Patents Issued in January 16, 2001
  • Patent number: 6173798
    Abstract: A hard member for use as a wear part or a hard insert for a point attack style of tool or a rotary style of tool. The hard member having a composition of between about 5 volume percent and about 40 volume percent binder alloy, and between about 60 volume percent and about 95 volume percent tungsten carbide. The tungsten carbide has an average grain size between about 1 micrometer and about 30 micrometers. The binder alloy comprises an alloy of nickel and chromium wherein the nickel ranges between about 70 weight percent and less than 93 weight percent and the chromium ranges between greater than 7 weight percent and about 30 weight percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Bryant, Edward V. Conley, Ted R. Massa
  • Patent number: 6173799
    Abstract: A motor-assisted single-wheel cart is provided with a motor for generating an assisting power in response to an operation force when operating an operation handle by a human hand, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting an output of the motor to an axle. The motor is arranged rearwardly upwardly of the axle so as to be positioned within a space surrounded by an upper horizontal member and a lower member positioned below the upper horizontal member constituting a vehicle body frame constituting the cart as viewing the vehicle body frame from a side surface thereof. The power transmission mechanism has a first speed reduction mechanism arranged near the motor, a second speed reduction mechanism arranged near the wheel and a transmission shaft for connecting them. The transmission shaft is inserted to the first and second speed reduction mechanisms so as to be capable of being drawn out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Miyazaki, Naotoshi Ono, Hirohide Shimizu, Hiroshi Sueshige, Kazuyoshi Miyahara, Teruhiko Otsuki, Hiroo Kanke
  • Patent number: 6173800
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine and an exhaust system with an exhaust which has two deformable pipe members and at least two casings arranged downstream thereof and belonging to a catalytic converter and/or silencer. At least the last casing, relative to the direction of flow of the exhaust gas, of the exhaust, together with the first casing, defines a straight connecting line passing through the two casings and is held on the vehicle body by means of at least partially rubber-elastic connecting members in such a way that it is deflected by a force parallel to the straight connecting line more than by a force of equal magnitude at right angles to the straight connecting line. This enables the casings to be connected to one another exclusively by rigid exhaust parts and oscillations of the second casing to be kept small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Scambia Industrial Developments AG
    Inventors: Pieter Delfina Steenackers, John W. Jöorg Alexnat
  • Patent number: 6173801
    Abstract: A manually operated travelling vehicle with an auxiliary power device, which can detect a rotating torque applied to a rotating crank shaft (40) in non-contact manner. Supported on a body (15) is a manually operated prime mover wheel (5). A rotating coil (201) is provided coaxially on the prime mover wheel (5). A variable impedance device (202) is electrically connected to the rotating coil (201) such that impedance changes depending upon a load applied to the prime mover wheel (5). A stationary coil (101) is fixed to the body (15) to be coaxial with and spaced from the rotating coil (201) with a predetermined interval therebetween and is electromagnetically connected to the rotating coil (201). A detection circuit (109) is connected to the stationary coil (101) to detect a change in current or voltage applied to the stationary coil (101) from the rotating coil (201) in accordance with an impedance change in the variable impedance device (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushige Kakutani, Hideaki Aoki, Hideo Kawakami, Yoshio Tomigashi
  • Patent number: 6173802
    Abstract: In an electric power steering device, a yoke made of a tubular member and carrying permanent magnets, and a hollow motor shaft coaxially and rotatably received in the yoke to carry a motor armature which cooperates with the permanent magnets to form an electric motor for the power steering device, a section of the yoke extending from an axial end thereof to a part thereof surrounding an axial end of the motor shaft defines an inner diameter which is greater than an outer diameter of the nut member so that the output torque of the electric motor can be measured during the course of assembling the power steering device by allowing a testing tool to be inserted from the open end of the yoke without any interference and to be applied to a suitable part of the nut member or the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Tadao Kodaira, Tsugio Onodera, Susumu Aoki
  • Patent number: 6173803
    Abstract: A method and device for generating a high amplitude sound wave is provided. The device includes a housing having an open end. A piston is slidably disposed in the open end of the housing and forms a chamber for holding a pressurized liquid. The pressurized liquid acts on the piston to move the piston relative to the housing. A latch is operable to fix the piston relative to the housing and to release the piston. Upon release of the latch, the piston moves relative to the housing to generate the sound wave. In the method of the present invention, a piston is fixed relative to a housing to form a chamber between the housing and the piston. The chamber is filled with a pressurized fluid and the piston is released to allow the pressurized fluid move the piston relative to the housing and generate the sound wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: GTE Service Corporation
    Inventor: James Edwin Barger
  • Patent number: 6173804
    Abstract: A system intended for permanent installation of measuring sondes against the inner wall of a pipe (1) such as a well or a tube. Measuring sondes (7) are respectively associated with coupling devices (2) that are brought to their respective coupling points in the pipe by means of a tube (3) positioned by off-centering devices (4) for example. Each coupling device (2) comprises a flexible element (6) carrying sonde (7), that is deformed to a set back position where it is immobilized by a lock (9) so as to allow displacement thereof along pipe (1). In order to release flexible blades (6), a sufficient overpressure allowing to push back the piston of a jack (10) whose cylinder communicates at one end with the inside of pipe (1) is established. In this expanded position, it immobilizes coupling device (2) and presses sonde (7) against pipe (1) while mechanically decoupling it from tube (3). Tube (3) can possibly be withdrawn if it does not serve another purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Institute Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Patrick Meynier
  • Patent number: 6173805
    Abstract: An in-wall speaker has a variably tuned vibration absorber to absorb and dissipate vibrations in the speaker and surroundings that tend to cause distortions. The vibration absorbing device, including a stack of viscoelastic damping plates, is secured to the speaker or connected structure via a trapezoidally shaped tuning plate, which provides a varying degree of cantilever in different portions of the stack of plates. The effect is to absorb vibrations over a broad range of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Tekna Sonic, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Thomasen
  • Patent number: 6173806
    Abstract: This invention provides a muffling panel of a new-type lightweight construction having a function of effectively excluding sounds in low and medium sound ranges and high muffling and sound-absorbing properties in a relatively low frequency band area, and also having at least two parallel diaphragms, a frame body for fixing of the diaphragms and a vibration transmitting mechanism which links to the diaphragms and can mechanically transmit reverse phase vibration, wherein the vibration transmitting mechanism converts vibration of one of the diaphragms which vibrates when receiving a sound into reverse phase vibration thereof to transmit it to the other of the diaphragms, thus causing the other of the diaphragms to displace inward or outward and vibrate simultaneously with one of the diaphragms according to vibration energy of the above original sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Itoon
    Inventor: Sadakuni Ito
  • Patent number: 6173807
    Abstract: An acoustic panel (26) for the nacelle (20) of a high bypass jet engine. The acoustic panel (26) has a perforated composite inner sheet (54), an outer composite sheet (96, 98), and a honeycomb-core material (74) sandwiched therebetween. The acoustic panel (26) includes an integral forward ring (36) and integral wedge fairings (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John M. Welch, Thomas D. Popp, Robert F. Wikstrom, Terry W. Stratton, Brian R. Kitt
  • Patent number: 6173808
    Abstract: An expansion chamber, and first and second volume chambers on either side of said expansion chamber, are formed inside a muffler housing. Engine exhaust is led by an inlet tube to the first volume chamber, and an opening facing the expansion chamber is formed in an intermediate part of the inlet tube. Exhaust in the second volume chamber is discharged outside by a tail tube, and an opening is formed facing the expansion chamber in an intermediate part of the tail tube. A valve is provided for leading exhaust from the first volume chamber to the second volume chamber according to a pressure difference between the chambers. This forms two exhaust flowpaths. A resonance system with two degrees of freedom is thereby formed with respect to exhaust discharged via the two openings and the expansion chamber, and a high noise silencing efficiency is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushige Maeda, Akira Sasaki, Takao Kubozuka, Haruki Yashiro
  • Patent number: 6173809
    Abstract: A safety stanchion for supporting a safety cable includes a tapered tubular post having a lower end for attachment to a support base at an oblique angle and an upper end for supporting the safety cable. The post preferably has a wall thickness of less than 0.125 inches, is frustoconically shaped and is made out of an energy absorbing, elastic-like steel such as A595 grade steel which in cooperation with the post's wall thickness and tapered, preferably frustoconical, shape is believed to render the post capable of in elastically deforming before it fails. A unique base or base assembly for mounting a stanchion upon a structural member such as an I beam, H beam or other structural beam having flange portions is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: MC Enterprises International, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry A. Cole, Steven P. Miller, Gerald W. Patrick
  • Patent number: 6173810
    Abstract: A trailer personnel lift (20) with a level-sensing system (69). The level-sensing system (69) provides information to a level-indicator display (72) that indicates which outriggers (34) of the trailer personnel lift (20) need to be lowered. Upon lowering of the designated outriggers (34), the signal for the outrigger (34) changes so as to indicate that the outrigger (34) no longer needs lowering. The outriggers (34) are capable of locking into at least three positions, a first position (40A) in which the outrigger (34) extends substantially horizontal to the surface upon which the personnel lift (20) is to be located, a second position (48A) in which the outrigger (34) extends substantially vertically from the base, and a third position (46A) that is intermediate of the first and second positions, the third position being selected so that the outriggers (34) may be stabilized in the third position (46A) on an upward slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Citron, Michael F. Davis, Matthew G. Kraemer, John Busuttil
  • Patent number: 6173811
    Abstract: A hand truck, stepladder and basket carrier is disclosed. The combination is a portable and collapsible unit that converts into a hand truck having two wheels, a stepladder having the wheels raised and locked into place and a basket carrier attached to the hand truck. The basket is collapsed into the hand truck frame when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventors: Dean Tornabene, Charles Perez
  • Patent number: 6173812
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle fire escape system for providing a user with a safe passage from the escape window to the ground includes a pair of tracks designed for coupling to a camper on an underside of an elevated compartment extending from the camper. A platform is slidably attached to the track for extending outwardly from the elevated compartment. A ladder is extended from the platform and is pivotable relative to the platform such that a distal end of the ladder is designed for positioning against a surface below the platform. The platform is positioned near an egress window of the camper such that the platform and ladder are designed for facilitating exit of a user through the egress window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventors: Gerald R. Spivey, Betty J. Spivey
  • Patent number: 6173813
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to an elevator braking system including an accelerometer for detecting acceleration of an elevator car and generating an acceleration signal. An over-acceleration detection module compares the acceleration signal to an acceleration threshold. If over-acceleration detection module detects an over-acceleration condition, a first switching device disrupts power to a solenoid in order to activate a braking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Pascal Rebillard, Vincent Raillard, G{acute over (e)}rard Sirigu
  • Patent number: 6173814
    Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electronic safety system for elevators for preventing unsafe elevator operation has a central controller which monitors a variety of sensors, contacts, and switches over an electronic safety bus. A plurality of bus nodes are distributed throughout the elevator system and are in constant communication with the central controller over the safety bus. The bus nodes interface with sensors, switches, contacts, detectors, components, and other safety equipment of the elevator system at each location and provide status information back to the controller. The controller consists of a microprocessor board with an input/output port in communication with the safety bus and bus nodes. Upon sensing an unsafe condition, the controller sends control signals to an elevator control system and a drive and brake system to arrest the elevator car in a safe manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Peter Herkel, Hans-Kilian Spielbauer
  • Patent number: 6173815
    Abstract: A door coupler (4) comprising gripping elements (14,15) moved by a linkage (2) and designed to grip a counterpart (17,18) on the landing door, and a lock catch (10) which has a closed position and an open position. The releasing movement of the lock catch (10) from the closed position into the open position is allowed when a gripping element is pressed against a counterpart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventor: Franz Mittermayr
  • Patent number: 6173816
    Abstract: The estimation of the amount of time required by a given elevator to reach a given hall call, known as remaining response time (RRT), can be improved by using not only the present car position, its direction, and the number of intervening stops for already boarded passengers, but also the destination of each waiting passenger. An elevator controller is shown with an algorithm for estimating RRT using such detailed destination information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Frederick H. Barker, Bruce A. Powell, Paul A. Simcik
  • Patent number: 6173817
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking device for use with a vehicle which moves along a surface, the braking device being operated by an area of magnetic material, and is particularly, but not exclusively, for use with a wheeled trolley or cart to deter its removal from a designated area. The braking device comprises a first portion for mounting on the vehicle, a braking portion movable relative to the first portion from an inoperative position to an operative braking position in braking contact with the surface, and retaining portion for retaining the braking portion in its inoperative position. The retaining portion comprises a blocking portion and trigger portion, the trigger portion being movable between a primed position and a triggered position by passage in close proximity to the magnetic material, and in the primed position, holding the blocking portion in a blocking position preventing movement of the braking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew P. P. Gray
  • Patent number: 6173818
    Abstract: A brake caliper adjusting device includes a cam member fixedly received in the frame of the caliper and fixedly mounted to a shaft to which the frame of the caliper is mounted. A pushing member is pivotally received in the frame with the lower end engaged with the cam member. A supporting member is biasedly connected to the brake caliper and a brake pad is fixedly connected to the supporting member. One of two sides of the supporting member contacts the upper end of the pushing member. An adjusting member is rotatably mounted to the shaft. A biasing member has one end thereof received in the groove and the other end of the biasing member is connected to the caliper. A bolt extends through the adjusting member and is engaged with a threaded hole in the shaft so that the adjusting member can be rotated by rotating the bolt. The brake pad is adjusted when the adjusting member is rotated relative to the brake caliper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Yung-Pin Kuo
  • Patent number: 6173819
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spot-type disc brake with a brake housing including a first side element, a second side element and a bridge element connecting the side elements and straddling a brake disc and with at least one arm arranged on the leading and/or trailing end, of the brake housing, straddling the brake disc and connecting the first side element with the second side element. The essence of the invention is that at least one side element is provided with a recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Michael Meiss, Thomas Kirschner, Winfried Gerhardt, Hans-Dieter Leidecker, Rolf Weiler, Hans-Peter Metzen
  • Patent number: 6173820
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake apparatus with an electric service motor, which serves to actuate the brake via an actuating device. To enable setting an air clearance, the apparatus includes a readjuster for setting the air clearance, the brake is actuated with the readjuster and then reversed by a defined length. To realize a parking braking function, the apparatus includes a parking brake that can be repositioned from a released position to a braking position and that acts on the actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Blosch, Dieter Blattert
  • Patent number: 6173821
    Abstract: A disk brake protector is provided for the brake disk of a motor vehicle wheel of the type with a perforated rim dish fastened directly or indirectly to the steering knuckle or axle housing and covering at least a part of the brake disk. The brake disk protector is located in the space between the disk brake and the wheel rim, covering at least a part of the brake disk friction ring surface and the radial friction ring circumferential surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Rainer Herffurth
  • Patent number: 6173822
    Abstract: Rotary damper, in particular for an actuating member in motor vehicles, comprising a housing having a cylindrical damper chamber, a liquid viscous medium within the chamber, a rotatably supported shaft within the chamber having at least one substantially radially extending vane such that upon rotation of the shaft, displaced medium flows between a narrow passage between the cylindrical wall of the chamber and the free end of the vane, at least a radially outer portion of the vane being inclined with respect to a diameter extending through the base of the vane and in the circumferential direction and being bendable such that upon a rotation of the shaft in the inclination direction the vane is bent towards the cylindrical wall and upon an opposite rotation the vane is bent towards the shaft, wherein at least one locking cam is provided at the cylindrical wall of the chamber which extends radially inwards and is adapted to be engaged by the free end of the vane if it is bent towards the cylindrical wall a prede
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: ITW ATECO GmbH
    Inventors: Holger M. Korb, J{umlaut over (u)}rgen Fuss
  • Patent number: 6173823
    Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch includes a rotor attached to an output from an engine, a stator attached to a fan assembly and a coil assembly having at least a portion attached to the stator. A first gap is defined between the rotor and the stator and a second gap is defined between the rotor and the coil assembly. The first and second gaps are filled with a magneto rheological (MR) fluid. The coil assembly creates a magnetic field in the first and second gaps to vary the viscosity of the MR fluid to produce a variable speed viscous fluid clutch. The coil assembly includes coil windings which are supplied with power through a slip ring assembly. Both the coil windings and the wiring between the slip ring assembly and the coil windings are isolated from the magneto rheological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignees: BEHR America, Inc., General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: George Moser, Gordon Sommer, Patrick B. Usoro, Anthony L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6173824
    Abstract: A rolling-element clutch assembly including a first race member, a second race member and a plurality of rolling elements. The first race member defines a first race surface having a first ratchet surface portion. The second race member defines a second race surface having a second ratchet surface portion. The first race surface and the second race surface define a raceway therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are disposed in the raceway. The rolling elements provide rolling support between the first race member and the second race member when the first race member moves in a first direction relative to the second race member. At least one of the plurality of rolling elements engages the first and second ratchet surface portions when the first race member moves in a second direction relative to the second race member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: General Dynamics Government Systems Corporation
    Inventor: John Edward Roberts
  • Patent number: 6173825
    Abstract: A lift control device for a roller shade includes a support rod having one end containing an insert socket, a spring mounted on the support rod, a roller cap rotatably mounted on the support rod and containing a retaining opening to secure the spring therein such that the spring is rotated by the roller cap, and a follower spool secured on the roller cap to rotate therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Tai-Ping Liu
  • Patent number: 6173826
    Abstract: A device for validating a coin comprises an electro-magnetic sensor, means for monitoring a first signal generated by the sensor and means for deriving a measurement from a second signal generated by the sensor. The event of the first signal taking a predetermined threshold value is used to derive a measurement from the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventor: David Michael Furneaux
  • Patent number: 6173827
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a cylinder housing a rotary scroll Tubular preforms are fed into the cylinder in an upright state and displaced along the cylinder by a fin of the scroll. An upstream cam engages each preform in turn and inverts it. The inverted preforms are then driven over a series of nozzles discharging ionized gas to purge the preforms of debris. The preforms are then reinverted by a downstream cam and/or discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Coca-Cola Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Roger Carey
  • Patent number: 6173828
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotating rectangular flat articles that have been accumulated in an imbricated formation on and are moving in a conveying direction along a belt conveyor. A stop is arranged in the movement path of the products, on one side relative to the central axis of the incoming imbricated formation. A roller is located on the other side relative to the central axis, the axis of rotation for which extends at a right angle to the conveying direction of the product and is tangent to the stop. The apparatus prevents damage to the products and insures rotation of the products that have been accumulated in imbricated formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventors: Willy Leu, Carl Conrad M{umlaut over (a)}der
  • Patent number: 6173829
    Abstract: The board positioning device of the present invention is for optimally longitudinally positioning a board for trimming. The board is translated from an upstream position to a downstream position in a first direction towards the trimming saws. The board translates at a translation speed on a board translating device such as a lugged transfer chain. The board while translating in the first direction, is aligned longitudinally, that is, along its length, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction so as to position the board relative to the saws. The board is urged by board ending means, such as ending rolls, in the second direction against a corresponding board positioning member, such as a shaft mounted paddle, on the board positioning device. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second directions lie in a generally horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: CAE Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: James G. Jackson, James B. Hannebauer
  • Patent number: 6173830
    Abstract: A tracking assembly for mounting to a support frame of a conveyor belt installation in order to keep the conveyor belt which travels thereon centrally aligned includes a sub-frame adapted to be mounted to a support frame of a conveyor belt installation. A plurality of independently rotatable idlers are mounted for rotation on the sub-frame to support the conveyor belt of the installation in position. The idlers are aligned generally parallel to each other spaced apart from each other across the width of the belt, with the sub-frame and idlers being mounted to the support frame generally transverse to the length of the belt. Each of the idlers include a support shaft, an outer drum rotatably supported on the shaft, and a pivot assembly located within the drum defining a pivot axis about which the drum is pivotable relative to the shaft, the pivot axis being perpendicular to the belt which in use travels on the idler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Tru-Trac Roller (Proprietary) Ltd.
    Inventors: John P. Cumberlege, Paul A. Savage
  • Patent number: 6173831
    Abstract: There is provided an endless belt for use in the production of a web of fibrous material. The belt has first and second sides. The first side is substantially open and the second side is substantially closed. The belt has a water storage capacity of at least 5 l/m2. The belt also has a mean flexural rigidity for a circumferential direction and direction cross-wise of the belt, based on a width of 1 meter each, each of which is no greater than approximately 10 Nm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Grabscheid, Volker Schmidt-Rohr
  • Patent number: 6173832
    Abstract: The conveyor chain, shown in the figure, has links interconnected by pivot pins, each passing through legs of one link and through generally C-shaped annular portion of an adjacent link said portion being seated between the legs. The pivot pin passes through part-cylindrical core seated with annular portion. Each C-shaped portion has integral legs. Each core is integrally formed with disc element seated in a curved stepped guide recess of the adjacent link. The upper surface of each disc element is arranged in the same plane as the upper surface of the adjacent link. As the chain travels on a flat surface the upper surface of the chain is flat with disc element covering the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: David J Cockayne
  • Patent number: 6173833
    Abstract: A package (10) is disclosed including a tray (22) having an annular flange (34) extending from the open end (26) of a basket (24) receiving a promotional device (38). The open end (26) of the basket (24) is closed by a clear membrane label (32) extending thereover and onto the flange (34) to seal the promotional device (38) in the basket (24). The flange (34) includes a tab extension (37) and the clear membrane label (32) includes a pull tab (33) which is not secured to the tray (22). The basket (24) is inserted into an opening (20) formed in a panel (14) of a carton (12) until the flange (34) abuts with the panel (14) around the opening (20). A second label (36) is secured over the tray (22) and to the panel (14) around the flange (34) to attach the tray (22) to the carton (12). In a first form, the second label (36) has adhesive at least around the periphery thereof for adhering to the panel (14) outside the tray (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: David Strehlow
  • Patent number: 6173834
    Abstract: The present invention includes a transparent dart case of one-piece design that is capable of securing darts, spare dart components and a tool for use in assembling darts. The present invention includes an integrally molded and removable hanging bracket that allows the dart case to be mounted on a rack for display without any additional packaging. The integrally molded bracket can be easily removed with minimal force after it is purchased. The present invention has a transparent first frame which is connected to a transparent second frame by a living hinge. Both the first frame and the second frame have a side wall which are mated together to form an enclosure which has sufficient integrity to protect and transport darts, dart components and dart assembly tools. The assembly is molded as an integral unit using a K-resin to provide ideal clarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Great Lakes Dart Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Derick L. Voden, Justin L. Voden
  • Patent number: 6173835
    Abstract: A laptop carrying case (20) is disclosed as including a pair of sides (22, 24) and a carriage assembly (28). The sides (22, 24) are connected together by a hinge (26) and are configured to enclose a laptop computer (144) and the carriage assembly (28) in a closed position. The carriage assembly (28) is configured for retaining the laptop (144) and for sliding the laptop (144) between a carry position and a work position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventors: Jay W. Swinger, David M. McGraw
  • Patent number: 6173836
    Abstract: A unitary plastic fastener clip comprising a plurality of individual fasteners which are disposed in a substantially parallel, side-by-side, spaced relationship. Each fastener comprises an elongated flexible filament having a first enlarged end and a second enlarged end. In one embodiment, each of the first enlarged end and the second enlarged end is a substantially cylindrical transverse bar. In another embodiment, the first enlarged end is a transverse bar of non-uniform transverse cross-section and the second enlarged end is a generally knob-shaped head. A first connector post connects the first enlarged end of the first fastener to the first enlarged end of the second fastener at the approximate midpoints of their mutually-opposing sides. A second connector post connects the second enlarged end of the first fastener to the second enlarged end of the second fastener at the approximate midpoints of their mutually-opposing sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6173837
    Abstract: A carrying case with interchangeable side panels includes a suitcase and a number of ornamental side panels releasably attachable to the outside of the suitcase. The interchangeable ornamental side panels substantially cover the underlying structural side panels of the suitcase, and can be changed out without opening the suitcase or disassembling. This means the contents need not be disturbed in changing over the look and appearance of the carrying case, nor is the integrity of the suitcase compromised in any way. The carrying case may further include flanged framework around the interchangeable ornamental side panels to hold down the edges thereof. The flanged framework may be configured such that the ornamental side panel edges are tucked under. The carrying case may also be arrived at by simply reworking or converting a conventional suitcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Elizabeth Marconi
  • Patent number: 6173838
    Abstract: A compact (10) securely engaging an edge of a blister card (60) with a multiplicity of items (62) separately packaged thereon. The compact, which is formed from a molded blank (12) of a thermoplastic material, has first and second generally planar members (20, 22) separated from one other by parallel, generally rectangular portions or strips (24, 30) that are defined by three spaced apart fold lines (14, 16, 18). The generally rectangular strips are foldable about the centrally located of the fold lines (14) to overlie one another and to engage an edge of the blister card, and are locked in such overlying positions by engagement of locking posts (26, 28) on one of the strips with recesses (32, 34) on the other of the strips. Opposed ends of the compact have locking tabs (40, 42) that are received in recesses (44, 46) in a closed position of the compact, and these locking tabs must be simultaneously manually engaged to permit the compact to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Owens Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Brozell
  • Patent number: 6173839
    Abstract: A collapsible, soft-sided organizer has a rigid, water proof base with fabric side walls and lid. A removable internal frame provides support for a cutting board, which also functions as a stable work surface. The lid includes a gusset to define a gear loft and water basin. A plurality of movable internal dividers facilitates the creation of smaller internal compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Montane, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Dieter, Martha B. Koerner, Martin H. Phipps, Nicholas J. Sichenzia, Dana L. Canfield, Laurie M. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6173840
    Abstract: Processes for purification of saline minerals using magnetic separation are disclosed. In particular, saline minerals can include trona, borates, potash, sulfates, nitrates and chlorides. The magnetic separation can include high intensity magnetic separation which can be conducted at greater than about 20,000 Gauss and up to greater than about 50,000 Gauss. Other embodiments of the invention include calcination of a saline mineral in an inert atmosphere or in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at a high temperature prior to magnetic separation. A further embodiment of the invention includes pre-alignment of particles on a surface to align the particles of high magnetic force during a magnetic separation step. Also disclosed are various embodiments of magnetic separation which include subjecting an ore to a preliminary magnetic field prior to magnetic separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Environmental Projects, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph Pruszko, Roland Schmidt, Dale Lee Denham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6173841
    Abstract: In a film processor, filmstrips are contained in their specific cartridge shells with their film leaders attached to a leader plate, and are fed into processing baths with the leader plate in the lead, while being pulled out from the cartridge shells. After the filmstrips are separated from the cartridge shells, the cartridge shells drop on a chute and slide down on the chute. Smaller cartridge shells sift through a sifting slit formed through the chute along the sliding direction, while larger cartridge shells slide down to a lower end of the chute. A lateral guide plate extends under the sifting slit, to guide smaller cartridge shells having sifted through the sifting slit in the lateral direction of the sifting chute toward a cartridge recovery box. Larger cartridge shells drop from the lower end of the chute down to a second cartridge recovery box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takekazu Yanagimoto, Shu Nakajima
  • Patent number: 6173842
    Abstract: A single-lock, multi-weeder rack for storing and securing weedeaters. The multi-weeder rack can be installed on a truck, a trailer, or in any suitable location. The multi-weeder rack has a rectangular frame with side brackets for each weedeater. The rectangular frame of the multi-weeder rack comprises an inner and outer frame made of welded steel. The inner and outer frames of the multi-weeder are slidably engaged, with the outer frame capable of vertical movement relative to the inner frame which is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: William S. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 6173843
    Abstract: A spring-biased latching mechanism eliminates the use of brackets and screws to retain expansion cards or electronic circuit boards in computers or similar information handling systems. The spring-biased latching mechanism has a latching member that is cammed out of the path of a computer expansion card as the card is inserted into the computer housing; the latching or retention member may be pushed to a fully retracted or withdrawn position and latched, thus removing the latching member from interference with the expansion card and permitting easy removal of the expansion card. The spring-biased latching member is provided with a groove to provide guidance to the expansion card during insertion and may stabilize the card whenever the latching member is extended to retain the expansion card in position relative to a computer motherboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc
    Inventors: David M Christensen, Arthur L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6173844
    Abstract: A merchandise display system includes a support from which merchandise can be suspended. The support includes a rod with a hook at its free end. The rod is angled down towards its free end. A member on one side of the merchandise restricts movement of the merchandise about a first axis of the support. An additional member on another side of the merchandise restricts movement of the merchandise about the first axis of the support. The system further includes a pair of stoppers, one stopper being attached to the member near a free end of the member and the other stopper being attached to the additional member near a free end of the additional member. The stoppers restrict movement of the merchandise about a second axis of the support. The stoppers each include a pair of flexible flaps which enable merchandise to be inserted onto a support and removed from a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Inc
    Inventor: Frederick M. Avery
  • Patent number: 6173845
    Abstract: A display rack for displaying all sizes of beverage bottles has a bottom, laterally extending cross member, a top, laterally extending cross member spaced from and above the bottom cross member, and vertical support members for supporting the top and bottom cross members. The top cross member has at least one keyway for receiving the head of a beverage bottle and holding the beverage bottle. The keyway limits upward movement of the bottle the associated bottom cross member limits downward movement of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Higgins, James David Robertson, James Douglas Whiten
  • Patent number: 6173846
    Abstract: A safety bracket attached to the load beams of a pallet rack for preventing pallets from being pushed off the rear end of the rack. The bracket has a base, a back extending upwardly to form a stop for the pallet, and a front having an aperture to allow insertion of a load beam through the aperture of the bracket. The base of the bracket rests on a load beam of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Michael R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6173847
    Abstract: A storage rack having a plurality of shelves between end frames. Each of the plurality of shelves has U-shaped retainers that are snap fit, press fit, or friction fit onto a vertical member of the tubular end frame. A lateral support member attached to the end frames determines the different shelf heights with a side member resting on the frame cross members. In one embodiment, an angled end placed on the side members contacts the frame cross members, securely holding the bottom portion of a shelf. The top of the shelf being held by the U-shaped side end retainers and the bottom of the shelf being held by the angled ends results in a secure, rigid, easily assembled storage rack structure. In another embodiment, the storage rack has a triangular shape. The storage rack of the present invention can be easily assembled without any tools and is easily manufactured and shipped unassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: E-Z-Do, Inc.
    Inventors: James Zellner, III, Martin Snider