Patents Issued in May 8, 2012
  • Patent number: 8171571
    Abstract: A garment with a crotch part according to the present invention is a garment with a crotch pat formed at least by a front body (2) which covers an abdominal, a back body (3) which covers a buttock, and a crotch section (5), wherein an opening (9) is formed at the crotch section (5), and the opening (9) is blocked by joining a godet cloth (12) through heat welding or adhesive. According to such a configuration, the garment with the crotch part according to the present invention is comfortable to wear with the wearing pressure when worn controlled, is able to shape a beautiful lower body, is relatively easy to produce and suited for mass production, and is also inexpensively supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Utax Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shohei Utaka
  • Patent number: 8171572
    Abstract: A protective goggle assembly includes a protective goggle having two side straps, each side strap comprising a free end and a first surface attachment region adjacent to the free end on at least one surface of each side strap; and a strap assembly that encircles the user's head, on each side of the strap assembly a second surface attachment region is provided that is configured to engage the first surface attachment region of the side straps. The strap assembly includes a base band with opposite free ends and an elastic ring. The free ends of the base band are connected to the elastic ring to form a complete encircling band. The second surface attachment region is carried on two locations of the base band. The complete encircling band is configured to fit around a soldier's helmet and the elastic ring being configured to fit over and around a night vision goggle mount at a front of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Revision Military Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly Borsa, Daniel Packard
  • Patent number: 8171573
    Abstract: A functional clothing article may include a body for receiving and supporting a hip region, and a waist region of a user. An abdominal support unit may be provided at a front portion of the body to support the abdominal region. The abdominal support unit may have at least a first abdominal support plate positioned between at least two second abdominal support plates. The elasticity of the at least two second abdominal support plates may be less than the at least one first abdominal support plate. A waist support may be attachable the functional clothing article. The waist support may surround a portion of the user's waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: A-C Medical Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Nancy Dokyong Chun, Stepano Youngil Chun
  • Patent number: 8171574
    Abstract: A flexible sink strainer having a cupped body completely comprised of a flexible material including a plurality of apertures to allow fluid to pass therethrough, wherein the body is capable of attaining first and second configurations, the first configuration being suitable for capturing material entrained within fluid as it passes through the apertures and the second configuration being suitable for removing material captured on the body as fluid passes through the apertures, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Juan Escobar, Troy Phipps, John Kiechel, Paul Katz
  • Patent number: 8171575
    Abstract: A beauty-care bidet includes an introduction hose for introducing washing water, a water purifier connected to the introduction hose for purifying the washing water introduced through the introduction hose, a head separably coupled to the water purifier and having an open tip end portion communicating with the water purifier, a control valve for cutting off the washing water supplied to the open tip end portion of the head or for regulating a pressure of the washing water, a tip end operating unit detachably attached to the open tip end portion of the head, and a vibrator mounted to the head in such a way that the vibrator can be operatively connected to the tip end operating unit. The tip end operating unit is a bidet-washing insertion device that can be inserted into an intestine or a vagina of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Young-Kuk Oh
  • Patent number: 8171576
    Abstract: A jetted bathtub includes: a bathtub; a suction port opening in a wall of the bathtub and allowing water stored in the bathtub to be sucked therein; a pressurizer configured to suck water from the suction port, and pressurize and discharge the water; and a jet nozzle having a single tube held on the wall below a rim of the bathtub, the jet nozzle being configured to eject water introduced into the tube so that the water is ejected into the bathtub with its ejection direction being varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Kitaura, Katsushi Uryu, Hirotomo Suyama, Hidetaka Miyahara, Makoto Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 8171577
    Abstract: A bathtub seat system a bathtub that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall includes a pair of lateral walls attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the bathtub. A block is removably positioned in the bathtub and has a bottom side, a top side and a peripheral surface extending between the top and bottom sides. The peripheral surface includes a front side, a back side, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side. A width of the block from the first lateral side to the second lateral side increases from the bottom side to the top side. The block extends between and frictionally engages the lateral walls. The block provides a seating space for a person using the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Michael F. Gutt
  • Patent number: 8171578
    Abstract: There is provided a water discharge system. A water discharge system includes a water discharge portion; a sensor unit which acquires movement information about an object based on a radiated electric wave, and outputs a detecting signal; and a control unit which controls water discharge of the water discharge portion based on the detecting signal. When it is detected that the object is decelerated to a first threshold velocity or less, the control unit controls the water discharge portion to start the water discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Tsujita, Tomoyuki Abe, Naoki Kabe, Hiroshi Tsuboi, Masayuki Nagaishi, Katsuhisa Tsuchiya, Shoichi Tsuiki, Kensuke Murata
  • Patent number: 8171579
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mounting a glass or glass-ceramic vessel-style washbasin (1). The inventive device is characterised in that it essentially takes the form of an adapter (3) which is disposed between the lower face of the glass or glass-ceramic vessel-style washbasin and a support (2) at the drain hole (1?), said adapter (3) being connected to the lower face of the washbasin (1) with a layer of glue (6) or an adhesive and fixed to the support (2) by means of a flow element (4). The invention is particularly suitable for household equipment, in particular vessel-style washbasins and vessel-style washbasins that are made from glass or glass-ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Schott VTF
    Inventor: Bertrand Epp
  • Patent number: 8171580
    Abstract: A patient transfer system including a patient support panel, a first base member mounted on a first support structure, e.g., a gurney, and a second base member mounted on a second support structure, e.g., a patient treatment table. The patient support panel has a pair of longitudinally extending side rails. Each base member has at least one clamp arranged to engage a rail of the patient support panel to hold it in place thereon. The clamps are releasable to enable the patient support panel to be slid off of one base member and onto the other base member. If the support structures are spaced apart at least one bridging member is provided to bridge the gap therebetween and allow the patient support member to be slid thereacross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Medtec, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger F. Wilson, Willet F. Whitmore, III
  • Patent number: 8171581
    Abstract: A fitted sheet configured to contour to mattresses of different thickness. The fitted sheet has a top panel and a plurality of side panels extending from the top panel. The fitted sheet further includes at least one stretchable portion secured to at least one end of the side panels wherein the stretchable portions are mated together and configured to extend around at least one corner of the mattress. Accordingly, the fitted sheet may be easier to apply and remove from the mattress and may be easier to fold and store during nonuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Alok International Inc.
    Inventor: Arun Agarwall
  • Patent number: 8171582
    Abstract: The invention relates to therapeutic-prophylactic equipment and domestic articles and can be used in the home for the care of seriously ill patients having limited mobility or being completely immobile as well as for the prophylactic treatment of temporarily immobile patients. The use of the proposed bed makes it possible to combine various methods for acting on the body, thereby making it possible to take measures for the efficient prevention and healing of a wide range of diseases. This, together with all the listed means and the interactions thereof, makes it possible to enhance and widen the healing effect and improve service quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Obshhestvo S Organichennoj Otvetstvennost'Yu Strojinzhiniring SM
    Inventors: Petr Vladimirovich Nikolaev, Yakov Benediktovich Ulanovsky, Elena Yakovlevna Kozlova, Ivan Petrovich Nikolaev, Mikhail Yakovlevich Ulanovsky, Alena Petrovna Nikolaeva
  • Patent number: 8171583
    Abstract: A mattress apparatus that combines the functionality of a hospital bed with that of a bedpan is herein disclosed. A bedpan assembly is provided to temporarily replace a slidable mattress section in the middle of the mattress area. In use, a person confined to a bed can use the bedpan without exiting the bed, thereby avoiding undue physical stress. The bedpan is inserted under a buttock area for normal use using an integrated track system, and slid out being coincidentally replaced by the slidable mattress section, to return the bed to its original condition. The bedpan can be removed, emptied, and cleaned by the care-giver without disturbing the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Josephine Hooker, Marcus Small, Joell McKay
  • Patent number: 8171584
    Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a pillow convertible between an open position as a food and beverage holder and a closed position as a pillow. By way of example, the pillow has a first and second pillow portion that may be coupled and uncoupled to switch between a closed position and an open position. The pillow also has a food surface member with one or more beverage holders that is sized to fit within the interior of the pillow in the closed position. In another example, the food surface member is a two-piece construction with a slidable tray lock that moves between a first position when the pillow is closed and a second position that secures the two pieces together as a substantially coplanar surface when the pillow is open. In yet another example, the beverage holder is tapered so as to fit a variety of sizes of beverage containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Jay Brock Matthews, Daniel A. Yarmer
  • Patent number: 8171585
    Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight, compressible, shock absorbing, and resilient fluid for use in padding applications is presented. A fluid pad can comprise closed-cell foam beads and a surrounding fluid housed in a thin plastic bladder. The closed-cell foam beads can be exactly flooded by the fluid. Alternatively, the fluid can lubricate the closed-cell foam beads. The surrounding fluid may also comprise solid phase microballoons. The addition of the closed-cell foam beads can result in the overall fluid in the bladder being lighter in weight. The fluid pad with the closed-cell foam beads can be compressible and resilient. The fluid pad with the closed-cell foam beads can be shock absorbing with respect to impact loads or vibrations. The addition of the closed-cell foam beads can lower the cost of the fluid pad insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Brock USA LLC
    Inventors: Steven Mead, Richard Runkles
  • Patent number: 8171586
    Abstract: A storage system stores and easily locates common items, such as reading glasses, remote controls, cell phones, magazines, books, and the like, while a person is in a room or in bed. In an emergency, a person may be able to easily locate these items. The storage system may replace a cluttered nightstand and may provide immediate location of necessary items. The storage system may include a pillow that may span a length of a bed, along the head end of a mattress. The pillow may prevent people, such as children or infants, and items from falling between the head of the mattress and either the wall or headboard. The pillow may also provide an elevated surface to prop up a user's pillow for reading or watching television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Robbie Clack
  • Patent number: 8171587
    Abstract: A swivel lift grab bar includes an angled support member and an adjustable bottom leg. The adjustable bottom leg allows angular adjustment of the angled lift member. The adjustable bottom leg includes a top leg, a bottom leg and a clamping knob with plunger. One end of the top leg is pivotally retained by a support device and the clamping knob is retained in the other end. The bottom leg includes a plurality of holes to receive the plunger of the clamping knob. One end of the bottom leg is attached to a bottom of the angled support member. A top attachment bracket is secured to a top of the angled support member for pivotal retention on a pivot post secured to a wall, a floor mounted pole, a double flange pole or a moveable support pole. Rotation of the angled support member may be braked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Haessly
  • Patent number: 8171588
    Abstract: A patient bed including a deck, supported by a base, and a patient support supported by the deck. The patient support includes a pneumatic device and at least one pressure sensor located within the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenith W. Chambers, Bradley T. Wilson, Reza Hakamiun, Thomas Uzzle
  • Patent number: 8171589
    Abstract: Individually formed footwear such as shoes and insoles for correcting the feet position and alleviate related problems. The shoe or insole includes at least one layer made of thermoplastic material, which material is advantageously chosen from a group of ABS, PVC, A-PET and PETG. A method for providing such footwear to a client at a retail store is likewise presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Footbalance System Oy
    Inventor: Erkki Hakkala
  • Patent number: 8171590
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anti-expansion joint bridge which eliminates an expansion joint structure from an upper structure thereof, and includes a plurality of slidable steel plates to cover a space between girders or floor slabs expanding and contracting on piers and asphalt concrete pavement on the steel plates, so that expansion and contraction of the girders occurring on the piers is prevented from affecting the pavement, thereby ensuring smooth travel of vehicles thereon. The anti-expansion joint bridge includes a pair of expandable/contractible girders separated from each other while constituting an upper structure of the bridge, a plurality of sliding plates overlapping each other on the girders while covering a gap between the girders, and an ascon part covering the pair of girders together with the sliding plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Eun-Joo Kim
  • Patent number: 8171591
    Abstract: The brushhead includes a brushhead member which includes a bristle field, the brushhead member being adapted for cleaning teeth as part of a power toothbrush, wherein the brushhead in operation moves in a reciprocating action. In one embodiment the brushhead includes a rim member which extends around at least a substantial portion of the brushhead, the rim member extending around the entire bristle field and having an upper edge which is lower than the top of the bristles. The rim member has a different flexibility than the bristles so that the movement of the rim member and the bristles is out of phase during operation of the toothbrush, which results in fluid from the bristles being directed toward the teeth during operation of the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Scott E. Hall, Kevin A. Miller, Joseph W. Grez, Ronald C. Lilley
  • Patent number: 8171592
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam cleaner that is light-weight and is prepared for operation quickly and easily and comprises handle assembly, a pivoting connector, a reservoir, a reservoir socket, a steam head and an electric wire. The handle assembly comprises a grip and a lever. The pole connector is attached to the steam head. The reservoir is mounted detachably in the reservoir socket and is easily removed to fill the reservoir with tap water. Squeezing the handle assembly releases water from the reservoir into the steam head where steam is generated to clean a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Sam Tsai
  • Patent number: 8171593
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for golf equipment and the like, the apparatus having combined abrading, polishing and moisture delivery capabilities which may all be caused to act upon a target object simultaneously while shielding the user from wet and soiled surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is comprised of two adjoining panels of toweling at least one of which is of the terry variety having a plurality of finger-like loops. A portion of one cloth is integrated with a porous mesh scrubbing material on one side and a non-water-permeable backing on the other. The integration of mesh and cloth produce a grid-like duel-textured surface that provides simultaneous abrading and polishing functionality. To further enhance cleaning ability, means for delivering water to the mesh/cloth layer is disposed between the cloth/mesh layer and backing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Edwin J. Sprague
  • Patent number: 8171594
    Abstract: A paint brush includes a plurality of filaments that form a brush head. A handle, having a brush attachment end, can be coupled to the brush head. The handle can have a grip that extends away from the brush head. A coating can cover the brush attachment end and at least a portion of the grip. The coating can form a seal around the handle to resist absorption of chemicals by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Proform Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Terry Cox, Jon Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 8171595
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a roller for coating a curved surface. The roller includes a handle and a concave sleeve rotatably mounted thereto. The concave sleeve includes an outer surface that is curved inwardly. The concave sleeve can include an outer layer, such as a fibrous layer or nap, which defines the outer surface. The concave sleeve includes a core for supporting the outer layer and having means for mounting the concave sleeve to a handle, such as an axial passage defined by the core. The core can be formed of one or more components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Donald E. Umhoefer, Jr., John J. Varga
  • Patent number: 8171596
    Abstract: An application roller for applying liquid or semi-liquid substances on surfaces comprises a frame having a shaft including a handle thereon for grasping by a user and a cross axle oriented at a right angle to the shaft. A cylinder having first and second ends rotatably mounted on the cross axle defines an outer surface having a first portion of an attachment system thereon. A cover wrap dimensioned to circumferentially encompass the cylinder has a liquid absorbent outer surface and an inner surface including a second portion of the attachment system. The first and second portions of the attachment system cooperate to permit selective removal and reattachment of the cover wrap on the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Rory Heard
  • Patent number: 8171597
    Abstract: A wiper motor has an output shaft that outputs a to-and-fro rotation to swing a wiper pivotally. A transmission mechanism transmits the rotational force from the motor body. A clutch mechanism lets the transmission mechanism run idle not to transmit the rotational force from the transmission mechanism to the output shaft when the output shaft is subjected to a torque larger than an engagement releasing torque. The engagement releasing torque is specified to a value larger than a maximum wiping torque to which the torque applied by the wiper onto the output shaft is estimated to reach during a normal wiping operation of the wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Yagi
  • Patent number: 8171598
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and extracting water from carpet, comprising a vacuum head including a vacuum chamber configured to be connected to a vacuum source and two downward facing elongate vacuum ports extending downwardly from the vacuum chamber and an elongate solution manifold mounted between the vacuum ports and configured to discharge cleaning liquid in a space between the vacuum ports. The vacuum ports are configured to extract waste liquid from carpet when the vacuum head is moved in both a forward motion and a backward motion of the vacuum head. Further, the vacuum head includes elongate glides sealingly fitted in lower openings of the vacuum ports, the glides having suction openings formed therein through which fluids may be drawing into the vacuum ports, and the glides project below the bottom face of the vacuum head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Erik Daniel Hiltz
  • Patent number: 8171599
    Abstract: A hinge, configured to be stably positioned by a simple mechanism and advantageously characterized by ease of installation and uninstallation, includes a first connection member and a second connection member. The first connection member includes a first fixing unit and a support unit. The first fixing unit has a first fixing side and a connecting side. The support unit is connected to the connecting side, and has a cylindrical receiving chamber and a via in communication with the cylindrical receiving chamber. The via is penetrable by a rod-shaped tool. The second connection member includes a second fixing unit and a post connected to the second fixing unit. The second fixing unit has a second fixing side. The post is removably disposed in the cylindrical receiving chamber and has a positioning hole for receiving an end portion of the rod-shaped tool when aligned with the via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Askey Computer Corp.
    Inventors: Yung-Chi Cheng, Ching-Feng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8171600
    Abstract: The present invention provides a handle for attachment to luggage, vacuum cleaners, or another object to be moved. The handle includes a ball with a smooth surface surrounded by a hollow socket. A hole in the socket provides a passage way for a rod or other attachment mechanism to extend from the ball to the object to be moved. The socket freely moves in all directions with respect to the ball and the attachment mechanism, limited only by contact between the attachment mechanism and the edge of the hole in the socket which surrounds that attachment mechanism. Multiple ribs protrude from the interior of the hollow socket toward the ball, decreasing potential friction between the socket and the ball, thus facilitating free movement of the socket. In this manner, the socket automatically moves into a position which is ergonomically desirable for the user grasping the socket to move the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Gyrobag, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Steele Draper, Zachary Earl Conrad
  • Patent number: 8171601
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning fiber utilizes interchangeable panels having different screen grid sizes. The panels are selectively installed on a fiber cage frame pivotally coupled to a tumbler frame for rotation of the fiber cage frame. A user selects a set of panels having a grid size suitable for a fiber to be tumbled. The selected panels are installed on the fiber cage frame and the fiber is inserted into a space within the fiber cage frame through an opening in the fiber cage frame made available by a not-yet-installed panel. The fiber cage frame is rotated after installing the final panel. The resultant tumbling thereby causes particles to fall from the tumbler cage frame. At least one installed panel is removed from the fiber cage frame, and the fiber is removed from the fiber cage frame through the resultant opening in the fiber cage frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: George Theodore Yurkon
  • Patent number: 8171602
    Abstract: A pipe or purse accessory for attachment to and around the barrel of a pipe (or a wrist or ankle) is disclosed having a collar wherein the collar is sized for cooperative engagement with the pipe barrel or wrist/ankle. A strap having a first end is attached to the collar and a pocket is attached to the second end of the strap; a clasp allowing detachable engagement with the strap, in proximity with the collar is also included. The collar may be made of an elastic material for a conformable fit around the pipe. The collar size may be adjustable. The clasp to secure the pocket in proximity to the collar may be magnetic, use hooks and loops, buttons and combinations thereof. A band may be affixed to the strap allowing insertion and engagement with an object, such as a key. A slot may be positioned within the pocket to allow conformable insertion and engagement with an object, such as a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Zachary H. Zauhar
  • Patent number: 8171603
    Abstract: A hose clamp has a clamp body, operation pieces, an engaging claw, a receiving portion, an arch shaped opening and a slide guide portion. The clamp body is composed of a plate spring member bent into a ring shape. The operation piece has two legs at one end of the clamp body, and has an operation portion at ends of the legs. The operation piece has a leg at the other end of the clamp body, and has an operation portion at an end portion of the leg. The receiving portion is formed on the operation portion and can engage with the engaging claw. The arch shaped opening is formed on the operation portion, and allows the engaging claw to pass therethrough. The engaging claw and the slide guide portion are disposed on one side of the leg of the operation piece. The slide guide portion contacts with the leg in order to make the engaging claw be opposed to the arch shaped opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Togo Seisakusyo Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8171604
    Abstract: A structure of steel cable fastener is provided for eliminating a returning force caused by twisting stress induced in a steel cable when the steel cable is stretched and fixed by the fastener, which induces a stress due to fixing of a fixing end of the steel cable. Such a returning force makes the operation and adjustment of mounting a locking cap to the steel cable difficult and also induces damage and wear of a fixing end of the steel cable due to twisting stress induced in the steel cable. The structure of the steel cable fastener includes a bearing retainer that carries a bearing device and arranged inside the locking cap to secure an end of the steel cable and a resilient element arranged between the bearing retainer and the locking cap for relief of twisting stress induced in the steel cable through the rotation of the bearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Ruei-Hsing Lin
  • Patent number: 8171605
    Abstract: A buckle for securing strap ends to each other has an anchor peg, with a recess, attached to one strap end. Another strap end has a clamping head that has a recess adapted to allow insertion and removal of the anchor peg. A moveable locking mechanism in the clamping head can be moved from an open position, that allows insertion or removal of the anchor peg, to a closed position that prevents removal of an anchor peg inserted into the clamping head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Bryan Schultz
  • Patent number: 8171606
    Abstract: A THIXOMOLDINGâ„¢ process and a die are utilized to fabricate a hinge assembly for moving a step on a motor vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position. The hinge assembly includes a rail bracket fixedly secured to the vehicle and including inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. A step bracket includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. The step is fixedly secured to the step bracket. An inner arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the inner arm and are pivotally disposed in the inner bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively. An outer arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the outer arm and are pivotally disposed in the outer bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher John Kuntze, Steve Giles, Daniel V. Beckley, Jason Fulcher, Ben Reginella, Timothy F. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8171607
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing ceramic capacitor according to the present invention, a pair of interdigitated internal electrodes are arranged perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate, subsequent to which the respective end faces of this pair of internal electrodes are exposed, and a pair of external electrodes are formed at these exposed end faces. In this method of manufacturing ceramic capacitor, formation of the external electrodes on the end faces of the respective internal electrodes, with these internal electrodes being interdigitately integrally-formed and the end faces thereof being exposed, it possible to reliably and easily form the external electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignees: Headway Technologies, Inc., SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sasaki, Atsushi Iijima, Hiroshi Ikejima
  • Patent number: 8171608
    Abstract: Tool and method for machining a workpiece, such as a milling tool, including at least one cutting insert and including a grinding wheel, for machining a workpiece, and the method thereof. The grinding wheel is axially extendable relative to a base body of the tool via fluid actuation from a cooling fluid supply. Additionally, cooling fluid is also provided to a grinding surface of the grinding wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk Kammermeier, Karen Anne Craig
  • Patent number: 8171609
    Abstract: The invention relates to a robotic workstation (1), comprising at least one multiple-axis parts-handling robot (7) having an arm (9) with a free end that is provided with a parts support (10), and first and second operational units (5, 6) for co-operating functionally with the support, and wherein the support comprises a body (11) provided with locations (14) for receiving parts, said locations being arranged so that each of them is accessible simultaneously by one of the operational units. The invention also provides a method of controlling the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: ABB France
    Inventors: Daniel Demit, Fabrice LeGeleux, François Malatier
  • Patent number: 8171610
    Abstract: In a recycling system of the present invention for collecting a subject of recycling, which contains plastics, from the market and reprocessing the plastics to thereby produce a recycled product, the plastics contains a line spectrum radiation that radiates light when receiving ultraviolet rays or an electromagnetic wave. Recycle information particular to the subject of recycling is identified on the basis of the wavelengths of light radiated from the line spectrum radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kashikura, Satosu Souma
  • Patent number: 8171611
    Abstract: A method for implementing a component positioning device is provided and includes obtaining a component, a component measuring device and a component positioning device, the component including a component head and a component base, the component measuring device including a first arbor and a second arbor and the component positioning device including a first support device, a second support device and an adapter device, connecting the first support device and the adapter device to the component measuring device, wherein the first support device is associated with the first arbor and the adapter device is associated with the second arbor, associating the second support device with the adapter device, wherein the second support device is adjacent to and separated from the first support device by a component cavity and positioning the component within the component cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Quest Metrology Group, LLC
    Inventor: Stanley P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8171612
    Abstract: A device for stretching an elastically expandable body, wherein the device includes a stiff tube over which at least part of the elastically expandable body is arranged to be applied when being stretched. The device includes at least one sliding element designed to be located in at least that end of the body where the application of the tube starts, to facilitate the application of the body onto the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: MÃ¥rten Landaeus
  • Patent number: 8171613
    Abstract: An electrically-insulative threaded connection includes a pin member having a pin thread and a box member having a box thread. An insulating composite layer is disposed between the pin thread and the box thread. The insulating composite layer includes an insulating fiber and insulating resin. The pin thread and the box thread are wedge threads. A method of making an electrically-insulative threaded connection includes forming a pin wedge thread on a pin member and winding a filament over the pin wedge thread. The filament is wetted with a resin, thereby forming a composite layer. The composite layer is cured and machined to mate with a box wedge thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventor: Harris A. Reynolds, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8171614
    Abstract: An assembly system for use in assembling a lattice tower section is provided. The system comprises a platform, a first mounting assembly coupled to the platform, and, a second mounting assembly coupled to the platform, the first and second mounting assemblies are configured to secure opposite ends of a plurality of leg members used in assembling the lattice tower section such that each of the plurality of leg members is suspended a distance from the platform, at least one of the first and second mounting assemblies is configured to selectively rotate a leg member of the plurality of leg members suspended therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen Bertram Johnson, Danian Zheng
  • Patent number: 8171615
    Abstract: In this machine the displacement assembly allows the working head to be moved in five or six axes, namely three translational movements along the three Cartesian axes X, Y and Z, and two or three pivoting options; the working head includes several tools for performing the various operations involved in fitting a fastener, particularly a drilling tool, a countersinking tool; these tools can each be moved in turn between a rest position and working position situated on the working axis; in this working position, each tool can move translationally along the working axis; the working head also includes a bearing piece mounted on it intended to come to bear against the components that are to be assembled and including a buffer region with which the drilling and countersinking tools come into contact as they move, this contact determining the fully deployed position of these tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Latecis
    Inventor: Jacques Smeyers
  • Patent number: 8171616
    Abstract: An armature for an electric motor has a lamination stack on a shaft with a commutator mounted on one end of the shaft. Magnet wires wound in slots in the lamination stack, the commutator and armature shaft are at least partially encapsulated in thermoset. The commutator has a commutator ring divided into a plurality of segments with slots between the segments that are filled with a second plastic when the commutator is made by molding a core of the second plastic, such as phenolic, in the commutator ring before the commutator ring is mounted on the armature shaft. Prior to molding the thermoset, the commutator ring is sealed. The seal prevents the thermoset from flowing into the slots between the commutator ring segments or over the commutator ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: David J. Smith, John C. Stone, Robert Tumberlinson, Earl M. Ortt
  • Patent number: 8171617
    Abstract: A method of making a ceramic waveguide delay line includes the step of providing several slices or slabs of dielectric material, each including a layer of metal material applied to respective opposed side surfaces thereof. The slices are then fired in an oven to fuse the layers of metal material to the slices. The slices are then stacked together to form a core which is then dried and subsequently fired. An area of metal material is applied to the outer surface of the core. The core is subsequently dried and fired in an oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: Reddy R. Vangala
  • Patent number: 8171618
    Abstract: A method of forming a write pole for a magnetic recording device is provided. The method comprises providing a layer of magnetic material covered with a secondary hard mask layer and a patterned primary hard mask, milling at a first milling angle to transfer a pattern from the patterned primary hard mask to the secondary hard mask, and milling at a second milling angle to transfer the pattern from the secondary hard mask to the layer of magnetic material to form the write pole. The second milling angle is greater than the first milling angle. The method further comprises milling at a third milling angle to adjust a side wall angle of the write pole to about a desired side wall angle, and milling at a fourth milling angle to reduce a track width of the write pole to a desired track width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLC
    Inventors: Lei Wang, Ge Yi
  • Patent number: 8171619
    Abstract: Device for manufacturing a cut-to-length pre-assembly for a tire, wherein in the pre-assembly first and second side walls are situated on either side of an inner liner. The device comprises a supply conveyor for conveying the cut pre-assembly to the building drum. The device is provided with a first side wall measuring device for measuring the length of the first side wall of the cut pre-assembly and for giving a first side wall measuring signal indicative of the measured length of the first side wall, with a second side wall measuring device for measuring the length of the second side wall of the cut pre-assembly and for giving a second side wall measuring signal indicative of the measured length of the second side wall, and with an inner liner measuring device for measuring the length of the inner liner of the cut pre-assembly and for giving an inner liner measuring signal indicative of the measured length of the inner liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: VMI Holland B.V.
    Inventors: Antonie Slots, Gerrit Mulder
  • Patent number: 8171620
    Abstract: A component supplying apparatus and a reel can be easily and integrally managed when not supplying components, and the component supplying apparatus can be made to be compact when the component supplying apparatus and the reel are not integrally managed. The component supplying apparatus (50) has an apparatus main body section (53), provided with a feeding apparatus (52) for pulling out a tape (TP), which holds components at fixed intervals, from a reel (80) toward a prescribed component supplying position, and a main body frame (500) on which the feeding apparatus (52) is mounted. The component supplying apparatus (50) is removably mounted on a surface mounting machine (10). The component supplying apparatus (50) is provided with an engaging section (100) as reel holder, which is mounted on the apparatus main body section (53) and is displaced between a holding position where the reel (80) is held and a storing position where the reel (80) is not held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Yonemitsu, Tomokazu Ohnuki