Patents Issued in August 10, 2010
  • Patent number: 7770748
    Abstract: A tumbler with convertible lid and coaster and methods of use thereof are described. A tumbler comprises a brim, the brim defining an open end of the tumbler, an exterior side wall, an interior side wall comprising a tumbler lug, and a bottom portion comprising a tumbler bottom groove. A convertible lid and coaster comprises a top surface, the top surface further comprises a finger recess, a securable straw hole coupled with the convertible lid and coaster, a side edge comprising a convertible lid and coaster groove, and a bottom surface comprising a recessed opening, the recessed opening comprising a lid and coaster lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Drinique, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew T. Elliott
  • Patent number: 7770749
    Abstract: A cover set includes a ring mounted on a bin, a cover pivotally connected to the ring, a lifting device for lifting the cover from the ring and at least one buffer for buffering the cover near the end of the lifting so that the lifting is steady and quiet from the start to the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
  • Patent number: 7770750
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel intended in particular for treating articles under pressure, the vessel comprising a body, at least one lid, and connection means between said body and said at least one lid. According to the invention, the connection means comprise: an open clamping ring having a U-shaped section defining a groove suitable for clamping together the flanges of the lid and the body; and engagement-and-disengagement means enabling the clamping ring to be deformed and moved relative to the flanges in such a manner as to enable the vessel to be opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: ECODAS, Societe par Action Simplifiee
    Inventor: Jaafar Squalli
  • Patent number: 7770751
    Abstract: A baking tray includes an outer shell and a bottom plate positioned within the outer shell for supporting a food item. The bottom plate is removable from the outer shell to separate the food item from the outer shell. The baking tray also includes a divider assembly positionable within the outer shell adjacent to the bottom plate. The divider assembly is configured to divide the food item supported on the bottom plate into a plurality of pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Focus Products Group, LLC
    Inventors: Lou Henry, Bruce Ancona
  • Patent number: 7770752
    Abstract: A plastic container for a particulate product has a footprint and includes a base and at least two and preferably four sides upstanding therefrom which generally define a container main interior volume. A top connects to the sides and includes a large opening which is closed by a lid. One corner includes a pass-through handle located therein having a generally vertical segment which may define a hollow cavity in communication with the main interior volume. The opening of the top is sufficiently large to extend over a portion of the hollow cavity; or is sufficiently wide to receive about a 5? diameter cylinder therethrough, and has a ratio of a minimum span to a bottom diagonal of at least about ?. A shoulder between the top and sides has an angle of less than about 40°. The handle is configured and sized for easy grasping and holding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Glenn S. Gruskin, Jiayan Gu, John A. Blake, Leonard S. Scarola, George T. Albright
  • Patent number: 7770753
    Abstract: In combination, a vending machine for newspapers which includes a storage area for newspapers, a dispensing device, and an output device through and from which the newspapers fall downwards and an output chute including a lower newspaper-receiving support slot having a rearwardly angled lower wall, an upper wall extending generally parallel with the lower wall and spaced thereabove, a base wall and side walls which together form the generally rectangular box shape of said lower newspaper-receiving support slot. The lower and upper walls extend at an angle between 10° and 40° from vertical, and the lower wall has a height of between one-half inch and three inches less then the height of the newspaper such that upon the newspaper being dropped therein, a graspable portion of the newspaper protrudes whereby the newspaper is easily removable from said lower newspaper-receiving support slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald Blankenau
  • Patent number: 7770754
    Abstract: A removable and replaceable dispensing head for a fluid dispenser system adapted to deliver the fluid to a user includes a hollow shank extending on an axis. A shank hub is attached to the hollow shank, and an aperture aligned with the hollow portion of the shank extends through the shank hub. A first fixed body is removably attached to the shank hub, the first fixed body and shank hub each having corresponding first attachment means arrayed in a predetermined pattern. A fluid conveyance path is provided through the hollow shank, first fixed body and shank hub. A second fixed body is provided having a second attachment means arrayed in the same predetermined pattern, the second attachment means corresponding to the first attachment means in the shank hub enabling removable attachment of the second fixed body to the shank hub upon removal of the first fixed body from the shank hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Technical Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Robert K. Shaw, Mario Semchuck, Don C. Arnold
  • Patent number: 7770755
    Abstract: A device for packaging and dispensing several fluid products is described. The device includes at least two sealed flexible gags arranged in a single rigid container, associated with at least one pump, the rigid container consisting of an open cylinder and the bags are provided each with a pump and a push button, and are mounted opposite on each of the two opposite openings of the cylinder. The device is applicable to appliances containing fluids to be dispensed independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Lablabo
    Inventors: Laurent Arghyris, Patrice Puviland, Jean-Philippe Taberlet
  • Patent number: 7770756
    Abstract: A substance container may be used for containing substances such as liquids or powders. The container assembly includes a body. A top panel of the body includes a flap that folds into the back panel of the body. A first aperture is located on the front panel to accommodate a dispensing assembly. A second aperture is also located on the top panel to accommodate a filling assembly. The filling assembly does not protrude past an uppermost plane represented by a top surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: LBP Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Cook, Barry Silverstein, Kurt Wolf, John Nobers
  • Patent number: 7770757
    Abstract: A microdosing device for a liquid medium includes a dosing compartment and an electrically or electronically activatable vibration unit which can cause at least one contact area of the dosing compartment to vibrate for the delivery of a volume of medium. A medium reservoir is connected to the dosing compartment by at least one flow channel. A manually operable conveyance device for conveying medium to the dosing compartment and/or for conveying medium back from the dosing compartment to the medium reservoir is assigned to the at least one flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Helmlinger
  • Patent number: 7770758
    Abstract: A fastener element for fastening a fluid dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, on a fluid reservoir, the fastener element including a deformable snap-fastener portion for snap-fastening on the neck of the reservoir, the snap-fastener portion including a stiffener insert for substantially preventing the snap-fastener portion from deforming after snap-fastening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S
    Inventor: François Le Maner
  • Patent number: 7770759
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser device for being associated with a liquid reservoir, said device comprising: a chamber (10) provided with an inlet valve (5, 15), an outlet valve (27, 32), and a piston (3) that is suitable for varying the volume of the chamber (10); a liquid dispenser orifice (25); and a pusher (2) that is axially displaceable down and up between a rest position and a depressed position; the dispenser device being characterized in that the piston (3) includes an elastically-deformable portion (31) that is deformed by the pusher (2) in its depressed position, in such a manner as to open the outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S
    Inventor: Hervé Pennaneac'h
  • Patent number: 7770760
    Abstract: A modular system, for delivering hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic materials, comprises a modular metering assembly, having a plurality of metering stations disposed therein, which is able to be attachably and detachably mounted upon a modular tank or supply assembly. Alternatively, one or more of the plurality of metering stations may be disposed externally of the modular metering assembly, and alternatively still further, one or more additional modular metering assemblies may be attachably and detachably connected to the first modular metering assembly. In this manner, the entire modular system exhibits enhanced versatility and flexibility in order to effectively implement different material application procedures that may be required for different end-user customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Grant McGuffey, Daniel D. Bourget, Christof Schotten
  • Patent number: 7770761
    Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device for substances in powder- or paste form is equipped with a supply container and with a dosage-dispensing head that is connected or connectable to the supply container and has a housing with an outlet orifice of circular cross-section. The dosage-dispensing head further has a delivery- and closure element, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head, and the delivery- and closure element is designed to be rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and to be capable of translatory displacement along the central lengthwise axis, so that the delivery- and closure element can be moved out of, as well as into, the outlet orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul Lüchinger, Siegfried Zeiss
  • Patent number: 7770762
    Abstract: This invention is a collapsible flexible pouch that fits into a rigid bottle that is connected to a pump such that the pouch collapses while the bottle remains rigid as the contents of the pouch are pumped out. The pouch has a rigid upper part that serves as a seat for the collapsing pouch, the pouch also having one and only one contraction forming an annular concertina that seats on the upper rigid part of the collapsible pouch which collectively prevents blocking and clogging of the exit opening very effectively. An air inlet is provided in the rigid bottle to prevent a vacuum from forming around the collapsing pouch as its contents are dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Lablabo
    Inventors: Laurent Arghyris, Patrice Puviland, Jean-Philippe Taberlet
  • Patent number: 7770763
    Abstract: The invention relates to a precision cover (1) with a spout (5) for closing a container of liquid or particulate product of the type in which the top of the cover forms a spout (5) with a sliding seal (2) that is acted upon by a spring (4) and whose motion is controlled by a pivoting opening lever (3). This cover (1) is characterized in that the pivoting opening lever (3) controls at least two different modes of operation of the sliding seal (2), one in which, for a given angular shift of the control lever (3), the seal (2) is moved by a low value relative to the opening of the spout (5), and the other in which, for the same angular shift of the control lever (3), the sliding seal (2) is moved by a higher value relative to the opening of the spout (5) so as to allow the operator to meter the flow rate of the container's contents with very high precision in the first mode and with a high value of opening in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Fillon Investissement S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre-Erik Faure
  • Patent number: 7770764
    Abstract: An aerodynamic spare tire cover system is provided for use with a spare tire stored on a vehicle underbody. The cover system can be used to cover a full sized spare tire or a temporary spare tire, while providing the same aerodynamic qualities. The cover system includes an annular spare tire cover defining a central aperture, a removable center cap for selectively covering the central aperture, a center spacer supported by the annular spare tire cover that is adjustable between a first position and a second position depending on whether a full sized spare or temporary spare is being covered, and removable spacers supported by the annular spare tire cover. A full sized spare tire and the center spacer in the first position space the spare tire cover the same distance from a position on the vehicle underbody, on the opposite side of the spare tire, as a temporary spare tire, and the center spacer in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaniv Rock, Brian Dressel, Robb Augustine, Matthew Wolfe
  • Patent number: 7770765
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-modal wearable baby and small child carrier that is readily adjustable and which, when worn in use, leaves the wearer's arms and hands free. The carrier comprises an elongated strap attached to a flexible sheet-like body wherein the elongated strap can be worn as a neck strap or can be converted to form at least two shoulder straps, and the flexible sheet body is folded to form a positioning portion, so that the user may position the baby or small child directly in front of, or to the left or right side of the torso of an adult who is using and wearing the carrier, such that the baby can be positioned facing toward the adult or facing away from the adult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventors: Robyn Stevens, Valerie Lambert
  • Patent number: 7770766
    Abstract: A rucksack comprising a bag having a back panel and, among other things, a belt assembly and a rigid frame secured to the back panel and the belt assembly. According to the invention, the bottom portion of the rigid frame has a V-shaped configuration with an angle ? at the apex, and in its middle and rear portion, the belt assembly includes an upwardly open pocket having a V-shaped configuration with an angle ? at the apex, where ? is greater than ?, such that said pocket is suitable for serving as a housing for receiving the V-shaped bottom portion of the frame while allowing the belt assembly to pivot angularly to some extent relative to the remainder of the rucksack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Decathlon
    Inventors: Matthieu Foissac, Antoine Lafoux
  • Patent number: 7770767
    Abstract: A convertible gun carrier is to be mounted on a front of an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) which quickly transitions from a horizontal gun rack position to a vertical gun rest position. This gun carrier holds a gun or rifle securely during ATV travel and also doubles as a shooting rest when the ATV is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Richard Bartholdy
  • Patent number: 7770768
    Abstract: An archery bow cover and sling apparatus is disclosed comprising a cover structure comprising a string enclosing portion, a first end enclosing portion provided on a first end of the string enclosing portion, and a second end enclosing portion provided on a second opposing end of the string enclosing portion, a strap assembly attached to the cover structure, and a first bow retention assembly provided proximate the first end enclosing portion and configured to retain at least a portion of an archery bow within the first end enclosing portion. The string enclosing portion may comprise at least one fastener assembly configured to removably secure the string enclosing portion around at least a bowstring of the archery bow. A corresponding method of manufacturing is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Primos, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilbur R. Primos
  • Patent number: 7770769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rucksack harness comprising central adjustment means (6) located on an upper part of a rear wall of a rucksack; and a central web (8) adjustably attached to the rear wall of the rucksack by the central adjustment means (6), the central web (8) running downwardly along the length of the rucksack to a branch point (4) at which the central web (8) is bifurcated to form to a pair of side webs (10), the pair of side webs (10) passing first through a pair of loops (12) positioned at either side of a lower part of the rear wall of the rucksack, and then passing upwardly along either side of the rucksack and under a stabilizing member (14) or spreader plate, the ends of the pair of side webs being attached to a pair of shoulder carrier straps (16), wherein the length of the shoulder carrier straps (16) in relation to the rear of the rucksack may be adjusted by pulling the end of the central web (8) through the central adjustment means (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Lowe Alpine Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Martyn Hurn
  • Patent number: 7770770
    Abstract: A system for carrying articles on a user's belt, comprising a belt (10) having multiple loops (22) on its outside surface and an article carrier (1) having a sleeve (40) sewn to the body of the carrier at a first end (42) and detachably connected to the body of the carrier at a second end (44). A stiff tab (60) is sewn at one end thereof into the sewn connection of the body of the carrier to the sleeve. The other end of the tab (64) is unattached and overlapped by the sleeve when the sleeve is wrapped around the belt for supporting the carrier from the belt. The carrier can be moved along the belt and placed in different positions unless the free end of the tab is inserted through a loop on the belt in which case the carrier will be fixed in position with respect to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Think Tank Photo, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Harland Murdoch, Michael Sturm
  • Patent number: 7770771
    Abstract: A stapler includes an adjustable firing apparatus for using staples/nails in various sizes that simplifies operation of switching between different staples/nails. The adjustable firing apparatus of the stapler includes an adjusting mechanism and a rotation engaged member having first and second engaged portions. An actuating mechanism can be used to adjust the distance between the adjusting mechanism and the front of a magazine assembly of the stapler to be adapted to use staples/nails in various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Apex Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eric Tsai
  • Patent number: 7770772
    Abstract: A cooling system for combustion-powered fastener-driving tools comprises the use of cooling fin structures upon the external wall members of the combustion chamber and cylinder. Fluid flow paths are constructed between internal wall portions of a surrounding tool housing and the cooling fin structures mounted upon the external wall members of the combustion chamber and cylinder. In this manner, ambient cooling air is passed over and through the cooling fin structures whereby the combustion chamber and cylinder components of the fastener-driving tool are efficiently cooled such that the temperature level of the fastener-driving tool is maintained at a desirable temperature level despite the substantial amount of heat normally generated during each combustion cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Adams
  • Patent number: 7770773
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw between a first position, in which the first and second jaws are aligned within a plane, and a second position, in which the second jaw is in non-parallel correspondence to the plane. The surgical device may include a surgical member, e.g., a cutting and/or stapling element, disposed within the first jaw, and a second driver configured to cause relative movement of the surgical member in a direction parallel to the plane. The first and second jaws may include a camming arrangement that is configured to move the second jaw between the first and second positions. The camming arrangement may include a channel disposed along at least a portion of one or both of the first and second jaws, a ball bearing disposed within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Power Medical Interventions, LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Whitman, Peter T. Datcuk
  • Patent number: 7770774
    Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Dominick L. Mastri, Frank J. Viola, Thomas W. Alesi, Jr., Robert J. Geiste, Jon Wilson
  • Patent number: 7770775
    Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector, a main drive shaft assembly, and a handle. The end effector comprising a cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned therein. The handle comprises a motor for actuating the shaft via a gear drive train, a firing trigger, and a run motor sensor for sensing retracting of the firing trigger. When retraction of the firing trigger is sensed by the run motor sensor, the motor is signaled to forward rotate to cause cutting of the object positioned in the end effector by the cutting instrument. The instrument may also include a reverse motor sensor for sensing a condition indicative of an end of a cutting stroke by the cutting instrument and a stop motor sensor for sensing a condition indicative of retraction of the cutting instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John N. Ouwerkerk, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7770776
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rotatable stapling head of a surgical stapler, which comprises a staple cartridge (1), a staple driver (2), a scalpel (3), a compression rod (4), a staple casing (5) and a rotating assembly. The above parts constitute a rotating forward mechanism which can rotatablely forward the scalpel therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Suzhou Touchstone International Medical Science Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Wang-dong Chen, Quan Chen, Jiang Lin, Ming-yao Lu, Wei-zhong Yin
  • Patent number: 7770777
    Abstract: A portable friction forge welder that applies a direct rotational load to workpieces via a rotational actuator and a direct axial load to workpieces via an axial actuator, where the rotational actuator and the axial actuator have separate and independent power sources. The portable friction forge welder relies on a stored energy linear axial actuator or a center-hole hydraulic axial actuator to achieve high axial forces and a high torque, low rotational velocity to achieve rotational forces, enabling the welder to achieve higher quality welds using larger diameter workpieces than conventional portable friction welders. By applying a high axial force between workpieces prior to high torque rotation of the workpieces results in improved quality welds. A unique clamping device maintains a fixed positional relationship between the workpieces and includes a unique shroud that enables friction welds under a positive pressure inert atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Forge Tech, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7770778
    Abstract: A hemming working is performed by a positioning step of positioning a first panel formed with a projected portion for welding on a second panel formed with a flange portion; a first bending step of bending the flange portion; and a second bending step of pressing the flange portion on an outer side of the projected portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisaku Hasegawa, Katsumi Takeishi, Takeshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7770779
    Abstract: A guide wire includes a wire member having a first wire disposed on the distal side of the guide wire, and a second wire disposed on the proximal side from the first wire. The second wire is made from a material having an elastic modulus larger than that of the first wire. For example, the first wire is made from a superelastic alloy, and the second wire is made from a stainless steel. The first wire is joined to the second wire at a welded portion by welding. A coil is disposed on the distal side from the first wire. A cover layer is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the wire member in such a manner as to cover at least the welded portion. The cover layer is made from a material capable of reducing the friction of the cover layer, for example, a fluorocarbon resin or a hydrophilic material, to thereby improve the sliding performance of the guide wire. Such a guide wire is excellent in operationality and kink resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiraku Murayama, Akihiko Umeno, Jun Iwami, Yutaka Itou, Youki Aimi
  • Patent number: 7770780
    Abstract: Motor-vehicle bodies or sub-assemblies thereof are assembled in a welding-assembly station with the aid of frames arranged at the two sides of the conveying line that traverses the station, said frames being provided with fixtures for locating and clamping the various parts of the body. The side frames are moved between their operative position in the station and an inoperative position at a distance from the station with the aid of multi-axis manipulating robots. Said robots, however, do not carry the frames up to their final operative position for assembling the body, but rather unload them on two rigid structures, which are prearranged at the two sides of the line and are movable in a transverse direction with respect thereto between an open condition and a closed condition. The movable structures, once they have received the frames from the robots in their open condition, displace into their closed condition, thus carrying the frames into their final operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Comau S.p.A.
    Inventors: Denny Monti, Bovero Damiano
  • Patent number: 7770781
    Abstract: At a comparatively early stage, members to be bonded are pressurized together by an applied pressure that is a comparatively low pressure. Under an applied pressure condition (a gas venting process) of the comparatively low pressure, an organic protective film is vaporized by heating a bonding material, and a void portion of a porous structure that is formed by metal nanoparticles and a binder in the bonding material is not collapsed any more than necessary due to the applied pressure. Thus, the void portion of the porous structure functions as a degassing path for the gasified organic protective film, and the gas is smoothly released from between the members to be bonded. At the time point when the temperature of the bonding material has reached a predetermined temperature, the applied pressure is increased from the comparatively low pressure to a comparatively high pressure (a pressure increase process).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Shibata, Yoshinori Ishikawa, Teruyoshi Ichiyanagi
  • Patent number: 7770782
    Abstract: A system which allows healthcare providers to monitor hand hygiene compliance includes a data reader adapted to be worn by a healthcare provider. The system includes a portal trigger disposed at each door portal of a patient room which activates the reader to record an entrance event when the provider enters the patient room. The system includes a dispenser trigger disposed at each cleaning dispenser having cleanser in or at the entrance of each patient room which activates the reader to record a dispensing event when the provider causes the dispenser to dispense cleanser, the reader having a display which displays a number of dispensing events and a number of entrance events. A method which allows healthcare providers to monitor hand hygiene compliance. A system which allows a person to monitor hand hygiene compliance. A method for allowing a person to monitor hand hygiene compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Allegheny-Singer Research Institute
    Inventor: Andrew Graham Sahud
  • Patent number: 7770783
    Abstract: Methods and systems for authenticating products are provided. A client system receives a request for a set of unique security codes and also receives product data associated with a product on which the security codes are to be printed. The client sends at least some of the product data to a host system and receives a batch identifier from the host. The host stores received product data with the batch identifier. The client generates the set of security codes and then provides the codes to be printed on the product. After the products enter the stream of commerce, the host can receive an authentication request including a security code, and in response the host will verify that the security code is valid and return to the requestor the authentication result and at least part of the product data associated with the batch identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.
    Inventors: Elliot Grant, Warwick R. Stirling, Matthew Self
  • Patent number: 7770784
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling access to goods or services. A location may be read from a base, such as a card, using a digital pen. The system may then check if the location is within a region belonging to an authorized user. If so, access may be granted to the authorized user to the good or services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7770785
    Abstract: Detection and management methods and apparatus for wireless devices may include an executable instruction authorization module operable to scan executable instructions on a wireless device, generate a log indicative of a virus or otherwise unauthorized executable instructions based on a received authorization configuration, and forward the log to a user manager. The user manager may be operable to analyze the log and generate an authorization report which may be viewable by an operator to determine the disposition of unauthorized executable instructions. At least one of the executable instruction authorization module, the user manager, and the operator may be operable to generate a control command operable to delete, or otherwise disable, unauthorized executable instructions on the wireless device, or to restore the executable instructions on the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sanjay K. Jha, Behrooz L. Abdi, Clifton Eugene Scott, Kenny Fok, Tia Manning Cassett, Jihyun Hwang
  • Patent number: 7770786
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for creating value by facilitating third party participation in mobile commerce transactions, providing consumers with a unified perspective of commercial activity, and selectively implementing discounts. The system may include a computerized engine and a point of sale wallet, which may be embedded in a personal trusted device. The computerized engine may be programmed to selectively implement a discount associated with a particular transaction. The personal trusted device may comprise a wireless communications technology, which enables the device to communicate with a back-end system and/or other point of sale devices. The personal trusted device may serve as the nexus of consumer transactions by facilitating payment as well as receipt and storage of electronic receipts. The personal trusted device may also be configured to transmit electronic receipts via the communications technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Convergys CMG Utah
    Inventors: Robert D. Birch, Joseph P. Lupo, Scott A. Irwin, Stephen D. Weagraff, Sanjiv Karani, Jeff Gordon
  • Patent number: 7770787
    Abstract: A credential communication device and method adapted to transmit and receive data, including means to process said data in order to effect credential verification and trusted mutual recognition between the device and a second credential communication device, without reference to a third party, further including at least one proximity conductor adapted to transfer at least some data only when in such physical proximity to a second credential communication device as to effectively exclude the possibility of third party involvement in the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: The Commonwealth of Australia
    Inventor: Mark Anderson
  • Patent number: 7770788
    Abstract: A method and system for managing the creation and delivery of an electronic group message is disclosed. The electronic group message can be provided to two or more (i.e., a group) of signers to sign the electronic group message. Once signed, the electronic group message can be provided to one or more recipients. Alternatively, the electronic group message can be provided from a signer to a plurality of recipients, where different recipients receive different messages. One type of electronic group message is an electronic card known as a care card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventors: Lynlee Caron Baker, Elizabeth Thomas Dold
  • Patent number: 7770789
    Abstract: Payment card transactions at a point of sale (POS) are secured in certain embodiments by intercepting, with a POS security layer installed on a POS terminal, payment data from the POS terminal, transmitting the payment data from the POS security layer to a server security application installed on a POS server, and providing false payment data from the POS security layer to a POS terminal application installed on the POS terminal. The false payment data in various embodiments is processed as if it were the payment data, such that the POS terminal transmits an authorization request to the POS server using the false payment data. In addition, the authorization request may be transmitted from the POS server to a payment gateway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Shift4 Corporation
    Inventors: John David Oder, II, John David Oder, Kevin James Cronic, Steven Mark Sommers, Dennis William Warner
  • Patent number: 7770790
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method and an apparatus are provided wherein a device is disabled if the device is located more then a predetermined distance away from the owner. Accordingly, a lost or stolen device is rendered unusable. The device has coupled thereto a receiver or transceiver. A transmitter or transceiver is located separately from the device. When the receiver and transmitter can communicate, the device is usable, when the receiver and transmitter cannot communicate, the receiver disables the device, rendering the device unusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventors: David W. Rouille, Catherine J. Rouille
  • Patent number: 7770791
    Abstract: A portable electronic device comprising a service provision unit capable of providing a service to a user, a communication unit capable of receiving authorization data from an authorization device and a validation unit capable of analyzing the received authorization data to determine whether it meets a validation requirement and being arranged to inhibit provision of the service by the service provision unit if the authorization data does not meet the validation requirement, the communication unit being arranged to receive authorization data from the authorization device and the validation unit being arranged to analyze the received authorization data whenever the communication unit and the authorization device are capable of communicating with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Strawn, Nigel Richardson
  • Patent number: 7770792
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing stock visibility during transportation of stock from between storage facilities. Such systems and methods can provide information identifying the location of stock while it is being transported to a new location and can provide the ability to alter the destination of stock while it is in transit to a new location. Upon the removal of stock from a warehouse, an inventory management system may be updated to indicate a transport unit of a vehicle that is being used to move the stock and, thus, provide visibility of the stock while it is in transit. In addition, through identification of the transport unit moving the stock to a new location, the vehicle transporting the stock may be rerouted to transfer the stock to an alternate location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Arno D. Bruns, Stefan Grabowski, Daniela Schalper
  • Patent number: 7770793
    Abstract: A printer 1 has transportation paths for conveying media in two directions, that of a first transportation path P1 and that of a second transportation path P2 (or third transportation path P3) perpendicular to the first transportation path P1. With this printer 1 a single compact unit can be used for media processing by reading and printing the media, as well as for printing receipts and validation printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Sasaki, Masashi Fujikawa, Kunio Omura
  • Patent number: 7770794
    Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring information between a movable system and another system. The movable subsystem includes an electrical component providing electrical signal including information. Electromagnetic radiation is modulated according to the information. The other subsystem includes a receiving component that receives the modulated electromagnetic radiation and converts the received electromagnetic radiation into other electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Marvell International Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goss, Gregory F. Carlson, Ronald G. Paul, Todd A. McClelland, Randall L. Stockberger, Jerry A. Marshall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7770795
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus for recording information on an information recording medium is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a content cryptographic processor configured to generate encrypted content by executing encryption using a unit key associated with a content management unit that serves as a unit for controlling usage of content; a unit-key-file processor configured to generate a unit key file storing the unit key, and to encrypt the unit key file or constituent data of the unit key file using an encryption key that is generated using a seed whose value is updated in accordance with change in constituent data of unit keys included in the unit key file; and a data recorder configured to record the content management unit including the encrypted content as constituent data and the unit key file on the information recording medium according to a predetermined data recording format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Takashima, Kenjiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 7770796
    Abstract: A laser beam despeckling device including a laser diode for producing a laser beam having a central characteristic wavelength. The device includes diode current drive circuitry for producing a diode drive current to drive said laser diode and produce said laser beam. High frequency modulation (HFM) circuitry modulates the diode drive current at a sufficiently high frequency to cause said laser diode to produce spectral side-band components about the central characteristic wavelength, and reducing the coherence as well as coherence length of the laser beam. An optical beam multiplexing (OMUX) module is provided for receiving the laser beam as input beam, a generating as output, a plurality of laser beam components that are recombined to produce a composite laser beam having substantially reduced coherence for use in illumination applications where a substantial reduction in speckle pattern noise is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, Timothy Good, Tao Xian, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Michael Veksland, Mark Hernandez, John Gardner, Steven Essinger, Patrick Giordano, Sean Kearney, Mark Schmidt, John A. Furlong, Nicholas Ciarlante, Yong Liu, Jie Ren, Xi Tao, JiBin Liu, Ming Zhuo, Duane Ellis
  • Patent number: 7770797
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a method for processing barcode data from one or more barcode scanners. The decoded data is reformatted in accordance with selected reformatting instructions and thereafter supplied to a software application for subsequent use. Preferably, the reformatting instructions can be customized by the end users, thus permitting the end users to adjust their system to receive previously unknown barcode formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert S. Weiner, Eric G. Petersen, Jon K. Fo