Patents Represented by Law Firm Jansson & Shupe, Ltd.
  • Method and apparatus for making a component having interior and exterior threads
    Patent number: 5518679
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new method for making a component having interior and exterior threads. Such method includes the steps of providing a thread-forming apparatus having first and second circumferential threaded portions defining a space between them. Such space is filled with a flowable material, e.g., hot plastic, which is permitted to solidify and form the component. The apparatus and the component are then separated from one another by rotating such apparatus so that both threaded portions unscrew from the component. The finished component has interior and exterior threads which are simultaneously formed and substantially free of flashing. The new thread-forming apparatus has a first threaded portion and a pocket. A plug is in the pocket and has a second threaded portion spaced from the first threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Sta-Rite Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Junk
  • Particle sensor with low-pressure-drop air flow system
    Patent number: 5515164
    Abstract: Disclosed is a particle sensor having a light beam with a beam long axis and an air flow tube with an inlet end and a particle exit mouth. In an aspect of the invention, the cross-sectional area of the flow passage at the inlet end is greater than the cross-sectional area of the exit mouth. This enlarged area dramatically reduces pressure drop along the tube. The exit mouth is in registry with the light beam and is elongate in a direction substantially parallel to the beam long axis. Thus, particles flowing through the mouth pass through the beam. In another aspect, the invention includes a centrifugal blower which is light in weight and which may be battery powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Venturedyne Limited
    Inventors: Gerhard Kreikebaum, David L. Chandler
  • Block apparatus and method for changing dozer blade pitch
    Patent number: 5507352
    Abstract: A dozer blade pitch adjustment apparatus has a mounting lug and a block supported by the lug for setting a dozer blade at a first pitch or a second pitch. In the improvement, the lug has a mounting surface and the block has a first face contacting such mounting surface when the blade is set at the first pitch. A second face of the block contacts the mounting surface when the blade is set at the second pitch. The block has a surface portion between the lugs and such portion faces generally upwardly when the blade is set at either pitch. A new method for changing the pitch of the blade is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Claude M. Frisbee, Ronald H. Werner
  • Soil sample containment cartridge with detachable handle
    Patent number: 5505098
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tool-like cartridge for preserving a soil sample which may be contaminated with a volatile organic compound (VOC). The cartridge includes a barrel and a plug in the barrel for sealing the barrel proximal end during and after sampling and for later expelling the soil sample from such barrel. A threaded portion is on the barrel for attaching a handle and such portion has an opening through it. From the moment of sample extraction until later sample expulsion for analysis, the plug and its resilient seal member substantially prevent vaporized VOC from escaping from the cartridge. A new method for obtaining a soil sample for analysis is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: En Chem, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Turriff, Lloyd E. Jacobs
  • Apparatus and method for controlling a pasteurizing system
    Patent number: 5503064
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a system used to pasteurize food products such as milk, orange juice and raw eggs. Such system has components including at least one product tank, a pump for flowing a product through the system, a flow diversion device and a heat exchanger. The apparatus has a programmable logic controller linked to at least one component and also includes a display panel having (a) a depiction relating to one of the components, and (b) an input device such as a touch-pad type pushbutton connected to the controller for controlling a component. There are several depictions displayed in sequence and when a depiction is displayed, the input device associated therewith is also displayed and may then be actuated. After pasteurization, a batch report is printed. Vitamin injection is optionally available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Custom Control Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Fredrick S. Scheel, Byron Bailey, William D. Scheel
  • Stack-holding member with aligned stacked rings
    Patent number: 5503270
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stack-holding member with ring or disk shaped parts having a radial opening, such as lock rings and the like, which are arranged on a stack-holding member inserted in the inner space of the stack of rings, the stack-holding member supporting the rings, with play, and orienting the rings in the same direction so that the rings may be easily removed from or added to the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Hugo Benzing KG
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Geiger
  • Electromagnetic brake with improved magnet structure
    Patent number: 5497860
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electromagnetic brake mounted to and used with electric motors. Such brakes have an "E" shaped electromagnet mounted on a magnet support. An armature block is mounted on a plate and both the block and the plate move when the electromagnet is energized or de-energized. The improvement involves a magnet support of the cantilever type. Such support bends slightly when the electromagnet is energized so that the faces of the "E" magnet legs can self-align and be maintained substantially parallel with the armature block. The preferred structure also includes a resilient pad interposed between the block and the plate and at least one stop limiting compression of the pad. A special bolt securing plate hold the armature block bolts in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Venturedyne Limited
    Inventor: Wayne D. Hendricks
  • Automatic breadmaker with laterally-opening wide door
    Patent number: 5493955
    Abstract: An automatic breadmaker has a floor, enclosing surfaces and a door which form the oven chamber. The door swings horizontally to create a front opening extending substantially to the oven floor, thus facilitating "wide-side" insertion and removal of the baking pan. When closed, the door extends upwardly from along the oven floor and rearwardly to a position directly above the pan. With the door open, insertion and removal of the pan is further facilitated by the resulting wide-mouth configuration. The pan has two driven kneading members spaced along its bottom for mixing dough. The loaf made by the new breadmaker is of normal configuration, has a risen topside extending along its length and has a size, shape and overall appearance closely resembling that of a normal bakery loaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: The West Bend Company
    Inventors: David C. Belongia, Annette T. Klein
  • System and method for maintaining plural driven components at reference positions
    Patent number: 5492067
    Abstract: The disclosure involves a machine, e.g., a portal crane, having two components such as bridge support legs or rail-riding trucks. Each component is driven by a separate motor and each is moving at a speed, perhaps a different speed. A method for maintaining the speeds of the two components substantially equal to one another includes the steps of providing a differential signal representing a difference between the speeds of the two components and generating an equalizing signal reducing the speed of the higher-speed component. Preferably, a second equalizing signal is also generated to increase the speed of the lower-speed component. A new drive system is also disclosed. The method and system are particularly useful for maintaining the "squareness" of a double-leg portal crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin J. Anderson
  • Piston pump with improved hold-down mechanism
    Patent number: 5490444
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a pump having a wobble plate, at least one piston assembly reciprocated by the wobble plate, and a mechanism retaining the piston assembly in contact with the wobble plate. In the improvement, the mechanism includes a hold-down plate having a number of radially-extending retention fingers. Each finger extends into a fill opening of a separate piston assembly and retains such assembly in contact with the pump wobble plate. The piston shoe is maintained in sliding contact with the wobble plate; that is, separation of the piston assembly from the wobble plate is thereby substantially prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Dynex/Rivett, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony M. Claas
  • Variable air volume terminal unit with exterior insulation
    Patent number: 5486140
    Abstract: The disclosure involves a variable air volume (VAV) terminal unit having an inlet collar, a box-like compartment connected to the collar and an insulation layer on the exterior surface of the compartment. The compartment is made of non-fibrous, rigid sheet-like material and an air stream flows through the compartment in contact with the sheet-like material and along a path spaced from the insulation layer. A method for making the variable air volume terminal unit involves steps including forming a plurality of flat, panel-like insulating components and securing a separate component to each of at least two compartment surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Venturedyne, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Abbott, Stephen E. Cooley, Michael S. MacDonald
  • Merchandise display rack
    Patent number: 5485928
    Abstract: A merchandise display rack has compartments for displaying products. Each such compartment has a rear panel, a front panel and a follower with a first panel portion mounted for movement toward the front panel when a product is removed from the compartment. The first panel portion and the front panel substantially abut one another when the compartment is emptied of products and the first panel portion and the rear panel substantially abut one another when the compartment is filled with products. The follower is guided along the bottom panel by a guide member which extends from the follower into a slot in the bottom panel. Such guide member has a mechanism for modifying its width to compensate for slot/guide member wear. Vertically adjacent compartments are staggered so that substantially the entirety of at least the lower compartment is readily visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: T. J. Hale Company
    Inventor: J. Reed Felton
  • Method for analyzing a circuit board waveform for faults
    Patent number: 5485078
    Abstract: A new method for analyzing an electrical waveform of the type portrayed on a graph includes the steps of selecting a waveform to be analyzed, establishing the boundary of a window-like area and generating a signal if the waveform is in a predetermined position with respect to the area. For example, a signal such as a failure signal is generated if the waveform is to be out of the area but, in fact, is in the area. The method also includes features for determining certain parameters, e.g., rise time, period and the like, for the waveform. The steps include selecting first and second points on the waveform and determining the time lapsed between points. Details regarding the structure of a new waveform analyzer are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Venturedyne, Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter A. Liken, Mark C. Jacobs, Monte E. Van Nortwick
  • Display apparatus
    Patent number: 5479733
    Abstract: A frame apparatus for mounting a display panel of the type having frame members and frame connectors, the latter with fasteners. Each frame member includes a plurality of outwardly-extending arm structures and a grooved fastener-bearing surface between each adjacent pair of arm structures. The connector bears against the underside of coplanar opposed strips extending at the ends of an adjacent pair of arm structures. The connector has wing-like compression members facilitating the connection of adjoining frame members. Such connectors are configured to allow multiple joint forms and butt joints at any angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Color Arts, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuri Kusina
  • Dynamic seal and related control cable
    Patent number: 5478091
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new dynamic sealing device and a related remote control cable. The device, made of a thermoplastic polyurethane, has a pair of sealing ridges of differing diameter which bear against a rod moving with respect to the outer cable portion, i.e., the conduit. The outer ridge excludes airborne contaminants and the inner ridge retains a synthetic lubricant. The jacket of the cable core is made of nylon 12 which, like the thermoplastic polyurethane and the lubricant, has PTFE as a constituent. The "gap" between the core and the conduit is decreased compared to corresponding prior art cable and the core jacket thickness is about three times that of corresponding prior art cable. Core column strength is about doubled and the new device and cable exhibit a number of other performance advantages as explained in the specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: IMO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Gardner
  • Hydraulic system for backhoe
    Patent number: 5471908
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic system for a machine having a pump, a steering circuit and first and second hydraulic implements, e.g., a hydraulic loader and a backhoe, powered by first and second valve sections, respectively. In the improvement, the system includes a priority valve receiving fluid from the pump and configured for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the priority valve flows fluid to the steering circuit and to the second valve section and in the second position, the priority valve flows fluid to the both valve sections which are connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Lech
  • Manifolded sampling valve assembly
    Patent number: 5469751
    Abstract: The improved valve assembly controls flow of fluid in "stream sampling" applications. The assembly valve block has at least two inlet passages, an outlet passage and a separate flow control valve for connecting each inlet passage to the outlet passage. Each valve has a single primary valving surface and each of the two inlet passages is selectively placed in flow communication with the outlet passage by positioning one of the primary valving surfaces. Actuation of each valve places the corresponding inlet passage in flow communication with an outlet passage common to all inlet passages. Both ends of the outlet passage are connected together by a "smooth bend" curvilinear tube attached to a fluid analyzer. The assembly can be operated by a control device for "programmed" stream sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Sentry Equipment Corp.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Weiss, Eugene R. Rommelfaenger
  • Bread making appliance
    Patent number: D365722
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: The West Bend Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Duquaine, William C. Cesaroni
  • Electric cooker
    Patent number: D366592
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: The West Bend Company
    Inventors: William C. Cesaroni, Edward J. Duquaine, Jr.
  • Food processor
    Patent number: D366595
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: The West Bend Company
    Inventors: William C. Dobson, William C. Cesaroni