Patents Issued in October 12, 2010
  • Patent number: 7810382
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining material properties of a contact formed between a measurement tip of a microscopic probe and a sample surface of a sample material. According to the method, a distance modulation is applied for modulating a distance between a support of the microscopic probe end the sample surface in a direction essentially normal to the sample surface and wherein a normal force signal indicative of a normal force is measured and demodulated. In the method it is proposed that the material properties be determined using measurement data comprised in the demodulated normal force signal and related to a (concave) buckling deformation of the microscopic probe relative to and away from the sample surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
    Inventors: Thomas Schimmel, Matthias Müller
  • Patent number: 7810383
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating nanotopography of a surface of a semiconductor wafer sliced from a semiconductor ingot, the method being conducted prior to polishing of the surface, the method at least comprising: measuring a surface profile of the wafer in the direction that the wafer is sliced; determining a maximum inclination value of warp change of the wafer surface in a sectional profile in the direction that the wafer is sliced of the measured surface profile; and estimating nanotopography of the wafer surface after being polished based on the determined maximum value. As a result, there are provided a method and an apparatus for evaluating nanotopography of a surface of a semiconductor wafer, and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor wafer exhibiting good nanotopography level on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Okabe, Hisakazu Takano, Daisuke Nakamata
  • Patent number: 7810384
    Abstract: The invention provides a power turbine test apparatus able to significantly reduce the equipment cost and testing cost required for an independent operation test of a test object power turbine. The power turbine test apparatus for independently operating and testing a power turbine that drives a driven machinery using combustion gas or steam, comprises: an air compressor that supplies compressed outside air to a combustor positioned on a downstream side; a first air duct that guides the outside air compressed by the air compressor into the combustor; a combustor which combusts the compressed outside air and fuel to generate combustion gas; and a second air duct that guides the combustion gas generated by the combustor to the power turbine installed on the downstream side; wherein a rotating shaft of the power turbine and a rotating shaft of the air compressor are joined to each other, and power of the power turbine is recovered by the air compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Ono, Keiichi Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 7810385
    Abstract: A process for determining a remaining useful life for a turbine airfoil that suffers from creep damage in order to reuse a component that still has acceptable remaining life. The process includes the steps of removing the damaged component, scanning the damaged component with an optical scanner such as a white light scanner to produce a 3D solid model of the damaged component, scanning a new or undamaged used component to produce a 3D solid model of the undamaged component, comparing the two 3D solid models to determine the amount of creep damage on the damaged component, determining the length of time the creep damaged component was used and the temperature at which it was exposed, and analyzing the 3D solid model of the creep damaged component to determine how much longer the part can be used before the component will suffer critical damage or the engine will suffer unacceptable performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew R Narcus
  • Patent number: 7810386
    Abstract: A method for checking the output signal of a rail pressure sensor of a direct-injecting internal combustion engine having a common rail system for plausibility, including the following steps: the output signal of the rail pressure sensor is detected over a predefinable period of time and recorded; the output signal is transformed into the frequency space; characteristic features are extracted from the transformed signal; a rail pressure value is calculated on the basis of the features and additional, predefined influencing variables; an average rail pressure value is simultaneously ascertained from the output signal of the rail pressure sensor; the average rail pressure value is compared with the calculated rail pressure value; in the event that the calculated rail pressure value deviates from the average rail pressure value by a predefined limiting value, an error signal is output and/or stored in an error memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Kraemer, Stefan Denys
  • Patent number: 7810387
    Abstract: An electronic module designed to be incorporated in a tire, comprising a functional device, a support and at least one device for electrically connecting a wire and a device for mechanically fixing the wire, separate from the electrical connection device, for mechanically fixing the wire to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Robert
  • Patent number: 7810388
    Abstract: A tire testing facility used for testing tires includes a tire testing device with one or more testing heads (5) for testing the inner running surface (8) of the tire (1) and one or more testing heads (6, 7) for testing the outer sidewall (3, 2) side wall of the tire (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Steinbichler Optotechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Steinbichler, Rainer Huber, Junil Sun, Bernd Leitner
  • Patent number: 7810389
    Abstract: In a method for transmitting data, the step of transmitting the data representing a measured pressure or pressure variation is repeated with a first repetition rate if no pressure variation has been detected or repeated with a second repetition rate if a specific pressure variation has been detected. The second repetition rate is higher than the first repetition rate. The different repetition frequencies can be used in a method for determining a tire position in a tire pressure measurement system to switch between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The method for determining a tire position evaluates the repetition rate between the received data packets of transmitted data and extracts a pressure variation out of the received data packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventors: Manfred Brandl, Bernd Gessner, Teijo Viljanen
  • Patent number: 7810390
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring assembly includes a sensor secured to a valve stem secured within a wheel rim. The sensor is secured to the valve stem with a push on clip. The valve stem includes two pieces that provide for installation from one side of the wheel rim. The valve stem is separable to provide for the elongation of the rubber housing. Elongation of the housing causes a reduction in an outer diameter that provides for insertion into the opening of the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hettle, Jean-Christophe Deniau
  • Patent number: 7810391
    Abstract: An aerodynamic hood lift deflection measurement device includes an airfoil body mounted to a front vehicle fender such that a portion of the airfoil body held over the vehicle hood. A laser measurement device is secured to the airfoil body in a position so as to be directly over the vehicle hood. The airfoil body is mounted at an angle such that a length direction of the airfoil body is parallel to an air flow direction. The resultant disruption of the air flow surrounding the vehicle hood is minimized due to the shape and positioning of the measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kim Stevens, Thomas Ramsay
  • Patent number: 7810392
    Abstract: A system for measuring a person's age on the basis of his/her physical strength is disclosed. A system is provided using multiple exercise courses that make a user perform various kinds of exercises without overburdening the user and that include entertainment factors. A user's age can be calculated, based on the amount of time that the user takes to complete each course and all of the courses taken together, on the basis of the physical strength of a user and the degree to which the user can perform various exercise movements. This system includes multiple courses, to which various exercise devices or other features are provided. The exercise courses are formed so that the user demonstrates various physical abilities, including muscle strength at multiple portions of his/her body, flexibility of the body, balance of the body, and agility of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Yugenkaisha Japan Tsusyo
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 7810393
    Abstract: The present technical solution for determining linear acceleration, the vector whereof is considered to be at a tangent to a trajectory of movement of a moving object, is based on determining new differences of accelerations. It is considered to be the basis for efficient, accurate, with the threshold of sensitivity equal to zero in small-size option solving the tasks of autonomous navigation, piloting, stabilization and etc. Said solution is irrespective of disturbance factors, in particular, cross-axis and centrifugal accelerations, vibrations, temperature and others, and can be used without any gyroscopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Naumov, George Naumov
  • Patent number: 7810394
    Abstract: A micromachined sensor having a capacitive sensing structure. The sensor includes a first substrate with first and second conductive layers separated by a buried insulator layer, and a member defined by the first and second conductive layers and the buried insulator layer. A first set of elements defined with the first conductive layer is connected to the member and includes first and second elements that are electrically isolated from each other by the buried insulator layer. A second set of elements is defined with the first conductive layer and capacitively coupled with the first set of elements. A second substrate is bonded to the first substrate so that the member and the first set of elements are movably supported above the second substrate. The second set of elements is anchored to the second substrate, and the first and second sets of elements are physically interconnected through the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Evigia Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Navid Yazdi
  • Patent number: 7810395
    Abstract: An ultrasonic pressure sensor and a method of detecting ultrasonic pressure. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic pressure sensor includes: (1) an interferometer having a reference arm and a signal arm that includes a probing fiber, the probing fiber having a reflective coating at a distal end thereof and configured to couple to ultrasonic waves proximate the distal end, the interferometer configured to receive laser light and produce two output beams based on the ultrasonic waves and (2) a photodetector coupled to the interferometer and configured to generate electronic signals based on the two output beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Total Wire Corporation
    Inventor: Gan Zhou
  • Patent number: 7810396
    Abstract: A test device for an electronic product includes a vertical pressing pole having a pushing end. The test device also includes a movable platform with a sticking point, wherein upward movement of the movable platform moves the vertical pressing pole upwards by the sticking point. The vertical pressing pole passes through a balance weight which rests on the sticking point. A pressurized platform bears pressure from the pushing end, when the pushing end is pushed onto the pressurized platform. A load-bearing platform supports the pressurized platform and the electronic product located below the pressurized platform. The product is pressed between the pressurized platform and the load-bearing platform due to the pressure from the pushing end lying on the pressurized platform. When the movable platform is further moved downwards after the pushing end is on the pressurized platform, the sticking point bearing the balance weight is separate from the movable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Inventec Appliances Corp.
    Inventors: J. J. Wang, Li-Min Sun
  • Patent number: 7810397
    Abstract: A test method for measuring yarn and tuft or loop gripping strength characteristics and capability of tufted nonwoven primary backing mats for making tufted carpets, the tufted primary backing mat having no additional binder or adhesive on the backside of the mat prior to making tufted carpet is disclosed. The test apparatus and test method can be used for quality control purposes and for evaluation of experimental or new candidates for primary backing mats for making interim tufted products for carpets that are more resistant to tuft or loop defects. Revealed is a new and critical Quality Knee characteristic of primary backing mats that is crucial for minimizing tuft or loop defects during the tufting process and also the force magnitude on the yarn necessary to pop the tuft completely out of the primary backing mat sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Lester Mickel Aseere
  • Patent number: 7810398
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a change of a physical quantity by means of a conductor structure having a processor for applying a defined supply signal to the conductor structure so as to effect a current flow through the conductor structure, the current flow being changeable by the physical quantity, and a detector for detecting a magnetic field caused by the current flow through the conductor structure by means of a magnetoresistive element allocated to the conductor structure, a change of the physical quantity being associated with a change of the detected magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Juergen Zimmer
  • Patent number: 7810399
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter with a measuring tube through which flows a medium and which, viewed in cross section, has a split circumference forming two halves with two ultrasonic converter pairs, each with an associated ultrasound reflector. The converters of each pair are mounted on a common circumferential half in a mutually offset position as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tube, while the reflector for each pair is positioned on the other, opposite circumferential half in the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube between the two converters, so that an ultrasound signal emitted by one converter of a pair travels along a V-shaped signal path via the reflector of the associated pair to the other converter of that pair. The first pair and the second reflector are positioned on one circumferential half of the tube while the second pair and the first reflector are positioned on the other, opposite circumferential half of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Krohne AG
    Inventors: Jeroen Martin van Klooster, Cornelis Johannes Hogendoorn
  • Patent number: 7810400
    Abstract: A method for determining one or more fluid flow parameters for a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided. The fluid is a mixture of solid particles and gas. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a meter operable to determine the velocity of the fluid flow through the pipe, which meter is substantially insensitive to the particulate/gas mass ratio of the fluid flow; b) determining the velocity of the fluid flow within the pipe using the meter; and c) determining a particulate/gas mass ratio using a density value for the gas within the flow and the determined fluid flow velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose
  • Patent number: 7810401
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining fluid flow in a pipe apparatus includes a fluid nozzle in contact with the pipe having a contour without negative pressure gradients along the nozzle's surface as fluid flows through the nozzle. The apparatus includes a transit time ultrasonic flow meter employing at least one acoustic path in communication with the fluid in the pipe and disposed downstream of the nozzle. An apparatus for determining fluid flow in a pipe. The apparatus includes a fluid nozzle in contact with the pipe having a contour defined by a compound cubic. The present invention includes a transit time ultrasonic flow meter employing at least one acoustic path in communication with the fluid in the pipe and disposed downstream of the nozzle. A fluid nozzle for a pipe. A method for determining fluid flow in a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregor J. Brown, Donald R. Augenstein, Herbert Estrada
  • Patent number: 7810402
    Abstract: A torque monitoring apparatus for monitoring torque between a driving structure rotating about a first axis and a driven structure rotating about a second axis. The torque monitoring apparatus includes a piston and cylinder assembly. The piston is received in an aperture defined by the cylinder. At least one of the piston and the cylinder is operable for connection to one of the driving structure and the driven structure and rectilinearly moveable along the first axis or the second axis. The aperture is centered on the axis of rectilinear movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Norris, Stan Clemens
  • Patent number: 7810403
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for engaging gears in motors are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for engaging gears in a motor includes an actuator; and an engagement assembly having at least one pawl axially movably configured to selectively couple the engagement assembly with a gear via operation of the actuator. The actuator may be a solenoid, and may further be a single-coil solenoid. The apparatus may further include a shaft having the actuator and engagement assembly disposed thereon; and a gear disposed on the shaft adjacent the engagement assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Conntechnical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Connard Cali, Carlos Ferreira
  • Patent number: 7810404
    Abstract: A synchronizing mechanism includes a synchronizer hub, a coupling sleeve, a clutch gear and a synchronizer ling. The synchronizer hub is fixedly coupled to a rotational shaft. The coupling sleeve is coupled to an outer circumference of the synchronizer hub with a spline engagement to slide with respect to the rotational shaft in an axial direction upon an operation of a shift fork. The clutch gear is rotatably supported on the rotational shaft. The synchronizer ring is configured and arranged to produce a synchronized load between the coupling sleeve and the clutch gear. The coupling sleeve includes a guide section configured and arranged to guide at least a portion of lubricating oil supplied from a shift fork engagement part of the coupling sleeve toward at least one of the clutch gear and the synchronizer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Aichi Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hironori Miyagoe
  • Patent number: 7810405
    Abstract: An angle drive with two shafts (12, 15) which are drivingly connected to one another and whose axes (A1, A2) intersect one another at an angle, wherein on each of the shafts (12, 15) there is firmly arranged at least one gearwheel (19, 20, 21) and wherein there is provided a hollow gear (17) with an axis of rotation (A3) and wherein the gearwheels (19, 20, 21) engage the hollow gear (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weckerling, Hans-Peter Nett, Colin Zaers, Karl-Heinz Hülsebusch
  • Patent number: 7810406
    Abstract: A circulating assembly for a ball screw comprises a cassette and a separator. The fitting hole of the cassette facilitates the installation of the balls, and the separator is inserted in the fitting hole of the cassette, and the sub-return path in the front end of the separator cooperates with the main return path of the cassette to smoothly guide the circulation of the balls, so that the balls can be installed easily and quickly. And the helical groove of the screw doesn't need to extend to the shoulder portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Xin-He Chen
  • Patent number: 7810407
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity joint has a plurality of torque transmitting ball tacks, the torsional angle at the input torque 0 Nm in a torque-torsional angle diagram be approximately 0. Further, the torsional rigidity in the vicinity of input torque 0 Nm in the torque-torsional angle diagram is placed in a range of 1.5 Nm/deg to 6 Nm/deg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Ishijima, Kenta Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7810408
    Abstract: There is provided a steering column supporting apparatus in which tilt pins are locked on a tilt bracket fixed to a vehicle body and engaged with tilt plates welded to respective both sides of a steering column, and slotted holes extended in the axial direction of the steering column are formed in the tilt plates. A bulging part is formed on a lower surface of the steering column, and is designed to be larger in size than a gap between the lower surface of the steering column and the tilt bracket and increased in height as it goes rearward in the direction of the length of a vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce impact load applied to the steering column in the event of head-on vehicle crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Hideaki Okamoto, Toshifumi Ooeda, Seiji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7810409
    Abstract: When a telescopic gear base 6 and a telescopic gear member 8 are relatively brought close to each other, although their centers shift from each other, even when a tooth tip of a tooth (first tooth) 6a on one surface and a tooth tip of a tooth (second tooth) 8a on one surface contact with each other (at C-point in FIG. 5(b)), the telescopic gear base 6 and the telescopic gear member 8 can continue the relative movement in direction of an arrow (FIG. 5(b)) from such the state, because they contact with each other and intermeshed so that each angle with their tooth continuing directions is set larger than 0° and smaller than 90°. Therefore, since the telescopic gear base 6 and the telescopic gear member 8 intermesh gradually to slide, the tooth 6a and the tooth 8s readily intermesh during slide (at D-point in FIG. 5(c)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Okada, Hiroshi Shibazaki
  • Patent number: 7810410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drum rotatable provided in a washing machine or a dryer to dry laundry. A drum for a washing machine or a dryer includes an operable drum door provided at a circumferential surface of the drum; a balance weight provided at the circumferential surface of the drum. The balance weight is placed opposite to the operable drum door to balance the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Woong Kim, Na Eun Kim, Young Hwan Park
  • Patent number: 7810411
    Abstract: A connecting rod assembly includes a first end and a second end having bore extending therethrough and adapted to be aligned with a piston pin bore and receive a piston pin. The second end further includes a terminal end and has a reduced width configuration. The reduced width configuration is formed by machining a pair of channels that are formed on opposite sides of the second end between each channel and the terminal end. The bushing includes at least partially annular grooves disposed on the contact surface along at least a portion of opposed distal ends, where the grooves substantially eliminate the need for the small end to undergo a deburring process after the second end is machined to provide a reduced width configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Mahle Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Stephen McEwan
  • Patent number: 7810412
    Abstract: In a gearbox including three or more shaft holes, a vibration suppressor is formed with the gearbox and extends from at least one of shaft hole in a radial direction of the shaft hole. The vibration suppressor ensures a width which is greater than or equal to one fourth of the shaft hole diameter of the shaft hole, and a height that is greater than or equal to one sixth of the shaft hole diameter at a highest portion of the bivration suppressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasumasa Yamasaki, Takuya Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7810413
    Abstract: A hexagon spanner handle of the present invention includes a handle whose three edges are inwardly concaved respectively so as to form three shaft-like bodies at three triangle points. The handle has plural hexagonal apertures in different sizes arranged along the three shaft-like bodies. One plane surface of the handle has three position-limiting slots which are respectively located in three shaft-like bodies and outwardly extended along the shaft-like body and are communicating with the hexagonal apertures. The bottom of each position-limiting slot has plural indentations in different widths, and a magnetic body is located at the end of the position-limiting slot. Thereby, each hexagonal aperture can be inserted by the short leg of corresponding hexagon spanner, and the position-limiting slot can receive the long leg of the hexagon spanner with the magnetic body attracts thereof for fixing, so that the handle can be assembled with hexagon spanners in different standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Yi-Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 7810414
    Abstract: A depth adjustment device is mounted to a front end of a power tool, having a coupling member fixed to the front end of the power tool, a hollow stationary sleeve, and a hollow adjustment sleeve. The coupling member includes a limit recess and a lock recess at an external periphery thereof. The stationary sleeve is sleeved onto the coupling member, having two first lock portions corresponding to the limit recess, a springy part formed at a rear end thereof, and a second lock portion formed at a distal end of the springy part. The first lock portions are stopped against the lock recess. The second lock portion is locked to the lock recess. The adjustment sleeve includes a lip portion at a front end thereof for lying against a surface of a workpiece and is threadably connected with the stationary sleeve to be movably mounted to the stationary sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Hung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7810415
    Abstract: A portable tool kit comprising a self-releasing clasp such that the clasp is released as a main body is rotated about a handle axle from a closed position to an open position with reference to a handle assembly. The main body and handle assembly cooperate to wholly enclose a set of tools when in the closed position. When in an open position, the tools of the main body are exposed to selection and rotation about a rivet of the main body cooperating with a biasing device of a biasing rivet of the main body to hold the tool in place. When fully extended, the main body and handle assembly permit the selection of a plurality of tools such as Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers of different sizes for extension from within the main body for use. Moreover, lamps may be provided on either end of the handle assembly for illuminating a work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: InterDesign, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Adamany, Bennett S. Rubin
  • Patent number: 7810416
    Abstract: A lockable torque-limiting driver that includes, a body, a sleeve, a shaft carried by the body for rotation relative thereto and having a fastener-engaging tip at one end that projects from the body, a torque-limiting mechanism coupled to the shaft and housed within said body, a torque-adjusting mechanism within the body and coupled to the torque-limiting mechanism for adjusting the torque-limiting mechanism to a desired torque value, a torque-locking mechanism operably coupled with the torque-adjusting mechanism and the body or the sleeve for preventing movement of the torque-determining means and locking the settable torque-limiting driver at the desired torque value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: California Torque Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian James Cutler, Charles Parkin Davis
  • Patent number: 7810417
    Abstract: In a cutting method of an oblique surface by a rotary tool, for analyzing in advance a stability limit depth of cut with respect to a self-excited cutting vibration in consideration of a pick feed amount and a work oblique angle and reducing the number of steps necessary for preparation and correction of NC data, a tool diameter, the number of cutting teeth and dynamic stiffness of the rotary tool, a cutting force coefficient determined by a combination of the tool and work materials, dynamic stiffness of the work, the pick feed amount, oblique angles between the tool and the work and the like are used as input values, an initial value of the stability limit depth of cut is determined based on the input values, and calculation is performed based on the initial value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Onozuka, Masayuki Kyoi
  • Patent number: 7810418
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing window coverings slidably extendable from a bay into an aisle of a retail outlet. The method includes the steps of locating the center of the window covering relative to a cutting station utilizing a half scale for removing a portion of the window covering from each of its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Potts
  • Patent number: 7810419
    Abstract: A rotating log saw clamp for clamping a product roll to be sawn. The rotating log saw clamp includes a first portion disposed for rotation about an axis and a second portion disposed for rotation with the first portion and movable relative to the first portion between an open position and a clamping position. The second portion is rotatable from the clamping position to the open position by relative rotation of the first and second rotating portions in a common direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne G. Rundell, Eric J. Lumberg, Mark A. Stackley
  • Patent number: 7810420
    Abstract: The method of interrupting a tornado comprises the step of locating an area of ongoing tornadic activity. Ultra-cold substance is then released at low altitudes in the area of ongoing tornadic activity. In preferred embodiments, the ultra-cold substance is delivered to the area of ongoing tornadic activity by an airplane. The ultra-cold substance is preferably liquid nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Alexandr Konstantinovskiy
  • Patent number: 7810421
    Abstract: A method of preventing initiation of an explosive device. The method comprises substantially encasing an explosive device with a conductive foam. The explosive device is configured to be initiated by an electromagnetic radiation signal, such as that emitted by a transmitter of a wireless door bell device. Deactivated explosive devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah B. Hiza, Daniel W. Doll, Jared K. Olson
  • Patent number: 7810422
    Abstract: A protection device for an observation screen of a vehicle, wherein it is constituted by a plate of armor positioned outside of the vehicle, and pivoting arms ensuring the displacement of the armor plate from a passive position in which the field of vision is totally free and one or several protection positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Nexter Systems
    Inventors: Jean-Luc David, Michel Garnier, Olivier Germenot
  • Patent number: 7810423
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for delaying the gas action operated firearm. The device includes a gas chamber and an outlet, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the action tube of the firearm. The device has a port in fluid communication between the gas chamber and the barrel and a one-way check valve in the port. A gas release valve is included and is disposed on the container and in fluid communication with the gas chamber and the outlet. The device further includes linkage attached to the gas release valve and in mechanical communication with the bolt, such that when the gas release valve is in the closed position, gas is retained in the gas chamber and the linkage blocks the bolt from moving, and when the gas release valve is in the open position the linkage unblocks the bolt permitting normal gas action of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Alan Monroe
  • Patent number: 7810424
    Abstract: In order to increase the pressure of the hydraulic medium in cylinders, especially those of the hydraulic longwall construction used in underground mining and tunnel construction, a control unit 21 is used which has suitably controllable, releasable check valves 29, 30 and 25, as well as a blockable check valve 31. These check valves and the associated directional valves create the possibility of filling both the cylinder space 20 proper and the piston rod cavity 26, which enables the pressure adjustment process with hydraulic medium in a specific manner, or accordingly their discharge, with no risk of reciprocal influence, seizing, or other damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Wolfgang Voss
  • Patent number: 7810425
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method apparatus and system for processing grains, sugars, carbohydrates and oilseeds. Specifically, the present invention includes a method and apparatus for fermenting carbohydrates from grains to produce ethanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Kessler
  • Patent number: 7810426
    Abstract: A device for preparing froth, in particular for preparing milk froth by means of hot steam output by a domestic coffee machine, contains an elongate nozzle body having a rear end and a front end, which can be connected in the region of its rear end to a hot steam source and which has an outlet nozzle in the region of its front end. A casing sleeve having a rear end and a front end surrounds the nozzle body and has an air intake opening in the region of its rear end and an outlet opening in the region of its front end, an intermediate space being formed between the nozzle body and the casing sleeve. An outer sleeve surrounds the casing sleeve at least in the region of the rear end of the casing sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Tchibo GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Balkau, Rüdiger Ternité, Hartwig Meyer-Ruhstrat
  • Patent number: 7810427
    Abstract: A circulation conveyor for foods and drinks effectively controls internal temperature of a tunnel section covering an upper portion of a circulation-type conveyor path for foods and drinks. The conveyor has a tunnel section covering an upper portion of and in the longitudinal direction of the carrying path. A cooling and heating pipe 24 inside the tunnel section in its longitudinal direction controls internal temperature of the tunnel section. In the tunnel section, upper and lower ventilation openings 32 and 33, disposed above and below, respectively, of the cooling and heating pipe 24 are provided. The ventilation openings communicate via communication pipes 30a to 30c to circulate air, and an air blowing section 34 circulates air in the tunnel section by drawing air from one of the upper or lower ventilation openings, into the pipes, and discharges the air from the other opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ishino Seisakusyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruki Ishino, Yuichi Ishino, Shigeki Ishino
  • Patent number: 7810428
    Abstract: At stamp manufacturing blank printing plate (3) and inked porous base plate are brought to contact for the moment of creation of printing pattern. Blank stamping member for pre-inked stamp consisting from blank printing plate (3), made from porous thermo-plastic material, printing plate's case (1) and porous base plate (2), filled by ink. Printing plate is attached to the case, but separated from the inked base plate by air clearance, due to what the printing plate is free from ink up to the creation of printing pattern onto its surface, whereas supporting elements (5) are used, that prevent the said air clearance to collapse spontaneously. When the stamping member is compressed in flash moulding machine, the printing plate is pressed against the inked base plate and become inked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Leo-Henn Humal
  • Patent number: 7810429
    Abstract: A consumable flash tube for encapsulating igniter material in the propellant beds of propelling charges or rocket motors. The flash tube is constructed of a combustible, plastic material such as cellulose nitrate plastic or ethyl cellulose plastic. The combustible material is furnished with a filler of electrical charge dissipating material which renders the flash tube conductive. The conductive flash tube functions as an environmental housing and additionally as a grounded electrical conductor or Faraday shield so as to bleed off any inadvertent electrical charge presented to the flash tube and thus limit the charge transferred to the igniter material. Formation of the flash tube is by continuous extrusion of a mixture of the plastic material and electrical charge dissipating material into the shape of a hollow tube. After curing of the extruded tube, one end of the tube is flared to allow joining of the tube to a primer after the igniter material is positioned in the flash tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael E. Buckley, Donald R. McClure, Jesse L. East, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7810430
    Abstract: A wireless or partially wireless detonator assembly (10) and corresponding blasting apparatus, that may be “powered Up” by a remote source of power (13) that is entirely distinct from the energy used for general command signal communications (16). In one embodiment, the detonator assembly (10) may include an active power source (25) with sufficient power for communications, but insufficient power to cause intentional or inadvertent actuation of the detonator (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Sek Kwan Chan, Ronald F. Stewart, Howard A. Bampfield
  • Patent number: 7810431
    Abstract: An explosive charge is disclosed which has a spatial shape comprising explosive material and, in the course of the explosion, unfolds a spatially anisotropic pressure action in at least one main action direction, in which the pressure action is greater than in the other action directions. The spatial shape comprising the explosive material has a surface area facing toward the at least one main action direction and extends in the at least one main action direction, particles are applied and/or a material layer disintegrating into particles during the explosion is applied to the surface area, the particles comprise a nonexplosive material, and a total mass of the particles is less than a mass of the explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Heine, Matthias Wickert, Klaus Thoma