Patents Represented by Law Firm Barnes, Kisselle, Raisch, Choate, Whittemore & Hulbert
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Patent number: 5842455Abstract: An accumulator and over-pressure relief valve unit disposed within a vehicle fuel tank to accommodate expansion of fuel due to heating of the fuel within the fuel system and to maintain increased pressure of heated fuel in the fuel system to prevent vapor formation and to provide an over-pressure relief to bleed fuel back into the fuel tank when the unit has reached its maximum fuel accumulating capacity. The accumulator has a plastic cap press fit onto a plastic body with a diaphragm received therebetween and defining an expansion chamber with the body. To provide a seal between the cap and body, they are preferably ultrasonically welded together. The diaphragm has a normally closed valve which, when opened, communicates the accumulator chamber with the fuel tank. This valve opens in response to any over-pressure that may develop after the accumulator has reached its maximum accumulating capacity to bypass fuel into the fuel tank and thereby limit the maximum pressure of the fuel in the fuel system.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Walbro CorporationInventors: Charles H. Tuckey, Ronald B. Kuenzli
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Patent number: 5840067Abstract: A device for supporting the outlet end portion of an intravascular catheter within a blood vessel while a treating agent is delivered into the blood stream through an orifice at the tip. The device comprises a frame having a plurality of radially outwardly projecting frame elements in the form of elongated wire struts extending lengthwise of the catheter. Each wire strut has a generally V-shaped radially outwardly projecting mid-portion, with the apex of the V-shaped mid-portion adapted to rest on the wall of the blood vessel. The distal ends of the wire struts are affixed to the catheter. The proximal ends are longitudinally sidable in grooves in the catheter. The grooves are long enough to accommodate the wire struts when flattened somewhat to pass through narrower blood vessels or when flattened completely for storage in a tube shelter.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Inventors: Ramon Berguer, Farshad Malekmehr
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Patent number: 5842182Abstract: A parameter-driven time-and-attendance analysis system that includes one or more data entry stations for entering user time and attendance data, and a central processor coupled to the data entry stations for receiving and evaluating the user time and attendance data. The central processor includes facility for identifying exception data indicative of non-standard time and attendance data, and for assigning event points to such exception data based upon character of the exception data. Such event points are accumulated for each system user, and a report is automatically generated when accumulated event points for a system user reach a preselected level.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1996Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: TimeTrak Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Bonner, William M. Hartman
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Patent number: 5836363Abstract: A collapsible container liner for use within a bulk container having a substantially rigid top, bottom and side walls and a filler opening in the top wall. The liner is a collapsible bag of a flexible material with top, bottom and sides which correspond to the container walls within the interior of the container. A first opening in the liner top corresponds to the filler opening in the container top wall. A seal is formed between the container top wall and the liner top around the periphery of the filler opening and the first opening. Optionally, the container bottom wall can be formed with a discharge outlet lined by a complementarily shaped liner discharge spout sealed adjacent thereto. A second opening in the liner top is spaced from the first opening and has an evacuation outlet attached to the liner top around the periphery of the second opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Custom Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventor: Lee LaFleur
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Patent number: 5832729Abstract: A fluid power control system for use in a mini-excavator, in which a first control section (S2) includes first and second control valves respectively connectable to first (2) and second (4) implement functions; and in tandem with one another. A first gear pump (P2) supplies the actuator connected principally to the first implement (2), and a second gear pump (P3) supplies working fluid to the interconnection between the first and second control valves. The advantage of this arrangement is that, as the first control valve switches from its neutral position to a position selecting its associated implement (2), progressively more of the fluid passing through the second control valve is supplied by the second pump (P3) until, when the implement (2) to which the first control valve is principally connected is fully selected, the two implements (2, 4) are supplied separately by the respective gear pumps (P2, P3).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1995Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Trinova LimitedInventors: Brian John Reid, Isidoro Livraghi
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Patent number: 5826461Abstract: A cam shaft assembly for an engine has a hollow elongate shaft with a plurality of cam lobes and bearing journals received on and positioned along the shaft in a predetermined spaced apart relationship. The cam lobes are further oriented angularly in a predetermined alignment relative to one another. A radial thrust bearing is received and positioned on one end of the shaft. Each of the elements is secured to the shaft by mechanically expanding the shaft into an interference relationship with an opening in each element. A cam timing gear is fastened to the one end of the shaft by a fastener passing through the gear and into the one end of the shaft. Threads formed on the fastener engage complimentary threads formed on the internal surface of the shaft to allow the cam gear to be torqued down. A recess is formed in the shaft, the cam gear or both for receiving a projection or key which accurately aligns the gear to the cam lobes on the shaft and locks the gear in position.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Kaywood Products CorporationInventors: Roy G. Kaywood, John M. Yost
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Patent number: 5823513Abstract: A gas spring that momentarily dwells in its retracted position after the retraction force is removed. The gas spring has a casing, a first piston received within the casing, a piston rod protruding from the casing and connected to the first piston, and a second piston received within the casing. A compressible gas is received within the casing between the second piston and the other end of the casing. A hydraulic fluid is received within the casing between the first and second pistons and between the first piston and the one end of the casing. A delay valve and a check valve carried by the first piston controllably transfer hydraulic fluid between the two fluid chambers, the delay valve causing the first piston and rod to dwell in the retracted position by delaying the free transfer of fluid between chambers.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Diebolt International, Inc.Inventor: Sven Stenquist
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Patent number: 5819395Abstract: A machine tool module has a platen supported on a track above a metal-removing tool. A workpiece is placed on the platen at a loading station at one end of the track. A drive is provided to move the platen from the loading station to the metal-removing station where the tool removes material from the workpiece and then to an unloading station at the opposite end of the track. After the workpiece is unloaded, the platen is moved back to the loading station. A workpiece loading elevator is provided at the loading station and a workpiece unloading elevator is provided at the unloading station. Two such machine tool modules may be placed end-to-end so that a workpiece on the platen of one module may be transferred to the platen on the other module for machining by both modules in sequence.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Western Atlas, Inc.Inventor: William M. Faitel
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Patent number: 5816233Abstract: A composite reinforced limb of an archery bow is at least partially encased in a flexible plastic material which closely overlies and firmly engages the limb to substantially prevent the composite layers or fibers adjacent the limb from becoming detached from the limb. The plastic material is preferably in the form of a tube which contracts when heated and conforms to the shape of and firmly engages the limb. Encasing the limbs also reduces vibration of the limb and noise of the bow during use and thus, enhances the performance of the bow. Further, the tube encasing the limb tends to confine any pieces of the limb which may tend to injure an archer if the limb cracks, splinters or otherwise breaks in use.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: High Country Archery, Inc.Inventor: Albert A. Andrews
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Patent number: 5816663Abstract: A vehicle seat belt and body pad that includes an elongated belt having a latch assembly at one end for removable coupling to the latch plate conventionally provided on a vehicle seat, and a latch plate at the opposing end for removable coupling to a latch assembly conventionally provided on a vehicle seat or a vehicle shoulder harness. An open rectangular pad of resilient construction has one straight side affixed to the belt between the ends of the belt. In the event of an imminent vehicle impact, the pad may be pivoted on the lap of the vehicle occupant upwardly about the elongated dimension of the belt for protective disposition over the abdomen of the vehicle occupant.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: James R. Steinle
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Patent number: 5810478Abstract: For a bulk bag with lift straps, an exterior liner with an opening adjacent each lift strap constructed to receive the lift strap therethrough so that the bag can be lifted by its lift straps with the liner in place. To prevent leakage and to protect the contents of the bag from water or other contaminants, a closure member is provided for each opening to substantially seal the opening. Preferably, each closure member has two opposing surfaces with fingers extending therefrom and constructed to releasably interlock when the opposing surfaces are mated together to seal the opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Custom Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventor: Lee LaFleur
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Patent number: 5812662Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a software in a program-controlled object such as a video game having a main part with a controlling means and a peripheral equipment; and a replaceable part with a software comprising an execution program. The apparatus comprises a data generator located on the replaceable part for producing a specific data; a selection means located on the replaceable part and controlled from the main part, for selecting a mode of generation of the specific data; and an interface circuit for connecting the data generator and the selection means to the main part.A method for protection a software running a video game or other program-controlled object resides in providing an inspection program with a predetermined data in the software, initializing generating a specific data, reading the specific data and cooperating the specific data with the predetermined data. The positive result of the cooperation that can be a comparison, a calculation, a decoding, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: United Microelectronics CorporationInventors: Jerry Hsu, Sidney Shen
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Patent number: 5809975Abstract: For a fuel pump mounted within a module in a vehicle fuel tank, a stand pipe is provided in communication at its upper end with a return fuel reservoir and at its lower end with the inlet of the fuel pump to deliver fuel from the return fuel reservoir when the level of fuel in the reservoir rises above the upper end of the stand pipe. The return fuel reservoir has an inlet in communication with a fuel return line through which excess fuel in the fuel system is delivered to the return fuel reservoir. This "weathered" return fuel is delivered to the fuel pump inlet through the stand pipe when the level of fuel in the reservoir is sufficiently high to prefer use of the weathered return fuel by the fuel pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Walbro CorporationInventors: Charles H. Tuckey, David E. Mroczka, Laurie J. Swanson
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Patent number: 5811677Abstract: Apparatus for determining levels of immiscible fluids in a vessel that includes a transmission line sensor that extends vertically within the vessel for contact with fluids within the vessel. A generator is coupled to the sensor for transmitting along the sensor a first electrical signal that continuously sweeps a predetermined frequency range. A voltage detector is coupled to the sensor for providing a second electrical signal that varies as a function of the amplitude of electrical energy reflected at the sensor from the various electrical impedance discontinuities along the sensor, including particularly interfaces between and within immiscible fluids surrounding the sensor. The frequency spectral characteristics of the second electrical signal are analyzed to determine the spatial distribution of electrical impedance along the sensor, from which the levels of immiscible fluids within the vessel are determined.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Bindicator CompanyInventor: Thomas C. Cournanc
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Patent number: 5802944Abstract: A gas cylinder with internal time delay which is entirely self contained within the cylinder. A valve pin that controls communication between the two sides of the piston through one or more a one-way valves in the piston. As each piston is moved by a die into the cylinder body, it exposes a portion of reduced cross section on a valve pin and gas flows through a one way valve such that the effective area of the piston is reduced. When the die moves away from the workpiece, a time delay occurs and the piston is delayed until the piston moves upwardly and closes communication between the sides of the piston.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Livernois Research and Development CompanyInventors: Sabatino A. Bianchi, Boice F. Horde, Bernard J. Wallis
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Patent number: 5802903Abstract: According to the present invention, angled steel pipes manufactured by cold forming can be manufactured into such angled steel pipes that are soft and highly stretchable over the entire sections thereof, almost free from residual stresses, and have high buckling strength, excellent secondary weldability and sufficient toughness by way of hot draw forming the pipes with an angled steel pipe forming mill.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Nakajima Steel Pipe Co., LtdInventor: Norio Nakajima
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Patent number: 5806013Abstract: A system for controlling operation of engine fuel injectors that includes a feed-forward control unit responsive to signals from sensors on the engine for supplying a basic electronic control signal for the injectors. A neural network is connected in parallel with the feed-forward control unit for receiving the sensor signals and multiplying the sensor signals by associated weighting factors. The sensor signals multiplied by the weighting factors are combined to produce a network output signal, which in turn is combined with the basic control signal from the feed-forward control unit to control operation of the fuel injectors. The weighting factors in the neural network are modified as a function of inputs from the engine sensors so as to reduce any errors in the sensor output signals as compared with desired values.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Echlin, Inc.Inventor: Perry M. Paielli
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Patent number: D399778Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Bulgari S.p.A.Inventor: Paolo Bulgari
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Patent number: D399779Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Bulgari S.p.A.Inventor: Paolo Bulgari
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Patent number: D401182Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Bulgari S.p.A.Inventor: Paolo Bulgari