Patents Assigned to FMC
  • Single row grape and raisin harvester
    Patent number: 5423166
    Abstract: A single head grape and raisin harvester is disclosed having a single driven oscillating shaker head mounted on a sub-frame enabling the shaker head to center itself on the row of grape vines being harvested. The single row harvester is also provided with a stretchable conveyor belt mounted on interconnected plastic chain links for reliably transporting grapes or raisins to an elongated discharge conveyor which is positioned transversely when collecting and discharging grapes from the harvester into trucks or boxes and is pivoted parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle,when moving along roadways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip R. Scott
  • Method and apparatus for maintaining proper perforation phasing
    Patent number: 5417638
    Abstract: In an apparatus for making plastic bags or the like from a continuous film of material comprising a sealing drum having at least one seal bar for imparting transverse seals to the film at regularly spaced intervals and a perforator having a rotatable perforator blade for imparting transverse perforations to the film at regularly spaced intervals, an apparatus and method are disclosed for tracking the positions of each seal and each perforation and comparing the difference between these positions to a desired difference and thereafter adjusting the rate of rotation of the perforator blade until the difference between the positions of each seal and each perforation is equal to the desired difference to thereby maintain a desired spacing between each seal and each perforation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Danford C. Anderson, Peter J. Hatchell, Emiel Lambrecht
  • Flame retardant compounds comprising fully brominated dianhydrides
    Patent number: 5412009
    Abstract: The invention provides a compound of general formula I ##STR1## in which X represents a direct bond or a ##STR2## group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corportion (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Michael J. Schneider, James Gainer
  • Liquid distribution system
    Patent number: 5407134
    Abstract: A liquid distributor having a pair of variable displacement pumps driven by a single electric motor, the rotation speed of which is determined by a voltage from a controller in response to a predetermined ground speed and application rate which mixes a chemical with water in a desired proportion and delivers a solution to be directed into an open furrow just prior to the furrow being covered with dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Max H. Parks
  • Method and composition for photodynamic treatment and detection of tumors
    Patent number: 5407808
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a pharmaceutical composition for killing mammalian tumor cells by subjecting the cells to light in the presence of a light-activatable tetrapyrrole, in which the improvement comprises treating the cells with a compound which inhibits the enzymatic conversion of protoporphyrinogen to protoporphyrin IX by protoporphyrinogen oxidase in the cells thereby causing a buildup of protoporphyrin IX in the cells. Also disclosed is a method for the production of protoporphyrin IX which comprises growing eukaryotic microalgae in the presence of a protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Blaik P. Halling, Debra A. Yuhas
  • Handle
    Patent number: 5404615
    Abstract: A handle for imparting rotational motion to a rotationally-operable device, which comprises an elongated arm having hub means for detachably connecting the handle to the rotationally-operable device, a hand grip attached to one end of the arm, and yoke means attached to the distal end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Don B. Wafer, Michael R. Williams, Richard D. Van Orsdale, Orlando A. Mejia
  • Process of preparing trimethylsilyloxy functionalized alkyllithium compounds
    Patent number: 5403946
    Abstract: A process for producing compounds of the formula (CH.sub.3).sub.3 SiORLi where in R is selected from alkyl groups containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms and aryl groups containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms by reacting, in an inert atmosphere, in a hydrocarbon solvent, a haloalcohol of the formula HORX wherein R is selected from alkyl groups containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms and aryl groups containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms and X is selected from chlorine or bromine, is reacted with hexamethyldisilazane at a temperature between 20.degree. C. and the reflux temmperature of the solvent after which the resulting product, a trimethylsilyloxyalkylhalide compound, is reacted at a temperature between 50.degree. and 160.degree. C., with powdered lithium metal to produce the (CH.sub.3).sub.3 SiORLi compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Schwindeman
  • Liner system to reduce spall
    Patent number: 5402703
    Abstract: The invention provides a three layer liner for armor to reduce spall and the spall angle. The liner provides a high impedance.The liner is formed by layers of silastic rubber with tungsten powder. Successive layers have a decreasing concentration of tungsten powder, causing the density of the successive layers to decrease. This decreasing density causes the high impedance of the liner. The liner is made by casting a layer of the silastic rubber with the tungsten powder mixed in with a second layer of silastic rubber with a lower density of tungsten powder. The material is then pressed into a sheet. One side of the sheet is wet with silastic rubber and merged with a fabric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Drotleff
  • Apparatus and method for avoidance of turbomachinery pressure surge
    Patent number: 5403384
    Abstract: In a regenerable collective protection system the turbine of an air cycle machine is driven by a potion of the clean air output of a pressure swing adsorber bed pair in the system. The beds in the pair are used alternately to cleanse contaminated air. They are then alternately purged of contaminant products. Valves are used to direct these alternate operations. The valve closures cause overpressures in the clean air output. The overpressures are predictable in relation to the valve actuation sequence and are removed by coordinating operation of a surge air bleed valve in the clean air output with valve actuation in the pressure swing adsorber bed pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Faul, Kenneth B. Groves, Debra L. Sutton
  • 3-[4-(phenylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-substituted-6-haloalkyl-uracil herbicides
    Patent number: 5399543
    Abstract: The present application discloses herbicidal 3-[4-(phenylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-substituted-6-haloalkyluracils of the formula ##STR1## in which M is lower alkyl, lower 2-alkenyl, lower 2-alkynyl, lower alkoxymethyl or lower haloalkyl; T is lower haloalkyl; and U, V, W, X, Y, and Z are independently hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, lower haloalkoxy, cyano or nitro; compositions thereof and use thereof to control unwanted plant growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: George Theodoridis
  • Modular protection system
    Patent number: 5398592
    Abstract: The invention provides modular armor for a vehicle. The modular armor comprises an outer cover with a plurality of mounting racks attached to the vehicle. Armor panels may be added to or removed from the mounting racks as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Turner
  • Treatment of cyanides in effluents with Caro's acid
    Patent number: 5397482
    Abstract: A process for treating effluents, such as precious metal tailings, having a pH of at least 9 and containing cyanide is described in which Caro's acid is added to the effluent having a pH of at least 9 and commencing the reaction of the cyanide with Caro's acid at 0.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. in the absence of an added alkali; adding sufficient Caro's acid within a mole ratio of Caro's acid to cyanide of 0.3/1 to 3/1 to reduce the pH of the effluent to below 9, continuing the reaction between Caro's acid and the cyanide to reduce the amount of cyanide remaining in the effluent and to recover an environmentally compatible effluent reduced in amounts of cyanide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Harry M. Castrantas, James L. Manganaro, Craig W. Rautiola, James Carmichael
  • Non-linear torsional assist mechanism and method
    Patent number: 5396692
    Abstract: The invention provides an indirect linkage between a spring and a hatch supported by the spring. The torque or moment applied by the hatch is significantly curved. The indirect linkage which provides a first varying moment arm and a second varying moment arm and utilizes a varying ratio between the first moment arm and the second moment arm to provide an applied spring torque which matches the shape of the torque curve applied by the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Kirby H. Floyd, John J. Busuttil
  • Method for controlling zebra mussels
    Patent number: 5393781
    Abstract: Method of controlling the zebra mussel by direct contact with peracetic acid or indirectly by application to an environment where control is desired. The biofouling of environments, such as fresh water intakes, conduits and storage systems of power and water treatment systems, and of processing streams of industrial plants, is thereby reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignees: FMC Corporation, The Research Foundation of the State University of New York
    Inventors: Alexander M. Vegega, Claudio E. Manissero
  • Herbicidal 3-(substituted-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyluracils
    Patent number: 5391541
    Abstract: Herbicidal 3-(substituted-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyluracils, compositions containing them, and methods of using them to control undesired plant growth, including use to control weeds in certain crops, are disclosed. The herbicidal compounds of the present invention are defined by the following generic structure: ##STR1## in which V is hydrogen or halogen; W is hydrogen, halogen, lower alkoxy, lower alkylaminocarbonyl, propargyloxy, or cyano; X is hydrogen or chlorine; and Y is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, lower alkylaminocarbonyl, or carboxy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Marvin J. Konz
  • Separator/folder bag machine
    Patent number: 5388746
    Abstract: A separator/folder bag machine for developing individual, folded, plastic bags. A pair of high speed separation rollers, actuated by means of a servo motor driven eccentric linkage, engages a continuous plastic web to separate individual plastic bags formed tin the web. A pair of parallel, wide belts, and a pair of similar, overlying belts, engage both sides of the separated bags and transport the bags to a plurality of folding stations. Air jets at selected locations in the folder/separator controllably direct the bags through pairs of nip rolls to fold the bags along predetermined fold lines. Sensors in the folder/separator sense abnormal conditions and deactivate particular fold stations to reject improperly formed bags. A two speed slowdown mechanism at the discharge end of the separator/folder slows the folded bags to facilitate downstream handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Hatchell, Ronald L. Lotto, Ernest H. Teske, Donald J. Bauknecht
  • Automatic spray ring for use in a juice finisher
    Patent number: 5386765
    Abstract: A spray ring is cycled back and forth along the longitudinal axis of a finisher to allow a high pressure cleaning stream of water or solvent to be directed against the surface of the finisher. A linear rodless cylinder is attached to the spray ring and is sequenced to move the spray ring, responsive to, among other possible inputs, flow measured by a flow switch or flow sensor as a control input to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Olusczak, Michael L. Suter
  • Automatic juice extraction system
    Patent number: 5386766
    Abstract: A juice extraction process control system includes provisions to determine the load on the processing line and adjust processor speed and availability of juice extraction hardware responsive to the through put load of the juice extraction process facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo T. Segredo, Michael L. Suter
  • Tire changing and balancing machine
    Patent number: 5385045
    Abstract: The invention provides a tire changing and balancing machine. On the same shaft used to mount and demount a tire, a wheel assembly is balanced. A tire on a wheel assembly is placed between a breaker blade and a breaker pad. The breaker blade collapses the tire. The wheel assembly is then mounted on a shaft. A mounting and demounting head is used to remove the tire from the wheel assembly. A new tire is placed on the wheel assembly. The mounting and demounting head is then used to mount the new tire on the wheel assembly. The wheel assembly and mounted tire are then spun on the shaft and balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bryce L. Mannen, Steve Rogers
  • Load segment assembly with wire rope
    Patent number: 5383694
    Abstract: A load segment assembly for use in pipe swivel joints or pipe connectors locks male and female hubs of a joint together while providing an axial bearing therebetween. The load assembly includes arcuate segments each having a dove-tail groove on the face of the convex side of the arcuate segment, requiring a flexible joining member to be threaded therethrough, providing maximum shear and bearing strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Taeuber, Jr., Sergio A. Castillo, Jr., Robert H. Ash, Jr.