Coacting Pieces Patents (Class 29/416)
  • Patent number: 6725543
    Abstract: A component for a drop-on-demand piezoelectric printhead is formed from a block of piezoelectric material and a substrate. The block of piezoelectric material has grooves formed in its lower surface and is attached to the substrate using an adhesive that is applied in sufficient quantity such that adhesive enters the grooves cut into the piezoelectric material. Upper grooves are sawn into the piezoelectric material through to the glue-filled lower channels in order to form ejection channels, the walls of which are separated from one another by means of a glue fillet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Xaar Technology Limited
    Inventors: Veena K. Sarojiniamma, Salhadin Omer, Angus Condie, Jerzy M. Zaba
  • Patent number: 6705383
    Abstract: A process for the rapid production of hollow components of flow machines, in particular turbine blades, for manufacturing development. In the process, the turbine blade to be produced is divided into two or more portions such that none of the portions has a cavity. The two or more portions are individually cast by means of a Rapid Prototype process, and are then joined together to form the hollow component. The process makes possible the simple and cost-effective production of turbine blades for manufacturing development, in particular for the development of the cooling systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Alexander Beeck, John Fernihough
  • Patent number: 6681488
    Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a first vehicle frame component that is formed by deforming a closed channel structural member to have a relatively small end portion and a relatively large end portion. A member is provided having first and second ends. The relatively large end portion of the closed channel structural member is secured to the first end portion of the member to form the first vehicle frame component. A plurality of second vehicle frame components are provided. The first vehicle frame component and the plurality of second vehicle frame components are secured together to form the vehicle frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Marando
  • Patent number: 6671955
    Abstract: When bodies such as connecting rods, bearings, ring-shaped housings or similar are separated by breaking, material particles are torn out of the broken surface. These particles initially continue to adhere to the broken surface at first, before becoming detached from the broken surface and falling out when a force is exerted subsequently. According to the invention, the bodies are subjected to a vibration treatment after they have been separated by breaking in order to prevent detachable adhering particles of the material from falling out in an uncontrolled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Hugler
  • Patent number: 6625860
    Abstract: A method of converting a truck raised roof sleeper cab to a mid-roof cab comprising the steps of: providing a truck cab having a raised roof sleeper cab riveted to the upper and rearward ends thereof; removing the rivets which connect the raised roof sleeper cab to the truck cab; removing the raise roof sleeper cab from the truck cab to create an opening at the rearward end of the truck cab and an opening in the roof of a truck cab; providing a rear wall member which resembles the rear wall of a mid-roof cab and which is designed to close the opening in the rearward end of the cab created by the removal of the sleeper cab from the truck cab; securing the rear wall member to the truck cab to close the opening therein; providing a mid-roof member which resembles the roof of a mid-roof cab and which is designed to close the opening created in the roof of the truck cab by the removal of the sleeper cab from the truck cab; and securing the mid-roof member to the truck cab to close the opening in the roof of the tr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Dan H. Gernstein
  • Patent number: 6622364
    Abstract: A method for assembling a modular siderail for attachment to a bed comprises forming a first end section to include a first connector joint, forming a second end section to include a second connector joint, and coupling the first connector joint and the second connector joint to form a skeletal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Hamilton, Jeffrey A. Moster, Robert Mark Zerhusen, David M. Hensley, David W. Hornbach
  • Patent number: 6560869
    Abstract: In the particular embodiments described in the specification, bearing material is applied to the bearing surface of a connecting rod eye by thermal spraying of the bearing material such as by plasma coating. In a particular embodiment the large connecting rod eye is plasma-coated with an aluminum bronze. After the plasma coating, the connecting rod eye is opened by removing the bearing cover from the rest of the connecting rod, thereby breaking the plasma layer. Subsequently, the cover is screwed on again, and the surface of the bearing layer is finished by fine spindling. The method results in reduced assembly costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Udo Schlegel, Reinhard Vogelsang
  • Publication number: 20030066178
    Abstract: A separate shaped backing piece is fabricated for each section of the design, and a piece of fabric (or other flexible material) appropriate for that section is placed over the front of the piece and wraps around its borders. The backing pieces are cut or otherwise formed from a relatively stiff material such as a sheet of cardboard or plastic. A piece of fabric is preferably stretched over each stiff backing piece and the edges of the fabric are preferably secured to its rear, although in other embodiments the fabric may be loosely draped in folds or pleats, and/or a layer of padding may be placed between the fabric and the backing to provide a softer, three-dimensional effect. The otherwise visible front face of the backing piece is completely covered by the fabric, with no visible seams. The individual fabric-covered backing pieces may then assembled into the desired design. A computer may be used to assist in the selection and fabrication of the various design elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Anastazja Fabrige
  • Patent number: 6497028
    Abstract: Improved prosthetic components and a method for assembly therefor are described wherein the prosthesis comprises prefabricated modular components including a socket adapter, shank or pylon, a keel, and a foot. The method for preparation of the improved prosthesis reduces the time required for prosthesis preparation over that of the prior art, and includes the steps of making a cast of the remaining leg stump and forming a socket therefor; placing the socket in an alignment jig; assembling modular pieces including a prefabricated keel, pylon, and socket adapter; attaching the socket adapter to the socket; draping a final coating of copolymer on the prosthesis; and removing the pylon and socket adapter from the interior of the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Rothschild's Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon R. Rothschild, John R. Fox, Russell J. Rothschild, Kelly Ann Rothschild
  • Patent number: 6484382
    Abstract: A method of providing an internal circumferential shoulder in a cylindrical passageway including the steps of forming an enlarged internal diameter groove in the passageway, machining an integral unitary circumferential shoulder blank of external dimensions conforming to the groove, cutting the shoulder blank into at least segments, each segment having opposed end surfaces that match the end surfaces of adjacent segments, the opposed end surfaces of one segment being defined by parallel, spaced-apart planes forming a key segment, positioning the shoulder segments into the groove, the key segment being inserted last and securing the key segment within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: ERC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020124369
    Abstract: The invention proposes a method of manufacturing an ultrasound transducer (60), which method includes a step of forming a plate in the form of a disc of a composite piezoelectric material into a hollow spherical cap, characterized in that the step of forming is preceded by a step of cutting which consists in the formation of at least one slit (70) which has a radial orientation and extends from the peripheral edge (72) of the disc (20) towards its center (C) in such a manner that, after the step of forming, the two facing, oppositely situated free edges (74, 76) which bound the slit (70) are substantially in contact with one another so as to minimize the internal stresses in the cap which are caused notably by its deformation. The invention also proposes a transducer obtained by means of such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Maurice G. Gauchet
  • Patent number: 6431355
    Abstract: A core (3) for a caddie bag includes three arc portions (31 to 33) each with a PCCP structure. These arc portions are connected by a hinge portion (34) without the PCCP structure, and the hinge portion is bent to form a cylindrical core. The cylindrical core has one end with a collar (5) attached thereto, and the other end with a bottom member (6) attached thereto. The collar and the bottom member are connected by a frame member (12), whereby a caddie bag (1) is constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Mizuno Corporation
    Inventors: Koryo Miura, Satoshi Yoshida, Mototaka Iwata
  • Patent number: 6393685
    Abstract: A wafer level interconnecting mechanism for assembling and packaging multiple MEMS devices (modules), using microfabricated, interlocking, mechanical joints to interconnect different modules and to create miniature devices. Various devices can be fabricated using these joints, including fiber-optic switches, xyz translational stages, push-n-lock locking mechanisms, slide-n-lock locking mechanisms, t-locking joints, fluidic interconnects, on/off valves, optical fiber couplers with xy adjustments, specimen holders, and membrane stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Scott D. Collins
  • Patent number: 6381823
    Abstract: A method of forming a gas tank includes forming two halves and welding the halves together. Two types of welds are used, tack welds for holding the complete welds after different steps have been taken to the tack weld elements or parts, and stitch welds to complete the welding of the two halves. Reinforcement is added where necessary. Double tanks, for both gasoline and oil, are also fabricated of essentially the same method steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Kyle P. Krejci
  • Patent number: 6365252
    Abstract: A flexural pivot assembly which reduces the number of component parts to five and reduces the number of operations in the manufacturing process is disclosed. The component parts include two sleeves, one inner flexure, one outer flexure, and one slotted tubular core that may be coated with a suitable bonding material. The core has a slotted end and an unslotted end and includes two pairs of diametrically opposed flexure slots each having substantially the same length as a side of a flexure so that the interlocked flexures can slide into the slotted end of the tubular core until they abut an end of the flexure slots and, at the same time, be positioned flush with the slotted end. The core further includes a pair of diametrically opposed travel slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Lucas Aerospace Power Transmission
    Inventors: Michael Angelo Ortiz, Daniel Joseph Salerno, Richard Joseph Donegan
  • Patent number: 6347447
    Abstract: A truck mounted brake beam including at least a primary beam having a center section and a pair of end sections with guide feet. The center portion may include two opposed channel elements, each having a horizontal base and two vertical walls, joined by fasteners or weldments. The weldments are hollow and the bases include openings to the hollow of the weldments. The cross-section of the end portions of at least one of the channeled elements is smaller than the cross-section of a center portion of the at least one channeled element. A method of making a beam brake beam, comprising: obtaining two channeled elements each having a base and two vertical walls; separating an end portion of one of the walls from the base; removing a section of the base adjacent the separated wall; attaching the separated end to the end of the base; and, permanently joining the channeled elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey F. Sauter
  • Patent number: 6266863
    Abstract: A method of fabrication of an emergency shelter to be used under the floor of a residential or commercial structure. In the preferred embodiment, a prefabricated acrylic shelter is sized to accommodate at least one individual in a crouching or sitting position. The shelter is placed prior to the pouring of a slab foundation or the building of the floor in a pier and beam foundation. The shelter is preferably fabricated by vacuum forming a top sheet and a bottom sheet of ⅛ inch acrylic sheet on molds to form top and bottom sections which are then sprayed with an epoxy-fiberglass composition for reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventors: Chris A. Spene, Dean W. Morgan
  • Patent number: 6263572
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turnbuckle mechanism in which a central link is provided with internal right and left hand compatible threads and which receives, at its opposite ends, one of a pair of longitudinally split, externally threaded shafts which are threaded in opposite directions. The split shaft members are manufactured from oppositely threaded cylindrical shafts which are machined along their threaded sections to split each cylindrical shaft into two symmetrical, longitudinally split shaft members, which are then paired with oppositely threaded split shaft members and secured together with the central link, preferably with a separation band of plastic or corrosion resistant metal between their opposing flat surfaces. The shaft members are also provided with distal clamps such as hooks, loops or full threads for attachment of cables, rods or similar members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Hattan
  • Patent number: 6260251
    Abstract: A method for assembling a window is described including forming a lineal member having a cross-sectional profile, where the profile includes a sash portion and a frame portion, cutting the lineal member into lengths sized for forming the window, and joining the lengths of the lineal member to form a shape of the window. The sash portions form a sash and the frame portions form a frame. Then the sash is separated from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventor: James Curtis Guhl
  • Publication number: 20010000887
    Abstract: A vane damper (1) comprises a body (2) with a space for at least one rotatable vane which divides the space into two part spaces (6a, 6b) which are located on either side of the vane and, because of the rotatability of the vane, are variable and which is mounted in the body by means of a bearing member and operates in a working medium (16) which is located in the space and, via a throttle function, can be transferred between the variable part spaces to produce the damping characteristic. The vane with associated bearing member is produced by means of extruding aluminium. The extruded product is cut for production of the respective vane with associated bearing member. The respective vane is provided with sealing members which establish a seal against the relevant surfaces of the space and of the bearing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventors: Leif Gustafsson, Lars Jansson
  • Patent number: 6199847
    Abstract: Circular arc-shaped projections are formed on a support lever which is exposed to the outside through openings formed through a first casing and a second casing for constructing a body. The circular arc-shaped projections abut against plates which are coupled to the body. Accordingly, the rotary action of an arm is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chiaki Fukui
  • Patent number: 6141851
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a hardboard picture puzzle having multiple puzzle pieces without the use of a "start hole" and with the use of a die for cutting the picture puzzle about its perimeter and using a band saw to cut individual pieces forming said picture puzzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Williamson Printing Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick I. Reinbold, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6141850
    Abstract: An extended width motor home construction has a vehicle body having a floor with a longitudinal gap separating the floor into a first body portion and a second body portion. An insert panel traverses the gap. A method of forming an extended width automotive vehicle comprises the steps of: cutting the floor of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction to form a side portion and a center portion; forming a wedge-shape gap between the side portion and the center portion; coupling an insert panel between the side portion and center portion to traverse the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Frank Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald R. Frank, Paul A. Lefler, Duane H. Long, James K. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 6138358
    Abstract: A method for forming a closed channel structural member having a central portion that is enlarged relative to the end portions thereof is disclosed. Initially, a tube is formed in a hydroforming die to have a desired shape that is preferably characterized by a relatively small diameter central portion extending between a pair of relatively large diameter end portions. Next, the tube is divided into two pieces in any conventional manner, such as by cutting, to provide two tube sections. Each of the two tube sections is then oriented in the opposite direction such that the relatively large end portions of the tube are disposed adjacent to one another. Lastly, the relatively large end portions are joined together in any conventional manner, such as by butt welding, to form a unitary member characterized by a relatively large diameter central portion extending between a pair of relatively small diameter end portions. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of tubes are initially formed in the same manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Marando
  • Patent number: 6125536
    Abstract: In a connecting rod with a split big-end, the unmachined part is preferably aluminum die-casting in which notches are made along the subsequent line of separation. The big-end is separated substantially along the intended break line by means of a shearing tool capable of widening the eye in the region of intended bore reliefs in such a way that subsequent opening out is unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Spurny
  • Patent number: 6119333
    Abstract: A power module with leads extending upwardly. The circuit components and connections of the power module are arranged upon a substrate having interface leads attached thereto extending away from the undersurface of the substrate. The interface leads extend through openings in a form fitting molded case. The case has an open center region to facilitate performance of final assembly steps upon the module and is subsequently covered with a rugged lid and is encapsulated with a suitable potting material. The interior of the module is filled with a gel to provide moisture-proof protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: ILC Data Device Corporation
    Inventor: Len Marro
  • Patent number: 6076256
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magneto-optical data storage system. The method includes the steps of providing a support surface and rotatably mounting a magneto-optical disk having a planar storage surface with a plurality of concentrically disposed data tracks onto the support surface. A proximal extremity of an arm is pivotably mounted on the support surface so that a distal extremity of the arm pivots between first and second positions relative to the storage surface. An optical light emitter and receiver emitting a laser beam is carried by the distal extremity of the arm. A flying magneto-optical head is mounted on the distal extremity of the arm. A mirror assembly is attached to the head. The mirror of the mirror assembly can be rocked between first and second positions for reflecting the laser beam between the optical light emitter and receiver and the storage surface of the magneto-optical disk so as to permit the optical recording and/or reading of information on the storage surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Drake, John H. Jerman, John D. Grade, Kathy J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6026556
    Abstract: A method for making aluminum boiler units for coffee making machines of the type having a faceted upwardly tapering side surface, comprises a step of drawing an aluminum disc, to provide a hollow body, having substantially the configuration of the boiler unit to be made, a closed top end and an open bottom end. About the top end portion of the hollow body is formed, by a rolling operation, a thread for screw engaging with the top portion of the coffee making machine. Then, by a cutting operation, the metal disc closing the top end portion of the boiler unit body is removed, whereas the bottom end portion thereof is closed by an aluminum bottom element which is clamped to the boiler unit body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Vev Inox Industria Casalinghi S.r.l
    Inventor: Eugenio Vigano
  • Patent number: 5984633
    Abstract: A guide device for a turbine with a guide-blade carrier installed in a turbine housing, preferably the housing of a steam turbine, and equipped with guide blades, includes positioning elements for positioning and fastening the guide blades to the guide-blade carrier and for ensuring a specific installation position of the guide blades. In order to simplify the production of the guide device, two halves of a guide-blade ring divided in the region of a parting plane of the turbine housing serve as the positioning elements. Radially extending profile holes for inserting a guide-blade root of each guide blade are formed in the guide-blade ring. At least one first holding element is preferably releasable and in each case fixes the guide-blade root to the guide-blade ring. At least one second holding element retains each of the two halves of the guide-blade ring on the guide-blade carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Bachinger, Peter Clement
  • Patent number: 5966794
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing split crucible pieces of a multiple-piece crucible comprising an integral assembly of two or more split crucible pieces and having a spherical bottom inner surface. The split crucible pieces are manufactured from a work mass graphite material by mechanical processing, comprising a step of forming a blind annular groove coaxial with the work by cutting the work from an end thereof toward the other end, a step of axially splitting the work into two or more pieces, constituting eventual split crucible pieces, and a step of cutting each split crucible piece from the side thereof opposite the sector-like or polygonal profile surface side by using a spherical acutting means, thereby forming a spherical inner bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Nippon Carbon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Ishizaka, Saburou Tanaka, Tadayoshi Kouno
  • Patent number: 5930882
    Abstract: A method of making pairs of thread splits inserts used to injection mold bottle preforms. Machining a hollow outer part of the pair of thread split inserts with an opening therethrough and outer portions of two cooling conduits extending from the opening therethrough to respective inlets and outlets. Making an inner part of the pair of thread split inserts by injection molding a ceramic core with the required shape and investment casting the inner part around the ceramic core. The outer surface of the inner part having grooves to partially form inner portions of the two cooling fluid conduits. Then machining the cast inner part to fit in the opening through the outer part. Mounting the outer part around the inner part with the inner and outer portions of the two cooling fluid conduits aligned. Applying brazing material between the inner and outer parts and heating them in a vacuum furnace to integrally braze them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Jobst Ulrich Gellert
  • Patent number: 5864935
    Abstract: A process for producing a brake disc (1) for a disc brake is disclosed; in said process two separating regions (3.sub.1, 3.sub.2) are provided in a one-piece, circular brake disc (1). Said separating regions divide the brake disc (1) into two parts (1a, 1b), whereupon a fastening device (2.sub.1, 2.sub.2), which encompasses the separating region, is designed in each separating region (3.sub.1, 3.sub.2); and finally the brake disc (1) is broken apart into two parts (1a, 1b) in the separating regions (3.sub.1, 3.sub.2). Thus, a brake disc that is easier to mount and to exchange is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fur Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Baumgartner, Dieter Bieker
  • Patent number: 5855051
    Abstract: A flange driver for a cardan joint with a spider comprised of two pins mutually offset by 90.degree. and two essentially same-design yoke halves. Each yoke half includes a base and a bearing part with a bore contained in it. Both yoke halves abutt along an interface which is essentially perpendicular to the axis of a first spider pin supported by the yoke. Both yoke halves feature a system for torque transmission from the shaft adjoining the joint to the flange driver and to the spider or in reverse order. Both yoke halves of the flange driver are joined to each other positively. Each yoke half features on its interface a toothing directed toward the respective complementary interface. The flank lines of the toothing or a plurality of tangents to the flank lines, projected in a common plane with the yoke axis, extend at an angle greater than 0.degree. to smaller than 180.degree. relative to the yoke axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: J. M. Voith, GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Lindenthal
  • Patent number: 5829112
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an enclosed power clamp from individual planar plates which when stacked and secured in the proper manner provide an inexpensive, lightweight and structurally sound enclosed power clamp. The enclosed housing of the power clamp is defined and sectioned into a plurality of planar laminations. A plurality of planar plates are formed having configurations corresponding to the planar laminations. The planar plates are then stacked in a predetermined sequence corresponding to the planar laminations. The internal mechanisms of the power clamp are assembled to the planar plates of the power clamp, and the planar plates are secured together to form an integral unit of the power clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: ISI Norgren Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Blatt
  • Patent number: 5806185
    Abstract: An elongated siding panel and a longitudinally extending panel attachment and support strip have overlapping edge portions with longitudinally spaced slots receiving corresponding hook-shaped tabs to form loose positive connections. The slots have a length longer than the tabs to provide for limited longitudinal movement of the panel relative to the support strip. The panel and strip are preferably formed from an extruded flat strip of semi-rigid plastics material, and the continuously formed panel and support strip are progressively notched and punched at longitudinally spaced intervals to form the slots and tabs and expansion slots. The notched and punched support strip is progressively severed from the panel, twisted on a longitudinal axis, and the tabs are progressively inserted into the slots for hooking the overlapping edge portion of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel W. King
  • Patent number: 5802693
    Abstract: A refuse container adapted for automated dumping operation comprises a pair of side-by-side container bodies joined along a portion of their respective rims by a connecting web and rigidly integrated with one another by upper and lower lifter bars affixed transversely to each container body in disposition to be engageable by grasping members of an automated dumping apparatus. The refuse container is advantageously fabricated by a method wherein a unitary hollow container structure is blow molded to initially form the two container bodies in tandem end-to-end mirror-image relation joined by a continuous annular connecting portion. The connecting portion is partially removed at each rim, leaving the connecting web therebetween, whereby the two container bodies may be pivoted into side-by-side relation and rigidly joined by affixation of the upper and lower lifter bars. A hinged lid may be pivotably connected to the container proximate the connecting web. The lid will selectively cover either container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventor: Norman C. Lee
  • Patent number: 5740893
    Abstract: An outer ring 3 along a bearing centerline of the bearing outer ring of a standard deep groove ball bearing, and the bottom of the raceway surface 3b1 is formed with a circumferential groove 3b2. A retainer 3d is fitted in the circumferential groove 3b2 of the outer ring 3b. The retainer 3d is in the form of a split ring having a single split and has a cam surface on the wall surface on the pocket side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Ken Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5724711
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing multilayer steel wool filter pads includes a gantry which orbits heads about a central axis. The heads transfer portions of steel wool cut from a web onto a rotatable turntable to form a multilayer steel wool filter pad. Detection devices and a tool controller cooperate to synchronize the rotation of the turntable with the transfer of the steel wool portions to the turntable, so that each of the layers of the steel wool filter pad has its steel wool filaments oriented differently from those of the adjacent layer by an angle of approximately 90 degrees. A method for making rectangular steel wool filter pads involves advancing multiple steel wool webs through rollers, with each of the webs moving at the same rate, to form a combined web. The combined web is then cut into square portions with sides at least twice as long as the width of the rectangular steel wool filter pads. The portions are stacked so that the filaments of overlying layers are shifted 90 degrees from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Global Material Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Alexander Krupnik, Leonid Vaysberg, Mieczystow Boczek
  • Patent number: 5720144
    Abstract: A metal beam with a thermal break between opposite sides and method of making is disclosed. In a first embodiment a huck rivet extends through aligned holes in a pair of opposed beam sections having a base wall portion and a side wall portion. In a second embodiment a punch/swedge operation forms a rivet in the base wall portion of one beam section that extends through the other base wall portion of the other beam section. In a third embodiment a series of spaced, alternating tabs and recesses are formed in the beam section and the tabs overlap and are riveted at overlapping tabs only to form a gap in the formed beam. In a fourth embodiment oppositely opening hooks are formed in the inner sections of first and second beam sections that interfit and are seamed together to fasten the two beam sections with a continuous seam along the center of a composite beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventors: Gary A. Knudson, Patrick D. Flood
  • Patent number: 5706575
    Abstract: Static magnet pole tips for a MRI system in which the static magnet pole tips are cut from a slug of spirally wound ferromagnetic material. The static magnet pole tips are cut from the spirally wound slug such that the static magnet pole tips have no or few semi-closed loops of ferromagnetic material. The static magnet pole tips can be used individually, or can be stacked for strength and symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Leon Kaufman, Joseph W. Carlson
  • Patent number: 5682663
    Abstract: A covering (A) which is developed as closure for infusion bottles (3) or the like, having a cap (1) adapted to be flanged at its lower edge (11) onto the neck (2) of the bottle, the cap having a hole (9) in its top (8) for the formation of a puncture region, and in order to obtain a structural shape which is of simpler manufacture and more favorable for disposal, the hole (9) is closed by the foil section (16) of a supplementary cap (17) which, as a result of that fact that it extends to the lower edge (11) of the cap (1), can be flanged with the latter and is attached by adherence to the cap (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg
    Inventor: Klaus Derksen
  • Patent number: 5680702
    Abstract: In a dicing step in which a spout face is formed and a flow path length is defined, for example, a region in a cut depth direction is divided into a cutting region B containing spouts, a region A above the region B, and a region C below the region B. Feedrate v2 when the region B is cut is applied for cutting head material with high quality. Feedrate v1 when the region A is cut is set to, for example, three times the feedrate v2 when the region B is cut, and the blade form is shaped at the feedrate v2. Feedrate v3 when the region C is cut is the same as the feedrate v2 when the region B is cut, whereby affecting the upper cut face is prevented and the yield is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 5661889
    Abstract: A process for producing a container and closure assembly includes molding a preliminary container including a closed bottom portion, a body portion and a shoulder and neck portion. The shoulder and neck portion is separated from the body portion. An open ended second container is formed from the body portion, the second container having a rim at its open end and an encircling wall. The open end of the second container is then closed with a closure comprised of a cap and a cap liner. The cap liner has a weakened portion adapted to be broken by the cap. The cap or the cap liner are formed from the shoulder and neck portion of the preliminary container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Emery I. Valyi
  • Patent number: 5661881
    Abstract: An elongated metal structural member including an expanded metal web formed by severing a metal strip along a sinuous path forming a plurality of keystone-shaped tabs on each half, moving the two halves directly away from each other until outer corners of the tabs of one half overlap outer corners of the tabs of the other half, and affixing together the outer corners of one half with outer corners of the other half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: National Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Menchetti
  • Patent number: 5657526
    Abstract: A method for fabricating and installing a split riding ring for use on rotary cylinders that eliminates the need to remove associated equipment from the rotary cylinders to repair and install a new riding ring. The apparatus consists of a riding ring forged in one piece and machined and stress relieved. Both sides of the annular ring are then provided with opposing side pockets. Side plates are positioned within the side pockets and held in place by a first set of bolts located within drill and tapped holes. Holes are drilled through the side pockets, side plates and the riding ring. The side plates are removed and the one piece ring is cut at a forty five degree angle with its central axis of rotation to form a first and second segment and shims are attached to both segments to compensate for the metal loss. A second set of bolts are inserted through the holes in the side pockets and the side plates to form a body bound fit and the completed split ring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Michael J. Yatcko
  • Patent number: 5647255
    Abstract: An expandable gasket for a head disk assembly, wherein the gasket is initially formed having a geometry that maximizes the number of gaskets realized per sheet of material used. The gasket includes a series of spaced-apart thinned pivot regions and is expanded from an initial relatively closed, material-saving geometry to a second, open geometry dimensioned to be disposed between a top cover and a base of a disk drive. In addition, the transformation from first to second geometries is accomplished without stretching, distorting, buckling or tearing the elongate pivot regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas R. Stone
  • Patent number: 5634263
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing relatively complex permanent magnet structures uizing sheets of permanent magnet material. Different permanent magnet structures such as rings, cylinders, spheres, oblate and prolate forms are made from cut or stamped sections of the sheets of permanent magnet material. In one embodiment, toroidal sections having a uniform magnetic orientation are cut or stamped out. The sections are rearranged to form a "magic" ring having a desirable substantially uniform magnetic field in the center thereof. In another embodiment, the "magic" rings are stacked together to form a "magic" cylinder. In another embodiment, the "magic" rings are divided and beveled to form wedges, slices, or spheroidal segments that are used to assemble a "magic" sphere having a central working cavity with a desirable relatively strong uniform magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Herbert A. Leupold
  • Patent number: 5586380
    Abstract: A method for making mated molded parts in which the assembly has first and second parts with precisely mating surfaces. The first part is formed by molding, casting, or the like such that the mating surface of the first part is formed with at least one protrusion. The second part is formed in place against the first part such precisely mating surfaces are formed with the second part enveloping the protrusion. The two parts thus formed are forced apart from each other. The protrusion may be formed with a head which interlocks with the second part. When the parts are separated, the head breaks from the protrusion. In a particular embodiment, a bearing cap is disclosed having a central opening for the passage of a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Nelson Metal Products Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis S. Shimmell
  • Patent number: 5581980
    Abstract: A process for producing a stick of adhesive, having a rotatable base part with rotary spindle, which spindle is engaged in a holding element for the stick material (plunger, small basket, anchoring disc), which holding element is fitted into a sleeve surrounding the stick material. The rotary spindle, provides controlling movement of the stick-shaped adhesive material either up or down. The sleeve (2) together with the plunger (1) is formed in a one-part injection molding which is joined, via predetermined breaking points (3), to the sleeve wall. For the assembly, the base part, with rotary spindle is pushed through a centered recess in the plunger until the lower periphery of the sleeve comes to rest against the upper part of the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: UHU GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Halm
  • Patent number: RE38396
    Abstract: A method of making pairs of thread splits inserts used to injection mold bottle preforms. Machining a hollow outer part of the pair of thread split inserts with an opening therethrough and outer portions of two cooling conduits extending from the opening therethrough to respective inlets and outlets. Making an inner part of the pair of thread split inserts by injection molding a ceramic core with the required shape and investment casting the inner part around the ceramic core. The outer surface of the inner part having grooves to partially form inner portions of the two cooling fluid conduits. Then machining the cast inner part to fit in the opening through the outer part. Mounting the outer part around the inner part with the inner and outer portions of the two cooling fluid conduits aligned. Applying brazing material between the inner and outer parts and heating them in a vacuum furnace to integrally braze them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Jobst Ulrich Gellert