Patents Issued in April 14, 1998
  • Patent number: 5737961
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an accelerometer (24) for providing an analog acceleration signal indicative of crash acceleration. A sigma-delta A/D converter (26) is operatively connected to the accelerometer (24) for providing a pulse-width-modulated gate enable signal (GES) with a value indicative of the acceleration signal. The GES signal is ANDED with a clock signal to produce a pulse-density signal (CNT) indicative of the acceleration signal. A monitoring circuit determines (i) whether at least one pulse-density signal occurs when a gate enable signal is HIGH (FLAG 1), and (ii) whether the pulse-density signal occurs when the gate enable signal is LOW (FLAG 2). Other embodiments test to see if the gate enable signal is either full scale ON (FLAG 3) or full scale OFF (FLAG 4) by using a second crash sensor (64). Timing circuits (302, 316) are used to ensure that the pulse duration of at least one pulse-width modulated gate enable signal is greater than predetermined value within a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: John Cyril P. Hanisko, Carl A. Munch
  • Patent number: 5737962
    Abstract: A torpedo is provided in a static test fixture where the engine, normally iven by the combustion of otto fuel is driven from a land based source of superheated steam. The torpedo's otto fuel engine is operated on steam and the need for a combustor and other fuel related components is eliminated. Such components are replaced by a steam line and a steam adapter. The torpedo's fuel tank is replaced with an extender section where the steam supply is connected and fed to the steam adapter. The need for storing combustible fuel and oxidizer agents on site is eliminated. The usual support and safety equipment required for handling of otto fuel and explosive devices are also eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Stephen E. Turner, Peter A. Roy
  • Patent number: 5737963
    Abstract: A small, compact, easily mountable ultrasonic transducer for measuring the filling level in a container is provided, which transducer transmits virtually no oscillation energy to the container, having a can-shaped transducer housing (1), an electronics housing (2) connected to the transducer housing (1), a transducer element (4), arranged in the transducer housing (1), for the transmission and reception of ultrasonic pulses, a union ring (3) for the sound-decoupling securing of the ultrasonic transducer on the container, in which ring the transducer housing (1) is supported coaxially with respect to the union ring (3) and is fixed therein against displacement in the axial direction, and two resilient elements (7, 8) which are arranged between the transducer housing (1) and the union ring (3) and by means of which the transducer housing (1) and the union ring (3) are held spaced apart from each other in the radial direction in such a way that there is no direct mechanical coupling between them in the radial di
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser GmbH +Co.
    Inventors: Manfred Eckert, Karl Flogel, Rolf Schwald
  • Patent number: 5737964
    Abstract: Around the outer circumference of an armature core 520, there are arranged a stator core 558 and a stator coil 559 wound on the stator core 558, forming a fixed magnetic field device. The stator coil 559 has its one end portion arranged in the space at the outer circumference of a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism 300, i.e., at the outer circumference of a center bracket 360. A motor partition 800 is formed with a stepped portion 810 so as to accommodate the aforementioned one end portion. On the other hand, the other end of the stator coil 559 is arranged in the space at the outer circumference of a brush 910. In short, the planetary gear speed reduction mechanism 300 has its external diameter made smaller than the inner circumferential diameter of the stator coil 559.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Shiga, Nobuyuki Hayashi, Masanori Ohmi, Sadayoshi Kajino
  • Patent number: 5737965
    Abstract: A transmission is provided for converting rotary input into an oscillating output. The transmission includes a housing with an input shaft and an output shaft, and a series of gears interconnecting the shafts. The gears include a pair of rack gears on opposite sides of an output pinion mounted on the output shaft. The rack gears are held in meshing engagement with the output pinion by a carrier which is mounted upon a floating bushing on the output shaft. The floating bushing allows the rack gears and rack carrier to move side-to-side relative to the output shaft, thereby equalizing the load on the rack gears and preventing binding between the teeth of the rack gears and the teeth of the output pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Jack L. Crain, James C. Jones
  • Patent number: 5737966
    Abstract: A pressing machine includes a first connection device rotatably carried on an eccentric portion of a crankshaft, a second connection means for connecting the first connection device to a moving member, and a restriction device for restricting the moving direction of the second connection device to a reciprocating direction of the moving member. The second connection device includes one or more eccentric shafts each provided with a main shaft portion and an eccentric shaft portion each of which has an axis extending in the axial direction of the crankshaft, each of the eccentric shafts being rotatably connected at the main shaft portion thereof to the moving member and also rotatably connected at the eccentric shaft portion thereof to the first connection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yamada Dobby
    Inventor: Akihiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5737967
    Abstract: Cycling apparatus including pivoting handlebars that permit a rider to move the handlebars into either a drop or aerodynamic riding position, or any comfortable riding position therebetween. The apparatus comprises a cycle having a body, a housing is coupled to the body, and first and second handlebars are provided that are used to steer the cycle. Rotating apparatus is coupled to the housing and to the first and second handlebars for rotating the handlebars in unison. The handlebars are rotated between a first position wherein the handlebars are generally orthogonal to the body of the cycle and a second position wherein the handlebars are generally aligned with the the body of the cycle. The rotating apparatus may comprise first and second interlocking gears, a flexible drive coupling, a set of universal joints, or any similar rotating device that permits the handlebars to rotate between the desired positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: James T. Hartley
  • Patent number: 5737968
    Abstract: A gear motor assembly having a three-part molded housing consisting of a gear case having one open side for housing a reduction gear train, a rotatably driven output shaft and coaxial cam; a circuit board cover having one open side for housing a printed circuit board and motor control components including a cam operated switch for periodically deenergizing an electric DC motor also mounted on the circuit board, and a gear case cover interposed between the gear case and circuit board, which is welded to the gear case and circuit board cover to effect a sealed protective housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventors: Donald H. Hardey, William R. Gerhard
  • Patent number: 5737969
    Abstract: An improved single shift shaft shifting mechanism (300) for shifting a mechanical change-gear transmission (10/110) is provided. The shifting mechanism includes a shift shaft (302) which is mounted for axial and rotational movement in a housing (H) for selectively axially moving and/or locking selected or non-selected, respectively, shift forks (302, 304, 306) relative to the housing. To provide an easily shifted, reliable and economical assembly, the shifting projections are defined by a plurality of generally annular shift pins (316, 318, 320) extending radially from bores (322, 324, 326) provided in the shift shaft (308).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick L. Brown, Michael J. Huggins, Joseph D. Reynolds, Daniel M. Armock
  • Patent number: 5737970
    Abstract: A safety steering column for a motor vehicle comprising a multi-member steering spindle, of which a portion close to the steering wheel is guided in a steering column tube which is fastened on a cross member largely unaffected in the case of a front collision. A portion of the steering spindle located close to the steering gear is constructed as a deformation member for absorbing an axial displacement of the steering gear. The deformation member is hinged on at one end to the portion of the steering spindle close to the steering wheel and is hinged on the other end to the input shaft of a steering gear. The input shaft of the steering gear has a desired bending point which is designed such that, when the steering gear in the direction of the passenger compartment such as during an accident, first the axial displacement path of the deformation member is largely used up before a buckling deformation starts at the desired bending point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Asbrand, Juergen Class
  • Patent number: 5737971
    Abstract: A length adjustable motor vehicle steering column including a tubular first mast jacket element, a tubular second mast jacket element telescopically overlapping the first mast jacket element, a plurality of elastic rolling elements squeezed between linear tracks on the first and second mast jacket elements, a separator having a plurality of cells loosely receiving the elastic rolling elements and maintaining relative spacing therebetween, and a plurality of smaller inelastic rolling elements suspended by the separator between the linear tracks on the first and second mast jacket elements. The elastic rolling elements eliminate lash between the first and second mast jacket elements and support the first mast jacket element on the second mast jacket element for low friction relative linear translation. The inelastic rolling elements define positive stops which limit deformation of the elastic rolling elements and flexure of the steering column perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Kremer Riefe, James Richard Salois, Gerald Albert Gaeth
  • Patent number: 5737972
    Abstract: A rearview mirror for motor vehicles has a housing and a mirror assembly pivotably supported in the housing. A first Bowden cable arrangement and a second Bowden cable arrangement are connected to the mirror assembly for pivoting the mirror asembly. The first and second Bowden cable arrangements are actuatable so as to act alternatively in a same direction and in opposite directions on the mirror assembly. The first and second Bowden cable arrangements each have a sleeve and a cable enclosed by the sleeve. The cable is pressure-resistant and pull-resistant and is guided without play in the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Bernhard Mittelhauser
    Inventors: Thomas Jenssen, Jan Schubert, Norbert Kurschner, Dietmar Leder
  • Patent number: 5737973
    Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) for transmitting motion in a curved path comprising a flexible core element (12) having first and second ends and movably supported by a conduit (14) having a first end, a terminal (16) attached to the first end of the core element (12), an end fitting (18) attached to the first end of the conduit (14) and defining a guideway (20) for guiding the terminal (16) during to and from movement of an extended length of the core element (12) in the guideway (20), and a collar (22) in sliding relationship with the guideway (20). The core element (12) has a core cross section and the guideway (20) has a guideway cross section. The guideway cross section is larger than the core cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Reasoner
  • Patent number: 5737974
    Abstract: A bicycle upright tube fastening assembly comprises a handlebar upright tube, a bolt, a tightening head,. an arresting tube, a torsion spring, a nut, a head tube, a from fork tube column, and a bearing set which is composed of a mounting seat, a ball bowl, a rolling ball slot seat and a ball nest. The mounting seat is provided therein with an upper tapered portion and a lower tapered portion. An upper fitting ring is received in the upper tapered portion while a lower fitting ring is received in the lower tapered portion. The ball bowl is provided with a straight center hole having at one end thereof a tapered protuberance which is engaged with the lower tapered portion of the mounting seat such that one end of the tapered protuberance urges the lower fitting ring of the mounting seat. The rolling ball slot seat is urged by the head tube when a pressure exerting on the mounting seat is transmitted to the ball bowl and the ball nest which is located between the ball bowl and the rolling ball slot seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Chia-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 5737975
    Abstract: A built-up camshaft has cam discs which are secured to a tube under mechanical prestress, are of annular design, and are inductively hardened all the way around at a boundary layer on their outer periphery before they are secured to the tube. The hardening of the boundary layer is formed such that, due to the hardening, high residual compressive stresses (at least -450 N/mm.sup.2) are produced in an at least approximately 0.5 mm deep boundary zone near the surface such that, even after the cam discs are mounted on the tube, the superimposing residual tensile stresses in the boundary zone, induced by the joining, only partly compensate the original residual compressive stresses, i.e. there are still only residual compressive stresses (at least -150 N/mm.sup.2) in the boundary zone near the surface. Sufficiently high residual compressive stress in the boundary zone are produced by effecting the inductive heating of the cam disc in two stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Gustav Hanisch, Christoph Duell
  • Patent number: 5737976
    Abstract: A connecting rod and crankshaft assembly comprising a crankshaft having an axis and including axially spaced end bearing surfaces in concentric relation to the axis, an arcuate throw portion extending from one of the end bearing surfaces and along a curvilinear axis and including a maximum cross section which extends perpendicularly to the curvilinear axis and which includes a maximum rectilinear distance passing through the curvilinear axis, and a crank pin extending from the throw portion in eccentric relation to the axis, a connecting rod comprising an elongated main body, and a crank pin end portion extending from the main body and including a cylindrical surface extending along an axis extending perpendicularly to the elongation of the main body and defining a crank pin aperture receiving the crank pin, and axially spaced side surfaces each including a first side surface portion located adjacent the main body and extending for an arcuate distance around the axis of less than 180 degrees, which first side
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventor: David F. Haman
  • Patent number: 5737977
    Abstract: A toe clip is designed for placement on a pedal for facilitating disengagement of a user's foot. The toe clip includes a foot strap member for capturing a user's foot. The strap member includes strap elements for engaging surfaces of the user's foot. A coupler is provided for selectively coupling the foot strap member to the pedal for facilitating the release of the user's foot from its capture by the toe clip. The coupler includes a bracket member coupled to the pedal, and a magnet member coupled with the bracket member. The coupler also includes a release member coupled to the foot strap member and magnetically coupled to the magnet member. A hinge is provided for hingedly coupling the release member to the bracket member, and a spring is provided for biasing the release member into engagement with the magnet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventors: Richard J. Surdi, Mark L. Stow
  • Patent number: 5737978
    Abstract: A housing (116) for a compound transmission (110) comprising two major pieces is provided. An elongated, generally cup-shaped gear housing piece (190) includes a base portion (194) defining the housing rearward end wall (116B) and a tubular portion (196) extending to a flanged opening (198). A generally cup-shaped clutch housing piece (192) includes a flanged base portion (200) for engaging the flanged opening and defining the transmission forward end wall (116A) and a forwardly flared portion (218) for mounting to the vehicle engine and enclosing the vehicle master clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Alan C. Stine
  • Patent number: 5737979
    Abstract: Clutches in multi-speed transmission have been initially calibrated in an attempt to determine the point at which the clutch is filled and thus reduce the harshness of engagement of the elements within the clutches during future gear ratio changes in the transmission when being worked under normal conditions. In these earlier attempts at calibrating the clutches, the desired pressure level needed to fill the clutch was either empirically derived or calibrated by incrementally increasing or stepping the pressure level from a minimum value to the required value. In the subject invention, the clutches are calibrated by using a method of calibration that is substantially the same method that is used during normal operating conditions. By using substantially the same method, any effects of "hysteresis" of the associated valving is basically eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Philip C. McKenzie, Ashok K. Kajjam
  • Patent number: 5737980
    Abstract: Thin walled metal alloy receptacles are filled with a filler material. If granular, the filler material is solidified in the receptacles. The receptacles are inserted in a bit mold with their open ends abutting against preformed cutter locations in the bit mold. The mold is filled with a steel or tungsten carbide powder and a binder and exposed to temperatures sufficient to cause the binder to infiltrate the steel or tungsten carbide as well as infiltrate the receptacle outer surfaces, metallurgically bonding the receptacles to the binder. The mold is then removed, revealing a bit body with the bonded filled receptacles. The filler material is removed from the receptacles PCD cutters are inserted in the receptacles and are brazed using conventional brazing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl W. Keith, Gary R. Chunn, Mark A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5737981
    Abstract: A removal device adapted for the removal of difficult to remove threaded connecting devices threaded in a first direction. The device includes a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes an opening which extends toward the second end of the body. The opening is sized to receive a threaded connecting device threaded in a first direction and continuously tapers from a first diameter at the first end to a second diameter as it extends toward the second end, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The opening further includes an internal surface threaded in direction opposite the threading of the threaded connecting device which must be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: David Lewis Hildebrand
  • Patent number: 5737982
    Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a hand grip and a member rotatably coupled together. The member has an interior for receiving a shaft and has a channel for slidably receiving a knob. A barrel is rotatably engaged on the shaft and is slidably engaged in the member for allowing the barrel to be moved axially within the member. The barrel includes a number of ratchet teeth formed in front portion and the rear portion. The knob includes a stud engaged with the barrel for moving the barrel along the shaft. Two followers are engaged on the shaft and rotated in concert with the shaft and each includes a number of ratchet teeth for engaging with the ratchet teeth of the barrel and for allowing the followers to be rotated in an active direction by the barrel. The ratchet teeth are in surface engagement such that the followers may be solidly driven by the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Patent number: 5737983
    Abstract: A dynamometric wrench comprises a handle part (1) and an elongated torsion body (2) which at a first end (3) is co-rotatively connected with the handle part (1) and at the opposite end (4) has means for connecting the torsion body (2) with a screw or similar. In the region of the latter end (4), the torsion body (2) is co-rotatively connected with a socket- or ring-like part (8) which is rotatable relative to the handle part (1) when the body (2) is submitted to torsion due to it being loaded with a torque. A stop element (10) is connected with the handle part (1), which element is arranged to cooperate with at least one shoulder (12') on the socket part (8), more specifically in such a way that the stop element is brought into contact with the shoulder when a predetermined, optimal torque has been applied upon the screw, which torque confers an elastic, but not a plastic distortion to the torsion body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Torque System Sweden AB
    Inventor: Gustav Rennerfelt
  • Patent number: 5737984
    Abstract: The body section of the holder carries at one side a shaving tool bit and worm supporting roller, and is removably mounted at its opposite side on the slide section of the holder by a quick release pin, which is reciprocable in a bore in the slide section. A spring normally urges the inner end of the pin into an opening in the body section to prevent its removal from the slide section, but to permit limited floating movement of the body section relative to the slide section. The pin may be retracted manually to allow removal of the body section. The work supporting roller is also removably and adjustably mounted on the body section; and the slide section is adjustably supported on an adapter to be mounted thereby on a machine cross slide. Two sets of ball bearings are interposed between the body and slide sections to facilitate floating movement of the former on the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: C.J. Winter Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul P. Francia
  • Patent number: 5737985
    Abstract: A work holder assembly is disclosed for securing a workpiece on a lathe having a rotary driven shaft. The workpiece has a central hole in an end wall thereof, and said end wall will be maintained in a position substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft. The work holder assembly includes an arbor mount comprising a substantially cylindrical tube portion having an enlarged backing plate at one end. The arbor mount is provided with a central bore, the axis of which is substantially coincident with the axis of the tube portion, which central bore is adapted to receive the shaft in sliding engagement therewith. The tube portion of the arbor mount has an outside diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the central hole in the end wall of the workpiece, while the backing plate is larger than the central hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Charles H. Rimlinger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5737986
    Abstract: A combination mitre and bevel saw 10 includes an elongate fence guide 74 operatively connected to the saw blade assembly 20 and pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position in the plane of the saw blade 26. A spring 72 biases the fence guide 74 into its retracted position. The fence guide may be pulled down by the saw operator into its extended position so as to indicate the position at which the saw blade will impinge upon the workpiece and so as to allow the setting of two fence members 17a, 17b accordingly. The fence guide 74 includes a leading edge, 78, which indicated the width of cut which the saw blade will make in the workpiece and a wider portion 80, trailing the leading edge 78, which indicated the optimum spacing of the fence members 17a, 17b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Andrea Garuglieri
  • Patent number: 5737987
    Abstract: In a reproduction system with an output sheet stacking tray system and a slitter with selectable sheet slitting positions in which printed sheets being outputted by the reproduction system may be selectably slit (or not) in their sheet output direction into plural slit sheets of selectably variable sheet widths and stacked in the output tray sheet stacking system; a dual mode output sheet stacking tray system is selectably convertible between a single sheet stacking position mode and a plural slit sheet stacking surfaces mode, wherein in the plural slit sheet stacking surfaces mode the sheet stacking tray system provides plural opposingly transversely sloped sheet stacking surfaces with low friction to assist slit sheets slit from the same printed sheet to transversely slide laterally away from one another, wherein these opposingly sloped surfaces intersect substantially in line with the slitting position of the slitter in the process direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven D. Olson, Roger N. Albright
  • Patent number: 5737988
    Abstract: A media buffer capable of buffering two lengths of media, is fed a first length of media from an imagesetter at a first speed, and releases the media to a processor at a second speed. An input media sensor senses the media entering the buffer. Drive rollers take up the leading edge of the media at the imagesetter speed. Shortly thereafter a signal from an output media sensor located between the drive rollers and the processor, opens an input door to an input bin and stops the drive rollers. The incoming media continues to be fed by the imagesetter forming a first slack loop within the input bin. The imagesetter signals the buffer that the media has been cut, thereby actuating drive rollers to advance the media at the processor speed to a pair of rollers in the processor. A signal from the processor sensor opens an output door to an output bin. The drive rollers increase speed to transport the first piece of media from the input bin to the output bin thereby forming a second slack loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Agfa Division, Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Libor Krupica, Robert A. Goodwin, Paul W. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5737989
    Abstract: An improved hydraulic paper cutting machine for preventing paper contamination and ensuring operation safety. A hydraulic cylinder is disposed below a machine body and located below the sheet of paper to be cut. The paper will not be contaminated even if the hydraulic cylinder leaks. A stop element is provided on a linkage means to prevent a cutter frame; the stop element may prevent the cutter frame from falling down if the hydraulic cylinder malfunctions and goes out of control, thus ensuring the safety of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Huang Ming Sung
  • Patent number: 5737990
    Abstract: Miter joint cutting apparatus includes a base, and an adjusting member mounted on the base for relative sliding movement to a position along the direction of a saw line. A workpiece locating mechanism is mounted on the base for angular adjustment with respect to the saw line, and includes a pair of elongate guide boxes wherein each box has a lower lateral wall parallel to the base for supporting a workpiece with a forward end of the wall pivoted to the adjusting member, and a vertical wall extending from the lower wall. The lateral wall is coupled to the base via a projection which slides in a lateral slot in the base, as the guide box is moved by operation of the adjusting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventors: Brian Ellison Freeland, Neil Freeland, Stuart Freeland
  • Patent number: 5737991
    Abstract: A tubular insulating gasket includes a braided jacket having a non-stretchable warp bead laid in along one side wall and a mesh bulb made of resilient wire contained within the jacket and spaced from the warp bead. The gasket is made by braiding the jacket on a tubular mandrel having a diameter greater than the pull-down diameter of the braid, interlocking the warp bead into the braid to prevent its axial expansion, feeding the bulb through the mandrel into the jacket as the jacket is taken off the mandrel. Gaskets have less tendency to crimp or collapse as where the gasket is fit around corners of an open door are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Bentley-Harris Inc.
    Inventor: J. Sellers Kite, III
  • Patent number: 5737992
    Abstract: Method for controlling a pressurized fluid-actuated double acting cylinder in an assembly such as a hydraulic tightening spanner (1) with a control unit therefor, wherein a piston (5) may be reciprocated repeatedly, firstly with an active stroke providing a desired maximum force, and then with an opposed passive stroke returning the piston (5) to its starting point to enable repetition, and wherein said method comprises selecting a set fluid pressure corresponding to the desired maximum force (Fr) and measuring the time elapsed (Te) between the beginning and the end of the passive return stroke to determine that the force has been achieved. A device for implementing the force is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Daniel Octaaf Ghislain Torrekens
    Inventors: Daniel Octaaf Ghislain Torrekens, Didier Pacco
  • Patent number: 5737993
    Abstract: An apparatus for controllably moving a work implement is disclosed. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick. A joystick position sensor senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates an operator command signal, which is indicative of a desired velocity. A velocity sensor senses the velocity of the lift cylinder and tilt cylinders and responsively producing respective cylinder velocity signals. A microprocessor receives the cylinder velocity and operator command signals, determines the difference between the actual and desired cylinder velocity, and responsively produces an electrical valve signal in response to the velocity difference. An electrohydraulic valve receives the electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a magnitude of the electrical value signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Cobo, John D. Duffy
  • Patent number: 5737994
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a hydrostatic actuation system based on a digitally commutated, piston pump. Typically the pump is a fixed displacement axial piston pump with the hydromechanical commutator (which consists of either check valves or a rotated portplate) replaced by electromagnetically activated switches. The activation of the switches coincides with the extreme position of the pistons. The actual switching events are selected by a digital controller to effect an incremental flow rate to a hydraulic actuator. The flow rate consists of minute volumes of fluid displaced at a frequency and polarity dependent on the magnitude and sign of the rate binary applied to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Alfonso S. Escobosa
  • Patent number: 5737995
    Abstract: A power steering control valve (22) includes inner and outer valve members (40 and 42) which are rotatable relative to each other. A force transmitting assembly (114) is operable to transmit force which resists relative rotation between the valve members. A pressure chamber (138) is connected in fluid communication with a pump (24) and controls operation of the force transmitting assembly (114). The pump (24) supplies fluid at a relatively high flow rate during operation of the pump at a low speed and supplies fluid at a relatively low flow rate during operation of the pump at a relatively high speed. A secondary valve assembly (170) is connected in fluid communication with the pressure chamber (138) and defines an orifice (182 or 184) through which pressure is vented from the pressure chamber. The secondary valve assembly (170) is operated in response to relative rotation between the inner and outer valve members (40 and 42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Marc H. Doolittle
  • Patent number: 5737996
    Abstract: A hydraulic axial piston machine (1) is disclosed, having a cylinder drum (2), which has at least one cylinder (5) in which a piston (9) is arranged to move back and forth, and having a control plate (3), which on rotation of the cylinder drum (2) and control plate (3) relative to one another connects the cylinder (5), in dependence on its position, to a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet (4), a pressure plate (6) being arranged between the cylinder drum (2) and the control plate (3) and having for each cylinder (5) a fluid path (14) between the control plate (3) and the cylinder drum (2). It is desirable for such a machine to be capable of operation also with a hydraulic fluid that has no or only slight lubricating properties. To that end, the cylinder (5) is lined with a bushing (10) of a friction-reducing plastics material which projects from the cylinder drum (2) and is inserted in the pressure plate (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Danfoss AS
    Inventor: Ove Thorbo.o slashed.l Hansen
  • Patent number: 5737997
    Abstract: A cam plate type compressor includes a cam plate having a boss and the cam plate is located in a crank chamber formed within a pair of casings. The cam plate is rotatable with a drive shaft. The compressor also has two-part bearing structure for supporting the cam plate. The bearing has a buffer structure for absorbing an axial load applied to the cam plate. One of the bearing parts is constituted by a rolling bearing and the other is constituted by a flat sliding bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hirofumi Sato, Tomoji Tarutani, Norikazu Deto, Masanobu Yokoi
  • Patent number: 5737998
    Abstract: A heavy-load hydraulic or air cylinder comprises a main body provided therein with an action rod having an driven end. The driven end is exerted on by the liquid or air pressure to actuate the action rod. The driven end is provided respectively on both sides thereof with a pressure bearing piece. The driven end and the pressure bearing piece are provided therebetween with a leakproof ring. The main body is further provided at the exit end thereof with at least one pressure bearing piece. The pressure bearing piece and an exit cap are provided therebetween with a leakproof ring. When the action rod is at work to bring about the pressure, the pressure bearing piece is acted on by the pressure, which is the transferred to act on the leakproof ring, which in turn generates the reaction force to act against the inner wall surface of the main body so as to enable the cylinder to withstand a heavy burden or weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Chiu Nan Wang
  • Patent number: 5737999
    Abstract: A plurality of passageways were provided between the inter-ring cylindrical surface of a piston and a cavity formed behind an oil control ring mounted on the piston. The passageway provides for the passage of blowby gas during downward movement of the piston, thereby permitting the oil control ring to seat against the upper surface of its groove. The present invention effectively controls the flow of oil toward the compression ring of the ring assembly without the requirement for a passageway communicating the inter-ring cavity with a saturated, turbulent flow, oil environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Susumu Ariga
  • Patent number: 5738000
    Abstract: An axial piston machine includes a housing and a rotary shaft is mounted in the housing. A plurality of radially spaced cylindrical bores are arranged concentrically around the shaft and a reciprocal piston is located in each bore. A plate is located at an angle of inclination with respect to the rotary shaft. Each piston is connected to the plate by a support body locator and first and second support bodies are located in the support body locator and are in contact with the opposed surfaces of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz Forster
  • Patent number: 5738001
    Abstract: A control device processes simultaneously the signals received from a temperature sensor and from a water delivery counter means to control instant by instant the pump delivery and the electricity feeding of the machine heat exchanger so as to maintain at the reference temperature the water exiting the heat exchaner;
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Illycaffe's S.P.A.
    Inventor: Furio Suggi Liverani
  • Patent number: 5738002
    Abstract: An attachment for combining steam, milk and air which comprises an upper frother body having an upper end defining an inlet and a lower frother body having a lower end defining a discharge outlet. The upper and lower frother bodies are attached to each other so as to establish a fluid passageway between the inlet and the outlet. A frother nozzle is interdisposed in fluid passageway between the inlet and discharge outlet. A manifold attaches to the upper frother body for introducing milk and air into the fluid passageway. A pressure cap, a rigid bushing and a resilient bushing allow releasably attaching of the inlet to a steam supply of an espresso machine. A flush cap releasably attaches to the lower end of the lower frother body to close the discharge outlet so that the steam supply from the espresso machine is directed through the manifold in a reverse flow-like flushing manner whereby the attachment is cleaned without requiring disassembly or disconnection from an espresso machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Anthony Marano-Ducarne
  • Patent number: 5738003
    Abstract: A counter current extractor including an elongate housing with a screw conveyor therein and having a strainer at one end thereof to filter a liquid phase out of the counter current extractor, wherein the strainer is provided with a clearing member to prevent the strainer from remaining clogged with particulate material and wherein liquid being fed into the counter current extractor is spilled into the extractor so as to flow in a cascade over and through a solid phase in the extractor, the liquid being maintained at a desired level by a control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Processing Technologies International Limited
    Inventor: Timothy R. Lang
  • Patent number: 5738004
    Abstract: A machine for injecting fluid into a meat product has a frame and a meat injection station on the frame. An elongated conveyor is mounted on the frame for carrying a meat products towards and through the injection station. A motor is on the frame for operating the conveyor. A meat injection head on the frame is located at the injection station and includes a plurality of downwardly extending fluid injection needles. A fluid reservoir is mounted on the frame and is connected to a pump, with the pump also being connected to the needles. The motor is connected to a power train for moving the needles into and out of a meat product while it is being moved through the injection station by the conveyor. A bypass control circuit is on the frame and is connected to the pump and the reservoir for diverting fluid moving towards the needles from the pump in the reservoir when the needles are out of the meat product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Ray T. Townsend
  • Patent number: 5738005
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method according to which workpieces are fed and subjected to stamping by continuously operating a press in which a plurality of slides operating with a difference in phase are arranged laterally in a straight line. A longitudinal feeding device for longitudinally feeding workpieces is provided in each slide. Each slide and the longitudinal feeding device thereof operate in synchronism with each other, so that even when the press is continuously operated, the workpieces can be fed without involving any interference between the press and the transfer device. Further, the feeding of workpieces in the lateral direction, which is executed as needed, is effected outside the machining stage, so that there is no interference regardless of the difference in phase of the slides, whereby it is possible to feed workpieces without having to intermittently operate the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Aida Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Itakura
  • Patent number: 5738006
    Abstract: A portable press device for repairing truss joints includes jaw members spaced opposite each other having first and second end portions. A mechanism interconnects the jaw members for relative pivotal movement therebetween. A pair of plate members are disposed at the first end portions of the jaw members with the plate members facing opposite each other for receiving a truss joint therebetween. A lever arrangement is disposed at the second end portions of the jaw members to control the relative pivotal movement of the jaw members. Finally, a drive mechanism is secured to the lever members to selectively move the second end portions of the jaw members to both close and open the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Kelly D. Stateley
  • Patent number: 5738007
    Abstract: A calender employs an open-stack like arrangement with a single vertical beam or support column on each end of the calender. In combination with the support beam, a special swing link is used to support tension loads on the open side of the calender. The nip is thus straddled by structural members between the support column and the link. This combination has the ability to support high linear nip loads, as high as 3,000 PLI or higher. The link has pin connections at both ends so that when one pin is removed, the link can be swung open for roll removal or accessibility. Thus, the strength of the closed-stack calender is combined with the visibility and ease of access of the open-stack calender by the employment of tension links which replace one of the support columns utilized in a closed-stack calender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold J. Roerig, Dale A. Brown
  • Patent number: 5738008
    Abstract: The clamping apparatus for imprinting disk-shaped information media consists of a base plate with a central centering aid for the information medium and a cover with an annular opening. The base plate is joined pivotably to the cover by means of a hinge. A closure mechanism is provided diametrically opposite the hinge, and elastic elements, on which the information medium rests and which when the cover is closed can be compressed by the information medium, are mounted on the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Michael Freund
  • Patent number: 5738009
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for direct electrostatic printing with reduced banding, which comprising the steps of creating a potential difference between a back electrode and a magnetic brush assembly having a stationary mounted core and a sleeve rotatably mounted around the core, and rotating the sleeve at a rotational speed V.sub.rot which is higher than 100 rotations per minute; applying a developer with toner particles and magnetically attractable carrier particles on the magnetic brush assembly; creating a flow of toner particles directly from the magnetic brush assembly to the back electrode; interposing a printhead structure, having printing apertures and control electrodes around the printing apertures, between the magnetic brush assembly and the back electrode, for image wise controlling the flow of toner particles; passing a substrate at a speed V.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert
    Inventors: Guido Desie, Herman Debie
  • Patent number: 5738010
    Abstract: A method for creating contact pressure forces between printing substrates conveyed on an endless conveyor belt and multiple ink transfer devices arranged at a distance from one another in tandem along the conveyor belt, the ink transfer devices having respective cylindrically curved surfaces located opposite the conveyor belt. The method includes creating the contact pressure forces through the use of a prestress applied to the conveyor belt, and partially looping the substrates on the curved surfaces of the ink transfer devices with said conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Martin Greive