Patents Represented by Law Firm Wood, Phillips, Mason, Recktenwald & Vansanten
  • Patent number: 4983145
    Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a belt consisting of a tensioner arm having an idler pulley for engagement with a surface of a drive belt, structure for mounting the tensioner arm to a suppport for pivoting movement about a pivot axis in first and second opposite directions, and structure for biasing the tensioner arm in one of the first and second directions. The mounting structure includes first and second members with first and second relatively movable cooperating friction generating surface for damping rotation of the tensioner arm. At least a portion of one of the friction generating surfaces is concave opening towards the tensioner with at least one of the friction generating surfaces having at least a portion defined by other than a radius centered on the pivot axis of the tensioner arm to thereby produce a greater resistance to rotation of the tensioner arm in the other of the first and second directions than in the one of the first and second tensioner arm pivoting directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Hirai, Masakatsu Ando, Yasuhiro Hashimoto, Naoki Fujimoto, Norikazu Tanaka, Susumu Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 4981317
    Abstract: An apparatus for covering the open top of a container positioned on a vehicle for transportation includes a fluid actuated motor for a spool on which a flexible cover is wound, and a pair of fluid actuated cylinders to pivot a pair of elongated arms that convey the cover away from the spool. The motor is arranged to drive the spool to release the cover slightly slower than the arms are pivoted, so that the arms are not subjected to a large counter force. In addition, the spool is mounted for vertical movement so that containers having different heights may be properly closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Hesco Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Evelio Acosta
  • Patent number: 4980945
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a disconnectable handle and dirt tube assembly mounted to a floor nozzle. The assembly includes a wire harness connector which mates to a corresponding connector in the floor nozzle to provide power to the floor nozzle components. The connectors are each securely mounted in their respective components, so that when the handle assembly is connected to the floor nozzle, the electrical connection is automatically made. Access to the floor nozzle components is had by removal of the floor nozzle cover. The handle assembly, when installed, is located in spaced relationship from the floor nozzle, overlying an arcuate portion of the floor nozzle top in all but a horizontal position of the handle assembly. When the handle assembly is in a horizontal position, a body edge of the handle assembly overlies projections on the nozzle cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Wilbur C. Bewley
  • Patent number: 4982123
    Abstract: The problem of providing field power to a stationary main generator rotor is addressed such that it can be used as a synchronous or brushless dc motor. To that end, a dynamoelectric machine performs the dual-functions of an exciter generator and a rotating transformer integrated into a single unit (14). The heads (64) of the stator salient poles (60) include pole slots (68) for a primary transformer winding (34) for the rotating transformer, while the rotating armature winding (36) serves as the transformer secondary. To assist in starting the engine (10), external ac power (42) is applied to the primary transformer windings (34), coupled to armature windings (36), and rectified (44) to develop dc field power for the main generator (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Sunstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard A. Raad
  • Patent number: 4981018
    Abstract: A narrow efficient operating island for a centrifugal compressor may be increased in a construction including a compressor section 18 mounting blades 22 surrounded by an annular shroud 38 by placing bleed passages 88 in the shroud 38 and angling them in the direction of flow, both axially (FIG. 1) and radially (FIG. 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony C. Jones, Colin Rodgers
  • Patent number: 4981438
    Abstract: A system for interconnecting the connectors of two or more electrical appliances, each preferably having two or more terminals, wherein the connectors and terminals may be of different physical configurations. The system includes one conductor for connection to each terminal of each appliance, a connector at one end of each conductor to mate with one of the terminals, a coupler connector at a second end of each conductor, and an interface module interconnecting the coupler connectors. The interface module comprises a connector enclosure in which interchangeable transfer circuit boards are carried. By replacing circuit boards, numerous types of different electrical interconnections can be made using only a few types of interconnect cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Inventor: Fauzi Bekhiet
  • Patent number: 4979490
    Abstract: A device for added convenience in campfire cooking. The device comprises a telescoping post either to be driven into the ground by way of a self-contained sleeve hammer or to be held erect by a circular grille stand, a telescoping height adjustment made possible by use of a barrel washer, an adjustable grille arm to install at the upper end of the telescoping steel post, the adjustable grille arm to invert 180 degrees to provide for added adjustment of the grille plate over the fire, the grille plate to attach onto the grille arm in normal or inverted position, an anti-rotating clip to prevent unwanted spinning of the grille plate, grille arm slots in inner post so cut as to hold the grille arm horizontal, thumb screws in sleeve hammer to fasten to post for storage and to serve as hand guide when in use, thumb screws in vertical portion of grille stand to turn in and stop unwanted rotation of grille when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Nudo Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander S. Nudo, Samuel Nudo
  • Patent number: 4979362
    Abstract: The problem of excessive weight in an aircraft 10 powered by at least one turbine engine 12 as a result of the incorporation of both a starter for the turbine engine 12 and a source of emergency power is avoided by utilizing a turbine wheel 62 to alternatively start the engine 12 or drive an emergency power generator 102. The turbine wheel 62 may be driven either by compressed air from a ground source 34 or an engine bleed 32 or, in the alternative, by hot gases of combustion from a stored energy source 36 in an emergency situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Roy W. Vershure, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4977979
    Abstract: A system for the lubrication of a drive chain of a conveyor includes a container precharged with pressured air and at least partially filled with lubricant. A pressure regulator located within the interior of the container is connected, at one end, to a container outlet and, at the other end, to a conduit for the flow of lubricant. An adjustable needle valve located externally of the container is connected to the conduit for regulating the flow of lubricant. A solenoid valve is connected to the conduit downstream of the needle valve for controlling the flow of lubricant, and a nozzle is located downstream of the solenoid valve for dispensing a lubricant onto the drive chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Sauk Valley Equipment Company
    Inventors: James L. King, Sr., James L. King, Jr., John Pope
  • Patent number: 4977838
    Abstract: A modular door jamb and lintel system for an industrial furnace having an access door opening. A module is provided with a pair of spaced, generally vertical door jambs of precast refractory material. A refractory lintel spans the door jambs and combines therewith to define a frame for the access opening. Hangers are provided on the lintel to facilitate transporting and installing the lintel in position at the access opening. Fasteners are provided on at least the door jambs to facilitate securing the door jambs to appropriate structural members about the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: M. H. Detrick Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Farrell, John A. Cona, Ronald Glugla, Lloyd G. Bly
  • Patent number: 4978279
    Abstract: The expense of variable inlet guide vane structure for rotary compressors is avoided in a structure including a compressor housing 20 with an inlet end 24 and a rotor 10 journaled within the housing 20 by disposing a housing 42 about the inlet end 24 and having an inlet port 54 over a minor fraction of its periphery. A single guide vane 60, is disposed within the inlet port 54 to impart preswirl to incoming air as it enters the housing 42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Colin Rodgers
  • Patent number: 4976290
    Abstract: A tubular member having a liner adhesively affixed to an inner surface thereof. The liner comprises a porous material formed from a plurality of needle-punched unwoven fibers so as to have a pair of oppositely facing surfaces. The liner also includes a first mat of finespun woven filaments of glass defining an inner surface thereof and a second mat of finespun woven filaments of glass defining an outer surface thereof. The inner and outer surfaces of the liner, formed by the first and second mats, are generally coextensive with the porous material. The liner also includes the first mat being secured to an inwardly facing surface of the porous material and the second mat being secured to an outwardly facing surface of the porous material. The liner is adhesively impregnated so as to adhesively bond the outer surface of the liner to the inner surface of the tubular member. Further, a method of lining a tubular member by adhesively bonding a liner to the tubular member is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Ozite Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Gelin, Richard D. Blackmore
  • Patent number: 4976657
    Abstract: A belt-type stepless speed shifting transmission consisting of: (1) an input section having an input shaft with a rotational axis, a stationary pulley piece fixedly mounted on the input shaft, a pulley piece mounted on the input shaft and movable axially relative to the input shaft and stationary pulley piece with the stationary and movable pulley pieces cooperatively defining a groove for reception of a belt, and bearing structure for exerting an axial force on the movable pulley piece in the direction of the stationary pulley piece which axial force increases with the speed of the input shaft; and (2) an output section having an output shaft with a rotational axis, a second stationary piece fixedly mounted on the output shaft, a second pulley piece mounted on the output shaft and movable axially relative to the output shaft and second stationary pulley piece with the second stationary and movable pulley pieces cooperatively defining a groove for reception of a belt, a stop element, and cooperating cams on t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takano
  • Patent number: 4975984
    Abstract: A one-piece garment is disclosed. The garment has two panels with a neck opening between the panels. The second panel has a central panel, side panels and transverse panels. The central panel covers the wearer's back and shoulders, the side panels cover the wearer's sides from under the junctions of the wearer's arms and shoulders, and the transverse panels extend substantially across the wearer's chest. The first panel may lie over or under the transverse panels. Means for closing the transverse panels is provided so that the transverse panels may be secured in position across the wearer's chest. In a preferred embodiment, the closure means allows the transverse panels to be closed in two ways: first, with one transverse panel overlying the other; second, in a draw string manner with the outer ends of the transverse panels extending toward each other. The panels of the garment are proportioned to ensure adequate coverage of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Betty Sting Patient Gowns, Inc.
    Inventor: Betty J. Sting
  • Patent number: 4976566
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting an earth working tool to a shank having a substantially vertical track on the rear end of the shank, a tool holder having a C-shaped opening at its forward end and adapted to fit over the shank track, and a wedge member adapted for wedging between the shank track and the tool holder to secure the holder to the shank at a selected position with the track forward facing surfaces engaging the flange rear surfaces. The track includes a rearward V-shaped surface and a pair of forward facing surfaces and the holder opening includes a flanges adapted to engage the forward facing surfaces when forced together by the wedge member. Depressions and protrusions are provided on the flanges and forward facing surfaces to secure against vertical movement of the mounted holder relative to the shank. The V-shaped surface has an included angle of substantially ninety degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Allan J. Yeomans
  • Patent number: 4975670
    Abstract: A variable speed, constant frequency generating system has a neutral forming autotransformer connected between a variable speed generator and an AC to AC converter. The converter includes a three phase, full wave rectifier with positive and negative rails connecting the rectifiers with a DC to AC inverter. Each turn of the transformer windings has at least one surface exposed to air for cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Krinickas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4974739
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank having at least a liquid-retaining wall and usually a structural outer wall and including a porous material therebetween. The porous material forms a structural interconnection with the wall or walls to prevent them from peeling apart and is also typically adapted to wick any liquid which comes in contact with it. Further, the storage tank may have sensors associated with the porous material at strategic points for detecting the presence of a leak. A method of making a storage tank for a liquid is provided wherein at least a liquid-retaining wall and usually a structural outer wall is provided or formed. A porous material typically having a barrier layer formed on one surface thereof is applied to a surface of one of the walls by placing the surface opposite the barrier layer thereon. Further, at least one type of liquid sensor may be installed in the porous material at strategic points for detecting the presence of a leak in the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Ozite Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Gelin
  • Patent number: 4974436
    Abstract: A cutting blade for use in a ram operated system for strategically cutting out tubing to facilitate bending thereof. The cutting blade has: first and second walls arranged in a V-shape, with each having a leading end and a trailing end; first and second substantially straight shearing edges on the leading ends of the first and second walls and residing substantially in a single plane; a planar entry surface angularly disposed with respect to the plane of the shearing edges; and an elongate, substantially straight, ridge at the apex of the V-shaped walls and defining, in conjunction with the planar entry surface, a leading tip on the cutting blade for penetrating a tubing piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Sanko Industries Limited
    Inventor: Sanji Nakatsuji
  • Patent number: D313397
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Furnas Electric Company
    Inventor: Dale Willcox
  • Patent number: D313564
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Tricolor Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Stephens