Patents Issued in October 9, 2001
  • Patent number: 6298527
    Abstract: A garment fastener, especially for brassieres, with a press-button action and configuration, utilizes a pair of circular members welded to the garment and through which the fabric is visible and a circular member attached to the strap and forming a press connection with either of the two circular members attached to the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Fildan Accessories Corporation
    Inventors: Gerhard Fildan, Karl Wanzenböck
  • Patent number: 6298528
    Abstract: A D-ring of metal wire is specially shaped to accept and retain a special grommet of a hard, wear-resistant polymeric material. The D-ring has a base leg, a pair of side legs joined to opposite ends of the base leg and converging toward each other from junctures with the base leg, and a substantially arcuate head joined to the side legs at junctures forming a neck opening that is constricted relative to a head opening defined within the head. The grommet is received within the head opening and neck opening of the D-ring and has a hole adapted to receive a hook and a peripheral groove that is in captured engagement with the head of the D-ring and with the junctures of the head and the leg portions. Portions of the groove located at the neck opening of the D-ring are deepened relative to adjacent portions of the groove within the head opening so as to retain the grommet while enabling the grommet to be pressed endwise through the neck opening and into the head opening of the D-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventor: David Workman
  • Patent number: 6298529
    Abstract: A method for forming and conditioning insulating felts of fibrous products whereby an insulating blanket is transported continuously on a transporting device, the insulating blanket is cut into a plurality of fiber strips, the fiber strips are driven by at least one branching-off and convergence device towards at least one reception conveyor, the fiber strips are superposed one on top of another so as to form at least one longitudinal stack, the at least one longitudinal stack is compressed by a compression device, and the compressed stack is cross cut to form the insulating felts. Such a method is implemented on a device including a transporting device, a longitudinal cutting device, at least one branching-off and convergence device, at least one reception conveyor, a compression device, and a cross-cutting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Isover
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Aube, Bernard Bichot, Bernard Louis
  • Patent number: 6298530
    Abstract: The present invention relates to coiled electrode assemblies having conductive tabs, methods of attaching the conductive tabs to the coiled electrode, and electrochemical cells employing such assemblies. An electrode plate which is coated with active material has a designated area for tab attachment. The conductive tab area's active material is pierced with opposing, offset piercing plates which have raised surface probes which penetrate the conductive tab area's coating and substrate. This tab area is cleared of active material and reinforced with a reinforcing material and a conductive tab is welded to the thus treated area resulting in an electrode plate having a strong integrated tab assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Duracell Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Barber, Robert Smith, Robert Pavlinsky, Bruce Ingram
  • Patent number: 6298531
    Abstract: A machine tool (1) has at least one but preferably two machining units (13, 14), which are assigned to two workpiece receptacles (8, 9). The machining units (13, 14) are adjustable in three axes (X, Y, Z), and they can each reach both workpiece receptacles (8, 9). The machining units (13, 14) are oriented such that their work spindles (11, 12) are in a preferably right space angle to one another. As a result, they can be moved past one another without colliding. Moreover, they can also work on the same workpiece at the same time. The workpiece receptacles are positionable independently of one another about a preferably but not necessarily common pivot axis (S). The workpieces are also rotatable about an axis (V) perpendicular to the pivot axis. This arrangement enables flexible machining of the workpieces from arbitrary directions in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Witzig & Frank GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Baumbusch, Walter Bauer
  • Patent number: 6298532
    Abstract: A seat assembling machine commonly known as a skinner or stuffer is adjustable in several axes to allow the machine to be adjusted for different sizes/configurations of seats and seat covers. The machine includes a carriage which is driven towards a padded seat frame. The carriage includes a plurality of generally parallel stanchion rods that can be selectively spaced apart along two different perpendicular axes to receive a selected size of seat cover. The machine inserts a seat cover outside out over padded seat frames. The carriage may selectively rotated, selectively translated forward or horizontally and selectively tilted to better align the stanchion rods with the padded seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: LMS Walt, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Allen Walt, II
  • Patent number: 6298533
    Abstract: A disc cartridge assembling apparatus in which a protuberance formed on the inner surface of one of cartridge halves of a thermoplastic resin making up a main cartridge body unit is passed through a through-hole formed in the other cartridge half in register with the protuberance, and in which the distal end of the protuberance is thermally deformed to interconnect the cartridge halves. The upper and lower cartridge halves are stacked together, with a protuberance formed on the upper cartridge half being passed through the through-hole formed in the upper cartridge half, and are held by a holding mechanism. In this state, the distal end of the protuberance is thermally deformed by a caulking head, heated by a heater, and which is provided with a recess in its surface adapted to compress against the protuberance. Then, as the caulking head is moved away from the thermally deformed protuberance, the caulking head and the protuberance are cooled by a cooling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kimitaka Nishimura, Kenichi Kano, Takahiko Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6298534
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and a method for separating components of a processing system which are mounted to one another and may adhere after being subjected to processing conditions. In one aspect, the invention provides a removal screw that can be threaded into a removal hole on a first component and an abutment screw that can be threaded into an attachment hole on a second component. To separate the first component from the second component, the abutment screw is first threaded into the attachment hole on the second or stationary component, and then the removal screw is threaded into the removal hole on the first component. An important aspect of this invention is that the removal screw does not contact, and damage, the contact surface between the first and second components to separate the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Talex Sajota
  • Patent number: 6298535
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a pair of smooth linear rods, each of the rods providing a first rod end and a second rod end, the first rod end of each of the rods having a first blind bore therein, and the second rod end of each of the rods having a second blind bore therein. A coiled spring is integrally engaged between the dual linear rods. The coiled spring provides a pair of opposing terminal spring ends, one of each of the terminal spring ends integrally engaged in the first blind bore of each rod. The second blind bore of each of the linear rods is adapted for accepting a wheel lug therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: William Ross Lower
  • Patent number: 6298536
    Abstract: An aircraft engine shipping system includes a frame assembly for supporting the aircraft engine, and a cradle assembly mounted on the frame assembly for securing the aircraft engine to the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes shock absorbers to provide continual shock absorption to an aircraft engine loaded thereon. The shipping system may be configured in either a truck or air transport mode. In the truck transport mode, the aircraft engine is secured to the cradle assembly by an aft ring which attaches to the aft portion of the aircraft, and a pair of cradle arms which attach to the forward portion of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the aircraft engine is attached to the cradle assembly by the aft ring, and a forward ring which attaches directly to the fan of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the cradle arms are disconnected from the aircraft engine and rotated away from the engine in a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Stanley Aviation Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Rossway, Robert F. Hatch, Behzad B. Suroosh
  • Patent number: 6298537
    Abstract: A method for repairing pallet racks wherein the assembly is used to replace a damaged front post. The repair assembly includes a tubular post having a floor plate at a lower end and a support plate at an upper end with a horizontal brace and a diagonal brace to replace the existing braces. The assembly is structurally solid and has the diagonal brace placed sufficiently high above the floor to avoid damage by forklift trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Dany Dion
  • Patent number: 6298538
    Abstract: A nonwoven, metal fabric is formed by providing a mass of loose fibers with sufficient lubricating oil for them to be carded without disintegration of the fiber web. The fiber web is then lapped and needled to form a metal fabric of superior strength, density, and thermal insulation properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Global Material Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Krupnik, Terrence P. Kane, Kurt H. Schild
  • Patent number: 6298539
    Abstract: The breakdown services have many task involving the unlocking of automobile doors. The problem is normally solved by pressing a wedge-shaped element down between the door window and the rubber sealing strip which abuts against the window, whereby access can be gained for the insertion of an unlocking tool without having to remove the sealing stip. However, the downwards insertion of the wedge-shaped element can give rise to damage to the sealing strip. This is avoided with the process according to the invention, in that instead of the wedge, use is made of a flat, inflatable pillow element of flexible, distensible material. The flat pillow element is easy to insert downwards, and by a subsequent inflation it will press directly outwards on the sealing list without at the same time scraping against the list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Claus Hornstrup Dissing
  • Patent number: 6298540
    Abstract: A combination rollover/vent valve, fuel pump and fuel level sender which is installed through a single access opening in the top of a fuel tank. The rollover/vent valve has a resilient mounting strip attached and the rollover/vent valve is attached to the fuel pump level sender module by a substantially rigid vent tube and the vent tube is ported exteriorly through the module. Upon insertion of the rollover/vent valve through the access opening, the mounting strip engages ratchet teeth formed in the top and bottom of the tank to secure the rollover/vent valve at a location of the highest level of the tank, remote from the module. The module thus locates the vent line, fuel feed line and electrical connections all at a single location on the tank top. The vent tube may be formed to a curved configuration to accommodate a dished or recessed tank top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert P. Benjey, Vaughn K. Mills
  • Patent number: 6298541
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for assembling a safety shield assembly and more particularly a method for assembling a safety shield assembly with a fluid handling device. Preferably, the safety shield assembly may be assembled with a needle assembly, an intravenous infusion set a syringe, a catheter or other fluid handling devices or assemblies that contain piercing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: C. Mark Newby, Michael C. Bennett, Jamie Crawford
  • Patent number: 6298542
    Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of an optical cable consisting of a metal pipe in which at least one optical fiber is arranged, a metal strip drawn from a supply coil is gradually shaped into a slot pipe. The optical fiber drawn from an additional supply coil is fed to the still open slot pipe, the longitudinal slot of the slot pipe is welded and the diameter of the welded pipe is reduced. The metal pipe is elastically elongated at least after the reduction. The diameter of the pipe is thereby reduced in at least two stages, the value of the reduction being greatest in the last stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventor: Harry Stascjewski
  • Patent number: 6298543
    Abstract: A riveting tool having a generally cylindrical tool head with a front face for engaging the rivet head is modified by the addition of a sheath engaged over the tool head which is integrally molded from a plastics material. The sheath has a generally cylindrical sleeve portion engaged over a part of the cylindrical portion of the tool head and a front portion shaped to substantially fully cover and match the front face of the tool head. The sheath is shaped to provide a readily removable and replaceable friction fit on the tool head and has a thickness at the front portion which is sufficiently thin to allow forces to be communicated from the tool head to the rivet head to effect driving of the rivet for attachment of the rivet to a material to be riveted and which is sufficiently thick to inhibit marring of the rivet and the material adjacent the rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: Douglas A. Shore, Judith Gertrude Bartlett
  • Patent number: 6298544
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of fabricating a high frequency thin film coil element having a main coil body composed of a rod shaped ceramic substrate, a thin metallic film layer covering the ceramic substrate, a conductor layer covering the thin metallic film layer, and a plurality of notches which being cut from the conductor layer down to the substrate thereon, and conductor terminals provided at two sides of the main coil body. A protecting layer covering the main body and an anti-oxidation layer, being cut in the similar way as the conductor layer, are sandwiched between the conductor and protecting layers of the main coil body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Inpaq Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Canon Hsu
  • Patent number: 6298545
    Abstract: A system for positioning a transducing head in a disc drive device over a selected track of a rotatable disc includes an actuator arm which is rotatable about an axis, a head suspension mechanism connected to the actuator arm, and a slider carrying a transducing head and supported by the head suspension mechanism. A low resolution motor moves the actuator arm about the axis to effect coarse movement of the head between tracks of the disc. A piezoelectric element is embedded in the actuator arm to distort the arm to effect fine positioning of the head. Control circuitry distributes electrical signals to the low resolution motor and the piezoelectric element to selectively control movement thereof. The piezoelectric element is embedded in the actuator arm by removing a predetermined amount of material from the actuator arm and bonding the piezoelectric element in the resulting space in the actuator arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Khosrow Mohajerani, Joseph M. Sampietro, Anoush M. Fard, Jeffrey G. Barina, Muhammad A. Hawwa, LeRoy A. Volz, Tien Q. Le, Daniel R. Vigil
  • Patent number: 6298546
    Abstract: A device and method to position a newly installed grip or to verify the position of one previously installed, quantitatively, in relation to the leading edge of a golf club head or any point referenced by the alignment assembly. The invention includes two components. The first component is an alignment assembly, removably attachable to the shaft for identifying the position of the shaft diameter that is substantially parallel to the leading edge of the golf club head. The alignment assembly is comprised of an alignment rod and removable pointer both mounted on a support providing a substantially planar surface. The second component is a shaft rotation gauge, removably attachable to the shaft for measuring the deviation of any point on a grip or shaft from any position referenced by the alignment assembly. The shaft rotation gauge is comprised of an arched ruled indicator surface attached to and radially extended a predetermined distance from the shaft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: John Emil Slota
  • Patent number: 6298547
    Abstract: An electronic component mounting method which employs a first air feed device connected to an air passage at one end part of a spline shaft, and a second air feed device connected to the air passage in the vicinity of the other end of the spline shaft. The first and second air feeds function to supply air to the air passage to return an interior thereof to atmospheric pressure. The time required to return the vacuum pressure in the air passage to atmospheric pressure can be shortened by the use of the two separate air feeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Okuda, Yoshihiro Yoshida, Akira Kabeshita, Satoshi Shida, Naoyuki Kitamura
  • Patent number: 6298548
    Abstract: A tool for use in joining wire pairs via wire connector assemblies such as those utilized in telecommunications includes a housing and a force applicator connected to a T-bar for applying force to a wire connector assembly. A wire connector holder is provided which receives the wire connector assemblies to be connected along with the wire pairs. A pivotal wire guide is provided on one side of the wire connector holder which allows easy removal of the wires and connectors after the connection is made. An adjustable gauge wire guide is provided on the other side of the wire connector holder which accommodates different gauges of wire. The force applicator includes a removable spacer which adjusts the stroke of the force applicator to accommodate stacks having more than one connector assembly in the wire connector holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Wilson E. Suarez
  • Patent number: 6298549
    Abstract: A device having two elongated members pivotally connected at one end portions thereof and locked together at the other end portions thereof so that at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed therein and apparatus and method for moving the device from an opened position to a closed position forming an enclosure to contain the portions of the at least two relatively rigid articles. In a preferred embodiment, the two relatively rigid articles comprise radiant heating tubing and a wire mesh supported on a bed of particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Peter G. Mangone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6298550
    Abstract: An electro-surgical forceps are provided which minimize sticking to tissue of a patient. The forceps include a pair of electrically conducting blade members extending from an insulated cap portion. The blade members include an inner layer of copper or copper alloy having a thickness sufficient to dissipate heat generated at the tip to prevent sticking of tissue to the forceps during use. An outer covering of nickel or a nickel alloy covers the inner copper layer to prevent exposure of the copper. The outer covering comprises a first nickel layer metallurgically bonded to one side of the inner copper layer and a second nickel layer metallurgically bonded to an opposite side of the inner copper layer. The thickness of the nickel layers is sufficient to withstand the forming process, to minimize or prevent delamination from the inner copper layer, and to minimize or prevent exposure of the inner layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kirwan Surgical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence T. Kirwan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6298551
    Abstract: An interface includes a surface having an electrically conductive pad; a compliant coating over the surface having a via extending to the pad; metallization patterned over the compliant coating and extending into the via; a low modulus dielectric interface layer overlying the compliant coating and having an interface via extending to the metallization; and a floating pad structure including floating pad metallization patterned over the dielectric interface layer with a first portion forming a central pad and a second portion forming an extension from the central pad extending into the interface via. Another interface includes a substrate including a low modulus dielectric interface material having a hole extending at least partially therethrough and a floating contact structure including electrically conductive material coating the hole with at least some of the floating pad metallization forming an extension from the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert John Wojnarowski, Barry Scott Whitmore, Bernard Gorowitz
  • Patent number: 6298552
    Abstract: A method for making a socket connector for connecting a CPU module to a circuit board includes the steps of (1) attaching a conductive film to a first face of an insulative plate to form a laminate, the insulative plate defining at least an array of bores therein; (2) photo-etching or laser-etching the conductive film to remove the conductive film with a portion thereof left in the laminate corresponding to each bore of the insulative plate, the portion of the conductive film having a base section attached to the first face of the insulative plate and a beam section extending from the base section over the corresponding bore; and (3) performing a second forming process to bend each beam section through the corresponding bore and partially extending over a second face of the insulative plate to be opposite the base section, the beam section being spaced from the second face of the insulative plate for resilient deformation in engaging the CPU module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Sung Li
  • Patent number: 6298553
    Abstract: A seamless plastic pressure vessel having a heat exchanger encased therein is disclosed. The pressure vessel is a unitary seamless wall and the wall surrounds a heat exchanger unit comprising a length of hollow tubing having ends retained in a mounting fitting. The pressure vessel may be formed by a rotational casting or blow molding technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Essef Corporation
    Inventor: James C. Hlebovy
  • Patent number: 6298554
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a squeeze-type container package that comprises a flexible resilient container body and a self-sealing closure assembly mounted to the mouth of the container body. The self-sealing closure assembly includes a dispensing valve of one-piece integrally molded elastic construction having an annular base, an internal wall portion that extends radially inwardly and axially from the base, and a mouth portion that includes a slit opening oriented diametrically of the annular base. Internal stresses within the wall portion bias the slit to the closed position. An annular lip that extends radially outwardly from the valve cooperates with an annular internal rib on the closure for venting the interior of the container body to atmosphere when the container body is released following dispensing of product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Fuchs
  • Patent number: 6298555
    Abstract: A method for making a polygonal duct from a flat, rectangular panel including the steps of providing longitudinally extending cuts in the panel, folding the panel into the desired polygonal shape, assembling a grip flange to the opposing edge portions of the panel and coupling the grip flanges together. The grip flange is a two-piece grip flange including snap-together male and female sections with cross-sectional shapes similar to an L and an F, respectively, which when snapped together form a panel insertion channel to both frictionally engage the surface of the edge portion of the panel and clamp the edge portion through forcible deformation of the edge portion to form a permanent and secure attachment to the panel without the use of any hardware, adhesive or welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Al International SRL
    Inventor: Joe Paul Vincenti
  • Patent number: 6298556
    Abstract: A non-rotating and axially secured connection between an inner joint part of a constant velocity joint and a driveshaft has an inner joint part at its outer circumference with tracks for receiving torque-transmitting balls or tripod arms for sliding on rollers, as well as a central bore with inner teeth. The driveshaft is inserted into the bore and is provided with corresponding outer teeth. At the end of the inner joint part facing the shaft end, the bore, with its inner teeth, changes into a through-hole with a smaller diameter. At the end of the driveshaft in front of the outer teeth, a cylindrical portion is provided carrying an axial securing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Eugen Stall, Dieter Sattler
  • Patent number: 6298557
    Abstract: A safety razor blade unit having at least one blade with a cutting edge which is moved across the surface of the skin being shaved by a handle to which the blade unit is attached. The blade unit may be mounted detachably on the handle. The razor blade unit has a guard which defines a surface for contacting the skin in front of the blade and a cap for contacting the skin behind the blade. The skin engaging portion of the guard has spaced projections extending upwardly from a base and formed of a resiliently flexible material. At least some of the projections have cross-sections with concave sides defining a recess opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Bernard Gilder
  • Patent number: 6298558
    Abstract: This relates to an improved skin engaging member for use in razor blade; cartridge assemblies and shaving systems of the wet shave type. In an embodiment, there is provided a two-component, control-release shaving device consisting of(a) a sheath layer made from thermoplastic resins with openings therein and (b) a core region containing internal shaving aids. Potentially, the device can maintain surface appearance, control-release the shaving aids, minimize the degradation of the shaving aids, and prevent the shaving aids from being trapping in a strip. Furthermore, the addition of low-melt additives to the shaving aids becomes feasible and the compatibility between the shaving aids and the shaving aid carrier such as polystyrene in the lubricating strip composite becomes less critical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Mingchih Michael Tseng, Yuling Yin, Frank E. Badin, Thilivali T. Ndou, Brian A. Rogers, Lee K. Lim
  • Patent number: 6298559
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a razor cartridge with a solid polymeric shaving aid strip. The razor cartridge has a blade (one or more) and a skin-engaging portion in proximity to the blade. The skin-engaging portion includes a solid polymeric shaving aid strip having an upper exposed surface which contacts the skin during shaving. The shaving aid strip includes a first exposed lengthwise-extending portion containing a lubricious water-soluble polymer and an adjacent, second exposed lengthwise-extending portion containing a lubricious water-soluble polymer. The first portion contains a greater amount of the lubricious water-soluble polymer than the second portion, and the first portion is adapted to wear at a faster rate than the second portion during shaving. This construction enables the strip to release more of the lubricious water-soluble polymer for a longer time period (i.e., for more shaves) than conventional shaving aid strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Kwiecien, Vincent P. Walker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6298560
    Abstract: A shear assembly including a bracket unit detachably to an excavator is provided. The shear assembly includes a main body rotatably attached to a bracket unit, a rotating unit disposed between the main body and the bracket unit to rotate main body around the bracket unit, a fixed arm unit fixed to the main body, a moving arm unit rotatably mounted on the main unit and opened from and closed toward the fixed arm unit, a cylinder unit rotatably mounted on the main body and rotating the moving arm unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Daemo Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won-Hae Lee
  • Patent number: 6298561
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tool for cutting sandwich type plaster boards such as gypsum plaster boards. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tool which allows the exact cutting of those boards in a time saving manner. According to the present invention this object is performed by a tool for working board-like workpieces, in particular sandwich type plaster boards, comprising a guide means for guiding the tool, a handle means, a blade means for forming a cut in the workpiece, and a coupling means for coupling the blade means with the guide means in an adjustable manner. A spacing between the handle means and the blade means may be adjusted by said coupling means in a direction transversely to a moving direction of the blade means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Erich Decker
  • Patent number: 6298562
    Abstract: An apparatus for marking and cutting of construction material, wherein the apparatus is adapted for use with a flexible measuring tape. The apparatus utilizes a main body in which a measuring tape is slideably engaged into a retaining slot. A protruding cutting wheel or marking material is set at a desired dimension and guided against a construction material in order to mark or cut the material at a uniform width. Movement of the apparatus along the work piece is easily accomplished since the angled tip or leader of a flexible measuring tape is used as a fence capable of sliding along the work piece with movement of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: David M Duquette
  • Patent number: 6298563
    Abstract: An electric can opener with a horizontally oriented blade including a base portion having a generally C-shaped configuration. The base portion includes a lower horizontal portion, a vertical portion, and an upper horizontal portion. The base portion includes an upper housing secured to and extending upwardly from the upper horizontal portion. A motor is disposed within the upper housing of the base portion. A rotating magnet is secured to the upper horizontal portion of the base portion. The rotating magnet is in communication with the motor whereby activation of the motor will rotate the magnet. The magnet engages the closed upper end of the can. A cutting member is secured to the upper horizontal portion of the base portion. The cutting member is positioned to engage the can downwardly of the closed upper end thereof when the can is engaged by the rotating magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Kathy Yeadon
  • Patent number: 6298564
    Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight collapsible hand saw for use when camping, hiking or otherwise. The saw breaks down and can be consolidated into a single tubular shape, with all of the components fitting inside the tube. In the functional configuration, a triangular saw may be constructed out of two tubular members having different diameters, a saw blade and a tightening element. Alternatively, both a triangular saw and a buck saw may be constructed out of three tubular members having different diameters, a saw blade and a tightening element. The tubular members form the frame of the saw and contain slots for inserting the saw blade. The tightening element is provided to give the saw the necessary rigidity and impart the necessary tension on the blade. In addition, the apparatus can be used to form a campfire cooking utensil with a number of accessorising elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: Rudy Voser, Walter Frei
  • Patent number: 6298565
    Abstract: This invention relates to a steering angle sensor, particularly for yawing moment control in automotive vehicles. In order to determine the required steering angle of the steered wheels the angle of rotation of the steering wheel is measured. To this end, a code disk is used which enables the reading of the position of the angle of rotation of the disk. As the steering wheel can perform a plurality of revolutions in order to pivot the steered wheels the result readable at the code disk is ambiguous. This invention suggests a counter which records the revolutions of the code disk, starting from a zero position. Further advantageous developments involve the design of the gear mechanism and the evaluation of the signals of the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Petra Weber, Klaus Neckel, Christian Hohler, Harald Traub
  • Patent number: 6298566
    Abstract: A device includes a coordinate-detecting sheet and a rotating member having a contact part which circularly slides on the coordinate-detecting sheet. Coordinate data of coordinates of the contact part on the coordinate-detecting sheet is output from the coordinate-detecting sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Takamisawa Component Limited
    Inventors: Michiko Endo, Shigemi Kurashima, Naoyuki Nagao, Takuya Uchiyama, Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6298567
    Abstract: The milling machine tool holder or chuck is used to support a spindle on a chuck axis through which a crossbar is transversely and slideably mounted. First and second ends of the crossbar adjustably support a mirror and a dial indicator, respectively, so a machine operator can see a dial face of the dial indicator that is not visible and facing away from the operator. The crossbar has a bend which enables the dial indicator to be articulated to conveniently measure features near the chuck axis without interference between the spindle and the dial indicator. The dial indicator is securely mounted to a clamp adapter which is mounted to the second end. A wedge-shaped slot in the adapter is configured to receive and secure one of a plurality of sizes of dial indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Marcel W. Coderre
  • Patent number: 6298568
    Abstract: An apparatus holds a feeler gage. The apparatus includes a shaft having an end to which the feeler gage is attached. A fixture aligns the shaft with an opening into which the feeler gage is inserted. The opening may be a gap of a connector. A portion of the shaft is a measuring section having a plurality of markers. The markers are stripes, grooves, or lands on a portion of the shaft. The fixture comprises a channel, sleeve or bearing that guides the shaft onto the fixture. The fixture includes a ridge for insertion of the fixture onto a track. The fixture may have an alignment arm that engages a side surface of the connector. The fixture has a latch that attaches the fixture to the track. The latch of the fixture comprises two substantially parallel elongate members separated by a distance approximately equal to a width of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Johnson, David John Pongracz, Nancy Susan Rush
  • Patent number: 6298569
    Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism for use with a multijoint manually positionable measuring arm of a three dimensional coordinate measurement system provides a reversible and adjustable counterbalancing force to offset the weight of the arm and facilitate its movement. The counterbalance mechanism of the present invention acts within the plane of the joint minimizing the moment arm created by the joint and allowing for low overhung loads transmitted from the arm to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Faro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Raab, John A. Bodjack
  • Patent number: 6298570
    Abstract: A gage device and a test system for statistically qualifying compliant or semi-rigid molded bearings and bearing sets to predetermined material conditions includes a gage body, a flanged plug, a stud used to set a first predetermined material condition, an adapter used to set a second predetermined material condition, and a test fixture. The device simulates the assembly of ball joints to determine whether molded conformal bearings or bearing sets are acceptable from a beginning of life perspective. In this way, functional acceptability of a given number of samples drawn from a production lot is proven to satisfy pre-determined maximum and minimum material conditions. A method of testing and statistically qualifying the bearings is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Garth Maughan, Frank Lucienne, Lani Morrison, Greg Fleniken
  • Patent number: 6298571
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins (18) of a crankshaft (34) in the course of the machining in a grinding machine comprises a first arm (9) rotating with respect to a support (5) arranged on the grinding-wheel slide (1) of the grinding machine, a second arm (12) rotating with respect to the first, a reference device (20) carried by the second arm and a measuring device (16, 17, 40-45) associated with a reference device. A guide device (21), fixed to the reference device (20), enables the apparatus to engage a crankpin, in the course of the orbital motion of the crankpin, and limit the displacements of the first arm and those of the second arm when a control device (28-30) displaces the apparatus to a rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Marpos Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Carlo Dall'Aglio, Riccardo Cipriani
  • Patent number: 6298572
    Abstract: A fixture assembly for holding a part to be measured in a specified and elevated orientation and being utilized in combination with an existing coordinate measurement machine. A transportable body is provided having a horizontally arrayed and upwardly facing platform. The coordinate measurement machine is adapted to be arranged in proximity to the transportable body. First, second and third datum blocks are secured upon the upwardly facing platform at first, second and third selected locations. Each of the datum blocks further includes an upwardly facing tapped hole for receiving a measurement target which is capable of being manipulated according to instructions provided by the coordinate measurement machine to define first, second and third datum planes according to a coordinate system defined for the part to be measured. A plurality of individual support units are secured upon the platform at locations specified by the coordinate measurement machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Brian McAuley
  • Patent number: 6298573
    Abstract: A device for centering tools, such as saw blades, rotary cutters and the like which are circular and which have bores of different sizes, on processing machines such that they can be positioned about their center axes. The device includes a mounting plate adapted to be attached to such a machine, a first and second bearings on the plate, and a third bearing mounted for movement on the plate selectively toward or away from the first and second bearings. The first, second and third bearings being engagable with the bore of the blade such that the bore is centered on the machine and the blade is rotatable about its center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: North American Products Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Segal, Russell E. Neukam
  • Patent number: 6298574
    Abstract: A top reading bituminous paving depth gauge is used to determine the thickness of paving layers. The gauge comprises a depressible rod operatively associated when a rod support system comprising an upper portion having a graduated measuring gauge fixed on the rod support system and a bottom support devise fixed to the lower end of the rod support system. The bottom or the support device acts as a foot for the measuring gauge and also acts to receive the lower portion of the depressible rod. The top reading bituminous paving depth gauge operates without any washers on the measuring depressible rod to prevent false measurements due to the presence of large aggregates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: APAC Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Baker
  • Patent number: 6298575
    Abstract: A centrifugal dryer (10) has a plurality of conveyors (12) that are arranged inside a pair of trunnion rings (36) such that the conveyors (12) are shingled to form a polygon shaped cylinder (14) that rotates about the central axis (A—A) of the trunnion rings to create centrifugal forces on produce, or other material conveyed on the conveyors. Each conveyor (12) has an elongated endless porous belt (18) driven in one direction by a one-way bearing to convey material from the inlet end to the outlet end of the conveyor. A crank arm (56) extends from each one-way bearing and rides in a gimbal ring (50) which causes reciprocating motion of the crank arm (56) to intermittenly advance the conveyors (12) as they rotate. The gimbal ring (50) can be positionally adjusted to vary the amount each conveyor (12) advances per revolution, or it can be set in a neutral position where no movement is imparted to the crank arms (56), thereby allowing the dryer to process in a batch mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: James Edward Aikins, Warren Ahlson Aikins
  • Patent number: 6298576
    Abstract: A cage type compactor and dryer apparatus have a cylindrical body (10) formed by conduits (11) arranged according to the its generatrix lines and run through by a heat transfer fluid intended to heat the waste material contained therein (textile or foodstuff wastes, municipal solid wastes). The individual conduits (11) are spaced apart so as to form vapour outflow paths for the water vapour, having longitudinal dimension corresponding to the whole heating length of the cylindrical body (10). Pressure plates (14) form the mobile bases of the cylindrical body (10) in order to generate the needed axial pressure. Suitable hoops (12) arranged in spaced apart relation constrain said conduits (11) in order to withstand the radial components of the longitudinal forces. The ground connections of the cylindrical body (10), when it is horizontally mounted, are realised by running trolleys (15) aimed at minimising the stresses generated by the temperature variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Antonio La Gioia