Patents Issued in October 6, 1998
  • Patent number: 5815866
    Abstract: A tool set of the pivoted crossed lever type is provided with a pair of members pivotally and releasably connected to one another. The members may be biased, in effect, to an open essentially crossed position. Such a bias may be provided by magnetic poles of opposed polarity placed in juxtaposed surfaces formed on each of the members. The polarity of the magnetic poles may be switchable to enable the juxtaposed surfaces to be selectively attracted or repelled from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Greg Janky
  • Patent number: 5815867
    Abstract: A first yarn (21) undergoes a pretreatment process (22) for saturation with a pretreatment solution. In the pretreatment process, the first yarn is supplied to continuously travel through a first bath (100.sub.2) and a second bath (100.sub.3) of the pretreatment solution. The first bath has a volume (V.sub.2) which is less than a volume of the second bath (V.sub.3). Between the first and second baths the pretreatment solution is impressed into the continuously moving first yarn. After the second bath only excess pretreatment solution is removed from the moving yarn, thereby keeping the yarn saturated when it enters a heat treatment (42) for locking the pretreatment solution into the yarn. The first yarn can be subsequently dyed in the same operation or maintain its original appearance (either colored or non-colored). The first yarn can be a warp yarn or weft yarn which, together with either a second yarn (weft or warp yarn, treated or untreated), is woven into a fabric piece (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas J. Keasler, Allen V. Hardy, III, Darren K. Barnes, Tony M. Leonard, Larry W. Strickland
  • Patent number: 5815868
    Abstract: A manufacturing process of an elastic & extensile fabric provided with fine elasticity and extensibility longitudinally and transversely, especially of a duplex brushed fabrics knitted with polyester, the breakthtough of the present invention is that by increasing spandex (also called o.p.) during knitting of the fabric and by the brandnew manufacturing process thereof, the fabric can be extended to about 1.8 to 2 times of its original lengths longitudinally and transversely, and it can be durable for water cleansing in high temperature and has the effect of keeping warm, thus is applicable in gloves, mufflers etc. with a nature of being volume reducible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Irene Lee
  • Patent number: 5815869
    Abstract: Electrolyzed oxidizing water, or EO water, flows from an EO water reservoir through a regulator and into a line for mixing with conventional tap water. The tap water passes through a strong, permanent magnet which aligns molecules within the water in order to reduce the plating of mineral deposits within the equipment. The combined EO water and tap water solution is supplied to a water pump has another permanent magnet. A water heater heats the solution which flows through a control valve to a carpet cleaning wand. The wand is connected to a vacuum hose for evacuating the solution as it is dispensed into the carpet. The waste water solution flows through the vacuum hose and into a waste water tank. A vacuum is drawn on the waste water tank by a conventional vacuum pump. The waste water solution is circulated in the waste water tank so that any sediment in the solution collects at the bottom of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Venturi Technology Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 5815870
    Abstract: A ramp, and a process for fabricating the ramp, wherein the ramp is reversible. First and second elongate side members which can be formed of an extruded magnesium alloy. A plurality of grates, each grate formed of die-cast aluminum, are positioned between the first and second side members to provide a load bearing platform. Tie rods are connected between the elongate side members by self-tapping screws, such that adjacent grates are separated and supported by an intermediate tie rod. Each grate has gripping nodules on upper and lower side surface thereof. One end of the ramp has a removable apron which is angularly oriented relative to the platform of the ramp for engaging with a generally flat surface, such as a dock or truck bed. The apron may be removed, the ramp turned over, and the apron re-positioned on the body of the ramp, thereby causing the upper and lower surfaces of the ramp to trade places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: ROM Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Deutch, Rick Lavelock, Clayton Smith
  • Patent number: 5815871
    Abstract: A ramp member for a loading dock has a bridge member with a forward and and rearward end. The rearward end is connected to the loading dock so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axis. An extension plate is connected with a first end by a pivot connection to the forward end of the bridge member such that the extension plate is pivotable from a folded position into a working position. In the rest position of the bridge member the extension plate is folded and rests on an abutment for supporting the bridge member. The first end of the extension plate has a projection extending over its entire length. The projection has a cross-sectional shape of a circular ring sector with an inner and an outer radius. The outer surface of the projection is defined by the outer radius and the inner surface is defined by the inner radius. A profiled member with an interior space is connected to the forward end of the bridge member and extends over the entire length of the pivot connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kurt Alten
    Inventor: Horst Borchardt
  • Patent number: 5815872
    Abstract: A power toothbrush has a brushhead mounted at one end thereof, the brushhead including a base mounting element for bristles which extend from one surface thereof. Extending from the opposing surface of the base mounting element is a pressure contact member. A substantially rigid brushhead shield extends along and is adjacent to the opposing surface of the brushhead. The brushhead has a hinge-like portion which permits the brushhead to move or swivel in response to pressure being placed on the brushhead, while the brushhead is moving back and forth at its operating frequency of its normal brushing action at over 150 Hz. Thin electrical switch contacts, which are part of an electrical circuit, are positioned on the brush shield, spaced from the contact member on the brushhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Optiva Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen M. Meginniss, III, Kent E. Plant, Jr., Matthew D. Bixby, David Giuliani
  • Patent number: 5815873
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique golf accessory, which in its most basic form comprises three fundamental parts; (a) a golf club/cleat brush; (b) a recoilable wire or tape and housing therefor; and (c) means for attaching the brush to the recoilable wire or tape. In preferred embodiments, the recoilable tape or wire includes measurement indications thereon, i.e., the tape or wire is marked in feet and inches (or meters and millimeters) to allow golfers to accurately determine putting distances. In addition, the housing for the recoilable tape or wire preferably includes a member suitable for attachment to a golf bag or the clothing of the golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Edward H. Jones
  • Patent number: 5815874
    Abstract: A brush with a one-piece plastic brush body produced by injection moulding comprises a head covered with bristles and a dimensionally stable handle with a larger cross-section than the head, the brush body being made from an elastomer mixed with a foaming agent and the plastic is foamed in an area of the handle and is solid in the area of the head. The brush is produced by injection moulding in a two-part mould. An elastomer and a foaming agent are mixed during moulding. The mould cross-section for forming the head is smaller than the mould cross section for forming the handle with the elastomer being only foamed in the area of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Coronet-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Weihrauch
  • Patent number: 5815875
    Abstract: A bi-positional toothbrush comprising a brush head member rotatably mounted to a handle by a cylindrical pin. The brush head member includes an array of bristles at a forward end and terminates in an essentially flat angled surface at a rearward end. The angled surface includes an axial bore orthogonal thereto, sized to receive the pin and terminating in a means to rotatably and removably secure the pin within the axial bore. The handle is elongated and includes at a forward end an essentially flat surface angled at the same angle to the long axis of the handle as the angled flat surface of the brush head member is to its long axis. The angled flat surface of the handle includes an axial bore, including securing features, shaped to constrain an after end of the pin. The angled surfaces of the handle and brush head member include symmetrical locking features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Todd H. Yamada
  • Patent number: 5815876
    Abstract: A cleaning and polishing assembly having a compressible main body with a releasable attachment material on one face and a fibrous working surface on its other face. The fibrous working surface is composed of fibers having a trilobal cross-section. The cleaning and polishing pad can be mounted on a power drive tool, or in a hand-actuated embodiment, can be mounted to a gripping pad specially adapted for hand use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Elmo R. Overseth
  • Patent number: 5815877
    Abstract: A compact, self-cleaning brush having minimal number of components and being easier to assemble which makes the design more cost effective. The bristles of the brush are mounted between a base and a sliding actuating member which are constructed so that as the sliding member is moved along the base, the bristle components are extended and spread so as to be fanned out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: William R. Heneveld
  • Patent number: 5815878
    Abstract: A sweeper device including a head, a stick mounted on an upper surface of the head and a sweeping sheet detachably attached to the head, a pair of clamping members being provided in a transversely symmetric relationship with respective inner ends thereof being opposed to each other, each of the clamping members being pivotally mounted at an inner end thereof on the upper surface of the head so that the clamping member can be pivotally opened upward from the upper surface of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Murakami, Hiroki Ishikawa, Yasuhiko Kenmochi
  • Patent number: 5815880
    Abstract: The robot according to the present invention sequentially performs a collecting operation in which dust and particles on the floor are collected, and a cleaning or waxing operation. The cleaning robot includes a moving unit including driving wheels or crawlers, a collecting unit for suctioning dust from the floor, and a wiping unit for wiping the floor with a detergent, disinfectant, wax, etc. The collecting unit is positioned on the front of the cleaning robot with respect to the moving direction while the wiping unit is positioned on the back of the cleaning robot. Thus, the robot prevents secondary contamination of the floor and slippage or failure of the moving means caused by soiling of the moving means. The cleaning unit and the wiping unit include sensors which sense an obstacle and determine whether the obstacle is one which can be moved over, such as a cord, or whether the obstacle is one which must be avoided, such as a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 5815881
    Abstract: A universal vacuum cleaner comprising an inlet aperture, cylindrical top cover, a cylindrical liquid container, a centrally placed outlet pipe, a nozzle, a detachable pick up tray, an air pump, and a central outlet pipe. The cylindrical top cover is positioned on the cylindrical liquid container and includes an elbow member positioned therein, where the elbow member is positioned in association with the inlet aperture. The outlet pipe is positioned in the cylindrical top cover and includes a filter. The nozzle is positioned within the elbow member. The nozzle directs liquid tangentially into the cylindrical top cover. The detachable pick up tray is positioned within either the cylindrical top cover or the cylindrical liquid cover and includes a coarse filter. The air pump is associated with the centrally placed outlet pipe. The air pump is capable of pulling air and foreign matter through the universal vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Jorgen Sjogreen
  • Patent number: 5815883
    Abstract: The problem with suction lines on vacuum cleaners is that the connected vacuum hose must be lifted during when the suction pipe is rotated. To eliminate this problem, the invention teaches that an elbow is interposed between the suction pipe and the suction hose which is mounted by means of a rotating knuckle, as a result of which the suction hose can be adjusted as required, and the suction pipe can be ergonomically manipulated by means of an angled gripping area of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventors: Klaus Stein, Heinz Kaulig
  • Patent number: 5815884
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an optical dust sensor for detecting a quantity of dust which sensor is provided at a predetermined position of a suction path for sucking air by a suction force of the vacuum cleaner, whereby an output signal is supplied to a display device so that a display corresponding to the quantity of the sucked dust, which signal is output from the optical dust sensor and is varied in a stageless manner corresponding to the quantity of the dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Yashima Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Imamura, Jun Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 5815885
    Abstract: A caster structure for cases including a coupling frame and a plurality of rollers. The coupling frame is comprised of a curved plate and two protective covers extending from the lateral edges of the bottom side of the plate such that they define a clearance therebetween. The rollers are pivotally mounted on the protective covers in the clearance. The outer circumferences of every two adjacent rollers form a level line and may come into contact with the ground surface simultaneously to facilitate pulling and provide a steadier movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Ding-Fang Chen
  • Patent number: 5815886
    Abstract: A hinge device is provided for pivoting a cover to a base housing and is designed such that when the cover is in a closed position it does not easily come off the base housing when subjected to external force yet the cover is easily and readily removable for replacement. The hinge device has an engagement hole 12c disposed on a housing 12 to pivotably support a cover 13 around a pivot axis, an engagement portion 13a is disposed on cover 13 to rotatably fit in the engagement hole and is formed relatively short so that it can easily disengage from engagement hole 12c when an impact is received. An arcuate guide groove 12d is formed on the housing around the engagement hole so that a guide pin 13b on the cover can engage with the guide groove to guide cover movement between open and closed positions as well as aid in absorbing impact forces acting on the cover when the cover is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Nishio, Yoshikazu Abe
  • Patent number: 5815887
    Abstract: A process and device are provided to introduce a fiber fleece through the nip of a pair of calendar rollers. Pressurized air is directed to a cylindrical segment of a sliver guiding system down stream from a tapered conical section so that the pressurized air draws the fiber fleece through the sliver guiding system without requiring lateral venting or expansion of the pressurized air. The pressurized air vents from the front end of the cylindrical section adjacent the nip of the pair of calendar rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Rieter Ingolstadt Spinnereimaschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Alfred Nauthe, Wolfgang Gohler
  • Patent number: 5815888
    Abstract: A coiler can handling apparatus includes a platform rotatable about a substantially vertical platform axis for rotating a coiler can standing thereon; a travelling coiler can exchanger for moving a coiler can onto and moving a coiler can off the platform; and a centering device for centering a coiler can on the platform relative to the platform axis. The centering device includes first, second and third support rollers for engaging a lateral surface of the coiler can supported upright on the platform. The first, second and third support rollers lie on a common imaginary cylinder having a cylinder axis. The centering device further has a positioning arrangement for holding the first, second and third support rollers at the platform, apart from the travelling coiler can exchanger, whereby the coiler can exchanger travels without carrying therewith the first, second and third support rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Trutzschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Konrad Temburg
  • Patent number: 5815889
    Abstract: A method of regulating a drafting arrangement, in which measuring signals are acquired at a feed end of the drafting arrangement, compared with a set value to provide a differential signal, and an adjusting signal for the control unit of a variable speed motor for the pair of drafting rollers is derived from the differential signal, provides reliable control results and adjustment of the sliver where a difference has been detected. Set values are entered by a transfer address from a set-point register. The basic speed is derived from actual speed of a doffer and supplied as basic voltage to the control unit of the variable speed motor. A measuring clock pulse of low frequency is generated, dependent upon a roller of the drafting arrangement. With every measuring clock pulse a measuring signal is obtained, converted into a digital signal, compared with the activated transfer address of the set-point register and a differential signal is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: CSM-Saechsische Spinnereimaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Barth, Thomas Enghardt, Thomas Heinecke, Gert Zeidler
  • Patent number: 5815890
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the thickness of running sliver includes a body having inner walls defining a funnel-shaped cavity through which the sliver passes; a contact finger having an end portion for contacting the running sliver at the narrow end of the cavity; a support arrangement for movably securing the contact finger to the body; a device for urging the end portion of the contact finger into resilient contact with the running sliver for pressing the running sliver against a stationary component at the narrow end of the contact finger, whereby the contact finger performs excursions in response to thickness variations of the running sliver; and a transducer connected with the contact finger to transform displacements thereof into electrical signals. There is further provided an air stream generating arrangement for driving an air stream through the space which accommodates the contact finger, whereby the contact finger is exposed to the air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Trutzschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ferdinand Leifeld
  • Patent number: 5815891
    Abstract: A cable tie includes an elongate generally planar strap and a head. The head of the cable tie includes an aperture therethrough for insertably accommodating the strap. The head of the cable tie also includes a barb embedding surface adjacent the aperture through the head. A metallic locking barb is embedded in the embedding surface in a direction substantially parallel to the aperture in the head. The metallic locking barb is bent to form an obtuse angle so that the metallic locking barb extends into the aperture in the head to permit movement of the strap in an insertion direction and to prevent substantial movement of the strap in a withdrawal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Students, Peter M. Wells, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5815892
    Abstract: A profile clamp includes a clamp band that has a first axial end, a second axial end, a first circumferential end portion and a second circumferential end portion. A first flange depends from the first axial end. A second flange depends from the second axial end. A first clamping wall projects radially outwardly from the first circumferential end portion. A second clamping wall projects radially outwardly from the second circumferential end portion. An approximately radially extending locking hook is disposed at a free end of the first clamping wall to form a slightly angled tongue. An approximately circumferentially extending web is connected to a radial outer end of the second clamping wall. The web has an opening disposed adjacent to a free end of the web. The free end of the web is angled slightly radially outwardly. The opening is defined by a plurality of edges. An abutment is formed by at least one of the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Geppert
  • Patent number: 5815894
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system which facilitates the handling of segments of elongated members in their broken down condition. In particular the application of the invention offers significant advantages of economics, convenience and flexibility for handling fishing poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Brian F. Soriano
  • Patent number: 5815895
    Abstract: A latch system for joining a first strap section or section of flexible support to a second strap section or section of flexible support. Attached to the second strap section is a rod that is adapted for insertion into the latch system, and for releasing the second strap section in response to a control signal. The latch system also includes a support housing with a cross member and an attachment for attaching the housing to the first strap. The system also includes a crank shaft with a longitudinal axis and which is rotatably supported within the support housing. The crank shaft also includes a generally slotted opening that is substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventors: Bradley O. Carlson, Brian L. Griffis
  • Patent number: 5815896
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for loosening, cutting, and abrading a web of textile fabric having spun yarns containing wrapper fibers. The textile fabric web is directed under high tension around pairs of rotatable, small diameter tubes coated with abrasive particles. Abrasive particles are preferably rounded (nonfaceted) tungsten carbide particles. The tubes (rolls) are rotated at differing speeds in relation to the fabric web speed through the apparatus. Preferably, the first, regressive roll rotates at a speed slower than the web speed and the second, progressive roll rotates at a faster such speed. Such a process and apparatus provide improved conditioning and napping of a fabric web as well as a quicker, more efficient method of performing such fabric treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Louis Dischler
  • Patent number: 5815897
    Abstract: This invention is basically a planter combined with a cremation vault. The planter portion of the planter cremation vault is a cylindrical tube with a closed bottom. Within that tube is fitted a liner which is also a cylindrical tube with a closed bottom. Within the liner the dirt and the plants are placed. The cremation chamber is a tube adapted to attach to the planter. The cremated remains are placed within the cremation chamber. On top of the cremated remains a Styrofoam spacer is placed. On top the Styrofoam disk is placed a memorabilia container. The cremation chamber is sealed by attaching it to the planter. An extension cremation chamber may be added to place a second individuals remains. This extension cremation chamber would be adapted to thread within the cremation chamber and to allow the planter to thread within its top. The extension cremation chamber is a cylindrical container with a closed bottom. The planter is than attach to seal the extention cremation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: C. Philip Longstreth
  • Patent number: 5815898
    Abstract: A casket comprises an outer structure, a tray and an insert. The tray is formed of corrugated fiberboard having a corrugation extending in a first direction, while the insert is formed of corrugated fiberboard having a corrugation extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The casket has either a full lid or a split lid, and the lid is either flat or optionally curved. The structural integrity of the casket is improved by provision of side wraps, end wraps and pads inserted between each end wall and its respective end wrap. Methods of constructing the various alternative casket lids are also disclosed. Components are made of wood, corrugated fiberboard and foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Chesapeake Packaging Company
    Inventor: Kenneth T. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5815899
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a spectacle frame includes molding a frame having two extensions formed in the side portions. The extensions each has a groove for receiving a spring and a ball and each has a lateral channel intersecting the groove. A pair of legs each has one end pivotally coupled to the free end portion of the extensions by a pin for allowing the legs to be engaged with the ball. The legs are not required to be excavated. In addition, the spring members can be easily assembled in the extensions of the spectacle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: David Yinkai Chao
  • Patent number: 5815900
    Abstract: A surface acoustic module is stable, and its operation frequencies can be varied with high precision. A method of manufacturing the surface acoustic module prevents the module's electrodes from being broken during separation of a sheet of modules into individual components. The surface acoustic module includes electrodes for transmitting and receiving a surface acoustic wave, a surface acoustic wave transmitting substrate, a high resistance thin film, and a thin film for differentiating the transmission velocity of a surface acoustic wave at the high resistance thin film from that at the substrate. The method includes the steps of forming a metallic film on a sheet of the surface acoustic wave transmitting substrate, of forming the electrodes on the metallic film, and of irradiating light or the like to the metallic film so as to increase the film's resistivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yo Ichikawa, Hideaki Adachi, Kentaro Setsune, Syunichiro Kawashima
  • Patent number: 5815901
    Abstract: A frame member of rectangular cross section with rounded corners is formed by expansion of a tubular blank within a die cavity having an inner portion of corresponding cross section and an outer transition portion which is of smoothly continuously curved cross sectional profile elongated substantially parallel to the larger dimension of the rectangular section. An outer portion of the tubular blank is deformed to correspond with the continuously curved cross sectional profile and is sealed by a resiliently compressible sealing element of corresponding profile through which fluid pressure is applied in order to expand the blank. By matching the profile of the transition portion to the rectangular inner portion, the transition portion can be made shorter and considerable savings of materials and resources can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventors: Murray R. Mason, Gerrald A. Klages
  • Patent number: 5815902
    Abstract: The rotary transfer machine for machining a workpiece using fixed-cycle control has a centrally disposed rotary indexing table which is driven according to a fixed cycle, can rotate about a vertical axis and at the outer circumference of which a plurality of clamping means for holding a workpiece are disposed radially at a spacing from one another, and a plurality of machining units for machining the workpieces, which units are disposed around the outer circumference of the rotary table such that they lie substantially opposite corresponding clamping means in an indexed position of the rotary indexing table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Ottobeurer Facondreherei Alois Berger
    Inventors: Otto Osterried, Josef Wintergerst, Helmut Berger
  • Patent number: 5815903
    Abstract: A packaging system is provided wherein a support structure such as a container, bin or rack having a free edge is converted into an apparatus for at least temporarily storing one or more objects in a suspended manner. The system generally includes at least one hanger bar profile, at least one hanger bar or both from one or more compliant receptacles are suspended. The one or more compliant receptacles can be made from a variety of different materials but are generally capable of conforming to the overall geometry of objects contained therein. Further, the receptacles are generally accessible for the insertion and removal of objects through an opening provided along the top edge. Methods of converting support structures into apparatuses for at least temporarily storing one or more objects in a suspended state are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Packing Material Company
    Inventors: James Foster, Jack Smylie
  • Patent number: 5815904
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tubular medical device for insertion in a body. The method includes the step cutting a plurality of cross-sectional pieces or layers from a flat sheet. The pieces are cut so as to define inner apertures. The pieces are then aligned generally along an axis such that the pieces are arranged to form an elongated structure having an interior lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Finally, the aligned pieces of the elongated structure are connected together such that each interconnected piece forms a layer of the tubular medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: IntraTherapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Clubb, James V. Donadio, III, Mark O. Dustrude, J. Edward Shapland, II
  • Patent number: 5815905
    Abstract: A covering for a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein and extending a distance above an upper end of the flower pot wherein the flower pot has a lower end and an outer peripheral surface. The covering includes a sheet of material having an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer peripheral surface with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral surface of the sheet of material and extending a distance from the outer peripheral surface of the sheet of material. The sheet of material is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a substantial portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5815906
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a self-cutting blind rivet/expansion rivet without draw nails in the core of the rivet, a method for blind riveting/expansion and an apparatus for performing the method, together with a function for expansion by a combination of these within the same process. There is described a blind rivet (101) expansion rivet (300) which comprises a head (101) with an engagement body (102) for co-operation with a complementary screw nose on a mounting tool, a self-drilling tip (103) in the outer end of the rivet and an axial hole (104) which at least over part of its length is provided with a conical section for attachment from the tool for mounting the rivet, and in addition a mountable head (FIG. 3A) for expansion/riveting which is equipped with a clamping sleeve (303). A self-drilling blind rivet system comprises a tool for placing and expanding the rivet in the same process, where the tool's nose head increases the area of application within a number of fastening systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Svein Ove Johnsen
  • Patent number: 5815907
    Abstract: A method for constructing a rotor for an energy storage apparatus includes the step of fabricating a rim having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The method also includes the step of bonding at least one lamina panel to the rim at the inner diameter of the rim. The method further includes the step of bonding at least one lamina panel to the rim at the outer diameter of the rim. The method next includes the steps of machining the at least one lamina panel on the outer diameter of the rim and the rim to have a radius, bonding a magnet to the at least one lamina panel on the inner diameter of the rim, and bonding a mass to the at least one lamina panel on the inner diameter of the rim. The method further includes the step of arranging an outer panel on the at least one lamina panel on the outer diameter of the rim and curing the outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford Gunsallus, Luka Serdar, Jr., Gary M. Colello, Mary Ann Partridge
  • Patent number: 5815908
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing excess lengths of light waveguides in relation to a metal tube containing the waveguide comprises an arrangement for forming a metal tube and an arrangement for inserting the light waveguides into the metal tube at a greater rate of feed than the advancement of the tube being formed by the arrangement for forming a metal tube. The apparatus and method also include introducing a filling compound into the metal tube upstream of the point of introducing the waveguides and an arrangement of rollers for shaping the formed tube to its final cross sectional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Wichmann
  • Patent number: 5815909
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a thin film magnetic head including a plurality of layered components. One or more vias are formed through an electrically insulative substrate which includes first and second opposed major surfaces. The via includes an interior side surface. The via is filled with electrically conductive material which is situated in contact with the interior side surface of the via. A via connective member is thus formed which extends between the first and second surfaces of the substrate. A protective via cap is formed atop the via connective member to protect the via connective member from subsequent etching operations. A thin film head is formed atop the first surface of the substrate by building up components of the head layer by layer. This forming a thin film head step includes the step of forming a coil for exciting the head by etching, with an etchant, portions of a layer of electrically conductive material within the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: AIWA Research and Development, Inc.
    Inventor: G. Robert Gray
  • Patent number: 5815910
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic head recording and reproducing information on or from magnetic recording media such as a video tape, includes the steps of preparing a chip core having a contact surface with which a magnetic tape contacts and on which a gap for forming a leakage magnetic field is formed, polishing the contact surface of the chip core by using an ion etching method where the contact surface is bombarded with ions, and forming a protection layer on the contact surface, which is made of a material having high surface lubrication properties and good anti-abrasion properties. In the above method, the contamination of the head is reduced, the life span of the head is prolonged and the magnetic recording and reproducing characteristics are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-soo Park, Sang-joon Kim, Sung-hoon Kim, Jo-won Lee
  • Patent number: 5815911
    Abstract: A cassette (110), to be loaded with a photo film strip, has a photo film passageway (119) through which a leader (123) of the photo film strip (23, 111) is drawn out of a cassette shell. On a spool (112) is retained a trailer (124) of the photo film strip. A loader apparatus has a light-tight dark compartment (147). A rotary barrel (163) is rotatable, and partially fitted in an opening formed in a downstream wall of the dark compartment. Two cassette holders (164, 165) are disposed on the barrel and in respective positions opposite about a rotational axis (163a) of the barrel, and hold the cassette removably. The barrel is rotated to move the cassette holders into and out of the dark compartment. The cassette is supplied to one of the cassette holders located outside the dark compartment. The trailer of the photo film strip is passed into the photo film passageway in the cassette in one of the cassette holders located inside the dark compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Hase, Akira Wakabayashi, Takayuki Kambara, Makoto Shimizu, Haruo Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5815912
    Abstract: A circuit board locating assembly for locating a circuit board during a manufacturing operation such as a solder paste printing operation performed on the board, the locating assembly comprising a tooling platen for supporting during the operation a plurality of individual board support means, a magazine for storing the board support means when the board support means are removed from the area in which the board is supported during the operation, and conveying means adapted to convey the board support means from the magazine and to position the board support means in selected positions on the tooling platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Smtech Limited
    Inventors: Jeffery Richard Willshere, Trevor Martin Ruddock
  • Patent number: 5815913
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger with a plurality of radiation fins which are stacked on a plurality of hairpin tubes or straight tubes includes the steps of clamping bent portions of the hairpin tubes or one ends of the straight tubes in such a manner as to arrest axial movement thereof by a clamp having at least one pair of clamping jaws, press fitting a plurality of mandrels respectively into openings of the hairpin tubes, or openings of the straight tubes which are opposite to the clamped ends to form expanded portions of a predetermined length, moving a plurality of grippers, each of which includes a plurality of gripping strips with their longitudinal axes coaxially aligned with the tubes, from a withdrawal position to an operative position in such a manner as to grip each of the expanded portions of the tubes, while maintaining a predetermined clearance between the adjacent gripping strips, and moving the mandrels within the tubes in such a manner as to expand the tubes through their entire l
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kyoshin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Tokura
  • Patent number: 5815914
    Abstract: A sorting device for supplying small parts to a processing machine has a container with a fill opening for receiving the small parts. A drum-shaped rotating sorter for sorting the small parts is laterally connected to the container. The container has a lateral passage opening into the sorter for transferring the small parts from the container to the sorter. The container has a pivot axle for pivoting the container relative to the sorter in order to empty the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Rolf Kamps, Rainer Siegemund
  • Patent number: 5815915
    Abstract: Signal wires (14) are attracted into and held by a suction nozzle (20), and the signal wires (14) are positioned to desired positions in this holding state then they are fixed to a circuit board. As a result, the suction nozzle (20) attracts the signal wires (14) along with the air and easily hold them even if distal ends of the signal wires (14) are spatially scattered, e. g., if the wires are somewhat away from the suction nozzle (20). Since the signal wires (14) are attracted into and held by the suction nozzle (20) in such manner, no excessive force is applied to the signal wires (14) above the suction force of the suction nozzle (20) and the signal wires (14) are not cut during transfer even when they are transferred in the holding state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignees: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Co.
    Inventor: Kozo Tada
  • Patent number: 5815916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of connecting the conductor elements of a cable to the contacts of a connector;the ends of the conductor are stripped, they are positioned by means of a tool, and an insulating strip is fixed onto them;a portion of the shielding of each conductor is bared; andan insulating strip provided with a conductive strip, and the bared zones of the shielding is fixed to the conductive strip and the stripped ends of the conductors are fixed to the insulating strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Axon'Cable S.A.
    Inventor: Papon Luc
  • Patent number: 5815917
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for mounting an electrical connector on a printed wiring board. The printed wiring board is initially positioned on locating projections on a tooling plate. Eyelets are positioned in hold down apertures in the connector. The hold down apertures initially engage the locating projections to align the connector pins with pin receiving apertures on the printed wiring board. Engagement continues until the pins are positioned in the apertures and the lower end of the eyelet is deformed to engage the innerside of the down aperture and the lower side of the printed wiring board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Clark, David C. Horchler, Stuart C. Stoner, Glenn J. Pontius, William K. Nailor, III
  • Patent number: 5815918
    Abstract: Method for replacing a first cable (1) by a second cable (2) between a first predetermined point (1a) and a second predetermined point (1b), comprising:a. the provision of first series impedance means (S1) close to the first end (2a) and second series impedance means (S2) close to the second end (2b) of the second cable (2), which first (S1) and second (S2) series impedance means can be switched between a state of high impedance value and a state of low impedance value;b. electrically connecting the second cable to the first cable (1) at the first (1a) and second (1b) points, during which operation both the first (S1) and the second (S2) series impedance means are kept in their state of high impedance value;c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Koninklijke PTT Nederland N.V.
    Inventor: Robertus Franciscus Maria Van Den Brink