Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Randall J. Knuth
  • Thru-stroke tipping moment severity monitor
    Patent number: 6487506
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the tipping moment severity of a mechanical press for the purpose of accurately predicting die reliability. The method includes generating a unique tipping moment severity chart for the press application to be monitored and continually monitoring the tipping moment level during production operation of the press. Apparatus is used to monitor the applied load which is communicated to a computational device for computing and plotting tipping moment severity on the tipping moment severity chart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Schoch
  • Method of positioning a workpiece for optimal processing
    Patent number: 6483076
    Abstract: A method of producing a workpiece involves positioning the workpiece at a current processing position indicated by a hard-coded part program and then collecting position data which defines the positional arrangement of a current target area of the workpiece. The collected position data is processed by comparing it to reference position information that represents the positional arrangement of the same target area in an ideal workpiece employed in the development of the part program. The position of the workpiece (and hence the target area) is adjusted in accordance with the comparison results. A laser shock processing operation is performed on the workpiece at the current target area following the position adjustment step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: LSP Technologies, INC
    Inventors: Mark E. O'Loughlin, Steven M. Toller, Jeff L. Dulaney
  • Mechanical device productivity improvement with usage analysis, management, and implementation methodology for manufacturing facility
    Patent number: 6484106
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method of monitoring, analyzing and managing mechanical press usage. The method of this form of the current invention includes the steps of: monitoring vibration severity, including vibration severity zone; monitoring tipping moment severity; monitoring press repair information, including die repair information; monitoring press maintenance information, including die maintenance information; monitoring press applied load; and analyzing the effect of vibration severity, tipping moment severity, press repair, press maintenance and applied load to determine necessary press modifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Schoch
  • Method and system for monitoring peak compressive and tensile process severity levels of a press machine using acceleration data
    Patent number: 6481295
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the operation of a press machine employs a sensor to measure the peak acceleration levels of a slide assembly. The sensor measurement data represents peak load levels being developed within the press machine. A data means provides load level capacity data representing the maximum allowable compressive and tensile load levels for the press machine. The capacity data is provided in the form of plural press machine operating zones each representing a corresponding range of load values and having a respective rating factor which indicates the relationship of the particular operating zone to a respective one of the maximum allowable compressive/tensile load levels. A processor evaluates the peak load levels in relation to the operating zone data to determine which respective ones of the plural press machine operating zones encompass each respective one of the peak load levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Schoch
  • Method for manufacturing magnetoresistance element
    Patent number: 6482329
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetoresistance element which can reproduce magnetic signals with higher sensitivity. The manufacturing method includes the steps of providing a vacuum below 10−9 Torr in a film forming chamber for forming a nonmagnetic layer and ferromagnetic layer; performing plasma-etching of the surface of a substrate body by using a mixture of a gas (a) containing at least oxygen or water introduced into the chamber and an Ar gas (b) introduced into the chamber in a vacuum, state controlled to higher than 10−9 Torr; and forming the nonmagnetic and ferromagnetic layers on the etched substrate body by sputtering a prescribed target by using the mixture of the gases (a) and (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventors: Migaku Takahashi, Satoshi Miura, Masakiyo Tsunoda
  • Mechanical gauges for quality assurance of laser peening
    Patent number: 6483578
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality of a laser peening process, which includes a test element, a mount for the test element, wherein the test element is mounted at a preselected point in the anticipated path of a laser pulse, the laser pulse irradiates the test element, the deflection of the test element is measured in the direction substantially perpendicular and away from the impacted surface of the test element, and the deflection measurement is compared to a previously generated chart showing the relationship between characteristics of test elements and desired material properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: LSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan H. Clauer, Steven M. Toller, Jeff L. Dulaney, David F. Lahrman
  • Machine for placing labeling sleeves on bottles
    Patent number: 6474390
    Abstract: A labeling machine having an input station receiving the bottles on which a sleeve is to be placed, a station for dispensing sleeves from a sheath and a main turret fitted with units for receiving the bottles and a providing them with a sleeve. Each unit has a slidable tool mounted parallel with the bottle to place the sleeve on the bottle. The main turret is suspended from a tripod supported directly on the ground while the input and output turrets as well as the unreeling station supplying the sheath dispensing the sleeves are supported by the machine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Protection Decoration Conditionnement Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Vandevoorde
  • Laser peening to provide design credit for improved fatigue properties
    Patent number: 6474135
    Abstract: A method of determining and utilizing the improved properties of a solid material that has been subjected to laser shock processing includes the steps of determining a set of desired fatigue tolerances for a work piece, utilizing a known design credit based on enhanced fatigue tolerances due to laser shock processing, and subsequently determining a base material and set of tolerances that meet the set of desired fatigue tolerances for the work piece, with adjustments being made for design credit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: LSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Clauer, Jeff Dulaney
  • Dispenser with updatable diagnostic system
    Patent number: 6470288
    Abstract: A remote adjustable fuel dispenser for dispenser diagnostics and remote telecommunication. The fuel dispenser contains a remote communication system for communication between the fuel dispenser and a remote telecommunication device. A wireless input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, or hand-held computer is in wireless communication with a fuel dispenser for use during fuel dispenser diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventors: Murl J. Keidel, Michael L. Bolton, Kenneth D. Young
  • Tread-locking wheel
    Patent number: 6467519
    Abstract: A wheel system for securely mounting a tire thereon. The assembly includes a wheel having a rim with radially outward extending slots. A tire with radially inward extending protuberances mates with the radially extending members for securely mounting the tire to the wheel. The mating of protuberances with the members limits radial deflection and rotational movement of the tire about the rim. Axial movement of the tire relative to the rim is limited by the inner surface of the sidewall of the tire abutting the ends of the radially extending slots. In one embodiment, the wheel is composed of material having elastic properties for absorbing shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Unlimited Plastic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robb Owen
  • Force severity monitor for a press
    Patent number: 6467356
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the force severity and impulse energy of a mechanical press for the purpose of accurately predicting operating reliability of a press during its production operation. The method includes continuous or intermittent, automatic or manual monitoring the load during production operation of the press. Apparatus is used to monitor the load which is then communicated to a computational device which computes the impulse energy for one slide stroke of the mechanical press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Schoch
  • Oblique angle laser shock processing
    Patent number: 6469275
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shockwaves therethrough. The method includes controlling the incident angle &THgr; of the laser beam applied to the workpiece so that the required residual stresses are created in the workpiece. Particular methods of control such as lenses, polarizers, and particular transparent overlay geometries are shown. The apparatus includes structure for controlling the position and incident angle of the laser beam then controlling the polarization and/or the shape of the incident impact area, based on such incident angle &THgr; or thickness of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: LSP Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Jeff L. Dulaney, Allan H. Clauer, Steven M. Toller
  • Detailed die process severity analysis and optimization methodology
    Patent number: 6466840
    Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the operation of a press machine over a series of press running cycles. A plurality of press operating events associated with the operation of the press machine are defined. Each press operating event has a modifiable control function associated therewith. An arrangement of accelerometers measures the press machine vibrational activity associated with each press operating event that occurs during the series of press running cycles. A processor processes the vibration measurements associated with the press operating events to identify the presence of a vibration trend therein meeting a defined trending criteria. A controller is responsive to trend identification signals generated by the processor for modifying the respective control function of each press operating event which is associated with identification of the vibration trend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Schoch
  • Utilizing altered vibration responses of workpieces, such as gas turbine engine blades
    Patent number: 6462308
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of utilizing natural frequency shifts of a laser shock processed workpiece to determine if sufficient laser shock processing has been accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: LSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Lahrman, Allan H. Clauer
  • Long life welding electrode and its fixing structure, welding head and welding method
    Patent number: 6462298
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fixing structure for a welding electrode and a welding head which enable improvement of durability of a welding electrode, improvement of work efficiency in welding, and reduction of time required for welding and also which make it possible to execute welding for a long time with high reliability. In this fixing structure, a fixed section of a welding electrode is inserted via a thermally conductive material into an inserting section of a fixing base and a peripheral surface of the fixed section of the welding electrode is uniformly contacted to the fixing base to fix the welding electrode to the fixing base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Fujikin Inc.
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Takahisa Nitta, Yasuyuki Shirai, Osamu Nakamura
  • Semiconductor memory device
    Patent number: 6456532
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a semiconductor memory circuit that can store analog and many-valued data at high speed and with a high degree of accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignees: Tadahiro Ohmi, Tadashi Shibata, UCT Corporation, I & F Inc.
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Tadashi Shibata, Keng Hoong Wee, Takemi Yonezawa, Toshiyuki Nozawa, Takahisa Nitta
  • Infinite variable slide motion for a mechanical power press
    Patent number: 6453806
    Abstract: An infinite variable slide motion for a mechanical power press is achieved by use of a differential located on the press drive system. A differential movement mechanism is employed to rotate the differential relative to the drive system so that the output of the differential may be increased or decreased relative to the drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventors: John B. Bornhorst, Scott G. Temple
  • Universal voltage fuel dispenser
    Patent number: 6456052
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser system is provided in a standard configuration based upon a single supply voltage requirement that is independent of the available local power supply sources. A supply voltage apparatus integrally coupled to the standard dispenser configuration employs a transformer to adapt the field supply voltage from the local power supply to the voltage level needed by the dispenser devices such as the power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Seitz
  • Semiconductor arithmetic circuit
    Patent number: 6456992
    Abstract: A semiconductor arithmetic circuit which compares the magnitudes of a plurality of data with each other in real time by using a simple circuit. The semiconductor arithmetic circuit containing one or more neuron MOS transistors each having a plurality of input gate electrodes has an inverter circuit group of a plurality of inverter circuit each of which is constituted of neuron MOS transistors and a means for applying a prescribed signal voltage to at least one first input gate of the inverter circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: Tadashi Shibata, Tadahiro Ohmi, Tatsuo Morimoto, Ryu Kaiwara
  • Rotary seal with relief angle for controlled tipping
    Patent number: 6450502
    Abstract: A sealing device for sealing the gap between two relatively moving members is provided with a pivot point on its cross-sectional perimeter. As pressure against the seal increases, the seal rotates about the pivot point, resulting in an increased sealing surface area on the seal. Additionally, a recess is provided on the cross sectional perimeter, advantageously offering a more frictionless sealing relationship between the seal and the moving member. Further, a recess is provided on outer portion of the cross sectional perimeter on a surface of the seal that would contact an energizer ring, the recess eliminating a dynamic interface between the energizer ring and the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: TI Specialty Polymer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Baehl, Larry Castleman