Patents Issued in April 21, 1998
  • Patent number: 5740679
    Abstract: A higher temperature side unit having a higher temperature side compressor and a condenser to form a higher temperature refrigeration cycle is disposed at a position higher than a position where a lower temperature side unit forming a lower temperature refrigeration cycle is disposed. The higher temperature side unit is provided with a bypass passage which allows refrigerant to bypass the higher temperature side compressor. A shut-off valve is disposed in the bypass passage. When an open-air temperature sensed by an open-air thermometric sensor is low, the higher temperature side compressor is deactivated and the bypass passage is opened, so that refrigerant naturally circulates in the higher temperature refrigeration cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akitoshi Ueno, Yuji Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 5740680
    Abstract: A deodorizing reinforced container includes: a housing having an outer shell lined with thermally insulative lining on an inside surface of the outer shell, and an inner shell defining a storing chamber within the inner shell; a plurality of reinforcing ribs longitudinally and latitudinally retained between the inner shell and the outer shell of the housing for reinforcing the strength of the housing for sustaining a hypobaric pressure; a cooling hypobaric device and a humidifier provided in the storing chamber for producing low pressure, low temperature and increasing humidity in the storing chamber for well preservation of foods, fruits or other storing materials within the housing; and a deodorizing device provided in a sandwiched space between the inner and outer shells for absorbing unpleasant odors and absorbing ethylene or other excess unexpected gases which may cause aging of the fruits or vegetables as stored in the housing for freshening the stored matters in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Fong-Chuan Lee
  • Patent number: 5740681
    Abstract: An air conditioning circuit of a motor vehicle is used for heating the cabin of the vehicle. The air conditioning circuit accordingly operates in a cooling mode and a heating mode, selectively. In the heating mode, the refrigerant fluid flowing in the air conditioning circuit flows in a branch of the circuit which bypasses the condenser. The evaporator therefore receives this fluid in the gaseous state and acts as a heat exchanger for dissipating the heat produced in the compressor. The heat dissipated by the evaporator can be used for heating the cabin when that produced by the engine of the vehicle is insufficient for this purpose. To this end, an ejector draws a complementary mass of fluid into the heating loop for the purpose of adjusting the heat energy produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventor: Stefan Karl
  • Patent number: 5740682
    Abstract: A method for the recovery of fugitive volatile organic vapors which comprises the steps of: (a) compressing said vapors to a pressure of at least 200 kpa; (b) feeding the hot compressed vapors to the desorption step of a Heat-Mass-Exchange (HME) system; (c) cooling the effluent resulted from the desorption step to the ambient temperature and separating out the condensed liquid obtained and (d) feeding the residual cold vapor phase, after the separation of the condensed liquid, to the adsorption step of said HME system, thus recovering the fugitive organic vapors. According to a preferred embodiment, the compressed vapors resulted from step (b) are at a temperature in the range of between 80.degree. to 150.degree. C., which may be reached by an external heating and the effluent resulted from the desorption step (c) is cooled at a temperature of about 5.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignees: Ram Lavie, Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventor: Ram Lavie
  • Patent number: 5740683
    Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system for producing nitrogen, especially at low production flowrates, wherein incoming feed air is cooled by a regenerator without need for cold end imbalance and wherein exogenous cryogenic liquid is added to the rectification column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Fredric Billingham, Thomas John Bergman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5740684
    Abstract: A security system for securing personal property at a beach including two augers is provided. A pair of augers (15,16,50,100) are screwed into the sand. A crossbar (11,102) placed in loops (13,14,56) on the exposed ends of the augers. The crossbar is locked to the augers so that the augers may not be unscrewed from the sand. Items of personal property (31,140) may then be locked to the security device formed by the augers and crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas M. Sherlock, Eric W. Kramer
  • Patent number: 5740685
    Abstract: Disclosed is a security mechanism for electronics enclosures such as network interface units which permits access by customers and craftspersons. A bracket is mounted to the cover of the enclosure. The bracket includes two apertures, one for receiving a security screw, and the other for receiving an ordinary screw which fastens the cover to the enclosure. The bracket also includes a cavity which accommodates the shackle of a padlock so that the ordinary screw can be covered and access prevented. Craftspersons can override the padlock by loosening the security screw and moving the bracket until the padlock is removed from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 5740686
    Abstract: In rolling a metal strip in a roughing line and a finishing line, the rolling process in the roughing line is adjusted as a function of a predicted value for the change in width of the metal strip in the finishing line such that the metal strip has a given specified finished strip width on leaving the finishing line. In order to permit a reliable prediction of the change in width despite the lack of accurate information regarding the dependence of the change in width on influencing parameters that affect the process, this dependence is simulated in a neural network whose network parameters are adapted after each passage of a metal strip through the finishing line as a function of the influencing parameters measured or calculated during the passage and the measured actual change in width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Martinetz, Thomas Poppe, Guenter Soergel, Otto Gramckow
  • Patent number: 5740687
    Abstract: A forming apparatus for forming a selected profile in a sheet of material includes a frame, a sheet drive to advance the sheet of material through the frame, a drive assembly for powering the sheet drive, forming rollers to configure the sheet into the desired profile and a shear assembly to cut the formed sheet into desired lengths. The sheet drive includes pairs of coacting rollers with each pair comprising a driven roller connected to the drive assembly and a free-wheeling roller that is adjustably mounted relative to its associated driven roller. The shear assembly has a housing that movably mounts a pair of opposed blade mounts that have facing channels which receive lateral edges of a blade. These channels are wider than the blade thickness so that the blade freely floats and is thus self-aligning between dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: New Tech Machinery Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce E. Meyer, David H. Cunningham, Ronald W. Shell
  • Patent number: 5740688
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the forming of a shaped article includes a means for plasticizing a feed material; a die chamber; a means for delivering a plasticized feed material from the plasticizing means and into the die chamber, the delivery means in flow communication with the plasticizing means and the die chamber; and means for applying a pressure to a material in the die chamber. In operation, a feed material is introduced into a plasticizing source; the plasticized feed material is delivered to a die chamber connectable in flow communication with the plasticizing source; and supplemental pressure is applied to the plasticized feed material within the die chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sural Tech
    Inventors: Navtej S. Saluja, Alfredo Riviere V.
  • Patent number: 5740689
    Abstract: A wheel spoke extrusion stretcher including a main shaft turned by a motor through a belt transmission mechanism, two driven shafts turned by said main shaft through helical gears, a main sliding block coupled to the driven shafts by a crank and holding an eye block die and a tool block, two transmission shafts coupled to the driven shafts by bevel gears and mounted with cam wheels, two sets of chucks respectively mounted on respective transverse sliding blocks and moved by the cam wheels to seize workpiece, a swing link turned to pick up workpiece from a feed plate by jaw chucks, and a swing arm turned about an axle by one cam wheel and having a hammer bit at one end, wherein when workpiece is picked up and gripped by the chucks, the main sliding block is moved forwards to force the eye block die onto workpiece, and then the chucks are opened in proper order as the eye block die is moved forwards, and then the hammer bit of the swing arm is moved downwards to hit the tool block, causing it to cut off workpie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Yen-Shun Chu
  • Patent number: 5740690
    Abstract: The present invention is an element for gripping metal to be stretched by a stretcher leveler apparatus. The gripping element includes a first and preferably a second high density cast polyurethane gripping pad adapted for engagement with the metal to be stretched and a support member which can be a rectangular plate upon which the first and second gripping pads are operatively anchored. The support member having two pads is detachably mounted to the stretcher leveler apparatus either in a first orientation in which the first pad is positioned for engagement with the metal to be stretched or a second orientation in which the second pad is positioned for engagement with the metal to be stretched. Preferably, the support member is a plate having a first support surface upon which the first gripping pad is chemically bonded and a second support surface upon which the second gripping pad is chemically bonded. The support surfaces are disposed on opposite sides of the plate and in a parallel relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Bertram A. Holloway
  • Patent number: 5740691
    Abstract: A press is described for prehemming and final hemming the internal periphery of an aperture in sheet material received on an anvil (10) on which the sheet material (12) is held down so that the upturned edge (14) of the aperture which is to be hemmed is substantially in alignment with the edge of the opening in the anvil (10). A composite hemming tool (40, 42) is provided adapted to perform prehemming and final hemming and carried b a tool carrier (36, 38). Drive means (24, 26) protrudes up from the press through the opening in the anvil so that a lower inclined leading edge (44, 46) of the tool substantially registers with the upturned edge (14) to be hemmed. The drive means operates so as to force the tool first of all towards the edge so as to bend the upturned edge over until it is bent through substantially 90 degrees from its upstanding position and thereafter to move in a generally downward direction so as to compress the downturned ege. A method of hemming is also described based on this machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Western Atlas U.K. Limited
    Inventors: Josef Kovarovic, John Ralph Kowalewsky, Gerrit Wesley Sloat
  • Patent number: 5740692
    Abstract: An apparatus, for forming a container body from a sheet metal component, comprises a punch 31, an annular die 10, axially aligned with the punch, and an annular blankholder 32 surrounding the punch so arranged that relative motion as between the blankholder 32 and an end face 12 of the die restrains the periphery of the sheet metal component as the punch enters the annular die; the die 10 has a spherical bearing surface 17 centered on the longitudinal punch axis, and a die holder 20 has an arcuate surface 22 to co-operate with the spherical surface 17 of the die to impose a restraining force on sheet metal between the die face 12 and the blankholder, 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Carnaudmetalbox (Holdings) USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Robert Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 5740693
    Abstract: The invention is a level detector having an elongated level tube containing a bubble in a liquid, a detector body enveloping and supporting the level tube, a projector for emitting light, a reflector for directing the emitted light across the level tube, a photoelectric sensor for sensing the light arriving from the level tube, the sensor having a plurality of separate photoelectric receptor elements, a discriminator circuit for identifying selected receptor elements to determine the location of light arriving across the level tube without interference by the bubble therein and thus to detect the levelness of the detector body and of any surface on which the body is disposed, and at least one level indicator for providing a readout of the levelness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Daishowa Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuzuru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5740694
    Abstract: A plurality of rollers is accommodated in respective roller-accommodating grooves formed on an inner peripheral face of a clutch outer member integral with a planet carrier connected with an output shaft. The rollers contact a peripheral face (roller-contact face) of a clutch inner member integral with a stationary member. Roller-engaging grooves are formed on an outer peripheral face of the clutch inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nagao, Mitsuhiro Murata
  • Patent number: 5740695
    Abstract: A transmission shift rail with a control rail 12 and shift fork 30. A pin 26 extends into a translation slot 36 in the shift fork 30 to produce axial movement of the shift fork 30 when the control rail 12 rotates, without translating the shift fork 30 when the control rail 12 translates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Allen Janson
  • Patent number: 5740696
    Abstract: A transmission unit mounted on the machine base of an office automation machine and covered with a cover and controlled to turn a first roller and a second roller, including a gear transmission mechanism, a first roller transmission mechanism driven and a second roller transmission mechanism respectively driven by the gear transmission mechanism to turn the rollers, wherein the gear transmission mechanism includes a motor, a rounded seat raised from the machine base, a drive gear mounted on the rounded seat and coupled to the motor, an annular gear holder revolvably mounted around the rounded seat and having an upright gear shaft, an upright axle raised from the machine base adjacent to the rounded seat, a crank having a pivot hole at one end coupled to the upright axle and a gear shaft at an opposite end, a first planet gear revolvably mounted around the gear shaft of the crank and driven by the drive gear to turn the first roller transmission mechanism, a second planet gear revolvably mounted around the gea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sampo Corporation
    Inventors: Jaw-kuen Jean, Chuan-Sheng Li, Bor-Harn Lin
  • Patent number: 5740697
    Abstract: A lubrication structure for a transfer mechanism distributing a driving force received from a transmission gear to two output shafts and outputting the driving force therefrom, wherein the lubrication structure comprises a slide tube section for a sliding yoke provided in a propeller shaft, the slide tube section externally mounted on a shaft section of the output shaft in a state where it can move in the axial direction but cannot relatively rotate; a lubricating oil hole provided in an extended section of a transfer case covering the slide shaft section; a lubricating oil groove provided in an internal surface of the extended section and communicating with the lubricating oil hole, the lubricating oil groove oriented in the axial direction of the extended section; a seal mechanism sealing between the slide tube section on the internal surface of the extended section at the outer end thereof; and a bushing provided between the extended section and the slide tube section so that the bushing covers the lubrica
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Yamase
  • Patent number: 5740698
    Abstract: A flame attenuator for poke-through constructions. The device is formed from a plurality of overlapping segments of metal screen firmly attached to a base frame and forming an inverted funnel-like structure with each of the segments converging loosely at the top of the inverted funnel. In application, the transmission shifter lever penetrates the smaller, upper hole thus formed, and in spite of being moved in horizontal arcs, maintains contact with the overlapping screen segments. Since there are a variety of boot geometries (circular based, oval based, and rectangular based) the flame attenuator base frame is provided in multiple shapes to accommodate the different boot configurations. The attenuator is located inside the shifter boot, and is manufactured either integrally to the boot, or as an add-on item. The flame attenuator protects the boot from rapid burn-through in the event of an engine fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Donald J. Myronuk, Jon F. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5740699
    Abstract: An extendible wrist mechanism comprises a base and a spaced end plate to which an end effector or other tool holder may be mounted. Three linear actuators are disposed about the central axis directed from the base to the end plate. Each actuator is joined to the base by a joint permitting pivoting toward and away from the central axis and pivoting tangentially of a circle centered about the central axis. Each linear actuator is mounted to the end plate by a joint permitting pitch, yaw, and roll of the end member with respect to the linear actuator. A tube extends from the base and telescopingly receives a member which is attached to the end plate at the central axis by a U-joint permitting pitch and yaw of the end plate. The base mounted tube is keyed to the end plate mounted member so that the end plate is held against rotation with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Spar Aerospace Limited
    Inventors: William John Ballantyne, Bruce Clarke Walker, Al-Amyn Samji
  • Patent number: 5740700
    Abstract: A handlebar hand cover made of lightweight, flexible material and designed to fit over a handlebar's hand grip and protect the rider's hand and wrist when placed thereon. More specifically, the hand cover includes a water-proof outer shell with an internal cavity sufficiently large so that the rider can operate the brake lever or other controls located adjacent to the hand grip. The outer shell is made of top and bottom panels attached together along their front peripheral edges. The medial and lateral peripheral edges of the top and bottom panels are selectively attached together which enable the rider to remove his hand outward through the hand cover in an emergency or sudden stop. An optional insulating lining may be used to provide additional warmth. Also, an additional reflective surface may be attached to the outer shell of the hand cover to improve visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Steven A. Redmond
  • Patent number: 5740701
    Abstract: An eccentric gear for a transmission for a washing machine which uses an off center gear having a dual part construction combination with a rack and pinion mechanism, a brake clutch, and a drive clutch to provide the agitation and the high speed spin of the washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Hauser
  • Patent number: 5740702
    Abstract: A device for spinning vertical drill pipe on a drill rig includes a pair of opposed pipe gripping arms pivotably connected to the drill rig at a first end. The other end of one pipe gripping arm includes a drive wheel for frictionally contacting a drill pipe to be spun, and the other end of the second gripping arm includes a plurality of idler drive wheels to support the spinning pipe. A rod and cylinder assembly opens and closes the pipe gripping arms between a storage position and a pipe spinning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Donald W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5740703
    Abstract: A tong apparatus is provided for gripping a pipe. The apparatus includes a support having a track, a first positive stop, and a second positive stop. The apparatus also includes a jaw assembly having a base slidably coupled to the track of the support. The jaw assembly includes a cylinder having a movable piston. The cylinder is rigidly coupled to the base. The jaw assembly also includes a clamp for gripping the pipe. The clamp has a first jaw coupled to the movable piston and a second jaw coupled to the base. The first jaw has at least one stop located between the first and second positive stops of the support so that when the piston is extended from the cylinder the first jaw initially moves toward the second jaw until the first jaw engages the first positive stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Robert G. Perry
  • Patent number: 5740704
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench (10) includes a unitary socket assembly (20) having a collet (26) and an adjustable fastener engaging socket (24) which may be positioned over a conventional fastener and which may then be decreased in diameter to effect a gripping attachment of a fastener. The socket assembly (20) includes a stud (28) that is releasably engageable with the ratchet wrench (10). A locking lever (80, 80A) is attached to the ratchet wrench (10) and is usable both to decrease the diameter of the socket (24) and to releasably lock the socket in attachment with the fastener. The locking lever (80, 80A) may employ ratchet and pawl members (400, 402). If desired, the ratchet wrench (10) may instead be pneumatically activatable. Further, the wrench (10) also includes a camming means for reducing the diameter of the adjustable fastener engaging socket (24) formed on the inside of the leading edge of the collet (26), and on the outside edge of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Jerry A. Payne
  • Patent number: 5740705
    Abstract: Screw fastener jaws for the driver head of an automatic screw feeding and driving apparatus are disclosed for driving screws in face frame drilled holes. A tubular mandrel communicates with a screw feeding passage and a screwdriver passage at a first end to feed screws into the channel and then drive the screws. Spring action moves a plate to close off the free end of the channel to capture the screw. The plate is wide enough to engage the workpiece surface on both sides of the slanted hole. As the mandrel is advanced into the slanted hole, the plate is forced away from the end of the mandrel, releasing the screw for driving into the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Nasco Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Graham
  • Patent number: 5740706
    Abstract: A tool handle including a handle body having a backwardly opened receiving chamber and longitudinally disposed peripheral opening, a rotary storage wheel mounted in the receiving chamber and having longitudinal storage grooves spaced around the periphery for holding tool bits and accessories, and a rotary knob fastened to the rotary storage wheel and disposed outside the handle body and adapted for turning the rotary storage wheel to move the longitudinal storage grooves into alignment with the longitudinal opening of the handle body alternatively for loading/unloading tool bits and accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Sen Piao Tseng
  • Patent number: 5740707
    Abstract: A monocentric, multivision contact lens having a single optical axis and an anterior side. A first spherical vision surface is disposed on a first portion of the anterior side and has a first radius of curvature and a first center of curvature disposed along the single optical axis. A second spherical vision surface is disposed on a second portion of the anterior side and has a second radius of curvature and a second center of curvature disposed along the single optical axis. A transition surface is disposed intermediate the first portion and the second portion and has a plurality of centers of curvature disposed along the single optical axis. A method of making a monocentric contact lens and a mandrel for mounting a lens on a lathe for producing a monocentric contact lens are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Tru-Form Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan B. Svochak, Colin Howard Wess
  • Patent number: 5740708
    Abstract: A microtome includes a suction system that is integral with a knife carrier, which opposes the rolling up of tissue sections upon themselves and ensures evacuation of waste sections immediately after their appearance in the region of the sectioning blade of the knife carrier. The knife carrier has a suction cavity that is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the sectioning blade and is connected to a source of vacuum or reduced pressure. A cover is pivotably mounted on the body of the knife carrier. The cover has a u-shaped cross section, opened downwards, and profiled to cover the suction cavity and partially cover the sectioning blade. The cover defines a narrow free space in a form of a channel extending parallel to the upper face of the body of the knife carrier to guide a flow of suctioning air exerted on the sections. A valve has a closed position and an opened position for regulating the flow of suctioning air through the narrow free space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Microm Laborgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Herve Tabone
  • Patent number: 5740709
    Abstract: A web-cutting arrangement uses two-stage cutting to produce a plurality of products from a continuous web (100), while ensuring that the web, and the products (125) cut therefrom, remain continuously guided and undamaged. The arrangement includes a leading cutting structure (170) which provides an initial partial cut (115) into the web. The partial cut (115) is made along a line (110) directed perpendicular to the web length, leaving a remaining uncut portion (120) along the line (110). Using web transport belts (140) located so as to overlap the cutout (or partially cut) portions of the web (100), the continuous web is moved in a direction parallel to the web length with the belts (140) pulling and guiding the web (100) around rotating cylinders (164, 166).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Goss Graphic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Boston, Frank A. Balow
  • Patent number: 5740710
    Abstract: Device for cutting sheets of material, with a counter (12) for the material to rest on, a blade to cut the material, and a holdfast (11) that can be lowered onto the material by a mechanism (10) and raised off it by a spring (6). When the spring in such a device breaks, the holdfast can drop and injure the operator. The object is to prevent such injuries. An interceptor (7, 8, & 9) accordingly brakes the holdfast when the spring that raises it is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Adolf Mohr Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Gross, Adolf Rasch
  • Patent number: 5740711
    Abstract: A work piece guide and retention device for use with a power saw or similar power tool. The guide attaches to the power saw table and has one or more vacuum chambers having orifices. When a vacuum from a source such as a shop vacuum is applied to the chamber, a suction force is generated at the orifices which will serve to secure a work piece snugly against the guide to assist the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Rudy R. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 5740712
    Abstract: A punching device comprises a housing carrying a main punch body in the form of a plate mounted for rectilinear sliding movement, the punch body comprising a driving rack extending downwardly along each side, and a plurality of integral punch members projecting downwardly in a staggered array, the punch members being waisted. The device comprises an operating handle pivotally mounted on the housing carrying drive pinions engageable with the racks, so that by movement of the handle, the punch body may be raised and lowered. The punch body additionally carries auxiliary punch members, each being mounted on the punch body for longitudinal sliding movement relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Acco-Rexel Group Services plc.
    Inventors: Stephen Christopher Watkins, Geoffrey Felton
  • Patent number: 5740713
    Abstract: A notch cutter provides a first pair of inwardly facing shear edges in a V. A second pair of outwardly facing shear edges make an almost complementary V with a slightly smaller convergence angle. One pair of shear edges is caused to contact respective ones of the other pair along contact points moving from the entrance of the notch to the apex of the notch. One pair of shear edges is resiliently mounted relative to the other. When used to separate strips and form the ends of the separated strips, the V's of the first and second edge pairs may be truncated since the shear edges need only be wider than the strips on which they act to form their separating and edge shaping functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Lothar Korb
  • Patent number: 5740714
    Abstract: A blade clamping assembly for use with a rotary cylinder is designed to allow a quick change of a perforating blade, cutting blade or scoring blade. The assembly comprises an elongated retainer bar, an elongated backing plate and at least one compressive spacer. The inside faces of the retainer bar and the backing plate have a set of aligned cavities to hold the compressive spacers in place. The retainer bar preferably has a lower support ledge along an outside face to hold the blade and also has set screws with associated lock caps and resilient pegs to adjust the blade's height. Adjustment of the set screws allows a precise setting of the assembly and associated blade in a groove of the rotary cylinder. When the assembly is positioned in the cylinder's groove, the compressive spacers clamp the blade against a side wall of the groove. The blade is readily changed by forcing the retainer bar against the backing plate to compress the compressive spacers, thereby freeing the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Mark S. Martin
  • Patent number: 5740715
    Abstract: A cutter for an endless cutter device having a body portion disposed in a substantially upright plane, a cutter portion on a rearward region of the body and a depth gauge portion on a forward region of the body. The depth gauge has a downwardly sloping planar upper surface with a multi-angular configuration. A rear edge of the depth gauge has a central portion which is highest and farthest to the rear, with side portions extending forwardly and downwardly therefrom in diverging directions. A free outer edge intermediate the rear edge and forward edge of the depth gauge is the maximum width portion of the depth gauge. Converging edges progress forwardly from the maximum width portion to the front edge of the depth gauge. The heel of the body portion is clipped to permit limited rearward rocking of the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Burrows, Randall D. Jensen, Kent L. Huntington
  • Patent number: 5740716
    Abstract: A sound synthesis system employs a variable-length delay line whose length is modulated at a frequency that is close to the fundamental frequency of the delay line. By modulating the length of the delay line at a frequency close to the fundamental frequency of the delay line, a new class of sounds is generated. A delay line length modulator produces a periodic modulation signal whose frequency is close to the fundamental frequency of the delay line. The length of the delay line is modulated in accordance with the modulation signal, thereby causing a variable pitch shifting effect in the waveform produced by the delay line structure. Since the length of the delay line is modulated at a frequency close to the average loop frequency, part of the waveform stored by the delay line is time-compressed and the other part is expanded. The waveform's shape changes smoothly so that the compressed part of the waveform is pitched-shifted upwards, and the expanded part is pitch-lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Juior University
    Inventor: Timothy S. Stilson
  • Patent number: 5740717
    Abstract: In contrast to typical machines though, the present invention discloses a device which allows the plate to "float" within the mechanism, so that any inaccuracies in dimensional tolerances between plate and knife are absorbed in a damping of the plate or bed of the mechanism. In this situation, the depth of the cut of the score line can be very reliably controlled, which results in the repeatable manufacturing of a child resistant, yet senior effective package. There is used a spring pre-load for this plate, which is such that cutting takes place yet, as the tool closes, the plate and package come in "metal to metal" contact, assuring "near perfect" cuts of the blister package. Extremely high tolerances are maintained, assuring packages which pass all levels and types of QA testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Sowden, Kenneth E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 5740718
    Abstract: A piston rod assembly is provided for operation in an outer cylinder. The piston rod assembly includes a first rod having first and second regions, wherein the first region has a hole transversely aligned relative to the longitudinal axis of the first rod. A hollow, cylindrical bushing is disposed within the hole of the first rod. A second rod has first and second regions, the first region of the second rod being removably secured to the second region of the first rod. A packing sleeve for fluidly sealing the piston rods and outer cylinder includes a cylindrical shell having first and second portions circumferentially and adjustably disposed about at least the second region of the first rod and the first region of the second rod. First packings include a plurality of stacked annular seals mounted in the first portion of the cylindrical shell of the packing sleeve, such that the inner surfaces of the seals are in slidable and sealable contact with the outer surface of the first rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Binks Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Christopher Rathweg
  • Patent number: 5740719
    Abstract: A coffee machine for use with shelf-stable liquid coffee concentrate which includes a built-in storage reservoir that doubles as a hydraulic cylinder to deliver the requisite amount of shelf-stable liquid coffee concentrate into the brewing chamber. The machine allows heated water to mix with the concentrate in both the brewing chamber and the mixing chamber and then collect in a carafe. The machine allows for the fast and economical brewing of coffee in the home or office using shelf-stable liquid coffee concentrate that does not require the use of coffee filters and coffee grounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Gary Triola, Paul Gremillion
  • Patent number: 5740720
    Abstract: A new Multiple-Doughnut Fryer System for deep frying a plurality of doughnuts simultaneously and uniformly within one convenient deep fryer. The inventive device includes a housing having a top opening, a fry tank within the housing, three wire mesh baskets removably positioned within the fry tank, and an elongated heating element near the fry tank for heating cooking oil within the fry tank. The wire mesh baskets include a vertical member secured near a looped handle, wherein an aperture and a slot project into the vertical member for removably catching upon a support pin secured to the fry tank for supporting the wire mesh basket within the fry tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: David L. Marsh
  • Patent number: 5740721
    Abstract: The field of the invention concerns heating or cooking appliances. The cooking appliance comprises a casing (2) enclosing an integrated fixed or removable cooking receptacle (1) and heating means thermally connected to the cooking receptacle (1), means (3) for detecting, firstly, whether the cooking receptacle (1) is substantially empty and, in this case, opening the electrical supply circuit of the heating means, and secondly, for detecting whether the cooking receptacle (1) is filled so as to attain the predefined minimum weight, and, in this case, closing the electrical supply circuit of the heating means. According to the invention, the detection means (30) are operable by placing the cooking receptacle (1) in the casing, and by closing the lid (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Bizard, Bernard Beugnot, Jean-Marie Thevenin
  • Patent number: 5740722
    Abstract: An automatic kebab making machine includes plates with recesses for accepting the ingredients. The plates interact with at least one skewering system for inserting (or placing) a spit into each recess, thereby passing it through the accepted ingredients to form a kebab. Each recess is generally rectangular and defines a space that can be filled completely with ingredients. The length, breadth and depth of the recess substantially matches the dimensions of the kebab to be prepared, and the ends of the recess communicate with clearances for holding a spit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Michel Emsens
  • Patent number: 5740723
    Abstract: A portable, outdoor, high temperature griddle is provided capable of cooking international foods in a cross-wind without adversely affecting the flame. A wind-deflector is provided which sits between the griddle and the burners and deflects the wind along a tortuous pathway to reach the burners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Michael D. Lin
  • Patent number: 5740724
    Abstract: A device for grilling small pieces of food is described which is a basket made of a perforated metal. The device fits inside of conventional grills even when the lid of the grill is closed and can be easily removed for shaking and turning over of the small pieces of food without their falling out. The basket optionally has a removable lid that can be used independently of the device as a cooking surface. When the lid is in place, the entire device may be turned over. When the lid is either off or in the up position, the food inside the basket may be stirred or moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Marvin Fabrikant, Patricia Fabrikant
  • Patent number: 5740725
    Abstract: A waste plastics compacting apparatus has a tubular accommodating container for accommodating waste plastics, a bottom plate sliding up and down inside of the accommodating container for varying an inner volume of said accommodating container, a bag provided beneath said bottom plate, an air pump for inflating or deflating said bag, an outer container provided outside of said accommodating container, a lid for loading and unloading the waste plastics provided above said accommodating container, and a hot air generating part having a heater and a blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Tomizawa, Kunihiro Ukai, Tatsuo Fujita, Jiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5740726
    Abstract: An arrangement of distance ledges and retaining claws in waste material presses for packaging cardboard, foils and similar used packaging materials, particularly in presses of upright construction, i.e., presses having a vertically acting pressure ram. Stationary distance ledges are provided on the rear wall and/or on the inner side of the front door in the filling area of the shaft of the press. In addition, retaining claws for the material already compressed in the lower shaft portion or the finished bale which has not yet been tied are pivotally mounted in openings of the rear wall and the front door of the pressing area of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Hermann Schwelling
  • Patent number: 5740727
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for printing a decorative pattern of differing colors on the cylindrical outer surface of a can body wherein a pattern of one color is applied and dried on the outer surface and a pattern of a different color is applied to the cylindrical outer surface of the can body with only portions of the pattern of a different color superposed over portions of the pattern of one color and repeating the steps for a plurality of additional patterns and different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventor: Frank L. Shriver
  • Patent number: 5740728
    Abstract: A mailing machine comprising a control system, a print head having individual print elements which are selectively energizable for printing on an envelope and a transport system for feeding the envelope past the print head. The transport system including a first pulley, a second pulley in proximate location to the print head, an endless belt extending between the first and second pulley, the endless belt engaging the envelope and feeding the envelope past the print head, a drive system for causing the endless belt to rotate and an encoder system operatively coupled to the second pulley for providing signals indicative of the position of the second pulley. The control system in operative communication with the print head, the encoder system and the drive system for synchronizing the feeding of the envelope with energizing of the elements of the print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher DeBarber, Gerald C. Freeman