Patents Issued in January 31, 2012
  • Patent number: 8104165
    Abstract: Various methods are disclosed herein for forming an apparatus, which is configured to reduce the electromagnetic interference between a pair of antennas coupled to a wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the method includes extracting a shape of the apparatus from a thin sheet of conductive material, and folding the shape into a plurality of resonant circuit elements. In other embodiments, the apparatus is formed within various cavities of a mold; a liquefied substance may be inserted into the mold for filling the various cavities and forming a plurality of resonant circuit elements. In all embodiments, the plurality of resonant circuit elements are each configured to resonate at (or near) a carrier frequency of a signal transmitted by one of the pair of antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Motion Computing Inc.
    Inventors: Todd W. Steigerwald, Jerry Mayfield
  • Patent number: 8104166
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a read element with leads that overlay a top surface of a sensor of the read element. The method includes forming a mask over a sensor layer, then using the mask to define the sensor from the sensor layer. The mask is then narrowed and a lead layer is formed that overlays both ends of the top surface of the sensor without covering a center portion of the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLC
    Inventors: Jinqiu Zhang, Ming Zhao, Mohamad T. Krounbi, Henry Yuan, Lien-Chang Wang
  • Patent number: 8104167
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resistance film heating apparatus comprising: acid washing and cleaning the surface of a base material; heating and activating the base material; spraying a liquid resistance material on the surface; testing by the four-point method the actual heating power of the surface high-density resistance film on the cooled down base material in accord with a designed heating power, and correcting the characteristics of the designed conductive electrodes, thereby ensuring that the heating power is with the designed heating power; printing the corrected value of conductive silver slurry in a predetermined manner on the base material; sintering and solidifying the conductive silver slurry in a baking process so as to form electrodes; testing again after the electrodes cooling down naturally, and mending the electrodes using the conductive silver slurry and adjusting the baking temperature in accord with the designed heating power, and forming an eligible finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: I Feng Lin
  • Patent number: 8104168
    Abstract: A positioning device to position one or more plates of electronic circuits with respect to an operating unit. The device comprises a rotary member which rotates selectively between a first operating position and a second operating position, and a positioning member mounted on the rotary member. The positioning member comprises a frame, which is mounted removably on the rotary member, and a strip of transpirant material on which each plate is rested. The strip is wound between a pair of winding/unwinding rollers, pivoted on the frame. The positioning member also comprises heating means able to heat the wafer to take it to a determinate operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Baccini
  • Patent number: 8104169
    Abstract: An automatic assembly jig adapted for assembling an electronic component and a case is provided. The jig includes a working platform, a carrier, a pressure exerting device and at least a gear. The working platform has a guiding rail. The carrier is disposed on the working platform and is slidably mounted on the guiding rail. The pressure exerting device is disposed above the working platform. The gear is disposed on the working platform and connected with the carrier, so as to drive the carrier moving along the guiding rail to the position under the pressure exerting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Inventec Appliances Corp.
    Inventors: Yun-Feng He, Hua-Yin Zhang, Bin Zhao
  • Patent number: 8104170
    Abstract: A charge plate and a method for fabricating a charge plate for an ink jet printhead includes the steps of removing portions of conductive material from a dimensionally stable substrate with a coating of conductive material to form at least a first and second electrode on a first face with a first space between the first and second electrodes, removing portions of conductive material from the dimensionally stable substrate with a coating of conductive material to form a first electrode extension which engages the first electrode on the conductive charging face, and a second electrode extension which engages the second electrode on the conductive charging face, whereby the first and second electrode extensions are electrically isolated from each other, additionally forming a first space between the electrode extensions, which connects with the first space between the electrode extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Brian G. Morris, Richard W. Sexton, Michael F. Baumer, James E. Harrison, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8104171
    Abstract: The present invention directs to fabrication methods of single-sided or double-sided multi-layered substrate by providing a lamination structure having at least a core structure and first and second laminate structures stacked over both surfaces of the core structure. The core structure functions as the temporary carrier for carrying the first and second laminate structures through the double-sided processing procedures. By way of the fabrication methods, the production yield can be greatly improved without increasing the production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Karl Appelt, Yuan-Chang Su, Ming-Chiang Lee, You-Lung Yen
  • Patent number: 8104172
    Abstract: Embodiments of buffer coatings for semiconductor and integrated circuit manufacturing are presented herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Goodner, Kevin J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8104173
    Abstract: A series of electric terminals in which each member of the series has an identical receptacle portion at one end and a unique cable attachment portion at an opposite end is manufactured by forming a generic strip of partially formed terminals having a receptacle portion at one end in a first progressive die forming operation for all members of the series of electric terminals. Strips of completely formed electric terminals of particular members of the series of electric terminals are then completed in respective unique die progressive die forming operations using the generic strip of partially formed terminals. A modular die may be used for forming the strips of completely formed electric terminals from the intermediate generic the strip of partially formed terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Heacox, Scott Shemitz, Xuefu Xu, David A. Beck
  • Patent number: 8104174
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piston for a piston-cylinder arrangement, particularly a shock absorber piston, which includes a piston body, that has a circumferential surface. A sealing collar has an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface, a first peripheral surface, and a first sealing lip, and extends around the circumferential surface of the piston body and covers at least part of the circumferential surface in the axial direction. The first peripheral surface connects the two circumferential surfaces to each other at a first end of the sealing collar. The first sealing lip is delimited by the first peripheral surface and the outer circumferential surface, and the first sealing lip is configured evenly in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Sinter Metals Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Gruber, Antonio Casellas, Stefan Schneid
  • Patent number: 8104175
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cylinder block for a multi-cylinder engine is disclosed herein. The cylinder block includes a crankcase and cylinder bores disposed therein separated by cylinder walls. The crankcase is adapted to receive a crankshaft and includes crank chambers disposed therein separated by partition walls. Each of the crank chambers of the crankcase corresponds to one of the cylinder bores of the cylinder block. The cylinder bore side of each partition wall has a honing runoff portion thinner in section than the crankshaft side thereof such that a step face results in the partition walls. Further, a runoff groove is formed in the partition walls of the crank chambers, and also a communication hole is formed at least partially within the runoff groove in at least one of the partition walls to enable communication between crank chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Mochida
  • Patent number: 8104176
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a developing agent regulating member is provided. The method includes providing a non-magnetic member and a magnetic member. The non-magnetic member and the magnetic member are fixed together by caulking such that an end face of the non-magnetic member and an end face of the magnetic member are substantially aligned with each other, and such that the non-magnetic member and the magnetic member are closely pressed together in order to reduce a gap between the non-magnetic member and the magnetic member. The end face of the non-magnetic member and the end face of the magnetic member are polished so as to prepare the regulating face of the developing agent regulating member by making the end face of the non-magnetic member and the end face of the magnetic member flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Takahashi, Koichi Sakata
  • Patent number: 8104177
    Abstract: A method of avoiding hammer rod-hole deformation in a hammer mill. Conventional hammers are fitted with a bearing structure that reduces wear while permitting the hammer to pivot about multiple axes. An optional, integral spacer provides spacing between adjacent hammers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Jacobs Corporation
    Inventors: Chad J. Plumb, Todd K. Plumb, Ron R. Ronfeldt, Christine D. Petersen, Robert H. Knox
  • Patent number: 8104178
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting head (1), comprising a lower and an upper shears blade (2, 3), for an electric hair cutting machine (4). The lower shears blade and the upper shear blade (2, 3) are connected to each other, whereby a cutting blade (5), made from a planar material (7), is driven in oscillation in a slot (31) between the lower and the upper shears blade (2, 3) and is provided with cutting teeth (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Wella GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Worgull
  • Patent number: 8104179
    Abstract: A razor head 2 is provided with a blade member 3 having a base and a blade body 4 on the base, a blade base member 5 arranged on the bottom side of the razor head 2, and a top member 6 arranged on the top side of the razor head 2. The blade member 3 is fitted between the blade base member 5 and the top member 6. The base of the blade member 3 is supported on the blade base member 5. A cutting edge 4a of the blade body 4 is exposed at the top member 6. The base is provided with a pair of leaf springs arranged between the blade base member 5 and the top member 6. A back opening 19 is disposed on the bottom side of the razor head 2 between both leaf springs, and a front opening 20 is disposed on the top side of the razor head 2. The base is provided with a debris discharge hole 18 between the front opening 20 and the back opening 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kai R&D Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nakasuka
  • Patent number: 8104180
    Abstract: A tie wrap cutting tool has a press arm and a die arm, each arm having a tool end and an opposing handle. The arms are pivotally coupled together, such that relative movement of the handles produces a corresponding movement of the tool ends. A cutting insert is removably coupled to the tool end of the die arm, the cutting insert having a transverse guide slot configured for receiving a tie wrap to be cut. At least one cutter is carried by the cutting insert, the cutter having a selected geometric shape. A press face is formed in the press arm for forcing the tie wrap against the at least one cutter, so that selected movement of the handles causes the at least one cutter to cut the selected geometric shape in a tie wrap received in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Swinford
  • Patent number: 8104181
    Abstract: Provided are an outer blade for a reciprocation-type electric shaver and a method of producing the outer blade, the outer blade being capable of suppressing a deformation such as wrinkles or an undulation, without adding a new component, to thereby keep a good appearance thereof. A sheet material for forming the outer blade is bent into a shape projecting upward when viewed in the lateral directions. The sheet material has hair introduction holes, the peripheral edge of each hair introduction hole forming a projection section projecting inward beyond the other portion of the sheet material, the end surfaces of a part of the projection sections make contact with a reciprocating inner blade. The sheet material is formed with a deformation suppression section in a specific region not including the projection sections which make contact with the inner blade but including the projection sections which make no contact with the inner blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuji Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8104182
    Abstract: A portable band saw has a main housing and a saw band circulating within the main housing. A motor for driving the saw band is disposed within a motor housing that is mounted to the main housing. The main housing defines an opening across which the saw band moves in order to cut a workpiece. A battery for driving the motor is mounted to a motor receiving portion of the motor housing. The motor receiving portion has a width corresponding to the width of the opening and opposing to the opening in the forward and rearward directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Shibata, Akinori Ito
  • Patent number: 8104183
    Abstract: A portable cutting device capable of changing and adjusting a cutting depth of a circular saw blade relative to a base with lesser labor. A saw cover is pivoted on the base to change the cutting depth. An adjustment guide extends from the base in a pivotally moving direction of the saw cover in a superposed relation to the saw cover. A tightening unit is disposed to the saw cover at a position superposed with the adjustment guide and the saw cover for providing a selective tightening between the saw cover and the adjustment guide. The tightening unit includes a shaft part extending through the saw cover and the adjustment guide, a pivot operation part pivotally movable about an axis of the shaft part, and an urging part disposed over the shaft part and movable by the pivot operation part in the axial direction of the shaft part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mizuho Nakamura, Shinji Takano, Hideaki Terashima, Hiroyuki Saitou
  • Patent number: 8104184
    Abstract: A shaving cartridge includes a cartridge housing having a front edge and a rear edge. One or more shaving blades are positioned between the front and rear edges of the housing. A connecting member is pivotally connected to the cartridge housing, the connecting member having a load-bearing surface arranged and configured to contact the housing only when the housing is pivoted beyond a limit angle that is greater than the normal pivot angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Vincent P. Walker
  • Patent number: 8104185
    Abstract: A lightweight wheel clamp assembly is provided for attaching to a vehicle wheel for performing a wheel alignment on the vehicle. The assembly comprises a first bracket for engaging the vehicle wheel; a second bracket for engaging the vehicle wheel; a handle rotatably mounted to the second bracket; and a rod having a threaded portion and an attachment portion near a first end of the rod. The first bracket is attachable to the attachment portion of the rod, and the handle is threaded to engage the threaded portion of the rod, such that when a user grasps and rotates the handle, a distance between the first and second brackets can be adjusted to rigidly attach the wheel clamp assembly to the vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian K. Gray, David A. Jackson, Ronald D. Swayne
  • Patent number: 8104186
    Abstract: The laser aiming system for projecting a X-shaped aiming beam along an aiming axis, has a first and second laser modules which are adapted to project a first and second planar fanned beams along a first and second axes of projection respectively. The first and second axes of projection extend parallel with, and spaced-apart from each other and from the aiming axis. The first and second planar fanned beams are skewed about the first and second axes of projection respectively, intersecting each other on the aiming axis and forming a X-shaped aiming beam having different supplementary angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Raschella, Marin Tanase
  • Patent number: 8104187
    Abstract: A portable device for measuring deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end, a second removable reference adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Heyer
  • Patent number: 8104188
    Abstract: Devices for aiding installation of control lines in suspended ceiling systems; each comprising a flat base portion, a squared side having a paralleled horizontal groove formed therein to receive a portion of wall angle molding used with grids at 90° angles in relation to walls, an angled side having a paralleled horizontal groove formed therein to receive a portion of wall angle molding used with grids at 45° angles in relation to walls, threaded holes formed through top portion, first and second means for temporarily attaching devices onto wall angle moldings, means for restricting movement of main tees and cross tees which together allow a control line be wrapped around horizontal grooves, pulled taut, and wrapped around first or second means for temporarily attaching said devices onto wall angle moldings to lock said control line taut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Jose G. Aguilar
  • Patent number: 8104189
    Abstract: An articulated arm system can include an articulated measuring arm with a plurality of interconnected support arm segments. The arm segments can be moveable about a plurality of axes. A plurality of rotational angle sensors can mount on the arm and be configured to measure rotational position between the support arm segments. Additionally, a vibration detection device can attach to the arm near an end of the arm. The vibration detection device can be operatively connected to the sensors such that the sensors output a rotational position upon detection of a new vibration exceeding a threshold amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology AB
    Inventor: Hogar Tait
  • Patent number: 8104190
    Abstract: A moisture metering calibration method and system for, e.g., determining the moisture lumber within a lumber drying kiln is disclosed. Calibration of moisture indicative electrical signals obtained from, e.g., moisture sensing capacitive plates spaced apart within a stack of drying lumber is performed, wherein long lengths (e.g., up to 1000 linear feet or more) of coaxial cable can be used for transmitting the signals, and effectively removing signal anomalies induced in such cabling so that accurate lumber moisture measurements result. Such extended cable lengths provides flexibility with respect to placement of electronic moisture metering equipment. This flexibility allows such equipment to be placed in an environmentally-controlled enclosure, rather than on the weather exposed exterior of a kiln whose lumber is being monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Magill
  • Patent number: 8104191
    Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a rotatable drum, an air delivery system selectively operable to provide air into the drum at a first flow rate and a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate, and a moisture delivery system operable to provide moisture (e.g., water mist or steam) into the drum while air is being provided at the lower second flow rate, and during drum rotation (tumbling), to thus enhance dispersion of the moisture into the fabrics of the load, and the attendant dewrinkling/refresh benefits. The air delivery system can include a reversible blower that provides air at the first flow rate when operated in a first direction and provides air at the second flow rate when operated in an opposite second direction. The drum can be a reversibly rotatable drum that is rotatable in a first and an opposite second direction, and the dryer can include a drive motor that both rotates the drum and operates the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Paul Ricklefs, Brian Douglas Ripley
  • Patent number: 8104192
    Abstract: A laundry dryer is provided. The laundry dryer includes a drying drum (14), a drying duct (17), a heater (166), an upper base (22), a lower base (21), and a blower (23). The drying drum (14) hold laundry. The drying duct (17) guides indoor air to be suctioned into the drying drum (14). The heater (16) heats the air suctioned into the drying drum (14) The upper base includes a drum connecting duct (203) that guides air passing from the drying drum (14) in a downward direction. The lower base (21) has the upper base (22) mounted therabove, and forms an air passage (201) that exhausts the air guided downward by the drum connecting duct (203) an indoor space. The blower (23) is mounted on one side of the lower base, and suctions air inside the drying drum (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hwan-Joo Myung, Soon-Jo Lee
  • Patent number: 8104193
    Abstract: A spinning shoe having an upper and sole member in which the sole member has a spinning assembly in the forefoot. The spinning assembly is placed within a recess in the forefoot region of the sole member. Thus, the user may walk about like wearing a normal shoe and then by simply placing their weight on the forefoot region, they may spin about on a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II
    Inventor: Savva Teteriatnikov
  • Patent number: 8104194
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe, and more particularly to a shoe including a mid-sole groove formed at a mid-sole, a texon hole formed at a texon, and an impact absorption member inserted between the mid-sole and the texon hole so that the shoe can absorb impact exerted on user's knees and ankles while the user walks or exercises, thereby protecting them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Suk Koung Kim
  • Patent number: 8104195
    Abstract: A sports shoe which comprises a rigid sole from which a shell protrudes, starting from a forefoot region and up to a heel region, a quarter being rotatably associated with the shell. An insole is slidingly associated within the shell, at a bottom thereof, is provided with a tip and interacts with elements for adjusting and guiding its axial position with respect to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Roces—S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimo Cavasin
  • Patent number: 8104196
    Abstract: Shoe with detachable sole and vamp, in which: the sole (1) has an upper surface (2) on which several tubular elements (4) are applied spaced from each other by a preset value; the vamp (7) has a lower surface (6) on which there are applied several tubular elements (8) spaced from each other by a preset value; the vamp (7) can be positioned onto the sole (1) by positioning said lower surface (6) of the vamp (7) onto the upper surface (2) of the sole (1) with the insertion of the tubular elements (8) of the vamp (7) between the tubular elements (4) of the sole (1); and the vamp (7) is detachably anchored to the sole (1) by inserting a wire (9) through the said tubular elements of the sole and the vamp after positioning of the vamp onto the sole. Said tubular elements of the sole (1) are placed according an open annular path, with two tubular elements (40, 41) disposed in correspondence of a respective end of the open annular path and communicating with the outside of the sole (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: David Paolo Spinelli
  • Patent number: 8104197
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a sole that includes a plurality of vertical grooves is disclosed. The plurality of vertical grooves may be disposed on a sidewall and a lower portion of the sole. The vertical grooves can facilitate twisting of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Flannery, Andre Kriwet
  • Patent number: 8104198
    Abstract: Attaching a three-dimensional ornamental article to a shoe upper is achieved using a stiff elongated strip that is bent to form an arcuate upper portion and a J-shaped lower portion. The upper portion is fitted to follow the contours of the top and sides of the ornamental article, while the lower portions are inserted through spaced openings formed in the shoe upper. The bottom ends of the lower portions face each other when they are positioned between the insole and outsole of the shoe. Once the outsole is secured with the insole, the ornamental article becomes securely attached to the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Streetzie's High Heel Bunny Slippers, LLC
    Inventor: Pamela Ohlsson Barras
  • Patent number: 8104199
    Abstract: A ripper boot to cleave through hard ground. A carrier portion is connected to a shank of a vehicle. A tooth portion is integral or removably engaged with the carrier portion including a longitudinal axis and a socket at a working end. The socket extends partially into the working end including a base and one or more side walls extending forwardly of the base. The side walls extend parallel with or at a slight angle relative to the longitudinal axis. A high tensile tip includes a shaft and a conical head to extend out of the tooth portion to form a first point of contact between the tooth portion and the ground. The shaft includes a corresponding number of walls to that of the socket. The shaft of the high tensile tip is locked inside the tooth portion socket by press fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: James A Calderwood
  • Patent number: 8104200
    Abstract: A lock that includes a wedge that is used to releasably secure separable components of an assembly together. The wedge can be used with a spool. The wedge and spool are threadedly coupled together to drive the wedge into and out of an opening in the assembly without hammering or prying. The direct coupling of the wedge and spool eliminates the need for bolts, washers, nuts and other hardware so as to minimize the number of parts. As a result, the lock is inexpensive to make, easy to use, and unlikely to become inoperative because of lost or broken parts or due to fines or other difficulties encountered in harsh digging environments. Further, the wedge can be driven into the assembly to provide the degree of tightness necessary for the intended operation and/or to re-tighten the assembly after incurring wear during use. A latch assembly is preferably provided to securely hold the wedge in place and avoid an undesired loss of parts during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventor: Terry L Briscoe
  • Patent number: 8104201
    Abstract: A control method and device for the automatic water-replenishing for a boiler iron producing continuous steaming is disclosed. The method, which comprises a normally-closed pressure switch that can control power on/off of the boiler with respect to pressure and a normally-closed thermostat for maintaining a boiler thermostatic state, comprises the following steps: (1) determining whether the thermostat switch is off; if yes, step (3) is carried out, and if no, step (2) is carried out; (2) detecting whether the steam is being ejected; if yes, the electromagnetic valve will be opened to eject steam, while simultaneously pumping a relatively small amount of water into the boiler; (3) controlling the pump to pump a large amount of water into the boiler. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step (2), the quantity of water is slightly less than the quantity of water that is ejected as steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (China) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ruifeng Cai, Quanxi Liu
  • Patent number: 8104202
    Abstract: A labeling system comprises a wall enclosing a space and a container for holding a retractable label, the container laterally disposed in relation to the space. The retractable label is configured to extend out of and retract into the container. In some embodiments, the wall at least partially defines a container cap. In other embodiments, the wall at least partially defines another container for holding material, such as, e.g., material of medicinal utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Ehsan Alipour
  • Patent number: 8104203
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar power generation display assembly and methods for providing same involving solar arrays in a display of designated indicia, each solar array containing one or more electronically linked solar modules or cells of a crystalline or amorphous type and other modules. The solar modules and/or portions of the solar modules and other module portions and/or portions of the other module portions within each specific array or display may be static or manipulated electronically or mechanically to provide an enhanced indicia while a programmable display management system enables operation of electrical and mechanical management sub-systems for displaying the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Solaire Generation, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence Mackler
  • Patent number: 8104204
    Abstract: An electronic sign having vertically hinged face panel doors which open individually about offset hinge assemblies and which aid in minimizing distorted seal compression. Individual door stop assemblies allow an operator to manageably open the face panel doors and to lock the face panel doors. In the open position, the face panel doors are protected from damage due to wind currents or gusts. The use of face panel doors having a parallelogram cross section profile allows for closely spaced face panel doors with a minimum panel-to-panel gap for uniform spacing and viewing of lighted pixel displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Syrstad
  • Patent number: 8104205
    Abstract: A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. The base member has one or more compartments so that liquid or solid ballast can be added to stabilize the sign stand in windy conditions. The upper and lower surface members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. One or more wheels are provided on the base member in order to allow the sign stand to be rolled and easily moved to different positions. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 8104206
    Abstract: A holder of product identification indicia incorporated with a specifically printed illuminated sign in a beverage vending machine. The holder allows enhanced product identification relating to a separate, existing selection button panel. The holder is securely attached to the back of the illuminated sign that has clear viewing windows registered to the holder. Specifically, it is intended as a retrofit kit for existing beverage vending machines to allow the display of product contained in the machine by use of significantly larger product identification indicia than the existing product identification indicia. The larger display windows may be specifically correlated to the existing selection mechanisms by way of numbers, letters, symbols, connecting lines and/or colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Dalb, Inc.
    Inventors: John Myatt, Kevin Steeley
  • Patent number: 8104207
    Abstract: A high ceiling sign hanging arrangement for enabling the attachment and removal of a suspended sign from an extended height, comprising: an elongated upper rail having an upper channel therein for receipt of a ceiling attachment member, the upper rail having an upper rail support cleat, for receipt of a sign bearing anchor rail; an elongated anchor rail for bearing a sign therefrom, the anchor rail comprising an anchor cleat on an upper edge thereon; and a lift means comprising a main flange for mating with the anchor rail and subsequent dis-engagement from the anchor rail upon deposit of the anchor rail on the upper rail support cleat of the upper rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Rose Displays, Ltd.
    Inventors: David E. Pitcher, Thomas P. Burrous, Rebecca C. Suciu, Alan L. Stenfors, Sidney Rose
  • Patent number: 8104208
    Abstract: A picture frame assembly includes a backing plate having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of parallel grooves in one of the surfaces. The material and thickness of the backing plate are chosen so that the backing plate can be plastically deformed about a bending axis parallel to the grooves. At least one frame element, which can be formed integrally with the backing plate, is for provided for retaining a planar picture element against the front surface of the backing plate. A fastener extends from the rear surface for mounting the assembly to any of various objects, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping device, a container, a column, and furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Margarete Schymura
  • Patent number: 8104209
    Abstract: A dynamic latch to selectively retain a magazine within the magazine port of a long gun. The dynamic latch permits the magazine to be inserted into the magazine port by movement in a single direction eliminating the need to rotate the magazine in order to secure it within the magazine port. The dynamic latch may include an outer housing, a piston positioned within the housing, and a spring positioned between the outer housing and the piston. A latch profile on the end of the piston may extend out of an opening in the end of a magazine well when the spring is in an uncompressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Krow Innovation, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Bentley, Ryan T. Cowgill
  • Patent number: 8104210
    Abstract: Rifle body with a basic carrier for anchoring a stock and a barrel, wherein the base carrier is provided on at least one side with the first part of at least one snap fastener connection for detachably anchoring elements which are equipped with the second part of said snap fastener connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: STEYR MANNLICHER Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Georg Müller
  • Patent number: 8104211
    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: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Rubik Darian
  • Patent number: 8104212
    Abstract: Firearm supports (e.g., firearm shooting bags) and firearm support assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a firearm support includes a generally pliable cover at least partially enclosing an internal space, and a generally inflexible support structure coupled to the pliable cover and configured to assist the pliable cover in maintaining a particular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Potterfield, Tim Morrow, Brook Banham
  • Patent number: 8104213
    Abstract: A method for mounting a bipod support to a forearm stock of a firearm or other bipod mounted device permits a user or shooter to selectively allow panning (or altering the aim point along an azimuth), tilting (or altering the orientation of a device relative to a horizontal line) and canting (or orienting a device at a selected rotational orientation relative to an axis of rotation). The bipod support includes lockable controls for selectively limiting panning, tilting and canting in a manner which lets the shooter or user easily respond to changing situations when in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Keng's Firearms Specialty, Inc.
    Inventors: Da Keng, Maciej W. Maruszczak
  • Patent number: 8104214
    Abstract: A gravity deploying bi-pod leg set is provided which automatically locks into position when fully deployed by a gravity slide lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Nils Boord