Patents Issued in August 18, 1998
  • Patent number: 5794300
    Abstract: A power tool is provided which includes a shaft rotatably driven by the motor and an axial lining in the central bore of the working element. A counterweight assembly is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith. A post on the counterweight assembly is insertable in the axial lining. A detent is mounted to the post and includes arcuate cam surfaces. The detent is movable between (1) an extended position relative to the post, and (2) a depressed position relative to the post wherein the axial lining engages the cam surfaces and allows the post to be inserted in the axial lining. A circumferential groove on the axial lining is capable of capturing the detent in the extended position to provide for substantially fail-safe operation of the tool with the post inserted in the axial lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Waxing Corporation of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. McCracken, James B. Watson
  • Patent number: 5794301
    Abstract: A folding chair washer comprised of a frame with several vertically arranged sets of linear, horizontal brushes, the brushes in each set being placed opposite each other. The frame, with attached sets of brushes is inserted into a container holding either a cleaning fluid or a rinsing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: John C. Hietala
  • Patent number: 5794302
    Abstract: A car washing brush is composed of a head, a holding plate, and a handle. The head is held by the holding plate and is provided with the bristles attached thereto securely for bringing about the brushing effect. The handle is fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the holding plate by a fastening device enabling the handle to be rotated in relation to the holding plate at such time when a press button of the handle is pressed by the finger of a person using the washing brush. The extension of the handle is therefore attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Yung-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 5794303
    Abstract: A hand-held, pocket size vacuum with scraper combination is disclosed which is primarily for use when rubbing off and cleaning up the scrapings left behind from a "scratch-off" lottery ticket. Activated by a power switch and battery, the DC Motor and centrifugal blower are located directly above a removable residue cartridge with filter. The centrifugal blower creates a flow of air between an intake port and discharge ports which flows past the storage container which collects the scrapings for subsequent disposal. The device becomes a scraping device through use of the scraper blade or abrasive wheel mechanism which is affixed to one end of the unit near the vacuum intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Jakie Sanfilippo, Donna Sanfilippo
  • Patent number: 5794304
    Abstract: A sweeping vehicle for pneumatic take-up of refuse, include a suction mouiece, connected via a first suction line with a refuse container. In order to ensure effective dust removal at the lateral broom independently of the time of year and without use of water, at least on ejector nozzle is provided, whose suction opening is disposed in the suction air intake area of the suction mouthpiece, and which may be connected to a second suction line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Het Haller Entwicklungs Und Technologiegesellsaaft MbH & Co.
    Inventor: Eberhard Ritter
  • Patent number: 5794305
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an articulation mechanism which includes hemispherically shaped rearward wheels and spaced forward wheels, and a base member which pivotably couples the front and rear wheels so that the rearward wheels may be pivoted in a plane substantially vertical to the surface to be vacuumed such that only one of the rearward wheels in disposed on the surface when the rearward axis is pivoted from a horizontal. As the vacuum is pushed forward or pulled backward, the vacuum cleaner turns toward the side in which the rearward wheel is disposed on the surface to be vacuumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Weger
  • Patent number: 5794306
    Abstract: An asymmetric opening at the bottom of a lawn and garden vacuum device equalizing the suction across the lateral width thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Mid Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Usman Firdaus
  • Patent number: 5794307
    Abstract: A back saving handle extension for attachment to the straight, shaft-like type of handle typically found on a wheelbarrow which allows a person of taller than average stature to effectively use the wheelbarrow, or similar device, without having to bend over excessively to do so. It is contemplated for a pair of extensions to be employed for most effective use of a device having two handles, with one extension being connected to each handle. Each extension comprises a arcuate tubular member having a flexible hand grip attached to its distal end and connection means securely attaching its other end to the distal end of a straight wheelbarrow-type of handle. For use of a wheelbarrow by only people of taller than average stature, extension may be positioned in a vertical orientation with its hand grip substantially above its arcuate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Rufus B. Overcash, Louisa C. Overcash
  • Patent number: 5794308
    Abstract: A resilient hinge arrangement has a first hinge part and a second hinge part that assumes a plurality of stable pivoting positions with respect to the first hinge part, with a dead center lying at least between two of the stable pivoting positions. The second hinge part is arranged to return from pivoting positions between the two stable pivoting positions through the dead center, outside a dead center itself, in an elastically resilient manner into a nearest one of the stable pivoting positions. Two connecting arms are spaced a distance apart and include at least one coupling element protruding movably from each of the first and second hinge parts, and at least one substantially flexurally rigid intermediate part between the coupling elements that is delimited by two bending regions that are spaced apart and arranged at an angle to each other between the intermediate part and the coupling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Creanova AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Rentsch, Bruce Mueller
  • Patent number: 5794309
    Abstract: A hinge and lock assembly for releasably mounting a vehicle door on a door pillar of a vehicle including two hinge flaps attachable to the door and the door pillar, respectively, a hinge pin for pivotally connecting the two flaps with each other, a support releasably attachable to the door pillar for attaching the hinge to the door pillar an indexing arrangement formed on the hinge flap attachable to the door pillar and including alternating, following each other projections and indentations which cooperate with the torsion bar of the door lock for locking the door in a predetermined position, and a plurality of holding members pivotally supported on one leg of the door pillar hinge flap and cooperating with respective indentations of the indexing arrangement for holding a weighting arm of the torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: ED. Scharwachter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Norbert Lotz
  • Patent number: 5794310
    Abstract: A connection for adjustably holding a sash arm and a support arm in pivotally connected relationship, including a sash arm having a first cylindrical opening, a support arm having a second cylindrical opening at one end, and a stud. The stud includes a pivot portion with a cylindrical shaft extending through the second cylindrical opening, a rivet portion extending from one end of the cylindrical shaft through the first cylindrical opening and eccentric to the pivot portion cylindrical shaft, and a head on an end of the rivet portion spaced from the cylindrical shaft wherein the head and the one end of the cylindrical shaft engage opposite sides of the sash arm to frictionally secure the stud against pivoting relative to the sash arm. The first cylindrical opening includes a countersunk hole on the side of the sash arm attachable to a window sash, wherein the rivet portion head is formed substantially entirely in the countersunk hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Truth Hardware Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Dallmann
  • Patent number: 5794311
    Abstract: For an opener roller for an open-end spinning device provided with a basic body by which it is connected to a supported shaft for rotatable support, it is proposed that the clothing be attached to the basic body via a clothing holder, whereby fasteners are used. For the fixed allocation of the clothing holder to the basic body it is provided that the attachment of the clothing holder by means of the fasteners be effected from the side of the opener roller which is facing the shaft bearing. The face of the opener roller away from the shaft covers the shaft, so that this face of the opener roller is also an even surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Rieter Ingolstadt Spinnereimaschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Edmund Schuller, Eva-Maria Greppmair, Claus Franz
  • Patent number: 5794312
    Abstract: A holder for eyeglasses and the like is provided. The holder is designed to be attached to articles of clothing, clothing accessories, automobile visors, or other areas whereby it is available for conveniently receiving and retaining a pair of eyeglasses. The eyeglass holder desirably can be rotated for awkward areas of attachment, or convenient areas of placement such as a purse strap. Notably, the holder can be pressed open by the wearer for ease of eyeglass temple bar insertion or removal. The holder can desirably have a releasable cover for a wearer to have a variety of choices of holder aesthetics. The holder broadly comprises of a clip or a pin, pivot, and hook arrangement; a cylindrical connection or a slit and guide connection; and a frontal elongate plate member pivotally mounted onto a base member; and, optionally, a removable cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Sean Patrick O'Mahony
  • Patent number: 5794313
    Abstract: A new safety bar securement strap for power equipment for maintaining a motor of the power equipment in an operative orientation. The inventive device includes a handle strap having a generally rectangular configuration. The handle strap has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a pair of male snaps thereon inwardly of an outer edge thereof. The upper surface has a pair of female snaps thereon disposed inwardly from the outer edge thereof. The handle strap wraps around a handle of a piece of power equipment with the male snaps coupling with the female snaps for securement to the handle. The upper surface has a hook and loop patch disposed thereon inwardly of the female snaps. A safety bar strap is provided having a generally rectangular configuration. An inner edge of the safety bar strap is secured to an inner edge of the handle strap. A lower surface of the safety bar strap has a plurality of hook and loop strips disposed thereon in a spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel P. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5794314
    Abstract: A holder for holding collapsed coiled tubing has been invented which, in one aspect, has a first plate, a second plate, securement apparatus for releasably securing the plates together in a spaced-apart relationship about at least one portion of a collapsed tubular, e.g. but not limited to coiled tubing, and at least one gripper or gripping element on one plate for gripping the collapsed tubular between the first plate and second plate. In one aspect such a holder has gripping elements which include a first die device on the first plate and a second die device on the second plate, the first die device disposed opposite the second die device when the holder is installed around a collapsed tubular. In one aspect dies are longitudinally offset with respect to upper and/or lower dies so that gripping is achieved across a wider portion or substantially all of the width of a collapsed tubular. In one aspect such a holder is an elevator with an elevator hook on each plate so the holder serves as an elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Gamper, James W. Smith, Guy L. McClung, III
  • Patent number: 5794315
    Abstract: A non-reopening fastener includes complimentary first and second profiles of substantial length and disposed adjacent to one another so as to be pressed into interlocking relation. The first profile includes first ribs including a main rib and two outer ribs disposed on opposite sides of the main rib. The first ribs include hook members along the width of the first ribs. The second profile includes two inner ribs adapted to be positioned between the outer ribs and the main rib. The two inner ribs have projections for engaging the hook members. The second profile also includes a pair of guide ribs disposed on opposite ends of the second profile. The first profile engages the second profile to lock the profiles together. The above configuration prevents the first profile from being pulled out of the second profile without damaging the fastener or a bag to which the fastener is attached, thereby providing evidence of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Lin Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry W. Crabtree, Jack L. Rosette, Samuel T. Webb
  • Patent number: 5794316
    Abstract: A side release buckle having an improved locking mechanism includes a male plug member and a female socket member. The plug member has a pair of resiliently flexible arm members. Each arm member defines a generally V shaped latching surface arranged around the top, bottom and outer side of the arm member. The V shaped latching surface is adapted to engage a complimentary V shaped engagement surface in the socket member when the plug member is fully inserted into the socket member. The V shape of the latching surface allows the latching surface area to be more uniformly distributed around the top, bottom and outer side of the arm member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: National Molding Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph Anscher
  • Patent number: 5794317
    Abstract: A spreader-propeller apparatus for processing of tubular knitted fabric. Each of two spaced-apart frame sections is formed of upper and lower sheet metal sections mounting a plurality of grooved guide rollers carrying fabric-engaging propeller belts. The frame structure supports entry-side and exit-side belts which, in the mid-regions of the frame structure, are trained about vertically extended substantially cylindrical driving rolls. Smooth surfaced, large diameter tubular structural elements are rigidly secured above and below the sheet metal frame sections and are transitionally contoured in bridging portions to extend at least slightly above and slightly below the vertically extending drive rollers. The geometry of the sheet metal frame sections and the smooth wall tubing secured thereto is such that tubular knitted fabric being processed on the spreader is at all times guided away from and held in spaced relation to fixed surfaces presenting an edge or corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Tubular Textile LLC
    Inventor: Earl Scott Allison
  • Patent number: 5794318
    Abstract: A combination lawn/garden ornament and cremation container comprises a decorative water fountain adapted to circulate water from a water source upwardly and to allow the water to cascade downwardly and an openable and closable compartment adapted to contain cremated remains of a deceased. The fountain includes a water reservoir, a pump and plumbing. The plumbing has a first end connected to the pump and has a second end open to atmosphere and located above the reservoir. The pump is operable to pump water from the reservoir upwardly through the plumbing. The openable and closable compartment comprises a bowl for receiving the cremated remains therein, the bowl being removably securable to the fountain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Batesville Casket Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Parker, Mark H. Thesken
  • Patent number: 5794319
    Abstract: A method and a device for drawing warp threads into harness elements of a weaving machine through use of a drawing-in member which effects a reciprocating movement and with at least one conveying device for harness elements. In order to increase the capacity of devices of this type, the drawing-in member is constructed to carry out a reciprocating movement which is short compared with the length of the warp threads. This is done by providing a transporting device that transports the warp thread to a point in front of a weaving reed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Staubli AG
    Inventor: Martin Hunziker
  • Patent number: 5794320
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highly accurate core bullet with a massive core (2) and a jacket (1) for a fire arm. The core (2) extends over the entire length of the bullet and has a diameter along at least the largest portion of its length which is significantly smaller than the outside diameter of the finished bullet (1). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such bullet by making a bullet blank (7) wherein the shank (4) and the most forward portion of the nose-end (3) are machined to finish size; by making the jacket blank (8) and attaching the same to the shank (4) of the core blank (7), wherein the jacket blank (8) has an oversized diameter and engages in a formfitting manner with the core blank (7) at a circular step (5) and, if necessary, at a shoulder at the rear head (6); and securing the bullet blank so made between turning centers and machining the final bullet contour with high precision centered with respect to the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Wernz, Wolfgang Katzmaier
  • Patent number: 5794321
    Abstract: A spring compression tool and method for using the spring compression tool in assembling a brake shoe adjustment mechanism on a WAGNER front brake. The tool includes a C-shaped body member and an adjustable portion. The body member includes a first end having a first clamping member, and a second end to which the adjustable portion is movably mounted. The adjustable portion includes a threaded shaft and a beam member. The beam member includes a plate and second and third clamping members. Rotation of the shaft moves the second and third clamping members relatively toward or away from the first clamping member. The tool is used to compress a brake shoe adjustment spring, and to maintain the spring in a compressed condition to permit assembly of other components of the adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Eric A. Jereb
  • Patent number: 5794322
    Abstract: A tool for clipping together a pair of flange connectors includes a handle and a clipping member. The clipping member is shaped and dimensioned to force a U-shaped clip over the flange connectors to secure the connectors together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Issagholian-Havai
  • Patent number: 5794323
    Abstract: A connector for a dual subsea flowline simultaneously connects a primary pipe and an offset auxiliary pipe carried alongside of the primary pipe. The connector has mating hub members, each having a face, a primary bore and an auxiliary passage. The auxiliary passages intersect annular concentric grooves formed in the faces. Inner and outer auxiliary seals seal the grooves, and a primary seal seals the junction of the primary bores. The seals are linked together with a seal retainer which is installed with a remote operated vehicle in one of the hubs prior to make-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Galle
  • Patent number: 5794324
    Abstract: A method or automatically coupling and uncoupling a pallet clamping device and a pallet couple and decouple clamping device comprising air pressure supply means, vice means, pressure amplification means, a two position 4-way pilot valve, means for applying and removing air pressure to the pilot valve for controlling the amplification means which, in turn, locks and unlocks the vice means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Automation Enhancements Unlimited
    Inventor: Kurt D. Schaldach
  • Patent number: 5794325
    Abstract: A pistol-configured, electrically operated impact tool for seating and cutting a wire includes a D.C. motor whose output shaft has transversely extending, cam surface-engaging elements that engage a cam-configured impact element. As the output shaft is rotated by the operation of the D.C. motor, the cam surface-engaging elements are rotated to an angle where they begin to engage cam portions of the impact element. As a result of this engagement, the impact element is linearly translated away from the cutting tool holder and toward the electric motor. During this linear translation of the impact element away from the cutting tool holder, a bias spring is compressed, so as to increase the force stored in the spring. Eventually, the output shaft will be rotated to an angle brings the cam surface-engaging elements into alignment with a prescribed feature of the cam portions of the impact element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Michael M. Fallandy
  • Patent number: 5794326
    Abstract: A system for removing end play in electric motors. A ball is placed near an end face of a shaft having end play. Pressurized fluid is applied to the ball, driving it into contact with the end face. The fluid solidifies, forming a solid body which supports the ball in its position of contact with the end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned L. Kikly
  • Patent number: 5794327
    Abstract: A method for making electrical connections between a lead and a conductor on a substrate, the method including the steps of disposing a copper conductor on a ceramic substrate; positioning a lead in contact with the conductor; applying a copper film to the lead and the conductor to attach the lead to the conductor; and heating the substrate, lead and conductor assembly to secure bond the lead and conductor together. In a preferred embodiment, the conductor, lead and film are made of copper. The method can further include disposing a resistive film of the substrate using thin or thick film processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Bird Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Whisler, Larry Lee Wysong
  • Patent number: 5794328
    Abstract: A splining apparatus for seating an elongated flexible spline in the screen retaining channel of a screen frame to secure flexible screen material thereto, including a work support assembly for receiving and holding the screen frame, and a carriage assembly for longitudinal movement between a first position and a second position. The splining apparatus further includes a screen roll feed holder assembly for supplying screen material located at the first position; and a spline roll holder for supplying spline material located at the second position. The carriage assembly supports a spline head assembly for supplying the spline to the screen frame as the carriage assembly moves from the second position to the first position. The spline head assembly includes a spline wheel sub-assembly for inserting and seating the spline into the screen retaining channel as the carriage assembly and the spline head assembly move from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Albert A. Simone
  • Patent number: 5794329
    Abstract: Pin placement and support apparatus for a circuit board that has a rigid support table, a supply of pins, a pin placement head, and an X-Y transporter that moves the pin placement head relative to the table so as to place the pins at desired and variable locations on the table. To facilitate defining pin locations, the apparatus includes a computer that is programmed to display a board area of the table and pins at user-selected locations within the board area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: MPM Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Rossmeisl, Edna M. Murby
  • Patent number: 5794330
    Abstract: A component for mounting semiconductor chips or other microelectronic units includes a flexible top sheet with an array of terminals on it, and with flexible leads extending downwardly from the terminals. A compliant dielectric support layer surrounds the leads, holding the lead tips in precise locations. The leads are desirably formed from wire such as gold wire, and have eutectic bonding alloy on their tips. The component can be laminated to a chip or other unit under heat and pressure to form a complete subassembly with no need for individual bonding to the contacts of the chip. The subassembly can be tested readily and provides compensation for thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Distefano, John W. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5794331
    Abstract: A process for exchanging a detection module hybridized by welding beads, balls or bumps, employs an interconnection support having first and second groups of welding elements. The module to be hybridized is provided with blocks wettable by the weld, and positioned facing elements of the first group during hybridization. A replacement module is provided with blocks wettable by the weld and positioned facing elements of the second group during hybridization. The module which has been hybridized is dehybridized, and the replacement module is hybridized by means of the second group of elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Michel Ravetto, Jean-Paul Chamonal, Fran.cedilla.ois Marion, Jean-Louis Pornin
  • Patent number: 5794332
    Abstract: A method of producing a press-connecting joint connector and a method of press-connecting wires, in which the step of mounting press-connecting terminals in a housing is eliminated thereby reducing the production time, the housing-forming mold is simplified, and connective portions are prevented from being easily ruptured. Linked press-connecting terminal groups (32) are inserted-molded integrally in housings (34), respectively, thereby forming press-connecting joint connectors (30) which are linked together by a linkage plate (40) which is integral with the press-connecting terminal groups (32). Thus, when molding the housings (34), the press-connecting terminal groups (32) are formed integrally with the housings (34), respectively, so that the step of inserting the press-connecting terminal groups into the respective housings (34) is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamamoto, Akira Kato
  • Patent number: 5794333
    Abstract: A method for changing a die for a wire termination machine. The method for use with at least two units. Each unit comprising a reel holder for supporting the reel of terminals and a die connected to the reel holder. The unit being removably attachable to the termination machine. The method of changing the die comprises detaching the first unit from the termination machine and attaching the second unit to the termination machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Shea
  • Patent number: 5794334
    Abstract: A wedge connector with a shell and a wedge. The shell has a general "C" shape and is suitably sized and shaped to receive the wedge and a conductor in a receiving area. The conductor is sandwiched between the wedge and the shell. A curved wall of the shell has a hole with an edge of the wall at the hole projecting inwardly into the receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Chadbourne, William J. Lasko
  • Patent number: 5794336
    Abstract: An electrical connector housing includes a deformable contact retention plate for accommodating the tails of electrical contacts. Contact tails are supported within slots in the retention plate both at a closed end of the slot as well as at an intermediate location therealong. The contact retention plate may be deformed about the contacts so as to captively retain the contact tails within the slots. Such deformation may be achieved by ultrasonically swaging the plastic forming the contact retention plate about the contact tails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Hopson, Scott C. Roland
  • Patent number: 5794337
    Abstract: A method of forming a bonded valve seat and testing the resulting bond strength in ensure that the desired characteristics have been achieved. The testing is done both during the bonding process and at the completion of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuhei Adachi, Junichi Inami
  • Patent number: 5794338
    Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged tip of a turbine engine member, for example a tip of a high temperature operating turbine blade, having a designed length and an environmental resistant coating at least on an outer wall of the member and extending at least onto the tip, includes removing the damaged tip without first removing coating, on a wall adjacent the tip. This provides a preform end surface to which is bonded a replacement tip material having a second length greater than the designed length. Then a portion of the replacement tip material is removed to provide the member with a repaired member tip and of substantially the designed length while retaining the coating on the wall adjacent the repaired tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph H. Bowden, Jr., Lawrence J. Roedl
  • Patent number: 5794339
    Abstract: A method to automatically align the internal splines (20) of a torque converter (16) to mating external splines (18) of a transmission subassembly (14) during the assembly of the torque converter (16) to the transmission subassembly (14). The apparatus includes a robotic end effector assembly (26) coupled to an arm (22) of a robot (24). The end effector assembly (26) includes a compliance mechanism (51) and a distance sensor (48) that provide for compliance to allow the splines to align and detect if the splines are not properly mating. The end effector assembly (26) also includes an oscillator assembly (69) that is activated to cause non-aligned splines to become aligned during the automated assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Pearson, Thomas James
  • Patent number: 5794340
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a vehicle wheel with a wheel body and a rim having at least one undercut. In order to provide a simple, inexpensive method for the manufacture of a weight-reduced vehicle wheel, according to the invention the construction of an undercut in the rim area is integrated into the manufacture thereof by a spinning process. A cast preform having a clearly defined construction, is fixed in a spinning machine where initial preshaping takes place, a rim bed with an inside rim horn is formed and then by splitting and forming a rectangular flange cast radially onto the wheel body, the undercut and an outside rim horn are constructed. Following a heat treatment, machining is carried out for the final rim construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Leico GmbH & Co. Werkzeugmaschinenbau
    Inventor: Gunter Pollkotter
  • Patent number: 5794341
    Abstract: A tool is provided for assembling cross groove constant velocity universal joints. The assembly tool comprises a cup having an open end and a base opposite the open end. The open end has an inwardly tapered rim. The dimension between the base and the rim is established to align tracks of the inner race of the universal joint with the rim. A ball cage is held in position surrounding the inner race, and balls are inserted on the rim, in the cage, and against the inner race so that they are adequately engaged in the inner race for assembly. When all of the balls are positioned in tracks of the inner race, and within the cage, an outer race is brought into position over the rim. The rim is tapered such that a sufficient periphery of the balls is exposed above the rim for engagement with tracks of the outer race. The assemblage is then inverted, allowing the inner race to drop into the outer race, carrying the balls along the tracks and the cage with the balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Aircraft Gear Corporation
    Inventor: Sean M. Carlini
  • Patent number: 5794342
    Abstract: An oscillating blade razor for removing hair projecting from skin is described. At least one cutting blade is mounted to a shuttle which is nested within a cartridge such that the shuttle is free to move in a longitudinal oscillating motion relative to the cartridge. The cartridge is removably affixed to the head of the razor in which is disposed a cantilever type bimorph piezoelectric motor, the proximal end of which is fixedly mounted in the head such that the distal end engages the shuttle and drives it in a reciprocating, oscillatory motion when the cartridge is engaged with the head and power applied. The head further incorporates the mechanism for engaging the cartridge. In one preferred embodiment, the cartridge incorporates electrical contact means for sensing the end travel of the oscillating shuttle. The head is disposed on the distal end of a handle which contains a battery, an on/off switch, and the electronic means for driving the distal end of the piezoelectric motor in an oscillatory motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Melville G. Davey
  • Patent number: 5794343
    Abstract: A razor blade assembly includes an elongate platform supporting a pair of blades and an elongate guard member disposed adjacent a forward edge of the platform. The guard member has a plurality of fins each spaced one from the other. In preferred embodiments each fin has its uppermost surface below a rearwardly disposed fin and the uppermost surfaces collectively lie on an outwardly convex arcuate surface, and each successively rearward fin is inclined more towards the leading blade edge than the preceding adjacent fin. The elongate platform is provided with a plurality of apertures extending through the platform between a plurality of webs and the guard member is molded in place onto the platform. Portions of the guard member material flow through the apertures and surround webs during the molding process to maintain the guard member in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Alejandro Lee, William C. Carson, III, Douglas R. Kohring
  • Patent number: 5794344
    Abstract: A device for coring strawberries including a cutting tube having a cutting end over which the strawberry is slid to separate the meat from the core. In one embodiment, an ejector rod is slidably positioned inside the cutting tube and an ejector sleeve is slidably positioned on the outside of the cutting tube. The ejector rod is coupled to the sleeve by a screw through a slot in the cutting tube. The ejector tube is spring loaded so that the separated core may be ejected from the cutting tube by sliding the ejector rod toward the cutting end. A spring return returns the rod and sleeve to a rest position. In another embodiment, the ejector rod is actuated separately from the sleeve to eject the core and the sleeve is then actuated to eject the meat. The sleeve and rod are compression spring loaded to restore the rod and sleeve to the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Matthew Alexander Poulos, Joyce Shordone Poulos
  • Patent number: 5794345
    Abstract: A folding saw includes a double edge saw blade first and second frame members pivotally connected to one end of the blade, and first and second handles pivotally joined to the first and second frame members respectively. Frame members and handles are movable between a closed configuration covering the edges of the blade, and an open configuration in which they together form the saw handle. The first and second handles lock together in both configurations. One handle member includes a retractable knife blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Sawvivor Inc.
    Inventors: Randall C. Ryon, Richard M. Baran
  • Patent number: 5794346
    Abstract: The blade of a folding knife is pivoted on a D-shaped pivot axle which also serves to lock the side pieces and belt clip of the knife in place. A thumb pin used to open the blade is also D-shaped and press fit into place in the blade. The blade has transverse grooves at its base to aid in extracting the knife from a sheath. The blade is locked into place by a side-lock plate, which is held in place by ridges in the side pieces. The side pieces are preferably made of rigid plastic, but with soft inserts in the sides for improved gripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Roy L. Helton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5794347
    Abstract: A knife/sheath locking assembly for retaining a knife (10) or other tool within a sheath (16). Two flexible arms (18) extend outward from opposite sides of the open end (17) of the sheath (16). The handle (12) of the knife (10) includes two tunnel structures (32) located proximal to the blade (14) and spaced to cooperatively accept the flexible arms (18) of the sheath (16). Latch elements disposed on the flexible arms (18) retain the knife (10) within the sheath (16), and removal of the knife (10) requires the inward urging of the distal ends (22) of the flexible arms (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Michael L. Serpa
  • Patent number: 5794348
    Abstract: A clipper comb is comprised of a handle having a motor, responsive to an activation button depression, disposed therein. A cutting assembly, having a comb and a cutter with a plurality of blades such that in a normally relaxed state each blade overlies a comb tooth, is removably attached to the handle. Motor activation causes the blades to cut hair held within the openings defined between each comb tooth. A dual-topped cam assures blade alignment. An alternate embodiment comprises a single blade that cuts across all tooth opening upon motor activation. A deadman switch assures blade alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Mike Scott
  • Patent number: 5794349
    Abstract: A potato-vegetable peeler structured with a longitudinally disposed shaftway to secure the peeler blade and facilitate cleaning of the peeler and shaftway and a method for making the peeler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Robinson Knife Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Drew Kelley, Robert B. Skerker
  • Patent number: 5794350
    Abstract: A new Utility Knife Adaptor which provides several embodiments of utility knife adaptors thus allowing users to safely strip away wires and cut angles in wood. The inventive device includes a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: James Shand