Patents Issued in July 12, 2011
  • Patent number: 7975376
    Abstract: The invention aims to provide substrate treatment equipment that can automatically collect a substrate in a normal condition without needing manual operation. The equipment includes a substrate holder 26 for holding substrates 12 in a multistage manner and a substrate transfer unit 34 for transferring the substrates 12 into the substrate holder 26, wherein a substrate holding condition of the substrate holder 26 is sensed by a sensing section 60. The sensing section 60 has photo-sensors 64a, 64b, and sensing waveforms sensed by the photo-sensors 64a, 64b are compared with a normal waveform. A control section 66 is provided, which controls a substrate transfer unit 34 such that substrates 12 other than at least a substrate 12 that was determined to be abnormal are transferred by the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Hirano, Akihiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7975377
    Abstract: A wafer scale heat slug system is presented providing dicing an integrated circuit from a semiconductor wafer, forming a heat slug blank equivalent in size to the semiconductor wafer, dicing the heat slug blank to produce a heat slug equivalent in size to the integrated circuit, attaching the integrated circuit to a substrate, attaching the heat slug to the integrated circuit and encapsulating the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Stats Chippac Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyeog Chan Kwon
  • Patent number: 7975378
    Abstract: Described are methods for fabricating high speed metallic electrical interconnects for printed wiring board for high speed transmission of a data signal across an interconnect in a systems. The trench under electrical signal line is made using the separate dielectric layer having through holes opened through that said dielectric layer and aligned with electrical signal line. The layer with through holes aligned with electrical signal line sandwiched in between layer carrying the electrical signal line and a layer carrying ground conducting line for the case of microstrip-type transmission line. The two separate layers with the through-holes opened and aligned with the electrical signal line are needed for the stripline-type transmission line. Multi-layers board having high speed electrical signal lines can be made utilizing the configuration described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Banpil Photonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Achyut Kumar Dutta
  • Patent number: 7975379
    Abstract: LGA connectors are fabricated with buttons or spring contacts preformed to different heights to accommodate the initial topography of a typical module or PCB of a particular product type. This is accomplished during fabrication by measuring topographies of mating surfaces of a first electronic device and of a second electronic device; fabricating interposer contacts to form opposing non-planar sides having respective inverse topographies for contacting the mating surfaces; and sandwiching the interposer between the first and second electronic devices with the opposing sides in contact with respective mating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gareth G. Hougham, Brian S. Beaman, John S. Corbin, Paul Coteus, Shawn A. Hall, Kathleen C. Hinge, Theron L. Lewis, Frank R. Libsch, Amanda E. E. Mikhail
  • Patent number: 7975380
    Abstract: Provided is a probe card and method of fabricating the same. This method comprises forming soldering bumpers electrically connected to conductive patterns on a substrate, forming probes connected to the conductive patterns and supported by the soldering bumpers, and then melting the soldering bumpers to fixing the probes to the substrate. Forming the soldering bumpers includes a step of forming the soldering bumpers in the same pattern and size by means of a photolithography process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Phicom Corporation
    Inventors: Oug-Ki Lee, Kyu-Hyun Shin, Seong-Hoon Jeong
  • Patent number: 7975381
    Abstract: A camshaft system includes a number of cam lobes locked upon a cylindrical shaft. Bearings configured with one-piece bores and are engaged with the cylindrical shaft. The bearings are captured upon the shaft by the locked-on cam lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventor: Darrell Charles Drouillard
  • Patent number: 7975382
    Abstract: A method for filling a muffler with a fibrous material is disclosed. The muffler includes partitions which form a first chamber and second chamber, and a first muffler pipe having an outlet end. A filling aperture at one end of the second muffler pipe is positioned in the first muffler chamber. The second muffler pipe has a filling sleeve therein, the filling sleeve having a filling discharge opening that coordinates with the filling aperture of the second muffler pipe. The first muffler chamber is filled with fibrous material by applying a vacuum source to the first muffler pipe, which draws the fibrous material through the filling aperture. The filling aperture of the second muffler pipe is then positioned into the second muffler chamber, and the second muffler chamber is filled in the same manner as the first muffler chamber. The filling sleeve is then removed from the second muffler pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: OCV Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Luc J. L. Brandt, Leon Charlier
  • Patent number: 7975383
    Abstract: A hydroforming process forms a hydroformed automotive component as a multiple cell member having an integral internal rib separating the cells and reinforcing the hydroformed component to increase the strength of a hydroformed component with a given size and shape. The tubular blank can be manufactured through a roll-forming process or by welding two structural tubular members, to form a tubular blank that has multiple cells with an internal rib separating the cells. The hydroforming process injects fluid under pressure into each of the cells to expand the tubular blank into the shape defined by the die holding the blank. The internal web separating the cells of the blank becomes an integral internal reinforcement spanning the component to enhance the strength, rigidity and stiffness of the component. Providing differential pressure on the multiple cells can stretch and twist the internal rib for positioning internally as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lou Ratsos, James Lowe, John Reed, Lawrence Queener, Sergio Angotti, Ramakrishna Koganti, Bryan Mikula, Dean Gericke
  • Patent number: 7975384
    Abstract: Apparatus/systems and methods are disclosed for facilitating installation of conduit systems through construction openings. Exemplary embodiments enable one to form, maintain, and controllably block the openings and incorporate the apparatus/systems into the finished construction. Exemplary apparatus/systems disclosed include (i) a structural member that includes one or more side walls defining an opening, one or more base flaps, and one or more top flaps, and (ii) at least one cover to controllably block said opening. Exemplary methods disclosed include (i) installing said apparatus/system that includes (1) securing the structural member relative to a deck, and (2) introducing cement/concrete relative to structural member covering the base flaps and fixing the structural member with respect to the deck, and (ii) installing a conduit system through an apparatus/system-defined opening that includes encasing the cover(s) together with the installed conduit system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Nathan Shapiro
  • Patent number: 7975385
    Abstract: A hair-cutting apparatus (1) includes a cutting arrangement (9) for cutting hair. There is provided an arrangement that prevents cut hair from flying off the hair-cutting apparatus and that includes a boundary wall (22). The boundary wall (22) extends close to the cutting arrangement (9) and includes a stationary portion (34) and a movable portion (35), the movable portion (35) being intended and arranged to cooperate with hair to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Johannes Obermann
  • Patent number: 7975386
    Abstract: An infant feeding system includes a spoon assembly with a scoop and a mount attached to and extending away from the mount. The mount has a distal end with respect to the scoop. An aperture extends into the distal end and into the scoop so that fluid flowing into the aperture is captured by the scoop. A tube has a nozzle thereon extendable in and fluidly couplable with the aperture. The tube has food therein so that food from the tube is ejected onto the scoop when the tube is squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Lisa R. Halvorson
  • Patent number: 7975387
    Abstract: To provide a hair cutting device permitting the user to really know the remaining hair length without having to do trial cuts, a hair cutting device (1) with hair length indicator means (4) is proposed, wherein the hair length indicator means (4) comprises a fixed delimiter (5) and at least one movable delimiter (6) being movable with respect to the fixed delimiter (5), such that the hair length is indicated by the distance (D) between the fixed (5) and the at least one movable delimiter (6). Preferably, the hair length indicator means (4) comprises more than one movable delimiter (6, 7), all movable delimiters (6, 7) being movable in circumferential direction and functionally couplable with a comb unit (19, 20) such that a change between movable delimiters (6, 7) is caused by attachment of the comb unit (19, 20) to the hair cutting device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Christian Mikula, Bernhard Schratter, Ernst Erich Petzl
  • Patent number: 7975388
    Abstract: A circular power saw (10), composed of a saw assembly (12) with a housing (14, 16) that encloses a motor and a saw blade (18) capable of being driven by the motor, and that includes a handle, whereby the saw assembly (12) is pivotably supported relative to a footplate (22) such that it can be adjusted between a minimum and maximum cutting depth, is protected against kickback by the fact that, during sawing, the saw assembly (12) is decoupled from handling forces acting on the saw blade (18), in particular from the handle (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Fuchs, Eduard Gansel, Heiko Roehm
  • Patent number: 7975389
    Abstract: A razor handle made of a rigid core and a layer of compressible elastomeric material. The razor handle includes a head portion, located at the front end of the razor handle, and includes a bearing structure for connection to a razor head. The razor handle also includes a body portion having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, an upper front gripping area that includes a plurality of spaced projections protruding from the upper surface, and a lower front gripping area located opposite the upper front gripping area. The razor handle also includes a plurality of spaced projections protruding from the lower surface. The upper front gripping area is centered on a point located at a distance of at least 3 cm from a front end of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Bic-Violex SA
    Inventors: Ioannis Bozikis, Yiannis Psimadas, Alexis Angelides
  • Patent number: 7975390
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the critical foot and shoe-last dimensions and variables is provided. The apparatus includes a surface for a foot to stand on, a mechanism to determine the axis passing through heel centerline, a mechanism to determine the foot or shoe last width measurement, a mechanism to determine the axis passing through center of the foot (or last) width, a mechanism to determine the mid-foot height and a mechanism to determine heel width. Based on the above mentioned mechanisms, the apparatus can determine the required dimensions and the curvature of a person's foot, called the flare angle, and as well as the curvature of a shoe-last so that footwear fitting can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Ravindra Stephen Goonetilleke, Channa Patuwatha Witana
  • Patent number: 7975391
    Abstract: An archery sight leveling device for assessing the third axis of an archery sight of a bow system is provided. The bow system has at least one vertical reference. The archery sight leveling device comprises a main body with at least one rod receiving aperture formed through the main body. A sighting rod is receivable in the at least one rod receiving aperture with the sighting rod having a first end and a second end. A securing mechanism releasably secures the sighting rod in the at least one rod receiving aperture. A mounting mechanism mounts the main body to the bow system with the sighting rod being parallel to the bow string and the first end and the second end of the sighting rod extending beyond opposite sides of the archery sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hamskea Archery Solutions, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Gillingham, Shawn A. Greathouse, Andrew Munsell
  • Patent number: 7975392
    Abstract: Tools and methods for subsurface operations. Circuit arrangements providing a damping effect against undesired vibration effects on inertial data signals derived from inertial sensors disposed in a downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Paul D. Spaulding
  • Patent number: 7975393
    Abstract: A spirit level (1) comprises a planar base (14) for resting, in use, on a surface whose level is to be determined, and levelling means (27) comprising a vial (41) filled with sufficient liquid that an air bubble (47) is formed within the vial (41). The spirit level (1) comprises indicia (43, 45) relative to which the bubble (47) moves as the orientation of the spirit level (1) is altered so as to indicate the orientation of the spirit level. Optical means (29) is provided on the spirit level (1) to provide an image indicative of the position of the bubble (47) relative to the indicia (43, 45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Sparrow
  • Patent number: 7975394
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a tilt sensor comprising at least one body movable along a predefined path and an optoelectronic unit for determining the position of said body, said tilt sensor being surface-mountable. The invention is further directed to a tilt sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Möllmer, Frank Singer, Michael Schumann, Martin Haushalter, Thomas Hoefer, Christine Rüth, Stefan Strüwing
  • Patent number: 7975395
    Abstract: A hand-held level and plumb tool that includes a homogeneous, L-shaped body, a first level indicating device, and a second level indicating device. The L-shaped body has first and second legs arranged at a 90° angle. The first leg defines an interior side, an exterior side, a central panel extending between the sides, and a length in extension of the first leg from the second leg to a free end. A slot is formed through a thickness of the central panel and extends along at least a majority of the length. The first level indicating device is assembled to the central panel of the first leg at a location spaced from the slot. The second level indicating device is assembled to the second leg. One or both of the legs can include measurement-related indicia selected in accordance with staircase construction standard dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: SLK Development Group, LLC
    Inventors: Stephannie Keller, Judith A. Beard, Lori A. Ebner, Peter S. Keller, Lawrence J. Paul
  • Patent number: 7975396
    Abstract: A template for use in cutting a good contained in a pan enables the baked good to be cut into a plurality of substantially equi-sized pieces. The template includes a substantially planar body including a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots. The plurality of first slots are substantially parallel and are spaced approximately equi-distantly across the body. The plurality of second slots are substantially parallel and are oriented obliquely with respect to the plurality of first slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Mastroianni
  • Patent number: 7975397
    Abstract: A multiple degree of freedom displacement transducer and body thereof is used to measure linear displacements along and/or rotational or pivotal displacements about up to three orthogonal axes. In one embodiment, a displacement transducer body includes a first pivoting assembly and a second pivoting assembly. Each pivoting assembly has a support member pivotable relative to another portion about two orthogonal axes. A structure joins said another portion of each pivoting assembly together. In another embodiment, a displacement transducer includes a first support member, a second support member, and a cross flexure assembly joining the first support member to the second support member. The cross flexure assembly is arranged to allow the first support member to pivot relative to the second support member about two intersecting orthogonal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Meyer, Byron J. Saari, Douglas J. Olson, Paul J. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7975398
    Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: EarthRenew, Inc.
    Inventors: Christianne Carin, Brian N. Gorbell, Christianne Carin, legal representative, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud
  • Patent number: 7975399
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of displaying an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG). In one embodiment, an EPG is constructed of a three dimensional virtual mesh, in which independent objects representing television programs are situated. The virtual mesh is displayed perpendicularly, so that the hardware requirements of the set top box (STB) may be reduced. A user can navigate the mesh to find television programs that they wish to view. A user can designate the types of television programs that they prefer, and these programs will be displayed more prominently. In addition, the mesh is constructed of at least two planes. The first plane is flat, while all other planes are hyperbolic to correct for a viewer's line of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: JLB Ventures LLC
    Inventor: Dan Kikinis
  • Patent number: 7975400
    Abstract: A device for determining the conductance of laundry in a drier. The device comprises at least two electrodes (2) and means for dissipating heat from at least one part of at least one of said electrodes (2). The invention further relates to a drier comprising at least one area (5) for receiving laundry and at least two electrodes (2) for measuring the conductance of the laundry, at least one of the electrodes (2) at least partly bordering said receiving area (5). Means for cooling at least one part of at least one of the electrodes (2) are also provided inside the drier. Also disclosed is a method for preventing the formation of layers on electrodes (2) used for measuring conductance in a drier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Dittmer, Harald Moschuetz, Thomas Nawrot, Andreas Ziemann
  • Patent number: 7975401
    Abstract: A clothes dryer has a degree of dryness control system that is responsive to moisture level of clothing articles tumbling in a drum and a target moisture value to control the drying cycle of the clothes dryer. The clothes dryer has a load size parameter producing module and an air flow detection parameter module. These modules generate one of two parameter conditions used by the processor to modify or select an appropriate moisture target value. The load size producing parameter module generates one of a small load input parameter and a large load input parameter. The air flow detection module produces one of a first and second air flow parameter to be utilized by the degree of dryness processor. As a result, the processor selects one of four target moisture values from these conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mabe Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Sébastien Beaulac
  • Patent number: 7975402
    Abstract: The present invention includes a nozzle insert for use in a drying machine of the type used in paper web drying. The nozzle insert of the present invention includes at least one intake having a central portion, wherein a pair of center vanes is disposed for directing airflow. The central portion is bounded by at least one turning vane adapted for directing airflow in a lateral direction. For each turning vane, there is at least one straightening vane adapted for curtailing swirling of the airflow. The vanes are oriented at optimal angles for directing the flow of the nozzle in a lateral direction, while permitting some air to penetrate the central portion through a series of ports. The intakes are bounded by a series of insulated bulkheads, which serve to direct airflow and contain heat-loss through thermal emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Metso Paper USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Roland Parent, David Simpson Morrison, Craig Ernest Yerxa, Rita Elizabeth Cantor, Darrell Herbert Ketch
  • Patent number: 7975403
    Abstract: Footwear is provided having a tongue pivotally coupled to the footwear upper. The tongue may be constructed to pivotally move relative to the upper between a first position and a second position. At least one resilient member may be coupled to the tongue for urging the tongue in either the first position or the second position. The tongue may be a spring-loaded tongue such that when the tongue is positioned in an intermediate position between the first and second position, the tongue will spring towards either the first position or the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mercury International Trading Corporation
    Inventor: John Mosher
  • Patent number: 7975404
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and composition for stiffening materials for use in the manufacturing of footwear using a combination of stiffeners and adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Stanbee Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7975405
    Abstract: A shoe is described having a removeable heel, removeable platform, and in some embodiments one or more removeable straps. The shoes of the present invention provide for flexibility in design with the same sole by allowing for replacement of one type of heel with another and in some shoes replacement of the strap or straps by alternate styles or colors of straps. The replaceability or modularity of the heel and straps allows for compact storage as well, which is desirable during travel. The removeabitlity of the platform enables the shoe to adjust to different heights. Additionally, some embodiments have one or more hinges formed in the sole to allow the shoe to collapse to an even smaller size for storage or travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Quintana Kemp
  • Patent number: 7975406
    Abstract: A shoe for driving a car according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a heel part 5 on a foot sole 4 and an inclined face 5B increasing gradually toward a rear side in a side view. This inclined face 5B comprises a first face part 5a which is formed outside in a width direction and is capable of coming in contact with a car floor when depressing an accelerator pedal and a second face part 5b unlike the face condition of the above-mentioned first face part, which is formed inside in a width direction and is capable of coming in contact with a car floor when depressing a brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: I.B.M.I., Japan
    Inventor: Fujinori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7975407
    Abstract: Non-highway vehicle plowing systems are described. The plowing system includes a mount assembly having a lower mount bracket, a plow mount bracket, an upper mount bracket, and an actuator bracket. The lower mount bracket is attached to the non-highway vehicle and the plow mount bracket is pivotably connected to the lower mounting bracket. The upper mount bracket is also secured to the non-highway vehicle and is constructed to engage the actuator bracket at a plurality of positions thereby allowing the plow mount assembly to be operable with a plurality of non-highway vehicles. The systems provide advantages in that the systems are not vehicle specific and are adaptable to different vehicle structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mibar Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Dilworth, Brad Fromm
  • Patent number: 7975408
    Abstract: A snow plow includes a primary moldboard and auxiliary plow positioned behind the primary moldboard. The snow plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow. In the later case, the primary moldboard and auxiliary plow are attached to a drive frame that is rotatable about a frame. The frame is secured to the front of a vehicle by a frame and bracket, and controlled by hydraulic mechanisms. The auxiliary plow is operated independently of the moldboard by a pair of hydraulic cylinders and includes tines or a resilient blade for clearing snow and ice that is not taken up by the primary moldboard. The device also includes a mechanism whereby the scraping edge of the secondary plow follows the same path as the scraping edge of moldboard by sliding movement of the secondary plow relative to the drive frame, and the blade of the auxiliary plow may be formed by tines or a resilient blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cives Corporation
    Inventors: Amiya Mishra, Gerald Simpson, William John Reeves
  • Patent number: 7975409
    Abstract: A snow plow assembly with a longitudinally extending plow body has a blade mounting structure that supports a longitudinally extending plow blade. The blade mounting structure has a series of hinges that receive a longitudinally extending pivot rod to couple the plow body to the snow blade and set of springs to bias the snow plow blade into an operative position and to resiliently restore the snow plow blade to the operative position after encountering an obstacle. The hinge portions fixed to the snow plow body each have a receiving slot to slidingly receive a hinge key and the hinge keys define a bearing surface for abutting one end of the coil spring. A locating notch is provided in the hinge keys to limit relative movement between a hinge key an associated hinge portion. A hinge lock to capture the pivot rod is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Adepco Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gino Paonessa
  • Patent number: 7975410
    Abstract: A control system for use with an excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a boom member, a linear actuator connected to pivot the boom member in a first direction, a rotary actuator connected to swing the boom member in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and an operator input device configured to generate a command signal indicative of a desired movement of the boom member. The control system may also have a tilt sensor configured to detect an inclination of the excavation machine, and a controller in communication with the rotary actuator, the operator input device, and the tilt sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a swing end stop for the boom member, to control the rotary actuator to move the boom member based on the command signal, and to modify the command signal to inhibit movement of the boom member past the swing end stop based on the detected inclination of the excavation machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Leo Faivre, Roger Dale Koch, Brahmaramba Tallapragada
  • Patent number: 7975411
    Abstract: A card may include a generally planar panel and a plurality of opposing retaining members disposed on the panel. The plurality of opposing retaining members may be arranged to retain a substantially rectangular transaction card having a first longitudinal axis in a first orientation with respect to the panel and to retain a substantially rectangular paper gift having a second longitudinal axis in a second orientation with respect to the panel, so that the orientation of the first longitudinal axis is substantially transverse to the second orientation of the second longitudinal axis. The paper gift may be, for example, paper monetary currency, a paper bank check, or a paper gift certificate. The transaction card may be, for example, a debit card, a credit card, a gift card, a prepaid phone card, a card containing a merchandise credit usable at a retail establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick W. Kershner, Christine E. Gehring-Scheff, Victoria L. Watts, Thomas A. Wallen
  • Patent number: 7975412
    Abstract: A system and method for installing a decorative exterior on a standard signpost is disclosed. A first exterior shell is mounted on one side of the post, and a second exterior shell is mounted on the other. Discs halves are also provided which, when installed between the post and the shells, cause the shells to be securely fastened to the post. In another alternative system, a midsection of the post cover is installed as a tube that slides over two solid discs that are slid onto the post and supported by grommets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sign Post Transformations LLC
    Inventor: Bradley W. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7975413
    Abstract: Signage member can be installed for display in sign support member mounted on a wall. Multiple sign support members can be abutted with one or more fastener(s). Such fastener(s) can have a tall nut and tall screw about one end and a threaded hole and short screw about another. One or more signage member(s) may be stored behind the displayed signage member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Stanley J. Baryla, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7975414
    Abstract: This relates to a label to be attached to a surface, the label comprising a transponder. The label comprises a non-adherent flap which contains the transponder. This also relates to a web comprising a backing web and labels, and to a system comprising a surface and a label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: UPM Raflatac Oy
    Inventors: Matti Ritamäki, Samuli Strömberg, Marko Hanhikorpi, Jarkko Miettinen, Lari Kytölä
  • Patent number: 7975415
    Abstract: A best practice fluid identification system for managing fluids from bulk storage to point of use on products and equipment in residential, commercial and industrial applications where the fluid and product or equipment information travels with the fluid and its dispensing in a protective holder mounted on or near the point of use and also on the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Reliability Brands LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Jose, Mark Zavada, Christopher Curran, Tony Christer Kilian, Michael Tony Kilian
  • Patent number: 7975416
    Abstract: A marketing sign is constructed of a sheet material. The sheet material includes a free portion, a base portion and a connecting portion that couples the base portion to the free portion. The base portion includes an engaging piece and a support piece. The engaging piece is coupled to the support piece at a base bend line and configured to engage with a portion of a product display structure having a price holder. The connecting portion is defined between a first connecting bend line spaced apart from a second connecting bend line by a first distance. The first connecting bend line is adjacent the support piece of the base portion and the second connecting bend line is adjacent the free portion. The first distance substantially corresponds with a top edge thickness of the price holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignees: Target Brands, Inc., Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel G. Engelby, Christopher H. Kaye, Hans F. Case
  • Patent number: 7975417
    Abstract: An improved action for a bolt action rifle. The action includes a receiver containing a bolt; the bolt having two to three locking lugs surrounding a bolt face; and a threaded insert that joins the rifle barrel to the receiver. The insert also includes a series of locking lugs that mate with the locking lugs on the bolt. The position of the insert lugs relative to the barrel will position the bolt face relative to the barrel's chamber when the bolt is closed. Thus, the insert and barrel can properly set the rifle's headspace. The insert and receiver are preferably each provided with a locking lug, that serve to align the axes of the insert and receiver. The threads of the insert and the barrel are co-axial which serves to align the axes of the insert and barrel. Thus, assembled, the receiver, insert and barrel will be substantially co-axial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald Duplessis, Kenneth W. Sedon
  • Patent number: 7975418
    Abstract: A polymeric revolver including a frame, a cylinder mounted in a rectangular aperture in the frame, a cylinder retaining mechanism and a cylinder releasing mechanism is provided. The cylinder retaining mechanism includes two assemblies: (1) an extractor, locking bolt and locking bolt retainer that house an extractor rod spring, and (2) a ratchet hub driver, hub drive center pin and central pin plate that house a ratchet drive spring. The two assemblies are biased toward one another forming a locking engagement of the extractor and the ratchet hub driver. The locking engagement is enhanced by a star-shaped configuration of grooves and ridges on the extractor and ratchet hub driver, respectively. The cylinder releasing mechanism includes a cylinder release lever that actuates the hub drive center pin and ratchet hub driver out of locking engagement with the extractor, and an ambidextrous thumb piece that facilitates access to the cylinder release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventor: Brett Curry
  • Patent number: 7975419
    Abstract: A fire arm that includes a mounting rail having remotely powered electrical connectors with which modified prior art tactical accessories, such as tactical lights, night vision devices, laser sighting modules and the like can be interconnected. More particularly, the mounting rail of the invention includes electrical connectors that are operably interconnected with a relatively large, long life battery mounted in the stock of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Rubik Darian
  • Patent number: 7975420
    Abstract: An apparatus for detachably joining together a plurality of individual ammunition magazines to form a multiple magazine assembly in which the individual magazines are alternately insertable into the firearm. The apparatus includes a connector block with outwardly-directed mounting faces having locating features that form a sliding engagement with recesses in the bases of the magazines. A coupling piece mounts to an end of the connector block and includes projecting tab portions that enter cooperating recesses in the forward sides of the magazine so as to hold the magazines in place on the mounting faces of the connector block. An adjuster screw can be loosened to withdraw the retaining tabs so that the individual magazines can be placed or removed from the mounting faces of the connector block, and then tightened to hold the magazines firmly against the connector block to complete the assembly. The connector block may be triangular with mounting faces for three magazines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Alan D. Pestana
  • Patent number: 7975421
    Abstract: A remote controlled decoy is provided. The remote control decoy operates using two propellers secured to a hull and remotely controlled by a radio frequency transmitter. A shell resembling a particular waterfowl is releasably coupled to a hull which serves as a watertight compartment for the receiver and the electronics associated with the propulsion of the decoy. The decoy may also be provided with strobe lights to draw attention to the decoy from passing waterfowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ultimate Hunter Corp.
    Inventors: Brett Ware, John Iden
  • Patent number: 7975422
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy motion system comprised of a multiplicity of movable decoys, a first elastic drive belt, means for connecting said first elastic drive belt to said movable decoys, a a primary drive pulley, a secondary drive pulley, an electric motor connected to said secondary drive pulley, and a multiplicity of idler puller assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Elliott Tool Company
    Inventors: James P. Elliott, Phillip L. Casterline, Andrew S. Elliott, John R. Elliott, William B. Elliott
  • Patent number: 7975423
    Abstract: Decoys that resemble animals, such as birds, for example, and methods of making such decoys are provided. In an embodiment, a decoy can include a rigid member, a non-rigid body comprising an inner portion and an exterior portion, and a fan configured to direct air toward the inner portion of the non-rigid body, wherein the non-rigid body and the fan are attached to the rigid member. In an embodiment, a decoy can also include a head and neck portion. In an embodiment, a solar panel and/or a battery can provide power for the fan. In an embodiment, the fan can be manipulated between, on, off, and modulate settings using a manually operated switch and/or a remote control. In an embodiment, the fan can be configured to rotate and/or move side-to-side while directing air toward the inner portion of the non-rigid body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Everwind Decoys, Inc.
    Inventors: Willard Brestal, Harold Brestal, Matthew Paul Hoppe
  • Patent number: 7975424
    Abstract: One embodiment of a castable fish catching net device operable by one person for capturing aquatic animals from any body of water without the need for the operator to enter the water. Includes a purse type seine supported by a generally triangular frame which is heavier than the surrounding water thus providing a sinking force. A handle is attached to the apex of the triangular frame extending in towards the center of the frame. A casting and retrieval cord is attachable to the most center end of the handle. Buoyant means is provided to orient the fish catching net device in a substantially vertical attitude relative to the surface of the body of water as it descends into the water. The purse shaped net has membranes that generate a buoyant-force as the fish catching net device is dragged through the water thus providing the operator with the ability to control the depth of deployment by varying the speed of forward travel through the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: John Francis Shooter, II
  • Patent number: 7975425
    Abstract: Measures for controlling nuisance-carp populations include a harvest apparatus for harvesting not sub-surface fish but fish that leap out of the water proximate the harvest apparatus. Detectors detect when subsurface fish are within proximity of the effective range of the harvest apparatus and, when such are detected, a stimulus is applied which causes target fish like nuisance carp but not desirable fish to leap out of the water. When that happens, the harvest apparatus takes its toll on the leaping fish, harmlessly to the desirable fish which do not leap, and instead might flee from the stimulus by diving deeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Kirby VanBurch, Bambi Sue VanBurch