Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Emrich & Dithmar
  • Patent number: 7086900
    Abstract: A connector suitable for mounting to a solenoid or the like includes a contact holder adapted to receive and hold a plurality of contact assemblies. Each contact assembly includes a band of closed configuration and having a central opening for receiving the stripped end of a wire, and a contact adapted to couple to an associated contact of the solenoid. A screw is threadedly received in each band and adapted to force the contact into electrical engagement with the wire held within the opening of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Riccardo Comini
  • Patent number: 7086821
    Abstract: An attachment device for releasably securing an implement such as a bucket, pallet fork, etc., to the arms of an end loader includes a self-contained latching mechanism. The latching mechanism extends between the arms and has a first upper U-shaped support groove and a lower slot for receiving and engaging respective upper and lower elongated mounting pins of the implement. A linearly movable latch pin, or plunger, is disposed adjacent the lower slot for locking the implement's lower mounting pin in position within the slot in attaching the implement to the end loader. The latch pin also undergoes a pivoting motion during mounting pin insertion and removal to allow for automatic implement attachment to and disconnection from the end loader without the end loader operator having to leave the end loader and manually tend to the attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: L & R Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Darel J. Reicks
  • Patent number: 7077983
    Abstract: A single ion-conducting nanocomposite of a substantially amorphous polyethylene ether and a negatively charged synthetic smectite clay useful as an electrolyte. Excess SiO2 improves conductivity and when combined with synthetic hectorite forms superior membranes for batteries. A method of making membranes is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: University of Chicago
    Inventors: Giselle Sandi-Tapia, Kathleen Carrado Gregar
  • Patent number: 7073513
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling movement of magnetic material with at least first and second high temperature superconductors at spaced locations. A plurality of solenoids are associated with the superconductors to induce a persistent currents in preselected high temperature superconductors establishing a plurality of magnetic fields in response to pulsed currents introduced to one or more of the solenoids. Control mechanism in communication with said solenoids and/or said high temperature superconductors are used to demagnetize selected ones of the high temperature superconductors to reduce the magnetic fields substantially to zero. Magnetic material is moved between magnetic fields by establishing the presence thereof and thereafter reducing magnetic fields substantially to zero and establishing magnetic fields in other superconductors arranged in a predetermined configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Yung Sheng Cha, John R. Hull, Thomas R. Askew
  • Patent number: 7075093
    Abstract: A maskless, direct write electron lithography apparatus for accurately and simultaneously writing plural sub-micron patterns on a silicon substrate employs plural parallel electron beams with precise X-Y mechanical translation of the substrate to provide low cost, high throughput integrated circuit (IC) fabrication. Plural compact micro electron gun assemblies arranged in an I×J rectangular grid each simultaneously expose one IC pattern on the substrate, with each electron gun assembly including a K×L array of individually controlled electron guns emitting K×L electron beams. The regular, small spacing between electron beams in each array, i.e., approximately 1 mm or less, requires a correspondingly small X-Y translation of the substrate to write the entire wafer. Each electron gun array includes plural AC blanked cathodes and DC biased plates having plural aligned beam passing apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventors: Richard M. Gorski, Boris Rozansky, Hsing-Yao Chen
  • Patent number: 7049031
    Abstract: A positive electrode for a non-aqueous lithium cell comprising a LiMn2?xMxO4 spinel structure in which M is one or more metal cations with an atomic number less than 52, such that the average oxidation state of the manganese ions is equal to or greater than 3.5, and in which 0?x?0.15, having one or more lithium spine oxide LiM?2O4 or lithiated spinel oxide Li1+yM?2O4 compounds on the surface thereof in which M? are cobalt cations and in which 0?y?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Christopher S. Johnson, Michael M. Thackeray, Arthur J. Kahaian
  • Patent number: 7041414
    Abstract: This invention relates to electrodes for non-aqueous lithium cells and batteries with silver manganese oxide positive electrodes, denoted AgxMnOy, in which x and y are such that the manganese ions in the charged or partially charged electrodes cells have an average oxidation state greater than 3.5. The silver manganese oxide electrodes optionally contain silver powder and/or silver foil to assist in current collection at the electrodes and to improve the power capability of the cells or batteries. The invention relates also to a method for preparing AgxMnOy electrodes by decomposition of a permanganate salt, such as AgMnO4, or by the decomposition of KMnO4 or LiMnO4 in the presence of a silver salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Michael M. Thackeray, John T. Vaughey, Dennis W. Dees
  • Patent number: 7041150
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making alloys or ceramics by the subsurface injection of an equilibrium vapor of a boiling liquid of the ceramic or alloys constituents is disclosed. Various powders and products are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Donn Reynolds Armstrong, Richard Paul Anderson, Lance E. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 7036268
    Abstract: A flying inspect trap has a source of UV light to attract insects and an adhesive sheet to trap them. A concave housing which encloses the light source and the trapping medium has a series of narrow light-transmissive slits in a front wall to permit a direct partial viewing of the source from the front of the unit to enhance insect attraction. A cover mounted above the housing has a reflecting surface in the form of a band shell which reflects light from the source out into the room as well as downwardly in front of the unit, and prevents light from shining directly or indirectly on the wall above the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Paraclipse, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry R. Taylor, C. Ronald Lambert
  • Patent number: 7033195
    Abstract: Disclosed are two embodiments of a coaxial electrical connector designed for use in hazardous locations. Mating connectors are connected coaxially, and coupled together by means of a threaded connection. When the mating connectors are connected, they cannot be disconnected manually. Rather, a tool is necessary to disconnect the connectors. In one embodiment, each connector includes a generally cylindrical coupler member having integral, axial fingers or tines spaced circumferentially. The couplers are rotatably mounted to inserts in which the connecting elements are embedded. A ratchet assembly permits the couplers to be threaded together to make a connection but is overridden in the unconnecting direction, requiring a tool to be placed in the space between adjacent tines to connect the coupler to an associated outer housing which may then be turned to disconnect the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Murphy, Brandon Janowiak
  • Patent number: 7026074
    Abstract: A lithium battery with improved safety that utilizes one or more additives in the battery electrolyte solution wherein a lithium salt is dissolved in an organic solvent, which may contain propylene, carbonate. For example, a blend of 2 wt % triphenyl phosphate (TPP), 1 wt % diphenyl monobutyl phosphate (DMP) and 2 wt % vinyl ethylene carbonate additives has been found to significantly enhance the safety and performance of Li-ion batteries using a LiPF6 salt in EC/DEC electrolyte solvent. The invention relates to both the use of individual additives and to blends of additives such as that shown in the above example at concentrations of 1 to 4-wt % in the lithium battery electrolyte. This invention relates to additives that suppress gas evolution in the cell, passivate graphite electrode and protect it from exfoliating in the presence of propylene carbonate solvents in the electrolyte, and retard flames in the lithium batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Chun-hua Chen, Yoo Eup Hyung, Donald R. Vissers, Khalil Amine
  • Patent number: 7023673
    Abstract: A superconducting shielded core reactor (SSCR) operates as a passive device for limiting excessive AC current in a circuit operating at a high power level under a fault condition such as shorting. The SSCR includes a ferromagnetic core which may be either closed or open (with an air gap) and extends into and through a superconducting tube or superconducting rings arranged in a stacked array. First and second series connected copper coils each disposed about a portion of the iron core are connected to the circuit to be protected and are respectively wound inside and outside of the superconducting tube or rings. A large impedance is inserted into the circuit by the core when the shielding capability of the superconducting arrangement is exceeded by the applied magnetic field generated by the two coils under a fault condition to limit the AC current in the circuit. The proposed SSCR also affords reduced AC loss compared to conventional SSCRs under continuous normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Yung S. Cha, John R. Hull
  • Patent number: 7012275
    Abstract: A layered article of manufacture and a method of manufacturing same is disclosed. A substrate has a biaxially textured MgO crystalline layer having the c-axes thereof inclined with respect to the plane of the substrate deposited thereon. A layer of one or more of YSZ or Y2O3 and then a layer of CeO2 is deposited on the MgO. A crystalline superconductor layer with the c-axes thereof normal to the plane of the substrate is deposited on the CeO2 layer. Deposition of the MgO layer on the substrate is by the inclined substrate deposition method developed at Argonne National Laboratory. Preferably, the MgO has the c-axes thereof inclined with respect to the normal to the substrate in the range of from about 10° to about 40° and YBCO superconductors are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Uthamalingam Balachandran, Beihai Ma, Dean Miller
  • Patent number: 7000746
    Abstract: An electrical cord reel includes a metal housing of rectangular shape which is adapted to be mounted set in a wall or on the surface of the wall. The electric cord is mounted on a retractable reel mounted within the housing and may be connected to a source of electricity. An outlet receptacle is mounted to the cord for supplying power to remote locations in the room or work area as the cord is unwound from the reel. A series of guide rollers permit the cord to be paid out in a direction generally perpendicular to the wall, but over a large space for flexible application. The receptacle may be reeled in for storage and used as a wall outlet in the storage position. The receptacle is secured in a recess in the front wall of the housing; and the receptacle may be moved from the storage position to a release position where it is readily removed from the housing for remote use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Mackin, Scott A. Hagen, Timothy A. Hill, Don Zito, Gregory J. Maley
  • Patent number: 7001860
    Abstract: A structural material of a polystyrene base and the reaction product of the polystyrene base and a solid phosphate ceramic. The ceramic is applied as a slurry which includes one or more of a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide with a source of phosphate to produce a phosphate ceramic and a poly (acrylic acid or acrylate) or combinations or salts thereof and polystyrene or MgO applied to the polystyrene base and allowed to cure so that the dried aqueous slurry chemically bonds to the polystyrene base. A method is also disclosed of applying the slurry to the polystyrene base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Arun S. Wagh, Allison L. Antink
  • Patent number: 6992487
    Abstract: A live circuit battery tester allows for determining the condition of batteries under load without disconnecting the batteries and a battery charger from the load or in any way disrupting system operation during the test. Battery testing is prevented when the batteries are being used in an emergency or if they are recharging from a recent discharge. The battery tester is under microcomputer control and incorporates automatic-self diagnostics and provides a visual indication if the batteries are good or if a specific problem is detected such as if the batteries are missing, have open cells, are sulfated or are in imminent danger of failure. The battery tester determines if the charger is operating properly and tests for an open cell, bad battery connection, sulfated battery, and a weak battery and provides a visual indication of any of these problems as well as an indication of a properly operating battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: La Marche Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Steinke
  • Patent number: 6982964
    Abstract: A network protocol translation device that allows serial data sent using the standard Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocol to be used between two locations, using a satellite link or a terrestrial wireless link between the two locations. This is done by translating the standard ATM data to a standard satellite modem interface at one location, and translating the data back to the ATM format at the second (remote) location. The translation can occur at any data rate up to the available effective bandwidth of the ATM connection. The device is also capable of providing Forward Error Correction in the protocol translation. The device is functionally transparent to protocols above ATM, i.e., IP, UDP and TCP. It also interfaces with standard physical layers below ATM such as Synchronous Optical Network (SONET). At the satellite interface, the device is compatible with (but not limited to) Emitter Coupled Logic (ECL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: David R. Beering
  • Patent number: 6979222
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes first and second mating sections (17, 18). The first section (17) forms a plurality of channels (25–28) for receiving wires (12–15). The second section (18) has receptacles (24A–24D) for receiving contact elements (20–23) having IDC contacts for connecting respectively to the wires. The contact elements are constructed so that they may be placed in any one of four quadrature positions while providing a dual IDC connection with its associated wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Riccardo Comini
  • Patent number: 6973884
    Abstract: An applicator unit for applying slurry fertilizer beneath the soil with reduced soil displacement includes a spring-cushioned main mounting shank and a forward spring-biased colter. A narrow applicator shank is mounted to the main mounting shank by a pair of vertically spaced bolts, including a lower shear bolt, at a location just above the surface of the soil. The sweep shank is generally upright and includes a nose portion at a lower leading edge which includes a generally blunt lower portion and a tapered leading edge for forming a furrow without tilling the soil. The furrow is formed in three stages by the blunt nose pad, the upright tapered leading edge of the sweep shank, and by a pair of mounting plates carrying the slurry tube and widening the top of the furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Soycorp, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Dietrich, Sr.
  • Patent number: D514646
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Robert J. Lipic