Patents Represented by Law Firm Hazel & Thomas
  • Patent number: 5836275
    Abstract: A valve timing control device has a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber to rotate vanes mounted on a rotor and a fluid supplying means for supplying fluid under pressure to at least a selected one of the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber in order to control valve timing. The device further includes a locking means for connecting a housing member and the rotor and a canceling means for canceling the operation of the locking means. The canceling means cancels the locking means before the fluid supplying means supplies fluid under pressure to the first pressure chamber or the second pressure chamber, so that the locking means is canceled completely before the vanes rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Sato
  • Patent number: 5837911
    Abstract: A damper assembly is provided between a side arm of an upright piano and a fall board for preventing the fall board from violent collision with a key slip, the damper assembly includes a rotary damper embedded into the fall board and producing small damping force during a rotation of the fall board from the closed position and a vertical position and large damping force during a rotation of the fall board from the vertical position to the closed position, a turnable plate member turnably connected to the side arm and not allowing the shaft member to turn with respect thereto, a stopper held in contact with the turnable plate member between the vertical position and the closed position and a spring generating resilient force larger than the small damping force and smaller than the large damping force so as to allow the turnable plate member to turn together with the rotary damper between the vertical position and an open position, and the damper assembly allows a player to move the fall board without large for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 5833563
    Abstract: An automatic hydraulic tensioner according to the present invention is provided with a communication mechanism for allowing a space radially inside a plunger-side end wire portion of a coil spring to communicate with a small clearance between the plunger and a cylinder. This automatic hydraulic tensioner thus succeeds, with a simple structure, in preventing bubbles from remaining within a pressure chamber and appropriately maintaining the tension applied to a power transmitting means such as a belt, a chain or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Takeda, Yukimori Kobayashi, Katsumi Hirabayashi, Shinji Kazaoka
  • Patent number: 5829783
    Abstract: The air bag apparatus has a pressure adjusting mechanism. The pressure adjusting mechanism controls a flow rate of the operating gas. When acceleration caused by a collision exceeds a predetermined level by a small level, the pressure adjusting mechanism releases the operating gas into the atmosphere. When the acceleration well exceeds the predetermined level, the pressure adjusting mechanism does not release the operating gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanobu Ishikawa, Kazunori Sakamoto, Yoshiyuki Ito
  • Patent number: 5826552
    Abstract: A variable valve timing device includes a rotation shaft and a rotation transmitting member rotatably mounted thereon so as to define a pressure chamber between the shaft and the member. The pressure chamber is divided by a vane extending from the shaft into an advance angle space and a delay angle space. Differentiating pressures in both spaces establishes rotation of the shaft, which enables an adjustment of the phase angle between the shaft and the member. A retracting bore and a receiving bore are formed in the member and the shaft, respectively. A locking valve and a piston are fitted in the retracting bore and the receiving bore, respectively. A fluid passage is formed which extends to a boundary portion between the piston and the locking valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Noguchi, Kongo Aoki, Katsuhiko Eguchi
  • Patent number: 5826938
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is equipped with a side air bag assembly, the air bag of which is assembled within a side cavity formed in one side of a back rest of the vehicle seat in a folded condition. A rear attachment board is mounted on a support frame of the back rest, and has a back portion formed to cover the rear face of the back rest and a side portion formed to cover the air bag in the side cavity. The side portion of the rear attachment board is formed as a door portion to be opened outwardly when applied with a thrusting force caused by inflation of the air bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignees: Araco Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yanase, Hisaaki Kato, Masanori Oyabu, Yasunori Hasegawa, Mitsuyoshi Ohno
  • Patent number: 5823905
    Abstract: There is provided a mobile member position detection apparatus in which not only high-accuracy detection of a window glass or the like of a power window apparatus but also setting of an initial position being free from cumbersome adjustment can be realized with a simple structure at low cost. In a position detection apparatus, a ring gear is rotated together with a motor output shaft, and a predetermined rotational position is detected by a mobile contact and a fixed contact. In this case, since a projecting portion of a gear base is brought into contact with a contact surface of a base plate to hold the gear base, a difference between loss torque of the gear base and loss torque of the ring gear increases, and a planetary gear is not unnecessarily revolved. Thereafter, when the output shaft is rotated, holding of the carrier by a wave washer is released, and rotation of the output shaft is not transmitted to the ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Torii, Kengo Yamamura, Mitsuhiro Ikeya
  • Patent number: 5821673
    Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device capable of exhibiting high temperature stability and being downsized. The device includes a wafer constructed of a trigonal lanthanum/gallium silicate crystal cut out at predetermined cut angles (.alpha., .beta.). Application of a predetermined voltage signal to the wafer permits a surface acoustic wave to be excited in the wafer and propagate in the wafer. Supposing that the crystal has three crystal axes including an X-axis (electric axis), a Y-axis (mechanical axis) and a Z-axis (optical axis), the wafer is cut out so that a normal line (n) on a surface of the wafer has the cut angle .alpha. defined to be 20.degree..ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.40.degree. with respect to the Y-axis in a counterclockwise direction from the Y-axis in a Y-Z plane and a propagation direction (S) of the surface acoustic wave has the cut angle .beta. defined to be 35.degree..ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.70.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignees: Santech Company LImited, Bunch Limited
    Inventors: Jury Vladimirovich Pisarevsky, Vladimir Nikolaevich Fedorets, Vladimir Aleksandrovich Pankov
  • Patent number: 5813378
    Abstract: A valve timing control device includes a rotor fixed on a cam shaft and having a circular groove opposite an end surface of the cam shaft. The circular groove communicates with a passage formed in the cam shaft. A housing member is disposed so as to surround the rotor. An angular phase converting mechanism is disposed between the rotor and the housing member so as to be able to transmit the rotational torque from the housing member to the rotor and so as to be able to give the angular phase difference between the rotor and the housing member. A fluid supplying device supplies fluid under pressure to the angular phase converting mechanism through the passage and the circular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Sato
  • Patent number: 5814674
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing residue-containing packages so as to receive valuable materials, in particular pressure containers for dispensing foams with propellant gases. For that purpose, extraction with a solvent is carried out essentially in atmosphere of propellant gas and/or solvent vapors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Rathor AG
    Inventors: Mathias Pauls, Torsten Kellner
  • Patent number: 5811702
    Abstract: A keyboard music instrument includes a keyboard, key action mechanisms functionally connected to keys of the keyboard, strings assigned notes of a scale and hammer assemblies for striking the strings. The hammer assemblies have respective hammer heads formed of metallic powder containing synthetic resin so as to exactly regulate the weight to target values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Tomizawa, Hiroyoshi Takahashi, Fumiyoshi Furuki, Takamitsu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5808250
    Abstract: There is provided a mobile member position detection apparatus in which not only high-accuracy detection of a position of a window glass or the like of a power window apparatus but also setting of an initial position being free from cumbersome adjustment can be realized with a simple structure at low cost. In this position detection apparatus, a transmission plate and a cam plate are rotated together with the rotating shaft of a window regulator, and a limit switch is rendered conductive to detect a predetermined rotational position. Thereafter, when the rotating shaft is rotated, the intermeshing state between a tooth portion and a tooth portion obtained by a wave washer is released, and rotation of the rotating shaft is not transmitted to the cam plate. Therefore, when the rotating shaft (drive motor) is sufficiently rotated during an incorporating operation, an initial state wherein a projecting portion is brought into contact with a stopper to render the limit switch conductive is automatically set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Torii, Mitsuhiro Ikeya, Kengo Yamamura
  • Patent number: 5804098
    Abstract: A low-velocity electron excited phosphor having a composition represented by a general formula ZnO.multidot.(Al.sub.x, Ga.sub.1-x).sub.2 O.sub.3 :Mn, wherein X=0.001 to 0.3 mol. A content of Al in the phosphor is set be to within a range between 0.001 mol and 0.3 mol. The range permits a variation in luminance of the phosphor to be within .+-.30% and initial luminance of the phosphor to be significantly increased, resulting in the phosphor being suitable for use for a fluorescent display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Satoh, Hitoshi Toki, Fumiaki Kataoka, Shigeo Itoh
  • Patent number: 5804816
    Abstract: A position transducer determines a current key position through variation of light intensity interrupted by a shutter plate attached to a key, and a semi-column shaped convex lens elongates the light beam radiated from an optical fiber in a direction parallel to the trajectory of the key so that the light beam fully covers the motion of the shutter plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Yamamoto, Tsutomu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5798929
    Abstract: A module-based apparatus for automatically processing thin sheet material is provided. The individual modules perform the tasks necessary for processing the sheet material. They are connected with one another and with a control device in such a way that data can be transmitted between all components. Additionally a safety device is provided for monitoring the data exchange among the modules themselves and between them and the control device. The safety device is in a position to prepare logs of the processing operations and to recognize manipulation of the apparatus with intent to defraud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Stenzel, Bodo Albert, Klaus Buchmann, Alfred Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5797192
    Abstract: A guide device for securing carpet to a floor incorporates an elongated main body having an aligning edge portion for positionally aligning with a Z-bar secured to a floor to be carpeted, and an elongated vertical edge element operatively secured to a top surface of the main body and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body. The vertical edge element is positioned a predetermined distance from the aligning edge portion along an entire length of the main body. In operation, the aligning edge portion of the guide device is positionally aligned with a bend portion of a Z-bar secured to a floor to be carpeted. A carpet to be secured with the Z-bar is laid on top of the Z-bar and the guide device. The carpet is then cut along the vertical edge element of the guide device, wherein a remaining portion of the carpet extends approximately the predetermined distance beyond the bend portion of the Z-bar. Finally, the remaining portion of the carpet is secured underneath the Z-bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Curtis
  • Patent number: 5798000
    Abstract: A non-zinc chloride type flux applied for use in plating a substrate metal member with molten tin, containing at least one chemical compound selected from the group of stannous chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride and ammonium chloride and excluding zinc chloride therefrom. The flux is floated on the surface of molten tin in the plating process or used in a condition of solution before the substrate metal member is plated with molten tin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Reika Satsurai
  • Patent number: 5798028
    Abstract: A production system of electrolyzed water includes an electrolyzer the interior of which is subdivided into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber by means of a cation permeable membrane, a diluted brine tank arranged to store an amount of diluted brine to be supplied into the anode and cathode chambers of the electrolyzer, first and second water supply conduits connecting the brine tank to the anode and cathode chambers respectively, and first and second electrically operated hydraulic pumps provided on the first and second water supply conduits to supply the diluted brine from the brine tank into the anode and cathode chambers. To prevent an electric motor for the hydraulic pumps from corrosion caused by backward flow of electrolyzed water in the production system, the hydraulic pumps are deactivated upon the lapse of a predetermined time after application of the DC voltage to an anode and a cathode in the anode and cathode chambers has been interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Hoshiazaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Tsuchikawa, Yosuke Saito
  • Patent number: 5794577
    Abstract: A valve timing control device has a rotor fixed on a cam shaft of an engine and a housing member ratably mounted on the cam shaft. The housing member surrounds the rotor. A chamber defined between the housing member and the rotor has a pair of circumferentially opposed walls. A vane is mounted on the rotor and extends outwardly therefrom in the radial direction into the chamber so as to divide the chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. A plate spring is inserted between the rotor and the vane and a fluid supplying device supplies fluid under pressure to at least a selected one of the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Kira
  • Patent number: 5792343
    Abstract: A brine supply system including a first brine tank to store diluted brine of a predetermined concentration to be supplied into an electrolytic brine treatment device and a second brine tank to store an amount of saturated brine at a predetermined concentration. When the level of diluted brine becomes a lower limit level, the first brine tank is supplied with fresh water from an external supply source of water until the level of diluted brine becomes an upper limit level and is intermittently supplied with a predetermined amount of the saturated brine from the second brine tank. Based on a previously memorized supply time of the fresh water, a supply frequency and a supply interval of the saturated brine for the memorized supply time are calculated to maintain the diluted brine at the predetermined concentration even when the first brine tank is being supplied with the fresh water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Fujita, Koji Tsuchikawa, Yoshinori Kamitani