Patents Issued in August 14, 2001
  • Patent number: 6272709
    Abstract: A multipurpose fishing tool for tying knots comprises an improvement in a known fishing forceps by adding an annular groove around the nose of the forceps. The grove is of sufficient depth to retain a loop of fishing line, which is twisted as the forceps jaws are moved in a rotary or nutating motion. The forceps jaws are also utilized to hold the fishing line during the knot typing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy J. Strini
  • Patent number: 6272710
    Abstract: The problems of non-uniform treatment of paper pulp that may be caused by differential flow velocities within a vessel, channeling, and/or disruption of the pulp flow, are substantially eliminated by providing a non-circular cross-section substantially atmospheric pressure vessel with at least one screen surface, and typically a liquid introducing device. The vessel, screen surface, and liquid introducing device are constructed and positioned with respect to each other so that during the treatment of a pulp slurry the slurry has substantially uniform width in a treatment zone, and there is substantially uniform resistance to the flow of slurry over the screen surface over any particular cross-section of the vessel in the treatment zone, and its consistency varies less than 6% in the treatment zone (e.g. between 8-14%).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: James R. Prough
  • Patent number: 6272711
    Abstract: A multifunction apparatus for engaging a surface is particularly suited for removal of snow and ice from the windshields and hoods of vehicles. The apparatus includes a support frame having two pulleys and a handle for manipulating the apparatus. An endless belt is entrained on the pulleys for movement along a continuous path. A bi-directional electrical motor is mounted on the frame and has forward and reverse modes for driving the endless belt along the continuous path. A plurality of surface engaging device assemblies having a first end connected to the endless belt and a second end extending outward from the endless belt provide for the multifunction operational modes. More specifically, each surface engaging device assembly includes first and second heads such as a scraper for removing ice and a brush for removing snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Dante Ignacio
  • Patent number: 6272712
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing system, such as a system for scrubbing both sides of a wafer at the same time, that includes a brush box containment apparatus for use with highly-acidic or other volatile chemical solutions, a roller positioning apparatus and a (brush) placement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gockel, Lorin Olson, Lynn Ryle, Brett A. Whitelaw, Michael Ravkin
  • Patent number: 6272713
    Abstract: The invention is an elastomer device with a generally spherical shape for cleaning pipelines and has the ability to reduce in size for changes in pipe internal diameter due to wall thickness changes and provides a cleaning and scraping ability. In particular, the device has three dimensional geometric shapes radiating from the outside surface of a spherical core. The flex of the walls of the three dimensional geometric structure provides the movement to reduce the diameter of the device when encountering smaller internal diameters of heavy wall pipe. The interference fit of the oversize of the device's diameter, combined with the edges and outside surface of the three dimensional geometric structure, provides a sealing and scraping ability. The pattern of the geometric shape, the wall thickness of the walls forming the pattern, and depth of the cell created by the walls, are all critical to the performance of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Robert P. Lotwin
  • Patent number: 6272714
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, a head extending from the handle, and a tuft of bristles extending from the head. The tuft is inclined such that the angle of inclination is an acute angle relative to a surface of the head through which the tuft extends. The bristles have free ends which define a plane, the plane being other than perpendicular to a direction in which the tuft extends from the head. The plane is inclined towards the same direction in which the tuft is inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Company
    Inventor: Donna Beals
  • Patent number: 6272715
    Abstract: A replaceable coating applicating pad having, as the paint applicating medium, a velour fabric with a short nap is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pad includes a winged handle and a conforming pad which is suitable for large surfaces; in a second embodiment the pad is small with sharp corners for work in confined spaces; and in a third embodiment the pad is mounted on a sponge rubber-like handle for use on curved and other non-planar surfaces. A method of coating application is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Bruce C. Polzin, Kenneth L. Shehow, Mark T. Sterwald, William W. Barton
  • Patent number: 6272716
    Abstract: A hand-held device for gripping a piece of toilet paper including a pair of opposing jaws that are attached to one end of a curved tubular body, and a handle, with a push button actuator for the jaws, that is attached to the opposite end of the tubular body. The device provides a person with a way to easily and conveniently clean the anal region minimizing the chance of exposing themselves to the potential health risks associated with contacting fecal matter. Additionally, the device may be sterilized by chemical or thermal methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Kent J. Thornton
  • Patent number: 6272717
    Abstract: A wiper apparatus employed in a windshield wiper system for supporting a pair of wiper elements via a wiper drive arm pivotably mounted proximate a vehicle windshield. The wiper apparatus comprises a drive arm attachment member adapted to be coupled with the wiper drive arm. In one embodiment, a pivot arm is pivotably secured to the drive arm attachment member about a pivot axis which intersects the windshield. The pivot arm is configured to carry the pair of wiper elements such that each of the wiper elements moves over a corresponding first arcuate path when the drive arm is rotated in a first direction and moves over a corresponding second arcuate path when the drive arm is rotated in an opposite direction. Each of the first and second paths of a first wiper element is different from each of the first and second paths of a second wiper element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Saraydar
  • Patent number: 6272718
    Abstract: A wiper arm, has a joint part (1) and a wiper rod (2), in which the wiper rod (2) is guided in the joint part (1) in a guide region (1.2) by means of spaced-apart retaining faces (3, 4), and the retaining faces (3, 4) in the installed state fit over at least a fractional portion (7.2) of the wiper rod (2), in which the retaining faces (3, 4) taper conically toward one another, in which the wiper rod (2) has a conically tapering partial region (7), and in which the outer dimensions of the partial region (7), in a first portion, are less than the inside diameter between the retaining faces (3, 4) and, in a second portion (7.2), a distance between edges of the retaining faces (3, 4) is larger than a distance between the first portion (7.1) and the retaining faces (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ben Van De Bruinhorst
  • Patent number: 6272719
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dust-collecting barrow according to the invention. The dust-collecting barrow has a layer of silicon oil on the bottom thereof. The silicon oil is stable; that is, it is difficult for it to react with chemical compounds. The dust-collecting barrow has a plurality of alternately-arranged dividers. When chemical materials and/or particles are sucked into the dust-collecting barrow, heavier materials are first deposited in the silicon oil while lighter materials continuously move forward, and then are deposited in the silicon oil. Furthermore, the dust-collecting barrow is divided by the alternatively-arranged dividers into a plurality of open spaces which are used to absorb various chemical materials or particles, thereby preventing the various chemical materials or particles from reacting with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Yi-Jen Wu
  • Patent number: 6272720
    Abstract: A sweeping machine composed of a brush assembly (1) and a suction assembly (5, 7, 9) sucking dirt that has been brushed off a ground surface. The brush assembly (1) has two elongate, cylindrical brushes (1) which are symmetrically arranged on either side of the travelling direction (K) and have radial bristles and a horizontal drive shaft (3) for rotation of the brushes. The drive shafts (3) extend transversely of the travelling direction and make a positive acute angle with the transverse direction, and the ends of the brushes (1) facing each other are arranged at a distance from each other. The brush assembly (1) is enclosed in a downwardly open housing (2) whose lower edge is formed of an elastic skirt (15) arranged to drag its free edge along the ground surface. The suction assembly has a suction nozzle (5) which is connectible to a suction device (7) supported by a vehicle (8). The suction nozzle (5) is elongate and extends transversely of the travelling direction (K) and behind the brushes (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: DISAB Vacuum Technology AB
    Inventors: Gert Axel Lövgren, Karl Thorbjorn Haugen
  • Patent number: 6272721
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bezel attachment configuration for securing a detachable bezel to a metal chassis. The bezel attachment mechanism preferably includes the combination of a modified bezel post extending from and integral to the plastic body of the bezel and a bezel snap that is attached to the post. The post includes at least a first region and a second region, where the cross-sectional area of the second region is less than the cross-sectional area of the first region. The difference in cross-sectional areas creates a lip between the first region and the second region that the bezel snap catches on if moved in an upward direction towards the top of the bezel post. The lip of the post acts as a barrier to further movement of the bezel snap, thus providing a secure attachment of the bezel snap to the bezel. The secure bezel snap is inserted into an opening in the metal chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Susannah Gardner, Lee Wical
  • Patent number: 6272722
    Abstract: A device is designed to retain a cooling piece of a computer CPU. The device comprises a main body which is provided in two segments thereof with two legs opposite to each other. The legs are provided with a hook extending outwards and upwards, and a retainer of a curved construction. The main body is provided with two winged portions which are located at both ends thereof and provided with a through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Yaw-Huey Lai
  • Patent number: 6272723
    Abstract: This invention pertains to assisting individuals in dealing with the death of another by providing a novel bier system designed to provide active and uplifting association with life. The bier system comprises a bier for receiving a representation of the deceased, and an aviary containing live birds, in associative proximity with the bier. The aviary is of sufficient size and openness of interior chamber therein to facilitate significant movement of the birds about at least one interior chamber of the aviary, and to facilitate persons approaching the bier to make an association of activity of the birds with proximity of the bier. The soothing sounds and sights of bird activity assist the bereaved and help them to remember, even as they grieve, that life in general continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Fordyce Bernhardt Rathjen
  • Patent number: 6272724
    Abstract: A blade removing tool for rotary lawn mowers includes a central support assembly forming a guide adapted to be positioned over a bolt holding a rotary lawn mower blade in position and to allow the passage of a socket wrench there through. An elongated handle has an interior end coupled to the support assembly and an exterior end adapted to held by a user. A pair of projections extend downwardly from the lower plate parallel with the handle and adapted to be positioned on opposite sides of a blade to contact the blade when a socket wrench tends to turn a bolt and the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Kevin R. Sterling, Laurence E. Holstein
  • Patent number: 6272725
    Abstract: A repair kit for a motor vehicle friction clutch, for example a motorcycle friction clutch, that is economical, simple to install, and which can extend the life of the original outer clutch hub, and a method for repairing the friction clutch. The kit can include an insert for insertion into the clutch. Additionally the kit can provide for the hardening of gear teeth in the clutch without the use of an insert. Additionally, a method for repairing a motorcycle friction clutch using a motorcycle clutch repair kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Norman D. Stout, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6272726
    Abstract: Identical ring-shaped metal blanks are machined whereby each blank forms a plurality of identical components. The blanks are first machined on both sides, and then a stack of the blanks is clamped axially adjacent one another on an arbor. Tools machine the blanks for reshaping the blanks. One of the tools is a slitter which makes axial cuts through the stack to separate each blank into a plurality of components distributed around the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Sandvik Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Ingemar Qvarth
  • Patent number: 6272727
    Abstract: The upper portion of files in a file drawer or other file holder are biased towards the rear of the file holder using a wedge, block, bar or other device. In preferred embodiments the biasing device remains unattached to the file holder. The rearward biasing can also be combined with a member for biasing the lower portion of files towards the front of the file holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Robert D. Fish
  • Patent number: 6272728
    Abstract: A hollow self-lubricating thrust rivet or fastener is adapted to pivotably fasten first and second members to one another. The fastener is laminated on its outer surface with a self-lubricating or lubricious bearing material such as an organic polymer or plastic material. The bearing material provides the fastener with requisite lubricity to enable the members to rotate about the fastener without requiring application of a discrete lubricant to the interface of the fastener and the members. The fastener thus effectively combines the functions of a conventional fastener and a conventional bearing into a single unitary device. The fastener preferably includes an annular thrust portion laminated with the lubricious bearing material and adapted for placement between the members. The thrust portion effectively eliminates the need for installation of a discrete washer between the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Norton Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Lenac, Antoni Jan Szwedziuk, Louis V. Portelli
  • Patent number: 6272729
    Abstract: A permanent magnet micro-rotor comprises a cylinder of magnetic material having a plurality of spaced-apart slots disposed around the periphery of the magnetic material. The magnetic material is magnetized by placing conductors in the spaced apart slots and energizing the conductors so that magnetic poles are formed between the spaced-apart slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Svetlana Reznik, Edward P. Furlani, Gary R. Kenny
  • Patent number: 6272730
    Abstract: A process for producing a multifilamentary conductive tape of the type including a plurality of layers of a high-temperature superconducting material, incorporated in a mutually spaced relationship within a metal matrix, includes the steps of: a) submitting to plastic deformation individual metal tubes including a precursor of a superconducting material, so as to obtain a plurality of elementary tapes structurally independent from one another; b) coupling the tapes so obtained by means of a heat treatment at a temperature and for a time sufficient to establish a stable mutual connection between said tapes. The multifilamentary tape so obtained or possibly the independent tapes, are then subjected to at least one sintering step, which may be followed by one or more cycles of plastic deformation and sintering. Advantageously, the process of the invention allows to increase the fill factor of the tape, with a corresponding increase in the critical current in superconductivity conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Pirelli Cavi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Laura Gherardi, Paola Caracino
  • Patent number: 6272731
    Abstract: The invention relates a powder in tube type method of making an HTc superconductive multifilament strand having a silver-based matrix, in which: a first envelope is filled with powder reagents for an HTc superconductor; the resulting billet is drawn down into a monofilament strand; the monofilament strand is cut up into lengths and a secondary envelope is filled with the resulting lengths, thereby making a multifilament billet which is drawn down into a multifilament strand; the multifilament strand is cut up into lengths and a new envelope is filled with the resulting lengths, thereby making a new multifilament billet which is drawn down into a new multifilament strand; and it is shaped and subjected to heat treatment; according to the invention, at least one face of the monofilament strand is electrically insulated; and during the first multifilament step the secondary envelope is filled with the resulting insulated lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Albert Leriche, Erick Beghin, Gérard Duperray, Denis Legat, Peter Friedrich Herrmann
  • Patent number: 6272732
    Abstract: A long oxide superconducting wire for a coil or a cable, manufacturing method thereof, an oxide superconducting coil and a cable conductor which have high operational frequency are provided. The wire is a tape-like oxide superconducting wire including a plurality of filaments of oxide superconductor embedded in a matrix, and each filament is twisted spirally along the longitudinal direction of the tape wire. By winding the wire in a coil, an oxide superconducting coil is obtained. When a plurality of such wires are collected, an oxide superconducting cable conductor can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kengo Ohkura, Kenichi Sato
  • Patent number: 6272733
    Abstract: An improved method and procedure of change-out of a defective power transformer. A replacement transformer is temporarily substituted for the defective transformer which is to be removed. The replacement transformer is brought to the transformer site and placed on a suitable support while the defective transformer is disconnected. The replacement transformer is temporarily electrically connected between the incoming utility lines and customer facility, and the defective transformer is removed. In the event the site has become contaminated by leaking transformer fluid or the like, the site is cleaned up. Then, the replacement transformer or another transformer, is moved to the site and connected in place of the removed defective transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: John M. Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6272734
    Abstract: The relay is formed from two half-shells which are formed by extrusion coating the functional elements with plastic. A first half-shell is formed by extrusion coating a coil with a U-shaped core, while a second half-shell is formed by extrusion coating a spring support and at least one fixed contact element. A contact spring having a flat armature is attached to the spring support. The relay is adjusted and at the same time sealed by the process of joining the two half-shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Logistics AG
    Inventor: Josef Kern
  • Patent number: 6272735
    Abstract: In order to present a temperature sensor which works stable also in a high temperature condition showing only a small deviation in the resistance value of thermistor, the invented temperature sensor comprises a heat resisting cap (5) made of a metal, a thermistor (1) housed inside the heat resisting cap (5) and at least more than one lead wire (4) which is electrically connected with the thermistor (1) and is pulled out of said heat resisting cap (5), said heat resisting cap (5) being formed with an alloy containing Ni—Cr as the main ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Moriwake, Nobuharu Katsuki, Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Katsunori Matsubara, Takashi Tamai
  • Patent number: 6272736
    Abstract: A method for forming a thin-film resistor includes forming two insulators on the thin-film resistor, forming contact holes by performing wet etching processes, and forming interconnect and contact plugs at the same time. The invention also provides another method for forming a thin-film resistor that forms a thin-film resistor over the passivation layer instead. That is, forming a thin-film resistor on the top of the device, so that the resistance can be re-modified according to the actual needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Jia-Sheng Lee
  • Patent number: 6272737
    Abstract: A system for mounting circuit components on a circuit substrate, including a circuit-substrate supporting device which supports the circuit substrate, a circuit-component mounting device which mounts, at a circuit-component mounting position, the circuit components on the circuit substrate supported by the circuit-substrate supporting device, and a circuit-substrate carry-out device which carries out the circuit substrate on which the circuit components have been mounted, the circuit-substrate carry-out device comprising a removing device which removes the circuit substrate from the circuit-substrate supporting device, and a parallel-direction carry-out device which receives the circuit substrate from the removing device and carries out the circuit substrate in a parallel direction substantially parallel to a plane of the circuit substrate, the circuit substrate being transferred from the circuit-substrate supporting device to the removing device in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the plane o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Asai, Shinsuke Suhara
  • Patent number: 6272738
    Abstract: Hand operated press for installing cable connectors basically includes two handle bars; a receptacle; and a nose, wherein each handle bar has a grip at its lower end and compression part at its upper end. The receptacle and the base are fixed to receptacle compression parts, and a terminator and an adapter are set on the receptacle and the base. When a compressive force is applied between two grips, both receptacle and base move inward simultaneously so as to engage the adapter and the terminator in one piece. Moreover, the receptacle and the base are replaceable with various sized ones to meet the requirement of compressing terminators of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Randall A. Holliday, Shen-Chia Wong
  • Patent number: 6272739
    Abstract: In handling electronic components during manufacturing or other processing, circuit devices are retained within a dual in-line processing (DIP) tube by inserting and securing DIP pins at each end of the DIP tube. The DIP pin apparatus inserts DIP pins into holes of DIP tubes by pressing a DIP pin positioned within a lower slot of a lower plate of the apparatus into a hole of a DIP tube. The DIP pin apparatus removes DIP pins from the holes of DIP tubes by lifting a DIP pin from under its head and removing the DIP pin from the DIP tube. By using the DIP pin apparatus in the handling of electronic components, the adverse effects of operator fatigue, component damage, and production inefficiencies are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Kimmel
  • Patent number: 6272740
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to expose section wire ends, the wire having an inner core and sheathing about the core, the apparatus including structure for displacing the wire axially endwise comprising multiple blade structures, including at least two of the structures that move adjacent one another as the two structure move relatively oppositely toward and away from the axis in directions generally normal to the axis; each of the two structures having first and second cutting edges; the cutting edges configured such that, when the two the structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a primary mode, two of the cutting edges cut through the wire, and when the two structures are moved relatively longitudinally in a second mode, the remaining two of the cutting edges cut into the wire sheathing to enable stripping of the sheathing of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Eubanks Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Jack L. Hoffa, Greg Nazerian
  • Patent number: 6272741
    Abstract: A circuit board interconnect system includes a carrier board with a hybrid solder ball and pin grid array. A plurality of electrically conductive pins extend through the carrier board and are arranged in rows and columns to form a grid array. A first circuit board such as a multi-chip module (MCM) board has a plurality of conductive pads or traces formed on a lower surface thereof that are arranged to form a complementary grid array, i.e. the spacing and location of the conductive pads or traces corresponds to the spacing and location of the pins. A plurality of solder balls are provided with each ball being positioned on top of a corresponding pin so that each solder ball forms a solder connection between a pin and a corresponding conductive pad or trace. A second circuit board such as a computer mother board has a pin connector mounted on an upper surface thereof for individually receiving and providing electrical connection with each of the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignees: Autosplice, Inc., Xetel Corp.
    Inventors: Craig M. Kennedy, Julian Curtis Hart, Fernando J. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 6272742
    Abstract: A method is provided for connecting two conductive layers in an electronic circuit package comprising the steps of placing one or more blind vias in a first substrate positioned on top of a first conductor; placing one or more blind vias in a second substrate positioned under a second conductor; attaching one or more signal lines to one or more of the one or more blind vias; and assembling ball grid array components such that the first conductor is electrically connected to the second conductor. Also claimed is an electronic circuit package incorporating the blind vias for electrical connection between layers in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregg J. Armezzani, Kishor V. Desai, Jeffery S. Perkins, John J. Pessarchick
  • Patent number: 6272743
    Abstract: In a board transfer method, a board (1) prior to component placement thereon is transferred from a loader unit (15) into a component-placement position and, after the component placement is carried out, the board (1) is returned to the loader unit (15) and discharged therefrom. After the placement of components onto the board (1) in the component-placement position, the board (1) is moved from the component-placement position onto an unloader unit (9), while simultaneously transferring a succeeding board prior to component placement thereon from the loader unit (15) into the component placement position. Thereafter the unloader unit (9) is moved above the board that is in the component-placement position until the unloader unit (9) is coupled with the loader unit (15), and then the board that has been moved to the unloader unit (9), is delivered to the loader unit (15) and then discharged therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzo Nishimori, Susumu Takaichi
  • Patent number: 6272744
    Abstract: A connection component for electrically connecting a semiconductor chip to a support substrate incorporates a preferably dielectric supporting structure defining gaps. Leads extend across these gaps so that the leads are supported on both sides of the gap. The leads therefore can be positioned approximately in registration to contacts on the chip by aligning the connection component with the chip. Each lead is arranged so that one end can be displaced relative to the supporting structure when a downward force is applied to the lead. This allows the leads to be connected to the contacts on the chip by engaging each lead with a tool and forcing the lead downwardly against the contact. Preferably, each lead incorporates a frangible section adjacent one side of the gap and the frangible section is broken when the lead is engaged with the contact. Final alignment of the leads with the contacts on the chip is provided by the bonding tool, which has features adapted to control the position of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. DiStefano, Gary W. Grube, Igor Y. Khandros, Gaètan Mathiew
  • Patent number: 6272745
    Abstract: Methods for the production of printed circuit boards (1) with at least one electrically conductive through-plating which runs in a hole (5) in an insulating base material (2) from a first to a second surface include the following steps. The base material is pressed on its surfaces with two-layered foils (3, 4) consisting of a Cu foil (31, 32) covered with a Cu layer (32′, 42′), an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-copolymer film (32″, 42″) or a self-adhesive plastic film (32*, 42*) in such a way that the Cu foils adhere well to the base material. The holes are produced and they as well as the exposed surfaces of the layers (32′, 42′; 32″, 42″; 32*, 42*) are provided with a further Cu layer (6, 6′). The metallized holes are completely filled with an insulating material (7) or with a conductive material (7′; 8) by spreading on with a squeegee or by rolling on to the exposed surface of the Cu layer (6, 6′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Photo Print Electronics GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kersten, Jörg Kiefer
  • Patent number: 6272746
    Abstract: In a wire harness, 20, an arrange shape of a plurality of electric wires 15 is held by bonding upper and lower films 19 and 16 to each other. A connector 18 is connected to a terminal portion of the electric wires 15. A connector fixing portion 21 is provided to both the upper and lower films 19 and 16 to be bonded to an outer peripheral portion of the connector 18 except for an end portion 18a thereof to fix the connector 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 6272747
    Abstract: A horizontal-mount bracket system for holding sensor position with respect to a horizontal-mount bracket, wherein facial interaction between the bracket and the sensor body provides automatic setting of the air gap which setting is preserved such that if the sensor is ever reinstalled, the air gap is precisely reset to its original value. A multi-component bracket has first and second bracket components which lay juxtaposed, one atop the other. The first bracket component has a first sensor opening and the second bracket component has a second sensor opening wherein initially the first and second sensor openings are mutually communicating and aligned just sufficiently so that the sensor body is free to vertically move therein. The sensor body is placed into a sensor port of an engine block so that the tip of the sensor body rests upon a surface of a reluctor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thaddeus Schroeder, Robin Stevenson
  • Patent number: 6272748
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly. The method includes the step of casting a one-piece alloy wheel form. The wheel form defines an integrally-formed annular rim blank and supporting center. The rim blank includes opposing first and second annular edge portions. The first annular edge portion of the rim blank is machined, and then the second annular edge portion of the rim blank is machined. After the machining steps, the one-piece wheel form is cut to separate the machined wheel rim from the supporting center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Larry C. Smyth
  • Patent number: 6272749
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a concrete deck form panel includes the initial step of cutting an insert within the panel, which may be removed by sliding the insert longitudinally from the panel. A pair of structural members are attached to the longitudinal sides of the insert, and then the insert is returned to the original position within the panel. A series of panels are connected to form a floor for supporting concrete, thereby forming a concrete deck system. In a second embodiment of the invention each form panel is formed by attaching a pair of structural members to longitudinal sides of a central body and then attaching L-shaped members to the structural members. A top plate is mounted to the top of the L-shaped members and the central body to form the integrated form panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Lite-Form International
    Inventors: Patrick E. Boeshart, Thomas J. Devine
  • Patent number: 6272750
    Abstract: A machine tool comprising a base, with a guide surface, a workpiece holder on the base, a movable tool carriage, and a motor for advancing the carriage along the guide surfaces toward the workpiece. Hydrostatic bearings are situated in the carriage for discharging fluid, such as oil, into the narrow gap defined between the carriage and the guide surface. A pre-load rail is secured to the movable carriage, and a plurality of pockets are defined in the pre-load rail. A hydrostatic pre-load piston, with an enlarged head and a depending base, is located in each pocket. A shallow depression is formed in the face of each piston, and an annular wall surrounds the depression, so that the piston restores itself to an equilibrium condition. The pre-load pistons are located in opposition to the hydrostatic bearings. An O-ring encircles the base of the piston, and allows floating, and tilting, movement of the piston within the pocket, while serving as a seal for the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Unova IP Corp.
    Inventors: William W. Pflager, Joel Metzler
  • Patent number: 6272751
    Abstract: A dry bearing (102, FIG. 2(f)) for a hinge pin or the like comprises a bush 402 mounted in a radially supportive housing (16), the bush being formed by a circumferentially discontinuous tubular form made by rolling a strip of steel-backed, bearing material having a filled polymer infiltrated sintered bronze (ISB) lining about a mandrel (FIG. 32, 2(c)). The tubular form is, after mounting and to provide a more uniform inside diameter, burnished by pushing therethrough a burnishing tool (50), having a cylindrical portion (51), of larger diameter than the mounted form. The bearing (and method of manufacture) differ from the art in that a minor part of the lining surface is, prior to passage of the burnishing tool and conveniently when still in strip form, compressed in part as depressions (troughs 442) arrayed over the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Macleod McMeekin
  • Patent number: 6272752
    Abstract: A hair trimming tool which includes an elongated handle with a first end and a second end, a blade member releasably mounted to the handle, a plurality of blades extending outwardly from the blade member, and an end cap secured to the blade member is disclosed. In order to use the tool the user inserts the tool into his ear, with the end cap fitting within the ear, and rotates the handle member. As a result of this action the blades contact the hair within the ear, thereby trimming the hair. The end cap protects the inside of the person's ear while the hair is being trimmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Robert F. Pino
  • Patent number: 6272753
    Abstract: An improved polycrystalline diamond composite (“PDC”) cutter with secondary PDC cutting surfaces in addition to a primary PDC cutting surface is formed comprising of at least two wafers of cemented carbide bonded together. The secondary cutting surfaces are formed by compacting and sintering diamond in grooves formed at the surface of the wafers. Wafers of different grades of cemented carbide may be used. Moreover, different grades of diamond may be compacted and sintered in different grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott M. Packer
  • Patent number: 6272754
    Abstract: A retrofit handle attachment for scissors. The attachment includes a contoured attachment body adapted for being secured to a handle portion of the scissors and held in a palm of a user. The attachment body defines an enlarged surface area for being gripped by the user. Fasteners are provided for securing the attachment body to the handle portion of the scissors, whereby the handle attachment increases the comfort of the scissors in the palm of the user to reduce fatigue and the incidence of repetitive motion injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Jameson Corporation
    Inventor: Donald N. Hesprich
  • Patent number: 6272755
    Abstract: A tool for performing lopping, pruning and similar operations includes a housing assembly formed of a pair of telescoping tubular sections. The tool also includes a tool head, a head line and an actuating line. The tool head, which is connected to one end of a tubular section, preferably includes a spring-biased blade coupled to the head line which is connected to a slidable block. The actuating line, while engaging the slidable block so that tensioning the actuating line causes movement of the blade, is also slidable relative to the block upon relative movement of the tubular sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Vern Mittlesteadt, Mark D. Schaefer, Brian W. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 6272756
    Abstract: A cutting head for a rotary flail retains a coil portion of a cutting line on a spool, and feeds a portion of an excess of the cutting line to the spool to adjust the coil portion and thereby restore a length of the distal portion of the cutting line to maintain a cutting circle of desired size. The distal portion of the cutting line is extended by locating the coil portion such that a centrifugal force arising from rotation of the distal portion overcomes a drag force on the coil portion to unwind a precise amount of the coil portion from the spool. A magazine stores the excess of the cutting line, disposed in a helical path defining a helix having an axis which generally coincides with the axis of the spool. The cutting head has no moving parts, high storage capacity and multiple independent automatic line capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Dennis R. Peterson, Joseph A. Peterson, Mary L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6272757
    Abstract: A tool-less guide shoe that includes a post is received in a hole formed in the nose section of a power saw. The post includes laterally extending locking slots and a longitudinal extending positioning slot. At the upper end of the post, a stop plate is formed at the end of the positioning slot and adjacent to a removal slot. A locking plate is used to secure the guide shoe in a position by fitting in the locking slot. The guide shoe is removed from the saw by placing the locking plate adjacent the stop plate and rotating the post approximately 90° into the removal slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Company
    Inventor: Vance C. Roe
  • Patent number: 6272758
    Abstract: The present invention is a steelworker's layout tool for use in laying out the bolt and weld patterns used to connect steel structural members and in fitting up these members. Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise parallel arms which are spaced apart at distances which correspond to standard bolt spacing distances and which can be used to measure around the protruding flanges on steel members with channel shapes, I shapes or other cross-sectional variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Gene R. Wheeler