Patents Issued in March 29, 2011
  • Patent number: 7913371
    Abstract: A method for producing an agent depot for mechanical connection to a surface of an endovascular implantable body, comprising a) providing one or more polymers; b) providing one or more agents; and c) producing an agent depot from said polymers and said agents, the agent depot being mechanically connectable to the surface of the body using force action or adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Biotronik VI Patent AG
    Inventors: Bjoern Klocke, Tobias Diener, Matthias Fringes, Claus Harder
  • Patent number: 7913372
    Abstract: A dual wall cooking vessel has an inner cooking portion or shell with a thermally conductive outer cladding that terminates prior to the interior of the rim of the cooking vessel. The construction provides uniform temperature during the cooking process, yet minimizes heat loss after cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Meyer Intellectual Properties Limited
    Inventor: Stanley Kin Sui Cheng
  • Patent number: 7913373
    Abstract: In a method and a device for non-rotatably connecting a hollow shaft with at least one component located on the hollow shaft with which the component is positioned with clearance on the hollow shaft and is fastened thereon in a certain position by eliminating the clearance, the clearance being eliminated by expanding the hollow shaft using a joining tool that passes through at least part of the hollow shaft, and the joining tool including at least one first shaping element and at least one further shaping element, and the shaping elements being movable relative to each other, so that the motion of the shaping elements relative to each other causes an at least partial expansion of the hollow shaft. A design of this type has the advantage, in particular, that the joining tools cause the hollow shaft to expand only at the necessary points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: CLAAS Fertigungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Herrmann
  • Patent number: 7913374
    Abstract: An outer member and an inner member constituting a wheel bearing device are assembled and the brake rotor is fixed to the hub ring of the inner member. In this state, the pad slide surfaces of the brake rotor are lathed with the reference provided by a wheel pilot end surface. Alternatively, the wheel pilot end surface of the hub ring by chucking the knuckle pilot of the outer member with the wheel bearing device put in its assembled state, and the pad slide surfaces of the brake rotor are lathed with the reference provided by the wheel pilot end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyotake Shibata, Kazunari Yamamoto, Kazuhisa Shigeoka, Taku Nishiki, Kazuo Komori, Takao Maeda
  • Patent number: 7913375
    Abstract: This invention presents a novel method for designing and manufacturing electrical windings for electrical machines. The presented manufacturing technique gives possibilities for an increased filling factor compared to conventional technique and improved heat transfer through application of thermally conductive compounds. The ready winding represents a solid body and has the strictly determined geometrical form. The slot part of the ready winding represents rods. These rods are the composite material consisting of coils of the insulated copper wire and any compound. The cross section of these rods precisely coincides with the cross section of slots of stator and differs only on the value of the tolerance necessary for assembling. End parts of the ready winding represent rings from a composite material. Visual appearance of a winding reminds the squirrel cage of a rotor of the asynchronous motor. The specified technology provides high precision of manufacturing of a winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Sergey Pulnikov
  • Patent number: 7913376
    Abstract: A method of forming an actuating mechanism for a probe storage system includes providing a scanner chip having a main body including first and second outer surfaces and first and second coil mounting cavities. First and second coils are positioned in respective ones of the first and second coil mounting cavities. First and second magnet receiving pockets are formed in a first plate with first and second magnets being positioned in corresponding ones of the first and second magnet receiving pockets. The first plate is arranged relative to one of the first and second outer surfaces of the scanner chip with the first and second magnets registering with respective ones of the first and second coils. The first plate is spaced from the one of the first and second outer surfaces by a gap of less than about 10 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Lantz, Hugo E. Rothuizen
  • Patent number: 7913377
    Abstract: A method of producing a ceramic filter element suitable for use in an exhaust filter for an internal combustion engine, during which a combustible, non-ceramic support web is impregnated with a ceramic slip and formed into a desired geometric shape in either order, and then the impregnated and formed web is fired until the support web is burned out and a rigid ceramic filter body is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Karin Gerlach, Stefan Tudyka
  • Patent number: 7913378
    Abstract: A stitching method and a wire stitcher having a stitching head for stitching sheet-like materials using annular-eyelet staples, includes a staple support with a supporting body in the stitching head. The staple support supports a region of the annular eyelet during a driving-in operation and is moved out of the annular eyelet only when legs of the staple passing through the sheet-like material, have been largely bent over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Steffen Hoffmann, Holger Klamt, Siegmar Tischer
  • Patent number: 7913379
    Abstract: A tool assembly for engaging and disengaging a cardlet housing electronic components from a computer environment. The cardlet, in a preferred embodiment is a dual in-line memory module (DIMM) cardlet. The tool comprises a carrier having a handle on one end and a plurality of retention features and engaging members on an opposing side. The carrier release mechanism is secured to the carrier and the engaging members such that activating the carrier release mechanism moves the engaging members from a first to a second position such that engagement and disengagement of the carrier and said cardlet housing electronic components can be achieved. In addition, a removable latch release member is also secured to the carrier, the release member having a durable tip for engaging and disengaging latches on the computer cardlet without damaging the cardlet or its surrounding sensitive components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul F. Bodenweber, John J. Loparco, Thong N. Nguyen, Thomas Ramundo, John G. Torok
  • Patent number: 7913380
    Abstract: A wafer table for providing electrical components of a wafer includes a rotary disk to receive a wafer. The rotary disk is configured to be displaced parallel to a wafer plane in discrete steps such that the components arrive at a stationary pick-up position. A stationary auxiliary facility is assigned to the pick-up position, and a first rotary drive rotates the rotary disk. A carriage supports the rotary disk and is displaced in a stationary linear guide parallel to the wafer by means of a linear drive. The first rotary drive and the linear drive are positioned such that each of the components arrives at the pick-up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: ASM Assembly Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Frindt, Mohammad Mehdianpour, Harald Stanzl
  • Patent number: 7913381
    Abstract: A method of forming an electronic device (70) on a metal substrate (10) deposits a first seed layer (40) of a first metal on at least one master surface (30) with a roughness less than 400 nm. A supporting metal layer (60) is bonded to the first seed layer (40) to form the metal substrate (10). The metal substrate (10) is removed from the master surface (30), and at least one electronic device (70) is formed on the seed layer (40) of the metal substrate (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger S. Kerr, Timothy J. Tredwell, Mark A. Harland
  • Patent number: 7913382
    Abstract: Printing plates, printing system and method for printing electrical circuits. According to embodiments of the invention, patterned layers of conductive, insulating, semi-conductive materials, and other materials can be additively print deposited on a substrate to form electrical circuits. The electrical circuits so formed of single or multiple printed layers can comprise or compose transistor devices, including thin film transistors, multiple transistor circuits or assemblies, or other electrical devices, for example batteries, sensors, displays, memory arrays, and the like. The invention further provides a patterned printing plate imaged by a photolithography and etch process, and a printing system and methods using the patterned plate by which such high resolution, precise registration electrical circuits and circuit devices can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Soligie, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Heitzinger
  • Patent number: 7913383
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing gel containing wire connectors with a silicone gel that remains in an unseparated state wherein the temperature of the gel precursors are elevated before being mixed and dispensed into the cavity of a wire connector where the mixed gel precursors are allowed to cool and cure without the necessity of additional heating of either the mixed gel precursors or the wire connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Patent Store LLC
    Inventors: James C. Keeven, Lloyd Herbert King, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7913384
    Abstract: A method of preparing a wire harness production by providing standard wiring pattern information related to a first pattern including parts, electric circuits and wirings of a standard type vehicle, and generating modified wiring pattern information related to at least another pattern in which at least one of the parts, the electric circuits, and the wirings of a first pattern is altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Akizuki, Shuji Ono, Tetsuya Ishiguro, Masaya Uchida, Yasuhiro Mochizuki, Eiji Asaoka, Takeshi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7913385
    Abstract: To attenuate electromagnetic energy, a capacitive bond between a window and a frame is provided by a capacitive coupling. This capacitive coupling includes an elastomeric matrix and a conductive media. The elastomeric matrix provides a seal between the window and the frame. The conductive media is bound to the matrix and conducts electromagnetic energy from the window to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ryan L. Carlson, Bruce J. Donham, Jim Sears
  • Patent number: 7913386
    Abstract: Flat gasket comprising a first sheet metal layer consisting of a spring steel and a second sheet metal layer consisting of a ductile steel, the first layer being provided with a sealing bead, and the second layer being provided in an edge area bordering on an edge of the layer with a thickened zone as supporting element for receiving pressing forces; to increase the design possibilities for such a supporting element, the latter is formed by at least one elongate arch of the second layer, which is stamped into the edge area of the second layer and extends approximately parallel to the free edge of the edge area, the arch being compressed in such a way that the metal volume of the supporting element is at least three times the total hollow space volume which the supporting element and two tangential planes abutting on the latter and extending parallel to the plane of the second layer include between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: ElringKlinger AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Werz, Tobias Gruhler, Peter Schenk, Wolfgang Fritz, Willi Brodbeck, Matthias Baur
  • Patent number: 7913387
    Abstract: A thermal spreading device disposable between electronic circuitry and a heat sink includes a substrate having parallel first and second faces and conduits extending through the substrate between the faces. The substrate material has a first thermal conductivity value in a direction parallel to the faces and a second thermal conductivity value in a direction normal to the faces, with the second thermal conductivity value being less than the first thermal conductivity value. The conduit material has a thermal conductivity value associated with it, with the thermal conductivity value being greater than the second thermal conductivity value of the substrate. One method of fabricating the thermal spreading device includes disposing a molding material radially about the rods and hardening the material. Other methods include press fitting and shrink fitting the rods into a substrate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Robert E. Simons
  • Patent number: 7913388
    Abstract: A nozzle unit having a nozzle, a flow channel unit having a pressure chamber and a through hole to be communicated with the pressure chamber and an actuator for causing the pressure chamber to discharge ink are respectively formed. The nozzle unit and the actuator have substantially the same planar dimensions. In the nozzle unit, a spacer plate having a communicating hole penetrating in the plate thickness direction corresponding to the nozzle is preliminarily bonded with the first plate, which is to be the nozzle plate, and the nozzle is formed at the first plate material through the communicating hole with laser. The nozzle unit and the actuator which have been respectively formed are bonded with the flow channel unit at positions facing each other simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Ito
  • Patent number: 7913389
    Abstract: A flapper valve assembly and a method of making the same. The flapper valve assembly is mountable to a manifold as a unit. The flapper valve assembly can include bearings that do not require assembly on a shaft of the flapper valve. More particularly, the flapper valve can include a shaft having one or more flap portions and one or more bearing portions molded in place on the shaft as a unitary structure. The bearing portions are separated from adjacent flap portions and/or the shaft thereby forming a bearing that rotates independently of flap portions on the shaft. The flapper valve is mounted to a flapper valve carrier that can include sealing members for facilitating a tight seal between the flapper valve and the carrier and/or the carrier and a manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 7913390
    Abstract: A transportation tool for transporting, for example, a single composite aircraft fuselage section, including a first spindle weldment mounted on a first tower, and a second spindle weldment mounted on a second tower and configured to couple the single composite aircraft fuselage section to the towers. A first gimbal assembly configured to allow the first spindle weldment to move independent of the first tower, and a second gimbal assembly configured to allow the second spindle weldment to move independent of the second tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Masters, Jeffrey D. Schwindt, Larry L. Menghini, Jeffrey R. Twyford
  • Patent number: 7913391
    Abstract: A nail clipper apparatus formed of thick steel and having a broad textured contoured handle lever providing a slip-free surface which substantially conforms to a user's thumb and which is at angle an angle to an upper arm in a range of about 0 to 30 degrees thereby increasing gripping capacity, an aperture accommodating passage of a chain therethrough and also providing a nail file. The nail clipper may also provide a curved nail length determining gauge member as a depth stop feature provided in range of predefined increments thereby accommodating a desired nail length trimming position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy Edward Eul
  • Patent number: 7913392
    Abstract: A shaving apparatus system includes an electrically actuated and starting and shutting off device for improved shaving comfort. The system can include an electrical device, e.g. a battery, which actuates an operating device, e.g. vibrating, oscillating, heating and water-sprinkling system, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Menachem Rozenkranc
  • Patent number: 7913393
    Abstract: A safety razor blade unit mounted for pivotal movement relative to a razor handle about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to a blade mounted in the blade unit. The blade unit is biased to a rest position by a magnetic return force generated by a set of magnetic elements. The set of magnetic elements are so disposed that the return force increases as the pivotal displacement of the blade unit from the rest position increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Terence Gordon Royle, Edward Neill Forsdike
  • Patent number: 7913394
    Abstract: The cable sheath splitter has an elongate body forming a lower portion handgrip and an upper portion tool structure. An end cap is rotatably attached to lower end of the handgrip. An elongate arcuate hand guard member extends from an edge of the end cap. A cutting blade is depth adjustable and extends laterally from the tool structure. A pair of rollers disposed in the tool structure outwardly extend from the structure on opposite sides of the blade. A pair of adjustable cable guide arms forms a claw that extends from the tool structure. The claw is rotatable and may also have at least two rotatably lockable positions. The claw when configured according to either of the rotatably lockable arm positions, guides the cable along a path that contacts the blade to cut the cable sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory L. Hager
  • Patent number: 7913395
    Abstract: The invention as presently conceived discloses a plumbing pipe cutter with an integral means of directing away residual water after a pipe is cut. The device comprises a conventional, low profile pipe cutter that is commonly used to cut copper water supply lines. Other cutters designed for polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other types of piping can likewise be adapted. The apparatus is further comprised of a transparent shield around the entire perimeter of the cutter and extending onto either pipe. At one end of the shield, approximately 8-10 inches from the cutter, the transparent material is flexibly gathered and routed to a short section of PVC tubing. The distal end of the tubing has a hose connector onto which a standard hose would be attached. When the apparatus is fully installed, residual water in cut pipes is collected and directed away without harming the surrounding areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Ryan C. Nigh
  • Patent number: 7913396
    Abstract: An adjustable cake cutter includes an one-piece cutter body that allows adjustment of the cut size, and a bearing bar pivoted to the cutter body and turnable to the bottom side of the space defined within the cutter body to bear the cut piece of cake for enabling the user to carry the cut piece of cake to a dish directly with the adjustable cake cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Shao-Tsung Wei
  • Patent number: 7913397
    Abstract: A folding pocket utility knife includes a front handle, and a rear handle pivotally mounted to the front handle via a pivot. The rear handle contains a cavity configured to contain at least a portion of the front handle within the cavity. A blade holder is mounted inside the front handle for holding a blade, and a bendable blade strap is attached to the blade holder and to the rear handle. The blade strap extends around an outer circumference of the pivot to move the blade holder from a closed position where the front handle is in the cavity and the blade is completely within the front handle, to an open position where the front handle is not in the cavity and the blade extends from a terminal end of the front handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: American Safety Razor
    Inventor: Gary E. van Deursen
  • Patent number: 7913398
    Abstract: A folding knife has a handle, a blade, a locking rod and an unlocking lever. The handle has a dorsal portion. The blade is pivotally mounted and selectively folded in the handle and has a notch. The notch is formed on a spine of the blade. The locking rod is mounted on the dorsal portion of the handle and has a locking end and a protrusion. The protrusion is formed on the locking end and engages the notch of the blade. The unlocking lever is pivotally mounted on the handle and has a pushing end and at least one propping block. The propping block protrudes from the unlocking lever and abuts the locking rod. Therefore, the folding knife allows users to release the blade by either directly pressing the locking rod or pushing the pushing end of the unlocking lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Li-Pen Chu
  • Patent number: 7913399
    Abstract: A blade set for hair clipper which has a lower fixed blade, an upper fixed blade, a movable blade assembly and a blade holder. The movable blade assembly is disposed in between the lower fixed blade and the upper fixed blade and is connected to a driving means driven by a driving unit in the hair clipper to reciprocate laterally relative to the lower fixed blade and the upper fixed blade in an operating condition. A third toothed front edge is provided at a front end of the movable blade assembly. A lower portion of the third toothed front edge cooperates with an upper portion of the first toothed front edge to define a first cutting surface. An upper portion of third toothed front edge cooperates with a lower portion of the second toothed front edge to define a second cutting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Specialife Industries Limited
    Inventor: Tung Yan Lau
  • Patent number: 7913400
    Abstract: (FIG. 1) shows an improved bolt cutting tool comprising left and right cutting jaws (10) that are closed by handles (12A and 12B). As handles (12A and 12B) are separated, jaw (10) opens to allow the material to be cut to enter. The cutting handles (12A and 12B) are closed, utilizing a partially threaded rod (14) and rotational handle (16) to draw them closed. (FIG. 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: John Arthur Larkin
  • Patent number: 7913401
    Abstract: A three-in-one cutting head for a rotary trimmer usable with discrete lengths of string, flail blades, and fan blades is provided. The present disclosure represents an improvement over presently existing multi-purpose trimmer heads in that there is no requirement for the trimmer head to be disassembled in order to change the different blades or strings. The cutting head being selectively rotationally driven through a drive shaft includes a generally cylindrical body having first and second pairs of diametrically opposed apertures disposed on a periphery of the body; at least one clamping member disposed in the body adjacent to each aperture of the first diametrically opposed pair configured for releasably retaining at least one cutting string; and at least one holding member disposed in the body adjacent to each aperture of the second diametrically opposed pair configured for releasably retaining at least one blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Kwik Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Fernando R. Iacona
  • Patent number: 7913402
    Abstract: A cutting implement having a cutting blade and a coating is provided. The coating has titanium chromium nitride and provides the blade with a satin silver appearance. In some embodiments, the titanium chromium nitride coating has a thickness in a range between about 0.3 microns and 0.5 microns, a surface roughness in a range of about 15 to 25×10?6 inch/inch, and a hardness in a range of about 5.7 to 9.1 gigapascals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Acme United Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Buchtmann, Gary Pia
  • Patent number: 7913403
    Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting of tree limbs includes an extensible drive shaft that is detachably-attachable at one end to a portable electric drill and is secured to a housing at an opposite end thereof. The housing converts the rotary motion that is supplied by the drill into reciprocating motion of a saw blade and it disposes the saw blade at an angle with respect to the drive shaft that is slightly less than 90 degrees. An extensible two-part cylindrical outer sleeve covers the drive shaft and is detachably-attached at one end thereof to the drill and at an opposite end to the housing. A hook is provided in the housing and is used to grab and urge severed limbs where desired. An optional clamping mechanism is attached to the housing and is used initially to urge the blade and the limb toward each other during cutting and then to retain the limb proximate the housing after it has been cut for controlled placement and safe release of the limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Douglas Willetts
  • Patent number: 7913404
    Abstract: An alignment tool and method is disclosed for use in aligning wheels of trucks and truck trailers. The tool includes at least one self-leveling laser for checking wheel alignment. The self-leveling laser includes a body, an attachment member and a laser. The attachment member secures the alignment tool to the vehicle or trailer and the alignment tool provides for self-leveling to enable a user to make various predetermined measurements from the laser marking “+” when aligning the wheels of the vehicle or trailer. The alignment tool also may include a fifth wheel adapter for attaching the alignment tool to a fifth wheel pin of a truck trailer when checking the alignment of a truck trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis K. Smith
  • Patent number: 7913405
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention concerns a target for use with a measuring instrument in distance measuring and surveying applications. The target includes a base element, at least one light reflecting area arranged at the base element, the at least one light reflecting area being arranged to reflect light beams being incident in an angular area of substantially 360° degrees in plane, and an identification unit arranged at the base element and being adapted to emit signals having predetermined characteristics, wherein the predetermined characteristics may be used to identify the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Trimble AB
    Inventors: Ulf Berg, Anneli Utterbäck, Johan Carlèn
  • Patent number: 7913406
    Abstract: A hands-free measuring instrument is disclosed. The disclosed instrument includes an upright member extending perpendicularly from a base member. At least one magnet is affixed to the instrument to facilitate the mounting thereof on a ferrous workpiece. The disclosed instrument includes at least one bubble level disposed thereupon. Graduations may be provided on the instrument to facilitate measurement of linear distances. Embodiments are provided wherein a spring-loaded spike is disposed within the instrument that is adapted to secure the measuring instrument to a workpiece which may be non-ferrous. The spike assembly may be configured to work with commonly used building materials, e.g., wood, drywall, masonry, and sheet metal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Louis A. Norelli
  • Patent number: 7913407
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an inclinometer that is compact, can be easily read with a vertical or horizontal line of sight, and/or readily convey a preferred range of incline angles for an operational sluice box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph B. Finley
  • Patent number: 7913408
    Abstract: A chalk line hook is constructed and arranged to connect with an identical chalk line hook to provide a chalk line having a length of two chalk lines. The chalk line hook includes a connector portion, an anchor portion, and a lock portion. The connector portion is constructed and arranged to connect with a free end of the chalk line. The anchor portion is operatively joined with the connector portion for anchoring the hook. The lock portion is constructed and arranged to lockingly engage with a captured portion of the identical chalk line hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Grisham
  • Patent number: 7913409
    Abstract: A chalk line is marked by attaching two hooks to a nail, and then extending a string a length from the nail. The hooks are attached to an apparatus that has multiple springs, such that there is a string attached to the rear of the apparatus while the hooks are attached to the front of the apparatus. When the string has been extended the desired length, the user then snaps the line to make a chalk line. Then, the pull on the string is released by the user, causing the two hooks to separate. When the two hooks separate, their connection to the nail is broken. The hooks and the apparatus associated with the hooks then is free to be reeled back to the user. The user does not have to return to the nail to remove the hooks and the associated apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7913410
    Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the overall length of a firearm is constructed with a rectangular base with a back plate affixed perpendicular to the base. One end of the base is fixed with a plate attached perpendicular to the base. The other side of the device has a movable plate that rides back and forth on a rail. Underneath the rail is a ruler which is used to read the overall length of the firearm. The design of the fixture will allow for repeatable measuring of firearms. Also, the sliding plate ensures the furthest point of the firearm is that being measured regardless of the angle at which the barrel is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Monturo
  • Patent number: 7913411
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring inside diameters of holes using a dial bore gage with a packaged digital transducer providing an amplified readable output to both dial indicator and digital display enabling wireless data transmission for recording its measured output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Dorsey Metrology International
    Inventor: Peter Klepp
  • Patent number: 7913412
    Abstract: A contour measuring probe includes an air guide, a sliding member and a probe tip. The air guide defines a guide hole. The sliding member is slidably received in the guide hole. The probe tip is fixed on an end of the sliding member. A cross-section of the sliding member is non-circular, and the guide hole is a non-circular hole, such that the sliding member slides only along an axis of the air guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fa-Ping Xia
  • Patent number: 7913413
    Abstract: A multi-purpose spacer provides working surfaces for properly spacing studs, joists, rafters, and decking. The spacer (also referred to herein as a “tool” or “jig”) includes an adjustable spacer for balusters used in staircase railings, deck railings, and the like. The spacer may be constructed of a light metal, preferably aluminum, or suitably rugged plastic, and may also include a removable, padded handle to ease transport and use. Embodiments of the invention provide a spacing tool that is (for all practical purposes and in accordance with typical tolerances in the framing carpentry industry) completely temperature- and humidity-immune as well as waterproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: James W. McHowell
  • Patent number: 7913414
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing, a clamping unit associated with the housing, a biasing system, and a length indicator. The clamping unit can be inserted through a hole in a structure into an interior of a nut that is positioned relative to a first surface of the structure. The clamping unit can engage the interior of the nut when a portion of the housing is positioned relative to a second surface of the structure. The first structure is substantially parallel to the second surface. The biasing system can bias the portion of the housing positioned relative to the second surface of the structure and the clamping unit towards each other, while the clamping unit is engaged with the interior of the nut. The length indicator can indicate a length of a bolt when the biasing system has biased the portion of the housing and the clamping unit towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark D. Bumgardner, Terry L. Gesell, Curtis L. Chamberlin, Paul C. Buehler, Ed Vallejos
  • Patent number: 7913415
    Abstract: The device for drying laundry 1 by means of a current of air comprises a drum 2 to accommodate the laundry 1 and a ducting system 4, 5, 6, to direct said current of air. The ducting system 4, 5, 6 has a section 4 arranged downstream of the drum 2, in which the current of air is directed downwards and in which is arranged a filter 8 to capture lint 9 from the current of air. A scraper 15 is assigned to the filter 8, in order to scrape off the lint 9. The receptacle 19, 20 has a handle 21 and two interlinked shell elements (19, 20) which can be separated from each other, and which define a storage volume to accommodate the scraped-off lint (9). According to the invention, lint 9 thus scraped off can be removed from the device and disposed of, without the user needing to come into direct contact with the lint 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Roman Goldberg, Kai Nitschmann
  • Patent number: 7913416
    Abstract: A portable hair dryer optimally having a dual heating source. In a first embodiment, the heating source is gas utilizing a gas cartridge. In a second embodiment, the heating source is electricity utilizing a battery. In a third embodiment, the heating source is either gas, electricity, or both utilizing both a gas cartridge and a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Frank Scieri
  • Patent number: 7913417
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling energy that is input to a material substance, for the controlled removal of moisture from the material substance, is disclosed. A controlled air flow is blown onto the material substance at a specified air flow rate over at least one specified time period such that the material substance absorbs thermal energy from the controlled air flow via at least one outer surface of the material substance. The controlled air flow is of a specified humidity level at a specified temperature level. The material substance is also irradiated with microwave energy at a first specified power level for at least a first specified time duration such that the material substance absorbs at least a part of the microwave energy and converts the absorbed microwave energy to thermal energy within the material substance. As a result, moisture is removed from the material substance in a controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: John J. Patka, Sr., Sharon L. Judge
  • Patent number: 7913418
    Abstract: An automatic clothes dryer comprises a cabinet defining an interior space in which is rotatably mounted a drum that defines a drying chamber, a heater assembly having a heating element for heating air, and a motor for rotating the drum. A blower is mounted within the interior space and is fluidly coupled to the drying chamber for moving heated air through the drying chamber. A first temperature sensor is mounted upstream of the heating element. A second temperature sensor is mounted downstream of the blower. Outputs from the temperature sensors are utilized with one or more methods to determine the air flow characteristics through the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Carow, Mark E. Glotzbach
  • Patent number: 7913419
    Abstract: A non-tumble dryer comprises a cabinet and a drawer configured to support an article to be dried and slidably mounted to the cabinet. An air supply system provides air to a drying chamber formed at least partially by one of the cabinet and the drawer for drying the article supported by the drawer. The non-tumble dryer can function as a pedestal whereby the top of the cabinet can be configured to support a laundry appliance in an elevated position. Alternatively, the cabinet can overlie one or more laundry appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Tomasi, Robert W. Meyer, Matthew D. Rhodes, Richard A. Sunshine
  • Patent number: 7913420
    Abstract: Footwear having a textured surface. The footwear may have an upper, where at least a portion of the footwear upper has a textured surface. The textured surface may be formed, at least in part, by contoured structures. These contoured structures may define a group of alternating peaks and troughs extending in two orthogonal directions. The textured surface may optionally include apertures that will allow air to pass through the upper into the shoe, and allow moisture to expire from the inside of the shoe into the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: James K. Arizumi