Patents Issued in February 12, 2013
  • Patent number: 8370983
    Abstract: In a rigid connection structure of a bridge pier and concrete girder, a joint-equipped PC concrete girder is constituted by burying a rear half part of a shaped-steel joint formed of short shaped-steel respectively in both ends of the concrete girder and protruding a front half part of each shaped-steel joint respectively from each end face of the concrete girder, the respective shaped-steel joint portions protruded from the respective end faces of the concrete girders are supported on a bridge abutment face of a bridge pier while being connected to a connection strip member which arises from the bridge abutment face, and the respective shaped-steel joint portions and the connection strip member are buried in connection concrete which is additionally casted on the bridge abutment face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Asahi Engineering Co., Ltd., Eco Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Tokuno, Fumihiro Saito
  • Patent number: 8370984
    Abstract: A brush section for use with an electric toothbrush includes a relatively large brush head portion having a generally rectangular shape, although oblong, elliptical and other such shapes having a length to width aspect ration greater than 1 may be employed. The brush head portion is secured to a shaft portion of the brush section that may be configured to couple to a handle section. The handle section may include an electric drive including drive shaft, and the drive shaft may couple to the brush head via a coupling member positioned within the shaft portion. The electric drive may impart a rotary, oscillating rotary-oscillating or other suitable drive motion to the drive shaft that is, in turn, imparted upon the brush head by virtue of the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Mark Edward Farrell, Christopher Charles Blain, Phillip Maurice Braun
  • Patent number: 8370985
    Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Schnittman, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Aaron Solochek
  • Patent number: 8370986
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting device (10) for a wiper arm (14) and a wiper blade (12). Said wiper blade comprises a first connecting part (16) on the wiper blade end and a second connecting part (18) on the wiper arm end, both parts being juxtaposed in the operational position and being connected to each other via a hinge element (44) so that they can be swiveled about a hinge axis. Securing means (32) are provided so that the first and second connecting part (16, 18) engage with each other. The invention is characterized in that the first connecting part (16) has a recess (38) for accommodating the securing means (32) in which a longitudinal, shaped portion (66) is provided which is parallel to the hinge axis. The invention also relates to a flat bar wiper blade (12) which comprises a first connecting part (16) for fastening the flat bar wiper blade (12) to a wiper arm (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Wilms
  • Patent number: 8370987
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) in a flat beam construction, having a wiper strip (12) and a single spring rail (20, 64, 68) serving as the carrier element, and a spoiler (22) connected to the head strip (18) of the wiper strip (12), wherein a connecting element (24) having a joint part (30) is disposed in the center region of the wiper blade (10). The invention proposes that the head strip (18) have a hollow profile that is open in the direction of the spoiler (22), on the longitudinal sides of which guide profiles (40) are disposed having open grooves (42) facing each other, in which the spring rail (20, 64, 68) is embedded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Ritt
  • Patent number: 8370988
    Abstract: A windshield wiper device (10) especially for a motor vehicle is proposed. Said device is comprised essentially of a plate-shaped base (12), on which a drive unit (18), a wiper bearing (14) and a retaining element (26) are arranged. In accordance with the invention, the plate-shaped base (12) is provided with predetermined breaking points (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Kraus, Juergen Rapp, Heiko Volz
  • Patent number: 8370989
    Abstract: Provided is a static eliminator with dust removal feature. The static eliminator includes an ion generator, a dust-removing main body and a dust-collecting device. The dust-removing main body has a workpiece-passing channel passing through the dust-removing main body. A dust-scraping member is disposed on a sidewall of the workpiece-passing channel. A blow vent of the ion generator communicates with said workpiece-passing channel and faces to the dust-scraping member. An inlet end of the dust-collecting device communicates with the workpiece-passing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-hsing Chang, Feng-chi Lee, Kuo-chuan Chiu
  • Patent number: 8370990
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved structure for robotic cleaner primarily comprising of a chassis with plurality of spherical casters fixed to the periphery of bottom deck, a dust collector mounted on the chassis, a lifting actuation mechanism mounted on the chassis that includes a lifting power supply at least to drive two parallel and extendable first swing arms and two parallel and extending second swing arms through a relevant linking device, a first gear train and a second gear train that can pivotally rotate in reverse direction, a drive wheel mounted at the moveable end of the two parallel and extending first swing arms each, a driven wheel mounted at the moveable end of the two parallel and extending second swing arms each, plural advancing power supplies mounted at the middle section of the first swing arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: National Kaohsiung First University of Science
    Inventors: Jyh-Cheng Yu, Shu-Jung Chang
  • Patent number: 8370991
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine includes a supply tank assembly having a first tank and a second tank. The first tank is in fluid communication with a distributor. The first tank has a rigid body defining a first storage chamber for storing a first cleaning fluid and supplying the first cleaning fluid to the distributor. The second tank is positioned within the first storage chamber of the first tank in fluid communication with the distributor. The second tank has a rigid body defining a second storage chamber for receiving a second cleaning fluid and supplying the second cleaning fluid to the distributor. At least a portion of the rigid body of the second tank defines a boundary of the first storage chamber to separate the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo
  • Patent number: 8370992
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that is able to form dust and foreign substances collected in a dust collection device provided therein in a single mass shape to discharge it efficiently, not scattered in a dust collecting device. The vacuum cleaner includes a body, a dust collection device collecting dust and foreign substances therein, a compression device provided in the dust collection device to collect the dust and foreign substances collected in a predetermined portion of the dust collection device and to compress the collected dust and foreign substances, and a liquid supply device arranged in the dust collection device, in communication with an inside of the dust collection device, to supply liquid material to the dust collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chung Ook Chong, Kie Tak Hyun
  • Patent number: 8370993
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a surface cleaning head having a dirt inlet and an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head. The upright section may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower upper portion may be rotatable relative to the lower portion about an axis that intersects a longitudinal axis of at least one of the upper and lower portions. The upright surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a wheel provided on the upright section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8370994
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a main shaft, a fixing seat, a follower, a cam and a first elastic element. The fixing seat is fixed with the main shaft. The follower is placed around the shaft, and the fixing seat selectively locks with the follower. The cam is placed around the shaft, and engages with the follower. The first elastic element provides an elastic force to make the cam and the follower resist each other and provides a force to make the cam and the follower rotate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Chao Duan, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8370995
    Abstract: A detachable beverage container handle includes a reusable figurine-shaped handle which can be mounted and released from beverage contains of a plurality of container diameters. The figurine is hinged to accommodate containers of different sizes. A lower extremity of the figurine includes a clamp for engaging the base or bottom of the container. an upper extremity of the figurine has a clamp for engaging the rim of the container. An embodiment of the handle has a rim clamp with pivoting arms that force gripping surfaces of the clamp into an engaging position on the rim. A user may pivot the arms to a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Douglas Kesten
  • Patent number: 8370996
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating small elongated fibrous and particles of certain materials, e.g., PTFE materials in a suspension are presented. In some instances, high-intensity ultrasound (or acoustical energy) is applied to a sample of the material, through a fluid coupling medium or suspension, to achieve a material transformation in the sample. In various embodiments, fibrillation of particles of PTFE or similar materials is accomplished, or the formation of extended structures of these materials is caused or enhanced. Also, the ability to separate long fiber samples by ultrasonic or acoustic cavitation action is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Impulse Devices Inc.
    Inventors: Dario Felipe Gaitan, Robert Hiller, Lawrence A. Crum
  • Patent number: 8370997
    Abstract: Described is a ratchet strap with a free end securing system. The ratchet strap has a strap with an attachment end and a free end and a strap winding shaft which is capable of receiving the free end in a wrapped relationship. A ratchet mechanism is included for simultaneously shortening the attachment end and the free end wherein the free end is drawn from the wrapped relationship with the strap winding shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ratchet Depot, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Wright
  • Patent number: 8370998
    Abstract: The electronic device includes a body, a strap, and a strap connecting member. The strap connecting member further includes a pin, a torsion spring one end of which is connected to the pin, a receiving chamber accommodating the pin and defining an opening notch passing through the sidewall thereof, and a cover connected with the torsion spring and engaging with the receiving chamber. The strap is double-layered. The double-layered strap forms a folded end and an open end, the folded end is connected with the pin and is wrapped around the pin, and the open end is separated into two portions which pass at the opening notch and are respectively connected to the body. When the torsion spring is elastically deformed and generates a torsion force, the pin is rotated and the strap automatically shrinks in the receiving chamber under the torsion force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping Han, Zhi-Hui Shen
  • Patent number: 8370999
    Abstract: A clip for holding first and second parts together snaps into an opening in a first part and includes a central housing for receiving and retaining a male portion on a second part using catches. The clip has a spring structure allowing sideways displacement of the catches so that it occupies either a locked position in which it projects into the central housing to prevent axial movement of the male portion, or a position of release of the male portion in which it is withdrawn from the central housing. The clip also includes a mechanism for causing the catches to move to their locked positions automatically by snapping the clip onto the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: A. Raymond Et Cie
    Inventor: Pascal Camus
  • Patent number: 8371000
    Abstract: A strap system for selectively and independently binding and/or releasing at least one sets of essentially longitudinal objects, such as wires, from one another. A continuous strip of such two-sided material may be stored on a reel and is designed so that a user may select a preferred length and configuration for a particular use by making a single cut of the material strip from the reel-strip end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph P. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8371001
    Abstract: An elastic tie down device having a body comprising an elongated, substantially flat, elastic material with a first end and a second end; a first, flexible hook and loop fastener panel secured to the body along the axis of the elongated body at one end of the body, the first panel extending beyond the length of the body; and a second, flexible hook and loop fastener panel secured to the body opposite the first panel and aligned substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the elongated body, the second panel secured to the body at a same end of the body as the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: BetterBungee LLC
    Inventor: Richard Vass
  • Patent number: 8371002
    Abstract: A clip for use in a cable system for stretching a sheet across a surface and maintaining it under tension, the clip comprising a base plate and a top plate. The base plate has a pair of opposing retaining arms extending from the top surface and a recessed area defined in the base plate. The top plate has a hook protruding from the top surface having a channel defined therein. The top plate slides between the arms of the base plate and is removably retained therein and the plates engage the edge of a sheet. The hook removably engages a cable and the sheet is stretched when the cable is tensioned. The clip can be retained on the cable when a sheet is to be replaced by partially separating the two plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Formetco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Franklin, John Dove Gibb, Robert B. McMurray
  • Patent number: 8371003
    Abstract: A device for assisting in opening and closing a zipper is provided. The device includes a body having first and second diverging guide channels having mutually oriented guide angles for receiving the respective zipper tracks for sliding, non-interlocking movement of the zipper tracks through the guide channels in advance of the zipper slider for reducing the closure angle of the zipper tracks in advance of the zipper slider to correspond to the guide angle of the guide channels, and a handle carried by the body for permitting manual pulling movement of the body along at least a portion of the length of the zipper and generally positioned in a coextensive orientation in relation to a pull tab of the zipper slider such that an operator can simultaneously grasp the pull tab of the zipper slider and the handle while sliding the zipper slider in the closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: BSN Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Arney, Serge Levine
  • Patent number: 8371004
    Abstract: A cord locking system that allows easy, rapid, and effective locking/unlocking of any size or type lace in a single handed, swift motion. The device includes a pair of arms that freely rotate about a swivel point within a base housing in a scissors-like motion that lock teeth against the lace by using compression forces from a spring. The arms protrude outside the base for easy disengagement, using a mechanical advantage of leverage to work against the spring force at the teeth on the lace to disengage the lock. Lifting finger upward on the arms to disengage the lock so that the teeth open allows the device to slide up and down the laces toward the preferred location. To lock, let go of the arms as the spring force presses the teeth into the lace at each side of the locking compartment to both lace ends within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel A. Huber, Bogdan R. Ulatowski
  • Patent number: 8371005
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stacked piezoelectric element that can suppress periodic damping on miniaturization of a vibration wave motor and improve its performance. A stacked piezoelectric element comprises piezoelectric layers and electrode layers alternately stacked to have a shape of a cylinder. The electrode layers are divided into a plurality of electrode layer regions along a circumferential surface of the shape of a cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Maruyama, Kaishi Ohashi, Takayuki Tsukimoto
  • Patent number: 8371006
    Abstract: A system and method for extracting seized components is disclosed. The method further grasping a seized component with a gripping mechanism and securing the gripping mechanism to the seized component by turning a camlock mechanism. A force is applied to a power transfer mechanism that moves a threaded axis that is threaded through the power transfer mechanism. The method additionally includes attaching the threaded axis to the gripping mechanism, which extracts the seized component. To facilitate extraction, the method also includes generating vibrations by a vibration mechanism, which may include a vibration mechanism rotating a rotary plate about a shaft. The method may also include generating vibrations by a cam attached to the rotary plate contacting one or more spring-loaded hammers. The spring-loaded hammers may be capable of impacting a strike plate, generating vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Jaime Robledo
  • Patent number: 8371007
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is provided, including a plug removal shield. The plug removal shield further includes a tube configured to surround a plug retaining a fluid volume, and a mount configured to hold the tube relative to the plug. The tube includes a port configured to pass a plug removal tool into proximity with the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lien-Yan Chen, James Michael Storey, Robert Henri Gauthier
  • Patent number: 8371008
    Abstract: An apparatus holds a plurality of hollow cylindrical members and pushes off the hollow cylindrical members. The apparatus includes a holder shaft for holding the hollow cylindrical members in tandem thereon, a gripper member projecting outwardly from a side wall surface of the holder shaft and engaging an inner wall surface of a foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members, a cam disposed in the holder shaft for displacing the gripper member, a pusher cylinder for pressing an end face of a rearmost one of the hollow cylindrical members and moving all the hollow cylindrical members forward, to release the foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members from the holder shaft and position a next one of the hollow cylindrical members as a new foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members, and a turning cylinder for turning the holder shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihito Takeuchi, Daisuke Imanishi, Yasushi Mukaiyama, Takeshi Wake, Yuji Ohara
  • Patent number: 8371009
    Abstract: Methods for repairing composite containment casings involving providing a composite containment casing having an integrated abradable system, the abradable system having at least one damaged portion, and including a sandwich structure, and at least one abradable layer, removing the damaged portion of the abradable system to leave a hole, shaping a sandwich structure segment to produce a shaped sandwich structure, placing the shaped sandwich structure into the hole in the abradable system, infusing a resin into the shaped sandwich structure, and curing the containment casing having the shaped sandwich structure, and applying at least one abradable layer to the shaped sandwich structure to produce the containment casing having a repaired integrated abradable system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ming Xie, Donald George Lachapelle
  • Patent number: 8371010
    Abstract: Embodiments of a device and method for removing a valve spring from an engine are herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a base component with a compressor component removably connected to the base component via an elongate member threadedly engaged with the base component. A fastener may threadedly engage with the elongate member to reversibly keep the compressor component in place. The base component is configured to engage with opposing vertically-extending components on a cylinder head while the compressor component is configured to simultaneously engage with a valve spring. When rotational force is applied in a clockwork direction to the fastening component, the compressor component is forced in a downward direction thereby compressing the valve spring for subsequent removal thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Jill
  • Patent number: 8371011
    Abstract: An automated system for disassembling a roller rail assembly includes an actuation device configured to move the roller rail assembly in a disassembling direction. A guide bracket is arranged and configured to receive the roller rail assembly as the roller rail assembly is moved in the disassembling direction. The guide bracket allows movement of the roller rail assembly in the disassembling direction. A separator member is located downstream of the actuation device. The separator member being received by a housing member of the roller rail assembly and having a wide region that separates sidewalls of the housing member and releases roller wheels of the roller rail assembly as the roller rail assembly is moved past the separator member by the actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd N. Eggleston, Brandon Scott Thompson, Lonnie G. Craig, Raymond Mead
  • Patent number: 8371012
    Abstract: A bearing removal tool and method are provided for removing a bearing swaged in a housing with speed and ease of use without damaging the housing, where the bearing removal tool includes a locating fixture having an annular support engaging an outer race of the bearing, with the locating fixture further including a locating mandrel extending axially from a center of the annular support into a center of the bearing locating the bearing outer race relative to the annular support; a cutter head having an axially extending shank extending from one end received in a drill press chuck, with the cutter head having at least one tooth extending axially away from the shank for cutting a swaged lip of the outer race of the bearing on a side of the bearing opposite from the side of the bearing engaged by the annular support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Michael E. Beck
  • Patent number: 8371014
    Abstract: A method of forming a metallic container includes the steps of providing body and lid portions, placing the body and lid portions together, keeping portions of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and reciprocally rotating the lid portion with respect to the body portion, thereby generating frictional heat and forming a friction weld therebetween. An apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of a metallic container includes a base to support the body, a support assembly to support a flange of the body, and a sonitrode for contacting a flange of the lid, wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonitrode. A motor reciprocally rotates the sonitrode relative to the support assembly, thereby moving the flanges relative one another to generate frictional heat and create a friction weld therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: New Sonic Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James T. Williamson
  • Patent number: 8371015
    Abstract: A method for straightening, constraining, cutting and terminating a multi-stranded, non-parallel cable. The cable filaments are aligned. A binder is then applied to the cable to maintain the alignment. The cable is then cut to a desired length. Each strand or group of strands is then placed in an individual termination. Each individual termination is then attached—either directly or through intermediate devices—to a collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Bright Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard V. Campbell, David E. Sediles, David W. Hilbig, Kristopher L. Wortham
  • Patent number: 8371016
    Abstract: An assembling method of an injection mold includes the steps of: disposing guide rods and a ejection pin plate on a punch template; inserting guide bushes into the ejection pin plate; inserting ejection pins respectively into the ejection pin plate and the punch template; fastening a ejection pin fixing plate to the ejection pin plate; fastening a die fixing plate and spacer plates to the punch template, and inserting the other ends of the guide rods into the die fixing plate; and disposing a press plate into the die fixing plate, and fastening the guide rods to the die fixing plate by tightening screws. The assembling method set the guide rods first o achieve a positioning function before ejection pin plate is assembled, and thereby capable of effectively eliminating the problems of deformation of the ejection pin plate, breaking of the ejection pin, and abrasion occurring in the return stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian-ming Li, Xiao-ping Wu, Shih-hsiung Ho
  • Patent number: 8371017
    Abstract: An installation head for use with captive panel fasteners. The head is adapted for mounting onto a conventional fastener installation tool that can apply a predetermined outer axial compressive force distributed about a predetermined inner axial tensile force. The pulling head transfers the outer axial compressive force to an inner axial compressive force delivered to a flaring anvil, while at the same time transferring the inner axial tensile force to an outer axial tensile force delivered to an internally threaded bushing that accommodates the threaded shank of a captive panel fastener. Using the tool and the installation head to apply the predetermined axial tensile and compressive forces, captive panel fasteners can be reliably installed using a single tool stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert E. Nikkel
  • Patent number: 8371018
    Abstract: In an electromechanical transducer which includes a vibration membrane provided with an upper electrode, a substrate provided with a lower electrode, and a support member adapted to support the vibration membrane in such a manner that a gap is formed between the vibration membrane and the substrate with these electrodes being arranged in opposition to each other, it is constructed such that a part of the vibration membrane and a region of the substrate are kept in contact with each other without application of an external force, and a remaining region of the vibration membrane other than its region in which the contact state is kept is able to vibrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chienliu Chang
  • Patent number: 8371019
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a write pole with a very narrow track width, straight well defined sides and a well defined trailing edge width (e.g. track-width). The method includes uses two separate chemical mechanical polishing processes that stop at separate CMP stop layers. The first CMP stop layer is deposited directly over a RIEable fill layer. A RIE mask, is formed over the fill layer and first CMP stop layer, the RIE mask having an opening. A trench then is formed in the RIEable fill layer. A second CMP stop layer is then deposited into the trench and over the RIE mask, followed by plating of a magnetic material. First and second chemical mechanical polishing processes are then performed, the first stopping at the first CMP stop and the second stopping at the second CMP stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Sue Siyang Zhang, Yi Zheng, Qiping Zhong, Honglin Zhu
  • Patent number: 8371020
    Abstract: A plurality of shaped wires, which are obtained by shaping electric wires, are assembled to form a wire assembly 47. The wire assembly 47 is then rolled around a core member 6 with aligning members 7 being inserted into spaces 472 formed between adjacent ones of straight superposed parts 471 of the wire assembly 47.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Gorohata, Keigo Moriguchi, Akito Akimoto, Masahiro Takada, Masaomi Dobashi, Youichi Kamakura, Shuzo Muraki, Atsuo Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 8371021
    Abstract: A process of manufacturing segments, an anisotropic direction of which is continuously changed in a plane vertically by a uniform magnetic field maintained in a constant direction and a process of arranging a plurality of segments on a circumference, extruding the segments in a ring shape by rheology based on the viscous deformation of the segments, from one thrust-direction end surface of the segments, and subsequently compressing the segments from both thrust-direction end surfaces of the segments are necessarily included. A ring magnet, anisotropy of which is controlled in a continuous direction, is provided, and a source for generating a static magnetic field has energy density (BH) max?160 to 180 kJ/m3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Fumitoshi Yamashita, Kiyomi Kawamura, Yukihiro Okada, Hiroshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 8371022
    Abstract: A method (100) for assembling a portable device configured with an energy storage device, is disclosed. The method (100) can include: providing (105) a portable device with a controller configured to control the operations of the portable device; configuring (110) the portable device with a multi-mode switch including a temporary active mode configured for simplified testing, a temporarily inactive mode configured for minimizing power drain, and a permanent active mode for normal user operation; and controlling (115) the multi-mode switch from outside the portable device. The method (100) can help to prolong the useful shelf life of the device and can help to simplify testing and calibrating before shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Ryan P Rye, William S Doolan
  • Patent number: 8371023
    Abstract: A spout installation device capable of reliably installing spouts onto correct positions on a pouch. The spout installation device has a pouch supply section for supplying a pouch (P), first and second spout supply sections for respectively supplying an inlet spout (SA) and an outlet spout (SB), and first and second spout installation sections for installing the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB), which are supplied by the spout supply sections, onto the pouch (P) supplied by the pouch supply section. For each time of installation of the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB) onto the pouch (P), an upper inclined edge and a lower edge of the pouch (P) are positioned by a positioning unit of the pouch supply section and by a positioning/holding mechanism of the second spout installation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Seal International, Inc.
    Inventor: Syuuichi Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 8371024
    Abstract: Process for industrially filling differently structured cavities in building blocks with moldings, having the following features: a) the moldings are cut in the form of differently configured mineral-wool pads (1, 2) from mineral-wool boards supplied, b) the mineral-wool pads (1, 2) are then distributed in layers on at least two levels, c) the mineral-wool pads (1, 2) distributed in this way are respectively separated, arranged in rows and moved into a vertical position in order to be transported further, d) the vertically positioned mineral-wool pads (1, 2) are pushed off laterally in layers and distributed on at least two levels in a supply unit (A 170), wherein, for example, one level has large mineral-wool pads (1) and the other level has small mineral-wool pads (2) and the levels are arranged in accordance with the construction of the cavities of the building block; e) in a further position of the distributing unit (A 180), the mineral-wool pads (1, 2) are pushed into sheet-metal channels, moved up to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Hertle
  • Patent number: 8371025
    Abstract: A device is provided for repairing a damaged location in an underwater region of a wall of a vessel or pool, in particular in the region of a wall of a pool of a nuclear reactor plant. The device includes a guiding system, which can be attached along a side wall at a distance therefrom and can be fixed thereto, for guiding a carriage which can be made to move in a longitudinal direction of the guiding system. Arranged on the carriage is a displaceably mounted holder for a repair support, which can be placed with an adhesive surface against the wall region containing the damaged location. With such a device, wall regions that are at a great depth and can only be accessed through narrow gaps can be repaired quickly and reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Areva NP GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Krämer, Konrad Meier-Hynek
  • Patent number: 8371026
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a multilayer ceramic electronic device, a multilayer ceramic element assembly is prepared that includes laminated unsintered ceramic base material layers, a first conductor pattern, a seat portion disposed in a surface of the multilayer ceramic element assembly and arranged to mount a surface mount electronic device thereon, a second conductor pattern connected to the surface mount electronic device, and a resin introduction portion located outside a vertically projected region of the surface mount electronic device and arranged to introduce a resin to the seat portion. The multilayer ceramic element assembly is fired and the surface mount electronic device is mounted on the seat portion of the fired multilayer ceramic element assembly with the second conductor pattern therebetween. The resin is filled from the resin introduction portion into the seat portion and between the seat portion and the surface mount electronic device, and the resin is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Nomiya, Norio Sakai, Mitsuyoshi Nishide
  • Patent number: 8371027
    Abstract: In an electronic components mounting process fabricating a mount circuit board due to an electronic components mounting system formed of a plurality of electronic components mounting apparatuses by connecting them to each other, data of solder paste position which is printed on the circuit board is transmitted as feedforward data to an electronic components placement apparatus and a placement state inspecting apparatus. A control parameter which controls a placing position in a components placement operation due to the electronic components placement apparatus and an inspection parameter which indicates a standard position of the components in a placement state inspection are updated on the basis of the soldering position data. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a precise mounting by effectively and properly using inspection information obtained from each process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masafumi Inoue, Mitsuhaya Tsukamoto, Masahiro Kihara, Syoichi Nishi
  • Patent number: 8371028
    Abstract: A method for increasing the current carried between two high voltage conductor support towers is provided. The method includes removing a first high voltage carrying cable mounted between the towers and replacing it with a composite core cable. This replacement of cable may be accomplished with existing cable hanging equipment and without the need for additional tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gift Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Brandt Goldsworthy, George Korzeniowski
  • Patent number: 8371029
    Abstract: The present invention provides a production apparatus for crankshaft, including: a die which has a lower die, an upper die, and plural side forming punches, the upper die being provided movably to the lower die, the side forming punches moving perpendicularly to a movement direction of the upper die; a press ram which moves the upper die to the lower die, closes a material of the crankshaft, and forms the material; cam mechanisms which are provided for the side forming punches and which move the side forming punches to an inside portion of the die in accordance with movement of the press ram; a grade separation structure which is provided to at least one of the side forming punches in order to prevent interference of the side forming punches with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Nichidai Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ito, Takayuki Ohnuma, Tsutomu Ando, Yasuyuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 8371030
    Abstract: A maintenance method is provided for a wind turbine generator including a tower and a nacelle. The maintenance method includes: attaching a pedestal to the tower; attaching a jack to the pedestal; and lifting the nacelle by using the jack to detach the nacelle from the tower, from a state where the nacelle is rotatably connected to the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Shiraishi, Kunikazu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8371031
    Abstract: A cutting device, particularly suited for removing vehicle glazing panels, has forward blade carrier and a rearward handle spaced from the forward blade carrier. The forward blade carrier may function as a handle, the device thereby being operable in two handed use. The rearward handle and forward blade may be movable relative to one another permitting re-configuration of the device. The rearward handle and forward blade carrier may be connected by a bridge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Belron Hungary Kft-Zug Branch
    Inventors: Christopher Davies, Nicholas James Mival
  • Patent number: 8371032
    Abstract: A power tool comprises a crank pin that is eccentrically rotatable by a motor about a rotational axis. A non-rotatable first slider is linearly reciprocated by the crank pin so as to linearly reciprocate a tool. An eccentric pin is disposed substantially diametrically opposite of the crank pin relative to the rotational axis and is eccentrically rotatable by the motor about the rotational axis. A non-rotatable second slider is linearly reciprocated by the eccentric pin in a substantially opposite phase from the first slider so that the second slider acts as a counterweight to the first slider in order to reduce vibrations at least in the direction of linear reciprocation. A rotatable component is rotatably driven by the motor about the rotational axis and has a center of gravity displaced from its rotational axis towards the eccentric pin so as to supplement the vibration reducing function of the counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 8371033
    Abstract: To solve problems in a conventional electric can opening apparatus wherein it is impractical to drain the unwanted liquid from the inside of the can after opening the container and disposing of the top lid or top without touching it. The composite can opener includes a body with a gripping member gripping a can while an opening member cuts the top of the can open and a piston that selectively pushes the top into and out of the can after it has been cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Cantore, III, Michael Tobin, James Emmett Towey, Nisha Sawhney, Gennadi Fedorov