Patents Issued in January 25, 2011
  • Patent number: 7874057
    Abstract: A wheel trolley assembly that enables easier and more efficient tire rotation is provided. Various service stations, one of which includes the wheel trolley assembly, are arranged sequentially one after the other by means of a series of conveyor means, each positioned in a manner which allows them to rotate independently of one another, while at the same time facilitating the transfer of vehicles from one station to the next. The wheel trolley assembly and series of independently-moving conveyors greatly increase the efficiency and speed of vehicle service, thereby increasing the volume of vehicles which can be serviced as well as customer satisfaction levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Team Rahal VMS
    Inventor: John Rickards
  • Patent number: 7874058
    Abstract: An automotive body transfer method and a transfer system is operable to transfer a vehicle body between a transfer mechanism and a stationary assembly station in an automobile production process. In the method and system hereof, one longitudinal half of each of front and rear pairs of left and right jack-up brackets, formed in lower parts of left and right side sills of the body, is supported by the transfer mechanism, and the other longitudinal half of each of the jack-up brackets is supported by the stationary assembly station, thereby enabling the shape and structure of the transfer mechanism and the stationary assembly station to be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taro Kodo, Akira Suzuki, Chiyuki Uekusa, Minoru Yamada, Katsumi Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7874059
    Abstract: A bushing (30, 31) in a hole (26) through a ceramic matrix composite structure (20) with a flange (34, 38) on each end of the bushing (30, 31) extending beyond and around the hole and pressing against opposed surfaces (22,24) of the CMC structure (20) with a preload that resists buckling of the composite structure fibers and resists internal CMC fiber separation. A connecting element (40), such as a bolt or pin, passes through the bushing (30, 31) for engagement with a supporting element (50). The bushing (31) may be formed in place as a single piece of ceramic, and cured along with the CMC structure (20), or it may be formed as two ceramic or metal parts (32, 36) that are joined together and preloaded by threads (33). The connecting element (40) may be a pin, or it may be a bolt with a shaft threaded into one part (32) of the bushing and a head (42) that pushes the second flange (38) toward the first flange (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay A. Morrison, Jay E. Lane
  • Patent number: 7874060
    Abstract: An optics element, such as an optical, IR, or X-ray mirror or mirror segment, is made by a combination of replication and lamination by depositing a first metallic layer on a replicating surface of a master or mandrel, depositing a light weight backing layer that adheres on the first metallic layer, and depositing a cover layer that adheres on the backing layer whereby the optics element comprises an in-situ deposited composite lamination of the first metallic layer, the backing layer, and the cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Melville P. Ulmer, Michael E. Graham, Semyon Vaynman
  • Patent number: 7874061
    Abstract: A yoke is produced by rolling up Zn—Al—Mg platinized steel plate of corrosion-resistance treatment where both ends thereof are tightly mated. On the outer peripheral surface of the yoke, plural linear grooves extending in the axis direction of the yoke are formed at a constant interval in the rolling step. Because the steel plate of corrosion-resistance treatment is prepared before initiating the rolling step, it is not necessary to perform coating and electroplating after making a cylindrical shaped yoke, namely, not necessary to perform any coating and electroplating after making the yoke, and the grooves are not filled with reaction products. This increases the radiation capability of the yoke because of increase of the entire surface area of the yoke. The Zn—Al—Mg platinized steel has a silver color and hardly absorbs radiant heat from an engine of a vehicle, and suppresses the increasing of the yoke temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Murata
  • Patent number: 7874062
    Abstract: A method of making a magnetic head according to one embodiment comprises forming a shield layer having first and second recesses in first and second end regions which surround a central region; depositing first and second lead layers in the first and the second recesses; and forming a read sensor in the central region such that a first edge of the read sensor is positioned above an edge of the first lead layer and a second edge of the read sensor is positioned above an edge of the second lead layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Hugo Alberto Emilio Santini
  • Patent number: 7874063
    Abstract: A thin film magnetic head integrated structure is provided. A plurality of thin film magnetic head bars include a plurality of thin film magnetic head precursors, a plurality of RLG sensors for read head core, and a plurality of RLG sensors for write head core, the read head core including a magnetoresistive element that performs a read process and the write head core including a magnetic pole layer that performs a write process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignees: TDK Corporation, SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Matono, Yoshihiko Koyama, Tatsuya Harada
  • Patent number: 7874064
    Abstract: A device for fixing and positioning in tubes and its use in tubular reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Fischer, Werner Burkhardt, Klaus Huthmacher
  • Patent number: 7874065
    Abstract: A process for making a multi-layered circuit board having electrical current traces includes providing a substrate having a 1st layer of conductive material to form a ground plane, plurality of metallic 1st traces on a 2nd side of the substrate having widths of approximately 25 microns or less, developing 1st ribs of photoresist forming 1st walls rising above upper surface of an adjacent seed layer trace, depositing 1st conductive signal traces having a thickness exceeding 25 microns into channels and over seed layer traces and stripping the ribs to leave 1st conductive traces having a height-to-transverse ratio exceeding 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventors: Vinh T. Nguyen, Claude A. S. Hamrick
  • Patent number: 7874066
    Abstract: A device-incorporated substrate and a method of manufacturing a device-incorporated substrate, as well as a printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board in which a fine-pitch conductor pattern can be formed on an insulating layer with high precision while securing the dimensional stability of the conductor pattern, are provided. A transfer sheet (61) has a structure that includes two layers, a metal base material (62) and a dissolvee metal layer (64), and a conductor pattern (55) is formed on the dissolvee metal layer (64) through electroplating. Then, after the transfer sheet (61) on which the conductor pattern (55) is formed is adhered onto an insulating base material (51), the transfer sheet (61) is removed through a step of separating the metal base material (62) from the dissolvee metal layer (64), and a step of selectively dissolving and removing the dissolvee metal layer (64) with respect to the conductor pattern (55).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Asami Hiroshi, Orui Ken, Kusano Hidetoshi, Fumito Hiwatashi
  • Patent number: 7874067
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the invention, a single chip COB USB manufacturing is using chip-on-board (COB) processes on a PCB panel with multiple individual USB PCB substrates. This single chip COB USB is laid out in an array of N×M matrixes. The advantages of this method are: 1) use molding over PCBA, versus conventional of using SMT process to mount all necessary component on substrate to form PCBA; 2) simpler rectangular structure to fit any external decorative shell package for added value; and 3) package is moisture resistance if not water proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Super Talent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Siew S. Hiew, Frank I-Kang Yu, Nan Nan, Paul Hsueh, Abraham C. Ma, Ming-Shiang Shen
  • Patent number: 7874068
    Abstract: A production method for an electronic chip component includes the steps of forming a first paste layer by applying paste onto a first end surface of an electronic component body with a second end surface being stuck onto a substrate having an adhesive surface and drying the paste, turning the electronic component body 180 degrees so as to stick the first end surface of the electronic component body onto the substrate by sliding a slider relative to the substrate in a state in which the slider is in contact with the first end surface of the electronic component body, forming a second paste layer by applying the paste onto the second end surface of the electronic component body and drying the paste, and firing the first and second paste layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Dooka, Kazunori Kunimoto, Katsunori Ogata, Naohiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 7874069
    Abstract: A gasket for preventing high-temperature fluid of an internal combustion engine from leaking is located between an adjacent pair of components of the engine. The gasket includes a gasket plate made of an electrically insulating material. The gasket plate has a hole. An annular sealing member is made of a material having a higher heat resistance than the gasket plate. The annular sealing member covers part of the gasket plate that defines the hole. Therefore, the gasket is capable of, for an extended period, preventing metal components in an internal combustion engine from directly contacting each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Yasuki
  • Patent number: 7874070
    Abstract: An injection valve has a nozzle body, a valve needle positioned in the nozzle body, an actuator for actuating the valve needle, and an orifice plate fixed at an end of the nozzle body. The orifice plate has a valve seat for cooperating with the valve needle and an orifice for injecting a fluid. The orifice plate is provided with a projection having a convex-curved surface on an orifice outlet side of the orifice plate. A flat surface portion is formed in the area of the convex-curved surface, and the outlet of the orifice is located in the flat surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Gunji, Keiji Kawahara, Shuichi Shimizu, Atsushi Sekine, Masafumi Nakano
  • Patent number: 7874071
    Abstract: A method of making an ice dispense agitator of a type as may be used in ice and beverage dispensing machines is characterized by manufacturing the agitator as an integral unit by cutting the agitator from flat metal stock and then bending the agitator into a desired final shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew J. Tobler
  • Patent number: 7874072
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a bearing support, particularly for a fan casing. The method includes the step of placing a bearing assembly in correspondence to a matrix die of an injection mold. The method further includes the step of abutting a punch of the injection mold on the bearing assembly to coaxially align and axially clamp the bearing assembly. The method further includes the step of injecting a plastic material into the mold to form an assembly sheath over-injected on outer surfaces of the bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventor: Roberto Mazzocco
  • Patent number: 7874073
    Abstract: To provide a nose hair cutter, comprising a blade configures to cut nose hair, a motor which drives a movable blade of the blade, and a fan which is driven by the motor to suck pieces of the nose hair cut by the blade into a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ogawa, Hisao Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7874074
    Abstract: A tool for assisting a worker in removing a windshield includes a cylindrical housing having an L-shaped blade depending from a lower end thereof. The housing includes a butane-fueled heating assembly that heats the blade to a predetermined temperature so that the blade easily penetrates the adhesive surrounding a vehicle windshield. A handle is tethered to the housing with a cable that allows a worker to easily lift the windshield once the adhesive has been completely separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Jesus M. Rodriguez-Vega
  • Patent number: 7874075
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable cutting machine including: a housing; a motor; a cutting blade driven by the motor; a saw cover that covers the cutting blade; a base that rotatably supports the saw cover and to be brought into contact with the to-be-processed members; and a changing mechanism capable of changing the protrusion amount of the cutting blade toward the side opposite to the saw cover, wherein the changing mechanism has an adjustment guide extending from the base in the rotation direction of the saw cover and a movement restricting part for restricting the movement of the adjustment guide, and wherein the portion of the adjustment guide on the side farther from the base with respect to the movement restricting part is arranged outside of the saw cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Niwa, Teruo Imai
  • Patent number: 7874076
    Abstract: A razor handle having a rigid core and a layer of elastomeric material. The razor handle includes a head portion for connection to a razor head and an body portion. The body portion includes a first neck portion in the vicinity of the head portion, the first neck portion having opposite side gripping areas. Each side gripping area has a series of spaced fins made of elastomeric material, protruding from the rigid core. The rigid core defines a comb-like structure in which the spaced fins are imbricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Bic Violex SA
    Inventors: Spiros Gratsias, Ioannis Bozikis, Yiannis Marios Psimadas
  • Patent number: 7874077
    Abstract: The device (12) comprises a laser (14) which is attached to the tool (2). During operation a laser beam (16) is emitted onto an optical lens (20) which is of cylindrical shape. The lens (20) is suspended to swivel freely, e. g. by means of a swivel arm (24) which is operatively connected to the tool (2). Thus, the main axis (28) of the lens (20) is kept vertically by the gravity force when the tool (2) is moved or tilted. The shape of the laser marker (I1 II, III) generated on a workpiece (8) is an indication for the user of the tool (2) concerning an inclination (x, y) of the tool (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gianni Borinato
  • Patent number: 7874078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle measuring apparatus for establishing baselines and dimensionally measuring a vehicle's upper and lower structure, without requiring the use of a fix mechanical grid mechanism. A method is presented which includes having a pre calibrated portable gauge (52) placed to a selected point on the vehicle with a squaring device (66) on gauge (52) positioned outwardly of the vehicle and having a light source (20) placed on or in proximity to the vehicle for projecting a plane of light (90 or 92) to align to squaring device (66). This alignment establishes a light beam baseline at a predetermined dimensional value with respect to the vehicle. Once the baseline is established measurements of the vehicle's upper or lower body may be determined by placing a portable gauge (52) relative to a point on the vehicle and using squaring device (66) to square the alignment of gauge (52) to the selected baseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventors: Mitchell C. Harrill, Elena Harrill
  • Patent number: 7874079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic holding mechanism for holding an eyeglass frame. The holding mechanism includes a base, a clamping mechanism configured for releasably securing a lens mount of an eyeglass frame, and an actuator operatively associated with the clamping mechanism for causing linear and rotational movement thereof. The clamping mechanism is moveably coupled to the base for linear and rotational movement about an axis of rotation relative to the base, wherein the clamping mechanism is rotatable about first and second spaced pivot points. The present invention also relates to a method of tracing a lens mount of an eyeglass frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: National Optronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Andrews, David W. Gerding, Kurt W. Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 7874080
    Abstract: A measuring device has a first elongate body element, a second elongate body element, and an elongate ruler element. The first and second elongate body elements slidably engage each other, and the elongate ruler element is slidably engaged adjacent the first elongate body element. A plurality of ruler markings on the elongate ruler element enable measuring the sag of a vehicle. A partial-fastening element fastens the elongate ruler element to the first elongate body element. A body fastening clip is attached to a top end of the first elongate body element for removably engaging a body of the vehicle. A hub engagement post is attached to the second elongate body element for removably engaging a hub of the vehicle. A method of using the measuring device to measure the sag of the vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Morales
  • Patent number: 7874081
    Abstract: A method of filling a drying system 24 with product comprises providing a washing unit 22, and a drier or driers 26a, 26b arranged such that one at a time the driers 26a, 26b receive product 48 discharged from the output of the washing unit 22. The washing unit 22 is configured to receive product 48 which is continuously weighed 104 as it is delivered to the washing unit. The product is washed in the washing unit 22 by being passed through the washing unit at a substantially constant speed, allowing the arrival time at the drier 26a, 26b to be predicted. The weight of product loaded into the drier is regulated by controlling the flow of product into the drier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip John Ewen
  • Patent number: 7874082
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for drying bulk material, especially bark, sawdust, pretreated sludge or a mixture of these. Also provided are a method and apparatus for cooling waste water produced in a pulp or paper production process. Certain embodiments include a pulp mill, paper mill and a novel way of using a wire. Other embodiments provide for cooling in one and the same heat exchanger the waste water produced in a pulp or paper production process while simultaneously heating the gas that cools the waste water. Heated gas extracted from the heat exchanger is conducted through one or several drying conveyers and through the material to be dried that is conveyed on the drying conveyer so as to dry the material with the heated gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: UPM-Kymmene Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Saarela, Juhani Kinnunen
  • Patent number: 7874083
    Abstract: A sole wear protection system for minimizing wear to a sole of a shoe includes a shoe being worn on a foot. The shoe includes an upper positioned over the foot when the shoe is being worn. The shoe includes a sole coupled to the upper and positioned under the foot when the shoe is being worn. A plurality of sleeves extends into the sole of the shoe. Each of the sleeves includes an open bottom end. A plurality of plate assemblies is mountable to sleeves. The plate assemblies are positioned between the sole and a support surface to minimize contact between the sole and the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Kiheim Tillman
  • Patent number: 7874084
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing and article of footwear from a reclaimed bicycle tire includes the steps of providing an article of footwear having an upper attached to a sole, providing a worn bicycle tire, cutting a strip from the tire, and attaching the strip to at least a portion of a peripheral surface of the sole as foxing tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Deckers Outdoor Corporation
    Inventors: John Earle, Leigh Meyer
  • Patent number: 7874085
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plow blade edge device for mounting to a moldboard of a plow comprising at least one adapter blade including a bottom edge having a carbide insert along at least a portion of the bottom edge. The device further includes at least one moldboard shoe selectively reversible to present the adapter blade at a first angle or a second angle. The device further includes at least one impact bar mounted to a front side of the adapter blade. The at least one moldboard shoe can include a bottom edge having a carbide insert along at least a portion of the bottom edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Winter Equipment Company
    Inventors: Kent Winter, Phil Prucey
  • Patent number: 7874086
    Abstract: A locking assembly for retaining a wear member to excavating equipment has a locking element that is received into an opening in the assembly and is movable about a pivot axis in the opening between a hold position and a release position. The locking element has an outer edge that is generally opposite the pivot axis that opposes a base surface of the opening when the locking element is in the hold position. The outer edge is configured to pull away from the base surface when the locking element is rotated from the hold position toward the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Esco Corporation
    Inventors: Terry L. Briscoe, Christopher M. Carpenter, Aaron B. Lian
  • Patent number: 7874087
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of luggage identification tags, and in particular, to a removable identification patch in which indicia can be incorporated onto the patch prior to installation of the patch onto the piece of luggage. A fastening plate is positioned on the interior surface of the luggage and is securely coupled to the identification patch, which is positioned on the exterior surface of the luggage. In one embodiment, the identification patch is attached directly to the fastening plate through fasteners that extend through the luggage wall. In another embodiment, the fastening plate includes projecting tabs which extend through the luggage wall to matingly engage a housing member positioned on the exterior surface of the luggage. The housing member includes a cavity for receiving the identification patch. The identification patch can be removed from the luggage and replaced with an alternative or second identification patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Victor Scicluna
  • Patent number: 7874088
    Abstract: A tray-tag that can be mounted on a tray and display information about items on the tray is provided. A tray-tag of the present invention includes a face plate having front and back surfaces. The front surface of the face plate is adapted to have indicia thereon that display information about the items on the tray. The tray-tag also includes a mounting assembly capable of selectively and securely coupling the tray-tag to a tray. The mounting assembly includes an engagement flap and first and second support tabs. The engagement flap and the support tabs securely couple the tray-tag to the tray. The engagement flap extends over a rim of the tray, while the support tabs extend underneath the rim to couple the tray-tag to the tray. Additionally, the support tabs maintain the face plate in a generally vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J. Nikols
  • Patent number: 7874089
    Abstract: A rotation apparatus includes at least one magnet, and a flexible suspension coupled to the at least one magnet. The at least one magnet is suspended from the suspension. Moreover, when the flexible suspension causes rotation in a first direction via a force, the at least one magnet alternately rotates in the first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Roger Herbstritt
  • Patent number: 7874090
    Abstract: At least two upright subassemblies, each with a base, radial positioning members; an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member slidably received in the outer tubular member; a plunger for selective engagement with aperture(s) in the outer tubular member, upper and lower horizontal bars secured to the radial positioning members, and a flexible display secured to each set of upper and lower horizontal bars, the radial positioning members for selective positioning between selected convex, concave, in-line and right angle positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Rodger H. Flagg
  • Patent number: 7874091
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a magnetically-attractable water-impermeable disk. Via operation of a drive system, the disk is movable between a sealing position, wherein it prevents water from entering the barrel by moving into alignment with the first bore, and a firing position, wherein the first water-impermeable disk moves out of alignment with the first bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jyun-Horng Fu, Robert James Howard, John W. Rapp, Antonio Paulic
  • Patent number: 7874092
    Abstract: A Head for a gun support apparatus is provided, which includes a body, a left arm assembly, a right arm assembly, and a blocking member. The left arm assembly is pivotally coupled to the body, and the right arm assembly is pivotally coupled to the body and is engaged to the left arm assembly so that they can be revolved simultaneously. The blocking member is engaged to both the left arm assembly and the right arm assembly to form a ratchet mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Foshan Nanhai Chevan Optical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lihwa Lee
  • Patent number: 7874093
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for attracting animals. In one aspect, there is provided a wind driven device, such as a decoy for animals, such as waterfowl, birds, humans, and the like. The device may include a support pole; a hanging rod coupled to the support pole; and a blade coupled to a swivel mechanism. The swivel mechanism is further coupled to the hanging rod. The blade is attached to the swivel mechanism and shaped to move to attract one or more animals when the blade moves in response to wind. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: R.H. Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald H. Rohrke
  • Patent number: 7874094
    Abstract: A fishing lure and spinner blade designed in a helical form that rotates in a free form fashion or in an inline application. The “Tornado or Funnel” appearance of the blade as it spins through the water can be regulated by the speed of the retrieval, size of the blades and number of rotations on the spinner blade, which give a consistent spinning experience at any retrieval speed and level. The blades are affixed through split rings and swivels on varying spinner bait wire forms and spin effortlessly at high very slow to high retrieval rates and upon natural free falling through the water. The inline technology uses the tornado design to employ a dependable and effortless spinning motion around the axis of the wire form, and a streamlined spinner that doesn't need to have the blades set by applying force to the lure before spinning commences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas W. Brevig
  • Patent number: 7874095
    Abstract: A fishing lure has a body having a front end, a rear end, a top and a bottom. A hook is secured by a shank to the rear end of the body. A slot extends through the body from the top to the bottom. The slot at the top of the body is enlarged toward the front end and the slot at the bottom of the body is enlarged toward the rear end. A fishing line, is extended through the slot from the top to the bottom and secured to the shank of the hook. The body assumes a substantially linear orientation when the body is pulled forward by the line, such as when casting or trolling. The body enlarged slot results in the body pitching, such as to imitate a swimming motion during jigging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Leonid Rodels
  • Patent number: 7874096
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a releasing device and more particularly a releasing device used to release fish in water. Deep-water fishes such as rockfish often exhibit the effects of rapid water pressure change such as expelled gas bladder, protruded eyes when brought to the surface. The fish releasing device of the present utilizes a jaw assembly, a weight, and other components to clamp onto a fish. The device is dropped into the water which pulls the fish beneath the surface of the water and automatically releases the fish upon the opening of the clamping jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Michael Callaway
  • Patent number: 7874097
    Abstract: A lobster trap that promotes entry of lobsters into the trap while restricting lobsters from exiting the trap. Accordingly, a lobster trap comprises at least one head including an opening for entry into an interior of the trap, and a shield member mounted to the trap adjacent the opening. The shield member extends into the interior of the trap away from a plane of the opening and shields the opening from egress from the interior of the trap from at least one direction while not restricting entry to the interior of the trap. The lobster trap can further include a guard member extending from the shield so as to further restrict exit from the trap via the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: William Hooper Goodwin, III
  • Patent number: 7874098
    Abstract: Rodent bait station assemblies and methods for assembly and bundling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: VM Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Vickery, Larry Covington
  • Patent number: 7874099
    Abstract: An aggregation base for use within a subterranean cavity for detecting subterranean termites includes an elongate member having longitudinally opposite ends, a circumference, and an outer surface. A void extends longitudinally within the elongate member for forming an aggregation site for the termite. The elongate member is open at least at one end in communication with the void. At least one channel extends circumferentially about at least a portion of the circumference of the elongate member at the outer surface thereof and also extends transversely through the elongate member from the outer surface inward to the void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Whitmire Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Cink, Steven R. Sims, Jonathan D. Berger, Lee M. White, Jeffery A. Martin, Henry Wayne Moran
  • Patent number: 7874100
    Abstract: A trellis system of the invention comprises a trellis and tool in combination. The trellis includes multiple legs and one or more horizontal supports. The tool includes a tray and a coning tool. The tray is adapted to slidably engage the legs by way of engagement means. The coning tool is adapted to engage the ends of the legs to facilitate shaping the trellis into a conical or pyramidal frame if desired. The trellis system can be used as a plant growth support and/or to hold potted plants. It can be installed into the ground or an existing potted plant. The trellis can be inverted position, the trellis can be used as a frame to build ornamental Christmas trees. The trellis can be a break down type of trellis including at least two horizontal supports and at least three segmented legs, wherein the segmented legs can each be made from two or more extended leg segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Deborah Ellen Miller
  • Patent number: 7874101
    Abstract: A method for applying a water soluble soil stabilizer to soil wherein the soil stabilizer is added to a solid carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Encap LLC.
    Inventors: Michael Dennis Krysiak, Daniel Paul Madigan
  • Patent number: 7874102
    Abstract: A decorative surround for potted plants is described. The surround may be a shell having a generally convex outer surface and an aperture in the shell suitable for either receiving or supporting a plant pot. The surround may be supported with respect to the ground or other reference surface by the periphery of the shell or by the bottom of a structure within the aperture, and the surround held against the ground by the weight of the potted plant. Alternatively, the surround may be affixed to the ground with pins or stakes. Another decorative surround is sized so that the aperture is smaller than a maximum diameter of the plant pot, and a strap is provided to hold the plant pot against an inner surface of the shell. The visible surface of the surround may be formed, textured or colored so as to have a visual appearance simulating natural rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Stuart Hilbert
  • Patent number: 7874103
    Abstract: A gate assembly is provided for positioning in an opening through which selective entry is required. The gate assembly includes barrier means mountable directly or indirectly to one or more surrounding surfaces defining the opening. Hinge means are provided to allow the barrier means to be movable relative to the surrounding surfaces in use between a closed position, wherein the opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the opening is open. The hinge means include a hinge pin movably mounted in a channel or recess. The channel or recess receiving the hinge pin in use has a taper which narrows from an opening of said channel or recess through which said hinge pin is located in use towards a base or opposite end of said recess or channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Lindam Limited
    Inventor: Adam Yates
  • Patent number: 7874104
    Abstract: According to the invention, a car door has a window opening defined by an upward part extending from a rear upper end of a door panel and a sash assembly; a stationary panel fitted in a rear window opening defined by the sash assembly and a center sash; a curved edge of the upward part defines a bottom of the window opening; and a weather strip including a part engaging a periphery of the stationary panel, attached to the periphery of the window opening, serving as a seal, and having an inner lip extending from an inner edge of the part engaging the periphery of the stationary panel and an outer lip extending toward and being in contact with an external part of the curved edge of the outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki
    Inventors: Tohru Kimoto, Kenichi Sakanoue
  • Patent number: 7874105
    Abstract: A roof structure and a method of installing a snow guard on the base of a roof is provided, wherein the roof structure includes a plurality of synthetic shingles of thermoplastic materials, and where a snow guard is provided having an outwardly projecting snow-engaging platform and an oppositely provided hook at an upper end, wherein the hook is adapted to engage over and upper edge of a butt portion of one or more shingles in an underlying course of shingles, and wherein a tab portion of a shingle in a next-overlying course of shingles is disposed over the upper end of the snow guard, substantially covering its base, and wherein the snow-engaging platform is adapted to receive snow and ice that may slide down the roof, to intercept the same or break the snow or ice up into small harmless particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory F. Jacobs, Robert L. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7874106
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed to a sill flashing assembly configured to fit within a lower portion of an opening in a wall. The sill flashing assembly comprises: (1) a central sill flashing member having a substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion; and (2) at least one end dam member. The substantially vertical portion extends upwardly adjacent an interior edge of the substantially horizontal portion, and the substantially vertical portion defines at least one channel. The end dam member has a planar base and at least one tab extending at an angle greater than zero degrees from an interior edge of the planar base. The tab has a height that is shorter than a height of the interior edge of the planar base, and the tab engages the channel when the end dam member is installed adjacent an end of the central sill flashing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Donald G. Pangburn, Richard Braunstein