Patents Issued in January 17, 2006
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Patent number: 6986408Abstract: A controller for a car/hall apparatus transfers an elevator operating program stored in a memory to an operating terminal through operating terminal communication unit and an operating terminal communication path, when necessary. The operating terminal which has received the elevator operating program executes this program to control an elevator car and a hoisting machine through the operating terminal communication path, the car/hall apparatus, a car/hall communication path, and a controlling apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nobukazu Takeuchi
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Patent number: 6986409Abstract: Apparatus for determining the position of an elevator car in an elevator shaft includes a resistance wire installed vertically in the elevator shaft, the wire having a first end supplied with an operating voltage and a second end supplied with a reference voltage; a voltage tap installed on the elevator car, the voltage tap having a contact which rides on the resistance wire between the ends; and a position sensing unit connected to the voltage tap by a measuring line.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Bucher Hydraulics AGInventor: Hugo Birbaumer
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Patent number: 6986410Abstract: A disc brake caliper for conversion of a motorcycle with a linked braking system to a trike integrates two or more separate sets of opposed braking cylinders and pads within a single housing. Braking cylinder sets are not connected to other braking cylinder sets within the housing. Each set of braking cylinders is connected to and actuated independently by a different master cylinder. At least two braking cylinder sets within a housing have different diameters, the diameters of each set being chosen to produce a desired amount of braking pressure in response to an expected amount of hydraulic pressure from a master cylinder actuating the set. Both the diameter of each braking cylinder set and ratio of diameters between different braking cylinder sets are chosen to produce the optimum rear wheel braking pressure allocation for a given braking control system and vehicle configuration with no changes to the master cylinders or the front wheel braking system.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Leisure Products, Inc.Inventors: Walter Joseph Simmons, William Dale Woolum
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Patent number: 6986411Abstract: An electromechanical brake has an electrical actuator which generates an actuation force and acts on at least one friction member in order to press said member to elicit a friction force against a rotational component, which is to be braked, of the brake. A self-boosting device is arranged between the friction member and the electrical actuator, said device serving to self-boost the actuation force generated by the electrical actuator, and having at least one wedge (12), which has a wedge surface (14) arranged at a wedge angle a and supported on a corresponding counter bearing (16). When the brake is actuated, the electrical actuator displaces the wedge (12) relative to the counter bearing (16) in an actuation direction (x) to press the friction component against the component, which is to be braked, of the brake.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: ESTOP GmbHInventors: Martin Schautt, Antonio Pascucci, Henry Hartmann
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Patent number: 6986412Abstract: A tuned cradle type damping deice which can be tuned with low-order (e.g., 1 Hz or lower) vibration, and exhibits higher performance for maintenance and inspection with a simple constitution than a conventional one. This tuned cradle type damping device comprises: a support having a circular-arc support surface which is at least a part of a circle; two swings positioned on both outsides of a center axis extending direction of the circular-arc support surface of the support; and two rollers which are rotatably supported on the circular-arc support surface to be rolled thereon and moved around the center axis thereof, and both ends of which are rotatably connected to the two swings to support the two swings.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignees: Tokai University Educational Systems, Nippon Comsys CorporationInventors: Yoji Shimazaki, Morio Obata, Wataru Morijiri
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Patent number: 6986413Abstract: Method for determining a present coil temperature of a coil of a magnetorheological (MR) damper of an operating automotive vehicle, wherein the coil is powered by an output of a controller connected to the coil through a conductor. One step includes calculating a coil-plus-conductor resistance from the voltage and the current of the output of the controller when the controller applies a test current to the coil and the conductor. Another step includes calculating the present coil temperature using at least the coil-plus-conductor resistance and compensating for the resistance of the conductor.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brandon J. Fedders, Roy Mwangi, David C Tsui, David Andrew Shal
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Patent number: 6986414Abstract: A hydraulic dashpot with a cylinder (1), a piston (4), and a bypass. The cylinder is charged with fluid. The piston partitions the cylinder into two compartments (7 & 8), travels back and forth therein on the end of a piston rod (2), and is provided with breaches and valves. The open cross-section of the bypass can be expanded and contracted and fixed in accordance with the direction the piston is traveling in, depending on whether the dashpot is in the compression or in the suction phase. The bypass is provided with an axially displaceable control component. One end of the control component comes to rest against a valve, its displacement being limited by stops. The bypass is accommodated in an axial bore through the piston rod. The bypass operates in conjunction with various outlets that open into the compartments. The control component is provided with at least one lateral flange and travels back and forth in at least one tube. The object is a smooth performance curve and low wear.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein GmbHInventors: Michael Hönig, Günter Poetsch, Hendrik Kloss, Stefan Mages
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Patent number: 6986415Abstract: A pressure plate assembly for a friction clutch includes a housing connectable with an abutment arrangement for rotation therewith about an axis of rotation. The housing has an outer axial side and an inner axial side. A pressure plate is mounted in the housing so that it faces the inner axial side. The pressure plate is rotatable with the housing about the axis of rotation. The pressure plate includes actuating sections which extend past a radially outer edge of the housing. An energy storage element is mounted on the outer side of the housing such that the energy storage device exerts a force on the actuating sections for urging the pressure plate away from the inner axial side. An assembly pretensioning arrangement is operative for holding the energy storage element in a pretensioned assembly position in which the energy storage device does not exert a force on the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: ZF Sachs AGInventors: Waldemar Mensch, Sebastian Vogt, Andreas Orlamünder
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Patent number: 6986416Abstract: Apparatus and methods for securely monitoring the sales transactions in bulk vending machines are disclosed, the apparatus operable with at least one bulk vending machine having a coin mechanism that conventionally includes a coin plate, a selectively rotatable handle having a shaft extending radially therefrom, and a coin shuttle. The apparatus of this invention includes a lobe bearing cam mountable at the shaft and an adapter/sensor having first and second switches and an output interface mounted thereon, the switches oriented relative to one another so that the maximum amount of normal backlash (reverse rotation) of the coin plate during vending is accommodated (is less than the angular spread between the switches). The apparatus further includes a microprocessor connectable with the switches through the output interface for counting and recording sales indicated by activation of both of the switches in order, and circuitry for identifying occurrences of apparatus tampering or fault.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: American Coin Merchandising, Inc.Inventor: Christopher E. Adams
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Patent number: 6986417Abstract: A transfer system includes transfer lines (L) each of which forms a closed loop and has transfer-in stations (S1 and S3) and transfer-out stations (S2 and S4) for assembling parts to a work, while circulating the work along the transfer line (L); and a work and part transfer passage (51) for transferring the work and the parts. Transfer-in stations (S1 and S3) and the transfer-out stations (S2 and S4) are disposed at each of the longitudinal ends of each of the transfer lines (L). Sub-transfer-passages (521 and 522) branching out rightward and leftward from the work and part transfer passage (51), are disposed along longitudinal sides of the transfer lines (L). With this layout, a plurality of the transfer lines (L) can be disposed in a required minimum space, while securing a smooth supply and discharge of the works and parts with respect to the plurality of the transfer lines L.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshihiro Nishizawa, Masami Mitsuhashi, Keiichi Kubota, Kouichi Ikeda, Hideo Murakami
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Patent number: 6986418Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner scraper blade for cleaning the surface of a conveyor belt and a method of manufacture of the scraper blade. The scraper blade includes a body having a base member adapted to be attached to a cross shaft of a conveyor belt cleaner and a scraping member which extends outwardly from the base member to a scraping tip. The scraper blade includes one or more electrical sensors that are embedded in an insert member. The insert member and the sensors are molded and embedded within the body of the scraper blade. Each of the sensors is adapted to provide an electrical output signal representing a physical condition of the scraper blade sensed by the sensor. A variety of sensor embodiments are described, as well as two embodiments of control and monitoring systems for use in conjunction with the various blade and sensor combinations.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventors: R. Todd Swinderman, Andrew J. Waters, Pablo F. Perez, Phillip E. Dietsch
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Patent number: 6986419Abstract: A belt conveyor having a first belt core, a reinforcing band on a lower surface of the first belt core, a second belt core on a lower surface of the reinforcing band so that the reinforcing band is arranged between the first belt core and the second belt core, and a rubber casing that surrounds the belt cores with the reinforcing band therebetween. The reinforcing band includes a plurality of wefts made of a rigid cord. The wefts are spaced from one another and extend transversely to a length of the belt so as to be substantially straight. The reinforcing band further has a plurality of warps each respectively woven with the plurality of wefts so as to form a mechanical woven structure. Each of the warps is tied together with each of the wefts by at least one respective knot in the warps at each of the wefts.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventor: Yukinobu Nishikita
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Patent number: 6986420Abstract: Modular plastic conveyor belts constructed of split belt modules. Each module includes a first piece and a second piece. Side-by-side first pieces mate with side-by-side second pieces to form a row of belt modules. Each row has sets of hinge eyes along opposite ends. Hinge pins extending through the hinge eyes at the ends of each row connect the pieces in the row together to adjacent belt rows. Other components, such as rollers, can be inserted into and removed from the unmated pieces and retained in place by retention structure when the module pieces are mated.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: David C. Weiser, Kyle J. Sedlacek, Andrew A. Corley
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Patent number: 6986421Abstract: In a packaging system for coiled goods, a length of flexible material is wound into a coil. A hole is extended diametrically through the coil and a rod is extended through the hole. Fasteners are secured to the opposite end of the rod to secure the flexible material in the coiled configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Olympic General CorporationInventors: Charles D. Allgood, Richard King
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Patent number: 6986422Abstract: An index card (10) holding device (12) to be attached to the surface of an object in a very convenient location which can be used to keep notes and record ideas when they are needed. The device allows the outer card being held to be in full view to the user. The outer end caps (18) are closely connected to the middle spacers (16) which are closely connected to the inner flat plate (14) in manner which creates a slot for holding 5 to 20 index cards (10) while allowing the cards to be removed and replaced easily. The thickness of the cards (10) being held creates the holding pressure against the inner flat plate piece (14) and the outer end caps (18). The shape of the middle spacers (16) prevents the cards from sliding out the back of the device. The present invention is attached to a surface by means of pressure sensitive adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Donald Jeffrey Boatwright
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Patent number: 6986423Abstract: An air bladder packing system having an inflatable center body and extensions therefrom. The center body is generally for placement on top of an item placed in an outside box while the fingers are designed for positioning in the spaces between the item and the walls of the box. After placement, the air bladder is inflated to span the space between the item and the box, thereby securely holding the item in the box and providing protection against shifting during transport and providing impact protection.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Joop Peterse, Eric van Melick, Raymond van den Hengel
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Patent number: 6986424Abstract: The storage and display package for batteries is a blister pack that can be secured in a vertical position on cabinet doors, sheds and RV walls. The package allows the user to access individual batteries from the front or top of the package, while the package is secured in such locations. The package may have a perforated, removable top section or a re-closeable flap on the front of the package. The package may alternatively include a clip that may be removed from the package and secured in the stated locations with the batteries held in the clip. The package may additionally include a reservoir formed in the front of the package that is adapted to receive the base ends of electric toothbrushes, in order to store the electric toothbrushes near the batteries.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: David J. Morrison
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Patent number: 6986425Abstract: Apparatus (10) and method to separate a loose mass formed by elements or materials (11) of different sizes, such as woody strands or wafers, comprising a separation chamber (13) into which the mass is inserted, a plurality of riddling rolls (16), mounted inside the chamber (13) rotating on axes of rotation parallel to each other and lying sybstantially on a same plane (X). Each of the riddling rolls (16) comprises a plurality of riddling elements (20), each of which is substantially square in shape, so as to form four cusps (22) in correspondence with the four tips of the square. The riddling elements (20) are adjacent to each other so that the cusps (22) form a plurality of grooves (24), and the riddling rolls (16) are axially staggered therebetween so that the cusps (22) of each roll (16) are constantly inserted, more or less deeply into the corresponding grooves (24) of the adjacent riddling roll (16), so as to define discharge apertures (25) with an alternated profile.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Pal SrlInventor: Romeo Paladin
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Patent number: 6986426Abstract: A filter assembly includes housing enclosing a replaceable filter element. A support core is provided in the housing, and includes an extension and locking assembly. The element includes a ring of filtration media with a pair of end caps. The first end cap includes a central opening to receive the support core. The extension and locking assembly prevents the cover of the housing from being attached to the housing body without a proper filter element installed. The extension and locking assembly includes a bypass member and a locking member, which are in locking engagement when an element is absent in the housing. The second end cap includes internal protrusions which engage the locking member when the filter element is installed to disengage the bypass member from the support core, and allow the element to be inserted and the cover to be installed.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Parker Intangibles Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Clausen, Steven R. Knight, Martin C. Maxwell
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Patent number: 6986427Abstract: A non-woven melt-blown filament medium includes a mass of essentially continuous melt-blown polymer filaments and an essentially continuous traversing melt-blown polymer filament extending through the mass. The mass has a depth dimension, a longitudinal dimension, and a latitudinal dimension. The mass includes a plurality of layers, each of the plurality of layers being generally oriented in the longitudinal and latitudinal dimensions. The traversing filament is generally oriented in the depth dimension and extends through at least one layer of the mass. In one embodiment, the mass is cylindrical in shape and the layers comprise concentric zones. The traversing filament is intentionally deposited and positioned to improve the physical properties of the mass.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Aune, Clinton V. Kopp, Michael J. Madsen, Philip M. Rolchigo, Travis G. Stifter
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Patent number: 6986428Abstract: The present invention includes a membrane construction for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The membrane construction includes a multi-layer fluid impermeable support sheet having a plurality of supports on at least one side of the support sheet that form a plurality of flow channels. At least one layer of the multi-layer support sheet is a bonding layer. A fluid permeable layer extends over the flow channels and is bonded to the plurality of the supports by the bonding layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jonathan F. Hester, Brian E. Spiewak, Philip D. Radovanovic, Stefan R. Reimann, Robert S. Kody
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Patent number: 6986429Abstract: The invention concerns an anti-microbial porous part based on a polymeric material grafted at the surface and in its volume with ammonium motifs with anti-microbial and/or bactericidal and/or fungicide activity, preferably benzalkonium. The invention is characterized in that it has a porosity sufficiently high to enable a liquid with compatible viscosity to pass through its structure and sufficiently low to trap contaminating germs within said structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Laboratoire Chauvin S.A.Inventors: Mohammad Naji, Bernard Pages, Jacques Lacombes
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Patent number: 6986430Abstract: Disclosed is a system for holding and organizing articles that provides for easy addition of new holding elements to the system without the need to disturb existing system elements. The system includes holding “clips” that are deployable on the system “rail” by inserting a portion of the clip through a slot in the rail, at substantially any point along the length of the slot. The clip then lockingly engages the rail at substantially any point along the length of the slot.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Meir Oren
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Patent number: 6986431Abstract: A storage and transportation cart having shelves and guide blocks adjustable along three axes to accommodate parts and workpieces of differing shapes and sizes and retain those workpieces in a vertical orientation.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Koester Metals, Inc.Inventors: Gary A. Koester, Randel C. Wise, Richard D. Stollsteimer, Mark E. Tyrrell
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Patent number: 6986432Abstract: A common E/F type draft sill is provided that accommodates either Type E or Type F draft gear components, including rotary coupler applications. The draft sill is preferably cast, but may also be fabricated. The common E/F draft sill is provided with a fixed, integral spring basket of a Type F draft sill to accommodate and house standard spring-biased spring basket support systems and accommodate standard Type F draft gear. Standard vertical connection of Type F draft gear is provided. The common draft sill is also provided with the horizontal keyslot of a Type E draft sill to also accommodate attachment of Type E draft gear. A drop-in E coupler support is also available that replaces the “spring basket” support system used with Type F draft gear so as to allow proper support of Type E draft gear. Additional standardization and reduction of specialized castings can be achieved by incorporating both body bolster pads and body bolster wings on the common draft sill.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: ASF-Keystone, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Limbach, Andrew G. Kurtyak, John F. Deppen, John F. Oesch
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Patent number: 6986433Abstract: A container equipped with a closure device that allows an object to be placed in said container, particularly for the purposes of manipulating it, or allows it to be withdrawn from said container, the closure device having a plane and comprising a closure mechanism that can deform elastically to change from a closed state of rest under no external stress to an open active state under an external stress. The closure mechanism can deform elastically and radially essentially in the plane of the closure device.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Agence Spatiale EuropeenneInventors: Nicholas Alan Timothy Colford, Frits Frederik DeJong
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Patent number: 6986434Abstract: The base part and lid part of a container closure joined by a living hinge have positioning members which engage to maintain the lid in a full open position or a partially open position short of the full open position. The positioning members flex to allow the lid part to be initially closed from an as-molded position beyond the full open position. A latch guide cams a latch into engagement to assure closure of the lid part.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventors: Stephen B. Getsy, Gary L. Mengeu, Frederick P. Minkemeyer, Dewey R. Carlile, Jr.
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Patent number: 6986435Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-heating container for heating consumable items such as food and beverages. The container assembly includes a star-shaped inner container for holding heating media that produces an exothermic reaction, and an outer container for holding a consumable item such as food and beverages. The inner container includes a thermally conductive polymer composition, and the outer container includes a heat-insulating material. The thermally conductive polymer composition includes a base polymer matrix and filler material.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.Inventors: E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
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Patent number: 6986436Abstract: Generally described, a storage container comprising a removable sleeve positively closely positioned around a receptacle is provided. When positioned on the receptacle, the ends of the sleeve overlap, and the outer overlapping portion is bonded or secured to at least one separation section within an inner overlapped portion. The separation section is defined at least partially by a scored line, with the scored line being a cut that penetrates a top portion of the sleeve. The sleeve is removed by pulling the outer edge of the sleeve radially outward thereby separating the top portion of the sleeve at the separation section from the remaining portion of the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Huhtamaki Consumer Packaging, Inc.Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
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Patent number: 6986437Abstract: A container and method of forming intimately bonded plastic components including a lower base with a closed bottom and an upstanding peripheral wall, and an upwardly extending ring telescopically engaged with the base and extending from a lower edge at an intermediate height on said base wall to an upper edge vertically spaced above the base wall to define three distinct zones along the height of the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.Inventors: Vincent Jalet, Robert H. C. M. Daenen, Victor J. J. Cautereels
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Patent number: 6986438Abstract: An insulating cup sleeve has a flat, elongated blank with straight top and bottom edges and end edges, and has a plurality of transverse slits that cut into the blank, spaced apart from each other and cut at least partway across the height of the blank, which slits serve to expand the sleeve around the circumference of the cup when the slits are situated along the upward edge of the sleeve. The transverse slits terminate at a larger area cut-out that disperses the tearing pressure at the end of the slit. The new insulating cup sleeve uses about 13.4% less material and takes up about 19.4% less physical space than the prior art sleeve, thus constituting substantial savings on materials and production cost, as well as on transportation and storage.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Bernard Leung
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Patent number: 6986439Abstract: A dispensing tip positioning and storing apparatus includes drum mechanisms that agitate dispensing tips, which are distributed by a tip distributor, using an agitation bar that rotates about a horizontal axis and discharge the dispensing tips while the postures of the dispensing tips are almost aligned with the horizontal axis, tip direction aligning mechanisms that align the dispensing tips, which are discharged from the drum mechanisms, in such a manner that the distal ends of the dispensing tips point downward, a conveying mechanism that sequentially conveys the dispensing tips whose directions are aligned by the tip direction aligning mechanisms, to a given position by a common conveying lane, and a tip inserting mechanism that inserts the dispensing tips, which are sequentially conveyed to the given position by the conveying mechanism, into a tip holding rack in a predetermined manner.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Teruaki Itoh
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Patent number: 6986440Abstract: An escapement system for orienting a plurality of fasteners includes a housing member including a first station and a second station, and a drum member operably coupled with the housing member and adapted to move a fastener from the first station to the second station. The escapement system also includes a first seating assembly adapted to abuttingly engage the fastener at the first station and seat the fastener against the datum surface, wherein a selected one of the housing member and the drum member includes the datum surface. The escapement system further includes a first probe assembly separate from the first seating assembly and including a first probe member adapted to abuttingly engage the fastener and a first proximity switch operably coupled with the first probe, wherein the first proximity switch is configured to indicate proper alignment on the fastener within the first station.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Airway Automation, Inc.Inventors: John E. Ammond, Timothy P. Coggins, Phil A. Lang
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Patent number: 6986441Abstract: A system and method for calibrating fluid detects an actual fluid dispensing characteristic, such as dispensing speed, and automatically adjusts the dispensing characteristic to match an ideal dispensing characteristic. The adjustment is conducted by a controller that controls fluid dispensing based on a function that correlates dispensing speed, a dispensed volume, and a dispensing time. The function allows calibration to occur automatically by converging system operation to the ideal dispensing characteristic, without requiring a user to calibrate the system through manual iterative methods.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.Inventors: Joseph John Scordato, James J. Minard, Roger Roady
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Patent number: 6986442Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-chambered dispenser for blending and dispensing a customized liquid product such as a liquid cosmetic foundation. The dispenser includes a device for selecting a customized liquid formula; a plurality of cartridges separately containing pre-mix compositions for the customized liquid product; at least one ink jet head in fluid communication with the cartridges; a central processing unit for processing the customized liquid formula and activating the ink jet head; whereby the ink jet head dispenses the pre-mix compositions in accordance with the customized liquid formula to provide a customized liquid product.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Steven P. Engel, Jesse C. Leverett, Prakash Desai, Michael K. Brown
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Patent number: 6986443Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. Various different dosing and/or dispensing embodiments are disclosed which enable the liquid to be dosed or dispensed by gravity from the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Rodney Laible
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Patent number: 6986444Abstract: The disclosure provides a fluid-tight, but non-releasable or only under a large force releasable connection between the delivery device of a dispenser and the medium reservoir of the dispenser. For the discharge of a fluid, preferably liquid medium, which can in particular contain a pharmaceutical substance, such a dispenser has at least two parts, firstly a medium container for storing the medium and secondly a delivery device fastenable to the medium container. For fastening together the medium container and the delivery device, fastening portions are formed on both parts. In the fastening portion there is a gap between the medium container and the delivery device. An elastically deformable ring fastener, preferably as a layer on the outside of the delivery device, is provided and its wall thickness, prior to installation, is larger than the gap dimension.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbHInventor: Karl-Heinz Fuchs
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Patent number: 6986445Abstract: A backpack and chair apparatus with the ability to convert between a balanced backpack and a structurally rigid chair of normal household size. The conversion requires only nominal assembly and effort, does not disrupt the pack load or its accessibility, and requires no tools or separate parts. This advantageously increases the simplicity of pack stowage and the availability of a chair upon demand by those who would otherwise tote a separate chair within or upon a backpack.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: James A. Stockman
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Patent number: 6986446Abstract: A mounting apparatus for supporting an article, such as a weapon within a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Pro-gard Products, LLCInventors: Kurt R. Murray, Jeffrey T. Bounds
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Patent number: 6986447Abstract: A tote bag apparatus for securing a telecommunication device within a passenger vehicle between a pair of seats. The tote bag apparatus includes an inner bag having a generally rectangular shape, a partial rear panel, a front opening for receiving a telecommunication device, a top panel has one or more adjustable closure flaps for opening and closing the top panel for adjusting the size of the interior space of the inner bag; and an outer tote bag having a generally rectangular space, an outer rear panel and an outer top panel have an outer flap and a first outer flap opening for receiving the inner bag and telecommunication device within the outer bag interior space of the outer tote bag, an outer front panel has a front outer flap and a second outer flap opening for accessing the telecommunication device therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Motion Systems, LLCInventor: Peggy Truong
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Patent number: 6986448Abstract: A novel nosepiece for a fastener driving tool for driving fasteners for holding and spacing an object at a predetermined distance from a substrate are provided, wherein the fastener driving tool has a housing, a driver blade within the housing for driving the fasteners, and a power source for driving the driver blade, and each of the fasteners includes a bridge portion, a first prong extending in a driving direction from the bridge portion, a second prong spaced from the first prong and extending generally parallel thereto in the driving direction from the bridge portion, wherein the second prong is substantially shorter than the first prong, the nosepiece comprising, a trailing end coupled to the housing of the fastener driving tool, a substrate contacting end, a channel for axially guiding the driver blade and the fastener in a driving direction toward the substrate, a slot proximate the substrate contacting end laterally extending into the channel for receiving the object, and a curved ramp within the chanType: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Geronimo E. Lat, Joseph Righter, Jr., Francis D. O'Connor
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Patent number: 6986449Abstract: A staple-former (11) in a stapler (1) that uses a driver blade (10) to drive staples (17), preferably into a sheaf of paper (16). The stapler contains a magazine (7) of staple blanks (8). A feed device (6) advances staple blanks onto an integral bending die (15) for bending into staple shape. Each staple has a first and a second leg (18, 19) and a crown portion (20). The staple-former (11) includes first and second leg-bending parts (24, 26) and crown-forming part (28). A staple forms when a drive device (12, 13, 14), moves the leg-bending parts (24, 26) and the crown-forming part over the bending die (15) causing a staple blank (8) to assume a staple shape. The staple-former then reciprocates to its starting positions, the staple advances to the driver blade (10), and a biasing element (32) urges the crown-forming part (28) away from the staple-former (11).Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Isaberg Rapid ABInventors: Olle Strååt, Marcus Borjesson
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Patent number: 6986450Abstract: Fastener insertion apparatus comprises a nose having a fastener delivery passage and side entry port. Fasteners such as rivets are supplied to the nose via a fastener supply passage and a fastener feeder assembly. A punch reciprocally disposed for movement in the delivery passage drives a fastener disposed in the delivery passage out of the passage and into a workpiece. The feeder assembly comprises a gate that is movable between retracted and advanced positions. In the retracted position it is clear of the supply passage and the delivery passage so as to permit movement of a fastener from the supply passage to the delivery passage. In the advanced position it at least partially closes the supply passage so as to prevent movement of a fastener and it projects into the delivery passage through the entry port so as to retain a fastener, if present, in the delivery passage. Sensors are provided to detect the position of the gate.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Henrob LimitedInventors: Shane Peter Matthews, Stuart Blacket, Wojciech Gostylla
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Patent number: 6986451Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventors: Dominick L. Mastri, Frank J. Viola, Thomas W. Alesi, Jr., Robert J. Geiste, Jon Wilson
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Patent number: 6986452Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for joining aluminum allow panels (eg. 2090-T83 aluminum lithium alloy). The method preliminarily positions two panels and skin panels next to each other so that a stringer panel overlaps a skin panel. A friction stir weld pin tool penetrates through one panel and at least partially into another panel. The panel material around the pin tool is frictionally heated, plasticized and joined until the faying surface is substantially consumed. In another embodiment, a tee-shaped structure is formed using friction stir welding to join three panels together. A projecting part of one panel (center, vertical) provides material that becomes a contoured corner panel below two side, horizontal panels after friction stir welding is completed (FIGS.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Brian J. Dracup, William J. Arbegast
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Patent number: 6986453Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a ceramic part to a metal part by heating a component assembly comprised of the metal part, the ceramic part, and a very thin essentially pure interlayer material of a compatible interlayer material placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is greater than the temperature of the eutectic formed between the metal part and the metal interlayer material, but that is less than the melting point of either the interlayer material, the ceramic part or the metal part. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a hermetic and strong bond between the ceramic part and the metal part. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove any residual free nickel and nickel salts, to assure a biocompatible component assembly for implantation in living tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific ResearchInventors: Guangqiang Jiang, Kate E. Purnell, Gary D. Schnittgrund
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Patent number: 6986454Abstract: An electronic package (10) is provided which includes a circuit board (12) having a substrate (14) and circuitry (16) and a surface mount device (22) having a contact terminal (24). A mounting pad (28) is formed on the circuit board (12). The electronic package (10) also includes a solder joint (30) connecting the contact terminal (24) of the surface mount device (22) to the mounting pad (28) on the circuit board (12). The solder joint (30) includes a reflowable solder and a plurality of stand-off members (32 or 42). The stand-off members (32 or 42) provide a separation distance (H) between the circuit board (12) and surface mount device (22) in the range of about 0.01 mm to 0.10 mm.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Morris D Stillabower
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Patent number: 6986455Abstract: A file folder includes a base sheet having two slits to form two ears, and a flap extended from the base sheet. A clip includes a base plate having two side portions engageable between the ears of the base sheet, and includes a clamping plate and a bow formed between the base plate and the clamping plate. The ears of the base sheet may guide the base plate of the clip to move relative to the base sheet, and to prevent the base plate from being disengaged from the base sheet. The middle portion of the base plate will not be engaged or blocked by the ears of the base sheet, to allow the clip to be easily moved forwardly and rearwardly relative to the base sheet.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Ken Jui Su
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Patent number: 6986456Abstract: The packing box includes a bottom containment box comprising a containment space and a bottom base, the bottom base comprising two first length-wise flaps and two first width-wise flaps; a loop clamped between the length-wise flap and the width-wise flap of the bottom base and forming two lifting loops; and a cover box for covering the bottom containment box, the cover box comprising a containment room and a top cover, the top cover comprising two second length-wise flaps and two second width-wise flaps, each second width-wise flap having two slots.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Tatung Co., Ltd.Inventor: Main-Dar Jone
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Patent number: 6986457Abstract: A packaging case is provided for containing at least one container. The case has a first sheet and a second sheet. The first sheet forms a first vertical panel of the case having a first edge with a first bead and a second edge with a second bead, the second edge being opposite the first edge, a first horizontal panel of the case having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, and a second vertical panel of the case having a first edge with a first bead and a second edge with a second bead, the second edge being opposite the first edge.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Pat O'Connell, Rob Beeson, Dave Cargile