Patents Issued in September 13, 2011
  • Patent number: 8015975
    Abstract: A garment designed to discourage supine sleep which intensifies snoring and apnea levels in some people. Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring occur when the tongue and throat muscles relax during sleep. At that point they fall back and block the airways causing the apneas and worsening snoring. A significant percentage of snoring and OSA is position related and symptoms worsen by sleeping in a supine position. Garment or other embodiments have a (partial) less than ½ of the circumference mounted pouch which allows the insert to self center and pivot on the spine and have movement between shoulders as the user is sleeping and attempts to move towards the back from his or her side. The placement at lower neck area presses slightly against the spine to influence head to tilt up and slightly close mouth while sleeping thereby increasing the airway opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Family Concepts TJH, LLC
    Inventor: William Thomas Zohlmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8015976
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a channel, a cover, a staple cartridge and a knife. The channel includes a protrusion thereon. The cover is configured for mechanical engagement with the channel and includes a blocking member and a surface defining a plane. At least a portion of the blocking member is configured to move away from the plane upon contact with the protrusion. The staple cartridge is configured for mechanical engagement with the cover. The blocking member is configured to substantially prevent distal translation of the knife after the knife has been translated proximally past a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Sachin Shah
  • Patent number: 8015977
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a magnetic indicator tool used to determine the setting of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes a magnetic indicator device coupled to a valve on the implantable medical device. External magnetic fields, specifically earth's magnetic field, may interfere with a conventional compass and create an incorrect device setting indication. The magnetic indicator tool estimates the external magnetic fields to subtract the estimate from received data to minimize any influence that external magnetic field has on the accuracy of the device setting measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Bertrand, Lori C. Speckman
  • Patent number: 8015978
    Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for locating an implanted object using an external antenna. The implanted object may be, for example, an internal antenna that facilitates recharging of and/or communication with an implantable medical device. An external device coupled to the external antenna drives the antenna with a plurality of waveforms. Asymmetry in the loading profile of the external antenna when it is driven by the plurality of waveforms allows the external device or another device to determine the location of the implanted object relative to the external antenna. The external device or other device may provide information to a user based on the determined location of the implanted object relative to the external antenna, such as information to help a user position the external antenna with respect to an internal antenna in embodiments in which the implanted object is an internal antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Todd V. Smith
  • Patent number: 8015979
    Abstract: A novel cigar is provided with an elongated cigar puller device which extends into the interior of the cigar. By removing the cigar puller from the device, the tobacco fill material of the cigar is disrupted so as to improve the draw of the cigar. Some of the cigar puller devices can be used to infuse flavorants into the cigar to alter the taste and/or aroma of the cigar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Jack B. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8015980
    Abstract: An applicator for use with an eyelash extension system that has a backbone and a backbone surface. A plurality of eyelash extensions are attached to the backbone. The applicator has a closure having a closure surface facing the backbone surface, and a pair of clips, each clip including a first arm, a second arm, and a pivot attached to the first arm and the second arm. A first holder is attached to each of the first arms to releasably attach the backbone to the first arms. Further there is a second holder attached to each of the second arms to releasably attach the closure to the second arms. The first and second arms are moveable between a first state wherein the first and second arms are spaced relative to each other and a second state wherein the first and second arms abut each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas Elliot Rabe, Peter Jonathan Wyatt, Keri Ann Marsh, Matthew Clair Ehrman, Nancy Taylor Dempsey, Megan Mai Morys, Robert Scadding Moir, Peter Paul Beentje, Kate Reeves
  • Patent number: 8015981
    Abstract: A novel gauging device and associated stencils facilitate the shaping of eyebrows according to a Golden Ratio standard. The gauging device is adapted to be placed over a woman's face and maintained in a fixed position relative to her eyes and nose. A nosepiece and knobs are adjusted such that a lower end of a guide rod may be rotated about various points relative to the nose and held in predetermined angles relative to the nose and eyes, possibly supported magnetically on a lower track adjacent the nostrils and an upper track above the eyebrows. An eyebrow stencil is held in a desired position relative to the previously positioned guide rod, which facilitates convenient application and symmetrical shaping, preferably with frictional clamps for permitting the stencil to be shifted in place so that a particular portion of the stencil is properly aligned with the guide rod after the guide rod has been aligned with an appropriate Golden Ratio marking on the stencil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Anastasia Soare
  • Patent number: 8015982
    Abstract: A toothbrush and flossing system comprising a toothbrush having bristles, a handle, and a removable floss cartridge/container. The handle may comprise a cavity for receiving the floss cartridge; the floss container may comprise all or a portion of the handle; or the floss container may slip externally over the toothbrush handle. The floss cartridge may comprise a housing having a closed end and an open end, with a cap adapted to seal the open end and to protrude from the housing and the cavity with a recessed cutter separated from a floss exit opening in the cap. The cap may have a decorative design, such as in the form of a human, animal, cartoon character, or the like. In another embodiment, an ornamental enclosure is provided that attaches to the handle. Toothbrush embodiments for receiving the floss cartridge and floss cartridge embodiments for use with such toothbrushes are also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: William T. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8015983
    Abstract: The surface treatment apparatus includes: a supply device for supplying an introduced workpiece to the inside of a treatment cell of a subsequent surface treatment device; a surface treatment device for supplying a surface treatment liquid to the inside of the treatment cell while rotating the treatment cell, thereby performing a surface treatment on the workpiece; a workpiece collection device for inverting the treatment cell, and squirting the inside of the treatment cell with water from below to flow out the workpiece, thereby collecting the workpiece into a collection vessel; a drying device for receiving the collection vessel from the workpiece collection device, and exposing the workpiece within the collection vessel to air, thereby drying the workpiece; and a carrying device for carrying the treatment cell between the surface treatment devices, and between the surface treatment device and the workpiece device, wherein the surface treatment apparatus includes the one or more surface treatment devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: C. Uyemura & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Nakada, Kouhei Kohama, Tetsuro Uemura, Takashi Sato, Ryosuke Hamada
  • Patent number: 8015984
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus for cleaning and drying a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. This substrate processing apparatus includes a liquid processing unit for processing a substrate by immersing the substrate in stored purified water, a drying unit arranged above the liquid processing unit and configured to dry the substrate, a substrate transfer apparatus for transferring the substrate between the liquid processing unit and drying unit, a fluid supply mechanism for supplying a fluid mixture containing vapor or mist of purified water and vapor or mist of a volatile organic solvent to the drying unit, and a controller for controlling the supply of the fluid mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Koukichi Hiroshiro, Yuji Kamikawa, Takayuki Toshima, Naoki Shindo
  • Patent number: 8015985
    Abstract: A fluid supply pipe is inserted through a motor supporting member, a spin motor, a rotating shaft, and a plate supporting member. A first flange is integrally formed in the vicinity of a curved portion of a straight portion, extending in the vertical direction, of the fluid supply pipe. The first flange is fixed to a motor supporting member. Thus, the fluid supply pipe is fixed to the spin motor through the motor supporting member. The fluid supply pipe has a configuration in which a gas supply pipe made of resin and a plurality of cleaning liquid supply pipes made of resin are accommodated inside a guide pipe made of stainless. Inside the guide pipe, the one gas supply pipe is surrounded by the plurality of cleaning liquid supply pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sokudo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Hamada, Koji Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 8015986
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for cleaning a substrate. The apparatus includes a stage on which a substrate is loaded, a cleaning liquid supply unit supplying a cleaning liquid to the substrate, an oscillator transmitting sound waves to the substrate for cleaning the substrate, and at least two piezoelectric members disposed on an end portion of the oscillator at a predetermined distance apart from each other so as to generate the sound waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-ki Ahn
  • Patent number: 8015987
    Abstract: A vibration-type cleaning device for contact lenses comprises an adaptor that is provided with a support part thereon for supporting a contact lens case and a base that is provided under the bottom of the adaptor. The base is connected with the adapter via a positioning element so that the base can be attached to or detached from the adaptor. The base is provided with a vibrator therein and the vibrator is connected with a power source. Consequently, the vibrator can be driven under the control of a user to vibrate the contact lens solution and the contact lenses in the contact lens case and the cleaning effect of the contact lenses in the contact lens solution can be enhanced through vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: David Michael Zakutin
  • Patent number: 8015988
    Abstract: A rechargeable power source, which is detachably coupled with a shading device to electrically connect with an electrical arrangement thereof, includes a rechargeable battery unit having a battery terminal arranged to contact with the electrical terminal of the electrical arrangement, and a locking arrangement which contains a releasable locker to detachably couple the rechargeable battery unit with the shading device and to ensure the battery terminal being contact with an electrical terminal of the electrical arrangement so as to electrically connect the rechargeable battery unit with the electrical arrangement. Therefore, the electrical arrangement of the shading device is powered by the rechargeable battery unit to eliminate the power extension to the external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Patent number: 8015989
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a cost effective pressure dampening device used in a fluid delivery system for substrate processing. In one embodiment, the pressure dampening device is disposed between a mounting substrate and a control valve within a fluid control assembly in fluid communication with a substrate processing chamber. The pressure dampening device is capable of dampening small pressure perturbations in a process fluid which is used for substrate processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John William Lane, Mariusch Gregor, Emir Vukotic
  • Patent number: 8015990
    Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve piston and/or plug that exudes silicone oil when stressed or squeezed while providing antimicrobial agents within and on the surface of the piston and/or plug. The pliant valve piston may have an integrally formed plug and one or more ports or a separately formed plug located inside a plastic housing. The plug cooperates with a nozzle on the inlet connector assembly to form a slip port or a Luer inlet, which can open when exerted by force to permit flow or closes when the force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: B. Braun Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Pascal, Edwin L. Burnard, Kevin Jenkins, Steve Broadbent
  • Patent number: 8015991
    Abstract: A plurality of solenoid valves are installed on a valve mount surface of a manifold base to receive a pressure fluid supplied from a supply passage of the manifold base via a supply communication hole. A stop valve base connected to a side surface of the manifold base has a stop valve mount surface formed on the upper surface to the side of the valve mount surface. The stop valve is attached to the stop valve mount surface to open and close the supply communication hole by pushing and pulling the stop valve from a side with the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Masanori Kaitsuka
  • Patent number: 8015992
    Abstract: The present invention provides a valve that controls a flow of gas or solid objects through a pipe, and particularly a z-valve used in an elevated rail transportation system. The valve includes vanes hinged to a valve stem that fold into a z-shape and retract into the valve body when the valve is open. A valve cap positioned at the top of the valve stem matches the contour of the inner surface of the pipe, allowing unobstructed flow. When the valve is closed, the valve stem is elevated into the interior of the pipe and the valve cap rotates 90° to match the contour at the top, providing a seal. The vanes extend from the z-shape to completely block a cross-section of the pipe, stopping the flow. The flow may be modulated by varying the extension of the vanes to allow a portion of the flow to pass the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Flight Rail Corporation
    Inventors: Max P. Schlienger, Larry D. Gibson
  • Patent number: 8015993
    Abstract: A compressed hydrogen tank system that includes a heatable hydrogen pressure regulator. Hydrogen is removed from the compressed tank through a suitable pipe where the pressure drop of the hydrogen is controlled by the pressure regulator. The high pressure side of the regulator is typically at a relatively low temperature as the hydrogen is being removed from the tank, and the low pressure side of the regulator is typically at a relatively high temperature as the hydrogen is removed from the tank. A heat source is provided to heat the pipe on the high pressure side of the regulator to prevent the hydrogen from becoming cold as the hydrogen is being removed from the tank, thus preventing the temperature of the hydrogen within the tank from decreasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Christian Sachs
  • Patent number: 8015994
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit is provided with a housing having two planar portions neighboring at a predetermined angle between them. At least one opening is formed on each of the planar portions. For example, one opening and at least two openings are formed on the two planar portions, respectively. A protective tape is adhered to the two planar portions of the housing for covering each opening formed on each of the two planar portions. The protective tape is cut by a laser beam, for example, to be separated into at least each one of a part for covering one opening and a part for covering at least two openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhito Sekihara, Shin Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8015995
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention can include a flow control device that comprises an inlet, an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, a pressure sensor, which may or may not be the only pressure sensor of the fluid control device, and a controller coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller can be configured to generate a valve control signal based on a measured pressure at a single pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig L. Brodeur, Marc Laverdiere, Robert F. McLoughlin, J. Karl Niermeyer, Jieh-Hwa Shyu
  • Patent number: 8015996
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine air valve assembly has first and second valving elements. The second element is rotatable about a first axis relative to the first element. The rotation controls a flow of air through the first and second elements. An actuator is coupled by a linkage to the second element. The linkage includes a spindle having a first portion coupled to the actuator to rotate the spindle about a second axis. A guided spherical bearing couples a second portion of the spindle to the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Sadil, William W. Pankey
  • Patent number: 8015997
    Abstract: A valve body has a channel extending along an axis and an inlet port open to the channel. A sleeve, received about the valve body, overlies the inlet port and is rotatable about the axis relative the body. A nozzle projects radially outward from the sleeve. The nozzle is rotatable with the sleeve into a range of positions in which the nozzle communicates with the inlet port through the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Campbell Hausfeld/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Gary S. Bass, Ronald J. Mulford
  • Patent number: 8015998
    Abstract: A method for patching or sealing leaks in fluid systems and, in an exemplary application, to a method of patching or sealing leaks in sub-sea hydraulic control lines, leaks in sub-surface or sub-sea safety valves, O-ring leaks of any type, leaks in hydraulic line fittings, tubing thread connection leaks, casing thread connection leaks, glycol hydraulic system leaks, well-head and sub-sea well-head leaks, hanger leaks, and leaks in other types of related down-hole equipment. A pressure- or shear-fibrillatable substance, such as an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion, a fluoropolymer fine powder, or any other fluoropolymer which is derived from a dispersion polymerization process, is added to a fluid system such as a hydraulic control line, and pressure is then applied to the system. In one embodiment, an aqueous dispersion of polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) particles having a particle size between 0.01 and 10 microns is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Harris Mud & Chemical, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd K Harris
  • Patent number: 8015999
    Abstract: A weaving machine for weaving a three-dimensional distance woven fabric including two outer fabrics and inter-yarns connected with the outer fabrics is provided. The weaving machine includes a warp let-off mechanism, heald frames, a picking mechanism, a beating-up mechanism, a yarn raising mechanism, and a take-up mechanism. The warp let-off mechanism includes at least two warp beams for providing and transferring warps. A plurality of vertically arranged heald wires are supported by each of the heald frames, wherein each of the heald wires has a heald eye for the warps passing through. The warps are driven and divided into two warp layers by the heald frames such that a shed is formed between the two warp layers. The picking mechanism transfers wefts to pass through the shed. The yarn raising mechanism is suitable for passing through the shed and raising parts of the warps functioning as the inter-yarns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Textile Research Institute
    Inventors: Yung-Shun Teng, Li-Yun Chang, Fen-Lan Tseng, Yang-Ping Shih
  • Patent number: 8016000
    Abstract: Preferred processes are provided for unloading a particulate substance from a container using a cover system comprising a cover and a wand extending through the cover. The processes can include installing the cover system on the container so that the cover mates with the container and the wand extends into the particulate substance, connecting a pipe or a hose to the wand, and drawing the particulate substance through the wand and the pipe or hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Alfred F. Jordan, Lenny L. Albin, Sr., Charles A. Cross
  • Patent number: 8016001
    Abstract: A painting material charging device may comprise a cartridge attaching unit, a painting material supplying path, a first switching unit, a painting material supplying unit, a discharging path, a second switching unit, a painting material sensor and a controlling unit. The controlling unit may be configured to be connected to the painting material sensor and the second switching unit. The controlling unit may be configured to cause the second switching unit to fully close the discharging path in a case where the painting material sensor detects the painting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Trinity Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Isamu Yamasaki, Takanobu Mori, Shinichi Nakane, Noriyuki Achiwa, Kohta Harada
  • Patent number: 8016002
    Abstract: A sealing/pump-up device for tire that not only ensures the storability of sealing agent but also realizes rapid supply of sealing agent into a pneumatic tire. By insertion of insert part (60A) of jig (60) in jig insertion aperture (42) of sealing device (10), aluminum seal (30) is burst through by means of boring member (50) to thereby drive the same in the container. As the distal end of the insert part (60A) locates in the vicinity of upper wall surface within liquid agent container (18), a compressor unit is operated to thereby supply compressed air into the liquid agent container (18). As the end portion of first passage (62) provided in the jig (60) lies in a position superior to the liquid surface of sealing agent (32), the compressed air realizes rapid supply of the sealing agent (32) into a pneumatic tire without surfacing in the form of bubbles through the sealing agent (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Yoshida, Yuji Takeda, Shinichi Iwasaki, Rieko Iwasaki, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8016003
    Abstract: A container filling assembly includes a plurality of fluid storage containers, a fluid inlet for supplying a fluid to the containers, a vacuum source for creating a vacuum in the containers to draw the fluid into the containers, and a connective structure for connecting the vacuum source and the fluid source in fluid communication with the containers. Preferably, the container filling assembly is a sterile, closed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence Bullen
  • Patent number: 8016004
    Abstract: A pencil sharpener for sharpening a pencil includes a central gear including an aperture along an axis of the central gear for receiving an end portion of the pencil. A first gear rotates the central gear and a strap joined to the central gear secures the pencil when the central gear is rotated. A shaft is in communication with the first gear where when the central gear is rotated the shaft is rotated. A cutting blade is in communication with the shaft where when the shaft is rotated the cutting blade cuts the end portion of the pencil at an angle to form a point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Anwar Farooq
  • Patent number: 8016005
    Abstract: A combination mortise and tenon jig has a body including a platform having an open section with first and second clamp legs on opposite sides for holding a workpiece therebetween with the workpiece part in which a mortise or tenon is to be cut facing toward the open section. A plurality of adjustable members extend from the first clamp leg to engage a workpiece face and the second clamp leg is movable relative to the open section with the extending members and the second clamp leg holding the workpiece at a selected position in the open section. A pair of guide arms pivotally mounted below the platform swing across the platform open section to engage the workpiece part and make it parallel to the platform and a template having a cutout pattern of one of a mortise or tenon overlies the platform open section to guide a router bit to cut the mortise or tenon in the workpiece end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: General Tools & Instruments Company LLC
    Inventor: Burton Weinstein
  • Patent number: 8016006
    Abstract: A tire having a radial carcass reinforcement comprising a crown reinforcement formed of at least two working crown layers of inextensible reinforcement elements, which are crossed from one ply to the other, forming angles of between 10° and 45° with the circumferential direction, which itself is topped radially by a tread, said tread being joined to two beads by means of two sidewalls and the axially widest working crown layer being radially internal to the other working crown layers. The tire comprises additionally in each shoulder at least one layer of reinforcement elements which are parallel to each other in the layer and are oriented circumferentially, the axially inner end of said additional layer being radially adjacent to the edge of a working crown layer, at least part of said additional layer being radially and/or axially adjacent to the edge of the axially widest working crown layer and the axially outer end of said additional layer being radially internal to the axially widest working crown layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Jean Coue, Robert Radulescu, François Barbarin
  • Patent number: 8016007
    Abstract: The present inventions generally relate to thin film solar cell fabrication, and more particularly, to techniques for interconnecting solar cells based on Group IBIIIAVIA thin film semiconductors. In a particular embodiment, a system is described that positions solar cells and conductive leads with respect to each other so that application of a conductive adhesive and formation of an assembled solar cell string, followed by curing and cooling of the conductive adhesive, can occur in a repeatable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: SoloPower, Inc.
    Inventors: Jalal Ashjaee, Douglas W Young, Kiet Tran, Steve Kuskie
  • Patent number: 8016008
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a cassette spool. The apparatus includes: a supply reel for supplying and unrolling tape material on original backing paper; at least one cutting member for cutting unrolled tape material while on original backing paper; at least one removing member for removing uncut unrolled tape material from original backing paper; an identification member for identifying on unrolled original backing paper a start of unrolled cut tape material; and a cassette spool for rolling up unrolled cut tape material on original backing paper. In further embodiments, methods are provided for preparing a cassette spool with cut tape material on original backing paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary Pfitzner, Donald Anderson
  • Patent number: 8016009
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a substrate assembly by applying a force to the assembly while simultaneously exposing the substrate assembly, and in particular a sealing material disposed between two substrates of the substrate assembly, to an irradiating beam of electromagnetic energy. The beam heats, cures and/or melts the sealing material, depending upon the sealing material to form the seal. The force is applied by directing a flow of fluid against the substrate assembly, and beneficially improves contact between the substrates of the substrate assembly and the sealing material during the sealing process, therefore assisting in achieving a hermetic seal between the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Amsden, James Joseph Bernas, John Joseph Costello, III, Margaret Helen Gentile, Mark Andrew Stocker, Lu Zhang
  • Patent number: 8016010
    Abstract: A die bonder comprises a bond head having a load shaft which passes through the bond head and a collet located at one end of the load shaft for holding a die to be bonded. A bond force motor is operative to drive the load shaft along a travel axis in directions towards and away from a die bonding position. A rotary motor is operative to rotate the load shaft about a rotational axis parallel to the travel axis. A coupler which comprises a bearing couples the load shaft to the bond force motor to allow the load shaft to rotate about the rotational axis relative to the bond force motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: ASM Assembly Automation Ltd
    Inventors: Yin Fun Ng, Gary Peter Widdowson, Hon Chiu Hui
  • Patent number: 8016011
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a labeling apparatus that allows a labeling operation to be carried out continuously for a long period without the need of cleaning, even if the easy-to-peel labels are used. To accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a conveying drum for correcting a position of a label applied with glue, while transferring the label. The conveying drum includes a predetermined groove extending circumferentially along an outer surface of the conveying drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Suntory Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Daisuke Ito, Toshiya Kobayashi, Mitsugu Yamada
  • Patent number: 8016012
    Abstract: A flattening mechanism for dry film laminator includes a lower member connected to a dry film laminator. The lower member has a base portion formed thereon. The base portion has a plurality of air holes defined therein. The lower member has a lifting holder movably disposed thereon for holding a wafer. The wafer has a dry film disposed thereon. An upper member is movably disposed above the lower member. The upper member has a pressing portion disposed on a bottom thereof. The pressing portion has a steel plate disposed thereon and a first electric heating layer mounted on a top of the steel. A release film is movably guided between the upper member and the lower member, such that the wafer is lifted to press against the steel plate via the release film for enhancing a lamination of the dry film to the wafer and flattening the dry film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Chin-Sen Lai, Ming-Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 8016013
    Abstract: A pull bar screen apparatus and system in which screen is mechanically attached directly to a pull bar. Weld-less friction-lock cold-joining of screen and pull bar provides an improved pull-bar screen apparatus used in retractable pull screens. The pull bar screen apparatus and system remove the need for attaching a vinyl strip to the screen. Instead, the screen is flattened to retain its form and structural integrity. On one elongated end of the screen, an upper and lower lock bar are placed on either side of the screen. Corrugated ridges in the lock bars pinch the screen and hold it in place. A lock bar casing is placed under pressure around the upper and lower lock bars which hold the lock bars in position and thereby retain the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Louis Horvath
  • Patent number: 8016014
    Abstract: A combination garage door and roll-up curtain system that allows a flexible curtain to be lowered when the garage door is in a raised position. The system preferably comprises an automated garage door assembly wherein the drive mechanism is mounted to a bracket mounted in turn to the inside wall above the garage opening upper margin. The system preferably further comprises an automated roll-up curtain assembly having a rotatable rod mounted above the garage opening upper margin between the bracket and the inside wall. The rotatable rod has a flexible curtain wound thereabout wherein the first end of the curtain is affixed to the rod and the second end of the curtain is secured along its lateral margins within tracks mounted adjacent the garage opening lateral margins. The second end of the curtain preferably has a weighted member attached thereto to urge the curtain toward the garage opening lower margin and to keep the curtain taut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Grant W. Crider, Shawn J. Crider, Lesley R. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8016015
    Abstract: An overhead opening door lock device for use with existing types of door systems having horizontally hinged panels carried on rollers confined within channeled roller tracks is attached on the interior side of the door and fixes the door in position relative to the roller track. One leg of a U-shaped device is inserted in the hollow interior of a tube that serves as an articulation axis for a pair of hinged panels. The other leg of the U-shaped device penetrates a suitably positioned aperture in the web of the adjacent channeled roller track. A shear pin or padlock shank may be inserted through an aperture in a tip portion of the other leg that projects past the outside plane of the roller track web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Martin Chamberlain, Richard Barry Gorr
  • Patent number: 8016016
    Abstract: A trough shade system and method of use provide improved support for a roller tube and shade material. The roller tube and wound shade material are located within a support cradle to minimize unwanted deflection by the roller tube and associated wrinkling and deformation of the shade material. Various mechanisms allow the roller tube a limited range of movement within the support cradle. The system is suitable for shading larger areas than other shading systems which rely on roller tubes with fixed supports at the ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Mechoshade Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Berman, Xi Ming Li, Eugene Miroscnichenko
  • Patent number: 8016017
    Abstract: Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by a drive assembly. The system further includes a control system coupled to the drive assembly and configured to command operation of the drive assembly. The system still further includes a sensor operably coupled to the control system and positioned to sense barrier position as the barrier moves between the deployed and the retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Smoke Guard, Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Cloninger, Kelsey S. Aldrich
  • Patent number: 8016018
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal matrix composite (MMC) and the method of manufacturing the MMC. The MMC includes a preform formed from a composition having ceramic particles and ceramic fibers. The metal matrix composite also includes a support element formed from a metal where the metal impregnates through the preform. The method of forming the MMC includes the step of extruding the composition through a multi-screw extruder to form an extrudate. The method also includes the step of heating the preform and positioning the preform within a mold. The method further includes the step of heating the metal for forming a molten metal and injecting the molten metal into a cavity of the mold under pressure for infiltrating the preform with the molten metal. The method also includes cooling the molten metal to solidify the molten metal and form the metal matrix composite and removing the metal matrix composite from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Century, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wood, Neil Anderson, Andrew Halonen
  • Patent number: 8016019
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a casting method capable of simultaneously attaining the shortening of cycle time and the improvement in casting quality. The pressure allowing the molten metal level to go up to the positions of from P0 to P4 is applied to the molten metal within a molten metal reservoir 1. Then, the pressure of P4 is maintained for a predetermined time. During this time, the molten metal which comes into contact with an upper die 4 is cooled earlier than the molten metal being in contact with another die. Through this cooling the molten metal shrinks. However, since the pressure of P4 is maintained, the molten metal is supplied from the lower side to a shrunk portion, so as not to cause shrinkage cavity or underfill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Shibata, Toshirou Ichihara, Keizou Tanoue, Kouzou Miyamoto, Masamitsu Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8016020
    Abstract: Oscillating table for thick slab production plants, comprising pairs of bars (8, 8?, 9, 9?), lying on at least one horizontal plane, which constitute the elastic support elements of the ingot mould (3), thus permitting an optimal guiding of the oscillation thereof exclusively in the casting direction (x), said pairs of bars (8, 8?, 9, 9?) constituting a tie rod-strut system working in bending that confers to the table very high torsional and lateral stiffness. It allows a high ingot mould (3) guiding precision thus consenting, for example, wide oscillations exclusively in the axial casting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alfredo Poloni
  • Patent number: 8016021
    Abstract: A method of producing cast steel strip having low surface roughness and low porosity by casting with molten steel having a total oxygen content of at least about 70 ppm and a free oxygen content between 20 and 60 ppm, and a temperature that allows a majority of any oxide inclusions to be in a liquidus state. The total oxygen content may be at least 100 ppm and the free oxygen content between 30 and 50 ppm. The steel strip produced by the method may have a per unit area density of at least about 120 oxide inclusions per square millimeter to a depth of about 2 microns from the strip surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Walter N. Blejde, Rama Ballav Mahapatra, Lazar Strezov
  • Patent number: 8016022
    Abstract: Systems and methods for passive thermal management using phase change material are provided. In one embodiment, a thermal management method is provided. The method comprises securing an electronics assembly to a mounting surface using a thermally insulative support structure; insulating a phase change material within the support structure; and melting the phase change material to reduce heat transfer from an external environment to the electronics assembly during a high temperature transient thermal condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Chad E. Richason, Dean R. Hellickson, Mark W. Watson, Allen F. Tuthill
  • Patent number: 8016023
    Abstract: A method including sensing a temperature of an electronic component in a portable computing device; circulating a fluid between one of a first heat transfer plate and a second heat transfer plate in response to a threshold temperature being sensed; and stopping the circulating in response to sensing a temperature is below the threshold temperature. A heat exchanging system including a first heat transfer plate coupled to an electronic component and to a second heat transfer plate; and a fluid for circulating through one of the first heat transfer plate and the second heat transfer plate in response to a threshold temperature being sensed by a sensor. An apparatus including a heat generating element; a first heat transfer plate coupled to the heat generating element; a second heat transfer plate; and a fluid for circulating through a tube, the first part and the second part of the portable computing device in response to a threshold temperature being sensed by a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Borys S. Senyk, Larry L. Moresco
  • Patent number: 8016024
    Abstract: A loop heat pipe with flat evaporator includes an evaporation section, a condensation section, and a transportation section connected between the evaporation section and the condensation section. The evaporation section includes a heat source, an enclosed containment structure, and a capillary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tamkang University
    Inventors: Shung-Wen Kang, Meng-Chang Tsai