Patents Issued in June 8, 2010
  • Patent number: 7730780
    Abstract: A level switch detects the fill level of a medium in a container and transmits a switch signal corresponding to the detected level. The level switch incorporates a signal generator for generating an electromagnetic signal, a measuring circuit, and a reference circuit into which the electromagnetic signal can be fed. The measuring circuit is so configured and positioned that the signal fed into the measuring circuit changes as a function of whether or not the measuring circuit is surrounded by the medium, while the reference circuit is so configured and positioned that the signal fed into the reference circuit remains unaffected by the fill level of the medium. A tap at a specific point on the measuring circuit collects the measuring voltage, a tap at a specific point on the reference circuit collects a reference voltage, and a voltage comparator compares the measuring voltage with the reference voltage and emits a comparison-derived switch signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Krohne S.A.
    Inventors: Jef Neven, Vincent Pichot
  • Patent number: 7730781
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas pendulum inertial sensor, which is used in control technology field to detect pose measurement of motional body, such as ship craft and robot, wherein the inertial sensor main includes a gas pendulum angular velocity sensing element, a gas pendulum tilt sensing element and a signal process circuit, wherein the signal process circuit mainly comprises a bridge circuit, a amplify circuit, a filter circuit, and a SCM compensation circuit with a null position and sensitivity compensation program, a linearity and output compensation program, an acceleration interference offset subprogram, and an omnibearing tilt signal compensation program, whereby the SCM compensation circuit integral into a circuit board to replace a conventional hardware signal amplify circuit, a filter circuit and a compensation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Beijing Walkang Science & Technology Limited Company
    Inventors: Fuxue Zhang, Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 7730782
    Abstract: A sensor device includes a time determining part that determines time point information, and adds the time point information to the output supplied from a part subjected to failure diagnosis and related to generation of a failure detection signal, and to the output related to generation of a sense signal. With this structure, the failure detection signal is correlated with the sense signal by the time point information. Alternatively, the sensor device includes an output circuit that correlates the failure detection signal with the sense signal supplied at the same time point as the failure detection signal, and outputs both signals using a time division method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Uemura
  • Patent number: 7730783
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a seismic mass which is suspended on springs above a substrate and is deflectable in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. In order to reduce deflections of the seismic mass along the surface of the substrate because of interference accelerations, which lead to a falsification of the measurements of the deflection of the seismic mass perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, the springs include two bending bars which are interconnected via crosspieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Classen, Markus Heitz, Lars Tebje, Fouad Bennini
  • Patent number: 7730784
    Abstract: Embodiments of techniques to verify the interference fit of fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes aligning a probe proximate a fastener, the fastener being disposed within a material. A dynamic stress signal is generated from the probe using a low frequency transducer, and the dynamic stress signal is interrogated after it passes between the fastener and the material. An interference fit is then determined based on the interrogated dynamic stress signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, James H. Lee, Karl E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7730785
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor is provided with a substrate unit where a thin-walled portion is arranged and a piezoelectric oscillator which is formed at the substrate unit. The piezoelectric oscillator includes two electrodes and a piezoelectric film positioned between the two electrodes. The thin-walled portion and the piezoelectric oscillator construct a membrane structure which will resonate at a predetermined frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Wado, Makiko Sugiura
  • Patent number: 7730786
    Abstract: A seismic sensor, having a body which incorporates means for detecting and/or measuring waves, and, in the extension of said body, a tip for insertion into the ground, said tip extending between an upper end and a lower end, wherein said tip has at least two wings which together give said tip a V-shaped profile, said wings having between them at least one cavity which extends from said upper end to close to said lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Sercel
    Inventors: Yann Pichot, Christian Grégoire
  • Patent number: 7730787
    Abstract: The bourdon tube pressure gauge includes: a joint which is made of the resin and is attached to a pressure container; and a bourdon tube which is made of metal and has a rear end fixed to the joint. The joint comprises a fixation hole into which the rear end of the bourdon tube is inserted to be fixed by bonding, and an inside of the fixation hole is more widened than an opening of the fixation hole which serves as an insertion port for the bourdon tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Burudon Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruaki Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 7730788
    Abstract: A method of measuring the retention force of a biomedical specimen coupled to a carrier includes the measurement of the force required for magnetically decoupling the specimen from the carrier. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing the specimen with an electrically conductive structure; creating an external alternating magnetic field near the specimen; increasing the amplitude and/or frequency of the magnetic field; detecting the start of the movement of the specimen on the carrier; and calculating the retention force of the specimen by determining the applied magnetic force on the basis of the parameters of the magnetic field. In other embodiments, the magnetic field may remain constant and the biomedical specimen may be moved through the field at varying speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Harry Zscheeg
  • Patent number: 7730789
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a gap between a first mating surface of a first component and a second mating surface of a second component has a substrate. A plurality of capacitive sensors is coupled to the substrate. A controller is coupled to the plurality of capacitive sensors. The controller is used to select each individual capacitive sensor to measure the gap between the first mating surface of the first component and the second mating surface of the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Boeing Management Company
    Inventor: David J. Odendahl
  • Patent number: 7730790
    Abstract: Shear test apparatus for gold and solder balls of a semi-conductor substrate comprises a support element (21) on which is provided a piezo electric crystal (24) in the direct shear load path. The crystal (24) may have a shield (25). The interface between shield and crystal, and crystal and support element may include an epoxy resin layer to distribute force and retain the components as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Robert John Sykes
  • Patent number: 7730791
    Abstract: A test device comprises a base and a first fixture coupled to the base. The first fixture holds a first portion of an electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device includes a second fixture rotatably coupled to the base and a lever coupled to the second fixture. The second fixture holds a second portion of the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device also includes an actuator that forcibly moves the lever to rotate the second fixture and apply a torsion stress on the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device may be used to test the functionality of electronic devices, such as small form-factor disc drives, while under torsion stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Swee Tiong Tan, Chung Poh Ong, Shang Jiun Wong, Kee Ann Chan, Cheng Siong Chin
  • Patent number: 7730792
    Abstract: A method for compensation for influences, which interfere with the measurement accuracy, in measurement devices of the vibration type, comprising a measurement tube through which a fluid medium can flow and which is caused to oscillate mechanically, acting as an oscillation body, by an excitation unit, whose oscillation behavior, which changes as a function of the flowrate and/or the viscosity and/or the density of the fluid medium, is detected by at least one oscillation sensor in order to determine the flowrate, wherein the material strain in the measurement tube is detected by means of at least one sensor, from which an indicator value for the influence causing the material strain is calculated in order to correct the measurement signal, by signal processing, from the indicator value obtained in this way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Kassubek, Lothar Deppe, Jörg Gebhardt, René Friedrichs, Steffen Keller
  • Patent number: 7730793
    Abstract: A venturi flow sensing method, system, and apparatus. A tube or chamber may be tapered from a larger to smaller diameter to create a venturi region within the tube or chamber. The venturi region causes a local increase in flow velocity. The change in velocity creates a local change in pressure which is, in turn, used to drive flow through a parallel bypass tube or chamber. Inside this bypass, a flow sensor can be located, and in some cases, a pressure sensor as well. The flow is then either exhausted back into the original tube or the bypass tube may alternatively dead end. In either case, flow can be measured without causing a significant overall pressure drop in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Jamie W. Speldrich
  • Patent number: 7730794
    Abstract: A method for classifying passengers comprises the steps of providing a plurality of load sensors disposed in a passenger seat of an automobile for measuring a load applied to the passenger seat; obtaining a sum by summing respective values obtained by multiplying respective load values measured from the plurality of load sensors by weighted load values of the respective load sensors; and comparing the sum with a reference value to classify a passenger on the passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Ho Hwang, Byeong Yeol Kim
  • Patent number: 7730795
    Abstract: A device for sampling drill cuttings includes a frame, an inclined perforated member mounted on the frame, a sprayer for washing cuttings down over the perforations, and a removable open-topped cuttings collector mounted under the perforated member, the perforated member cooperating with the downstream end of a vibratory screen over which the cuttings pass before translating onto the perforated screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Willy Rieberer
  • Patent number: 7730796
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to realize high-accuracy analysis of a flue gas in terms of a trace amount of ammonia so as to control the level of ammonia gas to be added to a flue gas NOx removal apparatus. Since the ammonia gas to be determined is a highly absorbable, the gas component is considerably adsorbed on a surface of the flue gas sampling tube during sampling of flue gas. When a conventional sampling method including heating a gas sampling tube is employed, the amount of sampled gas is reduced through adsorption during gas sampling, failing to obtain concentration values at high accuracy. Thus, a high-accuracy gas sampling method replacing a conventional, heating-based method includes completely washing out, with an absorption liquid therefor serving as a washing liquid, a target ammonia gas deposited on the inner wall of a flue gas sampling tube (2), whereby the gas component is thoroughly collected. Through analysis of the thus-obtained washing liquid, high-accuracy analysis can be attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimada, Shinya Tamura, Naoyuki Tokunaga, Megumi Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7730797
    Abstract: In a method of authenticating a package, an origin noise level of the package is determined based upon one or more identifying characteristics, where the origin noise level is a deviation from a normal condition caused by the one or more identifying characteristics. In addition, the package is authenticated based upon the origin noise level of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Vinay Deolalikar, Salil Pradhan, Alipio Caban, Lester Ortiz, Geoff Lyon
  • Patent number: 7730798
    Abstract: A measurement sensor includes an elongated sensor part at the first end of which is the electrical connection of the sensor part and at the second end of which is the sensor end of the sensor part. A first sleeve part is arranged around the sensor part for attaching the measurement sensor to the object to be measured and for supporting the sensor part. A second sleeve part extends into the first sleeve part, the second sleeve part being rotatably arranged in connection with the first sleeve part. The sensor part has an external thread and the second sleeve part has an internal thread, the external thread of the sensor part and the internal thread of the second sleeve part are connected to each other so that when the second sleeve part is rotated in relation to the sensor part, the sensor part moves in the direction of its longitudinal axis in relation to the first and second sleeve parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Wärtsilä Finland Oy
    Inventors: Jan Lindén, Magnus Pada
  • Patent number: 7730799
    Abstract: A gear transmission mechanism (2) for motor vehicles having a main shaft (10, 12) and a countershaft (14) parallel to one another, on which different gears for different gear ratios are arranged. The countershaft (14) is arranged above a horizontal plane (X-Y axis) containing a main shaft axis (16) with respect to the axle system of the vehicle so that installation space for the functional components (gearshift elements 18, a hydraulic system 20) of the transmission is available below the gearset formed by the gearbox wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Michael Drabek
  • Patent number: 7730800
    Abstract: A small center distance is provided between a crankshaft and a gearshift shaft disposed in parallel. A power unit is built compactly in a direction of arrangement of the crankshaft and the gearshift shaft for supporting reliably the gearshift shaft on which heavy, first and second gearshift clutches are supported. A transmission includes a main shaft, disposed in parallel with a crankshaft and rotatably supported in a crankcase, and first and second gearshift clutches. The first and second gearshift clutches change a gearshift position in a first gearshift portion and a gearshift position in a second gearshift portion, respectively. The main shaft includes an outer shaft portion that extends from the crankcase and supports the first and second gearshift clutches. The outer shaft portion is supported by a bearing portion disposed in a front cover on a side opposite to the crankcase across the first and second gearshift clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sorani, Kinya Mizuno, Yasushi Fujimoto, Ken Oike
  • Patent number: 7730801
    Abstract: The control system including four actuating forks, each associated to one or two gears and having a first engagement member, and a first hydraulically-operated actuator for controlling engagement of all gears. The first hydraulically-operated actuator includes: a shaft provided with four second engagement members for engagement each with a respective first engagement member of the actuating forks and arranged to turn about and translate along its axis; a cylinder coaxial to the shaft and arranged only to translate in the direction of its axis; and a pin drivingly connected either to the shaft or the cylinder and engaging in an S-shape groove provided either in the cylinder or shaft, respectively, so as to link the rotational and translational movements of the shaft with the translational movement of the cylinder. A second hydraulically-operated actuator is arranged to lock or release selectively the translational movement of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: CRF Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Filippo Baldascini, Dario Caenazzo, Domenico Mesiti, Gianluigi Pregnolato
  • Patent number: 7730802
    Abstract: A shift lever device includes a shift lever having a pivot shaft formed at a base end of the shift lever integrally and a base having an opening formed to allow the shift lever to be inserted into the base and a pair of bearing parts formed so as to lie on opposing sides of the opening. The pivot shaft extends along a direction intersecting with a longitudinal direction of the shift lever. Each of the bearing parts has a bearing hole formed in the bearing part to adjoin the opening, a guide groove formed in the bearing part to communicate with the bearing hole, for introducing the pivot shaft into the bearing hole and a bearing bush which is to be inserted between the pivot shaft and the bearing hole. The bearing bush has a latch hook provided to engage with an interior of the bearing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Takikawa
  • Patent number: 7730803
    Abstract: A switch designation apparatus for a bicycle control unit comprises a first switch structured to be mounted to a bicycle for providing signals to move a moving bicycle control device, a second switch structured to be mounted to the bicycle for providing signals to move the moving bicycle control device, and a switch designation unit that allows a user to selectively designate movements of the bicycle control device signaled by at least one of the first switch and the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryuichiro Takamoto
  • Patent number: 7730804
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly of a vehicle has a central lock device for selectably locking an adjustable steering housing and co-extending steering shaft to a stationary bracket or chassis. For driver convenience and comfort, the steering housing and shaft are together adjustable with respect to the bracket. The lock device has an actuator preferably having an outer member supported operably by a guide feature carried between the outer member and the bracket for movement along a first centerline traverse to the steering shaft. The bracket also supports a lever of the actuator for movement along a second centerline that intersects the first centerline. At least one roller is located in a raceway defined between the outer member and the lever. Because the raceway is angled with respect to both the first and second centerlines, motion of the lever along the second centerline is converted to motion of the second member along the traversing first centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin V. Manwaring, Richard K. Riefe, Amelia M. Lask, Melvin L. Tinnin, Ravi Ravindra
  • Patent number: 7730805
    Abstract: Bevel-cornered cable eyelets suitable to be operatively fitted onto a moveable brake arm of a motor vehicle park brake mechanism have an eyelet portion forming a bevel-cornered opening and a cable connection portion integral with the eyelet portion. In typical motor vehicle park brake applications, good performance can be achieved with the front corners beveled at an angle of 35-55 degrees to the front surface. The opening of the cable eyelet to receive the brake arm has a fore-and-aft inside dimension smaller than the lateral inside dimension of the opening. The bevel surfaces resist turning of the eyelet relative to the brake arm during normal use. A motor vehicle park brake cable comprises an elongate brake cable having a first end suitable to be connected to a park brake actuator and a second end attached to a bevel-cornered cable eyelet. The eyelet is readily disengaged from the brake arm, e.g., for repairs, service, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Dewayne Nichols
  • Patent number: 7730806
    Abstract: A vehicle pedal booster includes a rigid support panel with a rectilinear central region provided with a predetermined thickness and a plurality of anchoring brackets spaced from the support panel and positioned posterior thereof in such a manner that the existing vehicle pedal is intercalated between the anchoring brackets and the support panel. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for maintaining the anchoring brackets and the support panels directly and statically abutted against the existing pedal such that the vehicle pedal booster is prohibited from disengaging the existing vehicle pedal during driving conditions. Such a maintaining mechanism includes a plurality of rectilinear threaded fasteners penetrating through the orifices and engaging the anchoring brackets respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Stanzie Grimaldi
  • Patent number: 7730807
    Abstract: A transmission for a tractor has a forward/reverse transmission unit for selectively changing a rotational direction of power of a first shaft connected with an engine and transmitting the power to a second shaft connected with an axle shaft, a main transmission unit installed between the second shaft and the axle shaft and having a plurality of gears to speed-change the power transmitted from the second shaft in four-speed, and a sub-transmission unit installed between the main transmission unit and the axle shaft and having a plurality of gears to speed-change again the power transmitted from the main transmission unit in four-speed. The transmission realizes forward/reverse 16-speed while having a compact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: LS Mtron Ltd
    Inventors: Hyo-jung Kim, Chul-hwan Choi, Hyung-tai Kim, Jung-min Kim
  • Patent number: 7730808
    Abstract: Ceramic blades and fabrication methods thereof. A ceramic blade comprises a ceramic body having two sides and an edge. A coating layer is applied on the two sides and the edge, wherein the ceramic body is formed using a scraper to create substantially flat surface and to prevent residual stress damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kuo-Chuang Chiu, Ren-Der Jean, Chuan-Lung Lu
  • Patent number: 7730809
    Abstract: The present invention relates to tools for removing shingles, nails and other materials from a roof or other surface. A tool of the invention, in certain embodiments, comprises blades that move in preferably a reciprocating manner to pry up shingles, nails and other materials. A tool of the invention, in certain embodiments, can be powered through a remote power source to move the blades. In certain other embodiments, a tool of the invention comprises a drive-wheel which is rotated through force form a remote power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy Frost Creato, Michael J. Creato
  • Patent number: 7730810
    Abstract: A push-button locking pliers has a plurality of macro jaw width stations for grasping a wide variety of objects. A positioning mechanism is connected to a movable jaw member and cooperates with a jaw adjustment slot in the main handle. The positioning mechanism is released by pushing on a push button allowing, it to move along the slot. The user places the positioning mechanism at the jaw positioning station that creates a macro spacing between the fixed and movable jaws that best fits the object to be grasped. An adjustment screw adjusts the micro spacing between the jaws to cause the pliers to lock on the object using an over-center mechanism when the handles are squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Paul M. Janson
  • Patent number: 7730811
    Abstract: An interchangeable head system for tools is provided. The system includes a pair of handles connected at a pivot point. Each handles has two generally parallel walls forming a space therebetween, and a moveable pin attached therethrough. The pin is non-removably attached to one of the walls. A plurality of heads interchangeably connected at the pivot point. Each heads includes two components and each component includes two contact surfaces. The movable pin facilitates securing the head to the handle. The handles are designed to be squeezed together to thereby allow the contact surfaces to move towards one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: IBT Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Robinson, Dan M. De La Rosa
  • Patent number: 7730812
    Abstract: The invention provides a screw head having a hexalobular slot (2) in the upper surface of the screw head, an upper peripheral wall (9) of hexalobular planform extending down into the screw head, the upper peripheral wall (9) being parallel or near parallel to the axis of the screw, a sloping transition surface (15) extending downwardly and inwardly with respect to the lower edge of the upper peripheral wall (9), and a tapered recess (11) extending downwardly from the lower edge of the sloping transition surface (15), in which the dimensions of the screw head are such that when the screw head is engaged by a tool (6) having upper (16) and lower engagement (17) sections, the lower engagement section (17) is tapered, and there is a ‘stick fit’ between the surface of the tapered recess (11) and the external surface of the lower tapered engagement section (17), and there is no engagement with the sloping transition surface (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Jone Edland
  • Patent number: 7730813
    Abstract: A variable tuned holder for machine tools that attaches to a machine tool to act in a manner similar to a dynamic absorber while the machine tool is used during machining. The natural frequency of the holder may be matched to the natural frequency of the machine tool as the tool is in use to reduce the amplitude of vibration at the cutting end of tool with a workpiece. The present invention is designed to provide an impedance match between the machine tool and the holder such that the cutting energy may escape and/or be dissipated. The flexible holder may be used as one part of an overall system. The system may be designed to be used with tools of different shapes and/or lengths. As the shape and/or length of the machine tool changes, the system may be easily modified to change the natural frequency of the flexible holder to enable the dynamic absorber effect of the flexible holder to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony L. Schmitz, Lonnie A. Houck, III, Brian P. Mann, Kevin S. Smith
  • Patent number: 7730814
    Abstract: A video image processing system, which determines a type of a video image scene and processes the video image based on a processing method corresponding to the type of the video image scene, is provided. A landmark feature variable obtaining section calculates the landmark feature variable on the basis of the photographing direction, the photographing position, and the landmark information. A moving feature variable obtaining section calculates a moving feature variable on the basis of the photographing position, the moving speed and route information. A video image type determining section determines a type of the video image scene on the basis of the landmark feature variable and the moving feature variable. A video image processing section determines a processing method of the video image on the basis of the type of the video image scene and a usage purpose, and processes the video image on the basis of the determined processing method. A display section displays the processed video image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yusuke Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7730815
    Abstract: In the assembly of vibration body, the first width in the lateral direction (X axis direction) is greater than the second width in the longitudinal direction (Y axis direction) in the cross sectional form perpendicular to Z axis of the first portion on the tip side from the closest node position, thereby, the rigidity of a vibration body main part in the X axis direction can be enhanced, and lateral bending vibrations on fixing portion can be restrained. Consequently, an object can be processed highly accurately by the assembly of vibration body that is controlled with a high precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Imai, Shigeru Hosoe, Hiroyuki Matsuda, Isao Takano
  • Patent number: 7730816
    Abstract: A press apparatus includes an inputting device, that enables a user of the press apparatus to input working pattern data representing the workpiece, and a display device, that displays a working pattern of the workpiece based on the inputted working pattern data. A tool selecting device selects a plurality of tools required for working the workpiece in accordance with the working pattern data. A calculator calculates a transferring pitch of the workpiece in order for parts of the workpiece to be sequentially arranged in predetermined positions in a feeding direction of the press apparatus with respect to the plurality of tools selected by the tool selecting device. In this regard, the calculator also determines which tool is to be operated in association with the transferring pitch. The press includes a controller that controls the transferring pitch calculated by the calculator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Amada America, Inc.
    Inventor: Koji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7730817
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus for ductile materials comprises a nozzle having a number of outlet openings separated from each other by separator webs. Next to the nozzle, a rotating cutting tool is provided, having a plurality of cutting knives for cutting off the strands of material discharged through the outlet openings of the nozzle. Each separator web is at least as wide as a cutting knife. For performing a cutting operation, the cutting tool is intermittently rotated. Between two cutting operations, the cutting tool is stopped, whereby its knives remain in a rest position behind the separator webs. For the next cutting operation, the cutting tool is rotated by such an amount that its cutting knives move from a position behind a first separator web to the next adjacent separator web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Buss, AG
    Inventor: Andreas Rieck
  • Patent number: 7730818
    Abstract: A food slicing system for slicing a food article into a plurality of pieces of equal thickness includes a base having a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of end walls extending between the front and rear walls. A catch aperture is defined by the front wall, the rear wall and the end walls. The front wall, the rear wall and the end walls extend upwardly from a bottom face. A cutting assembly is hingedly coupled to the base. The cutting assembly is pivoted towards the base to slice food articles on the base into a plurality of slices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Kent H. Kannegieter
  • Patent number: 7730819
    Abstract: A portable weapon comprises a non-lethal portion and a lethal portion. The lethal portion may comprise a rifle, and the non-lethal portion may comprise a millimeter-wave directed energy weapon. The non-lethal portion may comprise a kit to add non-lethal capability to a lethal weapon. The non-lethal portion may comprise an output antenna to generate a high-power millimeter-wave initial wavefront, a main reflector, and a sub-reflector to reflect the initial wavefront to the main reflector. The main reflector may direct the reflected wavefront in a bore-sighted direction toward a target. The wavefront directed by the main reflector may have a power density selected to deliver a non-lethal deterring effect on the target. In some embodiments, the non-lethal portion may include a replaceable energy-storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Reid F. Lowell, Kenneth W. Brown, A-Lan V. Reynolds, Alan A. Rattray
  • Patent number: 7730820
    Abstract: A method and system are provided to support simultaneous operation of a weapon and communication with a remote apparatus. The system utilizes a control module with a transceiver in communication with a receiver of a remote apparatus and/or output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Anthrotronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack M. Vice, Joli K. Rightmyer
  • Patent number: 7730821
    Abstract: In an exemplary electromagnetic launcher, a housing with breech and muzzle is slidably supported in a carriage supported on a trunnion. First and second electrical contacts are mounted in the carriage toward an axis of the trunnion. The first and second contacts are electrically connectable to receive electrical power from an electrical power supply. First and second augmentation conductors are disposed aft of the trunnion and are electrically connected to the first and second electrical contacts. First and second main conductors extend from the breech toward the muzzle. A current cross-over connection is disposed toward the breech and electrically connects the first and second augmentation conductors with the first and second main conductors, respectively. The first and second electrical contacts and the first and second augmentation conductors may be engaged in slidable electrical contact over a portion of the first and second augmentation conductors, thereby accommodating recoil motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7730822
    Abstract: A body and any occupant of a land vehicle (10) is protected against effects of a landmine explosion, by conducting shock waves laterally outwardly by means of one or more shock wave guide members (16, 18) of a material having high acoustic velocity, and located proximate a ground engaging element (12) of the vehicle. The material may be glass, ceramic or the like having an acoustic velocity of about 6000 m/sec or more, i.e. higher than other materials of other components of the land vehicle. Shock waves encounter less resistance in high-acoustic velocity materials and are thus conducted laterally outwardly, i.e. away from the body. The shock wave guide members may be located immediately above bottom runs of tracks (12) and annularly within wells of bogey wheels (14) of track vehicles; and annularly around hubs or within tyres of wheels of wheeled vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: CSIR
    Inventor: Vernon P. Joynt
  • Patent number: 7730823
    Abstract: A resource is protected by an armor structure comprising a magnetic field such that the magnetic field will interfere with a warhead blast to weaken the blast. In particular, magnetic field will interfere with a molten metal jet from a shaped charge to disperse the jet, allowing subsequent layers of armor to absorb the jet energy without penetration. In one embodiment, the magnetic field is produced by a layer of magnetic material magnetized with the field lines perpendicular to the primary threat direction and typically parallel to the surface of the area to be protected. The magnetic material layer may include ferromagnetic (iron or steel, or other) layers to strengthen and contain the magnetic field, protect the magnetic material and act as additional armor layers. The magnetic layer is typically used in conjunction with an inner shield armor layer to absorb the diffused jet after passing through the magnetic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Larry W. Fullerton
  • Patent number: 7730824
    Abstract: A precision tactical mount (12) includes a horizontal controller (30) and a vertical controller (34) for determining azimuth angles and elevation angles for a sight line of the precision tactical mount (12). The horizontal controller (30) and the vertical controller (34) have friction blocks (102, 114, 196) which engage mating friction surfaces with selectable forces for providing specific resistance against azimuth and elevation angular movement, without requiring separate mechanisms for locking the tactical mount (12) in selected positions. The friction blocks (102, 114 and 196) are preferably formed of softer materials than the mating friction surfaces to conform to the shape of the mating friction surfaces with increased normal forces, providing varying surface areas. The vertical controller (34) includes a course threaded screw member (142) mounted at an angle to a centerline (6) of the precision tactical mount (12) to provide fine control adjustment for elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Robert O. Black
  • Patent number: 7730825
    Abstract: A vehicular hydraulic system having a pump, flow-splitting valve, first application and second application arranged in series. The flow-splitting valve diverts a portion of the primary fluid flow to the second application when the pressure exceeds a threshold value. A valve member disposed in the flow-splitting valve defines a pressure-reducing orifice that communicates fluid across the valve member. A one-way relief valve prevents fluid flow through the pressure-reducing orifice when the pressure in the valve is below the threshold value. When the pressure exceeds the threshold value, fluid flows through relief valve and the pressure reducing orifice resulting in the movement of the valve member and exposure of a bypass port to thereby divert a portion of the primary fluid flow to the second application. The relief valve may be selectively variable to thereby provide for the adjustment of the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert C. Wong, James L. Davison, Rick L. Lincoln
  • Patent number: 7730826
    Abstract: An axial piston hydraulic device. The device has a housing that uses a servo piston in order to control the displacement of a swashplate within the device. By using a servo member disposed within a cavity of an end cap on the housing the axial piston hydraulic device is able to provide three operating positions depending on the angle of the swashplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Becker, Branko Joseph Horvat, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7730827
    Abstract: To provide an attachment structure of a swash plate support, that is, an attachment structure which suppresses an unstably fixed state of the swash plate support and realizes easy attachment and detachment of the swash plate support to and from a casing. A casing of a piston pump and a swash plate support which is attachable to the casing include a displacement preventing device and a rotation preventing device. In the swash plate support and the casing, since an engaging pawl portion of the displacement preventing device engages with an engaging portion, relative displacements in a first direction and a second direction along the rotational axis are prevented, and since a pin member of the rotation preventing device fits in the pin fit hole, relative rotations around the rotational axis are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawasaki Precision Machinery
    Inventors: Hirobumi Shimazaki, Ryosuke Kusumoto
  • Patent number: 7730828
    Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a piston head provided with an annular field, and a piston shaft arranged beneath the annular field. The piston shaft has shaft surfaces and a recess surface which is arranged around a bolt borehole and set back in relation to an outer diameter of the piston. At least one cavity is provided in the region of the lowest annular groove for oil flow in the direction of the recess surface during the movement of the piston and the at least one cavity is arranged outside an especially stressed region above the bolt borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: KS Kolbenschmidt GmbH
    Inventors: Emmerich Ottliczky, Franz Ratzky, Norbert Ries
  • Patent number: 7730829
    Abstract: A beverage brewer and method of using the same is provided. The beverage brewer has the capacity to brew a beverage from variable amounts of prepackaged pods or from free-form brewing material captured between upper and lower filter membrane surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamal F. Hammad