Patents Issued in March 4, 2014
  • Patent number: 8661631
    Abstract: A shoelace holder that includes one or more patches of hook material that either is built into the upper portion of a shoe or releasably attaches to the upper portion of a shoe. The securing device provides function as well as decoration to the shoe surface. The securing device holds the shoelace against the shoe body thereby preventing a tripping hazard whether the shoelace is tied or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Lance T. Palea
  • Patent number: 8661632
    Abstract: An apparatus for pliabilizing tubular materials including a frame, a ring holder, and a mandrel assembly. The ring holder assembly is mounted to the frame and includes a circumferential ring, and a plurality of pairs of non-mechanically driven, rotatable wheels mounted around the ring and having a recess extending circumferentially around an outer edge. The mandrel assembly includes a mandrel having proximal and distal ends and a maximum outer circumference, and a plurality of non-mechanically driven, rotatable wheels spaced apart about a circumference of the mandrel and mounted thereto so as to extend radially beyond the maximum outer circumference. The wheels of the mandrel assembly are positioned between and so as to mate with respective pairs of the wheels of the ring holder assembly, and the wheels of the mandrel assembly are sized shaped to mate with the recesses of the respective pairs of wheels of the ring holder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford A. Dey, Dwayne Looney
  • Patent number: 8661633
    Abstract: The present invention provides a container having a sheet metal floor, a sheet metal sidewall shell having four round seamless corners and a maximum of two sidewall seams. The container can be a casket with a lid, and a pair of hinges pivotally attaching the lid to the sidewall. The sheet metal sidewall shell can be made from a stretch-bent sheet metal sidewall panel. In some instances, the sheet metal sidewall shell has only one seam that may or may not be a welded seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Genesis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Filipek, Daniel B. Sauger, Edward J. Engler, Timothy M. Hamlock, Jeff Park, Gary Vincent Borg, Franco Pahmer, Charles Dean Harrier
  • Patent number: 8661634
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible piezoelectric device including laminating a first metal layer on a silicon oxide layer on a silicon substrate. The method further includes laminating a device on the first metal layer and annealing the first metal layer to oxidize the first metal into a first metal oxide. The method further includes etching the first metal oxide to separate the device from the silicon oxide layer and transferring the separated device to a flexible substrate using a transfer layer. The metal oxide layer laminated on the silicon substrate is etched to separate the device from the substrate. As a result, physical damage of the silicon substrate is prevented and a cost of using expensive single-crystal silicon substrate is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Keon Jae Lee, Suk Joong L. Kang, Jaemyung Chang, Kwi-il Park, Seungjun Kim, Sang Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 8661635
    Abstract: A piezoelectronic device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The piezoelectronic device has a plurality of carbon nanotubes; at least one piezoceramic layer covering the plurality of carbon nanotubes; and a supporting material for supporting the carbon nanotubes and disposed between the carbon nanotubes, the supporting layer being coated with at least one piezoceramic layer, wherein the plurality of carbon nanotubes is arranged in a comb-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Wen-Kuang Hsu, Hsin-Fu Kuo, Yu-Hsien Lin, Chiung-Wen Tang, Chieh-Lien Lu, Yao-Cheng Lai
  • Patent number: 8661636
    Abstract: Provided is a metal shell cutting and assembling machine for cutting a material tape with metal shells and assembling the metal shell with a plastic body of a connector. The metal shell cutting and assembling machine includes a frame, a material-feeding mechanism, a pre-press mechanism, a metal shell-cutting mechanism, a plastic body-inserting mechanism, a metal shell-inserting mechanism and a controller. The material-feeding mechanism is used for transferring the material tape. The pre-press mechanism can pre-press the metal shell of the material tape for being cut by the metal shell-cutting mechanism. The metal shell-inserting mechanism can push the metal shell held between the pre-press mechanism and the metal shell-cutting mechanism onto the plastic body-inserting mechanism, and the plastic body-inserting mechanism pushes the plastic body for assembling with the metal shell. Whereby the metal shell cutting and assembling machine can enhance the manufacture efficiency and reduce the labor cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-feng Lin, Kuo-chuan Chiu, Feng-chi Lee
  • Patent number: 8661637
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing a sealing plug from a bore, the sealing plug has an outer sleeve and an inner stem retained within the outer sleeve, the removal taking place after a suitable hole has been drilled part-way into the stem, the removal apparatus has a tapered punch for forcible insertion into the hole in the stem to create an interference fit between the punch and the stem and thereafter driving the stem out of the sleeve while also retaining the stem on the punch by virtue of the interference fit, and sleeve-engaging portion engagable with the sleeve after the punch has removed the stem from the sleeve, the sleeve-engaging portion and the punch being thereafter removable from the bore to remove both the sleeve and the stem from the bore while the sleeve and the stem are both retained on the appropriate parts of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Avdel UK Limited
    Inventor: Richard King
  • Patent number: 8661638
    Abstract: A wheel cylinder adjuster includes plural actuating discs able to match different-sized wheel cylinders, and a driving wrench able to be jointed with the actuating disc. The driving wrench has two ends of its shank respectively provided with right-handed threads and left-handed threads on the surface, having a crosswise insert hole respectively bored at an outer side of the right-handed threads and of the left-handed threads, and the shank has two ends respectively protruding outward to form a positioning rod to be inserted in the insert hole of the actuating disc. Two positioning sleeves are respectively combined with the right-handed threads and the left-handed threads at the two ends of the shank. A holding rod is inserted in either one of the two insert holes at two ends of the driving wrench, and a positioning stop plate is provided to fix one of the two positioning sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Shu-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 8661639
    Abstract: Manual tool for application of a tile laying device to tiles to coat, including a working head having a support surface that is arranged next to a face of a portion of the device. The working head has a side opening through which the band member, connected to a portion of the device and protruding from the second portion through the tiles, is arranged. The tool includes a tensioning device means that is adapted to engage with the band member and to apply on the band member a tension T1 to arrange the device between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mollificio Apuano S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mauro Bondielli
  • Patent number: 8661640
    Abstract: A system for extraction of a mineral cutter pick (1), and optionally any interposed sleeve (19), the pick (1) comprises an elongate shank (4) extending from an enlarged head (2), has a piston (12) coaxial with the shank (4), with one end face (16) of the piston (12) subjectable to hydraulic pressure fluid, and with another, opposite end face (15) of the piston (12) capable of engaging an end face (5) of the shank (4), a sealing ring (14) to prevent passage of hydraulic fluid being carried by the piston (12), whereby axial movement of the piston (12), under hydraulic pressure, in turn axially displaces the pick (1), while further movement of the piston (12) results in extraction, if required, of sleeve (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Minnovation Limited
    Inventor: George Albert Parrott
  • Patent number: 8661641
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly tool for coupling a plurality of circumferentially spaced rotor blades to a rotor disc of a turbine rotor assembly, includes a base ring with an array of circumferentially spaced resilient fingers axially extending from the base ring. The resilient fingers are configured each to radially abut a blade seal, damper or other engine component against radially inner facing surfaces of platforms of the respective blades when the blades are being seated onto the disc during an assembly procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Lecuyer, Bruno Chatelois
  • Patent number: 8661642
    Abstract: A tool for installing a retainer ring onto the lower portion of a loosely inserted drain fitting for engaging a mounting flange thereto includes a generally resilient cup structure provided with a plurality of axially aligned and resiliently cantilevered peripherally adjacent strips within which the retaining ring is received in a compressed engagement seated on a helical interior shoulder. A threaded rod extends through a centering plug received in the drain fitting and then through the cup interior to axially advance the axially aligned ring carried by the strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth Heaton
  • Patent number: 8661643
    Abstract: A portable hand operated hose fitting swaging device preferably includes a swaging frame, the pair of swaging die halves, a hydraulic cylinder, a hand hydraulic pump and a support base. The swaging frame includes a cylinder support, a pair of support straps and a die base. The two swaging die halves are retained in the die base. The swaging die halves include a bore to receive a hose end of a hose fitting. A fitting ram is attached to an end of the cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder. The hand hydraulic pump includes a pump, an accumulator and a pump relief valve. The pump includes a removable actuator rod. The removable actuator rod is pulled to generate an output of pressurized hydraulic fluid. The pump forces hydraulic fluid through an output opening. The output opening is connected to the hydraulic cylinder through at least one hydraulic line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Peter W. Utecht, Richard D. Dresang
  • Patent number: 8661644
    Abstract: A tool is used to form a joint between a composite dome and a surrounding composite skirt. The tool includes a tool shell on which composite plies may be laid up to form the skirt and a spacer connected with the shell for filling a gap between the dome and the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Leslie Hand, Douglas A. McCarville, Jennifer S. Noel
  • Patent number: 8661645
    Abstract: A device for changing the rotational angle position of a pneumatic tire relative to a rim, on which the pneumatic tire is fitted to the rim, includes a manipulating device with a gripper adapted to be rotated by a positionable rotary drive mechanism and having radially adjustable gripper fingers with oppositely facing lift-off devices. Via the gripper it is possible to load a wheel into a clamping fixture, and following unseating of the tire beads from the clamped rim the pneumatic tire can be rotated relative to the rim through a computed angular difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Schenck RoTec GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Lemser, Georg Lipponer, Karl-Heinz Steitz, Martin Rogalla, Andreas Peinelt
  • Patent number: 8661646
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multicolored illuminator is disclosed. In an embodiment, a first transparent sheet (499) comprising light diffusing particles is provided. Second and third transparent cladding sheets (404) are provided on either sides of the first transparent sheet. A mirror (406) is provided adjacent to the second sheet. The first sheet, second sheet, third sheet and mirror are merged to give a multicolored illuminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: I2iC Corporation
    Inventors: Udayan Kanade, Gaurav Kulkarni, Karthikk Sridharan, Manas Alekar, Manohar Joshi, Sanat Ganu, Balaji Ganapathy
  • Patent number: 8661647
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a data storage device to a chassis includes a main body and two reinforcing members. The main body includes a top surface, a sidewall depending from the top surface, and a supporting wall extending upward from the top surface. Each of the two reinforcing members includes a reinforcing plate, a first fixing plate extending from an edge of the reinforcing member, and a second fixing plate extending from another edge of the reinforcing member. The first fixing plate is fixed on the supporting wall. The second fixing plate is fixed on the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 8661648
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward spiral wound modules along with methods for making and using the same. Several embodiments are described including methods for making spiral wound filtration modules using membrane sheet provided from a roll, wherein the membrane sheet is unrolled and assembled in a direction parallel to the permeate collection tube of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steven D. Jons, Allyn R. Marsh, III
  • Patent number: 8661649
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of antenna electronics attachment is disclosed. A nutplate is coupled to a mounting plate via a plurality of embedded fastening structures such that mechanical-electronic coupling means allow in-service change-out of an electronic component coupled to the nutplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Manny S. Urcia, Joseph A. Marshall, Douglas A. McCarville, Otis F. Layton, Adrian Viisoreanu
  • Patent number: 8661650
    Abstract: A method of making a handheld, electromechanical device useful in mammalian body-care includes the steps of: a) forming a one-piece housing having a single opening defined by a rim; b) assembling a unitary insert; c) inserting the unitary insert through the single opening of the housing; d) removably applying a cover having an exterior surface to close the opening of the one-piece housing; and e) attaching the unitary insert to at least one of the one-piece housing and the removable cover. The rim of the one-piece housing circumscribes a rim area, and the one-piece housing has a projected area that is substantially larger than the rim area. The unitary insert is dimensioned to be insertable through the opening defined by the rim, and it has a frame having disposed thereon electromechanical elements interconnected in an electrical circuit. The cover closes off the opening of the one-piece housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge M. Da Silva, Emanuel P. Morano, John Rytel
  • Patent number: 8661651
    Abstract: The rotary electric machine includes a rotor, and a stator including an stator core that is formed by laminating and integrating magnetic steel plates, and concentrated winding coils that are mounted to respective teeth, the stator being disposed so as to surround the rotor. Bobbins each including a trunk portion and first and second guide portions that are disposed so as to protrude from two longitudinal ends of an upper surface of the trunk portion are disposed so as to place bottom surfaces of the trunk portions alongside two axial end surfaces of the teeth. The concentrated winding coils are configured by winding a conductor wire a predetermined number of times around the teeth so as to pass through a concave space that is formed by the trunk portions and the first and second guide portions at two axial ends of the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Tsuiki, Yukinobu Karata, Shinichiro Yoshida, Hiroyuki Akita, Masaya Inoue
  • Patent number: 8661652
    Abstract: RFID tags are assembled through affixing an antenna to an integrated circuit (IC) by forming one or more capacitors coupling the antenna and the IC with the dielectric material of the capacitor(s) including a non-conductive covering layer of the IC, a non-conductive covering layer of the antenna such as an oxide layer, and/or an additionally formed dielectric layer. Top and bottom plates of the capacitor(s) are formed by the antenna traces and one or more patches on a top surface of the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Koepp, Ronald A. Oliver, William T. Colleran, Yanjun Ma, Jay M. Fassett, Vincent C. Moretti
  • Patent number: 8661653
    Abstract: Methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the methods include improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Donald Laurence Thomsen, III, Roberto J. Cano, Brian J Jensen, Stephen J Hales, Joel A Alexa
  • Patent number: 8661654
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a spiral coil, the method including: forming a solenoid having a diameter larger than a length by spirally winding an insulated electric wire; forming a spiral coil having folded corners by folding four corners in a circumference direction with respect to the solenoid; fixing the folded corners of the spiral coil; and fixing two terminal portions corresponding to start and end points of the spiral coil to a fixing module. According to the method, a thin and long spiral coil having folded corners is easily manufactured by using a general insulated electric wire. In addition, the spiral coil manufactured by using such a method is applicable to a surface radio frequency (RF) coil optimized for various applications of an electro-magnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) and enables easy access to an optimized transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yeungnam University
    Inventors: Myoung Seon Choi, Sung Joon Kim, Won Nyoung Heo
  • Patent number: 8661655
    Abstract: A method for transferring an electronic component supported by a carrier to a desired position on a substrate include moving the carrier supporting the component relative to the substrate while the component is present on a side of the carrier facing towards the substrate, with the component is positioned opposite the desired position on the substrate. Then, a light beam is directed at the carrier, at the location of the component, from a side remote from the substrate, as a result of which a connection between the component and the carrier is broken and the component is transferred from the carrier to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johannus Wilhelmus Weekamp, Marc Andre De Samber, Johan Bosman, Willem Hoving, Renatus Hendricus Maria Sanders
  • Patent number: 8661656
    Abstract: A hydraulic compression tool for securing a compression type cable connector to a prepared end of a coaxial cable. The tool can include a hydraulic assembly having an axially extendable ram, and a connector frame detachably attached to the hydraulic assembly. The connector frame can include a cable cradle configured to accommodate cables of various sizes and a sleeve for engaging a cable connector. The connector frame can further include a sliding guide structure attached to the cable cradle. The sliding guide structure can include a sliding bar and one or more sliding guides. The sleeve can be attached to the sliding bar. The sleeve can be configured to accommodate connectors of various sizes. Activating the hydraulic assembly can cause the ram to extend, which, in turn, can cause the sliding bar to move along the longitudinal axis of the cable connector compressing the compression member and connector body into operative engagement with the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: John Mezzallingua Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Shawn Chawgo
  • Patent number: 8661657
    Abstract: A plurality of indicated back-up pin devices are detachably placed on a back-up plate provided on a component mounting apparatus, to a plurality of indicated positions of the back-up plate to support a board from an under surface thereof, to which already mounted components have been mounted, when another components are to be mounted on an upper surface of the board. The back-up pin device comprises a base portion detachably placed on the back-up plate, at least one support pin erected upright on the base portion to support the board by contacting an upper end thereof with an under surface of the board and at least one of an identification mark for identifying the type of the back-up pin device and a position mark as a reference to determine a position of the base portion on the back-up plate, which is provided on the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Ito, Fumitaka Maeda
  • Patent number: 8661658
    Abstract: A lashing platform includes a base frame, a setting plate resiliently supported on the base frame, a plurality of screwing devices for inserting twistlocks into container fittings or removing twistlocks from container fittings, a plurality of magazines for accommodating the twistlocks, and a plurality of transfer devices for transferring a twistlock from a magazine to a screwing device or from a screwing device to a magazine. The lashing platform being characterized by at least two units, which are each formed by at least two screwing devices, at least one transfer device, and at least one magazine and which can be moved relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the lashing platform within the base frame, at least one drive for moving the units, and a controller for moving the units into positions in which the screwing devices have access to the container fittings of containers of different size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kalp GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Michael Jörg Kapelski
  • Patent number: 8661659
    Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a circuit board that can stably provide normal circuit boards by preventing the solder detachment and the generation of needle-like crystals during the formation of solder bumps. The method of producing a circuit board includes steps of forming an adhesive layer by applying an adhesiveness-imparting compound to the surface of a terminal of the circuit board; attaching solder particles onto the adhesive layer; applying an activator that includes a hydrohalic acid salt of an organic base to the solder particles and fixing the solder particles by heating the circuit board to which the solder particles have been attached at a temperature equal to or lower than the melting point of the solder; applying a flux to the circuit board to which the solder particles have been fixed; and melting the solder particles by heating the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Takashi Shoji, Takekazu Sakai
  • Patent number: 8661660
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an LED lamp assembly includes anodizing at least a portion of a surface of an electrically and thermally conductive base, such as an aluminum or aluminum alloy base, so as to form an electrically insulating coating. The base may form a heat sink or be coupled to a heat sink. The anodized surface is chemically etched and circuit traces that include an LED landing are formed on the etched anodized surface. LEDs are electrically and mechanically attached to the LED landing by way of conductive metallic solder such that heat generated from the LED is transferred efficiently through the solder and LED landing to the base and heat sink through a metal-to-metal contact pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Artak Ter-Hovhanissian Patent Trust
    Inventor: Artak Ter-Hovhannissian
  • Patent number: 8661661
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing at least one circuit part on a substrate (20). Said method comprises the following steps: at least one granulate (54), which contains an electric conductor and which has a predefined geometric distribution, is deposited on the substrate (20) and the granulate (54) is heated and forms a permanent connection with the substrate (20) and forms at least one circuit part on the substrate (20). The invention also relates to a circuit board comprising at least one substrate, on which at least one circuit part is arranged, and to a device for producing at least one circuit part on a substrate (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Axel Ahnert, Elmar Grandy
  • Patent number: 8661662
    Abstract: A method of making a touch-responsive capacitive device includes providing a transparent substrate and forming anisotropically conductive first and second electrodes extending in corresponding first and second orthogonal length directions over the substrate. Anisotropically conductive first and second electrodes each with electrically connected micro-wires are formed on opposing sides of the transparent substrate. The anisotropically conductive first and second electrodes extend in corresponding first and second length directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Ronald Steven Cok
  • Patent number: 8661663
    Abstract: A neural probe includes a probe, wherein a tip of the probe is tapered; an insulating layer covering the probe, and one or more metallic traces, wherein the metallic traces are provide along the length of the probe. The probe also includes one or more contacts provided on the tip of the probe, wherein each of the one or more metallic traces terminates at the one or more contacts, and the one or more contacts provide an array of nanosized metallic pillars. The neural probe may also incorporate a lightguide. The lightguide may include an insulating layer providing a first cladding layer on the probe, a core layer provided on top of the first cladding layer, wherein the metallic traces and contacts are provided in the core layer with a core material, and a second cladding layer provided on top of the core layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventors: John C. Wolfe, Wei-Chuan Shih
  • Patent number: 8661664
    Abstract: Techniques for improving the conductivity of copper (Cu)-filled vias are provided. In one aspect, a method of fabricating a Cu-filled via is provided. The method includes the following steps. A via is etched in a dielectric. The via is lined with a diffusion barrier. A thin ruthenium (Ru) layer is conformally deposited onto the diffusion barrier. A thin seed Cu layer is deposited on the Ru layer. A first anneal is performed to increase a grain size of the seed Cu layer. The via is filled with additional Cu. A second anneal is performed to increase the grain size of the additional Cu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Fenton Read McFeely, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Patent number: 8661665
    Abstract: A multilayer printed wiring board including a first interlayer resin insulation layer, a pad formed on the first interlayer resin insulation layer, a solder resist layer formed on the first interlayer resin insulation layer and the pad, a protective film formed on a portion of the pad exposed by an opening of the solder resist layer, and a coating layer formed between the pad and the solder resist layer. The pad mounts an electronic component. The coating layer has a metal layer and a coating film. The metal layer is formed on the surface of the pad and the coating film is formed on the metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sho Akai, Tatsuya Imai, Iku Tokihisa
  • Patent number: 8661666
    Abstract: Applicant has disclosed an improved method and apparatus for installing electrical junction boxes in embedded concrete construction applications. In the preferred embodiment, a first box (with at least one attached conduit) is embedded in the bottom of a concrete deck at pour, wherein the box has an open bottom covered during the pour. After pouring, the cover is removed to expose the open bottom, through a plane of the deck, without having to break through the concrete. A second box, with an open top, is lifted up and fastened (preferably, screwed) to the embedded first box to complete a preferred electrical junction box. The second box is designed to be exposed to accept surface mount or exposed wiring methods. There is a passage between the first and second boxes for accepting wire pulled through the conduit(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: John K. Grady
  • Patent number: 8661667
    Abstract: A hinge arm having a hinge pin hole having a worn bore, for example a hinge arm of a hinge assembly of an access door on a gas turbine engine, is repaired by forming in the worn hinge arm a new hole with a keyway extending outwardly from the new hole. A keyed bushing is provided having a cylindrical body having a central bore extending axially therethrough and a key extending outwardly from the cylindrical hole. The keyed bushing is inserted into the new hole and keyway formed in the hinge arm thereby preventing rotation of the bushing relative to the hinge arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William Bogue, Michael J. Madel
  • Patent number: 8661668
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assembling a rotor of a wind turbine at sea. The device has a support structure that is provided with a rotating table for rotating the hub of a rotor around the hubs longitudinal axis. The support structure is further adapted to be connected to an offshore platform such that the rotating table may be positioned outside the periphery of the platform. The invention also relates to an assembly of an offshore platform and the device, connected thereto. The invention further relates to a method for assembling a rotor of a wind turbine at sea, and to a method of assembling a wind turbine at sea, using the device and assembly. The device and method provide a more efficient assemblage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GeoSea N.V.
    Inventors: Luc Vandenbulcke, Koen Vanderbeke
  • Patent number: 8661669
    Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine engine aerofoil is made by electron beam welding together at least two metal sheets (10) and (12) and electron beam welding that sub assembly via an end to a root that has been manufactured in a separate operation, and then heating the whole to a temperature that will convert the electron beam welds to diffusion bonds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Ian J. Andrews, David Rugg, Michael J. Wallis
  • Patent number: 8661670
    Abstract: A process for producing a structure in a smooth sheet-metal strip includes multiple process steps. In a first step, a first section of a smooth sheet-metal strip is fed to a first tool and a second section of the sheet-metal strip is fed to a second tool in a direction of advance. Then the sheet-metal strip is stopped. A sheet-metal machining of the first section of the sheet-metal strip is carried out using the first tool. A sheet-metal machining of the second section of the sheet-metal strip is carried out using the second tool, with the first feeding step being carried out simultaneously. An apparatus is provided for producing a sheet-metal strip of such a complex structure, which produces the structure with a very high degree of accuracy even when the materials properties differ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Rolf Brück, Ludwig Wieres, Jan Hodgson, Gottfried-Wilhelm Häsemann
  • Patent number: 8661671
    Abstract: A method for making catalytic converters with automated crack detection includes forming a rigid housing, providing a substrate shaped for reception in the housing, and forming a mat shaped to cover the exterior surface of the substrate and having a thickness which creates a tight friction fit between the substrate and the housing when the same are assembled. The mat is wrapped around the substrate, and the wrapped substrate is then stuffed into the housing using a reciprocating ram or the like that extends at a relatively constant speed. The stuffing force and the ram position are measured and recorded regularly to define an array of data. The data is analyzed for any abrupt changes in the stuffing force as a function of the ram position indicating a crack in the assembled substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Benteler Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick B. Hill, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8661672
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying member comprises a housing an exhaust gas purification block placed in the housing, and an exhaust gas purification block-retaining element inserted in an annular space between the housing and the block. The retaining element is, during manufacture of the member, made from a material including at least one nonfunctional component intended to disappear after a characteristic period of using the member. A method of manufacturing the member comprises assembling the housing, the retaining element, and the exhaust gas purification block to obtain a housing whereof a diameter is equal to a predetermined diameter, and with the installation density of the retaining element being equal to a target installation density after the characteristic usage period of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Systemes D'Echappement
    Inventors: Cyrille Cantele, Gerard Lerdung
  • Patent number: 8661673
    Abstract: A method is provided for installing a multi-layer mat (24) in an exhaust gas aftertreatment or acoustic device. The method includes the steps of wrapping the mat (24) around an inner surface of the device along the same plane for at least a complete wrap around the inner surface; subsequently wrapping the mat (24) around the already completed wrap such that each of the successive wraps of the mat (24) are offset a constant distance from the plane of the previous wrap; a final wrap of the mat (24) wherein the mat is wrapped along a final plane for at least a complete wrap around the catalyst; and installing the mat (24) in the device (18) after the wrapping steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Myers
  • Patent number: 8661674
    Abstract: A furnace repair device and method therefore is accomplished by including pipe of suitable length and strength to have at least one swedged end permitting assembly in female to male relationship, which permits a proper securing of the replacement pipe in a desired position in the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Michael P. Metz
  • Patent number: 8661675
    Abstract: In supplying flux to a brazing heat exchanger member, a given amount of the flux is stably adhered to brazing portions without interposing any substance which becomes unnecessary for the brazing such as binder. In manufacturing a heat exchanger member, particles containing flux are injected to a surface of a substrate made of aluminum or its alloy at a temperature lower than a melting point of the flux by 30° C. or more to collide against the surface at an average speed of 100 m/sec or higher to thereby mechanically adhere the particles thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Minami, Ichiro Iwai
  • Patent number: 8661676
    Abstract: Multi-port tube structures are fabricated in a process in which a web of metallic material has a pattern of features formed therein by a rotary die forming process carried out on a continuous basis. The web of material is cut into strips which are folded so as to define a closed tubular structure having internal features defining longitudinal fluid flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Frank G. McNulty
  • Patent number: 8661677
    Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a rack shaft, the rack shaft is formed by mounting a shaft raw material on a receiving groove of a lower mold, the receiving mold having an approximately U-shaped cross section, thereafter arranging an upper mold having a rack-teeth-forming teeth portion formed in a rectangular shape in a bottom view and capable of oscillating in a width direction of the receiving groove around a center in the width direction of the rack-teeth-forming teeth portion, in such a manner that the center of oscillation lies on a vertical line of a center in a width direction of the rack teeth, pressing the shaft raw material in the diametrical direction, deforming the shaft raw material along the receiving groove, and thereafter deforming the shaft raw material while oscillating the upper mold so as to form a rack teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Omi, Kazuo Ukai
  • Patent number: 8661678
    Abstract: Wear resistant metal ring thermally locked at a machined interface to a lightweight alloy roller coaster wheel body and method of machining and thermally locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Uremet Corporation
    Inventor: Jeff Hudgins
  • Patent number: 8661679
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bearing device for a wheel, the method including forming an inner shaft so that an outside diameter of the inner shaft at a first portion is smaller than an outside diameter of the inner shaft at a second portion which is adjacent to the first portion, the peripheral surface of the inner shaft at the first portion is to be heat-treated, and the peripheral surface of the inner shaft at the second portion is not to be heat-treated, and the first portion has a predetermined length in an axial direction, and heat-treating the peripheral surface of the inner shaft at the first portion, and finishing a peripheral surface of the inner shaft by lathe turning whereby a step is not formed at a border between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Coporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 8661680
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a low-cost electrophotographic elastic roller having a good dimensional precision is provided. In that method, in which both end parts of a shaft core body are gripped and fixed in a vertical direction, an inclination of a central axis is corrected, a circular coating head including a circular slit is used so that the shaft core body is moved in the direction, and a elastic layer material is ejected from the slit to be coated on the shaft core body, the method includes: a maximum deflection coordinate in a longitudinal direction of the shaft core body is detected with a central axis of the shaft core body as a base point coordinate before coating; a central position of the head is moved at constant from the base point to the maximum during coating, and the position is moved to the base point after the head has reached the maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiro Suzuki, Hidetoshi Ichige