Patents Issued in September 6, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010018775
    Abstract: A fastener for fastening a pair of clothing together, comprises two complementary securing elements to be secured to a said pair of clothing. One fastening element has at least one fastening projection in a center region, while the other one has at least one opening for receiving the fastening projection. The center region is connected to at least one elongated securing surface which protrudes away from it. Each securing surface includes at least one strip of textile material which extends beyond the respective center region. The strip of textile material has a cut-out for allowing the fastening projection(s) to penetrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Ruedi Jossi
  • Publication number: 20010018776
    Abstract: A waterfall apparatus comprising a water confining base, said base including a bottom and a plurality of upwardly extending side walls connected to said bottom; a water inlet connected to said base for providing a path of travel for water entering said base; a water outlet connected to said base, said water outlet including an upper lip connected to at least a first one of said plurality of side walls and extending outwardly therefrom, and a lower lip spaced apart from said upper lip, connected to at least to a second one of said plurality of side walls, and extending outwardly therefrom so that water positioned within said base flows between said upper and lower lips and outwardly and downwardly therefrom; a water flow guiding arm connected to said base and extending downwardly at a predetermined angle therefrom into the inner confines of said base to provide a water flow path of travel from said water inlet, around said guiding arm and from said water outlet, the predetermined angle being less than 90 degre
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Pinhas P. Koren, Richard Heiner
  • Publication number: 20010018777
    Abstract: An orthopedic pillow that comprises several components of varying densities, which in combination provide improved and more immediate comfortable support for the head and neck region, while enhancing the multi-alignment features for the spine, head, and neck of a user in back-lying and side-lying body positions, and do not require the user to endure a break-in period to allow the pillow to conform to the shape of the user's head. The pillow comprises a firm core comprising a first and second lengthwise edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a recess located on the top surface of the core; a layer of soft, viscoelastic foam located within the recess; a layer of soft, Dacron fiber located along a top surface of the layer of foam; and a soft, C-shaped layer of viscoelastic foam wrapped around the core, whereby the C-shaped layer of foam covers the first lengthwise edge of the core, the bottom surface of the core, and the second lengthwise edge of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Lionel A. Walpin
  • Publication number: 20010018778
    Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a cross-jaw module removably attached to a pair of channel-shaped handles with a pair of clips. Each clip removably attaching the tang of each jaw of the cross-jaw module to one of the handles. The multi-function tool also includes a spring biased wedge lock to positively lock a plurality of pivotal attached ancillary implements in an open position. An anti-rotational washer located between adjacent implements prevents rotation of a non-selected implement. The washers include a protrusion that is received in a slot in the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Phillip A. Montague, Edgar A. Dallas, Paul W. Poehlmann
  • Publication number: 20010018779
    Abstract: A multipurpose hand tool with folding handles each including a central channel to receive pliers jaws or the like when the tool is folded, and including troughs holding outer blades alongside the central channel so that the outer blades can be opened without unfolding the tool. The troughs face opposite the direction of the central channels, and the bases of the outer troughs act as comfortable places to grip the handles when they are extended for use of the pliers. Blade locking mechanisms are incorporated in the walls of the central channels to lock each of the outer blades in an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Publication number: 20010018780
    Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a cleaner main body 16, and a suction unit 24 which is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the cleaner main body 16 and includes a suction port 23 and a rotary brush 25. The cleaner main body 16 includes a dust collecting chamber 19, and a fan chamber 18 equipped with an electric fan 17 disposed at the bottom thereof. A handle 21 having a grip portion 20 and a control circuit board 22 are installed above the dust collecting chamber 19. Components such as the handle 21 and the electric fan 17 are installed at the rear of the cleaner main body 16. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner is prevented from falling down when it is set upright. Further, the safety in use of the vacuum cleaner will be improved. Also, the user is able to easily use the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, it is possible to finish assembling the component parts only at the rear of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hashizume, Koichi Ito, Kenichiro Sunaba
  • Publication number: 20010018781
    Abstract: An arrangement for a carding machine for parallel arrangement of fibers, includes a carding track; a plurality of flat bars arranged for being guided along the carding track; clothing positioned respectively on each flat bar, the clothing including clothing structure that engages in the fibers; and a mechanism for releaseably fastening the clothing to each flat bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gerhard Wurst
  • Publication number: 20010018782
    Abstract: In the production of a nonwoven fabric of thermally bonded fibers, a heavy web of fibers is continuously fed to a toothed cylinder at a slow speed to form a layer of fibers, and a portion of this layer is removed and formed into a lightweight uniform web at a faster speed. The second web is conveyed without draw to a calender having a bonding nip, and the fibers of the web are rearranged by compression and heating and are supported on a hot surface of one of the calender rolls prior to entering the nip to additionally improve uniformity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Benjamin Michael Nolan, Joseph F. Merker
  • Publication number: 20010018783
    Abstract: A hose wire-clamp arrangement includes a hose clamp (1) that comprises a helical, resilient wire, which is angled outward nearly radially or circumferentially at at least one end portion (3) and at one further portion (6). To allow the hose wire-clamp (1) to be mounted to a fitting such that it can be released easily without a tool and, once mounted, can withstand high internal pressure on the hose, a retaining sheet (2) having two spaced cutouts (8, 9) is detachably mounted to the hose wire-clamp (1) such that each of the two angled portions (3,6) rests against a respective one of the two cutouts (8, 9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Fischer
  • Publication number: 20010018784
    Abstract: An elongated shell and internal gripper assembly for gripping and supporting sheet-like posters or pictures for display purposes in a readily exchangeable manner. The assembly comprises an elongated, extruded gripper clip has a planar backing base pivotable distal-most poster receiving edge. The assembly includes an elongated, extruded receiving shell with a gripper clip receiving channel centrally arranged therein and an edge slot at a lowermost portion of the shell members. The gripper clip is slidably received within the receiving channel. The gripper clip has its distalmost receiving edge extending distally beyond the edge slot of the shell to permit display and exchange of a poster or picture therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: Rose Displays Ltd.
    Inventors: David E. Pitcher, Thomas P. Burrous
  • Publication number: 20010018785
    Abstract: A new self-mating mechanical fastener is disclosed, which comprises a base sheet and a multiplicity of parallel, narrowly spaced, elastically deformable ribs projecting from the base sheet. The ribs comprise a stem portion attached to and substantially upright from the base sheet and at least one flange attached to each side of the stem portion and spaced from the base sheet. At least the outer portions of the flanges desirably project toward the base sheet. The cross-sectional profile formed by the ribs is substantially uniform over the length of the ribs, but in the direction transverse to the ribs has a regularly repeated deviation from the profile that would be formed by a full population of equally spaced, identical, undivided, symmetric ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Robert K. Galkievicz, Graham M. Clarke, Ronald W. Ausen, Brian E. Spiewak
  • Publication number: 20010018786
    Abstract: Improvements in hydroenhancement efficiency are obtained by operating a manifold in relative movement to fabric transported under the manifold so as to deliver a low energy to the fabric per pass in multiple passes on the fabric. For example, a low energy per pass of {fraction (1/10)} to {fraction (1/48)} the total energy delivered in 10 passes or more can obtain good enhancement results as compared to conventional hydroenhancing at higher total energy levels delivered in fewer passes. This results in greater enhancement efficiency and reduction in wasted energy, and also improves fabric coverage and reduces fabric shrinkage. The low-energy-per-pass, multiple-pass approach can be implemented with improved hydroenhancing equipment of reduced equipment size and cost which simulate multiple passes on the fabric. In one embodiment, a jigging hydroenhancing equipment transports the fabric back and forth under a stationary manifold between a pair of unwind/windup reels to simulate multiple passes on the fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: J. Michael Greenway, Jackson Lawrence, Herschel Sternlieb, Frederick Ty, Frank E. Malaney
  • Publication number: 20010018787
    Abstract: A method for making a capacitor of a semiconductor memory device capable of providing increased capacitance without degraded resolution, as well as without the removal of any interlayer insulation layers upon formation of a lower electrode for the capacitor, wherein after formation of an access transistor on a semiconductor substrate, a first interlayer insulation layer for planarization of a surface of the semiconductor substrate and a second interlayer insulation layer for formation of the capacitor lower electrode are formed. After formation of an opening for exposing a part of an impurity diffusion region of the access transistor by etching a part of the first and second interlayer insulating layers, a spacer is formed within the opening. Further, after deposition of a conductive layer for the capacitor lower electrode onto a surface of the substrate, a planarization process is carried out until a part of the upper surface of the spacer is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chul-Ho Shin, U In Chung
  • Publication number: 20010018788
    Abstract: A conductive polymer capacitor includes an anode formed from a porous metal body having an anode lead extending therefrom. A dielectric layer is formed by oxidizing a surface of the anode. A solid electrolyte is formed on the dielectric layer and includes first and second polymer layers. The second conductive polymer layer includes a polyaniline layer formed by dipping the metal body having the first conductive layer thereon into a solution of doped polyaniline dissolved in an organic solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Alexander Bluvstein, Gerovich Vera, Alexander Osherow, Vitaly Strokhin
  • Publication number: 20010018789
    Abstract: A variable capacitor includes a stator having a protruded portion provided on a first main surface of a stator component such that the top surface of the protruded portion has a height greater than the thickness of each of conductive films disposed thereon. The first main surface of the stator component is polished using the top surface of the protruded portion as a reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kishishita, Hidetoshi Kita
  • Publication number: 20010018790
    Abstract: A preventive maintenance method and apparatus for quickly and precisely replacing a backing-film of a CMP machine is provided. In comparison with a conventional backing-film, the backing-film according to the present invention is pre-drilled by laser in order to bypass the restriction set by a conventional manual drilling process on the backing-film. In addition, a PM apparatus for the backing-film comprises an aligning panel having a plural first pins in order to quickly check whether drilled holes of the backing-film are aligned with the corresponding air holes or not. Therefore, the CMP machine down time due to the PM can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ting-kou Chen, Yong-Sen Liao, Frank J.C. Chang
  • Publication number: 20010018791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the fixing of a ceramic component (4) in a metallic support (2). The method is characterized in that, in a first method step, a bush (5), consisting of gray cast iron with lamellar graphite, is placed around the ceramic component (4), in a second method step, the ceramic component (4) including the bush (5) are annealed at temperatures in the range from 500 to 750° C. until the bush (5) has an increase in volume as a result of internal oxidation that causes the ceramic component (4) to be permanently fixed and in that finally, after cooling down, the ceramic component (4) with the bush (5) are introduced into the metallic support (2) and secured in the support (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Klaus Friedrich Stark
  • Publication number: 20010018792
    Abstract: A method for forming a cavity structure provided with a thin bottom plate is comprises the following steps. The first step is to deform plastically a part of a metal plate so as to form a cavity on one surface of a metal plate wherein the cavity has an oddly bottom surface provided with subsections being different from each other in depth. Simultaneously a protrusion is formed on the other surface of the metal plate by shifting an amount of metal corresponding to the cavity into the protrusion wherein the protrusion has substantially similar figure to the cavity. Then a coupling section, which keeps the protrusion integral with the metal plate, is formed so as to make the protrusion smaller than the cavity. And the protrusion is removed from the metal plate so as to make the other surface of the metal plate flat and to form the bottom plate of the cavity thin while remaining the coupling section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Hideyuki Miyahara
  • Publication number: 20010018793
    Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna dielectric having a thickness of less than 3 mm, having a relative dielectric permitivity approaching that of air whereby circuit and transmission line losses are minimised. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an antenna ground plane substrate comprising an expanded polystyrene substrate produced by a two-stage moulding process. The two-stage polystyrene is coated with a conductive coating to provide a conductive surface of uniform smoothness and of light weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: John Peter Bruce McKinnon, Mark Hanley Arnold, Michael John McAlinden
  • Publication number: 20010018794
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inductor comprising a plurality of interconnected conductive segments interwoven with a substrate. The inductance of the inductor is increased through the use of coatings and films of ferromagnetic materials such as magnetic metals, alloys, and oxides. The inductor is compatible with integrated circuit manufacturing techniques and eliminates the need in many systems and circuits for large off chip inductors. A sense and measurement coil, which is fabricated on the same substrate as the inductor, provides the capability to measure the magnetic field or flux produced by the inductor. This on chip measurement capability supplies information that permits circuit engineers to design and fabricate on chip inductors to very tight tolerances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kie Y. Ahn, Leonard Forbes
  • Publication number: 20010018795
    Abstract: A sensor, such as a proximity sensor, having its components sealed within a case, has its sensitivity adjusted with a remotely settable digital potentiometer after assembly of the sensor. The adjustment connection is then destroyed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: FREDERICK W. HINTZ, STEPHEN J. POSTMA
  • Publication number: 20010018796
    Abstract: A method for making a multilayer circuit structure using circuit substrates with apertures at edge regions is disclosed. The method includes using a roller element with teeth. The teeth are used to align the circuit substrates during a lamination process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: MICHAEL G. LEE, SOLOMON BEILIN, WEN-CHOU WANG
  • Publication number: 20010018797
    Abstract: A low temperature co-fired ceramic assembly (LTCC) with a constraining core to minimize shrinkage of outer ceramic layers during firing. The outer ceramic layers have high density circuit features. A ceramic core includes several ceramic layers. Several via holes are located in the first and second ceramic layers. Several low density circuit features are located on the ceramic layers that make up the core. Outer ceramic layers are placed top and bottom of the ceramic core. The outer ceramic layers have via holes and high density circuit features. The circuit features patterned on the ceramic layers include resistors, capacitors, circuit lines, vias, inductors, or bond pads. The ceramic core is fired first in a furnace. The outer layers are then laminated to the ceramic core and fired. The ceramic core controls the shrinkage rate of the outer ceramic layers during firing allowing higher density circuit features on the outer layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Paul N. Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20010018798
    Abstract: A circuit-component supplying apparatus including a plurality of feeders each of which stores a plurality of circuit components of a same sort and which supplies the components one by one from a component-supply portion thereof, a movable table which holds the feeders such that the respective component-supply portions of the feeders are arranged along a line and which is movable in a direction parallel to the line, and a table-driving device which moves and stops the movable table to position the component-supply portion of each of the feeders at a predetermined component-supplying position, the feeders including at least one connected feeder which includes a main portion which is held by the movable table and which supports a feeding mechanism which feeds the circuit components one by one to the component-supply portion of the connected feeder, a component-holding portion which holds the circuit components and from which the components are fed to the main portion by the feeding mechanism, and a connecting de
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Asai, Shinsuke Suhara
  • Publication number: 20010018799
    Abstract: A cavity-type chip module. The module is formed with an adhesive joining layer of photoimageable material interposed between a metal stiffener and a laminate top layer with a central aperture defined in the top layer. The photoimageable material is exposed to actinic radiation, except for an area corresponding to the aperture in the top layer. The unexposed area of photoimageable material is developed away to form a window in the joining layer. The top layer, joining layer, and stiffener are laminated together with the window and aperture aligned, and with a portion of the stiffener spanning the aperture to define a cavity in the resulting substrate. The removal of the unexposed photoimageable material, and the selective exposure of the joining layer to actinic radiation, keep the cavity free of photoimageable material and inhibit bleeding of the photoimageable material into the cavity from its inner edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: John M. Lauffer, Heike Marcello, David J. Russell
  • Publication number: 20010018800
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for wafer level IC packaging that includes the steps of: (a) forming conductive bumps on metalized bond pads or conductors; and (b) surrounding the conductive bumps in a supporting layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: George Tzanavaras, Mihalis Michael
  • Publication number: 20010018801
    Abstract: Crimp pieces (21) of a metal terminal and a conductor wire placed on an inner side of the crimp pieces are positioned between a crimp indenter (11) and a crimp anvil (18). Then, at least one of the crimp indenter (11) and the crimp anvil (18) is moved toward another one thereof along a direction of a longitudinal center axis (12) to crimp the crimp pieces (21). At least two arch-shaped portions (13) are disposed on an inner surface of the crimp indenter (11), and are adjacent to each other and symmetric with respect to a plane including the longitudinal center axis (12). A sharply pointed portion (14) is defined by curves of the at least two arch-shaped portions (13) intersecting on the longitudinal center axis (12). Curvature of each of the curves is set to be greater toward the sharply pointed portion (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Kitagawa, Naoki Ito, Tsutomu Takayama
  • Publication number: 20010018802
    Abstract: An air bag gas generator has a cylindrical member that permits reliable welding of the cylindrical member with an inner surface of a ceiling portion of a housing even if the welding surface is slightly misaligned. It furthermore permits welding in such a manner (a more stable manner) that unsteadiness does not occur in the area where the inner surface of the ceiling portion of the housing and the inner cylindrical member abuts. In the air bag gas generator, which includes the inner cylindrical member in the housing, the inner cylindrical member has a peripheral wall portion bent to form a flattened surface portion as an extension of the one of that cylindrical member where it joins the inner surface of the ceiling portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: DAICEL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Shogo Tomiyama
  • Publication number: 20010018803
    Abstract: A method for securing the outer ring of the bearing in a runner shell wherein the radius of an edge defining the seat for the bearing varies in a predetermined manner around its circumference, the steps comprising, positioning an outer ring of the bearing in the seat of the runner shell so that the edge of the runner shell overlies a circumferentially extending seating groove in the outer ring, placing a die having a forming face in engagement with the peripheral edge of the runner shell, and deforming by means of a die, the edge of the runner shell seat in a manner to displace essentially the same material around the circumference of the edge into the bearing groove, thereby producing a generally uniform force on the bearing ring around the circumference of the ring which eliminates distortion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: SKF GmbH
    Inventors: BERTHOLD BEYFUSS, HANS-JURGEN FRIEDRICH, PETER HORLING
  • Publication number: 20010018804
    Abstract: A remote center compliance system having a variable center having an upper plate and a lower plate, and a plurality of elastic bodies installed between the upper and lower plates, includes a plurality of lower rotary plates, each having a rotation axis parallel to a center axis passing the center of the lower plate and the center of the upper plate, and coupled to a lower end of each of the elastic bodies and coupled to the lower plate to be capable of rotating, and a plurality of upper rotary plates, each being coupled to an upper end of each of the elastic bodies and concurrently coupled to the upper plate to be capable of rotating about the rotation axis of the lower rotary plate, in which a center axis of each of the elastic bodies is inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the lower rotary plate to which each of the elastic bodies is coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Sang-cheol Won, Sang-cheol Lee
  • Publication number: 20010018805
    Abstract: A sole assembly for boots adapted to any of a plurality of sporting activities, which enables the user to customize his/her boot depending on the sport involved. A flexible sole is associated with a foot support with which a fastening arrangement, adapted to ensure a removable fastening of the support on the bottom surface of the sole, are associated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Basso
  • Publication number: 20010018806
    Abstract: A strike pad for an athletic shoe to be located adjacent the heel portion of the shoe, made of a flexible resilient material comprising a disc-like upper portion having a series of semi-spherical nubs on its upper face confronting the heels of the user, a thin, circular base portion of a larger diameter than the upper disc portion and a generally circular bottom disc secured to the base of the strike pad by a suitable adhesive or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: David Snyder
  • Publication number: 20010018807
    Abstract: A reusable greeting card having a sheet member and a cover member. The sheet member being adapted to be temporarily secured to the cover member thereby allowing the sheet member to be detached therefrom and reattached or allowing a new sheet member to be attached to the cover sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Michel Proulx
  • Publication number: 20010018808
    Abstract: The invention provides an automatic vending machine having a front door, including at least one window-like opening in the front door; a panel consisting of an array of cylindrical lenses located and fixedly mounted in the window-like opening; a translucent image carrier bearing a computer-processed image of at least one object to be shown in dynamic display, the image carrier being mounted behind the array of lenses; at least one light source disposed behind the image-carrying panel, and means for producing a relative, linearly reciprocating movement between the array of lenses and the image carrier in a direction perpendicular to the axial extent of the lenses; wherein, in the course of the relative movement, the array of cylindrical lenses provides a succession of compound, virtual, enlarged images, producing an animated effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: M.V.T. MULTIVISION TECHNOLOGIES LTD
    Inventor: Itzchak Bar-Yona
  • Publication number: 20010018809
    Abstract: An integrated electroluminescent display device includes: at least one illumination assembly formed by a first set of layers, the illumination assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, a layer of electroluminescent material disposed between the first and second electrodes, and a plurality of conductive leads connected to corresponding ones of the first and second electrodes, the first electrode being translucent; a printed circuit layer having a plurality of conductive segments connected to corresponding ones of the first and second electrodes via the conductive leads; and an electronic component layer including electronic components having electrical contacts connected to corresponding ones of the segments of the printed circuit layer, the electronic components providing for selective illumination of the illumination assembly, the printed circuit layer is disposed in a substantially parallel and contiguous relationship with the first set of layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: George W. Heropoulos, Tamas L. Torma
  • Publication number: 20010018810
    Abstract: A novel method for advertising in space missions is provided. The method includes providing a spacecraft with an advertisement location on an external portion of the spacecraft (e.g., on a surface of a solar sail), creating an advertisement of an entity that sells goods or services to the general public, and placing the advertisement of the entity on the advertisement location. The present invention provides significant advantages over existing methods of advertising in relation to space missions, increasing revenues generated therein and enhancing development of space missions and technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Charles M. Chafer
  • Publication number: 20010018811
    Abstract: A readerboard signage system which allows signage characters to be easily changed within a pair of parallelly extending tracks. In the illustrative embodiments, the system includes an optically transparent character protective viewing panel that is placed over the sequence of characters held in place within the pair of parallelly extending tracks. The panel includes a lip portion which cooperates with the lower character holding track, to prevent rain, ice, and snow from entering the tracks, while the viewing panel itself protects the underlying characters from such natural elements and vandalism, without detracting from the utility and aesthetic appearance of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: David M. Dundorf
  • Publication number: 20010018812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing propellant compacts for use in gas generators for safety devices in motor vehicles by extrusion, comprising the following steps:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Siegfried Zeuner, Achim Hofmann, Roland Schropp, Karl-Heinz Rodig
  • Publication number: 20010018813
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a compressible seal and a support mounted for pivoting away from the top of an adjacent vehicle to facilitate exiting. In some embodiments, a stiffening member is located proximally to the seal to provide a compression force between the seal and the top of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a deflectable seal and a locator including a distal recess for engaging the leading edge of a vehicle entering the parking area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Ashelin, Thomas J. Boffeli, David J. Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20010018814
    Abstract: Fire rated door or fire rated window to prevent the spread of smoke and fire which is suitable for use in the region of a fire protection partition, said fire rated door or fire rated window comprises a mobile frame with a filling compartment consisting of fire resisting material, and the mobile frame is partially or completely surrounded by a stationary frame component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Walter Degelsegger
  • Publication number: 20010018815
    Abstract: A steel roof deck diaphragm to provide structural rigidity to a building wherein loads of varying intensity can cause movement of structural members, which tends to generate noise when two members rub or work against each other. Corrugated sheets of high tensile steel are supported from below and span the distance between purlins, the corrugated sheets having over-lapping side edges and end edges and upper and lower surfaces. Non-metallic strips of felt form spacers positioned between the over-lapping side edges and end edges to prevent generation of noise resulting from relative movement of the corrugated sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: C. Lynn Nunley, Robert G. Jones, Joseph B. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20010018816
    Abstract: A connection element formed of a strip of a corrugated sheet and including a plurality of bearing surfaces (3) spaced from each other and located in a common plane; at least one attachment opening (6, 7) formed in at least one bearing surface (3); a plurality of free-lying top surfaces (4) extending parallel to the bearing surfaces (3); free-lying legs (5) extending between respective bearing surfaces (3) and the top surfaces (4); and at least one through-opening (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) formed in at least one of free-lying top surfaces and legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Elmer Christ Hoepker, Hermann Beck
  • Publication number: 20010018817
    Abstract: A fire rated door with a surrounding door frame, consisting of a glass pane, which is embedded between its circumferential metal frame, said fire rated door consists of at least one door leaf realized from two glass panes spaced apart by means of profiles, whereby the glass panes extend almost as far as to the border of the door leaf and a transparent fire protection material is included between the spaced glass panes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Walter Degelsegger
  • Publication number: 20010018818
    Abstract: A machine for confining cigarettes or packets of cigarettes in converted blanks of paper, cardboard or the like employs a paster serving to apply adhesive to selected portions of successive blanks of a series of moving blanks. In order to compensate for wear upon and/or for misalignment of the paster and/or a back support for the blanks during application of adhesive, the back support is adjustable relative to the paster and/or vice versa in several directions. Such adjustability ensures predictable application of adhesive, such as hot melt, to predetermined portions of the blanks. The back support and/or the paster is or can be biased to a predetermined position relative to the path for the moving blanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Jirko Heide
  • Publication number: 20010018819
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods are provided for producing a plurality of shock absorbing pads. The apparatus preferably has a core pad former for forming particulate core material into a plurality of individual core pads, a core pad encaser positioned downstream from the core pad former for encasing the plurality of individual core pads with a selected sheet of material to thereby form a sheet of a plurality of shock absorbing pads, a pad sheet debulking conveyor positioned adjacent the core pad encaser for debulking the sheet of the plurality of shock absorbing pads and conveying the sheet of the plurality of shock absorbing pads downstream, and a pad separator positioned downstream the pad sheet conveyor for separating the sheet into a plurality of individual shock absorbing pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: JOHN M. THARPE
  • Publication number: 20010018820
    Abstract: A capping apparatus 1 includes torque measuring means 12 which detects an output torque when a chuck 7 is driven for rotation by a motor 9. Initially a cap 5 is held by the chuck 7. The cap 5 is fitted over a mouth of a vessel 2, and then the chuck 7 is rotated through one revolution in a clamping direction. A resulting output torque is detected by the torque measuring means 12, and the output torque rapidly increases at the position where the threads on the cap 5 and the vessel 2 abut against each other (an incipient position of meshing engagement P). The cap 5 is rotated through a given angle of rotation as referenced to the incipient position of meshing engagement P, thus threadably engaging the cap 5 with the vessel 2. The invention allows a uniform clamping of cap 5 at the completion of the capping operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kitamoto
  • Publication number: 20010018821
    Abstract: A baler (10) for wrapping a rotating bale (52) of crop material (16) with strands of twine (72) has two twine tubes (68) through which the twine is fed so that ends of the strands dangle from the tubes. A bale density sensor (36) senses bale density and a controller (42) compares the sensed density with a desired density selected by an operator via an operator control panel (34). When the sensed density reaches about half the desired density the twine tubes are moved to a twine insert position so that the ends of the strands dangle adjacent the rotating bale. When a full bale has been formed, the controller automatically actuates a duckbill (60) to push the ends of the strands toward the bale where they are caught up in the crop material. If either strand is not caught up in the rotating bale, a new wrap cycle is automatically initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Mark K. Chow
  • Publication number: 20010018822
    Abstract: A harvester push tool has a concave body portion with broad and flat fingers extending therefrom to facilitate the harvesting of grounded nuts or other items. Grounded nuts or fruit are those that have either naturally fallen to the ground or are on the ground as a result of mechanically shaking the tree during the harvesting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gerald Samuel Blyth
  • Publication number: 20010018823
    Abstract: A sliver compactor is provided between a drafting roller of a drafting frame and the delivery unit which supplies the sliver to the spinning stations of the spinning machine. The sliver compactor has a shielding element juxtaposed with the perforated moving surface to which suction is applied and which reduces the suction force required to draw the fibers of the sliver into a compact form. The shielding element extends over a plurality of slivers and the respective spinning stations and a number of such shielding elements may be aligned over the length of the machine below the stretching field plane and secured on the machine frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: ZINSER TEXTILMASCHINEN GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Dinkelmann, Andreas Olbrich, Peter Artzt, Gunter Steinbach
  • Publication number: 20010018824
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling cooling air flow for pressure modulation of turbine components such as the turbine outer sidewall cavities. The pressure at which cooling and purge air is supplied to the turbine outer side wall cavities is modulated, based on compressor discharge pressure (Pcd), thereby to generally maintain the back flow margin (BFM) so as to minimize excessive leakage and the consequent performance deterioration. In an exemplary embodiment, the air pressure within the third stage outer side wall cavity and the air pressure within the fourth stage outer side wall cavity are each controlled to a respective value that is a respective prescribed percentage of the concurrent compressor discharge pressure. The prescribed percentage may be determined from a ratio of the respective outer side wall pressure to compressor discharge pressure at Cold Day Turn Down (CDTD) required to provide a prescribed back flow margin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sal Albert Leone, Matthew David Book, Christopher R. Banares