Patents Issued in August 7, 2012
  • Patent number: 8234773
    Abstract: A method of forming at least one electronic device on a substrate comprising creating a depository and an attached capillary; providing a liquid containing particles in the range 1 nanometer to 1 millimeter for deposit into the depository; the liquid flowing into the at least one capillary by capillary action; evaporating the liquid such that the particles form an agglomerate beginning at the end of the at least one capillary with a substantially uniform distribution of the particles within the agglomerate; whereby the agglomerate is used to form a part of the at least one electronic device. An microelectronic integrated circuit device comprising a substrate; a depository coupled to said substrate formed by at least one wall, a capillary channel coupled to said depository adapted to be filled with liquid comprising nanoparticles by capillary action, whereby as the liquid evaporates, an agglomerate forms in the capillary channel having a substantially uniform distribution of the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Sarah S. Bedair, Brian Morgan, Christopher D. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8234774
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method for decreasing a temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) of a MEMS resonator. The method comprises lithographically defining slots in the MEMS resonator beams and filling the slots with oxide. By growing oxide within the slots, the amount of oxide growth on the outside surfaces of the MEMS resonator may be reduced. Furthermore, by situating the slots in the areas of large flexural stresses, the contribution of the embedded oxide to the overall TCF of the MEMS resonator is increased, and the total amount of oxide needed to decrease the overall TCF of the MEMS resonator to a particular target value is reduced. As a result, the TCF of the MEMS resonator may be reduced in a manner that is more effective relative to prior art approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: SiTime Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Merritt Hagelin, Charles Grosjean
  • Patent number: 8234775
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminated rotor core includes a punching process for punching a strip-shaped material to make a core piece, a placing process, which is performed simultaneously with the punching process of the core piece, for placing the core piece in a die so that the core piece is placed on another core piece previously punched and placed in the die and a joining process for joining the core pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akinori Hoshino, Haruji Suzuki, Shusaku Kamio
  • Patent number: 8234776
    Abstract: A method for making and magnetizing an un-magnetized mechanically keyed permanent magnet rotor that can be magnetized in a magnetization fixture, without regard to the angular position of the rotor in the magnetizing fixture, and nevertheless result in a permanent magnetic field angularly synchronized to said keyed rotor comprises the steps of providing an annular permanent magnet or annular permanent magnet rotor body; a mechanically keyed rotor shaft; means for aligning and assembling the un-magnetized permanent magnet or permanent magnet rotor body and the mechanically keyed rotor shaft during assembly to form an assembled rotor; and magnetization thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Electric Motor + Actuator Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Mike Bonilla Lopez
  • Patent number: 8234777
    Abstract: A surface mount circulator. The novel circulator includes a substrate, a predetermined number of microstrip lines disposed on a first surface of the substrate, a ground layer and a predetermined number of electrical contacts disposed on the second surface of the substrate, and a mechanism for coupling each microstrip line to one of the electrical contacts. In an illustrative embodiment, the circulator uses edge wrap metallization to wrap a microstrip line down a side of the substrate to connect with a corresponding contact. A ball grid array can then be used to connect the signal contacts and ground at the second surface of the substrate with a circuit board. The circulator also includes a magnet on first surface of the substrate over a resonator circuit connecting the microstrip lines and a pole piece on the second surface of the substrate beneath the ground to provide magnetic bias to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: James A. Carr, Tamrat Akale
  • Patent number: 8234778
    Abstract: Methods and Apparatus for providing a low-cost and high-precision inductive device. In one embodiment, the inductive device comprises a plurality of vias having extended ends which replace windings disposed around a magnetically permeable core. In another embodiment, the inductive device comprises a wired center core as well as a plurality of vias having extended ends which act as windings disposed around a magnetically permeable core. In a second aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing the aforementioned inductive devices as well as the wired core centers is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Pulse Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Schaffer, Alan Lindner
  • Patent number: 8234779
    Abstract: A component tube holding arrangement for holding one or more component tubes and for vibratory feeding of components in a picking position in a component mounting machine, as well as a combination of such a component tube holding arrangement and a vibratory feed magazine. The arrangement comprises a support surface for supporting component tubes, a reception portion for receiving component tubes, and at least one component stop at the reception portion defining a picking position for fed components. The arrangement also comprises identification means holding information of the identity of the arrangement. The arrangement is further arranged to be releasably mountable in a component mounting machine or in a vibratory feed magazine arranged to be loaded into the component mounting machine. The component tube holding arrangement lacks component feeding means and is arranged for allowing vibratory feeding means provided in the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Mydata Automation AB
    Inventor: Andreas Larsson
  • Patent number: 8234780
    Abstract: A substrate carrier system is provided for physical management of substrate(s) during a variety of assembly techniques performed on the both sides of the substrate(s) without dismounting or changing carrier systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence A. Harvilchuck, George R. Westby
  • Patent number: 8234781
    Abstract: Disclosed is a printed circuit board, which includes an insulating member having a circuit pattern embedded in one surface thereof, a build-up layer formed on one surface of the insulating member and including a build-up insulating layer and a circuit layer formed in the build-up insulating layer and having a via connected to the circuit pattern, and a solder resist layer formed on the build-up layer. A method of fabricating the printed circuit board is also provided. The printed circuit board is fabricated using a build-up process and the outermost circuit layer thereof is formed to have an embedded structure using an imprinting process, thus minimizing the separation of the circuit layer and reducing the lead time and the fabrication cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Gwan Ko
  • Patent number: 8234782
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating components for microelectronic devices, microelectronic devices including memory cells or other components, and computers including memory devices include forming memory cells. For example, one embodiment is directed toward a method of fabricating a memory cell on a workpiece having a substrate, a plurality of active areas in the substrate, and a dielectric layer over the active areas. One embodiment of the method includes constructing bit line contact openings in the dielectric layer over first portions of the active areas and cell plug openings over second portions of the active areas. The method also includes depositing a first conductive material into the bit line contact openings to form bit line contacts and into the cell plug openings to form cell plugs. A conductive line is formed in a trench in the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Sanh D. Tang
  • Patent number: 8234783
    Abstract: A method for using a cable assembly apparatus for coupling a connector to a cable having a base supporting an interface pedestal dimensioned to receive the connector; an inductor coil coupled to an inductor coil actuator operable to move the inductor coil between a load position and an operation position proximate the interface pedestal; a grip clamp operable by a clamp actuator to move between an open position and a closed position above the interface pedestal; and a temperature sensor configured to read a temperature proximate the interface pedestal. The method includes using the apparatus for retaining the pre-assembled connector and cable in an aligned orientation for controlled heating by the induction heater to heat a solder perform to solder the connector to an outer conductor of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Andrew, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond H. Ng, James B. Davis, Jim Carlock, Mike Quinlan, Rich Gudgel
  • Patent number: 8234784
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for extending the life of a booster valve in an automatic transmission. The booster valve commonly resides in the pump stator body and is modulated by reverse oil pressure and pressure control solenoid pressure signals. Pressure signals from the reverse oil pressure and the pressure control solenoid force a booster valve piston towards a pressure regulator valve piston also generally residing in the pump stator body. The booster valve piston slides inside a booster valve sleeve, and over time, the booster valve sleeve wears and the performance of the booster valve degrades or fails. The present invention replaces an original inner booster valve spring with a longer (or in some cases shorter) replacement booster valve spring to shift the operating range of the booster valve piston to an unworn portion of the booster valve sleeve to extend the life of the booster valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Steven W. Younger
  • Patent number: 8234785
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bearing component (1), in particular a connecting rod (1), from a molded part (2), wherein the bearing component (1) includes at least one divided bearing seat (5) formed by a bearing base (3) and a bearing cover (4), and a bearing seat surface (7) coated with a bearing layer (6) of a bearing layer material is formed in the bearing seat (5) for supporting a shaft. In the method of the present invention the bearing cover (4) is separated from the molded part (2) along a separating surface (8). In accordance with the invention, a masking agent (M) is disposed perpendicularly with respect to a separating line (10) on the bearing seat surface (7) during a coating process for applying the bearing layer (6) in order to form a coating-free region, such that a recess (9) at a predetermined width (B) is produced in the bearing layer (6). The masking agent (M) is formed as an element which is separate from the bearing component (1) and is not connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Technologies AG
    Inventor: Stefano Sergio Guerreiro
  • Patent number: 8234786
    Abstract: A method for installing an auxiliary ring around a shaft. The method comprises providing an auxiliary ring comprising a plurality of ring elements, wherein each ring element includes at least one radial joint. Each ring element is installed around the shaft and positioned such that the radial joint of at least one of the ring elements is rotationally offset from the radial joint of each adjacent ring element. The plurality of ring elements are then secured to each other by adhesive, welding, or a fastener. Each ring element may include an aperture wherein the aperture of each ring element is aligned with the aperture of each adjacent ring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Garlock Sealing Technologies LLC
    Inventor: James W. Suggs, III
  • Patent number: 8234787
    Abstract: A first film adhesive between actuator units and a supply port plate, a second film adhesive between a reservoir plate and the supply port plate, and a third film adhesive between the reservoir plate and a nozzle plate are each provided with round holes having an equal size and formed in correspondence to the locations of nozzle communication ports. Thanks to the round holes having the equal size one another, irregularity in capacities of spaces formed by layers of the first film adhesive, the second adhesive, and the third film adhesive are reduced, thereby reducing a difference of passage resistance caused in the nozzle communication ports. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a printing head capable of reducing irregularity in an amount of ejected ink and a speed of ink drops between nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8234788
    Abstract: An automotive engine valve stem, engine valve and method of producing both. The valve includes a head and a stem joined to the head. Lightweight, high-temperature materials, such as titanium-based materials may be used to make up at least a the majority of the valve. These materials are combined with fabrication techniques that may vary between the head and the stem, where at least a part of the valve is made by dynamic magnetic compaction. While a majority of the stem may be made from a titanium-based powder material, its tip may be made of a high strength hardened material, such as a steel alloy. The valve head may be made by single press and sintering, double press and sintering, forging and machining, forging and sintering, and dynamic magnetic compaction and sintering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Frederick J. Rozario, Shekhar G. Wakade
  • Patent number: 8234789
    Abstract: A shaving blade unit comprising a shaving cartridge having a floatably secured shaving blade member wherein said cartridge comprises: a) a housing with a front wall, a rear wall, and opposing side walls extending between said front and rear walls; b) said shaving blade member having opposing ends with a shoulder at each end and wherein said shoulder rests along said side wall and wherein a cutting edge of said shaving blade member is facing a front surface of said housing; c) a resilient member disposed rearward of said shaving blade member and that is secured by a shaving blade member retainer; and wherein said resilient member provides a forward biasing force to said shaving blade member such that said contact between said shoulder and said side wall is at least maintained when said unit is removed from a skin surface during shaving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Russell Stuart Avens, Stephen Leonard Rawle
  • Patent number: 8234790
    Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle, a blade assembly secured to the handle, a blade cover mechanically coupled to the handle facilitating manipulability of the blade cover to an extended position over the blade assembly, and a slider that is repositionable along the handle to release the blade cover from the extended position, the slider being pivotally coupled to the blade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Pacific Handy Cutter, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gerry Schmidt, John Andrew Duval
  • Patent number: 8234791
    Abstract: A device for locating structural stud members beneath a surface such as a shingled roof. The device includes a support block for receiving a probe member, the probe member extending from the support block at a selected arc of curvature terminating at a point spaced apart from the support block. An indicator member is fixed to the support block, the indicator member extending from the support block parallel to the probe member and having an end coextensive with the termination point of the probe member such that the indicator member provides a user with the orientation and termination point of the probe member when the probe member is beneath the surface. In use, a hole created within the surface and the support block rotated on the surface until the probe member abuts an edge of a structural stud member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Tweedie
  • Patent number: 8234792
    Abstract: A linear encoder that includes a housing having: an elongated hollow profile section including a first face end and a second face end; a cap disposed on the first face end; and a seal which is disposed in sealing fashion between the hollow profile section and the cap, wherein the seal includes an electrically conductive connecting element. The linear encoder further includes a scale made of electrically nonconductive material, wherein the scale is disposed inside the housing and the scale includes a measuring graduation that is scannable by a scanning unit, which is movable in a measurement direction relative to the housing. The linear encoder includes a shunt made of electrically conductive material, wherein the shunt is mounted on the scale and extends in the measurement direction and wherein the electrically conductive connecting element is configured so as to establish an electrical connection between the shunt and at least one of the hollow profile section and the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Schenk, Andreas Reith
  • Patent number: 8234793
    Abstract: An arrangement for a scale, the arrangement including a scale having a measurement graduation that defines a measurement range and a support arranged opposite to the measurement graduation. The arrangement further includes spheres two-dimensionally distributed on the support, wherein the spheres are immovably fixed on the support and to the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Weidmann, Peter Speckbacher
  • Patent number: 8234794
    Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for indicating additional character combination choices from a disambiguation function on a handheld electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Sherryl Lee Lorraine Scott, Zaheen Somani
  • Patent number: 8234795
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying produce in a centrifugal drier is described. The drier includes a housing and a drum configured to receive a multi-volume basket. The method includes loading produce into a first volume and a second volume of the multi-volume basket. The basket may include perforated walls, a closed lower end, and an open upper end. The interior volume of the basket is divided into at least a first volume and a second volume by a perforated inner divider that is oriented concentrically to the basket walls. The first volume is disposed inside the inner divider. The second volume is disposed between the inner divider and the basket walls. A drive assembly rotates the drum and the basket, loaded with produce in the first and second volumes, to cause fluids to drain out of the produce to yield dried produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Jay Dull, Jerry Lynn Crawford, Frank Edward Davis, Jose Emilio Villarreal Lozoya, Yuki Mikoshiba
  • Patent number: 8234796
    Abstract: A method of controlling a tumble laundry drier (1), the method including the steps of: starting a drying/ironing cycle and feeding drying air into the drum (5) from a drum input to a drum output; continuously measuring the electrical resistance/conductivity between two electrodes (25) located on the inside of the door; estimating the weight of the laundry inside the drum (5); measuring a temperature of the drying air at the drum output; stopping the drying/ironing cycle, if the weight of the laundry is above a weight threshold, when the electrical resistance/conductivity between the two electrodes (25) is above/below a resistance/conductivity threshold; and stopping the drying/ironing cycle, if the weight of the laundry is below a weight threshold, when the electrical resistance/conductivity between the two electrodes (25) is above/below a resistance/conductivity threshold and also when the temperature of the drying air at the drum output is above a temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dreossi, Maurizio Ugel
  • Patent number: 8234797
    Abstract: A mixing laundry dryer vane has a general profile which is scooped or “saddle” shaped. The mixing dryer vane has two relatively tall end portions and a reduced height central portion. The mixing dryer vane may have an upper surface that extends arcuately from one taller end portion to the other taller end portion. The arcuate shape may define along the length of the vane a relatively deep concavity which defines the reduced height central portion. The mixing dryer vane's taller end portions may be configured and positioned to cause “wiping” of clothes off and away from an exhaust duct grill within the dryer. The taller end portions of the vane may have a generally propeller-like twist that directs clothes towards the scooped central portion of the vane. The scooped mixing vane in combination with other non-scooped dryer vanes can reduce or eliminate the tendency of harmonic tumbling of a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Jergens, Michael P. Ricklefs, Brian D. Ripley
  • Patent number: 8234798
    Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: adidas International Marketing B.V.
    Inventors: Christian DiBenedetto, Mark Arthur Oleson
  • Patent number: 8234799
    Abstract: A cleat arrangement is configured for use with an article of footwear comprises a receptacle, a cleat, and a retaining ring. The receptacle is provided in the sole of the footwear. The cleat includes a projecting member and a retaining surface. The retaining surface is configured to fit within the receptacle with the projecting member extending from the receptacle. The retaining ring fits over the cleat and engages the retaining surface of the cleat positioned within the receptacle and the projecting member of the cleat extending through the retaining ring. The retaining ring releasably engages the receptacle such that the retaining ring holds the cleat within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Michael Kokavec
  • Patent number: 8234800
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, especially to a sports shoe, comprising a shoe upper (1) and a sole (2), wherein at least one actuator (3) is arranged in the sole (2), by means of which a region of the contact surface (4) for the foot of the wearer of the shoe can be affected with regard to the geometry of the contact surface (4) at least in a defined length range (BL) and/or width range (BB) of the sole (2) relatively to the position of the contact surface (5) of the sole (2) on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Puma SE
    Inventors: Jens Buder, Stephan Odenwald
  • Patent number: 8234801
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for feeding pieces of cloth to a device for treating clothes, said apparatus (1) comprising: one or more sets of spreader clamps (20) arranged to be moveable away from each other for straightening of a fore edge of said pieces of cloth and for delivering said piece of cloth to the conveyor (40). At least one set of spreader clamps is configured for performing a movement between a receiving (M) and a delivery (A) position, where the spreader clamps in the receiving position (M) have a first predetermined orientation relative to the conveyor (40); and wherein the spreader clamps (20) in the delivery (A) position have a second predetermined orientation, where the straightened piece of cloth is essentially in parallel with the conveyor (40). Hereby it is accomplished that the pieces of cloth can be received in the spreader clamps (20) from a random feeding position on the charger station (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Jensen Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Steen Nielsen, Henrik Munch Jensen, Jonas Birk Hansen, Thomas Knöfel
  • Patent number: 8234802
    Abstract: A mountable display for a temporary vehicle tag is provided. The display includes a transparent envelope adapted to receive a paper tag overlayed upon a reinforcement board or card. The envelope may have an adhesively coated flap extending from an open end thereof, the flap being adapted to pass around the envelope and seal to the back thereof, such that the temporary tag is received and maintained in a transparent sealed envelope. Screws or bolts pass through the envelope and through designated areas of the reinforced tag, for securing engagement with an insert received by a panel of the vehicle. The bolts or screws make securing engagement of the envelope and tag to the vehicle by sandwiching the combination of the envelope and reinforced tag between the head of the bolt or screw and the vehicle panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Paul M. Volpe
  • Patent number: 8234803
    Abstract: A reflective device for use in an electric fireplace and a fireplace incorporating the same. The reflective device includes a shaft having a first and a second end cap mounted at opposite ends. An intermediate member extends outwardly from the shaft between the first and second end caps. One or more reflecting strips extend longitudinally between the first and second end caps and are spaced a distance away from the shaft. The reflecting strips are separated from each other by longitudinal gaps and are mounted so that they angle downwardly relative to the shaft from the intermediate member toward the first and second end caps. The shaft is rotated about its longitudinal axis so that it reflects light from a light source toward one of a screen, simulated ember bed and artificial log display in the fireplace housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Heat Surge, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Gallo, David M. Baker
  • Patent number: 8234804
    Abstract: An etched display incorporating lighting within a housing. A translucent material has a laser-etching of an image that is placed within the stand with at least one edge of the translucent article facing a lighting source whereby the light rays create a translucent article having a higher luminance than the ambient surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Janet Rush
  • Patent number: 8234805
    Abstract: A sign fixture includes a support beam, a sign holder and at least one H-bracket. The support beam having a first end and a second end and supported by a product display structure. The sign holder supports a sign indicative of information related to a product displayed for sale. The at least one H-bracket includes a magnet to magnetically couple a first portion of the support beam to a first portion of the sign holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Dukes, Jeremy A. Clark, David H. Cheney, James W. Kostka
  • Patent number: 8234806
    Abstract: A ticket holding system mounted over a cooking station in view of a user of the cooking station and for holding one or more order tickets for meals being prepared and viewable by the user. The ticket holding system includes an elongated ticket holder; an elongated ticket retainer that is secured to a face surface of the elongated ticket holder and capable of releasably retaining one or more order tickets; and a pair of brackets that support the ticket holder at a position disposed over the cooking station. The pair of brackets are mounted from respective support surfaces that are spaced apart so that the brackets are spaced from each other and mount the ticket holder therebetween. The pair of brackets and ticket holder are cooperatively constructed and arranged so that the ticket holder can be both pivotal relative to the brackets and adjusted in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Raheb Stanley LLC
    Inventor: Gregory A. Raheb
  • Patent number: 8234807
    Abstract: A high feed ramp for use in Colt 1911 style handguns including a feed ramp on the frame (receiver) for guiding bullets into the barrel of the gun; a boiler room (barrel breech) with a small chamfered around its entire inner circumference; and an integral relief rim extension on the upper edge of the feed ramp, such that the feed ramp is extended over the bottom edge of the chamfered boiler room; wherein when the handgun is fired the bullets easily enter into the barrel and do not jam or misfire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Antonino LaTorre, Antonio Fugazzotto
  • Patent number: 8234808
    Abstract: A firearm assembly for a firearm can include a monolithic rail platform with a handguard portion and an upper receiver portion. The barrel of the firearm can be positioned through the handguard portion and secured with the upper receiver portion. A firearm assembly can also include a bolt assembly with a bolt carrier having minimized land area and a forward end sized for receipt in the barrel extension at the rearward end of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Karl R. Lewis, James Arend Seabold Bargren, Jacob A. Schafer, Neal David Hohl
  • Patent number: 8234809
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for installing a hand guard on a firearm. In embodiments, a method of installing a hand guard on a firearm can be provided. The firearm includes a barrel, a barrel nut, and a delta ring. The delta ring is retracted away from the barrel nut. A number of hand guard members are positioned about the barrel. An annular groove associated with each hand guard member is mated with a portion of a flange of the barrel nut. The flange is secured within the annular groove of at least one hand guard member. The delta ring is advanced over a portion of some or all the hand guard members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Daniel Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin C. Daniel
  • Patent number: 8234810
    Abstract: A device for loading cartridges into a magazine comprising: a magazine housing; a bullet carrier comprising a cartridge support seat and a spring; and a rod that is inserted into an aperture in the bottom end of the magazine housing and through the middle of the spring. In one embodiment, the cartridge support seat comprising a viewing port and a trough that extends from the underside of the cartridge support seat and is situated adjacent to the viewing port and beneath the feed lips of the magazine housing, and the L-shaped end of the rod is inserted through the middle of the spring and onto the shelf of the trough. In an alternate embodiment, the cartridge support seat comprises a viewing port and a second aperture, and the L-shaped end of the rod is inserted through the middle of the spring, through the viewing port, and into the second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Lee Tactical Solutions, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth Joe Lee, III
  • Patent number: 8234811
    Abstract: An apparatus to project toward a tree to disburse a pheromone, comprising: a releaser removably adjacent to a capsule via an extension; whereby said releaser and said capsule are disposed adjacent to each other in a deployable state, then the releaser separates from the capsule but is still connected via said extension whereby inertia causes said releaser to move away from said capsule into an attachment state, and related methods of applying a pheromone onto a tree branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Brett Bunker
  • Patent number: 8234812
    Abstract: A transportable fodder production unit is disclosed that includes an insulated container having a front end and a rear end, a plurality of trays each having drain apertures through a bottom side thereof, a racking system for supporting each of the trays with a plurality of shelves extending from the front end of the container to the rear end of the container, an irrigation system attachable to a water source and having a water tank in fluid communication with a plurality of spray heads through a pump and a plurality of pipes, a lighting system that maintains a predetermined illumination within the container, a thermal control system that maintains the temperature inside the container within a predetermined temperature range, and a central control system for activating the other systems and maintaining electrical load balancing on a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Terry Colless, Flavio Raccanello
  • Patent number: 8234813
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hydroponically growing microorganisms within a self-contained air-supported structure, in which microorganisms are grown in an organic slurry, harvested, and processed to obtain and process and distribute molecules useful for biofuel or other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Algepower LLC
    Inventors: Gail Busch, Jacques M. Dupont
  • Patent number: 8234814
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for growing plants in a growing room includes a hanging member having a substantially planar configuration, oriented vertically. At least one carriage is disposed on the hanging member to support growing plants. A nutrient delivery system has a conduit to deliver nutrients to the hanging member and to recycle any unused nutrients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Malcolm Glen Kertz
    Inventor: Malcolm Glen Kertz
  • Patent number: 8234815
    Abstract: A planter including a center post and a series of upwardly-opening disc-shaped growing compartments which are arranged in a sequential relationship along the length of the center post and are suspended from the top of the center post. Each of the growing compartments has a center opening through which the center post extends so that the growing compartments are maintained in a centered relationship about the center post. Furthermore, a lowermost growing compartment has a substantially solid bottom for containing dirt or potting soil placed therein, and the remainder of the growing compartments have bottoms within which including relatively large openings are defined to accommodate the passage of relatively large clumps of dirt or potting soil through the bottoms thereof so that each of the growing compartments can be filled with dirt or potting soil placed into the uppermost growing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Felknor Ventures LLC
    Inventors: Wilson A. Felknor, James Robert Ferron, Benjamin James Ferron, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8234816
    Abstract: A door that is pivotable and slidable relative to a vehicle includes an articulated arm pivotably supported at a pivot joint, a guide carriage displaceably guided by a guide rail and coupled to the pivot joint, a tie rod, the tie rod being hingedly connected to the guide carriage, and a spring-loaded index bolt which is vertically displaceable. The door further comprises a rotary slide having a rotary slide surface which dictates vertical movement of the index bolt between a first position in which the articulated arm and the tie rod are engaged by the index bolt so that the articulated arm and the tie rod rotate in unison and a second position in which the tie rod is disengaged from the index bolt so that the articulated arm pivots relative to the tie rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dura Automotive Plettenberg Entwicklungs-und Vertreibs GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Heuel, Ralf Rottmann, Dirk Rau
  • Patent number: 8234817
    Abstract: To reduce stresses during closing of a manually closable body component, e.g. a door, a control device and a method of controlling closing movement in which, during the closing movement, from an opened position, the body component passes through first movement range in which the body component is moved towards the closed position without any action by a control member, and, thereafter, the body component passes through a second movement range in which the closing movement is varied by the action of the control member that residual kinetic energy of the body component does not exceed a predetermined limit value after passing through the second movement range, irrespective of the initial speed. The residual kinetic energy is not sufficient to close the body component automatically, so it is automatically drawn in a third movement range until a pre catch or main catch of a lock is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Robert Neundorf, Georg Scheck, Stephan Starost, Uwe Klippert, Dalibor Rietdijk, Karl-Heinz Bauer, Ulf Nitzsche
  • Patent number: 8234818
    Abstract: A refrigerator and/or freezer with an appliance carcass, can be closed by at least one door, and a powered door operating device for automatically operating the door. The door operating device has drives both automatically opening and closing the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hausgerate Ochsenhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Hecht, Dietmar Blersch, Georg Dorner
  • Patent number: 8234819
    Abstract: The invention relates to means and methods for maintaining a gutter assembly either in the upward, rain-gathering position or in the downward position under the eaves, where it can be cleaned with a water jet. In the downward position, the gutter assembly remains protected from snow and ice sliding from the roof. Brackets fixated to magnetic latches attached to the fascia support the gutter. Closed magnetic latches maintain the gutter assembly in the upward position. Open magnetic latches maintain the gutter assembly in the downward position. Transition from the upward to the downward position, or vice versa, is achieved from the ground by means of a hook and a U-shaped fork attached to a pole. If the gutter is left in the upward position in winter, snow and ice sliding from the roof will push it to the downward position without damaging it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dimitri Petrov Consultants Inc.
    Inventor: Dimitri Petrov
  • Patent number: 8234820
    Abstract: A method for installing a modular fireplace mantel surrounding a fireplace in a wall utilizing a unique leaf spring bracket. The leaf spring bracket for a modular fireplace mantel comprises a base plate, an upper lip, a lower lip, a left side lip and a right side lip attached to said base, said four lips defining a recess, a slot cut in the meeting edges of the base plate and the upper and lower lips, an extension attached to each of said left side and right side lips, each extension having one or more holes through which connectors may pass, an arcuate shaped leaf spring adapted to fit into said recess, both ends of said leaf spring having a reverse arc adapted to fit into said slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: California Mantel, Inc.
    Inventors: John Forbis, John Edgley
  • Patent number: 8234821
    Abstract: A strut runner includes a member extending lengthwise in a first direction, where the member includes an underlying panel and one or more walls that extend from the panel. The member may be configured to at least partially support the panel array while being integrated or directly connected to the underlying structure. Additionally, the strut runner may include one or more peripheral extensions that extend a distance outward from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: PVT Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Reed Plaisted, Brian West
  • Patent number: 8234822
    Abstract: A mobile environmental containment unit has an upper frame with a sealing surface, a flexible, transparent impermeable envelope with an open top and one or more access openings that depends from the upper frame, and a lower frame that is supported by the envelope. The upper frame of the unit is supported by telescoping support members with the sealing surface of the upper frame and the open top of the envelope fitted against a portion of a ceiling which is accessible by a workman via the one or more access openings and the open top of the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Environment of Care Resources Group LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Lewis Proctor, William Paul Oglesby