Patents Represented by Law Firm Bernard, Rothwell & Brown
  • Patent number: 4916377
    Abstract: A voltage-reactive power control apparatus provided together with VAR (volt-ampere reactive) supply equipment at principal points of the power system, such as load area substations. This voltage-reactive power control apparatus monitors the power-flow and load voltage at the load area. The apparatus quickly controls VAR supply equipment etc. upon detecting of voltage abnormalities, information that otherwise would be sent to the control point at a higher level station in the power system upon making decision to provide necessary countermeasures for wider range operation of the power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Terada, Hiroshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4915423
    Abstract: A releasable coupling 10 includes a first element 12 which is rotatable about a rotational axis 18. A second element 14 is axially aligned with the first element 12, the first element 12 and the second element 14 being axially displaceable relative to each other. The first element 12 and the second element 14 define complementary drive formations 24, 26 which, when the first element 12 and the second element 14 abut axially are engaged with each other, and when the first element 12 and the second element 14 are spaced axially from each other by a predetermined amount are disengaged from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Tom B. Wallace
  • Patent number: 4915827
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for sorting desired pieces of material from undesired material present in mixtures thereof. A piece of material from a mixture of pieces of desired and undesired materials is irradiated with a plurality of wavelengths of near-infrared radiation. The absorptions by the irradiated piece of near-infrared radiation energy is measured at a plurality of wavelengths. The measured absorptions are sequentially compared to a successive series of predetermined different absorption criteria in a predetermined order, which criteria distinguish the desired material from undesired material. If the piece fails any one criterion, it is rejected, whereas if the piece passes all criteria, it is accepted as a desired piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Trebor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 4914574
    Abstract: In a data transmission apparatus, a plurality of data processing modules are used and required sequence setting is performed to a port sequencer of input/output ports of each data processing module, and the daisy chain transfer of the selective data transfer, the load distribution data transfer, the collective data transfer is combined between the data processing modules, thereby the data transmission is performed efficiently at high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Sharp Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Terada, Katsuhiko Asada, Hiroaki Nishikawa, Kenji Shima, Shinji Komori, Mitsuo Meichi, Masahisa Shimizu, Soichi Miyata, Hajime Asano
  • Patent number: 4913919
    Abstract: The texture, flavor and/or color of comestible products may be modified by applying a high solids, aqueous coating composition to the surfaces thereof, which coating composition comprises from 10% to 40% by weight maltodextrin and from 10% to 40% by weight starch granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Frito-Lay, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris J. Cornwell, Amy L. Joseph, Stephen L. Rice
  • Patent number: 4913920
    Abstract: The device is intended for the manufacture of food products made by joining together first and second wafers, in which at least the first wafer includes a substantially flat core portion with a region having a distinct perimeter in which cell parts are provided for receiving a filling. The device comprises a peripheral frame having an end edge for supporting the wafer provided with cell parts in correspondence with said distinct perimeter. A plurality of clamping members associated with the peripheral frame are able to pivot relative to the frame between a closed position in which they extend at least partially to cover the end edge and can clamp the first wafer and/or the two joined wafers on the device, and an open position, in which it allows wafers to be inserted into and removed from the device itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Ferrero S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pietro Ferrero
  • Patent number: 4911249
    Abstract: A soil-working tine has a recess extending along its wearing edge. The recess captures some soil as the tine passes through the soil. The soil captured in the recess acts as a wearing edge, reducing wear on the material of the tine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Ticonderoga Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4910031
    Abstract: Improved savory snack food items include a nonsweet, sugar-based binder composition which adheres one or more toppings to a base portion of the snack. The binder does not undesirably alter the taste of snack food items and substantially reduces separation of toppings from the snack food items during production, packaging, shipping and, most importantly, during handling by the consumer. The binder also reduces transfer of oil and fat and powders to the hands of the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Frito-Lay, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Budd, David L. Curtis, O. George Dowdie, Rajen S. Mehta
  • Patent number: 4910288
    Abstract: An improved solution polymerization process for the preparation of polyetherimides comprises prereacting an aromatic bis(ether anhydride) with an aromatic diamine, followed by the addition of phthalic anhydride end capping agent and further reaction to form an end capped prepolymer. The prepolymer is converted to polyetherimide. The improved process advantageously greatly reduces the formation of PAMI, an undesired byproduct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Brent A. Dellacoletta
  • Patent number: 4910628
    Abstract: A terminal unit for use in an information transmission system disposed between an information transmission line in the information transmission system constituted of signal lines for transmitting a signal by conduction therethrough of a direct current having positive polarity and negative polarity and controlled equipment as one terminal of the system, including at least a coupling circuit for transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the transmission line by converting the signal into a direct current as aforesaid and converting such a direct current into the signal, a transmission control device controlling transmission and reception of a signal according to a protocol for signal transmission, and a transmission circuit and a reception circuit disposed between the coupling circuit and transmission control device for making signal transmission and reception, respectively, and further, comprising a polarity detection circuit for detecting polarity of the direct current voltage supplied from the signal l
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiji Minagawa, Yoshiyuki Honda, Yoshiaki Ito, Toshiyasu Higuma, Mitsunobu Esaki
  • Patent number: 4908270
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous production of nitrosyl fluoride from nitrite and hydrogen fluoride. Nitrite solids and hydrogen fluoride are separately introduced and blended into nitrosyl fluoride so as to form a reaction mixture within which the nitrite and the hydrogen fluoride react to produce additional nitrosyl fluoride. The hydrogen fluoride is introduced into the reaction mixture spaced away from where the nitrite is introduced into the reaction mixture so that the hydrogen fluoride and the nitrite separately mix into the nitrosyl fluoride and are diluted therein before mixing with each other, thereby avoiding a violent reaction between the hydrogen fluoride and the nitrite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt, Inc.
    Inventors: Nickolas J. Stepaniuk, Bruce J. Lamb
  • Patent number: 4908418
    Abstract: Disclosed are ternary blends of (a) a polyetherimide and (b) a polyarylate, an aromatic polyester which is derived from a dihydric phenol and a dicarboxylic acid and (c) a thermoplastic polymer selected from polycarbonates and aliphatic-aromatic polyesters which is compatible with the polyetherimide and the polyarylate. The blends exhibit a high heat distortion temperature and have a good degree of flame resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Fred F. Holub
  • Patent number: 4908756
    Abstract: A detecting apparatus for abnormality in an inverter circuit comprising an inverter circuit for converting electric power in a DC circuit into that in an AC circuit and vice versa based on a command signal for commutation, a detecting circuit for commutation in a main circuit, the detecting circuit being composed of a current detecting circuit provided between a voltage dividing point of the DC circuit and the inverter circuit and provided with its one end connected to the voltage dividing point and a differentiating circuit connected between the other end of the current detecting circuit and the AC terminal of the inverter circuit, and, a logic circuit for judgement of abnormality in commutation, the logic circuit comparing a detected signal of the detecting circuit for commutation in the main circuit with a command signal for commutation for commanding its commutation for the inverter circuit, and, at the same time, detecting inconsistency in logics of the detecting signal and command signal for commutation
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigenori Higashino
  • Patent number: 4908419
    Abstract: Disclosed are blends of (a) a polyetherimide and (b) a polyarylate, an aromatic polyester which is derived from a dihydric phenol and a dicarboxylic acid. These blends have improved flexural strength and flexural modulus over the polyarylate component alone and have a higher impact strength than that associated with the polyetherimide component of the blends. In addition, the blends exhibit improved molding performance characteristics as evidenced by a lower molding pressure being required than that necessary for either component of the blend when molded alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Fred F. Holub, William R. Schlich
  • Patent number: 4907720
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for uniformly dispensing particles of a seasoning material continuously deposits seasoning material at a controlled rate onto a seasoning drop point of an oscillating spreading conveyor. The oscillating spreading conveyor spreads seasoning material in a zig-zag pattern over a receiving area on the top surface of a transfer conveyor, that in turn transfers seasoning to an elongate trough of a seasoning applicator disposed beneath the transfer conveyor. The trough has a screened bottom and includes rotating bars within the trough for fluffing seasoning in the trough and for promoting uniform dispensing of the seasoning through the screened bottom of the trough. The dispensing rate of the seasoning through the screened bottom is controlled by varying the rotational speed of the bars to maintain a desired amount of seasoning material within the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Frito-Lay, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Henson, Wilfred M. Bourg, Jr., William D. Henson
  • Patent number: 4908516
    Abstract: Apparatus (2) for characterizing or identifying an article (10) having a magnetic material thereon which stores information relating to the article, the apparatus comprising means (24) for irradiating the article with electromagnetic radiation of a particular spectral characteristic, means (26,28,30) for detecting electromagnetic radiation which is emitted by or reflected from the article due to the irradiation thereof by the means for irradiating, means for determining whether or not the detected radiation has prescribed spectral characteristics thereby to detect whether or not the article is genuine, and a magnetic detector means for reading information which is stored on the magnetic material, the means for detecting being arranged to control the magnetic detector means in response to the detection or whether or not the article is genuine. The invention also provides a method for characterizing or identifying an article having a magnetic material thereon which stores information relating to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Michael A. West
  • Patent number: D306692
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Ferrero S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pietro Ferrero
  • Patent number: D306823
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Ferrero S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pietro Ferrero
  • Patent number: D306966
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Ferrero S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pietro Ferrero
  • Patent number: D307041
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Polistil Generale Giocattoli S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Canavesi