Patents Issued in October 13, 1998
  • Patent number: 5819398
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a method of manufacturing a ball grid array printed circuit board (210) that comprises the following steps: fabricating a printed circuit board, PCB, that comprises a matrix of ball grid array PCBs, each ball grid array PCB of the matrix is separated from its neighbors by the width of an electroplating tie bar (230); stamping the matrix of ball grid array PCBs for separating them and for forming an aperture (320) that is substantially centralized within each of them; preparing a metal sheet (510), onto which a semiconductor device (130) is mechanically attached; mechanically attaching a singularized ball grid array PCB to the metal sheet; and molding about the semiconductor device and a portion of the ball grid array PCB a protective material (140) that is substantially planar with respect to the ball grid array PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Elwyn Wakefield
  • Patent number: 5819399
    Abstract: An apparatus for closing a preform shell about a wound film spool or similar object has a jaw assemblage having a pair of jaw members. The jaw members have a predetermined configuration for receiving and then closing a preform shell about the object. Jaw members are connected by a series of pivot members and connecting drive links. Drive means precisely controls the movements of connecting links supporting the jaw members thereby causing the jaw members to open and close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stephen M. Reinke, Joseph R. Luterek
  • Patent number: 5819400
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for electrochemically etching the rifling of a gun barrel and method of manufacturing the electrode assembly is disclosed. The electrode assembly includes a unitary cage formed of insulative material, such as a thermoplastic polymer like Nylon, disposed about an electrically conductive core member. The core member includes a generally cylindrical body portion that has an outer generally cylindrical surface with a plurality of helical grooves disposed the length of the body portion, and a threaded member that coaxially extends from one end of the body portion for connecting to a rifling rod. The grooves have a generally dovetail cross-section and at least one radially extending recess disposed therein. The unitary cage has a strip portion disposed within each helical groove and end portions disposed at each longitudinal end of the body portion of the core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Corp.
    Inventor: David R. Sargeant
  • Patent number: 5819401
    Abstract: A method of constructing a printed circuit board module and the module which comprises providing a substrate core having a first aperture extending therethrough and a pair of printed circuit boards, each board having at least one electrically conductive layer, secured to the substrate core and having a second aperture therethrough aligned with the first aperture. An electrically conductive member having an electrically insulating member is disposed around the electrically conductive member. The electrically conductive member having an electrically insulating member disposed therearound is positioned so that the electrically insulating member is disposed in the first aperture and the electrically conductive member extends into the second aperture of each of the printed circuit boards. The printed circuit boards are secured to the substrate core to lock the electrically insulating member in the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: William R. Johannes, Patrick H. O'Neill, David M. Mendez
  • Patent number: 5819402
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus and method for customized cooling of chips. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus and a method that provides customized cooling of a MCM (Multi-Chip Module) by varying the depth of thermal compound filled gap or the blind hole that is above each chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Linn Edwards, Mark Gerard Courtney, Albert Joseph Fahey, Gregory Scott Hopper, Sushumna Iruvanti, Charles Frederick Jones, Gaetano Paolo Messina, Raed A. Sherif
  • Patent number: 5819403
    Abstract: A semiconductor die carrier includes a plurality of electrically insulative side walls; a plurality of electrically conductive leads extending from at least one of the side walls, each of the leads being individually manufactured without use of a lead frame; a semiconductor die positioned such that the electrically conductive leads are disposed at one or more locations around the periphery of the die; and structure for providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and corresponding ones of the electrically conductive leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: The Panda Project
    Inventors: Stanford W. Crane, Jr., Maria M. Portuondo
  • Patent number: 5819404
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum pick up cap for use in positioning an electrical receptacle on a printed circuit board (PCB). A vertical projection extends downwardly to engage the receptacle. The width of the projection is increased adjacent its lower terminal edge to prevent the vacuum pick up cap from disengaging from the receptacle when the PCB is inverted in an infrared (IR) conveyor oven during the manufacture of a two-sided PCB. A method of use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Whiting
  • Patent number: 5819405
    Abstract: Plug-in connectors primarily intended for connecting lighting fixtures into system circuitry, the connectors include selector mechanisms which allow selection of a hot conductor or conductors necessary for energization of the fixtures. The connectors of the invention allow selection of a specific circuit at the job site rather than pre-wiring of a fixture to a specific circuit during factory assembly, a given fixture then being rapidly installed by plugging of the connector into a tapping port in electrical cable extending between fixtures in an installation. The selection mechanism of the invention acts primarily to change the wiring configuration of the associated fixture with the hot leg or legs of the fixture being movable to adapt to a desired specific circuit. The invention further encompasses use of the apparatus of the invention in a method for rapidly wiring fixtures into system circuitry, thereby resulting in labor and job cost savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: William Wade Marder, Ormand Gilbert Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5819406
    Abstract: A method for producing an electrical circuit member includes the steps of positioning and arranging first and second electrical circuit parts having plural electrical connecting portions to be spaced and oppose each other, preparing an electrical connecting member having a plurality of electrical conductive members, each of which extends from one side of a holding member of an electrical insulating material therethrough to an opposite side of the holding member and is held in the holding member so that opposing ends of the electrical conductive member protrude from opposite sides of the holding member, and applying an adhesive to at least one side of the electrical connecting member including the electrical conductive members. The electrical connecting member with the adhesive is inserted between the first and second electrical circuit parts, and a pressing force is applied so that the first and second electrical parts contact the ends of the electrical conductive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Yoshizawa, Toyohide Miyazaki, Hiroshi Kondo, Yoshimi Terayama, Takashi Sakaki
  • Patent number: 5819407
    Abstract: A method of joining together a pair of members each having a high thermal conductivity includes forming a joining surface of a first of these two members with either of a plurality of projecting portions and a plurality of projecting and recessed portions; forming a joining surface of a second of the extruded members with either a plurality of recessed portions each of which corresponds to a selected one of the projecting portions and a plurality of projecting portions each of which corresponds to a selected one of the recessed portions of the projecting and recessed portions of the first member; and inserting under pressure each of the projecting portions of one of the two extruded members into each of the recessed portions that corresponds thereto, of another of the two extruded members, with a tolerance that is sufficient to induce a plastic deformation in each of the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Tousui, Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Terada
  • Patent number: 5819408
    Abstract: A recyclable, low cost, collision-resistant automobile chassis and body and method for fabricating the same. The method of manufacture comprises; fabricating a plurality of generally planar bulkheads from a metal alloy; disposing the bulkheads in a generally and mutually parallel orientation, each bulkhead perpendicular to and aligned generally transversely and symmetrically relative to a common central horizontal longitudinal axis; fabricating a plurality of chassis segments from the metal alloy, each segment comprising a multiplicity of spaced hollow cells fixed at one end in a common surface; interposing and rigidly attaching at least one of said pluralities of chassis segments between respective bulkheads to form a plurality of chassis sections, a section defined as the portion of the fabricated chassis between two adjacent bulkheads; and permeating the plurality of chassis sections with liquefied polymer between and around said hollow cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: XCORP, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Scott Catlin
  • Patent number: 5819409
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ring and a method of making the same. The ring has a ring made of PVC material such as FIMO clay and having a hole made, preferably drilled through from one side of the ring head to the other side. A strand of material such as a wire is threaded through the hole. The trailing end of the wire is shaped as a catch and then partially embedded into the side of the ring head. The leading end of the wire is then threaded through beads, preferably colored beads, whose colors match the designs that are preferably displayed in the faces of the ring head. The leading end is threaded a second time through the hole of the ring head. Any excess material not needed for the ring is then removed by breaking it off or cutting it from the strand. The lead end is then shaped as a catch and at least partially embedded into the opposite side of the ring head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Atlantis Silverworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor K. C. Liu
  • Patent number: 5819410
    Abstract: A bare chip testing socket is provided which includes a base plate having electrodes formed thereon to have the same pattern as a semiconductor chip having a large number of electrodes; a pin assembly, arranged between the semiconductor chip and the base plate, having a large number of testing pins for respectively connecting the electrodes of the semiconductor chip to the electrodes of the base plate; and pressing means for pressing the semiconductor chip to press the electrodes of the semiconductor chip against the test pins of the pin assembly; and methods for manufacturing a pin assembly and pipe assembly constructing the bare chip testing socket are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Furusawa, Takao Orimo
  • Patent number: 5819411
    Abstract: An automatic injector insertion station for inserting a fuel injector mounting end into a fuel rail cup includes a housing and an injector nest moveable relative to the housing. The nest includes first and second ends. The first end includes a support for supporting and guiding the injector, and is moveable between a preload position, wherein the fuel injector mounting end is adjacent the fuel rail cup, and an insertion position, wherein the mounting end and o-ring are mounted in the fuel rail cup. A compression spring is mounted in the housing and connected with the second end of the injector nest. A piston and cylinder arrangement is operable for compressing the compression spring to a loaded compressed position. The injector nest is moveable by the compression spring compressive force from the preload position to the insertion position to assemble the fuel injector and o-ring into said fuel rail cup through linear spring force, thus preventing damage to the o-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5819412
    Abstract: A jig system for aligning wooden chords and metal web members in the manufacture of joists, the system includes an assembly surface having a longitudinally extending track therein, and a plurality of jigs positionable in the track. The jigs have upwardly projecting pins for engaging alignment holes in the webs for properly orienting and spacing the webs. The jigs may also have generally parallel alignment bars on either side of the pin for holding the portion of the metal web surrounding the alignment hole therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Olden
  • Patent number: 5819413
    Abstract: An unfolding device for forming, after unfolding, a razor handle having a head suitable for carrying a shaving cutting element, comprises:(a) a first part and a second part connected to the first part by a pivot line;(b) a retaining means designed to be at least partly destroyed, and(c) two folding lines each extending from an edge of the first part up to an edge of the second part, the said lines being at least partly curved in the first part and in the second part in order to form, after folding, two lateral skirtings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Louisa Iberraken, wife Idiri
    Inventor: Renaud Kerbrat
  • Patent number: 5819414
    Abstract: Folding knives having a longitudinal sheath handle with a channelled body portion into and out of which a blade pivots about an axis normal to a common plane of the handle and blade between a sheathed position within the handle through an arc to a use position external of the handle and a lock to automatically lock the blade in such use position upon completion of the unsheathing movement, which lock is manipulated for manual return of the blade from its use position to its sheathed position are improved by addition of a double action feature provided by an actuator unit that is cocked by manual rotation of the blade from the use position back into the sheathed position and a trigger to uncock the actuator unit for automatic quick forced rotation of the blade from its sheathed position all the way to its use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Anthony L. Marifone
  • Patent number: 5819415
    Abstract: A hair-cutting apparatus (1) is provided having a toothed cutting device (5) comprising a stationary first toothed cutter (6) with a first cutter-tooth row (7) and a second toothed cutter (9) with a second cutter-tooth row (10), which second toothed cutter is drivable so as to reciprocate about a pivotal axis (8), the first cutter-tooth row (7) of the first toothed cutter (6) extends linearly in a first row direction (23) and the second cutter-tooth row (10) of the second toothed cutter (9) comprises two row segments (24, 25) which in a central position of the second toothed cutter (9), starting from a center point (26), diverge with respect to the linear direction of the first cutter-tooth row (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Jan W. Bruggers, Stephan Leitner
  • Patent number: 5819416
    Abstract: Scissors are provided having a contoured shape which allows for easy parallel surface cutting and having elastomeric, e.g., rubber, linings inserted into the finger holes of the handles of the scissors to reduce hand fatigue. These scissors are especially useful as children scissors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Elmer's Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor T. Robinson, C. Martin Smith, Michael Butt, Thomas M. Aslin
  • Patent number: 5819417
    Abstract: A tool for cutting elastomeric type hose clamps that are applied by shrink wrapping techniques includes a tubular member with a telescoping rod therein. A blade is attached to the rod. As the handle grips, attached to the rod and the tube, are manually manipulated, the cutter blade which is positioned against the hose clamp effects a clean, quick and precise cut therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventor: Joel A. Negus
  • Patent number: 5819418
    Abstract: A hand-guided working tool has a telescopic rod with a first and a second end and a drive motor connected to the first end. A working tool is connected to the second end of the telescopic rod. A telescopic drive shaft is enclosed in the telescopic rod. A first end of the telescopic drive shaft is connected to the drive motor and a second end of the telescopic drive shaft is connected to the working tool. The telescopic rod has an outer tube and an inner tube inserted with a leading end into the outer tube. The inner tube displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the telescopic rod. The telescopic drive shaft has a shaft tube and a shaft rod enclosed in the shaft tube. At least two bearings are arranged in the outer tube for rotatably supporting the telescopic drive shaft. They are spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of the telescopic rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl
    Inventor: Klaus-Martin Uhl
  • Patent number: 5819419
    Abstract: A letter opening device, having a letter opening blade for opening envelopes which is molded partially within a plastics molded body suitable for being hand held and for cutting open envelopes is provided with a generally rectangular recess in the body of a size to receive a business card, or the like, therein for display laterally for the body. Card retaining tabs are molded integrally of the body to retain the business card within the recess and a transparent flexible window member is provided for overlying the card in the recess. End tabs are formed integrally of the window member which cooperate with slots formed in the body to maintain the window member in assembled relation to the letter opener device in overlying relation to the business card being displayed by the letter opener device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Pacific Handy Cutter, Inc.
    Inventor: G. Gerry Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5819420
    Abstract: A jig saw accessory is provided that is adaptable to multiple brands of jig saws and mounts to a saw in place of its conventional flat base. The invention is an improved coping foot plate for a reciprocating saw comprising a round or bullet nosed foot plate having a superior, top surface and an inferior, bottom surface opposite the top surface; an proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end; two lateral portions, left and right, opposite each other, each lateral portion being the mirror image of the other as the foot plate is bisected medially from proximal end to distal end; and a means for providing a rounded bearing surface plate for a jig saw with blade whereby triple compound cuts can be made into a material in one motion or movement while maintaining plate bearing contact at the point of blade to material cut or penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: David A. Collins
  • Patent number: 5819421
    Abstract: A powered jig saw comprises a holder for a saw blade at the lower end of the reciprocating drive shaft. The holder is adjustable, by rotation of an actuating section, between an open position and a closed position for holding the saw blade. The actuating section comprises, in the interior of an upwardly open tube portion of the drive shaft, an engagement surface which, for the purpose of rotating the actuating section, engages with a working surface of a rotatable adjustment device which is stationary when the drive shaft is driven. The upper end portion of the drive shaft is mounted, so as to be capable of axial displacement, in a guide bush, above which there is a holding device of the adjustment device, in which holding device there is fixed a downwardly extending element comprising the working surface. A pendulum mechanism serves to generate a swivelling movement of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Massimo Alberto Giacometti, Reimund Becht
  • Patent number: 5819422
    Abstract: An improved transparent measuring device having composite multicolor image (98) formed thereon using a unique pigment transfer process. The image is formed by first applying a first image 30 having pairs of lines (34,36) that form an uncolored gap (38) on the transparent sheet (76). A second image (52) having solid lines (57,58) is aligned with the first image (30) and applied to the transparent sheet (76) with a contrasting color such that the second image (52) fills in selected gaps 38. An optional third image (68) can be applied over the first and second images (30,52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Randal D. Schafer
  • Patent number: 5819423
    Abstract: A string mounted rear bow sight includes a body with a bowstring hole, and a bifurcated rod extending forward from the body to straddle the bowstring and enclose it within the bowstring hole. A fluoresent material is mounted on the body to absorb ultraviolet light and emit a brilliant fluorescent light. An elastic sight orienting tube is connected to the bow and to the bifurcated rod to orient the rear sight toward a front sight on the bow, and to pull the rear sight upward on the bowstring against a preestablished fixed point thereon when the bowstring is drawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Roman C. Kamola
  • Patent number: 5819424
    Abstract: The present invention provides a laser leveling device, which comprises a light emitting unit for irradiating a laser beam, a rotating unit for rotating the laser beam for scanning, and a means for turning off the scanning laser beam so that a spotlike is formed in a specific direction. By forming a reference spot light, and aligning an irradiating point of the spot beam with the reference point, it is possible to install the laser leveling device 1 to the reference point and to perform accurate positioning of the laser leveling device by the scanning line of the laser beam formed on a portion other than the spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Ken-Ichiro Yoshino
  • Patent number: 5819425
    Abstract: A clamp for temporarily attaching a level to a construction component including an elongated metal or plastic, inverted U-shaped, two-piece body with an opening in the center of the top wall that extends partway down the side walls through which the level bubble is seen, a pair of pivotally-mounted, spring-loaded, opposed jaws for temporarily gripping the construction component, and grooves, a microcatch patches, or screws for temporarily attaching the level to the body. The two-piece body allows for adjustment to levels of different widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Douglas Payne
  • Patent number: 5819426
    Abstract: An aid for navigation, positioning and/or orientation, said aid comprising a transparent plate (1) comprising a straight first edge (5); a straight second edge (7) which is at right angles against the first edge, a longitude line (4) which has been drawn on the plate (1) to parallel the first edge (5), a latitude line (6) which has been drawn on the plate (1) to parallel the second edge (7), and a position index point (3) which is located at the intersection of the longitude line and the latitude line, a latitude pointer (10) which is connected in the vicinity of the first edge (5) to be movable in direction paralleling the first edge, and longitude pointer (11) which is connected in the vicinity of the second edge (7) to be movable in direction paralleling the second edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Timo Virtanen
  • Patent number: 5819427
    Abstract: A carpenter's square that can have the arms thereof separated for ease of storage and joined together during use includes a over-center latch arrangement designed to be no thicker than the thickness dimension of the arm members and which, when operated, tightly clamps the arms of the square at right angles to one another. A first arm of the square has an opening formed through the thickness dimension thereof along with alignment bores extending inwardly from a side edge thereof on either side of the opening. The second arm includes the over-center latch pivotally mounted in a slot or channel and includes a latch plate pivotally joined to a coupling member having a head thereon designed to fit within the opening on the first arm member. When the latch plate is manually actuated so as to reside within the slot of the second arm, the head on the coupling member cooperates with an edge defined by the opening in the first arm to tightly clamp the first and second arms one to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Barry L. Rohweder
  • Patent number: 5819428
    Abstract: An extensometer structure for an extensometer comprises a flexure assembly, a first extension arm and a second extension arm. The flexure assembly includes a first flexure defining a first plane and a second flexure defining a second plane. The second flexure is coupled to the first flexure so that the first and second planes intersect. The first extension arm is joined to the first flexure and has a first tip engageable with a test specimen wherein a line of force from the first tip extends parallel to the first plane. The second extension arm is joined to the second flexure and has a second tip engageable with the test specimen wherein a line of force from the second tip extends parallel to the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5819429
    Abstract: A touch sensor of the invention can output a directional information from which direction an object to be measured touches a contact, as well as a positional information. The touch sensor includes a movable plate; at least four movable support points provided on the movable plate in a rectangular shape; a measuring shaft attached to the movable plate to extend perpendicularly thereto; and a base plate situated at a side facing the movable support points and having at least four fixed support portions corresponding to the respective support points. When no force is applied to the measuring shaft, all the support points and support portions contact together. When the object to be measured touches a contact portion, two of the support points situated adjacent to each other become temporary rotational supporting points, and two support points provided at a side opposite to the temporary rotational supporting points are separated from the support members corresponding thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Metrol Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Matsuhashi
  • Patent number: 5819430
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for de-watering a bead suspension of fragile beads having a high water content suspended in a liquid includes a staging vat, a metering vat, and a de-watering vat. The application of pressurized gas to the staging vat causes the bead suspension to move up a central feed tube which extends from the staging vat to the metering vat. The bead suspension is gravity fed from the metering vat through a transfer pipe and into the de-watering vat. The bottom portion of the de-watering vat has both an inner wall and an outer wall wherein the upper portion of the inner wall has perforations and the bottom portion is solid. Upon entering the de-watering vat, the bead suspension pours a short distance onto an inverted spreader cone. The bead suspension flows down the spreader cone and pours over the edge of the cone toward the perforated upper portion of the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Clearly Canadian Beverage Corporation
    Inventor: Guy William Inkster
  • Patent number: 5819431
    Abstract: The foot dryer dispenses heated air under pressure over the entire upper and lower portions of the foot of the user. The dryer includes a dryer housing having a front air baffle unit and a rear air containment unit that defines a foot receiving cavity with the dryer housing. A blower mounts within the dryer housing for delivering a uniform flow of air under pressure onto the top and bottom portions of one's foot safely and effectively. A mist dispenser mounts within the rear air containment unit of the dryer housing and dispenses automatically a mist of particles of a fungus inhibiting agent downwardly onto the user's toes. The dispensed powder facilitates inhibiting the growth of foot fungus, such as athlete's foot. The quantity of the agent dispensed is a selected quantity ranging from a nominal dispensing quantity to a maximum dispensing quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Harold Lancer
  • Patent number: 5819433
    Abstract: A boot dryer (1) comprising an electric motor driven blower which is contained in a blower housing (2). The blower forces air past a deodorizer pad and through a flexible hose (16) which is placed inside a boot. A toe piece attached at the end of the flexible hose prevents flow blockage. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid deodorizer is applied through a port in the blower housing onto an absorbent pad mounted within the dryer. The flexible hose (16) may be detached and the blower driven by a small battery so that the blower portion of the unit can be easily carried by back packers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis J. Crooks
  • Patent number: 5819434
    Abstract: A thin gas distribution plate is provided, consistent with requirements for mechanical rigidity and strength. The gas distribution plate has sufficiently low mass to permit rapid heating to an equilibrium temperature as determined by radiated heat loss. The gas distribution plate has a thinner central cross-section, optionally including smaller diameter apertures formed therethrough; and has a thicker circumferential cross-section, optionally having larger apertures formed therethrough, to thereby promote even gas distribution across the surface of the wafer, while mitigating or eliminating entirely the first wafer effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Harald Herchen, Walter Merry, William Brown
  • Patent number: 5819435
    Abstract: A duct connection system for use in a dryer ventilation duct system includes a pair of duct members that are joined together in overlapping relationship, and a connection joint for holding the duct members together. The connection joint includes a plurality of dimples projecting from an end portion and arranged circumferentially around one of the duct members for frictionally contacting another end portion of the other duct member. The end portions may be the ends of straight-walled duct components, or may be sleeves forming part of universal elbow sections, corrugated ducts, etc. The dimples extend either inwardly or outwardly from the end portion of the one duct member depending on whether the one duct member is received in or extends over the other duct member to frictionally engage and hold the duct members together. Each dimple includes a first frusto-conical crush zone integrally formed with the one end portion, and a second conical crush zone radially spaced from the first crush zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Nemco, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory W. Tuggle
  • Patent number: 5819436
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for vacuum drying of a material, particularly timber or the like. The apparatus comprises a drying chamber (1), a vacuum producing unit (6) coupled with the drying chamber, a cooler structure (2,4), and devices for heating the drying chamber (1). The cooler structure (2,4) and the drying chamber (1) are coupled together by a compression unit (9) that may be placed substantially within the drying chamber (1). The cooler structure (2,4) is placed at least partially in a heat transfer connection with the drying chamber (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: High Speed Tech Oy Ltd.
    Inventor: Kauko Helevirta
  • Patent number: 5819437
    Abstract: An improved industrial dryer adapted for more efficient, quieter and safer operation. The dryer blower has a relatively large size blower wheel adapted for generating high volume air flows at substantially reduced noise levels so as not to disrupt the work environment nor necessitate that workers wear ear protection. The blower is mounted on a pivotal door of the housing for easy access and an adjacent air feed cone is mounted for selective adjustable positioning into axial relation with the blower wheel for efficient air distribution. The dryer includes a burner adapted for generating a multi-leg, relatively short length discharge flame for enhancing fuel combustion and maximizing surface area over which air passes and is heated as it is drawn to the tumbler of the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Ellis Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Briggs
  • Patent number: 5819438
    Abstract: A simple and reliable mechanical design and method for providing positive air ventilation for shoes, sneakers and the like, including an air pump secured to the top, forward portion of the shoe instep, and the air pump being operated by a push-pull element that takes advantage of the deflection of the instep portion of the shoe upper in response to the walking or running action of the shoe wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Amarawansa S. Wanniarachchi
  • Patent number: 5819439
    Abstract: A sneaker for a bodybuilder comprising an upper shoe having a vamp portion. An outer sole is connected to the upper shoe. The outer sole has a cavity extending transversely across the width of the outer sole near the heel of the outer sole. A stationary VELCRO strap built into the upper shoe extends through the cavity and over the vamp portion about an ankle of the bodybuilder, so that the bodybuilder can perform thigh exercises in comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Pablo L. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5819440
    Abstract: A back support for a snowboard boot includes a heel portion and an upper portion. The heel portion includes a left heel side portion, a right heel side portion, and a heel curved portion that curves as it connects the left heel side portion and the right heel side portion. The upper portion is coupled to the heel portion above the heel portion, and a rear portion of an upper end of the upper portion is formed as a flexible portion. The rear portion of the upper end of the upper portion may be rendered flexible by its shape and/or combination of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Shinpei Okajima
  • Patent number: 5819441
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ski boot including a first element or shell base overlaid by a second element or upper provided with a flexion control device having a shock absorbing element cooperating between the upper and the shell base. A transmission arm connects the top portion of the upper to the shell base via a shock absorbing element inserted between at least one of its ends and the opposing wall of the constituent element of the boot. The transmission arm transmits all of the pivoting forces of the boot with respect to the shell base directly to the shock absorbing element due to its attachment by its two ends to these elements of the boot, and forces the shock absorbing element, sandwiched between the arm of the element, to operate in shearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Claude Perrissoud
  • Patent number: 5819442
    Abstract: The auxiliary pieces are constituted by semi-rigid plates (1, 2) which are curved about a vertical axis (a) and have an upper part (11, 21) and a lower part (12, 22) offset relative to the vertical axis and to the upper part, on one side as far as one of the pieces is concerned and on the other side as far as the other auxiliary piece is concerned.Depending on whether each of these pieces is mounted on the right or left boot, the boots are reinforced on the inner side or on the outer side and have different characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Lange International S.A.
    Inventor: Pietro Orso
  • Patent number: 5819443
    Abstract: A new snow removal apparatus for removing snow and other debris from travel surfaces. The inventive device includes an elongate frame member with a plurality of overlapping finger members extending from the frame member. The frame member is designed to be coupled to a vehicle or a mounting frame of a snowplow. The finger members are designed to adjust to an uneven surface to remove snow or debris therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: William L. Winter
  • Patent number: 5819444
    Abstract: A snow plow composed of a central blade and of two wing blades which are laterally hinged to the end of the main blade for wing blade angular adjustment forwardly and rearwardly of the main blade from a position and alignment with the same. Furthermore, the level of each wing blade with respect to the main blade can be adjusted. Also, tilt motion of the laterally outward end portions of the wing blades either upwardly or downwardly is also possible. Each blade consists of a flat panel and its bottom edge carries a striker lip which can pivot rearwardly during forward movement of the plow upon the blade striking an obstacle. The snow plow is supported by a structure in front of a vehicle having forward lifting and tilting arms, this structure allowing a snow plow to laterally tilt within a limited angle in accordance with the transverse inclination of the surface being plowed. Upon slight rising of the snow plow, its forward pitch angle automatically increases to a pre-determined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Denis Desmarais
  • Patent number: 5819445
    Abstract: An accessory attachment/conversion assembly is disclosed for use on a small front-end loader type of construction implement. One form of accessory would be a backhoe bucket. The attachment assembly includes a frame for detachable mounting to the implement and includes a rotatable drum pivotally secured to the frame and rotatable in its mounting by means of chains, or other suitable forms of transmission means, which are secured at one of their ends to the drum and at their other ends to a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the frame. An elongated arm or boom is secured at one end to the drum and extends outwardly thereof. The outer terminal end of the boom can carry a bucket or other suitable accessory. The arrangement being such that the boom and bucket can be swung approximately full left to full right, almost 180.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignees: Hector LaBelle, Daniel LaBelle
    Inventors: Hector LaBelle, Daniel LaBelle
  • Patent number: 5819446
    Abstract: A sleever pad for use with a sleeve pressing device of the type that includes a buck upon which the sleever pad is designed to be mounted, a fabric bag adapted to be placed over the sleever pad, and a set of heating plates that are arranged to press a sleeve of a garment placed over the bag. Included on the present sleever pad are a relatively stiff internal core and a covering that surrounds the internal core. The covering includes an outer covering layer which faces outwardly toward the sleeve being pressed and an inner liner which faces inwardly toward the buck. A main feature of the outer covering layer is that it is configured for preventing moisture and/or solvents present on the sleeve of the garment being pressed from migrating through the outer covering layer to the internal core. In addition, the outer covering layer is also configured for inhibiting heat from being transferred from the heating plates through said sleever pad to the buck during a pressing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Resillo Press Pad Company
    Inventors: Leo Pearl, Bill G. Walthall, Hector Hernandez
  • Patent number: 5819447
    Abstract: Members to be coupled have hollow coupling parts at opposite side surfaces, a coupling member has, at opposite ends, press-fitting parts which are press-fitted in the hollow coupling parts, and angle shape concavities and convexities having crests which are corrupted upon press-fitting are formed on at least either one of an inner peripheral surface of the hollow coupling part and an outer peripheral surface of the press-fitting part. When the opposite end parts of the coupling members are press-fitted in the hollow coupling parts of the members to be coupled, the crests of concave parts of the angle shape concavities and convexities are corrupted by the opposed surface so as to be made into close contact with and firmly coupled to the associated surface, thereby it is possible to surely couple a pair of members to be coupled with a simple work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Ebaris Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigehiro Yamawaki
  • Patent number: 5819448
    Abstract: A card-and-balloon combination is disclosed wherein the inflatable stem portion of a non-latex balloon is pinched between a card half and an attachment band secured thereto, in close proximity to the inflated balloon body, to maintain the balloon body in a substantially upright position, whereby the designs on the card and balloon are readily visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry Kieves, John J. Gilbert