With Material Confining Portion Patents (Class 242/615.3)
  • Patent number: 7238918
    Abstract: A welding gun power pin for attaching a welding gun to a power block of a welding system. The welding gun power pin includes a generally cylindrical pin body, and insertion stop member, and a withdrawal stop member which defines a withdrawal stop member length dimension. A channel extends into the outer circumferential surface of the pin body, generally separates the pin body from the withdrawal stop member, and is adapted and configured to accept a generally rigid projection member therein, whereby to mechanically resist withdrawal of the welding gun power pin from the remainder of the welding system. The channel defines a channel width dimension which has a magnitude that is less than the magnitude of the withdrawal stop member length dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Matiash
  • Patent number: 7234394
    Abstract: A chute corner assembly with a spring loaded chute liner for use in a strapping machine comprises a recess for receiving an end of an adjacent chute liner, a chute liner spring plate for engaging the end of the chute liner, a spring for biasing the chute liner away from the chute corner assembly and towards an opposite chute corner. The chute corner assembly of the present invention is used connection with a chute liner to eliminate the gap between the corner assembly and the chute liner, and to simultaneously dynamically eliminate any gap between the chute liner and the opposite chute corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Lemuel J. Bell, Jr., Ronald W. Gurak
  • Patent number: 7222565
    Abstract: A device and method for changing the orientation of an object. One such device includes a twist neck that is used in strapping machines. The twist neck includes an ingress portion, which includes an ingress opening formed therein, and a middle portion. The middle portion includes a pathway formed therein. The pathway has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of a strap that is used in the strapping machine. A strap is urged into the ingress opening in a first orientation and into the pathway, which itself is in a second orientation. When the strap exits the egress opening, it will be in the second orientation. A user can manipulate the orientation of the associated strap by changing the orientation of the pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Calvin E. Kasel
  • Patent number: 7222816
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use with a dispenser housing for rolled sheet material to provide reliable dispensing of sheet material therefrom is provided. The apparatus is adapted for a dispenser housing which includes a roll support configured to hold at least one cylindrical roll of sheet material and a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes an exit port to permit sheet material to be withdrawn therefrom. The cylindrical roll of sheet material is desirably mounted on a portion of the roll support. The roll includes opposing flat surfaces and an outer circumference, the apparatus comprises a guide roller including an elongated central portion positioned between two opposing ends and a flange positioned near each end of the guide roller. The central portion is configured to be positioned adjacent the outer circumference of a roll of sheet material when the roll is a new roll disposed in the dispenser housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Lewis Clark
  • Patent number: 7220942
    Abstract: A device is provided for feeding an endless welding wire stored in a first container in a first coil generally concentric with a first vertical axis and a second container in a second coil generally concentric with a second vertical axis spaced longitudinally from the first axis in a given direction. The novel device including a track element extending in a path generally including the coil axes and extending above the coils in the given direction. A grommet, with a vertical wire receiving guide opening, is mounted on a support mechanism carried by the track element for movement of the grommet above the coils and along the path of the track element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Barton, Michael A. Carroscia, Christopher Hsu
  • Patent number: 7210646
    Abstract: A cord seat assembly includes a seat, a spool rotatably supported by the seat, and a cord. The seat includes an end wall and a through-hole in a bottom thereof. The cord extends through the through-hole of the seat. The cord is wound around the spool and includes an end fixed to a first end of the spool. The end wall of the seat includes a lateral extension wall extending from a side of the end wall along a lateral side of the seat. The lateral extension wall is adjacent to the through-hole and includes a guiding face facing a second end of the spool. The cord that has passed through the through-hole abuts against and is guided by the guiding face onto the spool when the spool is turned in the retrieving direction of the cord, avoiding the cord from overlapping or getting stuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Mu-Chuam Hsu
  • Patent number: 7208698
    Abstract: A power block for holding a welding gun power pin has a receiving structure which defines a bore which receives and holds a welding gun power pin. The power block further includes a projection movable between at least a first position and a second position. When the projection is in the first position, the projection extends at least partially into the receiving structure cavity. When the projection is in the second position, the projection generally does not extend into the receiving structure cavity. In some embodiments, the projection has a generally straight line distal edge. In other embodiments, the projection has a generally arcuate distal edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Matiash
  • Patent number: 7204401
    Abstract: A web material feeding apparatus has a suction plate 24 provided near an outlet of a reservoir box 2. The suction plate 24 can be shifted in the direction across a feeding path for tip paper C, by operation of a motor 76. The feeding apparatus also has a sensor unit 96 provided at the upstream side of a receiving drum 12. The sensor unit 96 supplies a detection signal to a controller 120. When the controller 120 detects meandering of the tip paper C on the basis of the detection signal supplied from the sensor unit 96, the controller 120 actuates the motor 76 to shift the suction plate 24 to thereby correct the meandering of the tip paper C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Hisao Suzuki, Syozo Horikawa, Hiroshi Okamoto, Takayuki Irikura, Hiroyuki Yoshinari
  • Patent number: 7172153
    Abstract: A molded body is tightly fitted to the wire guide block on the side facing the collet and laterally to the guide groove that is braced against the collet via attachment media coming in from the side of the collet and is attached to the latter in a wire guide for a wire processing machine, in particular a spring manufacturing machine. It is also used to guide a wire feed to wire processing tools and is attached to a wire guide block with a collet, thereby forming a guide groove for the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: WAFIOS Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Norbert Speck
  • Patent number: 7168393
    Abstract: A leash assembly having a strap or leash that can be reeled or unreeled for walking animals. The assembly has a handle and a housing attached thereto in which the strap is arranged on a turnable roller device for being reeled or unreeled. The assembly also includes a brake key that can stop and prevent rotation of the roller device to restrict a part of the strap extending externally of the housing to a desired length. In addition, the assembly includes an exit opening through which the strap extends externally of the housing. Preferably, the exit opening is formed as a slit, and the slit has a central region along its longitudinal extension that has an enlarged opening porfion extending laterally from at least one side of the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Flexi-Bogdahn Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Bogdahn, Steffen Wuensche
  • Patent number: 7131609
    Abstract: A dispenser adapted to dispense sheet material therefrom is provided and includes a housing including a base and a cover. The base includes a platform configured to support sheet material. The platform includes a dispensing disk and the platform has an outer perimeter intersected by a slot thereby providing an opening into the platform and dispensing disk. The housing is formed to include an exit port spaced apart from the platform and dispensing disk. The cover includes a rotatable disk having a plurality of user interchangeable dispensing slots of differing diameters intersecting an outer periphery of the rotatable disk. Sheet material positioned on the platform flows through the dispensing opening of the dispensing disk and through a selected one of the plurality of dispensing slots. The selected one of the plurality of dispensing slots is aligned with the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul Lewis, Paul Francis Tramontina, Randy LeCates
  • Patent number: 7124980
    Abstract: The wire spool guide assembly is a conduit through which wire is dispensed in a controlled and orderly manner. The assembly has at least one wire spool guide, a handle bar and a spindle. The spindle may be a single spindle or part of a wire spool cart. The spindle is used to hold wire spools and the handle bar. The handle bar serves to hold the guide. The guide includes an eyebolt rotatably mounted to a support frame via a ball bearing. The eyebolt guides wire as it is dispensed from the spool acquiescing to the direction of the user's pull. Friction, created as wire is pulled through the eyebolt, slows the speed at which the spool rotates on the spindle. The frame of the guide, however, is fixed on the handle bar by a fastener disposed at a bottom end of the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: James Giovannoni
  • Patent number: 7111547
    Abstract: A tying device and method of assembling same is disclosed. The tying device has a wire guide member adapted for mounting on an upper platen of a baling press. The wire guide member includes a top wall and side walls depending laterally from the top wall to form a channel. A door is pivotally mounted to one of the side walls, and the door having an inner, forward edge extending generally perpendicular to the side walls for guiding the wire tie into the channel. A removable wear insert is mounted to one of the side walls and has a cutout adapted to receive a portion of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Barton W. Daniel
  • Patent number: 7104492
    Abstract: A cable winder guide is disclosed comprising a cylindrical drum having a cylindrical surface with a shaft rotatably mounting the cylindrical drum. A drive is provided for rotating the cylindrical drum about the shaft. A helical groove is defined in the cylindrical surface of the drum for retrieving and releasing the cable upon rotation of the cylindrical drum. A cable retainer is disclosed for resiliently engaging the cable when the cable is located within the helical groove for maintaining the cable within the helical groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Deco Power Lift, Inc.
    Inventors: George Massell, Richard Massell
  • Patent number: 7100861
    Abstract: A position sensor and sensor assembly having a spool onto which is wound a plurality of individual windings to make up a cable coil. A free end of the cable extends through a guide for attachment to an object whose position is desired to be sensed. The cable passes through an elongated slot formed the guide and which is preferably formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis of rotation of the spool. By means of the elongated slot, the individual windings can be wound about the spool without successive windings overlapping each other. The elongated slot further has an internal surface that has a minimum radius to prevent the cable from making too small a bend during the winding function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Glasson
  • Patent number: 7040568
    Abstract: A dispenser adapted to dispense sheet material is provided and includes a housing including a platform configured to support a sheet material thereon. The platform includes a slot, and an adjustable orifice configured to alter a size of the slot is provided as well. The housing is formed to include an exit port which is spaced-apart from the platform. When sheet material is disposed in the dispenser, it flows on a generally serpentine path from the platform and through the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul Lewis, Paul Francis Tramontina
  • Patent number: 7007929
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wire stranding roller and a new method for the same, in a LP insulator being mounted at a cross arm of pin long column and insulating and supporting a high voltage wire, which drastically improves workability and greatly reduces construction cost because the location of a wire don't need to be changed after the stranding and wire pulling, which is easy to work with and is very effective in reducing labor cost and preventing a safety accident because it can easily perform wiring and removing works no matter how large the weight of the wires would be, which is capable of precisely adjusting a dip (degree in which the wire hangs down) because the wire are placed on an insulator, which is to be mounted, during a wire pulling work and also which can solve the problem of securing a work space when carrying out the work applying and uninterruptible method by forming a open-and-shut roller capable of wire insertion and a wire stranding roller consisting of an insulator coupling openi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Daewon Electric Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Sae-Won Kwon
  • Patent number: 6915982
    Abstract: A single reel data storage tape cartridge is described that includes a housing having a tape access window. A single tape reel assembly is rotatably disposed within the housing and includes a hub about which a storage tape is wrapped. A tape guide is disposed within the housing adjacent the single tape reel assembly, opposite the tape access window, and is configured to define a pathway of the storage tape from the single tape reel assembly to the tape access window and limit lateral motion of the storage tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mewes, Michael E. Reard, Jerome D. Brown, G. Phillip Rambosek, Geoffrey A. Lauinger, James L. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 6873495
    Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing device (1) includes at least one tape guide (10) having a guide wall (13) and guide flanges (14, 15) projecting beyond the guide wall (13). The guide wall and guide flanges are coated with a coating (21) of zirconium nitride or titanium nitride. This results in the tape guide having a high wear resistance and a high resistance to the deposition of material abraded from the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignees: Hewlett-Packard Ltd., Jabil Circuit Cayman, LP
    Inventor: Catherine Dinhobl
  • Patent number: 6869040
    Abstract: A method, a system and an arrangement for handling component tapes in connection with mounting components onto circuit boards in a component mounting machine are disclosed, which utilizes a carrier for carrying component tapes. Each component tape is held by a component tape reel. The component mounting machine utilizes component magazines from which components, carried by the component tape, are supplied for use in a mounting process of the component mounting machine. The component tape of each component tape reel is loaded into a tape guide for guiding the component tape in the component mounting machine, and the component tape reels are arranged in the carrier, which thereaft is placed in the magazine. The tape guides are then mounted in the magazine such that the component tape loaded therein may interact with feeding devices provided in the magazine. Thereby, the magazine is loaded with components and prepared for the ensuing mounting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Mydata Automation AB
    Inventor: Eric Esk{dot over (a)}ng
  • Patent number: 6851644
    Abstract: Continuous photo film includes a support of resin film having a back surface. A photosensitive layer of photographic emulsion is disposed on a surface of the support opposite to the back surface. A conveying roller conveys the continuous photo film. The conveying roller includes a roller body of metal. A hardness reinforcer layer is formed on a surface of the roller body by thermal spraying of ceramic or cermet, so that the roller body surface is prevented from being scratched or ground by the back surface of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Sanda, Takashi Kubo, Hideki Matsuzawa, Masayoshi Wada
  • Patent number: 6824033
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tape feeder for supplying plural electronic components arranged and mounted to a tape in turn comprising: a main frame; a shutter installed to an upper portion of the main frame for opening and closing a component discharge opening of the electronic components; first and second sprocket wheels installed to a lower portion of the shutter for moving the tape received the electronic components by a predetermined pitch; a rotating latch connected to the first and second sprocket wheels for rotating the first and second sprocket wheels; plural levers connected to a side of the rotating latch for driving the rotating latch; an eccentric cam having a taper formed at its side constructed rotatably for driving the rotating lever; a shutter lever constructed for performing the forward and backward movement of the shutter by the driving of the eccentric cam; and a manual lever for moving the tape by one pitch by a worker when an initial work is set to supply the electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Mirae Corporation
    Inventor: Chong Pil Chon
  • Publication number: 20040232276
    Abstract: A garden hose and cord guide has been developed which can be inserted into the ground and keeps the hose or cord from damaging the garden environment. The garden hose and cord guide has the advantages of being easy to use, height adjustable, and allows for free and natural movement of the cord or hose if needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Mitch Ferris
  • Patent number: 6814327
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a vacuum hose and a pressure hose of a carpet cleaning system to a support. In one embodiment, the support is secured to a railing structure of a building or dwelling. The vacuum hose and pressure hose are extended from a base unit to the support which is secured to the railing structure. Both the vacuum hose and the pressure hose are secured or clamped within the support such that both hoses are supported and held intermediately between the base unit and an application wand. This method of supporting vacuum and pressure hoses of a carpet cleaning system is particularly useful when cleaning floors and carpets on levels above ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: John D. Myer, II
  • Publication number: 20040104299
    Abstract: The invention provides an over-end take off device (OETO) for unwinding elastomeric fiber. The invention further provides a method for unwinding elastomeric fiber for downstream processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel J. Heaney, Jon P. Graverson, Dennis Hicks, Kenneth E. Martin
  • Patent number: 6695247
    Abstract: A holder for a paper roll with axial dispensing of the paper from the roll, includes a housing which has an end wall provided with a dispensing opening and tear elements extending around the periphery of the opening. The holder includes members for rotating the web of paper being drawn from a paper roll, which is disposed in the housing, relative to the paper roll in dependence of the length of paper web being drawn out of the dispensing opening, said members being disposed within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Urban Widlund
  • Patent number: 6695048
    Abstract: A tubing guide for directing coiled tubing through an injector apparatus and into a well. The tubing guide comprises a frame, which is also referred to as a tubing carrier, extending from a base. The shape of the tubing guide changes depending upon the natural radius of curvature of the tubing. The tubing carrier will conform to provide a path for the coiled tubing that more nearly approximates the residual radius of curvature of the coiled tubing. The carrier has a plurality of segments pivotably connected to one another. The segments can pivot and thus the carrier itself can move from a fully retracted position to a fully rotated position. In the fully rotated position, the carrier can approximate a radius larger than that in the fully closed position. The segments are allowed to pivot or rotate as the tubing is passing therethrough so that the shape of the carrier is continually adjusting so as to provide a more natural path for the coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Nathan Andersen, Larry Lance Austbo
  • Patent number: 6668473
    Abstract: A device for suspending posters comprises a poster web that can be driven back and forth between two rolls with longitudinal tensioning in the direction of transport. The rolls are arranged one on top of the other. Each of the lateral longitudinal edges of the web extend in the transport direction. To avoid annoying fluttering of the poster web in wind and weather, a holding device is associated as a lateral guide for the web between the rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Distec GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Schoening
  • Patent number: 6666365
    Abstract: A micro device feeder is provided which is adjustable to accommodate micro devices supplied on tapes with different widths. A mounting plate has a movable drive plate slidably mounted thereto. An input mechanism on the movable drive plate receives micro devices contained in a tape. A sprocket engages and advances the tape under motor drive. A feeder width adjustment mechanism allows for movement of the movable drive plate relative to the mounting plate for adjusting the sprocket to accommodate tapes with different widths where the distance between the tape and sprocket centerlines change. The feeder width adjustment mechanism includes a pin coupled to the mounting plate, a securing device coupled to the movable drive plate and is capable of moving along the pin, and a locking mechanism capable of securing the securing device to the pin to lock the movable drive plate relative to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Data I/O Corporation
    Inventor: Dmitry Feldman
  • Publication number: 20030218092
    Abstract: A tape guide in which the corner geometry between the flanges and the hub prevents the tape from abruptly bumping the flange and in which the corner is coated with a very hard wear resistant material such as zirconium nitride, tungsten carbide, silicon nitride, chromium nitride or diamond like carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: James C. Anderson, Darin D. Lindig, Jeffrey S. McAllister, Carl R. Hoerger, Catherine Dinhobl, Martin Haupt, Josef Summer
  • Patent number: 6644581
    Abstract: A winding flange guide (10) is utilized to provide a better quality wind of a strand media. The guide (10) has a first flange (12) and a second flange (13) which constrain the movement of the outer wraps of the tape pancake formed by the tape media. The winding flange guide (10) is utilized in a servo writer (20), tape cartridge (40, 60) and tape drive (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Plourde, Helen J. Yoo, William R. Qualls
  • Patent number: 6634534
    Abstract: In a web guidance device, particularly for a continuous form printer device, deflection seat is provided around which a recording medium web is guided in a conveying direction. A lateral guide roller influences the recording medium web with a laterally acting force in a region of a deflection seat such that the recording medium web lies against the lateral detent. A planarly acting hold-down element is provided in a region of a lateral guide roller, the hold-down element pressing the recording medium web onto the deflection seat with a specific pressing power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Océ Printing Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Frodl, Axel Herbst
  • Patent number: 6631870
    Abstract: A method of transferring component tape information to a component mounting machine, a tape guide for guiding a component tape in a component mounting machine, and a tape magazine for receiving the tape guide. The tape guide is arranged for quick and ready attachment and detachment into and from the component mounting machine. The loading and/or unloading of a component tape into and from the tape guide can be performed away from the component mounting machine. The ability to be releasably mounted is achieved by providing the tape guide with a lock that enables ready and quick attachment and detachment to an interacting lock in a component mounting machine, or in a tape magazine arranged for insertion into a component mounting machine, and a guide for guiding the component tape. The tape guide further includes an identifier for holding the identity of the tape guide, which can be associated with information relating to the component tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Mydata Automation AB
    Inventor: Johan Bergström
  • Patent number: 6629667
    Abstract: A dispenser adapted to dispense sheet material therefrom includes a housing configured to support a sheet material product therein which has an exit port. The dispenser also includes at least a removable orifice plate for controlling the movement of sheet material from the housing through the exit port. Methods of using and adjusting a dispenser having a removable orifice plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Francis Tramontina
  • Patent number: 6626391
    Abstract: A line dispenser for a retractable fence which includes a housing for holding a spool of line, the housing having a hole for communicating the line outside the housing; a crank for rotating the spool to bring the line into the housing through the hole; and a tube located within the hole. The line extends through the tube so that the tube applies a tension on the line as the line is reeled in and pulled out of the housing. This device provides a fence which is substantially tangle-free as the line is reeled into and pulled out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Lake Restoration, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Kretsch, Alan W Cibuzar
  • Patent number: 6609675
    Abstract: A desoldering wick dispenser In an embodiment of combined package and tube, the package has a funnel shaped housing containing a coil of desoldering wick. An end portion of the desoldering wick extends through and beyond the outer end of a tube extending from the center of the housing. The coil of desoldering wick is a spiral having a conical shape approximately complementary to the end of the housing. Alternatively, the coil may be a helically wound spool of wick in a somewhat more elongated tubular housing. The end of the wick extending through the tube is drawn from the center of the coil. The tube may be metal or plastic and may be a continuous or split tube, or formed from a helically coiled wire. The wick is manipulated by the tube when used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Plato Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Strater
  • Patent number: 6588295
    Abstract: Device for guiding a cable set arranged at a manipulator equipped with a control device where the cable set forms an external loop/a slack in the transition between a first and a second manipulator part joined by a link including a guiding device that freely surrounds the cable set characterized in that the guiding device can be opened and includes a suspension device so that it can be suspended to rotate freely in the link section between the two manipulator parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventor: Dan Salomonsson
  • Patent number: 6575397
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing sheet material includes a housing having a chamber configured to hold sheet material and an access door configured to provide both access to the chamber and closure to the chamber. The housing includes a dispensing member supported by the access door. The dispensing member has a first panel and a second panel. At least one panel moves so that the opening in the first panel and the exit port in the second panel align to permit sheet material to be threaded therethrough for loading, and at least one panel moves so that the opening and exit port are moved out of alignment for dispensing the sheet material. A method of installing sheet material in a dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Francis Tramontina, Richard Paul Lewis
  • Publication number: 20030089819
    Abstract: A tape guide that has textured surface over which the tape passes. The textured surface has a surface roughness exceeding the flying height of the tape above the surface. This new irregular surface topography reduces the air bearing and allows limited contact between the tape guide and the tape while minimizing tape distortion that can occur with other surface topographies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Darrel R. Bloomquist, Judy Bloomquist
  • Patent number: 6557796
    Abstract: A desoldering wick dispenser includes a conventional wick package in the form of a bowl with a central hub and a flat cover mounted on the hub and having a gap between the edge of the cover and the outer edge of the bowl. A desoldering wick is coiled in the bowl around the hub and an end portion passes through the gap is drawn through a tube so that an end of the wick extends beyond the end of the tube. The wick is manipulated by the tube when used. In an embodiment of combined package and tube, the package has a funnel shaped housing containing a coil of desoldering wick. An end portion of the desoldering wick extends through a tube extending from the center of the housing. The coil of desoldering wick is a spiral having a conical shape approximately complementary to the end of the housing. Alternatively, the coil may be a helically wound spool of wick in a somewhat more elongated tubular housing. The end of the wick extending through the tube is drawn from the center of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Plato Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Strater
  • Publication number: 20030075639
    Abstract: A payout tube for insertion in a radial hole of a wound coil of filamentary material and the radial hole extending from the inner to the outer wind of the wound coil, the payout tube including an entrance and an exit opening in coaxial and spaced relationship with one another; the size of the entrance opening is determined by the following:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Windings Inc.
    Inventors: Frank W. Kotzur, Aaron Harman
  • Patent number: 6550658
    Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus having at least one guide arrangement that facilitates recording and reproduction even when a tape edge comes into contact with an end flange of the guide arrangement. The guide arrangement structure preferable is in the form of a tape guide roller, for guiding a record carrier in the guide arrangement. There is at least one damping projection in the area of the guide surface. The damping projection extends in tangential directions of the guide surface and is adapted to damp axial relative movements of the record carrier with respect to the guide arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Ewald Fraberger
  • Patent number: 6540170
    Abstract: A multiple coil dispenser supports a pair of coils for dispensing a flexible material from one of the coils. The dispenser includes a frame and at least one coil support for supporting the coils for rotation. A fixed arm is mounted to the frame and includes a plurality of rollers positioned longitudinally therealong. A movable arm is pivotally mounted to the frame for movement toward and away from the fixed arm. The movable arm has a plurality of rollers positioned longitudinally therealong and is biased away from the fixed arm. A bifurcated chute directs the strapping material from one of the coils to the arms. A brake assembly is operably connected to the movable arm between an engaged position when the movable arm is moved away from the fixed arm and a disengaged position when the movable arm is moved toward the fixed arm. A space between the fixed arm and the movable arm defines an accumulation region that varies in size as the movable arm moves toward and away from the fixed arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Allison D. Tipton, Richard G. Newman
  • Publication number: 20030030046
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hoisting mechanism comprising a rotatable reel and hoisting cables to be wound onto the reel, the hoisting cables running substantially parallel to one another, and a guide plate having feed-through apertures for the hoisting cables, with at most one hoisting cable running through each feed-through aperture. For each hoisting cable a guide member is provided between the rotatable reel and the guide plate, which guide member is embodied as a spiral spring whose coils abut to one another and whose inside diameter is dimensioned such that the hoisting cable fed through the spiral spring is able to move in the feed direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Nicolaas Lamphen
  • Patent number: 6499281
    Abstract: A deflecting subassembly 10 for the guided deflection of a band 12 consisting, in particular, of plastic may be provided, in particular, for a strapping machine 16 comprising a strapping subassembly 14, for the purpose of deflecting the band 12 in a region located between a band store 18 and the strapping subassembly 14. The deflecting subassembly comprises a deflecting roller 20, a band-inlet channel 22, which is arranged upstream of the deflecting roller 20, a band-outlet channel 24, which is arranged downstream of the deflecting roller 20, it being possible for the band-inlet channel 22 and the band-outlet channel 24 to be adjusted relative to one another, and an outer, flexible directing member 26 which bridges the interspace between the band-inlet and band-outlet channels 22 and 24, respectively, and is located opposite the outer circumference of the inner deflecting roller 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Fischer
  • Publication number: 20020195517
    Abstract: A tape guide post mechanism for guiding running of a tape includes: a post arm, the post arm including a tape guide post, around which the tape is looped at a predetermined angular distance, and which guides running of the tape, and a hole; an arm shaft which engages with the hole and rotatably supports the post arm, wherein an external side surface of the arm shaft is in contact with the hole at at least two points in the vicinity of an upper opening of the hole and at at least two points in the vicinity of a lower opening of the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Eiji Nagasaki, Akio Konishi
  • Publication number: 20020179671
    Abstract: In a web guidance device, particularly for a continuous form printer device, deflection seat is provided around which a recording medium web is guided in a conveying direction. A lateral guide roller influences the recording medium web with a laterally acting force in a region of a deflection seat such that the recording medium web lies against the lateral detent. A planarly acting hold-down element is provided in a region of a lateral guide roller, the hold-down element pressing the recording medium web onto the deflection seat with a specific pressing power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Oce Printing Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Frodl, Axel Herbst
  • Patent number: 6443389
    Abstract: An air-bearing apparatus for aiding in conveying a web is taught comprising a central web support housing including a cylindrical surface and two sides. There is an end cap positioned adjacent each of the two sides, the end caps and the central web support housing defining at least one plenum therein. The central web support housing is provided with a plurality of bores extending from the at least one plenum to the cylindrical surface, the plurality of bores forming at least one row of air jet orifices in the cylindrical surface wherein each bore is directed approximately parallel to a cylindrical axis of the central web support housing with adjacent bores being oppositely directed, the at least one row of air jet orifices extending around at least a portion of the circumference of the cylindrical surface over which the web travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Thomas W. Palone
  • Publication number: 20020088893
    Abstract: A bandage roller includes a housing and a motor having a casing that is secured to the housing. The motor has a rotatable shaft with an attachment region for attaching a bandage thereto. A first guide is attached to the housing and has a first limiting surface. A second guide is attached to the housing and has a second limiting surface. The second limiting surface is configured opposite the first limiting surface for guiding the bandage therebetween. The first guide is preferably an adjustable guide that is moveably attached to the housing. A gliding surface is disposed between the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface and is at a greater height than that of the rotatable shaft. The gliding surface enables the bandage to glide thereupon. An additional guide includes two rods and is attached to the housing such that the additional guide receives the bandage before the adjustable guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Priscilla Nichols
  • Publication number: 20020088894
    Abstract: A balloon tying system including a plate portion having a pair of upper apertures and a pair of lower apertures therethrough. The plate portion includes an upper strap portion extending between the pair of upper apertures thereof. The upper strap portion secures the plate portion to the helium tank. A hook portion is secured to the plate portion. The hook portion is defined by an upper linear segment and a lower arcuate segment. The lower arcuate segment has an upper aperture and a lower aperture therein in communication with an internal common channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Antonio Garza