Patents Issued in May 17, 2011
  • Patent number: 7941875
    Abstract: An impact pad containing body cushioning device with the impact pad filled with a viscoelastic polymeric material which mimics the trabecular architecture of cancellous bone allowing the device to enhance this ability to cushion impact forces against various sensitive parts of the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Brown Medical Industries
    Inventors: David G. Doctor, Ivan E. Brown
  • Patent number: 7941876
    Abstract: A method and device for protecting a hip bone or limiting a severity of a hip bone injury, which includes at least one pad arranged to protect the hip bone, and a wearable garment to hold the at least one pad with respect to the hip bone, the garment configured to be worn over clothing, the pad configured to wrap around an area of the hip bone in a circumferential manner, the garment including two fastening panels, each configured to face and overlap with the other fastening panel, and fastenable together in a rotatable manner around an axis perpendicular to a fastening plane, a length of the two fastening panels configured to provide a one size fits essentially all wearers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Robert C Ferber
  • Patent number: 7941877
    Abstract: A sound system and a head rest for a spa and a spa having a sound system are disclosed. The sound system includes a head rest mountable to a spa and at least one electronic speaker. The head rest includes sound emitting perforations and is mounted to the spa whereby the uppermost rim of the spa remains at a substantially uniform elevation. The electronic speaker is mounted to transmit audible sound through the perforations in the head rest. The head rest may also include a light-transferring insert that is illuminated to provide an enhanced bathing experience. The head rest may also include a fluid flow device, for example, a nozzle for water. The sound system and head rest can be used to introduce audio to a tub, spa, pool, bath, or shower while imposing little or no impact upon the fabrication, storage, or shipping of the tub, spa, pool, bath, or shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Saratoga Spa and Bath Co., Inc.
    Inventors: W. John Gardenier, Anthony Brennan
  • Patent number: 7941878
    Abstract: A drain plug, a drain body and a drain pipe are fabricated of a flexible material. The drain plug has perforations and is threaded to allow easy cleaning. A drain-trap-shaped drain pipe containment device is in the form of a pair of mirror image halves with a hinge means there between. The hinged halves are latched together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Danh Truong
  • Patent number: 7941879
    Abstract: The bed with automatic mattress lifting system is a bed with a frame and an internal drive system for raising a mattress above the frame, allowing the user to easily change the sheets or other bed coverings. The mattress rests on a mattress supporting platform, which, in the lowered position, is received within the frame. In operation, driven motion of an internal rod caused by a drive system located within the frame generates rotation in a lever arm. The lever arm is secured to a shaft that extends across the frame, and rotation of the shaft causes a pair of supports to rotate. Upper ends of the supports are joined to a lower surface of the mattress supporting platform, thus driving upward movement of the mattress supporting platform. The sheets cover both the mattress and the platform, allowing the sheets to be changed without having to manually lift the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: John A. Burnett
  • Patent number: 7941880
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a connecting structure for a bed foot. The bed foot is pivotally connected to a bottom of a bed board frame. An inner side of the bed foot is pivotally connected with at least one support rod. The support rod has a free end formed with a through hole. The bottom of the bed board frame is provided with a protruding post corresponding in position to the through hole. The through hole has an opening at one side thereof so that the through hole is able to engage with the protruding post through the opening, without aiming at the protruding post. Accordingly, the operation is very convenient and quick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Kwan-Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 7941881
    Abstract: A bed assembly includes a wheeled base, a sub-frame and mattress support frame. The sub-frame supports a plurality of electrically operated actuators which provide for raising and lowering of the bed. The bed can be lowered to a first low position in which the bed frame is around 38 to 45 centimeters above floor height and to a lower position in which the frame is around 30 centimeters above floor height. The bed is lowered to the first height upon receipt of a first command input and can only be lowered below that first height upon receipt of a second control input distinct from the first control input. Preferably, the bed is lowered at a slower speed from the first low height to its lowermost position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Hayes, Stephen Hollyoak
  • Patent number: 7941882
    Abstract: The magnetic cushioning system is for use in a cushion, mattress or other cushioned article, the cushioning system providing adjustable firmness for the user. The magnetic cushioning system includes a plurality of magnetic supports enclosed within a cover. Each of the magnetic supports has a flexible shell having opposed upper and lower ends. A permanent magnet is disposed within the flexible shell and is positioned adjacent the upper end thereof. An electromagnet is disposed within the flexible shell and is positioned adjacent the lower end thereof. The cover has opposed upper and lower surfaces, the magnetic supports having the upper ends thereof secured to a lower face of the upper surface, and the lower ends thereof secured to an upper face of the lower surface of the cover. A controller is provided for selectively and adjustably controlling electrical power transmitted to each electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Jeremy Robert Strozer
  • Patent number: 7941883
    Abstract: A mattress (2) which in plan view comprises an inner portion (4) and an outer portion (6), and the mattress (2) being such that the inner portion (4) is of a size for being slept on by at least one person, the outer portion (6) extends at least partially around the inner portion (4), and the inner portion (4) has a lower compression rate than the outer portion (6) whereby the weight of the person on the inner portion (4) is distributed over a greater area than would be the case if the inner portion (4) had the same compression rate as the outer portion (6), and whereby the outer portion (6) constrains the inner portion (4) and controls lateral expansion of the inner portion caused by the weight of the person on the inner portion (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Seating Design and Development Limited
    Inventors: Terry Glyn Moule, Patricia Ann Moule, legal representative, Neal Marshall
  • Patent number: 7941884
    Abstract: The invention in one embodiment relates to a method for operating a washing machine having a heating unit, wherein the heating unit comprises a carrier and at least one planar heating element disposed thereon. At least one first heating element is attached to the carrier in a planar manner, wherein the carrier has a recess extending in the longitudinal direction in the center region. The washing machine has a washing machine barrel and a drum therein, wherein the heating unit is displaced at the bottom in the washing machine barrel outside of the drum. A heating element is provided on the outside of the carrier in the region of the recess in the region along an apex, or along an apex of the recess, wherein only said heating element is operated in the region of the recess for creating steam in the washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Block, Irina Maier
  • Patent number: 7941885
    Abstract: A method for operating a horizontal axis washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises introducing liquid into the drum to wet the fabric load and spinning the drum to distribute the fabric load about the drum prior to the introducing of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nyik Siong Wong, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, Anthony H. Hardaway, Joel A. Luckman
  • Patent number: 7941886
    Abstract: Toothbrush heads, e.g., for power toothbrushes, are provided. The toothbrush heads include a support member and a plurality of bristles or tufts of bristles extending from the support member, the bristles or bristle tufts having different lengths. The contour of the bristles may be selected to allow substantially all of the bristles to contact the dentition during brushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander T. Chenvainu, Thomas A. Christman
  • Patent number: 7941887
    Abstract: A multi-purpose showerhead includes a flexible conduit having a head end coupled to an water outlet of a faucet, a first water supply channel and a first water return channel being fitted within the flexible conduit, wherein the first water supply channel is connected to the water outlet of the faucet while the first water return channel is provided with a back flow opening extending outward near the head end; a showerhead main body having a shank member and a head member at the top of the shank member, the inside thereof being brought in a connected state. Meanwhile, a second, third, and fourth water supply channels as well as a second, third, and fourth water return channels are available. Moreover, return flow chambers and a blade wheel are disposed within the head member. In addition, a brush body and water-spraying perforations are fitted on the surface thereof. The adjustment knob permits the control of the switching of the water flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Ming-Yen Tsai
  • Patent number: 7941888
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning a woodwind instrument including a housing and a motor mounted within the housing, the motor having a rotatable drive shaft extending outwardly from the housing. An elongated cleaning tool is coupled to the drive shaft and insertable into the tube portion of a woodwind instrument for cleaning the inner wall of the tube. The apparatus further includes an instrument support attached to the housing adjacent the cleaning tool. The instrument support defines a length aligned substantially parallel with the length of the cleaning tool for supporting the instrument during a cleaning process. The cleaning tool being rotatable via the drive shaft for cleaning the interior of an instrument positioned over the cleaning tool and supported by the instrument support. A strap is provided to secure the instrument to the instrument support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Bridget Bertoldi
  • Patent number: 7941889
    Abstract: A cleaning tool is for removing foreign matter from a surface of a photographic device. The cleaning tool includes an adhesive member and a body. The adhesive member has an adhesive surface for the foreign matter to adhere to. The body has a first end to which the adhesive member is attached, and has an end surface located at a second end being opposite to the first end. The outline of the adhesive surface includes a linear section, and the shape and orientation of the adhesive surface are represented on the end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Terao
  • Patent number: 7941890
    Abstract: A window cleaning system includes a control panel that has independently operable switches electrically coupled thereto. A reservoir for housing window washing fluid is nested within an engine compartment. Power operated pumps are mated to the control panel and are in fluid communication with the reservoir. Fluid dispensing assemblies are conjoined to the pumps and are independently activated for soaking a unique vehicle door window. Fluid wiping implements are situated above the fluid dispensing assemblies and cooperate with the fluid dispensing assemblies for automatically removing excess fluid from the door windows. Collection bins include funnels attached to a top surface thereof that receive and store runoff fluids from the door windows. The collection bins include plugs connected thereto for draining runoff water outwardly and away from the vehicle doors. Filters are seated subjacent to the funnels for preventing debris from being deposited into the collection bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Alexander, James E. Crockett
  • Patent number: 7941891
    Abstract: Wiper lever (10) with a driven wiper arm (12) and a wiper blade (16) linked to it for cleaning windows, particularly those of motor vehicles, which is provided with a band-like, long-stretched-out, elastic supporting element (30), which features, on its lower band surface facing the window, a long-stretched-out, rubber elastic wiper strip (24) that can be applied to it, on whose upper band surface (29), particularly in the longitudinal middle area of the supporting element (30), a coupling part (32) is situated and wind deflector strip partial sections (52) extending to the ends of the supporting element are arranged on both sides of the coupling part (32). An especially harmonic transition between the wiper blade (16) and the wiper arm (12) is achieved in the area of the joint (46, 47) connecting these two wiper lever parts if the wiper lever (10) is provided with a cap (60) to cover the connection area between the wiper blade (16) and the wiper arm (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Frans Breesch
  • Patent number: 7941892
    Abstract: Windshield wiper device for a motor vehicle with at least one molded tube (10) to accommodate a drive shaft to drive at least one wiper arm, wherein the at least one molded tube (10) can be attached to a holding element (11) that can be connected to the body, and to a stub (12) accommodating a mounting plate tube, and connecting bridges (14, 15) are provided to attach the at least one molded tube (10) to the holding element (11) and/or to the stub (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Kraus, Jan Dietrich
  • Patent number: 7941893
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning tool has a housing having a connecting socket for effecting flow communication to a vacuum device of a vacuum cleaning device. The housing has a suction opening through which a working air flow enters the housing. The housing has an outlet opening through which the working air flow exits from the housing. A cleaning tool is rotatably supported in the housing. An air turbine is rotatably supported in a turbine chamber of the housing and drives the cleaning tool in rotation. A control device controls the drive power for driving the cleaning tool based on a pressure existing in the vacuum cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Düpro AG
    Inventor: Peter Wörwag
  • Patent number: 7941894
    Abstract: A golf course green cleaning device configured to remove debris from the predicted putting path of a golf ball. The golf course green cleaning device further includes a housing having three contiguous portions. The first portion is generally cylindrical in shape and has disposed therein a rechargeable power supply. The second portion is spherical in shape and is substantially hollow. The second portion has a fan an motor assembly therein configured to generate an airflow. The third portion is operably coupled to the second portion and is cylindrical in shape having an internal air passage to receive the airflow from the second portion. Removably attached to the third portion distal from the second portion is a nozzle that directs the airflow exiting the third portion so as to remove debris from the predicted putting path of a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Tony Skorput
  • Patent number: 7941895
    Abstract: A cyclone separator useable in a surface cleaning apparatus comprises a cyclone casing defining a cyclone chamber and having first and second opposed ends and a sidewall extending between the first and second ends. The first end is provided with a fluid inlet and the second end is provided with a dirt outlet. The dirt outlet provides a lateral outlet to a dirt collection chamber in communication with the cyclone chamber via the dirt outlet. The dirt outlet is positioned from about 90 to about 330° around the cyclone casing in a flow direction from the fluid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 7941896
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body; a suction port assembly hinged to the cleaner body with a drum brush mounted on a front lower surface thereof; and a height adjusting apparatus set to an active mode or an inactive mode. In the active mode, the height adjusting apparatus raises the rear portion of the suction port assembly from an initial height, with the drum brush spaced from a surface, to bring the drum brush into contact with the surface when the cleaner body tilts from an upright position towards the rear of the suction port assembly. In the inactive mode, the rear portion of the suction port assembly remains at the initial height when the cleaner body tilts from the upright position towards the rear of the suction port assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chul-Woo Park, Ji-Ho Seo
  • Patent number: 7941897
    Abstract: A vehicle door hinge for a passenger or driver side vehicle door. The hinge has a chassis mounting plate securely fastenable to the vehicle frame, a swingarm securely fastenable to the door, a bi-directional rotation mechanism operatively connected to the chassis mounting plate and to the swingarm allowing rotation of the swingarm in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane, and a sag adjuster screw positioned to bear against a sag adjuster screw guide when the swingarm is rotated in the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Vertical Doors, Inc.
    Inventor: Demetrius Calvin Ham
  • Patent number: 7941898
    Abstract: A window operator handle securable to a casement window operating drive shaft is described. The handle is movable between an operating position to a folded position The handle has a body housing that has a cavity which includes an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism has an assembly body secured to the housing, a pivotal member positioned in a first section of the assembly body and a sliding member positioned in at least a second portion of the assembly body. The pivotal member is adapted to pivot from a first position to a second position as the handle is moved from a first position to a second position. The pivotal member is held in one position and the other position by the sliding member. The sliding member is retained in contact with the pivotal member by a spring means in said assembly body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Tong Liang
  • Patent number: 7941899
    Abstract: In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of fiber material which is supplied by means of supply means to a fiber-sorting device, at least one mechanical device is present which generate a combing action to remove non-clamped constituents such as short fibers. To enable productivity to be substantially increased in a simple manner and an improved combed sliver to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least first and second rotatably mounted rollers with clamping devices for the fiber bundles, and the apparatus further comprises at least two supply devices and/or at least one further high-speed roller and/or at least two take-off devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Trützschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicole Saeger, Johannes Bossmann, Thomas Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7941900
    Abstract: In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of a fiber bundle which is supplied by means of a supply device to a fiber-sorting device, mechanical means are present which generate a combing action in order to loosen and remove non-clamped constituents from the fiber bundle, and a take-off device is present to remove the combed fiber material. To enable an improved combed sliver to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers with clamping devices for the fiber bundles, which clamping devices are distributed around the periphery of the rollers, wherein in the region between the rollers, devices are present which provide an optimum feed of the fiber material and/or provide optimum positioning of the fiber material for transfer and take-up from the first roller to the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Trützschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicole Saeger, Johannes Boβmann, Thomas Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7941901
    Abstract: In an apparatus for fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of a fiber bundle comprising textile fibers, especially for combing, the fiber bundle is supplied to a fiber-sorting device, clamping devices are provided, which clamp the fiber bundle at a distance from its free end, and mechanical device is present, which generates a combing action from the clamping site to the free end of the fiber bundle. To increase productivity in a simple manner and obtain an improved combed sliver downstream of the supply device there are at least two rotatably mounted rollers rotating rapidly without interruption, the combing device are associated with a said roller, and an arrangement for optimum feed and/or positioning of the fiber material to be combed is associated with the combing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Trützschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nicole Saeger, Johannes Bossmann, Thomas Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7941902
    Abstract: The safety belt release mechanism includes a sensor component and a belt release component. The sensor component is installed at a low point within the vehicle. The sensor component contains a water-soluble material that retains a spring in its compressed state so long as the water-soluble material is dry. If the vehicle is immersed in water, the water-soluble material dissolves, releasing the spring. The spring drives a pin into the end of a pressurized gas (e.g., CO2) cartridge, releasing the gas therein. The gas passes through a tube to the belt release component installed upon a belt latch mechanism to drive a pin from an engaged position in the latch to release the latch. While one such assembly is disclosed herein, it is most preferred that one such assembly be installed along each safety belt assembly of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Julien Edwin Roy, Douglas Clifton Cruthirds
  • Patent number: 7941903
    Abstract: There are provided a carbon fiber precursor fiber bundle which permits easy bundling of a plurality of small tows into one bundle, is provided with a dividing capability to divide into the original small tows spontaneously at the time of firing, and is suitable for obtaining a carbon fiber that is excellent in productivity and quality, and a production method and a production apparatus of the carbon fiber precursor fiber bundle, and an excellent carbon fiber and a production method thereof. A production apparatus of a carbon fiber precursor fiber bundle, comprising an intermingling device that comprises a yarn channel having a flat rectangular section through which a plurality of small tows can pass in a manner adjacent to each other and a plurality of air jet holes disposed with predetermined intervals along the long side direction of the flat rectangle and having the openings thereof in the yarn channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Ikeda, Nobuyuki Shimozawa, Takahiko Kunisawa, Atsushi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 7941904
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7941905
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the removal of a component from an aircraft includes a mounting member, a guide member and a handle. The mounting member provides an attachment portion for attaching the device to the aircraft. The guide member includes a support portion for receipt of the component to be removed and is pivotally mounted to the mounting member so that, when the component is being supported by the support portion in use, the support portion moves pivotally away from the aircraft along a predefined path. The handle is operatively associated with the guide member for assisting in the pivotal movement of the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Philip Henry Garland, Nebojsa Sakota
  • Patent number: 7941906
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stator (100-1000) with a profiled helical bore (106,206,306,606,706,806,906,1006) having a cast material layer (102;202;302;602;702;802;902;1002) with transducers (104A-104D;304;604A-604D;710;804;904A-904C;1010) disposed therein and describes the methods of forming such stators. Cast material can be fluidic during displacing of a transducer therein. Cast material layer 202 can include housings (218,222) disposed therein and/or a cavity 226 formed therein. Transducer can be a sensor (104A-104C) and/or an actuator 104D. Transducer 804 can extend axially along a length of the stator 800. Transducer or plurality of transducers (904A-904C) can extend along a helical path. Additionally or alternatively, sleeve 1008 can include a transducer 1010.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Geoff Downton
  • Patent number: 7941907
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a shaped tubular part from a first tube and second tube. The end of the first tube is inserted into the end of the second tube to provide a region of overlapping tube walls. An induction coil is placed around the outer surface of the first and second tubes at the region of overlapped tube walls. The induction coil is energized to make a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart magnetic pulse welds attaching the tubes together to thereby form a multi-tube one-piece composite tubular assembly. The tubular assembly is then subjected to a forming process such as hydroforming, tube bending or stretch bending to form the final shape of the tubular part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wihua Yang, Charles J. Bruggemann
  • Patent number: 7941908
    Abstract: A plurality of application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips with different functions is provided. Each of the ASICs performs one or more functions along an ultrasound data path. The chips include communications protocols or processes for allowing scaling. For example, ASICs for backend processing include data exchange ports for communicating between other ASICs of the same type. As another example, receive beamformer ASICs cascade for beamformation. By providing ASICs implementing many or most of the ultrasound data path functions, with scalability, the same ASICs may be used for different system designs. A family of systems from high end to low-end using the same types of ASICs, but in different configurations, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Phelps, David A. Petersen, John C. Lazenby
  • Patent number: 7941909
    Abstract: In the present invention, a plurality of condenser microphones is formed on a substrate. Then, charges are fixed to a dielectric film provided in each of the condenser microphones. After an amount of deposited charges of the dielectric film of each of the plurality of the condenser microphones is inspected by measuring capacitance of each condenser microphone while applying bias between the first electrode film thereof and the second electrode film thereof, the substrate is diced so that each of the condenser microphones is separated. Thus, at least the step of fixing charges is performed in a substrate state where the plurality of the condenser microphones is formed on the substrate. Therefore, the present invention contributes to enhancement of productivity in an assembly process of the condenser microphone and reduction in equipment costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Miyashita, Naoki Takahashi, Takashi Yamamoto, Shinichi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7941910
    Abstract: Method for removing winding conductors from a twisting machine and placing them in a rotor or stator stack. For a plurality of rectangular winding conductors each having a pair of legs separated by an amount equal to the distance between a predetermined number of rotor or stator slots in which they will be inserted, moving a plurality of fingers of a clamping assembly between the legs of a plurality of winding conductors in a twisting fixture to retain the winding conductors, moving the clamping assembly away from the twisting fixture to withdraw the winding conductors from the twisting fixture, providing relative movement of the clamping assembly and a rotor or stator to insert free ends of the winding conductors into a rotor or stator, and moving the fingers of a clamping assembly from between the legs of a plurality of winding conductors. A preferred embodiment of the method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Tecnomatic S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sante Guercioni
  • Patent number: 7941911
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a plurality of regions of magnetic material in a substrate having a first approximately planar surface. The method comprises the steps of fabricating projections in the first surface of the substrate, depositing onto the first surface a magnetic material in such a way that the tops of the projections are covered with magnetic material, and depositing filler material atop the substrate so produced. The filler material may then be planarized, for example by chemical-mechanical polishing. In an alternative embodiment magnetic material is deposited on a substrate and portions of it are removed, leaving islands of material. Filler material is then deposited, which may be planarized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands, B.V.
    Inventors: Zvonimir Z. Bandic, Elizabeth Ann Dobisz, Jui-Lung Li, Henry Hung Yang
  • Patent number: 7941912
    Abstract: In order to increase the clamping effect in an electrical screw connector used in industrial applications to fix or hold an electrical conductor, the support and contact surfaces for the electrical conductor are textured. According to the invention, the texturing of the support and contact surfaces for the electrical conductor is carried out by various production methods using embossing or stamping tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Follmann, Olaf Gemke, Heinz Reibke
  • Patent number: 7941913
    Abstract: A component placement unit for placing a component on a substrate, which component placement unit comprises at least one nozzle which is rotatable about a central axis, by means of which a component can be picked up and placed on the substrate. The component placement unit further comprises at least one sensor for determining the orientation of the component relative to the nozzle. At least one optical element is disposed between said sensor and said nozzle. A first focus plane of the optical element at least substantially coincides with the central axis of the nozzle, whilst a second focus plane substantially coincides with the sensor, wherein an image produced by means of the sensor is a contour image of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Assembleon N.V.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Horijon
  • Patent number: 7941914
    Abstract: A tool includes a housing and a plunger supported by the housing. The housing has one or more tines configured to unlatch at least one terminated cable assembly from an electrical connector assembly. The plunger is configured to at least partially remove the at least one terminated cable assembly from the electrical connector assembly. The tool can be used as an extraction and insertion tool facilitating the repair of high speed electrical connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph N. Castiglione, Steven Feldman, Richard J. Scherer
  • Patent number: 7941915
    Abstract: A display change device is formed by connecting and thereby integrating an installation/removal device and a card display change device together. The card installation/removal device is configured to have at a back side thereof a pressure reception wall, at a further back side of which a position adjustment mechanism part is provided. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to include a seat member, a moving part, and a drive part. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to strike and move the card installation/removal device by an eccentric cam. The position adjustment mechanism part moves the eccentric cam far from the pressure reception wall under the condition that a reaction force Fr received by the eccentric cam becomes larger than a force Fa for pulling the moving part 102 toward the pressure reception wall side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Naoki Koike, Tatsuaki Kunimoto, Nobuyuki Fujishima
  • Patent number: 7941916
    Abstract: A portable memory card including a molded plastic casing formed over a memory device and other circuits mounted on a substrate such that the molding material extends over side edges of the substrate to provide accurate width and thickness dimensions. Contact pads are formed on a lower surface of the PCBA substrate, which is exposed through a bottom of the casing. The PCBA is fabricated on a substrate carrier, then positioned inside of a mold assembly. During the molding process, a rod extends from an upper portion of the mold assembly and pushes the substrate against the lower surface. A vacuum is then applied to hold the substrate against the lower surface of the mold, and the rod is subsequently withdrawn from the mold cavity during injection of the molten molding material. A single cavity mold assembly provides molding material extends over front and back edges of the memory card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Super Talent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hsueh, Jim Ni, Kuang-Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 7941917
    Abstract: A method of sealing a cable penetration includes assembling a cable seal and inserting the cable seal into a cable penetration. Assembling the cable seal includes adhering at least a portion of a heat-shrinkable tubing to at least a portion of a cable outer jacket, and positioning a secondary elastic seal over the heat-shrinkable tubing. An example of a secondary elastic seal could be O-rings. A cap or other means provides the outer sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bryan James Shadel, Christopher Charles McMillen
  • Patent number: 7941918
    Abstract: A spring-loaded device is installed into a node housing at a predetermined location. The predetermined location is selected to correspond to another predetermined location into which a stinger may be installed. These predetermined locations on the node housing are selected to further correspond to a predetermined internal location of an RF interface connector. A conducting pin of the RF interface extends through a dielectric between a nail head shaped end, which provides electrical connection with the stinger projection, and an end soldered to a PCB of the amplifier. The amplifier may be installed and the node housing closed before the stinger and spring-loaded device are installed into the housing. This facilitates installation of the stinger into the housing without having to open the housing and remove the amplifier. External threads on the spring-loaded device facilitate installation thereof, but a unique torque is not required therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Pfister, Dennis McLain, Lai Hoang
  • Patent number: 7941919
    Abstract: Ribbons containing e.g. inorganic NMOS devices are assembled in electrical contact with ribbons containing e.g. PMOS devices (preferably organic) to enable flexible electronic textile circuits, e.g. displays, to be inexpensive and practical for a wide for a variety of functions. The use of ribbons provides flexibility, reduces costs, and allows testing during assembly and different processes to be efficiently used for different components. This is apparently the first time that ribbons (especially inorganic-device-containing ribbons) have been interconnected to form a flexible CMOS electronic textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Bruce Gnade
  • Patent number: 7941920
    Abstract: An outer seal assembly of a turbine rotor stage is secured within a circumferential groove of the turbine casing in such a manner as to both fix the outer seal assembly in its installed position and also provide for sealing around its outer periphery so as to thereby prevent the leakage of cooling air therearound. A plurality of arcuate elements having an angle-shaped cross sectional profile are provided to interface between radially extending arms of the outer seal assembly and the inner surface of the casing, with a locking mechanism then being applied to secure the two structures in their installed positions. Each of the arcuate elements includes a radially extending panel, a plurality of forwardly extending hooks that are disposed within a groove in the casing, and a second forwardly extending flange that engages the rear surface of the outer seal assembly arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph J. Thompson, Susan M. Tholen
  • Patent number: 7941921
    Abstract: A method for the production of heat exchangers (10, 110, 210) of the so-called plate type, comprising the operative steps of: —juxtaposing a couple of substantially identical metal plates (12, 14), —fixing together said juxtaposed plates (12, 14) to one another by means of welding performed at respective perimetric sides (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d), —further fixing together said juxtaposed plates to each other by means of a plurality of welding tracts (22), arranged in at least two alignments, parallel and adjacent to a couple of opposite perimetric sides (13a, 13c) of the plates themselves (12, 14), and at a pre-established spaced relationship from said sides, —introducing a fluid under pressure between said juxtaposed metal plates (12, 14), to form a hollow, substantially box-shaped body (17), in which an internal chamber (16) and two substantially tubular passages (16a, 16b), formed between said couple of opposite perimetric sides (13a, 13c) and the respective adjacent alignments of the welding tracts (22), are d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Methanol Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Enrico Rizzi, Mirco Tarozzo
  • Patent number: 7941922
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lightweight valve is provided. The lightweight valve includes a valve stem, a hollow valve cone and a valve disk closing the valve cone, the valve stem being provided with a hollow space at an end facing the valve disk, the valve disk also having a force transmission element extending through the hollow valve cone into the stem hollow space. The method includes producing a first one-piece component forming the valve disk with the force transmission element by casting, forming and/or a powder metallurgy method, producing a second component forming the valve stem and the valve cone and joining the first and second components together and connecting them by a material, non-positive and/or positive connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Holger Stark, Martin Schlegl
  • Patent number: 7941923
    Abstract: A secondary fuel nozzle is formed by brazing and welding a central core, a cylindrical body, and a unitary secondary fuel nozzle portion. The central core has a central bore for receiving a liquid fuel cartridge, and at least two passages concentric with the central bore. The secondary fuel nozzle portion includes a base flange and a main shaft having a central bore for aligning with the central bore of the core and for receiving the liquid fuel cartridge, and a plurality of peripheral bores disposed at spaced locations about the central bore for flow communication with the concentric passages of the core. The core is brazed to the base flange and the cylindrical body is disposed around the core and welded to the base flange to define a one-piece secondary fuel nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William Kirk Hessler
  • Patent number: 7941924
    Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a head and a body provided with a three-dimensional surface feature on the body that is generally undecorated. A cover is applied to the body and includes a decoration that is associated with the three-dimensional surface feature, such that the body, with the cover applied, appears to have a decorated three-dimensional surface feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Alberto Mantilla, Tony Baxter, Diana Sierra