Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Maginot & Addison
  • Patent number: 6228119
    Abstract: A modular glenoid assembly is provided for attachment to a glenoid surface of a scapula. The modular glenoid assembly includes a base adapted to couple with the glenoid surface and a bearing insert. The base includes a lip that defines a channel. The bearing insert includes a bearing surface adapted to engage a head portion of a humeral component and a tab. The tab is formed to be received within the channel and engage the lip when the insert is moved in a superior direction into position against the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Depuy Orthopaedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Ondrla, James A. Caywood
  • Patent number: 6220378
    Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a sprocket drive assembly which includes a hub, and a plurality of engagement members each being supported by the hub. The drive mechanism further includes a track assembly having a plurality of shoes which are secured to one another to form a track, and a plurality of drive lugs which are mounted to the plurality of shoes. The drive lugs engage the plurality of engagement members when the hub is rotated. Each of the drive lugs includes a left lateral rail segment and a right lateral rail segment. The track assembly further includes a support roller mechanically coupled to a chassis of the work machine. The support roller includes a left wheel and a right wheel. The left wheel is supported by the left lateral rail segment during advancement of the track. The right wheel is supported by the right lateral rail segment during advancement of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Oertley, Delbert D. Dester, J. Scott Burdick, Kevin M. Egle
  • Patent number: 6217415
    Abstract: A method for treating a surface of a first metallic component with an arrangement that includes (i) a receptacle, (ii) a polishing media located within the receptacle, and (iii) a mixing device operative to cause relative movement between the polishing media and the first metallic component is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Oyelayo Ajayi
  • Patent number: 6219095
    Abstract: A method of determining noise in a CATV channel, wherein the CATV channel comprises a predetermined frequency band, that employs digital signal processing to isolate the noise signal from an in-service television signal. The method includes an initial step of obtaining a television signal corresponding to a predetermined CATV channel, the television channel comprising a carrier signal modulated by an information signal. Thereafter, the method includes the step of sampling at least a part of the television signal to produce a digital signal segment, said digital signal segment comprising a carrier component, a noise signals component, and an information signal component, wherein said information signal component has a substantially predetermined signal pattern. The method then employs digital signal processing to separate the carrier component from the digital signal segment to produce a baseband signal substantially comprising the information signal and the noise signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Wavetek Corporation
    Inventors: Qin Zhang, Pingnan Shi
  • Patent number: 6217255
    Abstract: A cleaner module adapted for use on a compacting machine having (i) a compaction wheel and (ii) a pair of compaction tips secured to a peripheral surface of the compaction wheel such that the pair of compaction tips are spaced apart from each other so as to define a wheel space interposed therebetween is disclosed. The cleaner module includes a cleaner rod having a cleaning end. The cleaner module also includes a first bearing member which supports the cleaner rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey Knell, Daryl Halvorsen, Gary Ohlrogge
  • Patent number: 6213560
    Abstract: A variable-width milling drum assembly includes a milling drum having an outer surface. The assembly also includes a plurality of cutting segments removably secured to the outer surface of the milling drum along a first substantially helical axis. Each of the plurality of cutting segments includes a segment flight member. Each segment flight member is positioned in helical alignment with respect to an adjacent segment flight member. The assembly also includes a kicker plate which is secured to the substantially cylindrical outer surface along a second helical axis. The kicker plate is utilized to move cut material in a direction away from the cutting segments during rotation of the milling drum. A method of varying the cutting width of a variable-width milling drum assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Victor E. Lindblom
  • Patent number: 6215078
    Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a weight scale associated therewith includes the step of executing a security software application so as to provide security to the retail terminal during operation thereof. The method also includes the step of determining a current weight value associated with output from the weight scale. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the current weight value to a previous-stable-weight value and generating a weight change control signal if the current weight value is not within a predetermined tolerance range of the previous-stable-weight value. Yet further, the method includes the step of utilizing the current weight value during execution of the security software application in response to generation of the weight change control signal. A retail checkout terminal is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael E. Torres, Dusty L. Lutz
  • Patent number: 6213395
    Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a terminal base. The terminal also includes a scanner movably secured to the terminal base. The scanner is configured to be moved relative to the terminal base so as to be positionable between an assisted scanner position and a self-service scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform an assisted checkout transaction in which a first number of items are scanned with the scanner by retail personnel when the scanner is positioned in the assisted scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform a self-service checkout transaction in which a second number of items are scanned with the scanner by a customer when the scanner is positioned in the self-service scanner position. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Wilfried E. Y. Dejaeger, Mark S. Hoffman, Terrence M. Glogovsky, Alfred J. Hutcheon
  • Patent number: 6212980
    Abstract: An apparatus for sequentially aligning a number of screws with a screwdriver and guiding the number of screws during advancement by the screwdriver is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body which includes (i) a channel adapted to receive a screw strip having the number of screws supported thereon, (ii) a feed passage adapted to sequentially receive the number of screws from the channel, and (ii) a guide track having a planar segment and an inclined ramp segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Vermont American Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin H. Kratch, Gregory A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6211513
    Abstract: An automated test system for testing a device includes a processor, a test apparatus, and a barrier circuit. The processor is operable to generate a control signal, said control signal including test parameters. The test apparatus comprises a first connection operable to be connected to a circuit connection of the device, a second connection operable to be connected to a ground connection of the device, and a third connection operable to be connected to a chassis of the device. The test apparatus is further operably connected to receive the control signal from the processor. The test apparatus is operable to perform a first test on the device based on the test parameters. The barrier circuit is operable to detect movement in the vicinity of the device. The barrier circuit is operably connected to cause the test apparatus to stop performing a first test on the device upon detection of movement in the vicinity of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Edwin Zane Brown, Roger Alan Merriman
  • Patent number: 6206125
    Abstract: An adjustable-width axle assembly of a work machine. The axle assembly includes an outer tube having a side wall which has a recess defined therein. The axle assembly further includes an inner tube positioned within the outer tube. The inner tube has a side wall. The axle assembly further includes a contact member having an extended position and a retracted position. The contact member is urged into contact with the side wall of the inner tube so as to prevent movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube when the contact member is positioned in the extended position. The contact member is received into the recess defined in the side wall of the outer tube so as to allow the inner tube to move relative to the outer tube when the contact member is positioned in the retracted position. A method of locking an adjustable-width axle assembly of a work machine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Equipment Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Weddle
  • Patent number: 6208511
    Abstract: An arrangement for enclosing a fluid includes a circuit board and an enclosure member. The circuit board includes an electronic component secured thereto. The enclosure member is secured to the circuit board such that the enclosure member and the circuit board cooperate so as to create a fluid tight barrier of a compartment defined by the circuit board and the enclosure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Bortolini, Scott E. Farleigh, Gary J. Grimes, Stephen R. Peck, Charles J. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6203217
    Abstract: A system and method provide reliable and effective notification to itinerants that film rolls they have deposited at a place of lodging or a point-of-interest site for processing have been returned to the itinerant's place of lodging and are available for retrieval. A system that provides such notification for film deposited at a place of lodging includes a data capture device for reading customer identification data from an itinerant's electronic room key and film roll data from a film roll. A data server coupled to the data capture device stores the data in a data repository that accompanies the film roll to the film processing site. The data server also generates a data record for storage in a database. Upon return of the developed film, a notification message generator generates a notification message to the itinerant regarding return of the developed film roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Terence M. Glogovsky
  • Patent number: 6199769
    Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a chassis and a differential assembly secured to the chassis. The crop sprayer also includes a hub assembly having a hub support plate with a wheel hub rotatably secured thereto. The crop sprayer further includes a first telescoping support assembly having a first outer tube and a first inner tube which is positioned within the first outer tube. The first inner tube is movable relative to the first outer tube. The crop sprayer moreover includes a second telescoping support assembly having a second outer tube and a second inner tube which is positioned within the second outer tube. The second inner tube is movable relative to the second outer tube. The crop sprayer yet further includes a telescoping drive shaft assembly. Both the first outer tube and the second outer tube are secured to the chassis. Both the first inner tube and the second inner tube are secured to the hub support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Equipment Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Weddle
  • Patent number: 6189790
    Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a display monitor associated therewith includes the step of generating an item-entered control signal when a user enters an item for purchase into the retail terminal during a retail transaction. The method also includes the step of entering a record corresponding to the item for purchase into an electronic transaction table in response to generation of the item-entered control signal. The method further includes the step of generating an instructional message which instructs the customer on operation of the self-service checkout terminal during the retail transaction. The message generating step includes the step of displaying an animated character and an associated instructional text message with the display monitor during the retail transaction. The animated character is configured to resemble a commercially recognizable image so as to communicate the commercially recognizable image to the customer with the display monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Joanne S. Walter
  • Patent number: 6189235
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is disclosed. The grain dryer includes a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of a discharge opening of the column. The grain dryer further includes a regulator member which is movable between a flow regulating position and a trash escape position. The regulator member contacts either the metering roll, or grain supported by the metering roll when the regulator member is positioned in the flow regulating position. The regulator member is spaced from the metering roll by a distance sufficient to enable a trash object to advance between the regulator member and the metering roll when the regulator is positioned in the trash escape position. A method of controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: ffi Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip C. Middaugh, L. Michael Watson
  • Patent number: 6191204
    Abstract: This thermoplastic composition and process for making articles of the same includes a thermoplastic matrix that includes a resin and filler materials wherein the filler materials includes a combination of fibers, at least one lubricant, and thermally conductive material, for improving tribological performance of thermoplastic materials. In the alternative, a thermally conductive lubricant may be substituted for the combination of the lubricant and the thermally conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Kristy J. Johnson
  • Patent number: D438464
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Credo Tool Company
    Inventors: Debbie A. Newhouse, Mathew S. Taylor
  • Patent number: D439024
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Doric Products, Inc.
    Inventors: JoAnn Baldwin, Robert Dvorak
  • Patent number: D441832
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Gilmour, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. DiMatteo