Patents Issued in October 21, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040205925
    Abstract: A tool holder is provided for a floor cleaning apparatus. The tool holder includes a body having both a wand receiver and a cleaning tool receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Shanor, Michael S. Yacobi, Amy N. Mudd
  • Publication number: 20040205926
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having a muffler system is disclosed. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a carpet engaging nozzle base and an upper housing pivotally connected to the nozzle base. The upright vacuum cleaner further includes a dirt cup removably secured to the upper housing and having an inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle base and an exit. The upright vacuum cleaner yet further includes a motor/fan unit fluidly connected to the dirt cup exit and positioned proximate to a pivot axis between the base and the upper housing. The upright vacuum cleaner still further includes an expansion chamber defined at least partially by the upper housing and a vertical wall of the dirt cup when the dirt cup is in an operational position relative to the housing. The motor fan units draws air from the dirt cup exit and directs air toward the expansion chamber. A method of operating an upright vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher J. Fawcett
  • Publication number: 20040205927
    Abstract: A blocker door assembly is disclosed. The blocker door assembly includes a carpet engaging nozzle base and a nozzle opening positioned in the base. The blocker door assembly further includes a rotating agitator positioned in the nozzle opening and an outlet duct in fluid communication with the nozzle opening. The blocker door assembly yet further includes a motor/fan assembly in fluid communication with the duct. The blocker door assembly further includes a blocker door adapted to slide between a open position which places the nozzle opening in fluid communication with the motor fan unit and a closed position which blocks fluid communication between the nozzle opening and the motor fan unit. A method of operating a vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Richard R. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20040205928
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a carpet engaging nozzle base and an upper housing pivotally attached to the nozzle base. The upright vacuum cleaner further includes a removable bucket releasably secured to the upper housing and a bucket handle rotatably attached to the bucket and movable between a first position and a second position. The upright vacuum cleaner yet further includes a latch adapted to secure the bucket to the upper housing when the handle is in the first position and release the bucket from the upper portion when the handle is in a second position. The bucket may be removed from the upper housing when the latch is released from the upper housing. The bucket is re-secured to the upper housing by returning the bucket handle to the first position. A method of operating a upright vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: William G. Alford, Erik D. Lesco
  • Publication number: 20040205929
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Publication number: 20040205930
    Abstract: A door closer includes a door shaft, a housing, a sliding member, a door-closing spring, a sliding board, a pair of sliding blocks, a cone member and a door-opening spring. The door shaft is utilized to drive a sliding member in a housing of the door closer. Between an end of the sliding member and the housing a door-closing spring is tensioned, and another end of the sliding member is engaged with a cone member and a sliding board respectively in turn, the cone member serves for cooperating with the a pair of sliding blocks in the sliding board each of which provided with an incline at an end and a spring respectively. The sliding blocks further have retainer portions corresponding to the housing of the door closer, between the sliding board and the housing a door-opening spring is disposed, the retainer portions can be locked and fastened to a side of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Tan-Cheng Huang
  • Publication number: 20040205931
    Abstract: A door closer structure includes a door shaft, a housing, a sliding member, a door-closing spring, a claw, an abutting member and a door-opening spring. The door shaft is utilized to drive a sliding member in a housing, between an end of the sliding member and the housing the door-closing spring is tensioned, and another end of the sliding member is engaged with the abutting member and a sliding board respectively in turn, between the sliding board and the housing a door-opening spring and a claw are disposed respectively, the claw is position-locked on the sliding board, and which can be locked and fastened to the adjustable rod of the housing. The abutting member may be driven by the sliding member so as to unlock and release the claw from the inner side of it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Tan-Cheng Huang
  • Publication number: 20040205932
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hinge for doors and similar construction components. The hinge (1) can be installed in a recess (27) of the door frame (28), whereby the same receives the hinge (1) completely when the door is closed. In this way the hinge will be completely invisible when the door is closed, and also inaccessible from the outside. This means that the said hinge offers increased resistance against break-ins as well as an improved aesthetic appearance. In order to minimise the size of the required recess the hinge flap (2) that is nearest to the door frame incorporates a flat-angled curved profile, whilst the hinge flap (3) that is nearest to the door is equipped with a profile encloses the hinge axis (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Harald Sitter
  • Publication number: 20040205933
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a modular pivotal hinge comprising a pivotal shaft, a rotating bracket, a base, elastic means, and a buffering means. The pivotal shaft comprises an axle. The rotating bracket comprises a mounting part for fixation to a second member, and a rotating part for coupling to the axle and allowing said rotating bracket to pivot around said axle. The base comprises a mounting part for fixation to the first member and a slot constructed in a way to allow the axle to be inserted and secured therein. The elastic means provides a spring force to urge the second member to pivot away from the first member. The buffering means comprises a head for contacting the axle and a buffer structure elastically biasing against the head toward the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Chung Nan Hsieh, Wen Chi Lin
  • Publication number: 20040205934
    Abstract: An activating mechanism is provided for use with a four-link hinge of the type typically used for closure of a vehicle movable deck, such as a trunk lid or engine compartment hood. A lower link bracket is secured to the vehicle body and an upper link bracket is secured to the movable deck. Pivoting links may be connected between the upper and lower link brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Lester Derbis, Darek Barczynski, Keith Julien
  • Publication number: 20040205935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a damping device for parts of furniture which are joined together by means of hinges and which can be pivoted in relation to each other. The housing contains a damping fluid in the cavity thereof and a resistance element which can be displaced relative to the damping fluid and connected to an actuating element protruding from the housing. During at least one part of the pivoting movement of both pieces of furniture, said actuating element is drivingly connected to the second piece of furniture and transfers the movement distributed to the second piece of furniture to the resistance element. The damping device is arranged in the region of at least one of the hinges which pivotally couples both pieces of furniture, and whereby either the damping housing and/or the actuating element engages with one of the stop element of the corresponding hinges, at least during the damping process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Gerhard Wilhelm Lautenschlaeger, Harald Helmut Ulrich, Markus Herper
  • Publication number: 20040205936
    Abstract: An escutcheon plate assembly including a pair of opposing escutcheon plates operably connected to an inside portion and an outside portion respectively of a door. The escutcheon plates each have an inner surface, an outer surface and elongate pocket formed by a raised edge protruding around the perimeter of the plates. A stiffening insert is positioned in the pocket adjacent the inner surface of each plate. The stiffening insert is operably associated with the escutcheon plates for providing lightweight structural support. A thumb-turn having an adjustable telescoping tail located adjacent the inside plate is provided for connecting to a locking mechanism in a door. The adjustable tail can be extended and contracted for use with various types of doors having varying thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Andre Denys
  • Publication number: 20040205937
    Abstract: A pliable handle for a hand-held device is provided. The handle includes a core member, an outer sheath disposed about the core member, and gel disposed between the core member and the outer sheath. The outer sheath is deformable, such that when a hand grips the pliable handle, the force applied causes the pliable handle to deform and conform to the shape of the hand, and the applied force causes load movement of the gel. The pliable handle has a so-called memory effect, meaning that after the grip on the handle is released, the deformation in the handle will remain for a period of time before the handle returns to its original shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Shedrain Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Blauer, Stan Blauer
  • Publication number: 20040205938
    Abstract: A pliable handle for a hand-held device is provided. The handle includes a core member, an outer sheath disposed about the core member, and gel disposed between the core member and the outer sheath. The outer sheath is deformable, such that when a hand grips the pliable handle, the force applied causes the pliable handle to deform and conform to the shape of the hand, and the applied force causes load movement of the gel. The pliable handle has a so-called memory effect, meaning that after the grip on the handle is released, the deformation in the handle will remain for a period of time before the handle returns to its original shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Shedrain Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Blauer, Stan Blauer
  • Publication number: 20040205939
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes, in one embodiment, a fastener and a label secured to the fastener. The fastener is an elongated unitary plastic member having a first end shaped to define a cross-bar, a second end shaped to define a paddle, and a thin flexible filament which interconnects the cross-bar and the paddle. The label, which is provided with a product identifier such as a company or product name, is secured to the paddle of the fastener using a pressure-sensitive adhesive. An in-line system for manufacturing a continuous clip of the fastener assemblies includes an apparatus for molding a continuous strip of fasteners, a stretching device for stretching selected portions of each fastener, a pressure-sensitive labeling device for applying a label onto the paddle of each fastener, and an apparatus for winding the clip into a roll suitable for packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: William J. Cooper, Thomas Shilale, John Earley
  • Publication number: 20040205940
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a molded plastic fastener. The molded plastic fastener includes a filament, a paddle at one end of the filament, and a cross-bar at the other end of the filament. The fastener assembly additionally includes identifying matter, such as a logo, barcode or numerical value, which is provided onto the paddle of the plastic fastener. In one embodiment, the identifying matter is retained onto the paddle using a label. In another embodiment, the identifying matter is printed directly onto the paddle using an inkjet printer. In another embodiment, the identifying matter is formed directly into the shape of the paddle either through the molding process for the plastic fastener or through a subsequent stamping process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: William J. Cooper, Thomas Shilale, John Earley
  • Publication number: 20040205941
    Abstract: A reducer adjuster buckle is provided for use with flexible webbing tapes. The reducer adjuster buckle has a wide-tape body portion for connection to a relatively wide flexible webbing tape. The reducer adjuster buckle also has a tape adjuster body portion for connection to a relatively narrow flexible webbing tape. The tape adjuster body portion allows the effective length of the narrow flexible webbing tape to be shortened or lengthened. The reducer adjuster buckle is a unitary buckle that provides the features of both reducing a wide flexible webbing tape to a narrow flexible webbing tape and adjusting the effective length of the narrow flexible webbing tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Jimmy L. Ezzell
  • Publication number: 20040205942
    Abstract: A lower stop of a zipper comprises a male stop formed by a lower portion and a high portion. An upper inner side of the lower portion has a downward hook and an upper top of the hook has a recess. One side of the recess has a stopper. A lower end of the downward hook is formed with an inclined groove; and a female stop has a buckle at an upper portion thereof and a block-like embedded seat at a lower portion thereof. An inner lateral wall of a top of the buckle is an upward protrusion and an upper side of the upward protrusion has cambered slot. An embedded groove penetrates through the embedded seat. An inner lateral wall of the embedded seat has a sliding groove which is communicated with the embedded groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Chang-Wen Tsaur
  • Publication number: 20040205943
    Abstract: An artificial nail or decorative cover is used to cover a clip set. The clip set combines the nail cover or decorative cover with a plastic clip. The nail cover is a cover body with an outer surface curved like a human nail and has a wall running sideways at an inner surface of the cover. A fitting ditch between the inner surface of the cover and the thin plate wall is provided on the thin plate wall. This artificial nail cover or decorative cover can be also attached with the plastic clip to cover the clip set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicants: Decos Co., Ltd., j-sen ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Takabayashi, Eijiro Taki, Taizo Noda
  • Publication number: 20040205944
    Abstract: A buckle device which can ensure smooth unlocking over a long period of time at low cost. A button slope 66 is a curved surface opening toward a button 50 side with respect to an unlocking direction. Accordingly, the increasing amount of force of the button slopes 66 pressing abutted surfaces 86A with respect to the amount of movement of the button 50 is small immediately after the button 50 started to be pressed, and frictional resistance between the button slopes 66 and the abutted surfaces 86A can be thereby made smaller than before. Thus, wear of the abutted surfaces 86A can be reduced or prevented. For example, even when coatings are applied to the abutted surfaces 86A to reduce the frictional resistance between the button slopes 66 and the abutted surfaces 86A so that the unlocking can be smoothly carried out, degree of dependence on the coatings for reducing the frictional resistance becomes lower than before so that the coatings can be kept long.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Tetsushi Muromachi, Shinji Mori
  • Publication number: 20040205945
    Abstract: A bobbin stripper for cutting and stripping remnant material such as cable and wire from a bobbin drum. The bobbin stripper comprises a cutting head that includes a cutting blade having a straight side and a tapered side having a sharp edge. The cutting blade is movable in a vertical position and in a horizontal direction substantially parallel to the bobbin drum. Once the cutting blade passes along the length of the bobbin drum in one direction, the cutting blade may be rotated such that the sharp edge may engage and penetrate the remnant material in the reverse direction. The process may be repeated until the desired depth of the incision has been reached. A stop and sensor prevent the blade from cutting the drum. The remnant material may thereafter be removed by a pair of stripping plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew M. Pluister, Simon Guysinsky, Ricardo Venegas
  • Publication number: 20040205946
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cut resistant yarns. More particularly, it relates to a process of making a cut resistant yarn comprising a plurality of cut resistant filaments and at least one elastomeric filament, as well as fabrics and articles such as gloves, comprising such cut resistant yarns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Reiyao Zhu
  • Publication number: 20040205947
    Abstract: A nitrogen containing metal powder with a large specific surface area, and containing a suitable quantity of nitrogen dispersed uniformly within the metal is produced with good productivity, and provides a solid electrolytic capacitor with a high capacitance, minimal leakage current, and excellent long term reliability. This nitrogen containing metal powder has a ratio W/S between the nitrogen content W [ppm] of the powder, and the specific surface area S [m2/g], as measured by a BET method, that falls within a range from 500 to 3000. This type of powder can be produced by a process in which a metal salt containing the metal is reacted with a reducing agent and undergoes reduction within a diluent salt, thereby generating the metal, wherein a nitrogen containing gas is introduced into the space contacting the reaction melt comprising the metal salt, the reducing agent and the diluent salt, thereby generating the metal and incorporating the nitrogen within the metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Yukio Oda, Isayuki Horio
  • Publication number: 20040205948
    Abstract: A method for producing a piezoelectric element by superposing a piezoelectric material made of a piezoelectric ceramic composition containing a PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3—PbZrO3—PbTiO3 ternary system solid solution composition represented by the general formula Pbx(Mgy/3Nb2/3)aTibZrcO3 as a main component, and 0.05 to 10.0 mass % of NiO on a ceramic substrate or on an electrode formed on the ceramic substrate, and subjecting the superposed piezoelectric material to a thermal treatment in an atmosphere where 0.03-0.5 mg/cm3 (NiO conversion amount per unit volume of a space in a container) of an atmosphere-controlling material having the same composition as the piezoelectric material is coexisted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikatsu Kashiwaya, Mutsumi Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20040205949
    Abstract: A piezoelectric electroacoustic transducer includes a substantially rectangular piezoelectric diaphragm having an internal electrode, a plurality of laminated piezoelectric ceramic layers having the internal electrode interposed between two of the piezoelectric ceramic layers, principal-surface electrodes disposed on top and bottom principal surfaces of the piezoelectric diaphragm, the piezoelectric diaphragm generating surface bending-vibrations in response to application of an alternating signal between the principal-surface electrodes and the internal electrode, a resin film that is larger than the piezoelectric diaphragm and having the piezoelectric diaphragm affixed onto substantially a central portion of a front surface thereof, and a housing having a support for supporting the outer periphery of the resin film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Takeshima, Masakazu Yamauchi, Manabu Sumita
  • Publication number: 20040205950
    Abstract: A portable tool used for installing fixing elements for assembling parts, which is particularly suitable for assembling machined parts or sheet metal by riveting. The portable tool includes a device for distributing fixing elements, one by one, according to a distribution axis; mechanism for holding a fixing element according to a placement axis; loading device for transferring a fixing element from the distribution device to the mechanism for holding; and a device for mounting a fixing element in a hole provided in the parts. The tool is characterized in that the loading device alternates between a loading movement for transferring a fixing element from the distribution device to the mechanism for holding and movement back to the initial position. During movements, the loading device describes the same path, alternating between one direction and the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Genevieve Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20040205951
    Abstract: According to a method initial temperatures (T1) of strip points (101) are detected when the hot-rolled strip (6) is fed to the production line at the latest. The strip points (101) are monitored on their way through the production line. The hot-rolled strip (6) is subjected to temperature influences (delta T) in the production line (3). The strip points (101), the initial temperatures (T1), the monitored values (W(t)) and the temperature influences (delta T) are supplied to a model (9) for the production line (3). The model (9) determines expected actual temperatures (T2) of the strip points (101) in real time and allocates them to the strip points as the new actual temperatures (T2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Matthias Kurz, Michael Metzger, Klaus Weinzierl
  • Publication number: 20040205952
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly tool for assembling a sealing ring (3) in an annular groove (4, 9) of a machine part (1, 7), in particular of a valve plate (7). By the provision that the assembly tool (10, 23) includes a pneumatic piston-cylinder unit (11, 12, 26, 27) for uniformly press-fitting the sealing ring (3) into the annular groove (4, 9), a simple assembly tool that is economical to make, is versatile to use and can be used in mobile application, and nevertheless enables reliable seal assembly without injuring anyone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Martin Hering, Karl Aage Lindholm Jensen
  • Publication number: 20040205953
    Abstract: A vehicle body (B) is lowered toward a frame (F) from above, and fixed to the frame (F) via a mount insulator (MI). Prior to fixing, a locating jig (1) is attached to the frame (F). A locating hole (E) is formed in the body (B). While lowering the body (B), the horizontal position of the body (B) is adjusted such that the locating jig (1) penetrates the locating hole (E). The body (B) is aligned accurately with the frame (F) when a predetermined state of engagement is reached between the locating jig (1) and locating hole (E). In this state, a fastening bolt (G) which is passed through the mount insulator (MI) is used to fix the body (B) to the frame (F), and thus the fastening bolt (G) can be tightened without applying an eccentric load on the mount insulator (MI).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Marume, Hiroaki Tanida, Makoto Umezawa
  • Publication number: 20040205954
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a layer system, in particular for a sensor element for determining a physical variable of a gas to be measured, preferably for determining the concentration of a gas component or the temperature in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The layer system is composed of a ceramic carrier and at least one functional layer to which a solvent is added. A barrier layer is deposited on the ceramic carrier and the functional layer is deposited on the barrier layer. The barrier layer prevents the solvent from penetrating the ceramic carrier from the functional layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Hans-Joerg Renz
  • Publication number: 20040205955
    Abstract: In order to realize a method of forming a rotor core that improves the productivity and enhances the product accuracy, a forming method of a rotor that is equipped with both permanent-magnet fastener on the inner perimetric end of the magnetic pole claw of the rotor core and tapered surface on the outer perimetric end on one end of the magnetic pole claw in the circumferential direction. By constraining the inner perimetric surface of the magnetic pole claw by a die and applying a forming pressure in the radial direction, the tapered surface on the outer perimetric end of the magnetic pole claw and permanent-magnet fastener on the inner perimetric end can be formed at the same time and a rotor core with high product accuracy and mass-productivity is realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Kawai, Kouji Harada, Masayuki Kobayashi, Shinji Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20040205956
    Abstract: In a watertight brushless fan motor of the present invention, a first pad 33 is disposed in a first space between a stator 1 and a circuit substrate 3. A second pad 35 is disposed in a second space between the circuit substrate 3 and a plate-like section 7c of a case 7. Spaces between the plate-like section 7c of the case 7 and a bearing supporting cylindrical section 7a are formed with an insulating resin in such a manner that the stator 1 and the circuit substrate 3 are included inside, thereby forming a molded part 31. With this arrangement, the watertight brushless fan motor is provided that can prevent occurrence of a crack in the outer surface of the molded part due to the so-called molding shrinkage of the insulating resin or expansion and shrinkage of the insulating resin caused by a change in ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Sanyo Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naruhiko Kudou, Hisashi Takizawa, Osamu Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20040205957
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a drum assembly associated with a digital betacam video tape machine is disclosed. The method includes providing a helical scan drum assembly having a stationary upper drum, a stationary lower drum and a plurality of rotating read/write heads disposed between the stationary upper and lower drums. The rotating read/write heads reading and writing digital information to and from a tape. The method further includes inserting air grooves in the outer peripheral surface of the upper drum. The air grooves are configured to reduce sticktion between the tape and the outer peripheral surface of the upper drum when the tape is moved around the outer peripheral surface of the upper drum. The method additional includes mounting an adjustable band to the outer peripheral surface of the lower drum. The adjustable band is configured to guide the tape around the drum assembly in accordance with helical scans when the tape is moved around the outer peripheral surface of the upper drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: George Athanasiou, Constantine Athanasiou
  • Publication number: 20040205958
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a magnetic memory element structure comprises providing a dielectric layer having a conducting via. A first magnetic layer is formed overlying the dielectric layer and is in electrical communication with the conducting via. A non-magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer are formed overlying the first magnetic layer. A first conductive layer is deposited overlying the second magnetic layer and is patterned. A portion of the second magnetic layer is exposed and is transformed to form an inactive portion and an active portion. The active portion comprises a portion of a memory element and the inactive portion comprises an insulator. A sidewall spacer is formed about at least one sidewall of the first conductive layer and a masking tab is formed that overlies a portion of the memory element and extends to overlie at least a portion of the conducting via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory W. Grynkewich, Brian R. Butcher, Mark A. Durlam, Kelly Kyler, Kenneth H. Smith, Clarence J. Tracy
  • Publication number: 20040205959
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of the present invention includes ejecting a melt 61 of a solid electrolyte onto at least one electrode plate selected from a positive electrode plate 20 and a negative electrode plate 30, thereby depositing the melt 61 onto the at least one electrode plate, and compressing the positive electrode plate 20 and the negative electrode plate 30 while sandwiching the melt 61, thereby forming a layered body including the positive electrode plate 20, an electrolyte layer 62 including the solid electrolyte, and the negative electrode plate 30. In accordance with this manufacturing method, a thin lithium secondary battery having excellent characteristics can be manufactured in a highly productive manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Honda, Yoriko Takai, Sadayuki Okazaki, Syuji Ito, Junichi Inaba, Hiroshi Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20040205960
    Abstract: A tweezer-type hand-held device for installing and removing an electric part on and from a substrate. The device is provided with a pair of legs biased to close such that the part is held between the legs by the biasing force when the part is installed on the substrate. In an embodiment, one of the legs may be biased in two directions, i.e. in a direction to open and in another direction to close, and a switching member is disclosed to switch the biasing direction. The biasing member may include a spring commonly used for the biasing in the two directions. Manipulation portions are provided for open or close the legs against the force of the biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Mitsuhiko Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20040205961
    Abstract: In this electronic component mounting apparatus, a mounting head is movably arranged between the electronic component supplying unit and the board holding unit. A first camera for taking an image of the board in the board holding unit and detecting an electronic component mounting position, and a second camera for taking images of the chips of the electronic component supplying unit are arranged in such a manner that the first camera and the second camera can be entered/evacuated as against the electronic component supplying unit. Therefore, the electronic component supplying unit and the board holding unit are defined as a range to be transported, and the mounting head, the first camera, and the second camera are relatively traveled in conjunction to each other, a loss-time in both the electronic component supplying unit and the board holding unit can be avoided, and tact time can be shortened to improve a work-efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Haji, Wataru Hidese
  • Publication number: 20040205962
    Abstract: A wire processing apparatus includes a microwave generator, a microwave transmitter, a waveguide coaxial converter and a wire insertion pipe, and the wire insertion pipe is disposed in the wireguide coaxial converter. In wire recycling process, after a tip end of a coated wire is inserted into the wire insertion pipe, microwave is launched into the inside of the waveguide coaxial converter. The tip end of the coated wire is separated into a decomposed coating insulator and a molten electric conductor by microwave. In wire cross-linking process, after microwave is launched into the inside of the waveguide coaxial converter, the coated wire is inserted into the wire insertion pipe. The coated wire is cross-linked by high frequency heat and a coating insulator is adhered well to an electric conductor by heat shrinking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Kato, Masashi Kando
  • Publication number: 20040205963
    Abstract: An improved tool for pulling off a rotor of a motor from a shaft or a fan from a shaft, which improved tool is provided with hooked arms that are releasably but securely held at one end in the housing, without the use of retaining clips, so that the arms do not fall off during use or become lost, and so that they do not interfere with the use of the tool when using the securing bolts for pulling off a rotor. The housing of the improved tool of the invention is circular in shape, and in a first version , is provided with a plurality of equally-spaced holes about its circumference, which holes received the hooked ends of the hooked arms, so that various configurations of hooked arms may be provided to best suit the configuration of vanes and type of fan being pulled off a shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Rubino, Michael Berg, Carol Rubino
  • Publication number: 20040205964
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing extensible plastic elastomer seals from openings of bottles or other glass containers is provided. Aerodynamic pressure drop in a compressed air jet is used. Due to constriction of the air stream caused, either by the incidence of the net on the edge of the openings of said bottles or containers, or by the presence of an appropriate convex surface before of the seal, the containers are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Guido Ribi
  • Publication number: 20040205965
    Abstract: The object is to provide a method of manufacturing a sliding contact which has a high yield of manufacturing sliding contacts and can positively make smooth the tip portion surface of a finger of a brush of a sliding contact. According to the invention, in a method of manufacturing a sliding contact having a metal brush, the tip portion of a finger 12a′ of a sliding contact piece 10′ is melted and thereafter the tip portion is solidified in a gas, whereby the surface of the tip portion is made smooth. For example, when a sliding contact is manufactured by blanking a metal sheet material, the tip portion of the finger 12a′ of the brush 12′ of the sliding contact piece 10′ which is obtained by blanking is irradiated with a laser beam, whereby the tip portion is heated and melted. Then, a sharp portion and a burr which exist before melting disappear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Sayama, Kenitiro Tani, Hirohito Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040205966
    Abstract: A novel method of manufacturing a turbine frame for rotatably holding adjustable blades in a VGS turbocharger is provided, which method is capable of manufacturing the turbine frame while almost eliminating a time-consuming cutting operation, whereby mass production of the turbine frame and the like can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Shinjiroh Ohishi
  • Publication number: 20040205967
    Abstract: A drive roller comprising a polyurethane coating having a coefficient of friction with respect to a belt effective to drive the belt over the operative life of the belt. The drive roller may be included in an image-forming device to drive a belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Johnathan Lee Barnes, William Hargis Barton, Donald Leo Elbert, Kathryn Dowlen Mullins, Stacy Marie Pargett, Ronald Lloyd Roe
  • Publication number: 20040205968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nail clippers, which includes a body (10) provided with upper and lower steel plates (10a, 10b) that have an one end part on which cutting edges (10c) and through holes (10d) on the sides adjacent to the cutting edges (10c) are formed, an operation grip part (12) that has a pair of pressurizing bars (12a, 12b) that have coupling holes that correspond to the thought holes (10d) and a lever protrusion (12c) formed on one of the pair of pressurizing bars (12a, 12b) corresponding to any one surface of the upper and lower steel plates (10a, 10b), and a support shaft (14) that is passed through the through holes (10d) of the upper and lower steel plates (10a, 10b) and the coupling holes of the operation grip part (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Young-Sik Choi
  • Publication number: 20040205969
    Abstract: System of two types of shaving apparatus, each having a housing (1) on which a holder (2) for at least one cutting unit (3) can be mounted, which cutting unit comprises an external cutting element (4) and an internal cutting element (5) rotatably driven relative to the external cutting element, which cutting unit (3) can be detachably mounted in an opening (8) of the holder (2). The external cutting element (4) of only one of the two types of shaving apparatus is provided with at least one recess (11), and the holder (2) of the type of shaving apparatus in question is provided with at least one cam (12) which corresponds to the recess (11) of the external cutting element (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Sjoerd Haites, Hendrik Poel, Mattheus Jacobus Van Der Meer
  • Publication number: 20040205970
    Abstract: A glass cutter is provided which can reduce and stabilize the force applied to the cutter wheel by applying cutting pressure to the cutter wheel with a weight, and with which can reliably form scribe lines even if the size of the glass is large or the work position is unstable due to work environments. In a glass cutter having a cutter wheel on the cutter body, a bar is provided on the tip of the cutter body so as to be pivotable. A weight is mounted on the tip of the bar to apply cutting pressure to the cutter wheel, thereby reducing the force required during cutting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Asako Arai
  • Publication number: 20040205971
    Abstract: A layout device is used with an archery bow. The bow has a riser and a pair of flexible limbs extending oppositely from the riser. The layout device includes a frame with an arm configured for coupling with the riser. The arm has a longitudinal axis. An axial adjustment mechanism is carried by the frame, and is movable relative to the frame in a direction generally orthogonal to the longitidinal axis. A laser is carried by the axial adjustment mechanism. The laser is rotatable at least approximately 180° about a rotation axis extending generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Edgell Terry, Herman Sells, Marvin Hoover
  • Publication number: 20040205972
    Abstract: A laser level with adjustable laser projection line comprises a support bracket, a housing, a switch, a laser generator which project a fanned laser beam to the surface of the work piece to form a line, and wherein a rotating mechanism is coupled to rotate the laser generator thereby causing rotation of the line. There is also a positioning device to position the laser level on an arbitrary surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Chervon International Trading Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuming Wu
  • Publication number: 20040205973
    Abstract: An electronic inclination sensor is provided for the determination and display of surface inclination and the direction of such inclination. The information regarding the inclination and direction of inclination can be displayed such that an end user can readily and easily comprehend and use the information without additional interpretation. Further, when the inclination is displayed in decimal values, a large range of inclination angles can be displayed with significant accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Exelys LLC
    Inventor: Keith E. Barr
  • Publication number: 20040205974
    Abstract: A guide rail (21) having a guide surface for guiding sliding movement of a movable body (5) is monolithically formed on a base (2) of a measuring machine (1). A coating film for rust prevention is formed on the guide surface. With this feature, it is not necessary to attach the guide rail (21) as a discrete member to the base (2), so that a number of steps in the manufacture process and the production cost can be reduced. Further as the base (2) and the guide rail (21) are made of the same material, the bimetal effect does not occur, which insures the stability of the base (2) against changes due to aging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Ogura