Patents Represented by Law Firm Simpson, Simpson & Snyder
  • Patent number: 6269814
    Abstract: A sleep apnea headgear for positioning breathing apparatus on the head of a user includes a T-shaped rear portion and a T-shaped front portion each having latitudinal and longitudinal legs and a chinstrap made from a stretchable, breathable, laminated neoprene substitute having an inner surface of LYCRA® fabric and an outer surface of UBL loop material. The rear portion includes a hook-and-loop fastener at opposite lateral segments of its latitudinal leg for securing opposite ends of the chinstrap to the outer surface of the latitudinal leg, and a hook pad on the inner surface at each lateral end of the latitudinal leg. The front portion includes a slot opening at each lateral end of its latitudinal leg sized for receiving a corresponding lateral end of the latitudinal leg of the rear portion, whereby the hook pads may be attached directly to the outer loop surface of the latitudinal leg of the front portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Accu-Med Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Blaszczykiewicz, David E. Holfoth
  • Patent number: 6266148
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring surfaces by confocal microscopy using the reflection method, specially to measure the superficial profiles (1) of treated or drilled teeth (2). The invention seeks to eliminate mistakes occurring when very inclined areas are measured. To this end, the method disclosed is characterized by a confocal representation with enhanced dynamics (relative sensitivity) enabling it to project both the retro-reflections and the weak scattered light (3) or fluorescent light of each focal plane (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Engelhardt, Thomas Zapf
  • Patent number: 6263234
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the confocal measuring of surfaces inside cavities of the body, specially to measure the surface profile (1) of teeth (2) in the mouth cavity. Said device has a probe (3) that can be introduced into the cavity of the body, a light source feeding the probe (3), a detector picking up a light signal (5) and a processor (6) to digitalize the detected signal transforming it into a tridimensional representation. The device is designed using a simple construction and enabling an error free scanning of the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Engelhardt, Thomas Zapf
  • Patent number: 6257538
    Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a keyboard supporting surface on a base including a linkage for mounting the surface for vertical swinging movement relative to the base and for vertical tilting movement relative thereto, a lock device for simultaneously locking the surface against swinging and tilting movements, a counterbalance spring for opposing downwardly directed swinging movement of said surface and a return spring for opposing downwardly directed tilting movement of said surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Weber Knapp Company
    Inventors: Donald R. Pangborn, Peter J. Kerl
  • Patent number: 6253807
    Abstract: A fully automatic apparatus and process for aliquotting liquid samples from a sample container is provided which includes the steps of creating an opening in the sample container, transferring an aliquot of the sample liquid into an aliquot tube, sealing the container and conveying the aliquot tube to a location for conducting the desired tests on the sample aliquot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: CRS Robotics Corporation
    Inventor: Trevor Jones
  • Patent number: 6247673
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support stand with a carrying arm (3), a standard (4), and a support stand foot (6), where a functional housing (5) serving as counterbalance is secured to the standard (4). The dimensions of the foot (6) of the support stand are such that said foot exhibits a preferred direction of support (15) that affords increased security against tipping and exhibits a permitted area of support lateral to the preferred direction of support (15). The swivel capability of the carrying arm (3) on a horizontal plane is limited by a stop (9), in such a way that the carrying arm (3) cannot swivel into a position perpendicular to the direction of support and cannot swivel outside of the permitted area of support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems AG
    Inventor: Bryan Bees
  • Patent number: 6244142
    Abstract: A king pin cap tool kit comprises a pair of cap removal tools for removing MACK® truck king pin caps of different diameters and a pair of thread chasers for repairing internal threads in steering knuckle housing bores of corresponding diameters. Each cap removal tool comprises a cylindrical body having a cruciform protrusion extending from one end face and a polygon-shaped recess through the opposite end face to adapt the cap removal tool for driving connection to a conventional pneumatic impact gun. The cruciform protrusion is uniform in its height and includes a pair of intersecting legs that extend fully across the end face in diametrical fashion. A cap removal tool having three intersecting legs is also disclosed. Each thread chaser comprises a cylindrical body having opposite end faces, a threaded peripheral surface, and polygon-shaped axial through hole for receiving a breaker bar or ratchet with extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Richard C. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6244629
    Abstract: A combination shipping label/invoice form, including a shipping label section detachably secured along a dividing border to an invoice section, the shipping label section bordered at a first edge by a first marginal strip and at a second edge by a second marginal strip, the invoice section bordered by a third edge and a fourth edge, the shipping label section being wider between the first and second edges than the invoice section between the third and fourth edges, such that folding the invoice section along the dividing border and against the shipping label section results in the invoice section lying between the first and second edges of the shipping label section, where the lower side of the first and second marginal strips is coated with adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Moore North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley C. Chess
  • Patent number: 6241464
    Abstract: A governor mechanism is mounted for rotation with a drive shaft about an axis, has one or more reaction nozzles for imparting rotational movement to the drive shaft, and one or more valve portions supported for radially directed sliding movement between first and second radially spaced positions for purposes of controlling flow of pressurized fluid to the nozzles and thus the rotational speed of the drive shaft. The valve portions are formed integrally with a ring-shaped mounting portion fabricated from resiliently deformable material. In alternative constructions, similar governor mechanisms are co-axially mounted with vane motors by a common drive shaft and the mechanisms employed to control flow of pressurized fluid to the vane motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Dynabrade, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Huffaker, Frank D. Lehman
  • Patent number: 6231041
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating an upper sheet from a lower sheet comprising a first roller having an axis of rotation and a sheet engaging surface arranged to frictionally engage the upper sheet, a second roller having an axis of rotation arranged in spaced relation to the axis of rotation of the first roller, the second roller having a sheet engaging surface arranged to frictionally engage the lower sheet, and, drive means for rotating the first and second rollers about their respective axes of rotation to produce different surface speeds at the sheet engaging surfaces of the first and second rollers, whereby the upper and lower sheets are separated into a non-coincident configuration by respective frictional engagement with the first and second rollers. The invention also comprises a method for separating the aforementioned upper and lower sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Moore U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Roger A. Jacques
  • Patent number: 6227536
    Abstract: A receiving tray insert for receiving and straightening curled printed paper discharged face down from a printer, comprising a planar member having a flat upper surface arranged to face away from the printer and arranged to receive the printed paper as it is ejected from the printer, and also having a lower surface arranged to face the printer, and also having elevating and spacing means secured to the lower surface and arranged to elevate the insert relative to the printer to create and maintain a thermally insulating air gap between the insert and the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Moore North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Darvin R. Bethke
  • Patent number: 6228014
    Abstract: A machine (1) for interfolding sheet material (4a, 4b) starting from a web (3a, 3b) of paper and the like. A sequence of offset sheets (4a, 4b) is formed on folding rollers (7a, 7b) which are counter-rotating with respect to each other and have a plurality of circumferential grooves (15a, 15b), in which oscillating folding arms engage (20a, 20b) so as to form a stack (17) of interfolded sheets (4a, 4b). The folding arms (20a, 20b) have pivots (21) very close to the periphery of the folding rollers (7a, 7b), inside or outside of the grooves (15a, 15b). Moreover they can be operated by a crank mechanism that allows to the grooves (15a, 15b) to be shallow enough also in case of rollers (7a, 7b) of enlarged diameter. For the same reason, the folding arms (20a, 20b) can have a bent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: M T C - Macchine Trasformazione Carta S.R.L.
    Inventors: Alessandro De Matteis, Sergio Landucci
  • Patent number: 6220182
    Abstract: A postal workstation for high volume computerized printing of labels, cards, an the like comprises a main support surface including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion includes an open cut-out region for a person to stand within to comfortably reach the rear portion, which is intended to support primary and secondary printers and a monitor mount. A worksurface pivotally connected to the support surface adjacent a lateral side of the cut-out region is movable between a working position wherein the worksurface covers the cut-out region and provides area for a keyboard and mouse, and a servicing position wherein said cut-out region is exposed for facilitating worcer access to the rear portion of the main support surface for printer maintenance. A storage compartment adjacent an opposite lateral side of the cut-out region has an upwardly facing compartment opening covered by the worksurface when the worksurface is in a working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Moore North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph T. Duffy, Paul A. James
  • Patent number: 6220574
    Abstract: A connector for automobile winches comprises a generally cylindrical body with a winch drive shaft receiving end and a crank receiving end. The drive shaft receiving end is provided with a pair of opposed openings through which a retaining pin, attached to the winch drive shaft is passed, thereby creating an universal joint. The crank receiving end is provided with an insert adapted to receive an end of the crank. The connector is designed to extend outside of the vehicle body and at an upward angle to facilitate operation of the winch. The invention also eliminates the need for carrying long cranks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Copperweld Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Graham M. Miller
  • Patent number: 6213768
    Abstract: A dental impression tray having a continuous peripheral wall, including an anterior section which conforms generally to the anatomy of a person's maxillary dentition, and a posterior section having a height which is substantially less than that of the anterior wall section, and a floor adjoining the continuous peripheral wall, the floor having a substantially flat portion of arched plan shape, and an elevated portion which conforms generally to the anatomy of the person's hard palate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Carolyn S. Wright
  • Patent number: 6213927
    Abstract: A method and a machine for the production of interfolded stacks (17) formed by a plurality of sheets (4a,4b) comprising the steps of: transversally cutting or tearing sheets obtained from at least one web (3a,3b) and offset with respect to one another so that a sequence of offset sheets is created; passage of the sheets on folding rollers (7a,7b) which comprise sucking means for the alternate holding of the sheets (4a,4b) in order to obtain an interfolded disposition; formation of a continuous interfolded stack downstream of the folding rollers. Upstream of the folding a step of treatment of the sheets is provided in order to make them, at least in certain zones (14), enough permeable to air, in particular through perforating means. These perforating means can be provided on rollers (10a,10b) having sharpened points (11a,11b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: M T C - Macchine Trasformazione Carta S.R.L.
    Inventors: Alessandro De Matteis, Sergio Landucci
  • Patent number: 6211988
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device for scanning a beam in two axes that are substantially perpendicular to each other, for use in particular in confocal laser scan microscopes, and aims to avoid serious image defects. The invention is characterized in that it has three mirrors (1, 2; 3) of which two mirrors (1, 2) are fixedly positioned at an angle to each other so that they rotate together around the y-axis and in so doing rotate the beam (4) around a pivot point located on the axis of rotation (x-axis) of the third mirror (3) which rotates by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Engelhardt, Heinrich Ulrich
  • Patent number: 6212009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a phase annulus consisting of a phase shifting thin-film system, which, in the case of a cemented system, has the following structure: (first) substrate-Ag-nH-cement-(second) substrate, or a structure: (first) substrate-n1-Ag-n2-cement-(second) substrate. In the case of an uncemented structure, the thin-film system has the following structure: substrate-Ag-nH-air, wherein nH, n1 or n2 represent the respective refractive index of a dielectric film. Phase shifting of the positive phase contrast can be regulated in a targeted manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Wetzlar GmbH
    Inventors: Sabine Alt-Nedvidek, Claus Gunkel
  • Patent number: 6206771
    Abstract: A random orbital abrading machine having a housing, a drive shaft driven by a housing mounted motor for rotation about a first axis of rotation, an assembly for connecting a work surface abrading pad or the like to the drive shaft, wherein the pad is adapted to undergo free rotational movement about a second axis disposed parallel to the first axis of rotation, as such pad is caused to orbit about such first axis of rotation, characterized in that the assembly is designed for dampening vibration due to a drag force acting on the pad when engaged with the work surface under predetermined working conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Dynabrade, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank D. Lehman
  • Patent number: D444159
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Hoelbl, Scott W. Parks