Patents Issued in August 31, 2010
  • Patent number: 7785058
    Abstract: A personal vehicle transportation device to protect, secure, and transport a personal vehicle. The personal vehicle transportation device reduces the load placed on the towing vehicle and the personal vehicle transportation device is mechanically operable. The device includes a frame with a platform, a ramp and protective shell attached to opposite sides of the frame. The ramp and protective shell operate substantially simultaneously via a mechanized action. The protective shell includes inflatable bladders to secure the interior cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: H. Keith Ray
  • Patent number: 7785059
    Abstract: A blower unit is configured to have a forward containment portion for housing mechanical equipment for receiving and dispensing material particles as ground cover. A rear containment portion is provided for containing such material particles. A material mover preferably operable in forward and rearward direction will feed material to the mechanical equipment for breakdown and pneumatic disbursement. A rear door design enables convenient unloading of the material with the live floor directionally reversed. Benefits include a more convenient means for servicing of the blower mechanism including e.g. an engine providing a motor source, dispensing hose, rotary air lock feeder and mixing chamber e.g. T injector or dropout (term as used in the industry).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Bandstra
  • Patent number: 7785060
    Abstract: A scanning arm assembly for multi-directional mechanical scanning of a semiconductor wafer or other substrate to be implanted includes a pair of drive arms connected by two linkage arms to form a quadrilateral. Rotary joints are provided to join adjacent arms together, and a substrate holder is provided on one linkage arm where it joins the other linkage arm. Thus, rotating the drive arms causes the substrate holder to move. Suitable control of the drive arms allows the substrate holder to be moved through an ion beam to follow many different paths and hence implant patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Relleen, Tristan Holtam
  • Patent number: 7785061
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for reorienting a toroidally shaped core configured to carry a green tire. The core includes a central axis defined through first and second oppositely facing tapered recesses respectively including first and second locking mechanisms. The apparatus includes a core support structure including a base and a reorientation member connected for movement relative to said base and a core coupling member. The core coupling member connects for movement with the reorientation member and includes a core locking mechanism that couples with the core coupling member and locks the core coupling member to the core. A drive system couples with the reorientation member and operatively moves the reorientation member so as to change the orientation of the central axis from a first orientation to a second, different orientation transverse to the first orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: William Dudley Currie, Dennis Alan Lundell, David Alan Henthorne, Mary Beth Dombrosky
  • Patent number: 7785062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a separating device (1) with a manipulating device (5) and with at least one carrier support (2) with at least one stacking shaft (3) for workpieces (4) disposed on it, in particular metal plates made ready for a bending operation on a bending press, and with a gripping mechanism (14) for removing the workpiece (4) from the stacking shaft (3) and transporting the workpiece (4) from a pick-up position into a transfer position. The manipulating device (5) and the carrier support (2) are positioned relative to one another by means of positioning means (65), and at least one fixed positioning space (27) for the carrier support (2) is provided in a reference position of the stacking shaft (3) with respect to the manipulating device (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Trumpf Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. Kg.
    Inventor: Bernhard Fischereder
  • Patent number: 7785063
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a system and method for actively managing blade tip clearances in a turbine engine, particularly under start up and steady state operating conditions. During start up, the rotor can be cooled while the blade ring can be heated. During steady state operation, the rotor may be heated while the blade ring may be cooled. The sources of the heating fluid and cooling fluid can be compressor delivery air, boiler steam and ambient air. The fluids can be compressed to maintain efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard McQuiggan, Adam Foust
  • Patent number: 7785064
    Abstract: A blower system comprising a housing and a fan assembly. The housing defines a housing chamber, at least one inlet opening, a primary outlet opening, and a secondary outlet opening. The fan assembly is mounted within the housing chamber. Operation of the fan assembly draws air into the housing chamber through the at least one inlet opening and forces air out of the housing chamber through at least one of the primary outlet opening and the secondary outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Dn-Eaz Products, Inc
    Inventors: Brett Bartholmey, Steve Klein, Larry White
  • Patent number: 7785065
    Abstract: A low-profile apparatus for converting water current into electricity. Fabric scoops are spaced along a continuous belt and, when submerged in a current of moving water, are pushed by the current thereby causing the continuous belt to move. The current pushes the fabric scoops downstream and then fold closed as the fabric scoops are rotated out of the water and travel back upstream. The moving continuous belt is used to turn an electric generator, which causes the apparatus to produce electrical energy. The apparatus includes one or more floats to support the continuous belt, electric generator, and other components of the apparatus. The apparatus can be moored or anchored in a variety of locations where there is moving water or currents. The apparatus maintains a low profile by using fabric scoops that collapse and fold flat when not submerged thereby reducing wind resistance and visible surface area above the waterline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Hayes Clemens
  • Patent number: 7785066
    Abstract: The bypass turbomachine comprises, between a primary flowpath (2) and a secondary flowpath (3), a structural intermediate casing (14). A bleed passage (29) allows the diversion of a portion of the gas stream toward the secondary flowpath (3), downstream of support arms (18) situated at the periphery of the intermediate casing. A bleed opening (28) emerges upstream of the support arms (18). A slide valve (22) slides between three positions, namely a closed position in which the slide valve (22) completely blocks off the bleed passage and opening, an intermediate position in which the bleed opening (28) emerging upstream of the support arms (18) is blocked off, while the bleed passage (29) for diverting a portion of the gas stream downstream of the support arms (18) is open, and an open position in which the bleed opening (28) emerging upstream of the support arms (18) and the bleed passage (29) emerging downstream of the support arms are both open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Eric Stephan Bil, Gilles Alain Charier, Philippe Jacques Pierre Fessou, Patrick Charles Georges Morel
  • Patent number: 7785067
    Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes coupling at least one turbine nozzle segment within the gas turbine engine. The at least one turbine nozzle segment includes at least one airfoil vane extending between an inner band and an outer band that includes an aft flange and a radial inner surface. The method also includes coupling at least one turbine shroud segment downstream from the at least one turbine nozzle segment, wherein the at least one turbine shroud segment includes a leading edge and a radial inner surface, and coupling a cooling fluid source in flow communication with the at least one turbine nozzle segment such that cooling fluid channeled to each turbine nozzle outer band aft flange is directed at an oblique discharge angle towards the leading edge of the at least one turbine shroud segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Eric Alan Estill, James Harvey Laflen, Paul Hadley Vitt, Michael Elliot Wymore
  • Patent number: 7785068
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an exhaust hood is provided for use with a turbine engine. The method includes providing an upper shell casing wherein the upper shell casing is fabricated from a composite material, and coupling the upper shell casing to a lower shell casing such that a turbine is housed within the exhaust hood, the shell casing is fabricated from a composite material. A turbine assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hayagreeva Rao K V, Prashant Shukla, Adi Narayana Namburi, Chinniah Thiagarajan
  • Patent number: 7785069
    Abstract: The ventilation unit has an electric motor, the output shaft of which is fitted with a fan having a cup-shaped central body and a number of blades. The central body is defined by a base wall, and by an annular wall from whose outer face the blades extend. And the main characteristic of the present inventive subject matter lies in through windows being formed in the annular wall of the central body to channel out, in use, any condensate formed inside the central body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Spal Automotive S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alessandro Spaggiari
  • Patent number: 7785070
    Abstract: An airfoil including an outer wall and a cooling cavity formed therein. The cooling cavity includes a leading edge flow channel located adjacent a leading edge of the airfoil and a trailing edge flow channel located adjacent a trailing edge of the airfoil. Each of the leading edge and trailing edge flow channels define respective first and second flow axes located between pressure and suction sides of the airfoil. A plurality of rib members are located within each of the flow channels, spaced along the flow axes, and alternately extending from opposing sides of the flow channels to define undulating flow paths through the flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: George Liang
  • Patent number: 7785071
    Abstract: A turbine airfoil such as a rotor blade or a stator vane with a row of spiral shaped cooling holes in the trailing edge region of the airfoil to provide cooling to the trailing edge region. An up-pass or last leg of a serpentine flow cooling channel extends along the trailing edge region of the airfoil and a row of the spiral cooling holes are connected to the supply channel to bleed off cooling air. The spiral cooling holes have a decreasing diameter in the airfoil streamwise direction and a constant diameter in the spanwise direction of the airfoil such that the spiral cooling holes are close to the pressure side and suction side walls of the airfoil in the trailing edge region. The cooling air flow increases in momentum as the trailing edge narrows and the spiral cooling holes decrease in diameter to enhance the heat transfer coefficient and provide better cooling in the hotter region of the trailing edge region where the airfoil is relatively thinner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: George Liang
  • Patent number: 7785072
    Abstract: A large chord turbine stator vane with a 5-pass serpentine aft flow cooling circuit with the built-in cooling flow modulation. The first leg of the 5-pass serpentine flow circuit provides the cooling for the airfoil leading edge. The second, third, and fourth legs of the five pass serpentine flow circuit provide cooling for the airfoil mid-chord section which is subject to a lower heat load for the entire component. The fifth and last leg of the serpentine flow circuit provides cooling for the airfoil aft section as well as cooling flow supply channel for the airfoil trailing edge exit cooling slots. Two cooling modulation devices are utilized in this prior art cooling circuit. One is located at the ID endwall for the regulation of the fourth leg of the serpentine flow channel and the other is located on the OD endwall for the regulation of the fifth leg of the trailing edge flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: George Liang
  • Patent number: 7785073
    Abstract: It has already long been known to use mobile cranes for mounting rotor blades to a wind power installation. Such cranes pick up the rotor blade at the base of the wind power installation and take it to the rotor blade connection of the hub of the wind power installation so that the rotor blade can be connected to the hub. That connection is usually made by screw means, in which case screw bolts are let into the connecting flange of the rotor blade and project into corresponding bores in the rotor blade connection of the hub so that nuts can be screwed on to the screw bolts. The object of the invention is attained by a blade mounting method having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments are set forth in the appendant claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7785074
    Abstract: A blade of a rotor of a second stage of a compressor can be defined by coordinates of a discreet combination of points, in a Cartesian reference system (X, Y, Z), where the axis (Z) is a radial axis intersecting the central axis of the compressor. The blade has a profile which can be identified by a series of closed intersection curves between the profile itself and planes (X, Y) lying at distances (Z) from the central axis. The blade also has a non-linearly variable trend of decreasing maximum thickness defined by the closed curves, substantially parallel to a base portion of the blade itself, fixable to the rotor. The variable trend of maximum thickness is substantially situated midway up the blade and is suitable for shifting the natural resonance frequencies of the blade itself outside a functioning velocity range of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alessio Novori, Paolo Arinci, Salvatore Lorusso
  • Patent number: 7785075
    Abstract: When cold and in the non-coated state, the aerodynamic profile is substantially identical to a nominal profile determined by the rectangular coordinates X,Y,Z? given in Table 1, in which the X coordinate is measured in the axial direction of the turbine, and the Z? coordinate is the quotient D/H, where D is the distance of the point in question from a reference plane P0 situated at the base of the nominal profile and H is the height of the profile measured from said reference plane to the tip of the blade, the measurements D and H being taken radially relative to the axis of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Erwan Daniel Botrel, Gregory Pierre Lafarge, Philippe Picot
  • Patent number: 7785076
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a construction system and method for components in high temperature environments, such as the hot gas path components of a turbine engine. Such a component can include a skeleton and a coating. The skeleton can be formed by a plurality of interconnected frame members, which can give the component its general shape. The frame members can be made of ceramic matrix composite. A coating can be provided around at least a portion of the skeleton. Preferably, the coating is a refractory material, such as refractory ceramic. Examples of turbine engine components that can be constructed according to aspects of the invention are airfoils with or without platforms, blade rings, combustor tiles and heat shields. A component according to aspects of the invention can be made using low cost fabrication and construction methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Morrison, Andrew Szweda
  • Patent number: 7785077
    Abstract: A ceiling fan hanging system (10) in disclosed for use with a conventional ceiling fan (11). The hanging system includes a downrod (15) and a downrod receiver (16). The downrod has a lower end (20) having a select outside diameter and a pair of mutually aligned holes (21) therethrough. The downrod receiver has a tubular neck portion (22) having an internal channel (23) with an internal diameter configured to receive the lower end of the downrod. The neck portion has an oblong first mounting hole (24) and a generally round second mounting hole (25). The downrod receiver also includes a mounting bolt (26) and a mounting nut (27) configured to be threadably received upon mounting bolt. Mounting bolt has an oblong head (29) configured to be nestably received within oblong first mounting hole and a shank (31) extending from head. The oblong head includes an inboard or inwardly facing surface (32) which is curved to conform with and fit snugly against the exterior of the downrod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventors: Anthony Todd Richardson, Richard A. Pearce
  • Patent number: 7785078
    Abstract: System for monitoring a reciprocating compressor, comprising a unit for measuring parameters relating to the operating state of the compressor, a processing unit for comparing the values of these measured parameters with critical values contained in a database associated with the said processing unit. This processing unit sends a signal determined by a match between the measured values and the critical values; this signal represents an anomaly in the operating state of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone Holding S.p.A.
    Inventor: Enrico Calamai
  • Patent number: 7785079
    Abstract: A compressor of the present invention is provided with a plurality of housing members (a front housing, a cylinder block, and a rear housing) that forms a body, a fastener (a bolt member) for coupling the plurality of the housing members to one another, a drive shaft inserted through the body and coupled to a power source via an electromagnetic clutch, a movable member (a piston) that moves in association with the drive shaft to compress a fluid, a detection body that moves in association with the drive shaft, and a detection part for detecting a rotational state of the drive shaft by means of the detection body. A magnetic sensor having a magnetic impedance element constitutes the detection part. The magnetic sensor is provided on an outer lateral face side of the body and in proximity to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisya, Aichi Micro Intelligent Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Ono, Wataru Sakuma
  • Patent number: 7785080
    Abstract: A downhole ram pump. A downhole pump system includes a flow restricting device which variably restricts fluid flow through an opening, the restricting device vibrating in response to the fluid flow, thereby alternately increasing and decreasing the fluid flow through the opening; and a pump device which generates a pressure differential in response to vibration of the restricting device. Another downhole pump system includes a flow restricting device which vibrates in response to fluid flow through an opening, thereby alternately increasing and decreasing the fluid flow through the opening, a pressure differential across the restricting device variably biasing the restricting device to increasingly restrict the fluid flow through the opening, and the pressure differential alternately increasing and decreasing in response to respective alternate increasing and decreasing flow through the opening; and a pump device which generates differential pressure in response to vibration of the restricting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Welldynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Tips
  • Patent number: 7785081
    Abstract: A fluid pump assembly is used in combination with a container having a wall. The pump assembly comprises a first casing disposed outside the container in contact with the wall, a first magnetic assembly mounted to the first casing and operatively associated with a drive motor, a second casing disposed inside the container in contact with the wall, and a second magnetic assembly mounted to the second casing and operatively associated with an propeller. The first magnetic assembly includes a rotatable magnetic drive member drivingly coupled to the drive motor. The magnetic drive member is magnetically coupled to the magnetic driven member through the wall for imparting a rotary driving force of the drive motor to the propeller. Furthermore, the second casing is detachably connected to the second side of the wall of the container solely by magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Ecotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Lawyer, Patrick Clasen, Timothy Marks
  • Patent number: 7785082
    Abstract: A rotating shaft is supported by journal bearings that can support without contacting the rotating shaft itself. Then, one end of both shaft end portions of the rotating shaft has a main impeller installed and the other end is provided with a sub impeller. By utilizing a force being generated by rotation of the main impeller, liquid being pumped (fluid being pumped) is sucked in through a suction port and discharged through a discharge port. On the other hand, by utilizing a force being generated by rotation of the sub impeller, fluid is transported to the journal bearings, thereby having the journal bearings support the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Kimihiko Mitsuda, Yasuharu Yamamoto, Toshiyuki Osada, Zenichi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7785083
    Abstract: The dynamic fluid device has a first pumping arrangement and second pumping arrangement arranged in parallel with each other to pump a pressurized fluid to user devices; at least a distributor member interposed amongst the first pumping arrangement, second pumping arrangement and the user devices and connected to them with connection arrangements, the at least a distributor member being arranged to connect singly and/or jointly and/or according to predetermined sequences, the first pumping arrangement and/or the second pumping arrangement to the user devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Studio Tecnico 6M S.R.L.
    Inventors: Eronne Mamei, Omer Mamei, Enrico Mamei
  • Patent number: 7785084
    Abstract: A pumping apparatus for pumping a liquid from a source to a target includes a pump having a pump housing and a pump piston. The pump housing defines a central longitudinal bore, a transverse bore communicating with the central bore for conveying a liquid through the pump housing and a liquid reservoir communicating with the central bore and the transverse bore for retaining an amount of the liquid conveyed through the transverse bore. The pump piston is axially and rotatably slidable within the central longitudinal bore for pumping the liquid through the transverse bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Fluid Metering, Inc.
    Inventors: David Rawlings, Harry E. Pinkerton, III
  • Patent number: 7785085
    Abstract: A piston pump includes a pump housing having a suction port, a discharge port, and an internal cavity; a first cylinder member having a cylinder bore; a piston built into the cylinder bore of the first cylinder member to thereby form a pump chamber and adapted to change the volume of the pump chamber by means of axially reciprocating movement; a suction valve provided in the piston; and a discharge valve provided at the discharge side of the pump chamber. A circumferential protrusion is formed externally at an axially intermediate portion of the first cylinder member. The first cylinder member is press-fitted, at the circumferential protrusion, into the internal cavity of the pump housing. A leading end portion of the first cylinder member from which the first cylinder member is inserted into the pump housing has a diameter smaller than that of the internal cavity of the pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Maeda, Toru Fujita
  • Patent number: 7785086
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supply device for the supply of pressure fluid into at least one vehicle brake or into a pressure fluid accumulator, wherein a piston is movably arranged in an accommodating member, a carrier bears a non-return valve arranged coaxially to the piston for the purpose of ventilating a working chamber into which the piston plunges , and wherein a resetting spring is arranged between the carrier and the piston. It is the essence of the invention that a multi-piece cage allows inserting the resetting Spring into the cage parts, the cage parts comprise fastening means that lock the cage due to relative displacement of the cage parts, and the resetting spring is caged and simultaneously elastically preloaded under the relative displacement of the cage parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Dieter Dinkel, Axel Hinz, Albrecht Otto, Hans-Georg Zentgraf, Daniel Zuk
  • Patent number: 7785087
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vane cell pump (12) which includes an internal rotor (16) and a plurality of vanes (20) which are displacably mounted in a radial manner in the internal rotor, essentially, in radial slots (18) and are directly or indirectly guided on the internal circumferential surface (26) of a stator (28). The axis of the stator and the axis of the internal rotor are offset in relation to each other and the stator (28) can be adjusted in relation to the internal rotor (16) in the radial direction and the offset can be altered. The stator (28) comprises a pivotable bearing (36) which is arranged in the housing of the vane cell pump. At least one piston section (42) protrudes from the stator, whereby the piston axis thereof (44) extends in the direction of the periphery to the pivotable bearing (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Joma-Hydromechanic GmbH
    Inventor: Willi Schneider
  • Patent number: 7785088
    Abstract: A scroll fluid machine that is capable of preventing a power loss and enhancing the degree of hermeticity of compression chambers. A plurality of outer peripheral projections are formed on an outer peripheral surface of a wrap portion of each scroll. An outer peripheral coating layer is formed on an outer peripheral surface of a wrap portion of a fixed scroll, and an inner peripheral coating layer is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the wrap portion. Each of the coating layers comprises: contact portions that make contact with the mating wrap portion; and non-contact portions that do not make contact with the mating wrap portion. In this way, the degree of hermeticity of the compression chambers can be enhanced by the contact portions, and power loss can be prevented by the non-contact portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Taniguchi, Yoshiyuki Kanemoto
  • Patent number: 7785089
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for forming a compacted powder slug coated with a film. The powder, e.g. of a medicament, is compacted and enrobed to produce compacted powder slugs by preferably mechanically compacting a powder and forming a film of a material, preferably hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, by vacuum or pressure differential, about the surface of the powder thus compacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Bioprogress Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jason Teckoe, Colin Merwood, Michael Dann, Stephen Ronald Kessel, Ian Povey, Martin Good
  • Patent number: 7785090
    Abstract: An injection control apparatus includes an injection member; a drive section for injection; an injection-speed detection processing section which detects injection speed; an injection-pressure detection processing section which detects injection pressure; and a drive control processing section which drives the drive section for injection on the basis of the injection speed and the injection pressure to thereby perform pressure control before start of charging of a molding material into a cavity, and speed control after the start of charging of the molding material into the cavity. Since the drive section is driven on the basis of the injection speed and the injection pressure such that pressure control is performed before start of charging of a molding material into a cavity, and speed control is performed thereafter, the pressure of the cavity after the molding material has entered the cavity becomes stable and uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignees: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Amano, Tatsuya Shibata, Ikuo Koumaru
  • Patent number: 7785091
    Abstract: A processing apparatus configured to transfer a pattern of a mold onto a target member by pressing the mold against a resin applied to the target member includes a driver configured to move the mold and the target member relative to each other, and a controller configured to control the driver so that a changing rate of a load generated between the mold and the resin in a first state is smaller than that in a second state, and the first state being a state in which the mold that adheres to the resin starts moving in a direction separating from the resin, and the second state being a state in which the mold that moves in the direction separating from the resin is about to separate from the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Kasumi, Eigo Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7785092
    Abstract: Systems and methods of manufacturing ophthalmic lenses, for example, soft, extended wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses, are provided. The systems generally include a housing having an illuminated chamber, a carrier, for example a tray, movable in the illuminated chamber from an inlet portion to an outlet portion of the housing, and the tray configured to carry a plurality of contact lens molds. Polymerizing light energy is provided, for example, by multiple fluorescent lamps, to the molds at an intensity effective to at least initiate polymerization of a monomer composition located in each of the molds. The light may be illuminated onto two opposing sides of each mold. In some cases, the intensity of the light provided to one side of the mold may be different to the light intensity provided to the opposing side of the mold. In addition, the system may include features that are effective to provide for an instantaneous start and an instantaneous end to the light induced cure of the monomer in the molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: CooperVision International Holding Company, LP
    Inventor: Richard C. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7785093
    Abstract: An improved stereolithography apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects using multiple chambered resin vats and a quick disconnect mounting system to permit concurrent use of multiple photopolymer build materials and easy change over of resin vats is disclosed. The apparatus permits easy change over from multiple chambered vat use to single chamber vat use and vice versa or change over between multiple chambered vats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott B. Holmboe, Gary L. Reynolds, Matthew K. Stonesmith, Charles W. Hull, Abraham N. Reichental
  • Patent number: 7785094
    Abstract: High-capacity extrusion die assemblies (20, 90, 130, 140, 180, 252) each having a tubular section (44, 146, 162, 268) and an elongated, axially rotatable, helically flighted screw section (56, 56a, 152, 168, 276, 278) which cooperatively define frustoconical, outwardly diverging material flow paths (75, 160, 291) at constant or differing divergence angles of from about 1-11°. The use of diverging tubular sections (44, 146, 162, 268) and screw sections (56, 56a, 152, 168, 276, 278) permits the use of larger die plates (76, 118, 292) with an increased number of die openings (80, 124, 296). This allows significant increases in extrusion production rates. The die assemblies (20, 90, 130, 140, 180, 252) can be used in the production of a wide number of human foods or animal feeds, and particularly aquatic feeds of the floating or sinking variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Kearns, Galen J. Rokey, Philip B. Wiltz, Anthony L. Bruning, Lafe N Bailey
  • Patent number: 7785095
    Abstract: The invention relates to molding systems and related methods. In one aspect of the invention, a molding apparatus includes a first cylindrical roll that is rotatably coupled to a frame and an adjacent pressure device, the frame is configured so that a substrate can pass through a nip formed between the first cylindrical roll and the pressure device while a portion of the substrate extends laterally beyond at least the frame and the first cylindrical roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William P. Clune, Shawn C. Banker, Ernesto S. Tachauer
  • Patent number: 7785096
    Abstract: An imprint lithography system operable for imprinting a pattern into a material deposited between an imprint mold and a substrate, the system including, inter alia, a first set of imaging units positioned at a first angle relative to normal of the substrate; and a second set of imaging units positioned at a second angle relative to normal of the substrate, wherein the first and second angles are not equal to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Pawan Kumar Nimmakayala, Byung-Jin Choi, Tom H. Rafferty, Philip D. Schumaker
  • Patent number: 7785097
    Abstract: A mold assembly for an automated dry-cast block machine including a mold cavity formed by at least one frame element having a plurality of guide holes therein, a moveable liner plate positioned within the mold cavity and having a plurality of non-driven guide posts configured to align with and slide within the plurality of guide holes within the at least one frame element, and a drive system coupled to the moveable line plate independent of the guide posts and configured to drive the moveable liner toward and away from an interior of the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Ness Inventions, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Ness, Jeffrey A. Ness
  • Patent number: 7785098
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a first isogrid defining a first plurality of zones, each zone from said first plurality of zones comprising a plurality of ligaments, each zone from said first plurality of zones defining a plurality of spaces, each space bounded by a first sub-plurality of ligaments from said plurality of ligaments, each of said ligaments comprising a plurality of ligament surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Mikro Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Appleby, William T. Randolph, Jill E. Klinger
  • Patent number: 7785099
    Abstract: A stringing preventing member is provided and includes: a member having an opening portion through which resin injected from an injection nozzle of an injection molding apparatus is fed to a mold including a fixed mold and a movable mold; and a projection portion protruding inwardly with respect to an opening of the injection nozzle, so as to define at least a part of a contour of the opening portion. A ratio of an effective opening area of the opening portion to a surface area of an inner wall surface of the opening portion contacting with the resin at an inside of the opening potion is 0.6 or less, and a ratio of the effective opening area of the opening portion to an area of the opening of the injection nozzle is 0.6 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Sakaki
  • Patent number: 7785100
    Abstract: A burner assembly including a housing having an air inlet and a burner end, a motor, and an impeller mounted in the housing. The impeller is in fluid communication with the air inlet, in mechanical communication with the motor, and adapted to direct air from the air inlet towards the burner end of the housing. The burner assembly also includes a plurality of gas injection tubes that are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Each of the plurality of gas injection tubes includes a tube inlet end, a tube outlet end and at least one aperture. In addition, the burner assembly includes a first tube sheet disposed near the tube inlet ends of the plurality of gas injection tubes and a second tube sheet disposed near the tube outlet ends of the plurality of gas injection tubes. The burner assembly further includes a spin vane having at least one spin vane blade. The spin vane is mounted in the burner end of the housing and adapted to direct the flow of air in the burner end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Malcolm Swanson, Michael Swanson
  • Patent number: 7785101
    Abstract: A self-ligating bracket for use in orthodontics includes a bracket also closeable by a slide which is undetachably held in both a closed position and in an open position. The slide is easy to open and to close, which gives the bracket an acceptably attractive appearance and which provides little risk of food residues getting trapped that are difficult to remove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Rolf Förster
  • Patent number: 7785102
    Abstract: An orthodontic device for shifting a molar tooth along the maxillary arch includes an elongated guide element, on whose one end a first securing element is installed to secure the guide element relative to the maxillary arch. A first tube is formed to be shiftable on the guide element, wherein the first tube has a first securing device for optionally securing the first tube relative to the guide element. A second tube is guided on the first tube like a telescope arm, wherein the second tube has a second securing element for securing to the molar tooth. A spring is disposed to act between the first and the second tube which forces the second tube in a direction away from the first securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Moschos A. Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 7785103
    Abstract: A method for outputting a closest match of a plurality of electronically stored shade guide values of a dental shade guide system is disclosed. A protective tip including a hole for couples light from a probe to a measurement spot on a dental object. The probe is in proximity to a reference standard and a calibration/normalization measurement of the reference standard is taken. Light returned from the dental object is measured with an optical sensor. A first frequency proportional to an intensity of a first wavelength/spectral band of light is determined, a second frequency proportional to an intensity of a second wavelength/spectral band is determined, and a third frequency proportional to an intensity of a third wavelength/spectral band of light is determined. A closest match is selected of a plurality of electronically stored shade guide values of one or more dental shade guide systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: JJL Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wayne D. Jung, Russell W. Jung, Alan R. Loudermilk
  • Patent number: 7785104
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for patients requiring repositioning of misaligned teeth who typically undergo orthodontic treatment to move the teeth into corrected positions. The orthodontic methods typically require lengthy procedures involving the application of light forces to the teeth to effect movement as accomplished by braces or other appliances. The apparatus and method includes the administration of a needle corticotomy to select regions that have been identified as absent any landmarks to avoid. The method is accomplished without the use of freeze-dried and bovine bone and without a mucoperiosteal flap procedure, resulting in low medical risk and providing a simplified and less time consuming procedure as compared to the prior art, and furthermore wherein the method effects a significant reduction in the time required to complete an orthodontic case while also significantly reducing the discomfort and recovery time for the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Glenn Scott
  • Patent number: 7785105
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a dry field during dental procedures includes a U-shaped tongue shield for holding the patient's tongue in a retracted position. Cheek distention arms extend laterally outward and forward from the tongue shield to distend the cheek away from the teeth. Lip retractors extend from the cheek distention arms in an arcuate shape above and below the cheek distention arms. Webbing extends between the lip retractors and cheek distention arms to support the soft tissue within the patient's mouth distal to the orbicularis oris muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Ross William Anderson
  • Patent number: 7785106
    Abstract: A dental prophy chip with a hollow core of different shapes such as canopy, cylinder, cup and inverted cone, is covered by hydrophilic grindstone sponge containing a polishing agent and its edge is either pressed fixed or folded into the interior of the core with a latch plate. A shaft is fixed to the latch plate to avoid resonance at bottom surface, during rotation. The device maintains polishing efficiency by avoiding transverse oscillation in polishing barrel-shaped tooth clearance and reducing frictional heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Atsushi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7785107
    Abstract: Endosseous dental implants include external threads, and, within an internal passage inside the body of the implant, a lead-in bevel, 8-sided abutment-engaging surfaces, distally positioned 6-sided wrench-engaging surfaces, and internal threading distal to both the 8-sided and 6-sided surfaces, and fixture mounts and abutments including male projections to engage the 6-sided wrench-engaging surfaces inside the implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald A. Niznick