Patents Issued in June 8, 2010
  • Patent number: 7731434
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes; a coil for excitation; a stator excited with different magnetic poles by energization of the coil; a rotor magnetized with different magnetic poles in a circumferential direction thereof, and rotated by a magnetic force generated between the rotor and the stator; and an outputting member rotated in conjunction with the rotor and outputting rotational movement of the rotor to a first blade and a second blade. The rotor and the outputting member are jointed by welding and a welding portion of the rotor lies in a boundary of the magnetic poles thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Precision Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Yasuda, Shuichi Kawaguchi, Akihiro Ito, Mikishige Sugasa, Shigeru Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 7731435
    Abstract: A printing method and apparatus includes fingerprinting a sheet of printable media such as paper to obtain a fingerprint. The fingerprint is encrypted using an encryption key known only to the user wanting to print the document. The encrypted fingerprint is then encoded and transferred to the document as machine readable information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kurt Piersol, Stephen Weyl
  • Patent number: 7731436
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus using a thermal printing head (TPH) and a printing method thereof to print a borderless image on both sides of a printing medium. The image forming apparatus includes first and second feeding units respectively disposed at front and rear sides of the TPH to transfer the printing medium at a predetermined printing speed and a pair of out-feed rollers that co-rotates and feeds out the printing medium, in which one of the out-feed rollers rotates in contact with the pick-up roller. A platen roller co-rotates in contact with the printing medium fed by the first and second feeding units The TPH has a printing position in which the TPH is pressed towards the platen roller to form a printing nip, and an open position in which the TPH is separated from the platen roller. The knock-up plate has a pick-up position where the printing medium comes in contact with the pick-up roller and a stand-by position where the printing medium loaded thereon is separated from the pick-up roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-duk Lee, Jong-sung Jung
  • Patent number: 7731437
    Abstract: A paper cutting device comprising a fixed blade, a movable blade, a movable blade drive mechanism for moving the movable blade, wherein the movable blade and the fixed blade are disposed in substantially perpendicular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Motoyoshi Shirotori, Hironori Maekawa
  • Patent number: 7731438
    Abstract: A sheet bundle printer peeling off and performing printing on an uppermost sheet of a peelably adhered sheet bundle includes a print head performing printing on the sheet, a platen roller, at a print position, cooperating with the print head to feed both the sheet and an ink ribbon, pinched therebetween, and a platen moving mechanism moving the platen roller between the print position and a non-print position. The platen moving mechanism includes a manual operation device manually moving the platen roller from the print to non-print positions and a press roller that made to contact or moved away from the platen roller by the manual operation device to move the platen roller from the print to non-print positions while pressing it when the press roller contacts it. At the non-print position, the sheet is allowed to pass between the press roller and the platen roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Sakano
  • Patent number: 7731439
    Abstract: A cartridge for use with an advancing pen, comprising: a cartridge body, the cartridge body containing contents, the cartridge; a seal, the seal retaining the contents within the cartridge body; a cartridge tip, the cartridge tip located substantially within the cartridge body and in contact with the contents and penetrating the seal, the cartridge tip withdrawing the contents to apply the contents to a desired surface; a retaining cap, the retaining cap sealing the cartridge tip and the seal, such that the retaining cap must be removed before the cartridge tip can deliver the contents to the desired surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Harry San Miguel
  • Patent number: 7731440
    Abstract: To reduce manufacturing cost of an extruding container, a female thread member (5) integrally has an outer tube (5a) and an inner tube (5b) with an annular space (5s) between them being open to one side in an axial direction, and the inner tube (5b) has a female thread (5e) formed on an inner peripheral surface from one side and to extend in the axial direction and slits (5n) extending in the axial direction and being open to one side, while a core pin including a male thread corresponding to the female thread (5e) and a protruding portion corresponding to the slits (5n), is drawn out from an outer mold after a middle mold having a convex portion corresponding to the space (5s), whereby the core pin can be drawn out without breaking the female thread (5e) as the inner tube (5b) is expanded by the slit (5n).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Tokiwa Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Tani
  • Patent number: 7731441
    Abstract: A ring mechanism for retaining loose leaf pages has a housing and hinge plates supported by the housing for pivoting motion relative to the housing. Ring members are mounted on the hinge plates and are moveable between a closed position and an open position. An actuator is mounted on the housing for movement relative to the housing for causing pivoting motion of the hinge plates. A locking element releasably locks the closed ring members in a locked position and releases the closed ring members to move to the open position in an unlocked position. An intermediate connector operably connects the locking element to the actuator. The intermediate connector is deformable during movement of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: World Wide Stationery Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wing Yiu Ng, Hung Yu Cheng
  • Patent number: 7731442
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to dividers with tabs adjustable along at least two edges of the binder. One embodiment is directed to a divider for use in a binder. The divider comprises a panel, the panel comprising a binding edge and a plurality of non-binding edges, and a tab. The panel comprises at least one binding feature adjacent the binding edge and at least one tab mating feature adjacent at least first and second edges of the plurality of non-binding edges. The tab is configured to mate with the at least one tab mating feature. The at least one tab mating feature is configured such that the tab is positionable in at least two longitudinal positions along the first non-binding edge and in at least two longitudinal positions along the second non-binding edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Staples The Office Superstore, LLC
    Inventors: Sasha Barausky, Ryan Shafer, Irene Wong, Tom Lutzow, Matthew Chace Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7731443
    Abstract: A mounting system for a component to be mounted to a vehicle frame is provided utilizing keyhole features in the component, and fasteners having sacrificial spacers in the vehicle frame. The sacrificial spacers upon the fasteners prevent them from being pushed into the vehicle frame when the component having keyhole features is placed over them. Once the keyhole features have been placed over the fasteners having sacrificial spacers, the fasteners having sacrificial spacers may be fully tightened, thereby fully contributing to the integrity of the resulting joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Batdorff, Mark E. Barnes
  • Patent number: 7731444
    Abstract: A system to couple a plastic part and a body structure includes a plate and an elastic member as part of the body structure. Additionally, the plastic part includes an opening and an oblique stop at an end of the opening. The plate is received within the opening. The elastic member includes a first end that is free and a second end that is fixed to the plate. The elastic member biases the plate with respect to the plastic part. In a first position, the first end of the elastic member contacts the oblique stop. In a second position, the first end of the elastic member contacts the oblique stop such that the first end of the elastic member is displaced in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction compared to the first position. Additionally, the elastic member is slideable along the oblique stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Ludovic Vollet
  • Patent number: 7731445
    Abstract: A captured shim head set for a bicycle has a bearing set for mounting on the head tube of a bicycle; a member for axially loading the bearing set and radially affixing the bearing set to a steerer tube of a bicycle front fork; a top cap for covering the bearing set and with which an axial load is applied to the member; and at least one washer-shaped shim for adjusting the spacing between the top cap and member. A lost motion mechanism is formed between the member and top cap and at least one washer-shaped shim is selectively capturable in the lost motion mechanism for limiting the degree of movement between the member and top cap in a manner limiting the distance that the top cap is movable towards the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Cane Creek Cycling Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Coaplen
  • Patent number: 7731446
    Abstract: A joint includes at least one joint bushing and a joint bolt or pipe that is rotatably mounted with radial play in the joint bushing, forming an annular bearing gap. The joint has a play compensation element having several spring-loaded sections that engage in the annular bearing gap. The radii of the spring-loaded sections are shorter than the radius of the annular bearing gap. The spring-loaded sections project beyond a base body of the play compensation element at an acute angle to the joint axis. If the play compensation element is designed both to compensate the play and to axially secure the joint, it includes at least one clamping section, which is/are supported on the joint bolt and project(s) beyond the opposite side of the base body of the play compensation element to the spring-loaded sections. The play compensation element can be used in particular for joints of adjusting devices in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG, Coburg
    Inventor: Markus Prause
  • Patent number: 7731447
    Abstract: A racing facility with a racing surface and a pit road. The pit road includes an pit road entrance connected to the racing surface, a plurality of pit walls defining a plurality of elongate pit boxes/stops each connected at a first end thereof to the pit road entrance, wherein the pit boxes are arranged in a side by side configuration and are arranged at an angle with respect to the pit road entrance and wherein the pit walls are movable such that a given pit box can be defined on a left side or a right side of a respective pit wall. The pit road also includes a pit road exit connected to the pit boxes at opposite second ends thereof wherein at least a portion of the pit road exit is arranged substantially parallel to at least a portion of the pit road entrance. The pit road entrance and/or pit road exit can intersect the racing surfaces at acute angles. The pit boxes can intersect one or both of the entrance and pit road exits at acute angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Harold J. Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 7731448
    Abstract: A portable rumble strip that is adapted to conform to a roadway having a base portion, grips that adhere to the roadway, and a plurality of vibrators protruding away from the roadway. The vibrators are effective to cause a vibration in a tire when engaged by a moving vehicle and effectively alerting the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony Fillie
  • Patent number: 7731449
    Abstract: A flexible marker device comprises a marker body having a bottom end and a top end, and a base for supporting the marker body. The base has an aperture in a center portion thereof and a groove extending about the aperture in an upper surface of the base. The bottom end of the marker body is at least partially disposed within the groove. A cured material, preferably polyurethane, is disposed in the groove to thereby secure the marker body to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Trafix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Patent number: 7731450
    Abstract: A method of operating a compactor machine includes moving the compacting machine within a work area and determining a compaction response disconformity exists between at least two regions of the work area. The method includes generating a compactor navigation signal responsive to the compaction response disconformity. A method of compacting a work area may include determining a work material compaction response associated with at least one region of the work area is aberrant, and maneuvering the compactor machine within the work area responsive to a signal associated with the aberrant compaction response. A system for compacting a work area includes a compactor machine and an electronic controller configured via a compactor maneuvering control algorithm to detect an aberrant work material compaction response in a region of the work area and responsively generate a compactor navigation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Congdon, Paul T. Corcoran
  • Patent number: 7731451
    Abstract: A cover removal apparatus includes a frame, an electromagnet and a power source, which is electrically coupled to the electromagnet for selectively energizing the electromagnet. The removal apparatus may further include means for positioning the electromagnet relative to a cover and/or means for loosening the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Rock Mills Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Dave Roberts
  • Patent number: 7731452
    Abstract: A number of individual barrier units form a floating barrier wall each comprising a housing formed in the general shape of a highway barrier having a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed end walls, and, opposed side walls interconnected to form a hollow interior which is preferably partially or completely filled with a foam material. A ballast weight is secured to each barrier unit, either inside or outside of the hollow interior, to maintain them in an upright position in the water. Cables, couplers and/or other connectors are employed to mount adjacent barrier units end-to-end to form a barrier wall which can encircle a vessel or otherwise isolate an area within a seaport or other body of water to provide security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Leo J. Yodock, III, Leo J. Yodock, Jr., Guy C. Yodock
  • Patent number: 7731453
    Abstract: Described is a method for the trenchless underground laying of pipes. According to said method, a shield tunnel boring machine and then subsequently pipes are driven through the ground starting from a starting shaft. The shield tunnel boring machine produces a borehole whose diameter is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the pipes. The annular space between the borehole wall and the pipes thereby obtained is filled with a supporting and lubricating agent. During advance, a continuous and periodical examination of the composition of the ground is carried out in the area of the shield tunnel boring machine or the first pipe following the shield tunnel boring machine or the first lubricating point. Depending on the result of the examination, the ground in the examined area is sealed off and/or solidified by a sealing and/or solidifying agent and/or the composition of the supporting and lubricating agent is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Stein & Partner GmbH
    Inventor: Dietrich Stein
  • Patent number: 7731454
    Abstract: Piling, apparatus and methods for pouring a concrete piling in situ around pre-positioned reinforcing rods inside removable hollow pipe sections that have been screwed into the ground. A final coupler pipe section including a removable coupler device is releasably attached to a reducer section and helical screw anchor that are left in the ground. The pipe sections are connected end to end by helical flanges and are screwed into the ground using the helical screw anchor. Once the pipe sections are screwed into the ground to a desired depth, the coupler device is operated to release the coupler section from the reducer section and the coupler device is extracted from the pipe sections. Reinforcing rods are disposed inside the pipe sections and reducer section. Concrete is poured into the pipe sections and reducer section to encase the reinforcing rods. The pipe sections including the coupler section are then removed from the ground and reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Heli-Crete “Eco-Friendly” Piling Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas B. Watson, III, Kenneth L. VanPolen
  • Patent number: 7731455
    Abstract: A segmental retaining wall system utilizing extruded strips for soil reinforcement. The retaining wall is composed of a plurality of wall blocks that are stacked securely using interlocking pins and an extruded strip. The wall can be built such that it has vertical or battered angle dependant on the orientation of the interlocking pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Sung Min Hong
    Inventor: Hye Seoung Shin
  • Patent number: 7731456
    Abstract: A pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided. A pump control feature is provided for air flow rate control during positive and negative pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Terrence M. Fulkerson, Stephen G. Nemethy, Terry John Thompson, Jeffrey A. Perkins, Joseph G. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7731457
    Abstract: A machine tool designed to be fitted with a cutter which is retained by a central screw includes a plate which is removable in relation to the body of the tool. The plate possesses a cut-out for the positioning of a machining cutter with a central hole, this cut-out having two lateral faces and a third face which bears elastically against the machining cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Seco Tools AB
    Inventor: Alain Pigeat
  • Patent number: 7731458
    Abstract: The invention concerns a clamping element of a coupling device for releasably but axially and rotationally fixing tool components for dry machining (MMS technology) and for wet machining. The element provides a friction-type connection between the components to be coupled. A cooling tube is arranged at the center of the coupling device. The spindle is provided with an elongated hole run through which cooling tube passes. A variable contour between the base body and the clamping segment enables an increase in distribution of forces for the support of the clamping segments. The novel geometry of the clamping segments results in novel contours in the base body with smoother transitions, hence a better force distribution, thereby reducing material breakage and a more reliable and robust clamping. By virtue of their novel geometry, the clamping segments have an increased surface enabling larger clamping screws to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Klaus Matheis
  • Patent number: 7731459
    Abstract: A transportation container includes an upper section having a plurality of sidewalls defining a space dimensioned to receive oversized cargo for transport and a base section adapted to mate with a standardized interface of a transportation vehicle for supporting the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Warren J. Bell
  • Patent number: 7731460
    Abstract: A self-adjusting loading guide and restraint for guiding and restraining aircraft unit load devices includes a base and an arm substantially upwardly extending from the base. The arm includes a vertical restraint portion and guide member having at least one substantially planar guide surface that is pivotally connected to the arm, and is movable between a first guide position and a second guide position. When the vertical restraint portion is engaged with a stowed first unit load device, the guide member assists in guiding a second unit load device away from the first unit load device and the loading guide and restraint and into a stowage location that is adjacent to the first unit load device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Brown, Wallace H. Larson, Justin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7731461
    Abstract: A load-bearing rail is provided for the cargo space of a motor vehicle, which is used for accommodating a load-bearing eyelet that can be guided therein in a movable and lockable manner. To provide a load-bearing rail for the cargo space of a motor vehicle, which may assume additional functions in order to both keep the weight low and to reduce the number of parts and thus to lower the cost of production, the load-bearing rail is provided with a bracket, which sticks out laterally and which serves as a support for a floor of the cargo space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Siegfried Stoeckl, Werner P. Schlecht, Thomas Seeg, Henning Sparrer
  • Patent number: 7731462
    Abstract: A bulkhead for dividing a cargo container into separate compartments. The bulkhead has a first side facing a first compartment and a second side facing the second compartment. One or more bars are attached to the first side of the bulkhead. In one aspect, mounting brackets having a vertically aligned elliptical opening permits the fastening bar to have some play to better operate during instances of rough transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: JPS Corporation
    Inventors: Jerrell P. Squyres, Kelly Lee Miller
  • Patent number: 7731463
    Abstract: A locking device is disclosed for preventing rotation of one component relative to another component to which it is connected. The locking device comprises a locking plate having a component engaging portion to engage one component, A surface of the locking plate is grooved to engage with a grooved surface carried by the other component. One or more fixing holes are provided for one or more fixing members to be passed through, to force the grooved surface of the locking plate into engagement with the grooved surface carried by the other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin plc
    Inventor: Mathew Davis
  • Patent number: 7731464
    Abstract: There is provided an insert nut, having an outer hollow portion made of a resin material and an inner hollow portion made of a metal material. The outer hollow portion has a projection functioning as a male screw or wedge formed on an outer surface thereof. The inner hollow portion has a female screw formed on an inner surface thereof. The inner hollow portion is press-fitted to the outer hollow portion by inserting one end of the inner hollow portion into the outer hollow portion to reach a final position. Further insertion of the inner hollow portion is prevented beyond the final position. Said one end of the inner hollow portion is caulked with the outer hollow portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Nagayama Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Nagayama
  • Patent number: 7731465
    Abstract: A releasable locking device has a housing and an elongated member extending from the housing. The elongated member has an opening extending therethrough. A shaft extends through the opening of the elongated member. An actuator member extends from an end of the shaft and is positioned within an opening of the housing. A biasing member is positioned between the actuator member and a wall of the housing and is completely within an opening of the housing and not in the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Jergens, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean A. Stapulionis, James C. Klingenberg, David Craig Hageman
  • Patent number: 7731466
    Abstract: The thread form can provide a controlled thread stiffness which can more evenly distribute loads and can be less sensitive to changes in relative pitch. The controlled stiffness of the thread can provide a desired cantilever bending of the thread under assembled load. The thread form can utilize a traditional thread form at and/or above the pitch diameter, thereby maintaining the area of contact close to that of a standard thread form. Standard gaging implements can be used to ascertain the thread pitch and for quality control. The thread form includes a side extending between the crest and the root. The side has a first portion extending from the crest toward the root and the second portion extending from the first portion toward the root. The first and second portions extend toward the root in different orientations relative to the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Shea, Brian K Bartnick
  • Patent number: 7731467
    Abstract: Bolt element (10) having a shaft part (12) which is designed at a first end (14) for a rivet connection (16) to a panel element (18), in particular to a sheet metal part, is characterized in that the shaft part (12) has a spherical formation (22) at its other end (20) the ball diameter (D) of which is larger than that of the shaft part (12). In this manner a bolt element with a spherical head can be manufactured in an extremely favorable manner price-wise and it can be ensured that the spherical head has no burr which would lead to the wearing of the socket provided in operation which slides on the spherical head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Jiri Babej
  • Patent number: 7731468
    Abstract: A machine for cutting and crimping the ends of a helical coil inserted into holes at an edge of a book to hold the coil in place is adjustable to accommodate different diameters of coil. A guide member for centering the axis of the coil in a centering direction is adjustable to accommodate different diameter coils and for adjusting the location of the axis in an adjustment direction at right angles to the centering direction depending upon the diameter of the coil. A cutting device has a blade movable in a slot of an anvil to shear on one side and to bend on the other side to form a crimped end portion. The adjustment of the axis causes the cutting device to cut the end portion longer for larger coils. The cutting device is adjustable to rotate the anvil relative to the axis to accommodate different helix angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Gateway Bookbinding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Desjarlais, Walter D. Klassen
  • Patent number: 7731469
    Abstract: According to the type of the plate placed in a plate placing device of a component feeder, appropriate holding operation and expanding operation are performed selectively and automatically according to the type of the plate by regulating the lowered position of a plate pressurizing member for the tray feeding plate to securely hold the plate and performing wafer expanding while securely holding the wafer feeding plate by releasing the regulation of the lowered position for the wafer feeding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shoriki Narita, Kanji Hata, Shuichi Hirata, Satoshi Shida, Mamoru Nakao
  • Patent number: 7731470
    Abstract: A reticle rotatable rack is provided at an upper position, and a pod rotatable rack is provided at a lower position in a clean stocker. A clean gas is supplied downwardly. In the stocker, a pod transportation device and a reticle transportation device are elevated and lowered. Load ports, a pod opener, and the pod rotatable rack are connected by the pod transportation device. The pod opener and the reticle rotatable rack are connected by the reticle transportation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7731471
    Abstract: A motor vehicle tire carrier includes a housing having an aperture. A drive shaft is rotatably secured to the housing. A spool is positioned in the housing and is rotatably driven by the drive shaft. A flexible elongate member has a first end secured to the spool, is wound about the spool, and extends through the aperture in the housing. A wheel plate is secured to a second end of the elongate member and is configured to support a motor vehicle tire. A crash plate is secured to the housing and has an aperture through which the elongate member extends, with the housing being secured to the crash plate. A guide member on the crash plate has an arcuate surface about which the elongate member will bend when the tire carrier is subject to a lateral force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Voegeli, Jr., Rosanne Knox, Martin Thompson
  • Patent number: 7731472
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting a motorized vehicle, such as a wheelchair, between the loading bridge and cargo bin of an aircraft in a timely manner. According to one embodiment of the invention, a metal cage assembly is implemented with a drop down ramp at the front and an adjustable floor that is raised by a lever handle on either side, outside of the frame. The assembly can be attached to an end of aircraft cargo belt loader by a strap that is wrapped around the belt frame and tightened via a ratcheting clamp. The adjustable floor can be raised or lowered at one end to offset the angle of the belt loader when it is raised to an upright position, for example, to reach a galley door of an aircraft. Angling of the adjustable floor can allow the floor to be substantially parallel to the loading bridge or aircraft cargo bin, thereby enabling the easy transfer of a motorized wheelchair to and from various compartments of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: USAirways, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Miller, Joseph O. Nester
  • Patent number: 7731473
    Abstract: A medicine tray storage member (100) capable of storing medicine trays (7) in a stacked condition includes: a tray support member (101) for supporting the medicine trays (7); a tray transport member (102) having a transport mechanism for transporting the medicine trays (7), the tray transport member constituting a part of the tray transport line (3); and a control portion for allowing the tray support member (101) to move down to put the stacked medicine trays (7) on the tray transport member (102), thereby allowing the tray support member (101) to support and move up the next medicine tray (7) positioned above the lowermost one, and allowing the tray transport member (102) to supply the medicine tray (7) situated at the lowermost position to the tray transport line (3). The tray transport member (102) includes cut out portions (11) receiving movable leg portions (125) of a carrier (123) on which the medicine trays (7) in a stacked state are loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Akitomi Kohama, Tatsuaki Kunimoto, Katsumasa Shirai
  • Patent number: 7731474
    Abstract: A cassette insertion control method, wherein when a cassette (1) is sent to the storage part (41) of a garage (8a), the cassette (1) is tilted without positioning the garage (8a) and the cassette (1) to oppose to each other, and sent to the front opening part (40) of the garage (8a) from a tip corner part (45) of the cassette (1), thereby to securely store the cassette (1) in the garage (8a). Thus, even if the accuracy of the stop position of a picker running in a direction parallel with the arranged direction of the garage is not so high, the cassette can be securely stored in the garage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Hiroyasu
  • Patent number: 7731475
    Abstract: An exhaust system for a turbine includes an annular diffuser and a collector. The annular diffuser is positioned adjacent to a final stage of the turbine and includes a hub portion surrounding a turbine shaft and an outer cone having a substantially frusto-conical shape that is radially symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis thereof that is tilted relative to the turbine shaft. The collector has an inlet extending from the annular diffuser and an outlet. The collector is configured to include a turn that causes the collector to turn exhaust gases approximately 90° from the longitudinal axis of the turbine shaft. The outer cone of the annular diffuser is tilted in a direction of the turn of the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Elliott Company
    Inventor: James R. Hardin
  • Patent number: 7731476
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to reduce the axial thrust in rotary machines such as compressors, centrifugal pumps, turbines, etc. includes providing additional peripheral restrictive means (7) attached at the peripheral portion of the disk forming the subdividing means (4) on the side facing the rotating rotor (2). An additional ring element at the periphery of the subdividing means forms additional radial (11) and axial restrictive means (15). Such peripheral restrictive means (7, 11 and 15) function as sealing dams, which combined with the outward flow induced by the rotating impeller, form self-pressurizing hydrodynamic bearings in the axial and radial planes, improving rotordynamic stability. Additionally, a stationary ring element in the center of the cavity forms a seal with the rotor, reducing leakage to suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Technology Commercialization Corp.
    Inventors: Boris Y Ganelin, Michael W Kenworthy
  • Patent number: 7731477
    Abstract: An insulated enclosure apparatus for use with an exhaust fan such as an attic fan which includes an upper frame through which air can exhaust and a lower frame for receiving air passing thereinto. The outer portion of the frame includes an upper frame and the lower frame that are each formed as two-piece units. Vertically extending panels extending therebetween to house the fan. A pivot axle is attached to the undersurface of each of the two doors for facilitating automatic opening and closing responsive to whether the fan is operating. Limit pins are included to restricted the distance of movement of the doors when opened. Gaskets can be attached along the door edges for sealing thereof to the upper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas W. Erni
  • Patent number: 7731478
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a packing ring segment assembly for sealing a turbine gas path are provided. The assembly includes a sealing portion including radially inwardly directed teeth, and a dovetail mounting portion including a hollowed out portion including a biasing member internal to the packing ring segment. The biasing member is coupled to the packing ring segment and configured to engage a pair of annular shoulders of a dovetail groove in the turbine such that the packing ring segment is biasing radially outward at relatively low turbine loads and low working pressure, and at relatively high turbine loads and high working pressure a working fluid overcomes the radial biasing member forces and urge the packing ring segment radially inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Chevrette, Frederick G. Baily
  • Patent number: 7731479
    Abstract: A fan includes a fan housing and an impeller. The fan housing includes a frame, a base disposed in the frame, a plurality of stationary blades disposed between the frame and the base, and a plurality of airflow-guiding elements extending inward from the frame and toward the base. The airflow-guiding elements and the stationary blades are alternately arranged. The impeller is disposed in the fan housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Pei-Yu Chang, Tsu-Liang Lin, Wen-Shi Huang
  • Patent number: 7731480
    Abstract: A power turbine is provided in the form of a set of plates that cooperate to form a housing, with a set of spaced apart disks mounted on a shaft within the housing. Some of the plates and disks cooperate to allow gas or steam to be injected to provide a driving force on the shaft, while others of the disks and plates cooperate to form one or more integral pumps. The pumps are used to pull cooling liquid or water into the housing, and to cool the driving disks. In this way, the steam that drives the disks is condensed while still in the housing, with a water level maintained on the driving disks. In operation, the steam directly acts on the disks toward the outer circumference of the disks, but more toward the center of the disk, the steam transfers its energy to the water, and the water transfers the energy to the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Benjamin J Cooper
  • Patent number: 7731481
    Abstract: A turbine engine component has an airfoil portion with a pressure side wall and a suction side wall and a cooling system. The cooling system has at least one cooling circuit disposed longitudinally along the airfoil portion. Each cooling circuit has a plurality of staggered internal pedestals for increasing heat pick-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Francisco J. Cunha, Edward F. Pietraszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 7731482
    Abstract: A damping system for a turbine bucket. The damping system includes a damper pocket with a variable tangential depth and a damper pin positional within the damper pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Arnette Lagrange, Randall Richard Good, Gary Charles Liotta, Jon Robert DeLong, Matthew Durham Collier, James William Vehr, Anthony Aaron Chiurato
  • Patent number: 7731483
    Abstract: Third stage turbine buckets have airfoil profiles substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z? set forth Table I wherein X and Y values are in inches and the Z? values are non-dimensional values from 0 to 1 convertible to Z distances in inches by multiplying the Z? values by the height of the airfoil in inches and adding the radius of the airfoil base. The X and Y values are distances which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z. The profile sections at each distance Z are joined smoothly to one another to form a complete airfoil shape. The X, Y and Z distances may be scalable as a function of the same constant or number to provide a scaled up or scaled down airfoil section for the bucket. The nominal airfoil given by the X, Y and Z distances lies within an envelope of +/?0.0.060 inches in directions normal to the surface of the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jon Robert DeLong, Craig Allen Bielek, Tommy Dee Hayes, Benjamin Arnette Lagrange, Scott F. Johnson