Patents Issued in June 2, 1998
  • Patent number: 5758536
    Abstract: Method for forming a double cylindrical pulley, in which a work piece placed in a die is pressed by a punch to cause the work piece to make a plastic deformation, for forming an inner ring and an outer ring of the pulley to have the same hardnesses and lengths, and a device suitable for forming the same, is disclosed, the method including: the steps of placing a piece of raw material on a counter punch mounted in a die of a built up metal mold; and, lowering a punch onto the piece of raw material, whereby the piece of raw material is caused to make a plastic deformation so that the piece of raw material flows into spaces between the die and counter punch to form an inner ring part and an outer ring part, and a flow of the material toward the outer ring part is controlled by a step part formed on the die to form an extended tip part, and the inner ring part and the outer ring part to have the same lengths and hardness: and the device including a die for placing a piece of raw material thereon; a counter punch
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Poongsan Corporation
    Inventor: Deok Jin Jeong
  • Patent number: 5758537
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting, inspecting, and adjusting probe card needles used during testing of fabricated circuits. A build wafer, comprised of build and scrub target patterns, is used to mount and re-work probe needle assemblies onto a probe card. Each build target is composed of a hard material that is resistant to probe needle scratching, and is offset a preset distance from the position of the bonding pads on the actual wafer to be tested. Each scrub target is composed of a soft material that is easily disturbed by the probe needle's scrubbing action. By counting the number of lines broken or cut by a probe needle's scrub mark, the approximate length and width of the scrub mark may be ascertained. An adjustment tool is designed to fit snugly around the untapered, thickest portion of the probe needle. The tool is rotated along the axis of the probe needle shaft, allowing the technician to "tweak" the probe needle either up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Texas Instruments, Incorporated
    Inventor: Fred Throssel
  • Patent number: 5758538
    Abstract: A tensiometer to in situ determine below-grade soil moisture, potential of earthen soil includes, a) an apparatus adapted for insertion into earthen soil below grade, the apparatus having a below-grade portion, and, comprising; b) a porous material provided in the below-grade portion, the porous material at least in part defining a below-grade first fluid chamber; c) a first fluid conduit extending outwardly of the first fluid chamber; d) a first controllable isolation valve provided within the first fluid conduit, the first controllable isolation valve defining a second fluid chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber through the first fluid conduit and the isolation valve, the first controllable isolation valve being received within the below-grade portion; and e) a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber, the pressure transducer being received within the below-grade portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company
    Inventors: Joel M. Hubbell, Earl D. Mattson, James B. Sisson
  • Patent number: 5758539
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a recording or log of measurements substantially comparable to the acoustic impedance of the formations crossed through by the borehole. The measurements are obtained from an acceleration detector (11) placed in the drill string (2) between the rock-breaking bit (7) and mechanical uncoupling system (12) set between certain elements of the string. A measurement representative of the acoustic impedance of the drilled formations is obtained by processing the signal by a function of the rotating speed of the drill bit and of the depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Charles Naville, Jean Guesnon, Claude Mabile
  • Patent number: 5758540
    Abstract: A retrofit device includes an elongated displacement element of uniform cross-section. When disposed in an upright position in a chamber of a multi-chamber fluid measuring device, the retrofit device reduces the volume of the chamber and thereby alters the ratio which the volume of that chamber bears to another chamber of the measuring device. The retrofit device may be advantageously employed in a syrup chamber of a multi-chamber measuring vessel used for assessing the volumetric ratio of syrup and diluent components used to prepare a beverage in a post-mix dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Joaquin R. Davila, W. Andrew Harvill
  • Patent number: 5758541
    Abstract: In an elastic frictional member including: a core ring fitted on a sleeve fixedly mounted on a shaft; and an elastic element engaged with the outer cylindrical surface of the core ring, a plurality of small protrusions are extended from the outer surface of a lip forming a part of the elastic element; that is, from a slide surface of the elastic element which is in slide contact with the inner cylindrical surface of a shaft hole formed in the gear. The small protrusions of the lip are in point contact with the inner cylindrical surface of the shaft hole of the gear; that is, the outer surface of the lip from which the small protrusions are extended is spaced from the inner cylindrical surface of the shaft hole of the gear, thus allowing the formation of a lubricant film in the space. The lubricant film thus formed maintains the friction coefficient substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Koyo Chicago Rawhide Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Shibuya
  • Patent number: 5758542
    Abstract: A system for coupling a motor with a worm speed reducer in which the work hours for assembling the worm speed reducer to the motor can be reduced, and the size and the weight of the reducer can also be minimized. A side of the worm speed reducer case 2 coupled to the motor case 1 is made to comprise an open face and through the open face, a worm gear G is installed inside the speed reducer case 2. A worm W is formed on the circumference of a projected free end of a motor spindle 7 and the bearings for the motor spindle 7 are mounted in a motor case flange 9. The open face of the speed reducer is covered with the flange 9 and the reducer case and the flange 9 are firmly clamped by bolts, thus releasably coupling the motor to the speed reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Emerson Co.
    Inventors: Yojitsu Kim, Katsumi Fujimura, Yoshikazu Ueyama
  • Patent number: 5758543
    Abstract: A directly mounted shift lever assembly (30) for a manually shifted vehicular transmission (16) for minimizing shift lever-induced jumpout. A counterweight (52) is mounted to the shift lever (31) in a forwardly extending manner to move the center of gravity (CG) of the resultant shift lever assembly forward of the shift lever Y--Y pivot axis (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Bair
  • Patent number: 5758544
    Abstract: The lockout mechanism selectively prevents passengers from reclining an airplane seat even though they activate the seat's recline input button. Instead of a single cable extending from the recline button to the recline actuator, the invention has separate input and output cables. The input cable attaches to a cylindrical input fitting, and the output cable attaches to a cylindrical output fitting. The input fitting telescopes within the output fitting. A ball, which is adjacent the output fitting, moves between a lockout and a normal position. In the normal position, the ball secures the input and output fittings together so that the input and output cables move together. Therefore, pushing the recline button activates the recline actuator. When the ball is in the lockout position, the fittings telescope relative to each other. Therefore, pushing the seat recline button does not activate the recline actuator. A remotely activated piston cam moves the ball between the normal and lockout positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Co.
    Inventor: Jimmy Lee
  • Patent number: 5758545
    Abstract: A depth-adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle whose shaft is disposed in a tube body including two tubes (2, 3), one sliding in the other, a sheath (5) being disposed between the two tubes (2, 3). The sheath (5) comprises projecting elements which are flexible in a radial direction and come into contact with at least one of the tubes (2, 3). The projecting elements are orientated longitudinally, namely parallel to the axis of the tubes (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Lemforder Nacam S.A.
    Inventors: Laurent Fevre, Jean-Christophe Bodin
  • Patent number: 5758546
    Abstract: A hand lever device is adapted so that a throttle valve as a driven member can be adjusted appropriately in its degree of opening via a cable and kept at a desired degree of opening and yet immediately returned to the minimum degree of opening. The throttle valve can be brought to the degree of opening at which it had stood before it was returned to the minimum opening degree without the necessity of readjustment. The hand lever device comprises a main lever (30) and a sub-lever (60) which ice pivotally operated, wherein the sub-lever (60) is adapted to draw a cable (20) connected to a driven member (CV) via a pulley (50), and wherein the pulley (50) is moved by the main lever (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Taomo, Hisato Ohsawa, Hirofumi Yamami, Fumihiko Aiyama
  • Patent number: 5758547
    Abstract: A foot-operated parking brake actuator applies a parking brake by moving an input pedal lever between a brake-released position and a plurality of brake-applied positions to operate a cable to apply and release a vehicle parking brake. A mounting bracket pivotally mounts the pedal for pivotal movement about a first pivot. A sector gear is secured to the bracket with its center on the first pivot, and mounts a cable take-up reel. The cable is attached to the reel which is pivotally mounted on the pedal lever about a second pivot. A pinion is secured to the reel for engagement with the sector gear upon pedal lever movement to brake-apply positions to wind the cable on the reel. Cable winding occurs at a sequence of variable input/output force ratios of input pedal lever force to output cable force or load to apply the parking brake, the ratio varying with pedal movement because of the complex movement of the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Dura Automotive Systems
    Inventor: Randall D. Smale
  • Patent number: 5758548
    Abstract: Bicycle handlebars and handlebar attachments to provide multiple hand grips when a rider assumes different postures. The handlebars and attachments define three auxiliary hand grip positions. A first auxiliary gripping portion extends forward from a conventional handlebar parallel to a vertical, central common plane and inclined upwardly. A second auxiliary gripping portion parallels the conventional handlebars. A third auxiliary gripping portion parallels the common plane, lies below the handlebars and parallels the first auxiliary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Eugene W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5758549
    Abstract: An interface structure for hub and mass attachment in flywheel rotors. The interface structure efficiently transmits high radial compression forces and withstands both large circumferential elongation and local stresses generated by mass-loading and hub attachments. The interface structure is comprised of high-strength fiber, such as glass and carbon, woven into an angle pattern which is about 45.degree. with respect to the rotor axis. The woven fiber is bonded by a ductile matrix material which is compatible with and adheres to the rotor material. This woven fiber is able to elongate in the circumferential direction to match the rotor growth during spinning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Steven J. Deteresa, Scott E. Groves
  • Patent number: 5758550
    Abstract: A connecting rod for an internal combustion engine including an elongated rod portion. Also, a first annular portion is integral with a first end of the rod portion. The first annular portion has a bore therethrough for engaging an engine piston pin. Additionally, a second annular portion is integral with a second end of the rod portion. The second annular portion is opposite the first annular portion. The second annular portion is divided into symmetrical halves that form a distal member and a proximal member. Lastly, an alignment portion is integral with each side of the distal member and the proximal member. Whereby, the proximal member and distal member are coupled by placing a rod bolt into each alignment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Robert W. Lenczyk
  • Patent number: 5758551
    Abstract: The weight of the first and fifth counterweights, which are located at opposite ends of a crankshaft, are set to be equal to or smaller than the weight of the remaining second to fourth counterweights. In addition, the thickness of the first and fifth counterweights are set to be equal to or smaller than the thickness of the remaining second to fourth counterweights. Moreover, the first to fifth counterweights are formed generally the same in configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Hisashi Ozeki
  • Patent number: 5758552
    Abstract: A safety plate apparatus is used with a tool that includes a handle and a head attached to the handle. The tool head has a handle-receiving channel which has a transverse channel dimension. The tool handle has a channel-inserted handle end which is inserted into the handle-receiving channel. The safety plate apparatus includes a plate member which includes a plate length which is greater than the transverse channel dimension. Screws connect the plate member to the channel-inserted handle end of the handle. The plate member includes at least one fastener-receiving channel, and at least one screw connects the plate member to the channel-inserted handle end of the handle. A portion of each screw is passed through a fastener-receiving channel and driven into the channel-inserted handle end of the handle. The fastener-receiving channel includes a chamfered wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventors: Harry T. Myers, Alita Myers
  • Patent number: 5758553
    Abstract: A tong apparatus is provided for gripping a pipe. The apparatus includes a base and a housing coupled to the base. The housing is formed to include an interior region having a top opening. The apparatus also includes a jaw assembly extending through the top opening and into the interior region of the housing. The jaw assembly includes a lower clamp portion having a lower jaw, a linkage having a lower end coupled to the lower clamp portion and an upper end, and a cylinder having a movable piston. The cylinder is coupled to the upper end of the linkage. The apparatus further includes an upper clamp portion having an upper jaw, the upper clamp portion being coupled to the piston, and at least one removable stop extending through the housing adjacent the top opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Robert G. Perry
  • Patent number: 5758554
    Abstract: A machine tool for machining a workpiece having a long shaft section. The machine tool includes a frame, a tool holder on the frame for holding the cutting tool to machine a workpiece, a first slide assembly and a first servo motor on the frame for translating the tool holder along a first axis relative to the frame, a second slide assembly on the frame for mounting the tool holder for translation along a second axis relative to the frame, a first workpiece holder on the frame for holding the workpiece to be machined by a cutting tool held in the tool holder, a second workpiece holder on the frame for holding a workpiece to be machined by a cutting tool held in the tool holder, a third slide assembly and a second servo motor for translating the second workpiece holder along the second axis, and structure for selectively connecting the tool holder to the second workpiece holder for translation of the tool holder by the third slide assembly and the second servo motor along the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Toshiharu Tom Miyano
  • Patent number: 5758555
    Abstract: A turretless turning machine dedicated to the manufacture of a limited number of parts includes a base, a spindle assembly for holding and turning a workpiece, a motor, a direct drive assembly for transferring power from the motor to the spindle assembly, and a cutting assembly, the base being of sufficient mass and area to provide a damping force that facilitates reducing vibrations and harmonics generated by the machine, the motor and direct drive assembly being adapted to rotate the spindle assembly about a vertical axis at a rate wherein chip fragments aviate off of a workpiece being machined such that heat generated by the tooling process is removed by the chips which have absorbed the heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: J.R. Engineering
    Inventor: Louis P. Bilinovich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5758556
    Abstract: A method for cutting the leader of the web in a paper or board machine in the dryer section of the machine by a jet of pressurized water. The web is placed against the drying wire when it is being cut, and the jet is directed at the web from the free side of the web. The water jet pressure used is from about 40 bar to about 400 bar, preferably from about 100 bar to about 350 bar, which is produced by an ordinary pressure washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Ismo Koponen, Iimari Rintasalo, Jari Vainio, Juha Kaihovirta
  • Patent number: 5758557
    Abstract: A wood cutting device for safely and easily cutting wood veneer strips into geometric shapes for use in parquetry with high precision. The device includes a rigid base having a top surface, a blade handle rotationally attached to the top surface of the base, a cutting blade affixed to the blade handle, and a strip guide attached to the top surface of the base. The cutting device preferably also includes a strip stop attached to the top surface of the base. The device may be pre-set or adjusted to a particular configuration for repeatedly cutting identical geometric shapes with high precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: George Moreton
  • Patent number: 5758558
    Abstract: A precision measuring mechanism includes a precision threaded rod member and an indicating element mounted to move along a linear graduated scale upon rotation of the precision threaded rod member. A circumferential scale has a plurality of marks spaced from a circumferential zero point to indicate a preselected fractional amount of rod member rotation between adjacent circumferential marks. The linear graduated scale includes a plurality of rotation counting marks spaced from a linear zero point and laterally spaced with respect to each other along the linear scale for a linear distance that corresponds and is equal to a complete rotation of the precision threaded rod member. The precision measuring mechanism is also usable with a work operation tool machine which fixes a workpiece on a workpiece supporting table that moves along both an x-axis coordinate and a y-axis coordinate such as a milling machine, drilling machine, mill-drill machine, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Richard D. Squires
  • Patent number: 5758559
    Abstract: A plastic film cutter for clamping to an upstanding edge of a carton housing a supply of plastic film. The film is pulled across the top of an elongated cutter body which has a groove to guide a sliding cutter. The lower portion of the cutter has a plurality of inverted "U" shaped clamps for fitting over the carton edge. At least one of the clamps has a projection on its inner surface to prevent the cutter from being used on cartons for which it is not intended, that is, cartons which do not have a corresponding cutout to receive the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: AEP Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Manuel Capitao, Jr., Paul H. Hollenbeck
  • Patent number: 5758560
    Abstract: The present invention is an anvil cover latch assembly which includes a female latch member having a generally U-shaped frame. The frame has an upper segment, a side segment and a base segment with the base segment having an upwardly angled end section. The upper segment, side segment and base segment are configured to form a channel into which is cast an insert of elastically deformable material. The insert is disposed such that a locking edge is formed by an exposed portion of a lower surface of the upper segment. A male latch member has a substantially planar shoulder region which is designed to engage the locking edge on the female portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: C.U.E. Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Fiscus
  • Patent number: 5758561
    Abstract: A saw blade is stamped with a circumferential edge. At least one gullet and shoulder are formed in the circumferential edge. Likewise, a tooth pocket is formed in the circumferential edge. The tooth pocket is defined by a wall, generally radial to circle, on the shoulder, and a shelf substantially perpendicular to the wall. A tooth is secured, ordinarily by brazing, in the pocket such that a portion of the shelf extends beyond the front face of the tooth towards the gullet so that the tooth can be brazed along its entire lateral edge such that resultant forces in the tooth are transmitted to the body of the blade. After the tooth is positioned into the tooth pocket, the tooth, as well as a projection of the blade shoulder, are ground off so that the tooth and shoulder are flush with one another. Thus, the tooth longitudinal edge is in complete contact with the shoulder wall maximizing its strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Curtsinger, Nicholas E. Achterberg
  • Patent number: 5758562
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for manufacturing a prothesis for intraluminal implantation. The prosthesis is formed with a flexible tubular interbraided structure of metal or polymeric monofilaments, and polymeric multifilament yarns, and can be elastically deformed to reduce its diameter through axial elongation. The monofilaments and multifilament yarns are wound on a mandrel arranged in axially spaced apart helices, concentric on a common central axis of the prosthesis. The monofilaments are selectively shaped before their interbraiding with the multifilament yarns, either by an age-hardening or other heat-setting stage while wound on a mandrel, or by a cold-working stage that controllably plastically deforms the strands. The shaped structural strands cooperate to impart to the prosthesis its nominal shape and resilience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5758563
    Abstract: A fluid-driven reciprocating pump includes a housing and a reciprocating assembly defining first and second working fluid chambers. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet for introduction and exhaustion of the working fluid. A valve member slidably moves against a valve surface between a first position, in which communication is established between the first working fluid chamber and either the power fluid inlet or outlet, and a second position in which communication is established between the second working fluid chamber and the same inlet or outlet. The reciprocating assembly includes a rod which moves in response to the introduction and exhaustion of the power fluid into and out of the first and second working chambers. A control valve actuator shifts the valve member between the first and second positions in response to the movement of the reciprocating rod and also urges the valve member toward the valve surface to form a fluid-tight union therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Holcom Co.
    Inventor: Ronald Lee Robinson
  • Patent number: 5758564
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for securely attaching existing central aluminum or steel adaptors for air brake actuators to existing steel service brake housings, existing steel emergency brake housings, or both without major modification to either housing or the adaptor. An annular shoulder with an elongated annular flange above it is provided in the steel brake housing, and the aluminum adaptor is provided with a small outwardly extending annular lip. A flexible diaphragm is first placed directly on the shoulder of the steel brake housing. The aluminum or steel adaptor is then placed on top of the diaphragm such that the annular lip of the adaptor fits inside the annular flange of the housing. A slightly deformable annular steel piece is then placed around the aluminum adaptor so that it comes to rest against the annular lip while also touching the annular steel flange of the housing. One or more breaks may be provided in the annular steel piece to facilitate placing it over the aluminum adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: TSE Brakes, Inc.
    Inventors: Teddy D. Smith, Ralph D. Russell, Michael D. Stubblefield
  • Patent number: 5758565
    Abstract: A diaphragm assembly has a center disk in which use of a metal member is not required. The center disk comprises first and second center disk members, made of resin, embracing a resin diaphragm between them. The first center disk member has an inwardly directed inner flange on an inner peripheral wall defining a resin charging space, and the second center disk member comprises a resin-molded body, formed by charging a resin, and has an outwardly directed outer flange. A portion of the diaphragm is clamped between the inner flange and the outer flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Yamada T.S. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Yamada
  • Patent number: 5758566
    Abstract: A piston with a slide shoe is described for a hydraulic piston engine, where the piston is designed with a ball socket, and where the slide shoe is provided with a corresponding ball head, whereby these are connected in a ball-and-socket joint, and where the ball head of the slide shoe is designed as a unit moulded into the ball socket in friction reducing material so that the ball head is captured in the ball socket. Hereby an improved fixation of the moulded-on all head on the slide shoe is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Hardy Peter Jepsen, Henry Madsen M.o slashed.ller
  • Patent number: 5758567
    Abstract: A toaster has electrical parts which are energized from a mains voltage. The bread is conveyed to a toasting chamber (4) by means of a lift (6) and a handle (12). In the end position of the handle (12) a main switch (SW5) is turned on, as a result of which the electrical parts can be powered from the mains voltage. The heating elements receive mains voltage via triacs controlled by a microcontroller. After completion of the toasting cycle the microcontroller turns off the heating elements, which precludes burning of the bread, even if the main switch remains in its on-position as a result of a mechanical defect. Subsequently, the microcontroller checks the presence of the mains voltage. In that case a signalling device is activated to warn the user that the mains voltage supply to the toaster has not yet been turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Roelf Van Der Wal, Jacob H. Botma
  • Patent number: 5758568
    Abstract: A top side cooker has a pivotally mounted cooking head that is movable from an open position to a cooking position where its flat cooking surface is urged, by the weight of the cooking head, into engagement with the flat cooking surface of a grill. A simultaneously adjustable front foot and rear foot are coupled to the cooking head for establishing a distance between the cooking surface and the grill surface. A handle operates a worm gear arrangement coupled to a shaft, which extends from the front to the back of the cooking head. A front and a rear pinion gear engage front and rear racks that are coupled to the front foot and the rear foot, respectively. The handle rotates the shaft which simultaneously moves the front foot and the rear foot to adjust the distance between the cooking surface and the grill surface. The front foot includes indicia for indicating the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Keating of Chicago, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph V. Moravec
  • Patent number: 5758569
    Abstract: A frying apparatus is disclosed which is specifically designed for deep-frying turkeys or other similarly shaped food items. The frying apparatus has a central rod attached to a perforated plate that is used to support a turkey as it is lowered and removed into a large container of hot oil. The frying apparatus also includes a grab hook that releasably couples to the central rod and allows a user to avoid burns from hot oil exposure when removing or inserting the turkey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Barbour International
    Inventor: Rodney Barbour
  • Patent number: 5758570
    Abstract: A portable cooking grill assembly includes a ground penetratable base which is essentially a screw mechanism, a support shaft which is detachably mounted to the screw mechanism, a ground stabilizer member which mounts about the support shaft and which has an extended portion which rests upon the ground to help prevent tipping over of the ground penetratable base, a grill bracket mounted upon and adjustable along the support shaft, and a grill member having two grill sections hingedly attached to each other, the grill member being detachably mounted to the grill bracket and being suspended above the ground at selected heights and being disposed generally horizontally. The portable cooking grill assembly can be quickly and easily set up and taken apart and stored in a carrying case which takes up very little space and can be stored in places where conventional cooking grills are too big and can be taken anywhere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Curtis J. Hill
  • Patent number: 5758571
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until the fluid product is discharged from the passage other end. If that product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid product issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Kateman Family Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Paul Kateman, Matthew K. Haggerty, Clay A. Burns
  • Patent number: 5758572
    Abstract: A sunken receptacle unit for insertion in an opening of a counter having a top surface and a bottom surface includes a receptacle having a bottom and a plurality of walls defining an interior cavity, a receptacle support surface extending outwardly from the walls for supporting the receptacle within the opening and a receptacle retaining surface coupled to one of the walls. The receptacle retaining surface moves between a first position beyond the opening for engaging the bottom surface of the counter and a second position within the opening for insertion of the unit through the opening. The receptacle retaining surface is resiliently biased in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: The Vollrath Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hennessy, Thomas E. Gaffney
  • Patent number: 5758573
    Abstract: A paperboard carton piercing-crushing and recycle system and apparatus which includes a safety operated door which controls motor operated carton piercing and crushing rolls in order to crush paperboard cartons for disposal. The safety operated door is provided with a magnetic switch which controls two different timed electrical circuits. One circuit controls an electronic safety latch mechanism which prevents the carton disposal door from opening during operation of motor driven carton crushing rolls and one timed circuit operates the motor during the time that the electronic safety latch mechanism prevents the door from operating. When the motor circuit stops, the timer to the electronic safety latch mechanism releases the safety latch so that the door can be opened. Thus, the system is safe and will not operate if the carton disposal door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Donald E. Keeler, Michael Sinocchi, Richard J. Connor, Fred Karsa, Wilfred A. Cote
  • Patent number: 5758574
    Abstract: A manually-written, machine-readable code system employs the application of indicia to an article, such as a mail envelope or package, having a number of rows/columns of blank spaces in a predetermined code field which are manually marked or darkened corresponding to a destination or identifying code for the article. The indicia may have been applied previously, as in the form of a preprinted envelope. The darkened spaces are machine-readable and convertible to a numeric code that can be used by an automated machinery to generate appropriate control signals for controlling its functions. The system is particularly applicable for automated sorting of mail according to postal area (Zip) codes. The indicia is readily applied to an envelope by preprinting or by using a rubber stamp or an adhesive label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventors: Joseph A. Bernardo, Barry L. Natale
  • Patent number: 5758575
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for directly printing an electrical circuit component onto a substrate includes structure and steps for providing a printing station, and for transporting the substrate to the printing station. Structure and steps are provided for printing, at the printing station, an electrical circuit component on the substrate using an electrically-conductive liquid. Preferably, the printed electrical circuit component is capable of performing its circuit function directly after printing, without the need for post-printing process steps such as etching, catalytic ink activation, electroless bath, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Bemis Company Inc.
    Inventors: Irvin Isen, Joseph Kucherovsky, Jackie E. Hilton
  • Patent number: 5758576
    Abstract: Gripper bar for a delivery of a printing press, the gripper bar being carried at respective ends thereof by transport chains and having a multiplicity of grippers with gripper fingers for transporting sheets includes a hollow profiled member having a boxlike profile wherein a gripper shaft is receivable, the boxlike profiled member being formed with lateral openings through which the gripper fingers of the grippers extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Richard Mack, Martin Mayer, Michael Voge, Norbert Thunker, Roland Hirth, Bernd Maul
  • Patent number: 5758577
    Abstract: A cylinder cleaning apparatus for a printing press includes a cleaning web take-up roll, a constant amount feed mechanism, a unit throw-on/throw-off actuator and an actuator, and a plate and bolts. The cleaning web take-up roll takes up a cleaning web supplied from a cleaning web supply roll to clean a circumferential surface of a cylinder. The constant amount feed mechanism takes up a constant amount of the cleaning web on the take-up roll regardless of an amount of the cleaning web taken up by the take-up roll. The unit throw-on/throw-off actuator and the actuator drive to rotate the take-up roll in taking up the cleaning web. The plate and bolts adjust a pivot amount of the take-up roll on which the constant amount of the cleaning web is taken up by the constant amount feed mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Komori Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ebina
  • Patent number: 5758578
    Abstract: Device for exchanging printing forms on a form cylinder in a printing unit of a rotary printing press, a holding device being provided in the printing unit for both holding therein at least one printing form which is to be installed, as well as at least one printing form which is being removed, includes profile members for guiding the printing forms substantially by lateral regions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignees: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Heidelberg Harris S.A.
    Inventor: Jacques Metrope
  • Patent number: 5758579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for replacing printing plates in rotary printing presses, particularly in web-fed rotary printing presses for printing both sides of a material web. The printing presses have at least one printing unit which has a cylinder having a clamping device within a cylinder gap for clamping the ends of a printing plate wound around the surface of the cylinder. The plate cylinder has a removal device for removing the printing plates released by the plate cylinder, as well as an infeed device for new printing plates to be fastened on the plate cylinder. The invention includes a plate cylinder of a lower printing unit with associated pivotable plates to be fed, as well as pivotable holding devices for the printing plates to be removed from the plate cylinder. The feed and the holding devices support the printing plates in a hanging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Heidelberger DruckmaschinenAG
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Marmin, Jacky Planas
  • Patent number: 5758580
    Abstract: A printing unit (1) of a rotary printing press for using various ink types is provided. The printing unit includes an inking mechanism (45), a print cylinder (3), and a blanket cylinder (2). The inking mechanism (45) and the cylinders (2, 3) are mounted in side walls of the printing unit (1). A housing (14) at least partially surrounds the inking mechanism (45) and the cylinders (2, 3) to maintain a surrounding atmosphere within an at least semi-enclosed area (100) of the printing unit (1). A chemical agent is selectively added to the atmosphere in the semi-enclosed area (100) to reduce the rate of evaporation of a substance in the ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignees: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Heidelberg Harris, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Richard Murray
  • Patent number: 5758581
    Abstract: The invention consists of a conveyor system with a drive shaft that can be rotated around its longitudinal axis, and at least one conveyor car with at least one frictional wheel, which for propulsion does roll off on the drive shaft with an/the axis of rotation inclined against the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, where the conveyor system additionally contains first guiding devices with a first distance from the drive shaft that remains constant in longitudinal direction of the drive shaft, on which the conveyor car or cars are guided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Henke Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Karlheinz Uhlenbusch
  • Patent number: 5758582
    Abstract: A restraining device for restraining a passenger on a moving unit includes a passenger body enveloping unit having two side components each having a front end and a back end. The back end of each of the side components is joined to hinges fixed in an upper portion of a back of a seat of the moving unit, and the front end of each of the side components are connected together to form a space for enveloping the passenger. A transverse component rigidly fastened to the passenger body enveloping unit rests against the passenger's thighs when the passenger body enveloping unit envelops the passenger. A lock unit restrains the passenger body enveloping unit after the transverse component has come to rest against the passenger's thighs such that the passenger body enveloping unit envelops the passenger in an area of the passenger's forearms and belly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Vladimir A. Gnezdilov
  • Patent number: 5758583
    Abstract: A unit for automatically guiding a vehicle along a rail comprising an arm (2) hingedly mounted, via a universal joint, to an end (3) of a chassis. The arm (2) includes, at a front end thereof, a mechanism for rolling (7, 8) along a rail (9) which comprises a pair of rollers (35, 36) mounted in a V-shaped configuration to encompass the rail (9) by lateral rolling engagement along each flank of the rollers. The unit is also provided with an arm raising mechanism, a mechanical coupling to the steering mechanism of the vehicle and various sensors. The invention is primarily applicable for the manufacture and use of urban public transport vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Lohr Industrie, S.A.
    Inventor: Robert Lohr
  • Patent number: 5758584
    Abstract: A railroad freight car of the center beam type, in which the upright center beam has a top chord interconnected with a bulkhead at each end of the body of the car, and spaced-apart upright columns and diagonal structural members interconnect the top chord with the center sill of the car body. At each end of the center beam an upper end of a diagonal bulkhead brace included in the center beam is attached to the bulkhead at an intermediate height, and a lower end is attached to the center sill adjacent one of the columns. In one version of the car a second diagonal bulkhead brace extends upward to the top chord from a location at an intermediate height on the bulkhead. The car may include inwardly sloping decks oriented normal to load bearing faces of the center beam, with the decks incorporating a unified structure of which a floor sheet is a load-carrying part and is supported by longitudinal stringer channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Gunderson, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Saxton
  • Patent number: 5758585
    Abstract: A shelving system includes a power track having an electric circuit connected to a power source, and at least one shelf structure including a top panel and containing a light source beneath the top panel to radiate light to the shelf structure immediately below it, the shelf structure being removably fitted to the power track so that the light source is electrically connected to the electric circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Jim S. Latchinian