Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Douglas J. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6179546
    Abstract: The present invention provides a robust, highly stable and vertically compact when folded-up wheelchair lift suitable for placement on a variety of vehicles such as vans and mini-vans. The lift has an elongate horizontal support member that is pivotally attached to a post fixed to the undercarriage of a vehicle. The horizontal support member supports the lifting mechanism and the wheelchair platform and is powered to swing the platform and lifting mechanism between a use position and a storage position. The lifting mechanism uses a pair of connecting links spaced lengthwise on the support member and connecting to the wheelchair platform in a four bar linkage arrangement generally in the form of a parallelogram. Both connecting links are rotated by bell cranks both of which are powered by the same hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: RC Sales and Manufacturing
    Inventor: Richard J. Citrowske
  • Patent number: 6164530
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring the progress of a plurality of batches of semiconductor wafer or memory disks through a multiplicity of processing operations at various locations within a plant facility and maintaining information regarding the progress of each batch at the respective batch. The method includes the step of inserting each of the batches of wafers or memory disks in a carrier constructed and arranged for supporting the wafers or disks in parallel, axially arranged, spaced arrays. A transponder is embedded in a planar wall portion within each carrier by way of a recess extending inwardly from a lower edge of the wall portion. The transponder has a code to identify the carrier and a batch of wafers or disks contained therein and to further identify the various processing operations to which the batch has been subjected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Fluoroware, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas T. Cheesebrow, Shawn D. Eggum, Robert D. Kos, Randy S. Williams
  • Patent number: 6163016
    Abstract: A low profile heater for plastic injection molding equipment nozzles utilizes forces provided to the axially ends of a tube portion to radially compress the tube portion onto a coiled heater element thereby compressing the heater element radially inward for optimal heat conduction between said heater element and the nozzle onto which the heater is attached. Further embodiments uses a base sleeve onto which the coiled heater element is placed to engage the nozzle. The base sleeve may utilize a tapered threaded portion with slits in the sleeve to allow tightening of a ring portion to radially compress the sleeve base onto the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Thermetic Products, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Evan Johnson, Eric Carl Branwall
  • Patent number: 6153878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locating objects penetrating into a region of space to be monitored, having a housing (1) which contains a transmitter (3) and a receiver (4) for optical radiation as well as a rotatable optical deflecting device (8) with, on the one hand, a transmitting deflecting mirror (11), which can be rotated about a rotation axis (10) and is inclined with respect to the latter for a beam (5) emerging through a window (2) in the housing (1) into the region of space to be swept by the emerging beam (5) and, on the other hand, with a receiving deflecting mirror (12) for directing a beam (16), reflected from the region of space and incident through the window (2), to the receiver (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Schmersal-EOT GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hermann Jakob, Thomas Meinert
  • Patent number: 6142536
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining a pair of pipe ends has a sleeve containing a lip seal and a pair of opposing mirror image annular support bodies each with a first end engaged with the sleeve and each extending axially away from the sleeve to a second end with a radial wall having a circular opening sized for the pipe ends at the opposite end. Each supporting body containing a clamping member adjacent the radial wall and intermediate the supporting body and outer surface of the pipe end. The clamping member pivotal between an inclined position and an upright position and biased to the upright clamping position. Pipe ends are inserted with the clamping members in the inclined position. After insertion, an extraction force on the pipe ends moves the clamping members to an upright clamping position. A circumferential band secures the first ends of the supporting bodies to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Alia Engineering AG
    Inventor: Klaus D. Wolfsdorf
  • Patent number: 6123242
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnically operated bolt-setting tool having a barrel (11, 12) which is guided in a barrel-guiding sleeve (1) and can be brought into operative engagement with a locking part (18), the barrel-guiding bore (26) of which accommodates a piston (21), which has a piston shank (23) and a piston head (22), and which has a cartridge store (16) on that side which is remote from the mouth, in which bolt-setting tool the barrel (11, 12), on its side which faces the cartridge store (16), has ventilation slots (31) which are released by the piston head (22) as the bolt is being fired, before the piston (21) reaches its end position on the mouth side, in which position an air cushion is compressed between the piston head (22) and the barrel (11, 12), which air cushion subsequently presses the piston (21) back into its starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Berner GmbH
    Inventor: Olaf Kersten
  • Patent number: 6118354
    Abstract: A multi level splitter device suitable for CATV distribution systems utilizes transformers with bi-multiplefilar windings as well as impedance matching transformers selectively placed and port isolation techniques to provide excellent performance throughout a very broad frequency range. The device may utilize a standard JEDEC surface mount package, for example a 84 pin PLCC package which allows isolation of each of the output port terminals intermediate grounded terminals minimizing output line to output line crosstalk. Further, output line isolation is provided by use of resistors across adjacent "split" output lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: BH Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Decramer, Franklin B. Gass
  • Patent number: 6116547
    Abstract: A system and method for isolating the compressive and tensive forces created in a section of flexible tubing whose length expands and contracts in response to the fluid it conveys, while constraining the expansion of the tubing to a substantially horizontal plane. The tubing section having a pair of ends and a center portion therebetween. The system having a support structure and a pair of clamping members. The support structure having a pair of side constrainment portions for constraining the expansion of the tubing. The clamping members for anchoring the ends of the tubing section within the support structure thereby fixing their positions relative to each other and the support structure. When the tubing expands, the ends remain in their fixed position and the center portion of the tubing is forced to snake between the side constrainment portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Fluoroware, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Johnson, Jeffrey J. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6102481
    Abstract: Vehicle seats are constructed with a seat cushion for supporting the lower body of a passenger and a seat back for supporting the upper body of the passenger. A side holder portion, which is filled with foam material for supporting said passenger at side portions of the upper body, is combined with a backrest portion, which also is filled with foam material for supporting said passenger on the back, such that said side holder portion is integrally and continuously formed with said backrest portion. An opening portion preferably is formed in each of the side holder portions such that said opening portion provides a hole in said side holder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Araco Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tateyama
  • Patent number: 6100772
    Abstract: A passive, highly efficient, low noise adapter device includes a balun and noise reduction circuitry uniquely configured to converting an unbalanced signal line on a 50 ohm signal line to a balanced signal on a 100 ohm transmission line or vice versa. The device facilitates the use of commercially available and accepted test equipment for accurate transmission measurements on balanced twisted pairs of cables and connectors. A typical utilizational includes an adapter device connected between the 100 ohm twisted pair cable and suitable test equipment such as a network analyzer and/or a signal generator for determining losses in the telephone wire and connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: BH Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Decramer, Nathan Doose
  • Patent number: 6100479
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for a safety switch provided with at least one insertion slot with inclined insertion guides for the actuator, having a holder which can be fastened to a part whose open and closed positions are to be monitored, and which is fitted with the key mounted on it such that the said key can be moved, the key comprising a foot, and the holder being provided with a recess for the key on the side facing the key and with a bearing for the foot, the said bearing extending around the recess and allowing the foot to be displaced and rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: K.A. Schmersal GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Guntram Fust, Klaus Schulze
  • Patent number: 6092710
    Abstract: The invention relates to an explosive powder charge operated bolt-setting tool having a bolt guide (2) which has a through bore (4) for explosive powder charge actuable driving piston (5), a ball brake being provided for the driving piston (5), which brake is designed as a freewheel for the return of the driving piston (5) and comprises a recess (9), which is open radially towards the driving piston (5) and has two spring-loaded brake balls (12) each of which are accommodated therein, and which bear against the driving piston (5) and which can be moved, with maximum and minimum spring loading, between two axial stops (3, 16) along an oblique surface (15) which widens conically at an acute angle towards the driving piston (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Berner GmbH
    Inventor: Olaf Kersten
  • Patent number: 6087605
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pushbutton switch having a ring in which a spring-prestressed button is arranged such that it can be pushed in a predetermined actuating displacement. The button has a top side terminating flush with the top edge of the ring, and from at least one side of the ring parallel to the longitudinal axis of an actuating finger, the edge of the ring is reduced continuously in height substantially to the level of the actuating displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: K. A. Schmersal GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Walter Heidenfels, Damianos Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 6085958
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnically operated bolt-setting tool having a barrel (11, 12) which is guided in a barrel-guiding sleeve (1) and can be brought into operative engagement with a locking part (18), the barrel-guiding bore (26) of which accommodates a piston (21), which has a piston shank (23) and a piston head (22), and which has a cartridge store (16) on that side which is remote from the mouth, in which tool the rear side of the piston head (22) is connected through the piston (21) to its front side in such a manner that some of the combustion gases are guided to the front side of the piston head (22), and in which the barrel (11, 12), on its side which faces the cartridge store (16), has ventilation slots (31) which are released by the piston head (22) as the bolt is being fired, before the piston (21) reaches its end position on the mouth side, in which position a gas cushion is compressed between the piston head (22) and the barrel (11, 12), which gas cushion subsequently presses the pisto
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Berner GmbH
    Inventor: Olaf Kersten
  • Patent number: 6082547
    Abstract: A plastic jig which may be injection molded has a plurality of square pockets, each pocket having a pair of integral spring loaded fingers on two adjacent sides of square component trays for repeatedly and consistently positioning the component trays placed in said pocket. The resiliency of said spring loaded fingers operate to urge the square tray against fixed locating portions of the pocket. Features on the top and bottom of the jig provide for the secure stacking of jigs while holding trays. An upper jig above an adjacent lower jig provides a cover, enclosing the components in the tray in lower jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Fluoroware, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Nentl, James R. Nigg
  • Patent number: 6082540
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a transport module suitable for 300 mm wafers has a cushioning system that attaches to the interior of an enclosure door. The system comprises a pair of upright parallel cushions, each comprising an elongate base portion with a plurality of integral fingers extending at an acute angle from the base members. Each sequential finger of each cushion engaging every other wafer. Each finger having an arm portion and a wafer engaging portion. The wafer engaging portion comprising a curved convex surface to provide minimal vertical line contact with the circumferential outer surface of the wafer without providing axial constrainment of the wafer. The base portions are attached to the inside facing door panels by a plurality of attachment portions each comprising a split shank portion that extends through the aperture and a plurality of flange portions on the ends of the split shank portions for securing the base portions to the inside panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Fluoroware, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Krampotich, D. Kerry Kiser
  • Patent number: 6079597
    Abstract: A blow molded drum has a port including a neck with exterior buttress threads and a port opening having a sleeve fusion bonded in the neck. The sleeve having a inner cylindrical sealing surface, and a shoulder. A drop-in down tube assembly seats with the shoulder and has an upwardly extending nipple. Either a dispense head or a closure radially seals within the sleeve and is secured by a retainer with interior buttress threads engaging with the exterior threads on the port neck. The dispense head has a first flow duct extending to a nipple engaging portion to seal with the upwardly extending nipple and a second flow duct leading to an annular space around the nipple for a return fluid line or for providing air or a gas for displacing withdrawn fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Fluoroware, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Rauworth, John M. Hennan
  • Patent number: 6079565
    Abstract: A semi-conductor chip tray and associated retainer and method of use. The tray is provided with a plurality of side notches and tabs which are configured to admit and engage a plurality of posts and flanges, respectively, which extend from the retainer. The tray and retainer are attached to each other by setting the retainer on top of the tray in a linearly offset manner wherein the posts of the retainer extend into the corresponding side notches of the tray. The retainer is then aligned with the tray in a relative sliding motion. During alignment, the flanges of the retainer engage the tabs of the tray to secure the retainer to the tray. The tabs of the tray are provided with recesses which are configured to snugly receive projections which extend from the flanges of the retainer, thus allowing the retainer to be locked in a predetermined position as the retainer and lid are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Flouroware, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Walsh, Joy A. Duban-Hu
  • Patent number: 6076617
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for boring holes in ice having a vertical boring position and a horizontal carrying position. The device is comprised of a drive unit with an output, a rotatable shank portion and auger portion coupled to the output. A non-driven grasping portion is connected to the drive unit and configured such that the device has a balance point at the grasping portion whereby the device may be carried in a balanced horizontal position with one hand. In a preferred embodiment a hollow cylindrical portion with a flange attaches to the drive unit and the shank portion extends through the cylindrical portion and is coupled to the out in the cylindrical portion. The grasping portion may either be the cylindrical portion or a separate bar portion attached to the cylindrical portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: John M. Berner
  • Patent number: D434925
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Wanek, John J. Amell