact surface when a wearer shifts his/her weight. Additionally or alternatively, the contacting member may include a set of traction members in the forefoot portion that inhibit forefoot movement in a lateral direction while optionally allowing forefoot movement in a medial direction and a set of traction members in a heel portion that inhibit heel movement in the medial direction while optionally allowing heel movement in the lateral direction. Such support structures may be used, e.g., for golf shoes or shoes for other activities requiring a swinging or twisting action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek Campbell
  • Patent number: 7707749
    Abstract: A modular snow travel system for common footwear includes a first traction component which may be an overboot. The first traction component includes at least one traction cleat having latch, such as an exposed hook portion, for engagement with a snowdeck. The engagement is effected by a releasable locking mechanism on the snowdeck. The releasable locking mechanism includes a transversely movable slider and a longitudinally movable slider having contacting cam faces. The lateral position of the transverse slider determines the longitudinal position of the longitudinal slider so that the longitudinal slider could be moved longitudinally to and from a position where a catch on the longitudinal slider is engaged in the hook portion or is disengaged from the latch of the traction cleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Kahtoola, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Giovale, William J. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7707750
    Abstract: The ventilated shoe comprises an outer sole and at least two interchangeable inner soles. The inner sole in disposed in contact with and over the outer sole. The outer sole has ventilation ports at the toe portion and at the heel portion. The ventilation ports extend through the entire thickness of the outer sole. A support is provided to spacedly rest the inner sole over the outer sole in a manner to allow air to penetrate through the ventilation ports and to circulate between the outer sole and the inner sole. The inner sole may be air permeable and is used when the temperature is medium to high. Under cold temperature it is preferable to use an impermeable inner sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Louis Garneau Sports Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Garneau
  • Patent number: 7707751
    Abstract: An example orthotic is described which may include a cushioning first layer and a shell layer. The shell layer may be configured to extend longitudinally from at least the talus-navicular joint to the medial cuneiform-first metatarsal joint and laterally under at least the medial cuneiform bone when the orthotic is in use. The shell layer may be configured to receive a removable insert that alters an amount of arch support provided by the orthotic. A set of inserts may be provided to allow the example orthotic to be customized based on user support preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richad T. Avent, Philip C. Yang, Charles E. Lundy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7707752
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a trench wall in the ground and which is penetrated by an obstacle, lateral trench wall recesses being sunk on either side of the obstacle and below the obstacle is produced a lower trench wall recess by laterally pivoting in a soil-removing trench wall apparatus from at least one of the two trench wall recesses. The invention also relates to a trench wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Stoetzer
  • Patent number: 7707753
    Abstract: A self-adjusting snow plow for use with pickup trucks, SUVs, all-terrain vehicles or other land vehicles. The snow plow includes a mounting apparatus for attachment to a vehicle and a plow blade, preferably including a mold board and a retention apparatus assembly. The retention apparatus assembly disengageably secures the plow blade to the mounting apparatus when the plow blade is in a snow displacement position. The snow plow further includes an elongated strap selectively connectable between the plow blade and the mounting apparatus in at least one position, wherein the position is a constrained orientation wherein the elongated strap resists upward movement of the plow blade when the plow blade is disengageably secured to the mounting apparatus or an elevated orientation, wherein the elongated strap suspends the plow blade a desired distance from the ground to prevent the plow blade from contacting the ground and/or snow on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7707754
    Abstract: A machine, such as a scraper machine, includes a bowl, a cutter and a loading apparatus coupled with the cutter and including a chute having a first end disposed outside the bowl, and an auger positioned at least partially within the chute. The auger includes at least one auger, and is configured to move work material between the first and second ends of the chute. A method of operating the scraper machine includes capturing work material at least in part by moving the cutting edge of the scraper machine through the work material, and conveying work material from the chute into the bowl at least-in part by rotating the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Congdon
  • Patent number: 7707755
    Abstract: A removable device for attaching two mechanical parts includes a pin removably locking a first part with respect to a second part, a retainer member on the pin and a resiliently loaded tension member which collaborate to prevent the pin from coming out of its locked position; the removable device further includes at least two inclined surfaces, the general shape of which is that of a projection oriented in the axial direction of the pin, such that when the pin rotates, the retainer member runs along the inclined surfaces and the pin moves between the locked position and unlocked position against a force exerted on the pin along a longitudinal axial direction of the pin exerted by the tension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Metalogenia, S.A.
    Inventors: José Lopez Almendros, Francesc Perez Lado, Joan Tuto Y Faja, Ester Alonso Frijola
  • Patent number: 7707756
    Abstract: An ironing board attachment assembly includes a clamp that is removably couplable to a panel of an ironing board. A mount is attached to the clamp and a coupler is rotationally coupled to the mount. An arm has a planar upper surface, a planar lower surface, a first end, a second end, and a pair of side edges. The first end of the arm is attached to the coupler. The arm has a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end that is positionable at a selected angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the panel. The arm is extendable into a shirt sleeve to allow the shirt sleeve to be ironed at a selected angle with respect to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Dinkins
  • Patent number: 7707757
    Abstract: By providing a unique housing member within which a plurality of separate display and holding members are operatively interconnected for sequential display relative to each other in a unique, cooperative, continuous, extending manner, a unique, hands-on, visually exciting and interest generating multi-panel display and holding system is realized. In the preferred construction of the present invention, a plurality of separate and independent display and/or holding members are cooperatively interconnected to each other for sequential movement relative to each other. Furthermore, each of the display/holding members are also constructed for being automatically positioned in a precisely desired continuous array in response to the receipt of pulling or movement force applied to one of the display/holding members or to a designated lead element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher S. Crowell
  • Patent number: 7707758
    Abstract: A composite magnetic card for bearing printed data and suitable for mailing purposes comprising (a) a first planar sheet of paper cardstock having a first face and second face; (b) a second planar sheet comprising a magnetic material having a first face and a second face and defining at least one detachable portion defined by a die cut while having suitably located portions integrally retained to non-detachable magnetic material of the second planar sheet; wherein the first sheet first face is sufficiently and suitably adhered with an adhesive to the second sheet first face to retain the detachable portion of the second sheet to the first sheet but wherein the adhesive is not disposed at first selected locations between the first sheet and the second sheet within the card. The resultant card after the detachable portion has been removed is adhesive-free to provide a non-sticky, clear area of the card, which may be readily used to clearly displace further desired data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: SnapNwin Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm J. Stagg