Patents Represented by Law Firm Longacre & White
  • Patent number: 6408741
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device for a motor vehicle clutch, comprising at least a control cylinder (10) wherein the cylinder (10) comprises a substantially tubular cylinder body (17) wherein a piston (20) slides axially defining a cylindrical hydraulic chamber (16), wherein the cylinder body (17) comprises a main body (18) and a rear tube (50) guiding the piston (22). The rear tube (50) and the main body (18) co-operate through matching cylindrical surfaces to enable the rear tube (50) and the main body (18) to be assembled by axial nesting and laser welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Pasquale Angione
  • Patent number: 6408623
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) comprising a cylinder body (17) in an inner bore hole (22) in which a piston (21, 42) is mounted in such a way that it can slide axially, whereby the cylinder body (17) comprises at least one part in the front of the blind hole (17a) and one center part bearing a sealing joint, whereby both parts are fitted axially and consecutively from front to back and are interfixed in a sealed manner. Said inner bore hole comprises two front and rear sections which are substantially coaxial and concentric and are used to guide the piston (21,42) in an axially sliding manner. The invention is characterized in that both front (62) and rear (60) sections which are used to guide the piston (21,42) in a sliding manner belong to the center part (17B,64) of the cylinder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Christophe Mollier, Pasquale Angione
  • Patent number: 6409036
    Abstract: An interlocking container comprising a number of mutually interlocking plate forming the container that may be used for a plurality of various applications such as a vase, a pencil cup, a trash can, a support for a clock, or the like. The interlocking plates consist of a series of commonly formed printable pieces that interlock to form a variety of containers having unique geometric configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Gary F. Martin
  • Patent number: 6405420
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for applying punched rivets, either full rivets or semi-tubular rivets. The tool having a blank holder for pretensioning assembly pieces, especially metal sheets; a rivet punch movable in an axial direction within a cylinder of the blank holder; and a die that is arranged opposite the blank holder and punch and provided with an annular prominence on an end face thereof and facing the rivet punch. A radial outside section of said end face concentrically surrounds said annular prominence, the outside section of said end face being displaceable relative to the annular prominence as a function of one of the penetration depth of the rivet into the assembly pieces and the force that the rivet punch exerts on the rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Kerb-Konus-Vertriebs-GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Donhauser, Reinhard Mauermann, Gunter Quaisser, Wolfgang Voelkner, Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6405933
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical control device (10) making it possible to act on control members of an airflow-distribution system (1) for a motor vehicle, characterised in that it comprises at least two separate control means (30, 40) with rotary movement acting respectively independently with respect to one another on the control members, a first control means (30) being mounted turning about a first rotational axis and carrying a second control means (40) mounted turning about a second rotational axis which is inclined with respect to the first rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventor: Louis Lacroix
  • Patent number: 6405788
    Abstract: A molded plastics component capable of being fitted onto a receiving part of a heat exchanger, is assembled to this heat exchanger by a crimping component adapted for at least partially enveloping that component. It includes a crimping part engaged in the receiving part to secure the two together. Application to assembling of a fixing component onto a motor-vehicle heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Motuer
    Inventor: Patrick Balthazard
  • Patent number: 6403935
    Abstract: A soft heating element, utilizing electro conductive textile threads as a heating means having additional safety functions as TCO (thermal cut-off) and TSL (temperature self-limiting) devices. The thermal cut-off function is achieved through melting of the electro conductive threads at the temperatures above 120° C. and below 350° C., which results in termination of electrical continuity in the heating element. The temperature self-limiting capability is achieved through a heating thread electrical resistance increase during slow elevation in its temperature, which is below its melting point. Methods of electrical and mechanical connection between heating threads and metal conductors, utilizing winding of connections with flexible strands of fibers or wires, with optional subsequent placement of a rigid mechanical fastener over the winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Thermosoft International Corporation
    Inventors: Arkady Kochman, Mikhail Lavit, Dmitry Kochman
  • Patent number: 6403912
    Abstract: A pivotal two-piece EDM electrode holder having a stationary base; a rotating head pivotally positioned over the stationary base; two end caps on the stationary base; and a pocket positioned in the center of the rotating head for receiving an electrode. Adjustment apparatus secure the rotating head in the desired position to the stationary base during the EDM process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory Otto John Nemecek
  • Patent number: 6402637
    Abstract: A golf club head which can be reduced in its thickness with no fear of impairing the durability and strength of the club head. A face portion of the golf club head is configured such that the vertical dimension of the face portion is smaller than the horizontal dimension thereof, and the face portion is arranged so as to satisfy any of the following conditions: 1) the longitudinal direction of crystal grains of a material of the face portion is oriented in the vertical direction of the face portion; 2) the direction in which the material exhibits a large ductile amount at the time of breaking is oriented in said vertical direction; and 3) the direction in which the material exhibits a large ratio of ductility per unit length is oriented in said vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventors: Akinori Sasamoto, Harunobu Kusumoto, Atsushi Matsuo, Yasuto Imai
  • Patent number: 6402655
    Abstract: A differential assembly having a limited slip device with a mechanism to adjust the preload of a clutch pack. The differential assembly includes a differential case with pinion and side gears disposed therein. The clutch pack is disposed between at least one of the side gears and the differential case to retard relative rotation there between. An adjustment collar is disposed between the clutch pack and the differential case to adjust the preload of the clutch pack. Elongated slots are formed through the differential case to provide external access to spanner slots formed in the adjustment collar. A tool may be inserted through the elongated slots to engage the spanner slots and selectively rotate the adjustment collar to adjust the preload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Spicer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl James Irwin, David Joseph Young
  • Patent number: 6404093
    Abstract: Brush-holder fitting for an electric machine including two components (3, 4) affixed to one another, one (3) which features several guide cages (3c) which each accommodate one brush (1) and a spring (7), the other (4) which constitutes a component forming a seating which includes means allowing it to be assembled onto a metal bearing (5), the component (4) forming a seating including a hub (4h) accommodating an annular element (9) intended to provide rotational guidance for the shaft of the machine, characterized in that the hub (4h) is closed at its extremity intended to be opposite the shaft of the machine, the seating-forming component (4) being able, by itself, to ensure leaktightness with respect to the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Laurent Bastide, Pierre Magnier
  • Patent number: 6402895
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dewatering belt (1, 13, 17, 25, 30), in particular as a drying screen for paper machines, which is assembled from a plurality of plate-shaped planar elements (2, 14, 18, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32, 40) that, in order to adjust the permeability, have passthrough openings (41) and/or leave gaps (19, 36) between them, the planar elements (2, 14, 18, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32, 40) being coupled to one another, by way of flexible connecting cords (9, 16, 22, 23, 28, 37) which pass through the planar elements (2, 14, 18, 24, 26, 27, 31,. 32, 40), in such a way that the longitudinal forces acting on the dewatering belt (1, 13, 17, 25, 30) during operation act on them. The dewatering belt (1) is characterized in that the connecting cords (9, 16, 22, 23, 28, 37) extend in the longitudinal direction of the dewatering belt (1, 13, 17, 25, 30) and are anchored at their ends in end pieces (5, 6, 20, 29, 38) which can be coupled to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Thomas Josef Heimbach Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung & Co.
    Inventor: Walter Best
  • Patent number: 6405089
    Abstract: A DC-AC electric potential treatment apparatus of the present invention can freely switch high potential AC and high potential DC. The DC-AC electric potential treatment apparatus comprises an electric cloth having a treatment lead for outputting high potential AC or high potential DC, a DC-AC power supply circuit for supplying high potential DC and high potential AC to the treatment lead, and a DC-AC switch circuit for switching the supply from the DC-AC power supply circuit to the treatment lead between high potential DC and high potential AC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Shiga Aisaki
  • Patent number: 6398269
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tube connection between a collector (2) of a motor vehicle heat exchanger and a line (16) using a connecting sleeve (14) in which the free end (32) of the line (16) engages in a positive manner. An annular seal (28) is accommodated in the annular gap (22) between the inner surface (24) of the connecting sleeve (14) and the outer surface (26) of the line (16). An outer flange (38) is provided on the free end (40) of the connecting sleeve (14), and a buckled outer bead (36) is formed on the line (16). When the tube connection is completely assembled, said bead is tightened against the outer face (41) of the outer flange (38) by a clamping device (42). The seal (28) forms an insertion sleeve (44). A sealing element (48) is formed on the insertion sleeve in the peripheral area thereof situated close to the collector, and a sealing flange (46) projects from the peripheral area of the insertion sleeve situated away from the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Klimatechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Roland Haussmann
  • Patent number: 6398686
    Abstract: A novel arrangement of an electronically controlled limited slip differential assembly including a friction clutch assembly provided within a differential case for selectively restricting differential action. The friction clutch assembly is contained between a separation plate fixed to the differential case and axially spaced from a side gear, and a thrust collar splined to one of axle shafts and movable in axial direction in order to actuate the friction clutch assembly. The friction clutch assembly includes alternating inner friction plates splined to the thrust collar, and outer friction plates non-rotatably coupled to the differential case. The friction clutch assembly is actuated by a selectively controllable actuator including an electrical motor, a reduction gearing and a ball-and-ramp actuator adapted to axially displace the thrust collar in response to rotation of the electrical motor. The differential assembly provides both limited slip and open differential capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Spicer Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl James Irwin
  • Patent number: 6399866
    Abstract: A foot-operated percussion instrument is provided with a series of interchangeable cam members selectively disposed on a sprocket hub mounted on the rotating axle disposed between the two upright posts. The interchangeable cam system permits a user to alter the performance characteristics or playing response of the foot-operated system by changing the cam profile for the pedal. The user need not disassemble the entire sprocket and hub assembly; rather, the cam profile is changed by selectively changing a detachable cam member with one of a series of cam members. The invention is suitable for a hi-hat cymbal system or a drum beater system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Pearl Musical Instrument Co.
    Inventor: Yukio Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6398262
    Abstract: A modular sub-frame comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate shock absorbing member. The upper portion is a steel fabrication for mounting to the chassis and the lower portion is a light-weight metal, e.g., aluminum, casting or castings for mounting to the steering components, whereby these two portions are separated by a vibration-dampening bushing. The lower portion of the modular sub-frame may be formed as a one-piece cast member or a multi-piece casting design where the casting members are jointed by bolts or other fastening means. In the multi-piece casting design, the front and rear bulkhead castings are the same identical part as are the top longitudinal members to provide interchangeability among the various components. By splitting the sub-frame into two parts, the top part can be isolated from the bottom part to reduce noise transmission from the sub-frame to the chassis, while maintaining the necessary rigid positioning of the suspension control arms and steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Ziech, Paul Robert Pollock
  • Patent number: 6394237
    Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide an automatic shoe clearance adjustment device for a drum brake mechanism designed to improve its durability by eliminating a gap, which is caused due to the manufacturing tolerances between the operating end surface of a brake shoe and the extended portion of an adjustment lever. To that end, a long hole (81) is formed to extend horizontally in the actuating direction of a service brake actuator (50); and the adjustment lever (80) is pivotally supported via a pin (14) with a capacity of making a rotation relative to the brake shoe (20) and a capacity of making a relative slide in approximately the same direction in which the service brake actuator (50) operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Asai
  • Patent number: 6394045
    Abstract: A device for regulating the cooling of a motor-vehicle internal-combustion engine has a fluid-cooling circuit coupled to a fluid pump feeding an installation for heating and/or air conditioning the passenger compartment of the vehicle, with adjustable air-heating parameters, including an air heater. It also has a device for establishing an engine-starting state on the basis of chosen conditions and a device which acts in this starting state for either stopping the pump if the heating demand is below a certain threshold or else for driving the pump as a function of a saturation rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Denis Perset
  • Patent number: H2026
    Abstract: A brake service signaling system for use on a vehicle responsive to the angular relationship between an actuator lever arm and an actuator rod having an attachment clevis where a switch electrically connected to a processing unit is mounted to the attachment clevis for contact and activation with the actuator lever when the brake requires service which is signaled to the operator by the processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Jay D. White, James R. Clark, LaVerne A. Caron