Patents Issued in February 26, 2013
  • Patent number: 8381372
    Abstract: A camming clamp has a fixed jaw, a pair anchored in the fixed jaw, and a moving jaw threaded onto the guides. A levered cam is threaded onto at least one guide. A backing surface is threaded onto the same one guide. It sandwiches the levered cam between itself and the moving jaw. An adjustable locking provision locks the backing surface at fixed positions along this guide with the levered cam. Wherein, the levered cam has a cam head with an over-center axis such that, when rolled on one side of the over-center axis the camming clamp is slack and adapted to position the jaws on opposite sides of an object to be clamped, and, when rolled over the other side of the over-center axis the jaws clamp tight on said object. The over-center axis prevents the cam head from auto-pivoting back to slack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Randall E. Arnall
  • Patent number: 8381373
    Abstract: A housing assembly for twin latching mechanisms. The housing assembly includes two handles that can be pivoted to separately unlatch two belt connectors. The latching mechanisms are positioned within the housing such that when the handles are pivoted upwardly, their leading edges engage plunger mechanisms associated with the latching mechanisms. By engaging the plunger mechanisms, individual latches are disengaged and the associated belt connectors are ejected. A flange interconnects the two handles such that one or both handles are pivoted depending upon which handle is lifted by the operator. The housing provides a secure enclosure for the latch mechanisms and also shields the working components from the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Conax Florida Corporation
    Inventor: Marc Jung
  • Patent number: 8381374
    Abstract: A shower curtain fastener includes a body portion adapted to couple to a shower curtain rod and a shower curtain. A hook portion formed integrally with the body portion includes a first segment extending substantially vertically downward from the bottom section of the body portion and a second segment extending outwardly to receive items apart from the shower curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Town & Country Linen Corp.
    Inventors: Lou Henry, James Kwon
  • Patent number: 8381375
    Abstract: A crosslapper receives a card web and folds it into a lap intended to be needle-punched or consolidated by other ways. The web includes zones which are more condensed, having a spectrum of orientation of fibers with a component parallel to the width of the web, alternating with less condensed zones having a longitudinal unidirectional spectrum of orientations. The zones which are less condensed are used to form the edge zones of the lap. The result is that the lap has different respective spectra of orientation which pre-compensate for the unwanted changes produced by the needle-punching or other consolidation which follows. A needle-punched lap is obtained having a uniform MD/CD ratio (relationship between longitudinal and respectively transverse tensile strengths) or having a sought profile of the MD/CD ratio across the width of the lap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Asselin-Thibeau
    Inventors: Cathia Dos Santos, Michel Colotte, Jean-Louis Dupont, François Louis
  • Patent number: 8381376
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fibrous structure is particularly, though not exclusively, applicable to the manufacture of friction products such as preform discs. The method comprises mounting a former on a shaft. First feeds of fibrous material are spaced along the shaft and applied to the former in a direction tangential to the shaft as the shaft is rotated. A second feed is also applied to the former in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The fibrous materials in the feeds overlie as the shaft rotates and the thickness of the material applied to the former increases to form the fibrous structure. Lengths of the first and/or second feeds are then inserted into the fibrous structure body in a radial direction with respect to the shaft as the shaft is rotated to interconnect the overlying layers and hold the structure together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Allen, Betty Halstead
  • Patent number: 8381377
    Abstract: A bridge system for a string instrument includes a plate that is bonded to a string instrument soundboard. The plate has a plurality of first holes for respectively receiving a string ball end. A bridge box is attached to the underside of the plate. The bridge box has a bottom plate with a plurality of second holes aligned with third holes within the plate for accommodating a string ball end entrapper. The entrapper entraps the string ball end within the bridge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Eduard Poliak, Mordechai Ruslan Davidov, Alexander Khaskin
  • Patent number: 8381378
    Abstract: A method of forming a micromechanical resonator includes forming a resonator body anchored to a substrate by at least a first anchor. This resonator body may include a semiconductor or other first material having a negative temperature coefficient of elasticity (TCE). A two-dimensional array of spaced-apart trenches are provided in the resonator body. These trenches may be filled with an electrically insulating or other second material having a positive TCE. The array of trenches may extend uniformly across the resonator body, including regions in the body that have relatively high and low mechanical stress during resonance. This two-dimensional array (or network) of trenches can be modeled as a network of mass-spring systems with springs in parallel and/or in series with respect to a direction of a traveling acoustic wave within the resonator body during resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Farrokh Ayazi, Roozbeh Tabrizian, Giorgio Casinovi
  • Patent number: 8381379
    Abstract: A tool is provided for use in removing at least one airfoil. The tool includes a skid for mounting tool components, a vibrator attached to the skid, at least one jaw connected to a jaw activator. The jaw is configured to engage the airfoil. Power supply means are provided for powering the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James B. Holmes, Randall S. Corn, John W. Herbold
  • Patent number: 8381380
    Abstract: The device for fast assembly of a tool on its support comprises a bolt attached to said support and disposed within a bore with a through hole and a mandrel, which is attached to the tool as such and disposed within said through hole and interacting with said bolt. At the junction between the tool and its support, the device comprises centering and locking means which consist of a set of the tenon and mortise type, which set extends perpendicularly to the mandrel and thus forms a T-shaped structure of the assembly, which confers high rigidity to the tool. Said assembly device is in particular suitable for tools such as actuators or pliers, i.e. tools which are utilized in machines for packaging flasks, bottles or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Philippe Tuauden, Dominique Germain, Eric Devaux
  • Patent number: 8381381
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for producing fire rated doors having added strength, better finishing and low cost manufacturing flexibility. The fire rated doors are made from two panels “sandwiched” together. An optional interior layer (e.g., fire resistant material, lead sheeting, steel or Kevlar) can be added between the door panels for various purposes. Splines, stiles or sticks are inserted in longitudinal channels in the door panels to provide assistance in aligning the door panels and greater hardware holding strength. An intumescent banding material concealed by a banding material around the perimeter of the door seals the door within its frame during a fire. The door design and the automated manufacturing process provide greater design choice, reduced cost and faster fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Polymer-Wood Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan R. Daniels
  • Patent number: 8381382
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and equipment for automatically assembling three panes of glass and corresponding spacers so that air or other gas can be injected into the two between-pane spaces. The equipment can receive two glass panes that each have spacers coupled to one of their major surfaces, along with a third glass pane having no spacer coupled to its major surfaces, and can assemble the three glass panes into a “teepee” configuration in which the two spacers each contact two of the glass panes along a common edge of the glass panes. Preferred equipment can receive a glass pane in a first orientation and rotate the glass pane 180° to a second orientation in which the glass pane's two major surfaces face opposite directions from the first orientation. Such preferred equipment can then receive a two-pane teepee from a previous piece of equipment and can add the “flipped” single glass pane to the teepee to create a three-pane teepee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventors: William R. Wunnicke, Robert E. Walsh, Martin Westley
  • Patent number: 8381383
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of placement of gravity installed anchors in offshore environments, for the mooring of structures thereto In the preferred embodiment, a gravity installed anchor has an outwardly extending load arm, which is preferably rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the anchor A load line is attached to the load arm, and a subsea connector is attached to the distal end of the load line The subsea connector is held in a staging device, which rests on the seabed and supports the subsea connector in a desired position to facilitate subsea connection thereto A deployment/recovery line is attached to the rearward end of the gravity installed anchor This gravity installed anchor and mooring assembly is lowered from the installation vessel on a lowering line, by a release hook on the end of the lowering line engaging the deployment/recovery line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Delmar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Smith, John T. Shelton, III
  • Patent number: 8381384
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming aluminum ingot having shaped ends to avoid alligatoring during rolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tri-Arrows Aluminum Inc.
    Inventors: Gyan Jha, J. David Brown, Shridas Ningilcri, Weimin Yin, Randall Bowers
  • Patent number: 8381385
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming aluminum ingot having shaped ends to avoid alligatoring during rolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tri-Arrows Aluminum Inc.
    Inventors: Gyan Jha, J. David Brown, Shridas Ningileri, Weimin Yin, Randall Bowers
  • Patent number: 8381386
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a boundary acoustic wave device includes the steps of forming an electrode on a first medium layer, forming a second medium layer so as to cover the electrode on the first medium layer, and forming a sound absorbing layer on an external surface of the second medium layer. The sound absorbing layer has an acoustic velocity of transverse waves that is lower than an acoustic velocity of transverse waves of the second medium layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Kando
  • Patent number: 8381387
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer fabrication method including: depositing a conductive material on an insulating layer, partially etching the conductive material to form lower electrodes; depositing an insulating material to cover the lower electrodes to form a first insulating layer and depositing a sacrificial material thereon, performing etching, to create cavities and a channel-shaped sacrificial layer to communicate the cavities; depositing an insulating material on the first insulating layer to form a second insulating layer; partially etching the second insulating layer to form holes; etching and removing the sacrificial layer through the holes to form the cavities and channels; depositing a conductive material on the second insulating layer to plug the holes and form a conductive film; partially etching the conductive film to form upper electrodes and sealing portions which plug the holes; and forming a protective film on the second insulating layer to cover the upper electrodes and the sealing portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Matsumoto, Ryo Ohta, Mamoru Hasegawa, Hideo Adachi, Katsuhiro Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8381388
    Abstract: A method for handling a stator bar at a braze station including: lifting the stator bar from a platform, wherein the stator bar is in a substantially horizontal orientation on the platform; turning the stator bar from the horizontal orientation to an orientation at least 45 degrees from horizontal; aligning an upper end of the bar with a brazing station and positioning a lower end of the bar in a pit; turning the bar to reverse positions of the ends of the bar, and returning the stator bar to a horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Robert Schumacher, Yu Wang, Vincenzo Sofia, Alan Michael Iversen, Jeffrey Michael Breznak
  • Patent number: 8381389
    Abstract: A method for assembling the rotor (R) connected with a shaft (4) and made by permanent magnets (2). The method includes providing an annular flange (9); forming a plurality of fixed linear guides on the annular flange (9); positioning another annular flange (90) on the guides; and locking the second flange (90) to the guides, so that the magnets (2) are clamped, inside the guides, by the first and the second flange (9, 90). The guides are formed by inserting a rod (13) through each of passing holes (91) in the first flange (9) and locking the rods (13) to the first flange (9); fitting, on the rods (13), a body (12) having a central portion with a passing hole (121) and side arms (122); fitting a spacer (11) on each rod (13); and fitting, on each rod, a body (12) having a passing hole (121) and two arms (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Renzo Lisi, Leonardo Lenzi
  • Patent number: 8381390
    Abstract: A hybrid cascading lubrication and cooling system (200, 400) producing method for an electrical machine (102) with nested stages is provided. The electrical machine (102) includes an inner nested stage (444) nested with respect to an outer nested stage (446). An oil pump (222) is coupled to an oil pump inlet tube (226) to draw oil from an oil sump (224), and a cooling core (230) to distribute pumped oil within the electrical machine (102). A rotor member (212) is coupled to the inner nested stage (444) and the outer nested stage (446). The rotor member (212) centrifugally pumps oil from the cooling core (230) through inner radial holes (424) and outer radial holes (436) in the rotor member (212) upon rotation about a central axis (216) of the electrical machine (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 8381391
    Abstract: A method for providing a magnetic recording transducer is described. The method includes providing a pinned layer for a magnetic element. In one aspect, a portion of a tunneling barrier layer for the magnetic element is provided. The magnetic recording transducer annealed is after the portion of the tunneling barrier layer is provided. The annealing is at a temperature higher than room temperature. A remaining portion of the tunneling barrier layer is provided after the annealing. In another aspect, the magnetic transducer is transferred to a high vacuum annealing apparatus before annealing the magnetic transducer. In this aspect, the magnetic transducer may be annealed before any portion of the tunneling barrier is provided or after at least a portion of the tunneling barrier is provided. The annealing is performed in the high vacuum annealing apparatus. A free layer for the magnetic element is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLC
    Inventors: Chando Park, Qunwen Leng, Mahendra Pakala
  • Patent number: 8381392
    Abstract: A method, including depositing a layer of material onto a base portion of a wafer, is disclosed. The layer of material has a first surface adjacent the base portion. The method also includes depositing a pattern of masking material onto a portion of a second surface of the layer. Material from the layer of material that is unprotected by the pattern of masking material is removed from the layer of material. By removing such material a portion of the layer of material is suspended from the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jie Zou, Kaizhong Gao
  • Patent number: 8381393
    Abstract: Methods of forming a microelectronic structure are described. Embodiments of those methods include attaching a patch to an interposer, forming at least one interconnect structure above and on a top surface of the interposer; and attaching a flex connector to the at least one interconnect structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Brent M. Roberts, Mihir K. Roy, Sriram Srinivasan, Sridhar Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 8381394
    Abstract: A circuit board has an embedded electronic component such as an integrated circuit chip with a wafer level chip size package. A via hole extends through the electronic component. Another via hole extends through the substrate or prepreg on which the electronic component is mounted inside the circuit board. Conductors in the via holes enable a terminal on the surface of the electronic component to be electrically connected to a wiring pattern or another electronic component on the opposite side of the substrate or prepreg. Routing the connection through the electronic component itself saves space and reduces the length of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Oki Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Shizuno
  • Patent number: 8381395
    Abstract: A device and appertaining method for picking up devices in a component placement device permits even very small components and even a first component of a new belt to be picked up by scanning the structural features of the belt directly in the proximity of the components. The positional tolerances can be disregarded so that even the first component of a new belt can be reliably detected by the pick-up tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ASM Assembly Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Bachthaler, Hans-Horst Grasmueller, Thomas Liebeke, Michael Schwiefert
  • Patent number: 8381396
    Abstract: Ribbons containing e.g. inorganic NMOS devices are assembled in electrical contact with ribbons containing e.g. PMOS devices (preferably organic) to enable flexible electronic textile circuits, e.g. displays, to be inexpensive and practical for a wide for a variety of functions. The use of ribbons provides flexibility, reduces costs, and allows testing during assembly and different processes to be efficiently used for different components. This is apparently the first time that ribbons (especially inorganic-device-containing ribbons) have been interconnected to form a flexible CMOS electronic textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Bruce Gnade
  • Patent number: 8381397
    Abstract: A method for applying a shield tape to conductors that comprises folding a first edge of the shield tape in a first direction from a central portion while folding a second edge in a second direction opposite the first direction; applying a fold to the first edge by folding the first edge back over onto the central portion forming a receiving area while wrapping the shield tape around the conductors; tightening the shield tape around the conductors such that the conductive layer of the shield tape is on the outside of insulating layer and facing away from the conductors while positioning the receiving area to receive a drain wire; installing a drain wire in the receiving area; and closing the shield tape around the conductors and the drain wire to form an enclosure around the conductors with the second edge overlapping the fold at an outside surface of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Cable Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk D. Dion, Moe J. Jaber
  • Patent number: 8381398
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aerofoil for a gas turbine engine (10). The method comprises the steps of providing first and second panels (16, 18), providing a web (30) between the first and second panels, deforming the panels and the web by applying internal pressure between the panels so as to form a series of internal cavities partitioned by the web. The method further includes the step of either cutting the web (30) across its entire width or causing the web to fail across its entire width so as to define an aerofoil having first and second panels with at least one protrusion extending from the first panel partially across the space between the first and second panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Keith C. Goldfinch, Oliver M. Strother, Julian Mackechnie-Jarvis
  • Patent number: 8381399
    Abstract: A method of repurposing dual-paned insulated glass window units (IGUs) that would otherwise be put to waste into thermal solar panels capable of generating hot water for a residence or other structure. The method includes the steps of removing an existing IGU, disassembling and cleaning the IGU, and reassembling the IGU with a new silicon seal and fluid channels for connection to a looped solar heating system. The space between the panes may be filled with a liquid to be heated by solar radiation, or alternatively by a conduit which transports the liquid through the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory B. Mills
  • Patent number: 8381400
    Abstract: A check valve includes a housing, a bore, and a liftably movable valve body which is spring-loaded at least after a small axial travel of the valve body and tightly contacts a valve seat. The bore is constructed as a stepped bore, the bore section of smaller diameter having the valve seat, and the bore section of larger diameter receiving the liftably movable valve member. A ball which is held captive by a holding element arranged in the bore is provided as valve body. The valve seat has a contour corresponding to the valve body in the area of the contact surface of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hubert Beck, Klaus Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8381401
    Abstract: A method of assembly of a rotatable flapper valve to an interior of a conduit features the ability to couple the valve plate to its axle outside of the conduit in an independent operation. The conduit is split into first and second sections each having a flared end and a pair of indentations for receipt of the valve axle. While separated, the valve axle is placed in a pair of indentations in one of the conduit sections and then the second conduit section is moved into abutting engagement such that its indentations also partially surround the axle. The first and second conduit sections are then joined by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan Sahs, Jason Lefler, William E. Hill
  • Patent number: 8381402
    Abstract: A production robust autofrettage process for strengthening fuel injector nozzle tips includes applying a vacuum to the interior volume of the nozzle tip. Plugs are suctioned over each of the nozzle outlets. Nozzle outlets are blocked by pressing the plugs between the nozzle tip and a fixture component. The nozzle tip is then autofrettaged at least in part by pressurizing the interior volume with an autofrettage liquid. The plugs are then removed from the nozzle outlets leaving the nozzle tip strengthened with compressive residual stress, especially in the sac region of the interior volume of the nozzle tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Marion B. Grant, Petr Michlik
  • Patent number: 8381403
    Abstract: There is disclosed a baffle for inhibiting the passage of sound, debris or the like through a cavity of an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Lewis
  • Patent number: 8381404
    Abstract: A method manufacturing of a fluid dynamic bearing includes: forming a substantially linear groove having a length corresponding to a circumferential direction width of the dynamic pressure groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of a shaft housing hole portion, along the circumferential direction of a surface orthogonal to a first processing direction along the central axis direction of a work, by a byte that performs a micro alternating drive in a second processing direction orthogonal to the first processing direction; and extending the dynamic pressure groove that extends in the first processing direction by continuously forming the substantially linear grooves in the first processing direction by displacing the relative positions of the work and the byte in the first processing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Alphana Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisayuki Aoshima, Hiroshi Iwai
  • Patent number: 8381405
    Abstract: An electric shaver including: a gripper portion to be held by the user's hand; and a head portion configured to hold a shaving-blade unit and supported to be swingable in predetermined directions with respect to the gripper portion, wherein the head portion is provided with: an edge-trimmer-blade unit configured to be switched between a ready-for-use state and a stored state by an operation element; and a engaging portion for fixing the head portion, the engaging portion configured to be engaged with the operation element when the edge-trimmer-blade unit is switched to the ready.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shigeta, Masanobu Yamasaki, Shin Hosokawa, Takeshi Shiba, Jyuzaemon Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 8381406
    Abstract: A replacement blade razor including a holder having a head portion, a razor head supported by the head portion of the holder, and a blade member removably mounted in the razor head is provided. The head portion of the holder or the razor head includes a holding mechanism that assists in mounting of the blade member in the razor head by attracting or adhering to the blade member and thus causing the razor head to hold the blade member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kai R&D Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8381407
    Abstract: An exchange blade knife includes a replaceable blade, a blade holder and a blade lock. The replaceable blade includes an opening adjacent to its base edge. The blade holder includes a blade recess for receiving the replaceable blade and a boss corresponding to the opening in the blade which projects from the surface of the blade recess. The boss has a low portion that is no thicker than the replaceable blade and a raised portion that extends above the surface of the replaceable blade. The blade lock pivots on the blade holder between an opened position for receiving the replaceable blade and a closed position for retaining the replaceable blade. The blade lock also includes an opening for receiving the boss of the blade holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: James Dale White
  • Patent number: 8381408
    Abstract: A method for determining a contour data set of a spectacle frame rim comprising the steps of: a) providing a plurality (N) of three dimensional measured points along a contour of a spectacle frame rim; b) calculating a plurality of best torus that fits P points chosen among the N measured points and where P is equal or more than 4; c) selecting the (T) points among the N measured points that deviate from one of the best torus more than a threshold value; and d) forming the contour data set with (N-T) three dimensional measured points where the T selected points of step c) are excluded from the list of three dimensional measured points of step a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Frédéric Dubois, David Freson
  • Patent number: 8381409
    Abstract: A laser measurement system operates to measure portions of a vehicle, such as a vehicle frame. The measurements are used, for example, to determine if the portions of the vehicle are bent or damaged. The measurement system includes a laser scanner and at least one target assembly that can be connected to a point of the vehicle. The laser scanner emits a laser beam that is detected by the target. Time and laser position information detected by the target are used to determine the location of the target, as well as the location of the point of the vehicle. The location of the point is then compared to an original location of the point to determine if damage has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Infinity Laser Measuring LLC
    Inventors: Robin L. Knoke, Matt J. Brunk, Mark W. Schulz, Eric J. Krause, Lee G. Macklem, William M. Roth, Daniel Darst
  • Patent number: 8381410
    Abstract: A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Adams, Jr., Bradley P. Bengston, Steven A. Teitelbaum
  • Patent number: 8381411
    Abstract: A tape measuring device with magnetic end hook is provided, the tape measuring device comprises: a housing; an extendable and retractable tape blade having opposing ends, one end of the tape blade is attached to and situated within said housing; an end hook having opposing front and rear portions, the second end of the tape blade is attached to the end hook, the rear portion of the end hook is generally perpendicular to the front portion of the end hook, the front portion of the end hook has a frontal surface and at least one cavity, and the cavity forms a protrusion on a rear surface of the front portion of the end hook, and the front portion of the end hook comprises at least two opposing side arms, the side arms are offset so that the side arms are generally parallel to the protrusion on the rear surface of the front portion of the end hook to thereby allow for accurate measurements; and at least one magnet glued within the cavity of the end hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: IBT Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Dan DeLaRosa, Glenn Robinson
  • Patent number: 8381412
    Abstract: A dryer is provided, in which foreign substances contained in air circulating through an inside of a drum is filtered by a filter unit, and the foreign substances attached to the filter unit are separated by air flowing in a direction opposite to a flow direction of the circulating air. The separated foreign substances are collected in a separate lint case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Phyo Ahn, Jeong Yun Kim, Sang Ik Lee
  • Patent number: 8381413
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a drying apparatus, for drying flexible objects such as bags or gloves, comprise a first suspension couplable to an external support, and a second suspension magnetically couplable to the first suspension. An object is supported between the first and second suspensions through the magnetic coupling. In a first embodiment, the second suspension comprises a magnetic hub and one or more spreaders, which may be fixed, removable, or moveably attached to the magnetic hub, and which may be repositionable between open and closed positions. The spreaders may be flexible, articulated, rigid, repositionable, collapsible, extendable, jointed, forked, hinged, slideable, continuous, or merged, and further may have substantially puncture-resistant terminations. The first suspension also comprises a magnetic member and a suspending member, such as an open hook or a clamp suspending member, for supporting the apparatus with the secured object from or by many types of external supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Holly M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8381414
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a dryer used to reduce the moisture content of sheet material. A drying chamber is provided and includes a plurality of drying sections and a single point exhaust system. A seal section located at the input end of the dryer includes an exhaust passage through which a gas sample is drawn by a sampling fan. Gases within the seal section are a combination of ambient air drawn through restricted passages at the entry to the seal section and exhaust gas that bleeds into the seal section from the drying chamber. A controller monitors the temperature of the sampled gases and ambient air and adjusts the rate of exhaust flow from the main exhaust system as a function of the temperature differential. A heating system is also provided for heating the seal exhaust gases above the pitch condensation temperature for the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: USNR/Kockums Cancar Company
    Inventor: Bryan Wolowiecki
  • Patent number: 8381415
    Abstract: A flip-flop system featuring an elongated strap between about 6 to 10 inches in length; a first half snap disposed on the outer surface of the strap at the first end and a second half snap disposed on the outer surface of the strap near the first end, the first half snap can engage the second half snap by bending the first end of the strap around; and a third half snap disposed on the outer surface of the strap at the second end and a fourth half snap disposed on the outer surface of the strap near the second end, the third half snap can engage the fourth half snap by bending the second end of the strap around, the snaps function to the elongated strap to be removably attached to a flip-flop, sandal, or thong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Wanda J. Lanoue, Jennifer Pelland
  • Patent number: 8381416
    Abstract: A footwear structure including an outsole, an upper and a midsole, each including a shank interlock portion. The midsole may include multiply layers of differing rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Kenton D. Geer, Gary J. Troy
  • Patent number: 8381417
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a footwear upper and a sole assembly secured to the footwear upper. The sole assembly has a heelward portion and a toeward portion, and includes a deck assembly disposed substantially in the heelward portion of the sole assembly. The deck assembly includes an upper deck portion, a lower deck portion spaced from the upper deck portion, and right and left supports attached to respective right and left portions of the upper and lower deck portions substantially near respective right and left lateral edges of the upper and lower deck portions. The deck assembly defines a cavity between the upper and lower decks. The deck assembly directs translation of ground contact forces incurred by the heelward portion of the sole assembly at least partially laterally outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: SR Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Crowley, II, David M. Nau, James Cheney, Matthew R. Clerc, David Thorpe
  • Patent number: 8381418
    Abstract: A chamber may have an outer barrier and a tensile member. The barrier is formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity. The tensile member is located within the interior cavity and includes (a) a first layer element secured to the barrier, (b) a second layer element secured to an opposite portion of the barrier, and (c) a plurality of I-shaped tether elements that extend through the first layer element and the second layer element. In some configurations, the tether elements may include (a) a first end member located between the barrier and the first layer element, (b) a second end member located between the barrier and the second layer element, and (c) a central member extending through the first layer element and the second layer element and secured to the first end member and the second end member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee D. Peyton
  • Patent number: 8381419
    Abstract: A ski boot includes a base shell; a sole; an upper shell that has at least a fastening clip and that is articulated to the base shell with pins provided in the region of the malleoli; an inner boot, wherein the base shell defines a slot having two strips coupled one to the other with a gaiter and is provided with at least one fastening device; a first tongue joined to the base shell in the proximity of a tip thereof, the first tong being manufactured from a material of differentiated rigidities, the portion of the first tongue in the area of the free end having a lower rigidity that the portion joined to the base shell; and a removable second tongue configured to cover the first tongue and having a greater rigidity than the first tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ober ALP S.p.A.
    Inventors: Piero Fenato, Mario Sartor
  • Patent number: 8381420
    Abstract: A material dispenser that may be used with a snow removal machine is comprised of a container, broadcaster actuator, and broadcaster in one embodiment. The material dispenser allows the operator to broadcast dry treatment material from a container mounted to the snow removal machine regardless of whether the precipitation engaging member of the snow removal machine is operating. The broadcaster actuator operates to cause the treatment material to be placed on or adjacent the path of the snow removal machine. The broadcast actuator may be positioned on a handle member of the snow removal machine so that it is convenient for the operator to engage the broadcast actuator while operating the snow removal machine or when the precipitation engaging member is not removing precipitation. A slide gate may be used to throttle the volume of treatment material exiting the container, and a slide gate actuator may be remotely mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Samuel M. Hipple, Matthew T. Moran, Aric Hamburg
  • Patent number: 8381421
    Abstract: A frame for mounting an implement to a vehicle having wheels includes elongated frame members for supporting the implement and drive members that are mounted on the elongated frame members. The drive members contact the wheels of the vehicle and receive a driving force from the wheels. The frame is mounted to the vehicle only on the vehicle wheels, and is able to pivot to follow the steering motion of the vehicle wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Snap-N-Go-Products
    Inventors: Thomas E. Lhota, Danny T. Miller