Patents Issued in November 20, 2012
  • Patent number: 8312611
    Abstract: A first holding frame of a component holding unit is allowed to hold a plurality of components composing a first assembly and a second holding frame of the component holding unit is allowed to hold a plurality of components composing a second assembly which is to be mounted on the first assembly. The first assembly held onto the first holding frame and the second assembly held onto the second holding frame are assembled by an assembly work unit. The second holding frame is allowed to reciprocate towards the first holding frame to pass the second assembly from the second holding, frame to the first holding frame. Thereafter, the first assembly and the second assembly which are held onto the first holding frame are assembled and coupled together by the assembly work unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Tobita, Shinji Yoshino, Kenjiro Tsutsumi, Masashi Sato
  • Patent number: 8312612
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the refurbishing of compaction tooling components, particularly the tips and heads of compaction punches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Blue Sky Vision Partners, LLC
    Inventor: Luka Gakovic
  • Patent number: 8312613
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a percussion drilling assembly, the method including providing a tubular case having a central axis and a lower end with an inner surface and an outer surface, providing a driver sub having a central axis, an outer surface, and an upper end, providing a annular locking member including an annular body, an inner finger extending radially inward from the body, and a first outer finger extending radially outward from the body, positioning the annular locking member about the driver sub, and threading the upper end of the driver sub to the lower end of the case. The inner surface of the lower end includes internal threads and the outer surface of the lower end includes a groove. The outer surface of the upper end includes external threads and the outer surface axially below the outer includes a groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J Marshall
  • Patent number: 8312614
    Abstract: A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Machine Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Sokel
  • Patent number: 8312615
    Abstract: A toolholder connector having one threaded end and one end with a male quick change portion is threadingly engaged with a first toolholder having a threaded bore. The quick change connector also has a male quick change portion that is engaged within a side activated receiver of a second toolholder. Prior to activating the receiver, an alignment pin associated with the first toolholder is lined up with alignment slot associated with the second toolholder such that when the two are brought together, a pre-determined radial alignment will be retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventor: Ruy Frota de Souza Filho
  • Patent number: 8312616
    Abstract: A method of joining pipe elements in end to end relation includes using a coupling having two or more segments connected to one another end to end surrounding a central space. The coupling also has at least one gripping body positioned between two of the segments. The pipe elements are inserted into the central space. The segments and the gripping body or bodies are moved toward the central space. The segments have arcuate surfaces which engage the outer surface of the pipe element. The gripping body or bodies have gripping surfaces which engage the outer surface of the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Michael V. Porter, Torrey G. Sipos
  • Patent number: 8312617
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disk drive device including: assembling a subassembly by fixing at least a bearing unit, a drive unit and a hub to a base member in a first clean room; cleaning the subassembly in a second clean room; and sealing the subassembly by a sealing member. The first clean room and the second clean room are communicated with each other by a communicating opening for transferring the subassembly, and an atmospheric pressure in the second clean room is equal to or higher than that in the first clean room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Alphana Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Omura, Kenji Nishihara
  • Patent number: 8312618
    Abstract: In a module system for manufacturing variants of two and three stable positions fluid-operated actuators a cylinder housing of both variants of two and three stable positions actuators is manufactured from a blank. The blank includes at least one opening for a cover and is identical for the variants of the two and three stable position actuator, and is at least prepared for the arrangement of a first pressure duct, a second pressure duct, and a first cylinder diameter of the cylinder housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Hedman, Petter Frejinger
  • Patent number: 8312619
    Abstract: A xerographic micro-assembler system, method and apparatus that includes a sorting unit that is adapted to receive a plurality of micro-objects. The micro-objects can also be sorted and oriented on the sorting unit and then transferred to a substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include a device for detecting errors in at least one of the micro-objects on the sorting unit and a protection means for preventing an improper micro-object from being transferred to the substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include an organized micro-object feeder assembly that can transfer at least one of a plurality of micro-objects to the sorting unit or directly to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Eugene M. Chow, Jeng Ping Lu, Meng H. Lean, David K. Biegelsen
  • Patent number: 8312620
    Abstract: Equipment for manufacturing a stator comprises a coil conduction mechanism which can supply a current to input terminals of a stator, and a heater mechanism having first and second panel heaters which are provided to face the stator. Heat is generated from a coil by supplying a current to the coil from the coil conduction mechanism and sealants filling the stator are heated. On the other hand, the first and second panel heaters are heated by supplying a current and the sealants are heated from the outside. The operation is controlled such that the heating temperature for the sealants by heat generated from the coil and the heating temperature for the sealants by the heater mechanism are uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunichi Umino, Ryoichi Ashino, Tohru Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8312621
    Abstract: A handheld tool device to facilitate maintenance and installation of hollow through-hole audio input jacks on electrical guitars and other electronic musical devices. The tool has an expandable tip that can be placed inside the hollow opening of the through-hole audio input jack, and then be expanded by the operator. The device enables the operator to hold the audio input jack in a fixed position while a nut or other jack fastening device is tightened. Other applications for the device include stabilizing a large variety of different through-hole connectors, embedded in a wide variety of different surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher John Shahin
  • Patent number: 8312622
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel machining tool and a punching head for use in one such tool. An internal feed channel is formed between the connection for the external feed of components and the readiness position on the joining channel at least over a partial length of a deformable or flexible internal feed, so that the run of this feed within the tool and/or the correction of the feed to the external supply can be optimally matched to the respective tool execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Heiko Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8312623
    Abstract: A device including a heat sensitive substrate and an electrical conductor disposed thereon is provided. In certain examples, the heat sensitive substrate may be configured to degrade at or above a sintering temperature. In other examples, the electrical conductor may be processed, prior to disposal on the heat sensitive substrate, at the sintering temperature on a second substrate that can withstand the sintering temperature. Methods and kits are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fry's Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar Khaselev, Nitin Desai, Michael T. Marczi, Bawa Singh
  • Patent number: 8312624
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure of a printed circuit board includes: forming a barrier layer on the dimple in the first copper plating layer; forming a nickel plating layer; removing the nickel plating layer and the barrier layer on the dimple; forming a second copper plating layer to make the total height of the first copper plating layer and the second copper plating layer in the second opening higher than that of the first copper plating layer in the first opening; filling the dimple in the second copper plating layer with an etching-resistant material; removing the second copper plating layer; removing the nickel plating layer and the etching-resistant material to make the second copper plating layer in the second opening being at the same height as the first copper plating layer in the first opening; and forming the heat dissipation structure by photolithography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Kinsus Interconnect Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chien-Wei Chang, Ting-Hao Lin, Ya-Hsiang Chen, De-Hao Lu
  • Patent number: 8312625
    Abstract: An apparatus for crimping a terminal with a wire includes a first crimper and a second crimper. The first crimper presses the terminal with the wire at a first position of the wire. The second crimper presses the terminal with the wire at a second position of the wire after the first crimper presses the terminal at the first position. The first position is disposed between a tip end of the wire and the second position in an extending direction of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hideto Kumakura
  • Patent number: 8312626
    Abstract: To make the fracturing position controlled conveniently with high precision when the substrate end of the probe contact is fractured and cut off. By compressing the front face of the substrate end portion with the pushing member, brittle fracture is generated on the substrate along the carved groove, and the substrate end portion is cut off from the substrate. The fracturing position in the above-mentioned fracturing is controlled so as to be along the fracturing position whose extension puts thereon the stress concentrating ends of two fracturing control structures. Here, the fracturing control structure is located with high positional precision on the front face of the substrate through the alignment technique of photolithography. In this way, resilient armatures constituted of the tips projected from the fracturing position coming to be the end of the substrate 11a can be stably formed with high precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeyuki Suzuki, Ryo Ujike, Yoshinori Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8312627
    Abstract: A method for repairing a combustor liner for a gas turbine engine combustor, the combustor having a combustion zone formed by inner and outer liners, the method comprising the steps of removing a portion of a combustor liner to form a deficit in the liner; providing a replacement panel having at least one opening and a thermal barrier material applied to the replacement panel adjacent to the opening, and installing the replacement panel in the deficit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Edward John Emilianowicz
  • Patent number: 8312628
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head includes heating the surface portion of power line that is to be in contact with a member made of resin, thereby forming, from a precious metal layer and a nickel layer, an adhesion layer made of an alloy containing precious metal and nickel as major components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sadayoshi Sakuma, Hirokazu Komuro, Takuya Hatsui, Yuzuru Ishida
  • Patent number: 8312629
    Abstract: In a method of making a tubular support bar for a dashboard support, a sheet metal blank is placed in a first forming tool and pressed in a first shaping step by a ram into a U-shaped cavity of a first bottom die to form a U-shaped member. While remaining in the first bottom die, the U-shaped member is provided with connecting elements in the form of weld nuts by a automated placement device. Subsequently, the U-shaped member is transferred to a second forming tool and undergoes a second shaping step between a top die and a second bottom die to form a slotted tube. The longitudinal edges of the slotted tube are then joined together to form the support bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hitz, Hans-Jürgen Knaup
  • Patent number: 8312630
    Abstract: A method for mounting, on a motor vehicle, underbody elements and a technical front surface designed to be mounted at one end of a front structural element of the vehicle including side-members. The technical front surface is positioned on one of the underbody elements; the technical front surface is pivoted about a transverse axis from a position wherein it extends substantially transversely to a position wherein it is titled forward; the underbody elements and the tilted technical front surface are moved vertically downwards up to the vehicle; and the technical front surface is folded down from its tilted position to its normal position wherein it is opposite the structural element of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Philippe Bogaert, Michael Flandin
  • Patent number: 8312631
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a bearing assembly including at least one superhard bearing element having at least one bearing registration feature configured to facilitate orientating of a curved, pre-machined bearing surface thereof with respect to a bearing body, methods of fabricating such bearing assemblies, and bearing apparatuses incorporating such bearing assemblies. Subterranean drilling systems incorporating such bearing assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy N. Sexton
  • Patent number: 8312632
    Abstract: A handsaw includes a handle and a blade. The handle includes a lock assembly. The blade is releaseably mountable on the handle and includes a lock engaging region located toward one end thereof. The lock assembly includes a lock structure and a manually enagageable actuator. The lock structure is movable between a lock position in which it lockingly engages the lock engaging region to lock the blade to the handle, and a release position in which the lock structure is released from engagement with the lock engaging region to enable the blade to be released from the handle. The actuator is manually actuatable to move the lock structure from the lock position to the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Rowlay, Stewart Hawley
  • Patent number: 8312633
    Abstract: An electric can opener for opening a top of a metal can which includes a housing that has a top end and a front side. A can cutting mechanism is on the front side of the housing proximate the top end of the housing. A hand held jar grip is removably mounted on the top end of the housing. The housing includes an opening that at least partially receives an opener tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Boards Inc
    Inventors: Michael Garman, Brandon Song
  • Patent number: 8312634
    Abstract: A positioner and method of use thereof, wherein the positioner is comprised of a positioner first and second side. A flap having a flap first and second side may be hingedly mounted to the positioner. Both the positioner first and second sides and flap first and second sides may be fashioned with grids, wherein an aperture may be positioned at each node of each grid, and wherein one indicator corresponds to each apertures. The positioner may be used to easily and accurately position markings adjacent window frames, sills, or other structures having right angles thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: James D. Forsyth
  • Patent number: 8312635
    Abstract: An analogue scanning probe with a connector detachably connectable to a movable support of a coordinate measuring system, the scanning probe including a touch at the tip of a stylus pivotally connected to the scanning probe according to a measure axis and a position encoder delivering a measure of the tilt angle of said touch about said measure axis, the scanning probe including one articulation comprised between said connector and said measure axis arranged to allow tilting of the scanning probe or of a part of the probe scanning probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: TESA SA
    Inventors: Pascal Jordil, Benjamin Vullioud
  • Patent number: 8312636
    Abstract: A rotary disk is provided. The rotary disk defines a receiving groove and includes a curved ruler. The receiving groove is configured for receiving a circular workpiece of which a diameter is to be measured. The rotary disk is configured to be rotated so as to slide the workpiece in the receiving groove until the workpiece is held in place by tight contacts between the workpiece and the rotary disk. The curved ruler includes a number of graduations arranged along a periphery of the receiving groove and configured for indicating the diameter of the workpiece when the workpiece is held in place by a contact point between the workpiece and the rotary disk corresponding to a graduation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Kai Pei
  • Patent number: 8312637
    Abstract: An alignment tool determines the parallelism between the anvil face of an anvil of an ultrasonic welder and the horn faces of a replacement horn mounted on the welder by a rotary mount. The tool includes a tool base having a face plate contacting with the anvil face and a clamp for clamping the tool base on the anvil. A plate member is mounted on the tool base for swiveling movement and contacts the horn faces. Springs urge the plate member into contact with the horn faces while the replacement horn is rotated relative to the anvil. Transducers sense the relative positions between the face plate and the plate member so that the repairman can determine that the replacement horn has been rotated to the desired position in which the horn face has become parallel with the anvil face. Then the replacement horn can then be tightened against further rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Scheuerman, Rick F. Rourke
  • Patent number: 8312638
    Abstract: A multiple laundry treating machine, in which an auxiliary laundry treating device (120) is coupled to a general laundry treating device (110), is disclosed. The multiple laundry treating machine includes a main laundry treating device (110) for washing or drying laundry contained in an interior of the main laundry treating device (110), an auxiliary laundry treating device (120) arranged at one side of the main laundry treating device (110), the auxiliary laundry treating device (120) having a volume and a height respectively smaller than a volume and a height of the main laundry treating device (110), and having a laundry container (121) formed in an interior of the auxiliary laundry treating device (120), and a connecting unit (300) for connecting the main and auxiliary laundry treating devices (110, 120), to enable communication or control operations between the main and auxiliary laundry treating devices (110, 120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Ho Park, Phal Jin Lee, Seong Hae Jeong, Seong Jin Jo
  • Patent number: 8312639
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid storage container and a clothes dryer having the same. The liquid storage container comprises: a reservoir installed at the clothes dryer, and configured to store liquid therein; a light transmitting window disposed above the reservoir; and a level indicator configured to be partially or wholly immersed into the liquid stored in the reservoir according to a level of the liquid. According to the amount of the liquid stored in the reservoir, an immersed degree of the level indicator into the liquid may become different. Accordingly, a user may easily and rapidly check a remaining amount of the liquid with his or her naked eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Hun Bae, Min-Ji Kim, Ye-Ji Um, Myung-Shik Kim, Young-Soo Ha
  • Patent number: 8312640
    Abstract: A cloth dryer includes heat-pump (30), rotary tub (5) for accommodating clothes (4) to be dried, blower (12) for supplying air heated by heat radiator (23) to rotary tub (5), and heat-exchange air flow paths (22, 24) for circulating the air stayed in rotary tub (5) through heat radiator (23) via heat absorber (21). Fins striding over heat absorber (21) and heat radiator (23) allow integrating absorber (21) and radiator (23) into one body which can be thus placed within air-flow paths (22, 24). Heat-transfer reducing section (32) is formed on the fins between heat absorber (21) and heat radiator (23) for reducing the heat transfer via the fins between heat absorber (21) and heat radiator (23). The foregoing structure can prevent frost and ice produced on heat absorber (21) from growing, so that a compact cloth dryer excellent in drying performance is obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsunori Taniguchi, Hideo Nisihata, Tosiaki Andou, Masayuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8312641
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an UV LED curing apparatus, and more particularly, to a portable UV LED curing apparatus with improved illumination and timer control to solidify a UV hardening gel, such as acrylic gel. The present invention provides an UV LED curing apparatus comprising a housing and an UV LED lighting assembly enclosed in the housing. The housing is provided with a light aperture allowing UV light shone from an UV LED light source on the UV LED lighting assembly and controlled by a timer and a current regulator integrated thereon. The UV LED lighting assembly is further provided with an optical element to direct and confine UV light shine toward the light aperture of the housing, capable of providing a focused illumination and preventing leakage of UV light outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Cosmex Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Jen Li, Kuo-Chang Chang, Fu-Ju Sheu, Szu-Hua Wu
  • Patent number: 8312642
    Abstract: A laundry machine having a steam generator is disclosed. A heater is controlled, such that steam generation coincides with a predetermined time period, whereby the steam supply time is enabled to be controlled with relative accuracy. If an error occurs when water is being supplied to the steam generator, then an error message is displayed such that a user may be informed of the error. If a predetermined time period has elapsed, then a pump is stopped to prevent an excessive amount of water from being supplied to the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hun Bae, Chang Woo Son, Ju Han Yoon
  • Patent number: 8312643
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Goodwin, Gerald Edwin Crowley
  • Patent number: 8312644
    Abstract: A shoe-reinforcement material (33) having a fiber combination (1) with a first fiber component (2) and a second fiber portion (4,5) having a second fiber component (3), whereby the first fiber component (2) has a first melting point and a first softening-temperature range lying below it, and a first fiber portion (5) of the second fiber component (3) has a second melting point and a second softening-temperature range lying below it; the first melting point and the first softening-temperature range are higher than the second melting point and the second softening-temperature range, the second fiber portion (4) of the second fiber component (3) has a higher melting point and a higher softening temperature lying above it than the first fiber portion (5), and the fiber combination (1), in consequence of thermal activation of the first fiber portion (5) of the second fiber component (4), attached thermally with an adhesive-softening temperature lying in the second softening-temperature range, with water-vapor perm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: Marc Peikert, Thorger Hubner
  • Patent number: 8312645
    Abstract: An article of footwear or other product may include a material element having a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and at least one strand. The second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, and the second layer is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. The strand is located between the first layer and the second layer, and the strand lies substantially parallel to the second layer for a distance of at least five centimeters. In this configuration, the thermoplastic polymer material may join the first layer and the third layer to the second layer. The thermoplastic polymer material may also join the strand to the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, James Hwang, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 8312646
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have a sole structure and an upper that includes a foundation element and a tensile element. The tensile element may include a base layer and a plurality of strands, with the base layer being joined to an exterior surface of the foundation element. In manufacturing the footwear, a thermoplastic polymer material in the base layer may be utilized to bond or otherwise join the tensile element to the foundation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Meschter, Lia M. Uesato
  • Patent number: 8312647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, particularly to a sports shoe, with a sole (1), wherein the sole (1) comprises at least one spring element (2), which spring element increases the bending stiffness of the sole (1) around an axis (Q) which is oriented horizontally and perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (L) of the sole (1). To create a shoe which sole has a sufficient bending stiffness and spring properties respectively without employing separate measures, i. e. without employing a spring element, the invention proposes that the sole comprises at least one receiving groove (3) for the at least one spring element (2), in which the spring element (2) is arranged in such a manner that it can slide at least along a part of its extension in longitudinal direction (L) relatively to the sole (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Puma SE
    Inventor: Theodor Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8312648
    Abstract: A foot orthotic for golf that provides solid stability and encourages proper foot bracing and release during the golf swing. The orthotic having a semi-rigid shell, compliant top cover, anti-skid forefoot pad and a heel post. The heel post having a short medial edge to encourage proper bracing and release and an extended lateral edge to resist foot rolling or supination during the golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: John K. Ballantyne
  • Patent number: 8312649
    Abstract: A rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow surface of ski slopes and designed to advance in a travelling direction, has a frame; a shaft rotating about an axis transverse to the travelling direction, and having teeth for breaking up the snow surface; a further shaft located behind the shaft, rotating about a further axis transverse to the travelling direction, and having further teeth for further breaking up the snow surface; and a finish mat located behind the further shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Rolic Invest SARL
    Inventors: Klaus Wagger, Jan Müller
  • Patent number: 8312650
    Abstract: In a wear assembly for securing wear members to excavating equipment, a spool is used with a wedge to hold the wear member in place. The spool is formed with at least one laterally extending arm at its upper end in lieu of an axial arm such as used in a conventional C-shaped spool. In this way, the spool can be easily supported in the assembly as the wedge is installed. The spool does not fall through the opening and no special care is needed to prevent it from falling. The spool also holds itself in place when the wedge is driven into the passage. As a result, installation of the wear assembly is easier and less hazardous. In addition, the lateral support reduces the risk that the spool will suffer spreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventors: Robert McClanahan, Terry L. Briscoe
  • Patent number: 8312651
    Abstract: Electronic greeting cards include a greeting card with two or more interconnected panels in combination with a digital multimedia player device which includes an electronic display and an audio output, and circuitry which is operative to receive, store and play digital multimedia files and content. The various greeting card structures cover and encapsulate or otherwise house and adorn the digital multimedia player. Digital files are loaded on to the digital multimedia player by a connection to a network, or directly from a data storage device such as an SD card or USB connection or compact flash which interfaces with a port in the digital multimedia player. Pre-recorded digital multimedia greeting card content is either pre-loaded on a portable data storage device, or selected for purchase and downloaded or transferred for replay by the digital multimedia player of the electronic greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Josef A. Mandelbaum, Rajiv Jain, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski, Cathy Tasse, David Mayer, Eliza DeVogel, Katalina Speck, Mary McClain, Sharon Bogdanski, Mindy Leeders, Catherine Gruntman
  • Patent number: 8312652
    Abstract: An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The greeting card contains a slide trigger that activates the pre-recorded sound clip upon opening the greeting card. A second push-button trigger controls playback of the pre-recorded music clip while simultaneously recording the user singing along to the pre-recorded music. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Mary McClain, Allison Marsh, Eva Jin, Tiger Qiao
  • Patent number: 8312653
    Abstract: A collapsible tradeshow display includes curved end panels that provide for easier attachment and eliminate the possibility of dramatic disengagement of the panel from the display. Each end panel has a generally planar body comprised of a resilient material having a tendency to return to a generally flat configuration when in a curved configuration. A pair of side margins extend along opposing vertical sides of the body, each having a bridge portion attached thereto. A connecting means can connect the bridge portions to retain the panel in the curved configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Fritsche
  • Patent number: 8312654
    Abstract: A key tag includes: a body having a recess and a through hole near its one end, a tag sheet accommodated in the recess, and a cover sheet adaptively engaged with the body so as to confine the tag sheet within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Shyh Ru Metallic Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Wei-Yu Chang, Wei-Chih Chang
  • Patent number: 8312655
    Abstract: A sticker includes a backing layer, a sticker body including a top layer and an adhesive layer, and a security arrangement cutting through the top layer only and being stopped at an adhesive layer to ensure the sticker body being completely removed from the backing layer without tearing the top layer apart. The security arrangement includes a plurality of lead edge notches evenly provided along the outer flange of the top layer, and a cutting line structure formed at the top layer. After the sticker body is completely removed from the backing layer and is applied for sticking on an object surface, the sticker body becomes a self-destructive layer by the security arrangement to be torn apart at the time when the sticker body is removed from the object surface so as to ensure the sticker body being unable to be removed completely from the object surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: An-Hsia Liu, Wen-Shueh M. Liu, Victor D. Liu, Alexander D. Liu
  • Patent number: 8312656
    Abstract: A shotgun includes an action that is capable of rapidly chambering a shotshell after the shotgun has run out of shotshells and is capable of allowing shotshells to be removed from the magazine without cycling the shotshells through the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Browning
    Inventor: Marc Lesenfants
  • Patent number: 8312657
    Abstract: Muzzle-loading rifle, which comprises a breech plug (1) and a barrel (2), both fixed in a connection area (3), characterized in that the breech plug (1) is provided with a continuous flange (11) that presses from inside against a seating surface (12) of the barrel (2) when the breech plug (1) is fitted in the interior of the barrel (2), so that said pressure increases when the powder (7) explodes on the second end (5) of the breech plug (1). As a result, the seal between the breech plug (1) and the barrel (2) is strengthened and the gunpowder is prevented from reaching the connection area (3), thereby making it easier to detach the breech plug (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Dikar, S. Coop.
    Inventor: Iñigo Lizarralde Ibarguren
  • Patent number: 8312658
    Abstract: A firearm firing system substantially reduces the force necessary to fire the weapon yet enhances its ability to remain safe when a firing command is not issued. The sear and hammer interact at two distinct locations so as to reduce the force necessary for the sear to be removed from the sear ledge of the hammer resulting firing of the weapon. By redistributing forces to a secondary point on the hammer during firing the primary sear/hammer interaction can be maintained during non-firing modes to safe the weapon. Additionally a cavity is presented at the sear/sear ledge interaction such that residue and foreign material are removed so not to interfere with the firing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Karl Clark Lippard
  • Patent number: 8312659
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand gun having at least one exchangeable magazine for cartridges, able to be inserted from below into a grip piece of the weapon. According to the invention, a security element is arranged in the grip piece of the weapon, which with the magazine removed blocks a grip security arrangement of the weapon on the grip piece and which on insertion of the magazine is acted upon by an element arranged on the magazine such that it moves within the grip piece, wherein through this displacement the blocking of the grip security arrangement is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: German Sport Guns GmbH
    Inventor: Dietmar Emde
  • Patent number: 8312660
    Abstract: The firearm which fires bullets comprising an input device, a display, a current location on map indication implementer, a bullet firing prohibited geographic area indication implementer, and a bullet firing prohibiting implementer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Iwao Fujisaki