n Circuitry for reducing power consumption By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Circuitry for reducing power consumption is described. The circuitry includes a power amplifier. The circuitry also includes a predistorter coupled to the power amplifier. The circuitry further includes a power supply coupled to the power amplifier. The circuitry additionally includes a controller coupled to the power amplifier, to the predistorter and to the power supply. The controller captures a transmit signal and a feedback signal concurrently and determines a minimum bias voltage from a set of voltages and a predistortion that enable the power amplifier to produce an amplified transmit signal in accordance with a requirement. Full Article
n Multimode differential amplifier biasing system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Differential power amplifier circuitry includes a differential transistor pair, an input transformer, and biasing circuitry. The base contact of each transistor in the differential transistor pair may be coupled to the input transformer through a coupling capacitor. The coupling capacitors may be designed to resonate with the input transformer about a desired frequency range, thereby passing desirable signals to the differential transistor pair while blocking undesirable signals. The biasing circuitry may include a pair of emitter follower transistors, each coupled at the emitter to the base contact of each one of the transistors in the differential transistor pair and adapted to bias the differential transistor pair to maximize efficiency and stability. Full Article
n Power amplifier with feedback impedance for stable output By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An amplifier circuit amplifies a signal for wireless transmission. A feedback circuit, including a capacitor, is coupled to the amplifier circuit. Components of the feedback circuit are selected based on a feedback factor such that an input impedance to the amplifier circuit has a same impedance characteristic as a feedback circuit impedance of the feedback circuit. Full Article
n Switched-mode power supply and method of operation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of operating a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) for supplying power to a load circuit, which draws a supply current that varies with an input signal to the load circuit is disclosed. The method comprises monitoring the input signal and controlling the amount of accumulated energy transferred for consumption by the load circuit, in use, in accordance with the input signal. Full Article
n High-efficiency power module By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT One or more embodiments of the present invention pertain to an all solid-state microwave power module. The module includes a plurality of solid-state amplifiers configured to amplify a signal using a low power stage, a medium power stage, and a high power stage. The module also includes a power conditioner configured to activate a voltage sequencer (e.g., bias controller) when power is received from a power source. The voltage sequencer is configured to sequentially apply voltage to a gate of each amplifier and sequentially apply voltage to a drain of each amplifier. Full Article
n Wireless communication unit and semiconductor device having a power amplifier therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor package device comprises a radio frequency power transistor having an output port operably coupled to a single de-coupling capacitance located within the semiconductor package device. The single de-coupling capacitance is arranged to provide both high frequency decoupling and low frequency decoupling of signals output from the radio frequency power transistor. Full Article
n Power distortion-based servo control systems for frequency tuning RF power sources By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A radio frequency system includes a power amplifier that outputs a radio frequency signal to a matching network via a transmission line between the power amplifier and the matching network. A sensor monitors the radio frequency signal and generates first sensor signals based on the radio frequency signal. A distortion module determines a first distortion value according to at least one of (i) a sinusoidal function of the first sensor signals and (ii) a cross-correlation function of the first sensor signals. A first correction circuit (i) generates a first impedance tuning value based on the first distortion value and a first predetermined value, and (ii) provides feedforward control of impedance matching performed within the matching network including outputting the first impedance tuning value to one of the power amplifier and the matching network. Full Article
n Power amplifier modules including related systems, devices, and methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A power amplifier module includes a power amplifier including a GaAs bipolar transistor having a collector, a base abutting the collector, and an emitter, the collector having a doping concentration of at least about 3×1016 cm−3 at a junction with the base, the collector also having at least a first grading in which doping concentration increases away from the base; and an RF transmission line driven by the power amplifier, the RF transmission line including a conductive layer and finish plating on the conductive layer, the finish plating including a gold layer, a palladium layer proximate the gold layer, and a diffusion barrier layer proximate the palladium layer, the diffusion barrier layer including nickel and having a thickness that is less than about the skin depth of nickel at 0.9 GHz. Other embodiments of the module are provided along with related methods and components thereof. Full Article
n Systems and methods for providing modulation of switchmode RF power amplifiers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods are provided for generating an amplitude modulation signal to a switchmode power amplifier. A DC to DC switch is configured to receive a DC input voltage and to provide a DC output voltage. A low dropout regulator is configured to provide the amplitude modulation signal according to a modulation control signal received by the low dropout regulator. A control circuit is configured to establish a nominal operating power level for the power amplifier via the amplitude modulation signal and to maintain a minimum voltage difference between the DC output voltage and the low dropout regulator output. A modulator control circuit is configured to provide the modulation control signal to the low dropout regulator. The modulator control circuit provides the transition from a high amplitude to a low amplitude and a transition from the low amplitude to the high amplitude at configurable first and second slopes, respectively. Full Article
n Impedance matching method for a multiband antenna, and transmission or receiver channel having automatic matching By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An automatic antenna impedance matching method for a radiofrequency transmission circuit. An impedance matching network is inserted between an amplifier and an antenna. The output current and voltage of the amplifier and their phase difference are measured by a variable measurement impedance, and the complex load impedance of the amplifier is deduced from this; the impedance of the antenna is calculated as a function of this complex impedance and as a function of the known current values of the impedances of the matching network. Starting from the value found for the impedance of the antenna, new values of the matching network are calculated that allow the load to be matched to the nominal impedance of the amplifier. The measurement impedance has a value controllable by the calculation processor according to the application and notably as a function of the operating frequency and of the nominal impedance of the amplifier. Full Article
n Blind I/Q mismatch compensation with receiver non-linearity By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus and methods disclosed herein perform gain, clipping, and phase compensation in the presence of I/Q mismatch in quadrature RF receivers. Gain and phase mismatch are exacerbated by differences in clipping between I & Q signals in low resolution ADCs. Signals in the stronger channel arm are clipped differentially more than weaker signals in the other channel arm. Embodiments herein perform clipping operations during iterations of gain mismatch calculations in order to balance clipping between the I and Q channel arms. Gain compensation coefficients are iteratively converged, clipping levels are established, and data flowing through the network is gain and clipping compensated. A compensation phase angle and phase compensation coefficients are then determined from gain and clipping compensated sample data. The resulting phase compensation coefficients are applied to the gain and clipping corrected receiver data to yield a gain, clipping, and phase compensated data stream. Full Article
n Transceiver and related switching method applied therein By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A transceiver includes: a power amplifying circuit arranged to generate differential output signals during a transmitting mode of the transceiver; a balance-unbalance circuit arranged to convert the differential output signals into a single-ended output signal; a switchable matching circuit arranged to receive the single-ended output signal on a signal port of the transceiver during the transmitting mode, and to convert a single-ended receiving signal on the signal port into a single-ended input signal during a receiving mode of the transceiver; and a low-noise amplifying circuit arranged to convert the single-ended input signal into a low-noise input signal during the receiving mode. The power amplifying circuit, the Balun, the switchable matching circuit, and the low-noise amplifying circuit are configured as a single chip. Full Article
n Amplification systems and methods with one or more channels By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods are provided for amplifying multiple input signals to generate multiple output signals. An example system includes a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. The first channel is configured to receive one or more first input signals, process information associated with the one or more first input signals and a first ramp signal, and generate one or more first output signals. The second channel is configured to receive one or more second input signals, process information associated with the one or more second input signals and a second ramp signal, and generate one or more second output signals. The first ramp signal corresponds to a first phase. The second ramp signal corresponds to a second phase. The first phase and the second phase are different. Full Article
n Apparatus and method for expanding operation region of power amplifier By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for amplifying power is provided. The apparatus includes a supply modulator for generating a supply voltage based on an amplitude component of a transmission signal, and a power amplify module for amplifying power of the transmission signal using the supply voltage, wherein the power amplify module includes a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier, and when an output power of the transmission signal is greater than a reference power, the first power amplifier amplifies the power of the transmission signal using the supply voltage, and when the output power of the transmission signal is equal to or less than the reference power, the second power amplifier amplifies the power of the transmission signal using the supply voltage. Full Article
n Variable switched DC-to-DC voltage converter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Sep 2015 08:00:00 EDT A voltage converter can be switched among two or more modes to produce an output voltage tracking a reference voltage that can be of an intermediate level between discrete levels corresponding to the modes. One or more voltages generated from a power supply voltage, such as a battery voltage, can be compared with the reference voltage to determine whether to adjust the mode. The reference voltage can be independent of the power supply voltage. Full Article
n Automatic gain control device and method, power adjusting device and radio transmitting system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Nov 2015 08:00:00 EST An automatic gain control device includes: a variable gain adjusting unit, for adjusting an input signal by a variable gain and outputting an adjustment result; an analog-digital converting unit, for performing analog-digital conversion on the adjustment result to obtain an analog-digital conversion result; and a gain determining unit, for determining a distribution status over a predetermined period of time of a maximum or a minimum of the analog-digital conversion result, comparing the distribution status with a first distribution condition, and if the distribution status meets the first distribution condition, then keeping the variable gain unchanged, otherwise changing the variable gain and determining newly a distribution status until the newly determined distribution status meets a second distribution condition which is at least as strict as the first distribution condition. Full Article
n Chuck device having two collets By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A chuck device includes front and rear collets, a driving ring, and a driving sleeve. The driving ring and the driving sleeve can be driven hydraulically to move toward or away from each other. When the driving ring and the driving sleeve are moved hydraulically away from each other, each of the front and rear collets is moved to a release position, when the driving ring and the driving sleeve are moved hydraulically toward each other, each of the front and rear collets is moved to a clamping position. Full Article
n Locking chuck jaws By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A jaw for use in a drill chuck having a longitudinal center axis, comprising a chuck body which includes a jaw face formed on an inner surface of the chuck body and a plurality of teeth formed on an outer surface of the chuck body, the jaw face being substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis. A ridge depends inwardly from the jaw face toward the longitudinal center axis. The ridge includes a tool engaging surface that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis and has a width of between 0.020 to 0.060 inches. Full Article
n Scan head and scan arm using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A scan head assembled to a scan arm for an ion implanter and a scan arm using the same are provided, wherein the scan head is capable of micro tilting a work piece and comprises a case, a shaft assembly, an electrostatic chuck, a first driving mechanism and a micro-tilt mechanism. The shaft assembly passes through a first side of the case and has a twist axis. The electrostatic chuck is fastened on a first end of the shaft assembly outside the case for holding the work piece. The first driving mechanism is disposed within the case and capable of driving the shaft assembly and the ESC to rotate about the twist axis. The micro-tilt mechanism is disposed within the case and capable of driving the shaft assembly and the ESC to tilt relative to the case. Full Article
n Clamping system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The clamping system for clamping a shank, for example a tool shank, into a seat has a spiral-shaped circumferential groove arranged in the wall of the seating hole and a clamping wedge which is provided with corresponding spiral-shaped ribs and is insertable into a recess on the shank. Full Article
n Tool holder such as a boring head, a chuck, or a milling cutting arbor integrating a damping device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A damping tool holder, such as a boring head, a chuck, or a milling cutting arbor, integrates a damping device (2), in the form of an elongated body. The damping device (2) is housed in a mounting body (3), connected by one end to the tool-holder body (1) and having at its other end an end fitting (4) for mounting a tool, whereby the mounting body (3) is equipped with at least one lubricant feed pipe (32), emptying at its front end into the end fitting (4) for mounting a tool and connected at its other end to a circular groove (102) for distributing lubricant that is provided on the front surface of the tool holder (1). Full Article
n Surgical milling cutter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A surgical milling cutter includes a milling cutter bracket, a locking device and a bottom electric motor connected successively. The milling cutter bracket includes a fixing seat with a through hole. A finger guide apparatus with an L-type first bracket at the top end thereof is provided on the upper part of the fixing seat. The end of the L-type first bracket's short side is provided with a downward projection. The lowest point of the projection is lower than that of the milling cutter's cylindrical head when the milling cutter is working normally. The surgical milling cutter utilizes the projection to prevent the possibility of an object contacting with the cylindrical head, thus avoiding an object being cut unevenly. Meanwhile, the L-type bracket can be driven by the finger guide apparatus to rotate so as to change the running direction of the milling cutter, thus facilitating surgical procedures. Full Article
n Ultrasonic machining assembly for use with portable devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A machining system that includes an ultrasonic machining assembly, wherein the ultrasonic machining assembly further includes a machining tool; a collet adapted to receive the machining tool; and an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is operative to transmit acoustical vibrations to the machining tool; and a machining apparatus, wherein the machining apparatus is adapted to receive and secure the ultrasonic machining assembly, and wherein the machining apparatus is operative to transmit torque to the machining tool by applying rotary motion to the ultrasonic machining assembly. Full Article
n Universal accessories for oscillating power tools By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An accessory for coupling to an attachment mechanism of an oscillating power tool includes a working end, an opposite rear end, and a fitment portion adjacent the rear end portion. The fitment portion includes a generally U-shaped opening having a central portion and a rearward portion open to the rear end, and configured to receive a post of a tool clamping mechanism. The fitment portion further includes a first plurality of openings in communication with and extending radially outward from the central portion, a second plurality of openings not in communication with and positioned radially outward from the central portion. The central portion, the first plurality of openings, and the second plurality of openings are configured to couple the fitment portion to a plurality of different configurations of attachment mechanisms for oscillating power tools. Full Article
n Electrostatic chuck and showerhead with enhanced thermal properties and methods of making thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST Embodiments of the present invention generally provide chamber components with enhanced thermal properties and methods of enhancing thermal properties of chamber components including bonding materials. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating a composite structure. The method includes applying a bonding material to a first component, and converting the bonding material applied to the first component to an enhanced bonding layer by heating the bonding material to outgas volatile species from the bonding material. The outgassed volatile species accumulates to at least 0.05% in mass of the bonding material. The method further includes contacting a second component and the enhanced bonding layer to join the first and second components. Full Article
n Torque-limiting driver with a self-locking adapter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An internal adapter for use in torque-limiting handles for interchangeable orthopedic tools contains a slidable collar component, house component, retaining ring, spring, driver component, cover and cam which engages a torque-limiting mechanism. A plurality of securing ball mechanisms releasably secure an orthopedic tool in the adapter, while a configuration of chamfered surfaces centrally stabilize the tool. A plurality of guiding chamfers located in a driver component rotationally secures the orthopedic tool. Full Article
n Reciprocating tool attachment assembly and methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An attachment apparatus for a reciprocating tool provides a tool holder having an angled bracket and a guide rod extending from the angled bracket. The guide rod can engage a travel slot on the reciprocating tool. An instrument such as a saw blade can be attached to the angled bracket or guide rod. The guide rod stabilizes the instrument during use. The travel slot can be defined integrally on the reciprocating tool or on an attachment to the tool. In some embodiments, a neck mount assembly is attached to the neck on the reciprocating tool. The neck mount assembly can include a frame and a guide plate. The guide plate can include a travel slot shaped for receiving the guide rod. Full Article
n Interface between a receptacle body and an insert designed, in particular, as a tool holder of a workpiece holder By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An interface between a receptacle body and an insert designed, in particular, as a tool or workpiece insert, comprises a receptacle body (2) having a cylindrical receiving bore (4), which is circumscribed by a first plane surface (6) extending at a right angle to the bore axis and in which a first cone surface (9) is arranged, said first cone surface being coaxial with the bore axis and being arranged so that its tapered end faces toward the plane surface. The insert (3) has a pin (15) that is disposed to be plugged into the receiving bore (4) and is circumscribed by a second plane surface (22). At an axial distance from the second plane surface (22), said pin has a second cone surface (22), the tapered end of said second cone surface being arranged so as to face toward the second plane surface. With the pin (15) inserted in the receiving bore (4), the two plane surfaces are in superimposed contact while the two cone surfaces (9, 22) can be biased relative to each other by limited twisting of the insert relative to the receptacle body. Full Article
n Cutter-changing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A cutter-changing device includes a cutter-magazine carrying cutters, a rotary telescopic cylinder, and a clamping sub-assembly. The clamping sub-assembly includes a cutter-changing arm, and a pair of clamping assemblies. The rotary telescopic cylinder drives the cutter-changing arm to rotate, extend and retract. Each clamping assembly includes a mounting member, an elastic member, a piston, and at least one resisting member. The mounting member is mounted on the cutter-changing arm, and defines at least one mounting hole through the sidewall thereof. The elastic member and the piston are sleeved with the mounting member, and the two opposite ends of the elastic member press against the piston and the mounting member. The resisting member is mounted between the elastic member and the mounting member, and capable of being resisted by the piston to be partially exposed from the mounting hole. Full Article
n Oscillating tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A clamp arrangement for releasably securing an accessory to an oscillating power tool can include a tool body including a motor that drives an output member. A clamp assembly can include a first clamp member that moves relative to the accessory between a closed position wherein the clamp assembly retains the accessory and an open position wherein the first clamp member of the clamp assembly is offset from the accessory permitting removal of the accessory from the clamp assembly. A lever can have a user engagement portion and a pivot portion including a pivot axle. The lever can be pivotally coupled to the tool body about the pivot axle between a first position, wherein the clamp assembly is in the closed position and a second position wherein movement of the user engagement portion of the lever causes the clamp assembly to be moved to the open position. Full Article
n Thermally zoned substrate holder assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A thermally zoned substrate holder including a substantially cylindrical base having top and bottom surfaces configured to support a substrate. A plurality of temperature control elements are disposed within the base. An insulator thermally separates the temperature control elements. The insulator is made from an insulting material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the base (e.g., a gas- or vacuum-filled chamber). Full Article
n Wafer mount device and manufacturing method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST An adhesive layer that bonds the back surface of a plate capable of attracting a wafer and the front surface of a cooling plate together that includes a main adhesive portion, which is made of a hardened matter of a fluid adhesive, and an outer peripheral adhesive portion, gas-supply-hole adhesive portions, lift-pin-hole adhesive portions, and terminal-hole adhesive portions made of a double-faced tape. The tape portions bond the outer peripheral edge on the back surface of the plate and the outer peripheral edge on the front surface of the cooling plate together, and the outer peripheral edges of the holes on the back surface of the plate and the outer peripheral edges of these holes on the front surface of the cooling plate together. Full Article
n Fastener holder for power tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A fastener holder includes a driving tool stem having a number of orifices, a driving tool shank engaged in the stem for engaging with a tool element and having a number of depressions formed in the shank, a number of bearing members engaged in the orifices of the stem for engaging with the depressions of the shank and for selectively anchoring the shank to the stem, and a barrel includes a relatively smaller segment for selectively engaging with the bearing members and for forcing the bearing members to engage into the depressions of the shank and to anchor and lock the driving shank to the stem and for allowing the driving shank and the tool element to be selectively rotated and driven by the stem. Full Article
n Fluid-actuated workholder with a collet driven by a soft and thin bladder By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A workholder to hold a workpiece, including a main body partially defining a fluid chamber, and a bladder carried by the main body with an interference fit, further defining the fluid chamber, and composed of an 80 to 100 durometer Shore A scale hardness polymer of a 12:1 to 18:1 diameter-to-wall-thickness ratio. Annular seals may further define the fluid chamber, and are disposed radially between the bladder and main body and axially adjacent the fluid chamber, and are composed of a 60 to 80 durometer Shore A scale hardness polymer. A collet is carried and driven by the bladder for gripping engagement with the workpiece. Full Article
n Universal mounting hole means for different electric tool heads By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The present invention discloses a kind of universal mounting hole means for different tool heads of electric tools, which are disposed on a mounting portion of the tool head, comprising a central hole and a plurality of long and narrow limiting holes which orient radially surrounding the central hole and disposed in distance with each other. Compared with the prior art, the present invention is applicable to various kinds of structures of the mounting seat on electrical tool and is more universal. It takes much convenience to people when changing different tool heads of electric tools, and it is benefit for storing. Full Article
n Clamping unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A clamping unit (1) for machine tools (2) with a housing (11) connected in a rotationally fixed arrangement with a machine spindle, (5) and a screw drive (13) that interacts with a draw rod (6) such that rotational movements are converted into translational movements, the housing (11) being provided with an output element by which rotational movements are transmitted to an actuator (21). The housing (11) has an input element in a rotating mounting, with the actuator (21) acting on the input element, and the input element (29) is in driving connection with a shaft (14) by means of intermediate elements (31), whereby to direct rotational movements of the machine spindle (5) via the clamping unit (1), and for adjustment movements of differently configured clamping devices, to be converted into axial adjustment movements and transmitted directly onto the draw rod (6). No complicated electrical control devices and programs are required for adjusting and adapting a power chuck (3) linked to the draw rod (3) to different operating conditions. Full Article
n Controlled surface roughness in vacuum retention By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST An apparatus, particularly a chuck for retaining a thin part for micro-machining processing, is disclosed. The chuck is formed of a plate-shaped body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plate-shaped body includes a light-transmissive material, and at least one of the first surface or the second surface is a roughened surface. The chuck can be incorporated into a micro-machining system using a chuck support that allows light through to backlight a processed part for inspection. Full Article
n Workholder for holding a workpiece to be processed in a machine tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to a workholder (10) for holding a workpiece to be processed in a machine tool, which workholder (10) is in the form of a annular body (12) having a central through hole (14), said annular body (12) having at least one weakened area (18, 20; 34, 36, 38, 40; 50, 52, 54, 56) obtained by material removal, as well as at least one pressure chamber (22; 42, 44; 58, 60) assigned to said at least one weakened area (18, 20; 34, 36, 38, 40; 50, 52, 54, 56) that can be charged with a pressurized fluid. Said at least one weakened area (18, 20; 34, 36, 38, 40; 50, 52, 54, 56) is dimensioned and arranged so as to cause said annular body (12) to be elastically deformable in an axial and/or a radial direction (a, r). As a result, with pressure acting on said pressure chamber (22; 42, 44; 58, 60), said annular body (12) can then be deformed elastically in a well-defined manner in an axial and/or a radial direction (a, r). Full Article
n Jig for holding thin cylindrical work By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A holding jig (1, 2, 3) for a thin cylindrical work (W) includes a holding member (10, 10A, 10B) which holds the work (W) from an inner peripheral side and a diameter changing unit (25, 27) which changes a diameter of the holding member (10, 10A, 10B). The holding member (10, 10A, 10B) is made of metal and has a cylindrical shape and an elastically expandable or contractible diameter. The holding member (10, 10A, 10B) is configured with an outside diameter of the holding member (10, 10A, 10B) being held smaller than an inside diameter of the work (W) at the time of insertion into an inner periphery of the work (W) and being expanded after inserted into the inner periphery of the work (W) to hold the work (W) from an inner peripheral side of the work (W) with an outer peripheral surface in close contact with an entire inner peripheral surface of the work (W). The diameter changing unit (25, 27) applies at least one of an axial external force in a compressing direction or an axial external force in a tensile direction to both ends of the holding member (10. 10A, 10B) to change the diameter of the holding member (10, 10A, 10B). Full Article
n Multi-spindle machining machine with tool changing mechanism By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A multi-spindle machining machine with a tool changing mechanism contains a base; a carrier including a seat to move in Z axis, a rotary shaft fixed on the seat laterally to drive the seat to rotate in A axis, and a fixing holder coupled to an end portion of the rotary shaft to fix a work piece; a tool changing mechanism including a mount mounted to the rotary shaft to rotate with the rotary shaft and a monitor fixed on the seat to measure a length of the tool clamped on a driving spindle, and including a plurality of slots to receive the tools respectively; a working head moving above the carrier and the tool changing mechanism in X and Y axes and including the driving spindle mounted on a lower end thereof to rotate axially, and the lower end of the driving spindle allowing to engage and disengage the tool. Full Article
n Demountable pin and collet assembly and method to securely fasten a ranging arm to a longwall shearer using such assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pin-and-collet assembly, a longwall shearer comprising a ranging arm attached to a lifting bracket with such assembly, a method for the secure fastening of one piece to another, such as securely fastening the ranging arm to the lifting bracket of a longwall shearer using such assembly as a bushing, and a method for longwall mining of ore, such as trona, using such longwall shearer. This assembly is easy to install, does not have to be tightened during longwall operation of an ore panel, and is also demountable when it is time to stop the longwall mining operation and time to remove/replace the ranging arm for maintenance and/or when the end of the ore panel is reached. Full Article
n Attachment mechanism for a container By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A product dispensing system includes an overcap that has a locking element extending therefrom. A container has a product disposed therein. A bracket is attached to the container. The bracket includes at least one flange and at least one slot. The at least one flange extends toward the at least one slot. A resilient member is disposed within the locking element. Full Article
n Self-locking internal adapter for D-shaped orthopedic adjustment tools By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is a self-locking internal adapter for D-shaped orthopedic tools. A locking ball mechanism prevents movement of the adapter components relative to each other, while a plurality of securing ball mechanisms releasably secure a D-shaped orthopedic tool in the adapter. A chamfered surface of the adapter engages a chamfer of the tool to centrally stabilize the tool in the adapter. The internal adapter may be used with driver handles, ratcheting handles and torque-limiting handles. Full Article
n Coolant adapter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to an adapter for driven tools such as drilling or milling tools, for adapting an externally fed driven tool for use in a thru coolant system comprising: a) a cylindrical inner sleeve, b) an outer sleeve adapted to rotate relative to the inner sleeve, c) a delivery pipe to deliver coolant to the outer sleeve, and d) at least one coolant flow channel through the outer sleeve and through the inner sleeve to allow flow of coolant from the delivery pipe to the collet, and e) a seal at one end of the inner sleeve having an aperture to receive the cutting tool whereby to allow the blunt end of the tool to engage the collet, in use coolant can pass through the outer sleeve, through the inner sleeve into the collet, and to the cutting tool whilst said inner sleeve rotates with said machine output spindle and the outer sleeve remains static. Full Article
n Holder for a cutting tool, a cutting tool and a cutting insert By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A holder for a cutting tool includes a body having a first channel for receiving a stem portion of the cutting tool. The body has a second channel intersecting with the first channel. The holder further includes a plunger to be inserted in the second channel, the plunger having a third channel the cross section of which at least partly overlaps with the cross section of the first channel when the plunger is inserted into the body so as to enable the stem of the cutting tool to extend into the third channel when the stem is inserted in the first channel. The holder further includes a mechanism for locking the stem against movement relative to the body by means of the plunger. A cutting tool for use in such a holder and a cutting insert are also provided. Full Article
n Device for transporting preforms for blow molding containers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device for forming containers from heated parisons of thermoplastic material, which includes a heating section and a blow molding unit provided with at least one blow molding station. The parisons are held along at least a portion of a transport path between the heating section and the blow molding unit by a carrying element, which has a head that can be inserted into a mouth section of a parison and which includes at least two positionable clamping elements. At least one of the clamping elements is positioned in a recess provided on a side of the head relative to a longitudinal axis of the carrying element. The recess has upper and lower sliding surfaces that extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis for acting on the clamping element. The upper head part and the lower head part are braced relative to each other by at least one spring. Full Article
n Device for machining a substrate and a method for this purpose By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a device for machining, in particular etching and/or developing, substrates, in particular wafers, in particular etching and/or developing, having a turntable, the turntable has a Venturi gap. Full Article
n Clamping device and collet chuck, base and chuck key therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a high-precision clamping device for tools in machine tools of the conventional type according to ISO 15488 and to a collet chuck, a base and a tensioning nut. The invention also relates to a chuck key for tightening the locknut without radial stress. The clamping device according to the invention is characterized by a substantially improved runout accuracy, torsional rigidity of the collet chuck and rigidity of the tool clamped therein. Full Article
n Electromagnetic clamping method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for assembling parts. A sealant is placed between a plurality of parts in a stack up to form a workpiece. The workpiece is clamped using a permanent magnet unit and an electromagnetic clamping device in an activated state such that a number of forces caused by a magnetic field clamps the workpiece between the electromagnetic clamping device and the permanent magnet unit. A number of holes are drilled in the workpiece. A number of fasteners are installed in the number of holes. Full Article
n Chuck and semiconductor process using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus of semiconductor process including a chuck and a vacuum source is provided. The chuck has a plurality of holes for holding a semiconductor substrate, and the vacuum source is used for providing vacuum suction through the holes to make the semiconductor substrate be subjected to varied suction intensities according to a warpage level thereof. Full Article