Patents Examined by Allan N. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7004056
    Abstract: A Cutting Machine for processing leafy vegetables such as collard greens is provided. The Cutting Machine is adjustable to accommodate vegetables of varying thicknesses. An enclosure with a cover has an input opening in the cover to feed material to be cut between the rollers. An actuating shaft which is rotated includes an offset wheel and an offset shaft. An actuating rod on the offset wheel swings a pivoting knife back and forth to cut the material. An actuating shaft which is connected to the offset shaft moves a roller cog mounted on the drive roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Carolyn Shorter, James Shorter
  • Patent number: 7003886
    Abstract: An electric rotary or reciprocating shaver including an inner cutter unit, with which inner cutter blades that make a sliding contact with the blade surface of an outer cutter, being provided with recesses that is filled with a synthetic resin. The outer cutter of an outer cutter unit that is used in combination with such an inner cutter unit can be formed also with a recess in the outside surface of the outer cutter with such an outside recess filled with a synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Izumi Products Company
    Inventor: Masaki Okabe
  • Patent number: 7003882
    Abstract: A nail clipper 10 includes a fixed blade member 2 and a movable blade member 3. The fixed blade member 2 in a form of a curved plate has a curved face for enabling a finger tip F to be contacted with the curved face, a nail insertion groove 23 in an arc shape which is formed in this curved face, and a cutting edge 24 which is provided at a backward lower edge of the nail insertion groove 23. The movable blade member 3 has a curved face 33 so as to slide up and down along a back face of the fixed blade member 2, and a cutting edge 34 which is formed at a lower edge of the curved face 33 in a curved shape in correspondence with the above mentioned cutting edge 24. When the movable blade member 3 has slid downward, the cutting edge 34 is adapted to cut a part of a nail n which is protruded from the nail insertion groove 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Mitsuaki Sakai
  • Patent number: 7003887
    Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for clamping a jigsaw (1) shoe in a desired position relative to the body of a power tool. A plurality of gear (22, 26) teeth are used to allow greater torque and access as compared to prior art clamping mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Wadge
  • Patent number: 7000517
    Abstract: A machine for cross cutting a material web has a main frame part unitarily formed with a pair of transversely spaced main sides and with at least one main traverse extending transversely between the main sides and a secondary frame part unitarily formed with a pair of transversely spaced secondary sides and with at least one secondary traverse extending transversely between the secondary sides. The main frame part is formed at its sides with a seat on which the respective sides of the secondary frame part fit complementarily with the main and secondary traverses extending parallel to each other. Two blade drums rotatable about respective transversely extending drum axes have ends journaled in the sides at the seat. Fasteners secure the frame parts together at the seat to opposite sides of the drum ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Jagenberg Querschneider GmbH
    Inventors: Guido Spix, Albert Stitz, Karl Thievessen
  • Patent number: 7000323
    Abstract: A fixed-blade knife includes a unitary blade having an implement, a tang, and a pivot region between the implement and the tang. The unitary blade is disposed between a pair of parallel and spaced-apart side pieces that pivot to cover or expose the implement. In the pivoted position wherein the implement is exposed, the side pieces form part of the handle that is used to grasp the knife. A locking structure locks the side pieces in a selectable position, and a limit structure prevents overrotation of the side pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Hatcher, Stephen J. Hull, Dean Hussey, Eric P. Linn, Robert L. Pinto, Michael E. Williams, Mathew Hlavac
  • Patent number: 7000324
    Abstract: A fixed line top-loading trimmer head for string trimmer machines, uses line segments of a predetermined length. The head has a central hub designed for attachment to the drive shaft of a string trimmer machine. A circular flange is attached to, and extends outwardly from, the central hub. This circular flange has one or more trimmer line exit openings on the circumference. The hub, located above the upper surface of the circular flange, is provided with either line termination apertures in the form of holes or channels which are angularly offset from the exit openings in the circular flange; or it is provided with an offset guide channel through which a trimmer line is passed between the exit openings. A line guide channel is located in the flange between the line exit openings and the line termination apertures, or the offset channel on the hub, for guiding line between the exit openings and the offset channel or termination apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: John R. Fogle
  • Patent number: 7000521
    Abstract: The method of cutting a pleated shade to selected length, said shade having pleats retained in pleated condition between longitudinally elongated first and second retainers, that includes the steps providing a blade having a cutting edge, orienting the blade to extend laterally relative to the retainers and/or pleats, with the blade edge presented toward the first retainer at an angle to that retainer, and urging the blade in a first direction toward the first retainer so that the blade edge cuts through the first retainer progressively in a lateral and second direction, and progressively laterally through the pleats and lower retainer, the pleats and/or retainers being adjustably laterally confined, and the first retainer and pleats being clamped in said first direction at the locus of cutting, by force transmission from the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: ZipShade Industrial (B.V.I.) Corp.
    Inventors: Li-Ming Cheng, Lawrence S. Wu
  • Patent number: 6996909
    Abstract: A battery powered circular saw includes a rechargeable battery removably attached to the housing and an adjustable shoe pivotally attached to a guard assembly for controlling a depth of cut. A locking mechanism for preventing relative movement between the adjustable shoe and the housing includes a depth of cut strap disposed adjacent a first sidewall of the housing. A lever is disposed adjacent a second sidewall of the housing. A tightening element interconnects the depth of cut strap and the lever. The battery powered circular saw additionally includes a handle extending from the housing. The handle is disposed substantially parallel to a direction of cut and oriented horizontally above the housing. The rechargeable battery pack includes a pair of laterally spaced apart guide rails which cooperate with the pair of longitudinally extending grooves to permit sliding movement of the rechargeable battery pack in a direction parallel to the direction of cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Buck, James P. Bascom, Keith Moore
  • Patent number: 6997094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling and regulating the pressure of a reel of material in an automatic-cutting dispenser. Each side panel of the dispenser comprises a slot that receives, internally, two flanges which are disposed around said slot in lower and upper horizontal planes thereof and which are used to position and support a pivoting shaft. The shaft receives a flap which passes through each of the side panels, via the slot, and which extends outwards from the side panel. The rear of each reel holder arm comprises a tab which is used to receive and fix a return means. This return means is solidly connected to the flap. In this way, when the reel holder arm is lowered, each of the flaps is articulated and the reel is pressed continuously against the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Maurice Granger
  • Patent number: 6996908
    Abstract: A shaving assembly operable in dry shaving environments and wet shaving environments is provided that includes a razor assembly and a shaving preparation cake. The razor assembly, which includes a razor cartridge attached to a handle, is operable in dry shaving environments and wet shaving environments. The shaving preparation cake includes an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, and an axial bore extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The shaving preparation cake is operable in a wet shaving environment, and is selectively attachable to the razor assembly for wet shaving environment applications. When the shaving preparation cake is attached to the razor assembly, the razor cartridge is disposed within the axial bore of the shaving preparation cake. The shaving preparation cake is selectively detachable from the razor assembly to facilitate use of the razor assembly in dry shaving environment applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Glennis J. Orloff, Robert Victor Lozeau, David Dombrowski, David Coffin, Andrew Pennella
  • Patent number: 6994004
    Abstract: A table saw having a brake mechanism configured to engage and stop a blade is disclosed. The table saw includes a brake positioning system configured to adjust the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the blade is raised and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning
  • Patent number: 6994009
    Abstract: The powered pipe cutter and the pipe flaring tool both have a piston slidably mounted in a cylinder. The cylinder has a top end closed by a top end plug. A crimped cartridge bore in the top end plug communicates with a gas expansion chamber. A bolt and firing pin assembly are attached to the cylinder top end. The pipe cutter includes a shear housing with a pipe passage connected to the rod end of the cylinder. A shear plate is connected to the piston and moves with the piston to shear pipes. The pipe flaring tool includes a pipe clamp assembly with a pipe passage and a female flaring surface connected to the cylinder rod end. A male flaring surface on the piston cooperates with the female flaring surface to flare pipe ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Sam W. Carter
  • Patent number: 6990880
    Abstract: A gang blade assembly which controls the trajectory of detritus from a ball grid array substrate dicing operation is described. The assembly includes a cover which partially encases a hub with a plurality of blades. A brush is mounted on the cover to disrupt an air flow created by rotation of the hub and blades. The brush extends beneath the cover and has bristles which contact the hub. The bristles also serve to clear the hub of any detritus produced during dicing. More than one brush may be mounted on the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest J. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6988434
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are positioning devices and related methods of positioning a tool in a desired location. In one exemplary embodiment, a positioning device includes a base having a length extending along a first horizontal axis. In addition, the positioning device includes a first arm coupled to the base and extending therefrom along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first horizontal axis. The first arm is configured for linear movement across the base along the first horizontal axis. The positioning device also includes a second arm coupled to the first arm carriage and extending therefrom along a vertical axis, where the second arm is configured for linear movement along the second horizontal axis. Moreover, in this embodiment, the second arm is also configured to pivot about a first rotational axis parallel to the first horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Elk Premium Building Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Guijin Jiao
  • Patent number: 6988437
    Abstract: This device for controlling the rotation of the drum in an apparatus for dispensing wiping material being arranged with a profiled lever articulated at its base against the action of an elastic return means. The lever is arranged in the upper part with a support spindle for a pair of pulleys that are mounted to rotate freely. The lever is arranged to be articulated at its base by two spindles arranged in an angular sector concentric with the point and with the spindle of articulation of the drum. The end plate housing the drum is arranged with two oblong slots formed in sectors concentric with the opening and region of housing of the spindle of the drum. The spindles are introduced into and guided in said slots and an upper end of the lever protrudes beyond the upper edge face of the end plate holding the roll, while at the same time facing the outer wall thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Maurice Granger
  • Patent number: 6986301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a punch (30) and punch assembly (2) for use in a tool (1) for joining ductile materials, such as metal sheets (7,8), in a lance joint or a clinch joint. The punch (30) has a punch body (31) formed around a punch axis (5). Two punch tips (34,34?) extend in opposite directions from the punch body (31) along the punch axis (5). The punch body has one or more load engagement features (41,41?) by which a punch force for joining the ductile materials (7,8) is imparted to the punch body (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Colin Maxwell Wade
  • Patent number: 6981326
    Abstract: A gardening scissor includes a handle, a fixed jaw, a movable jaw, a linkage slab, and a module board. The fixed jaw and module board are constructed of two separating boards with a seam between them. The seam is provided with a protective cover by the hood. The width of this hood is capable of providing a cover on the seam, provided that the flexibility of fixed jaw and movable jaw is not hindered. The linkage side of hood is available with a built-in edge. Besides, the built-in edge and the inwall between two boards are provided with a bulge strip and notch for positioning of the hood. It is possible to prevent branches inserting into the seam and enrich the appearance of gardening scissors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ho Cheng Gardening TOols Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yao-Chung Huang
  • Patent number: 6976312
    Abstract: A split-end hair remover comprising an enclosure having top, bottom and sides, where the top includes a substantially planar screen having upper and lower surfaces that include a plurality of apertures through which one or more split hair ends may project, a motor carried within the enclosure that drives several sets of blades, each set of which is disposed around a center of rotation and where each of the blades of a set has a cutting edge disposed parallel to and proximate the lower surface of the planar screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Pennie A. Wiler
  • Patent number: 6976314
    Abstract: A sharpener for sharpening soft-core pencils, especially those used in the medical or pharmaceutical field, includes a housing; and a shaping componentry, received by the housing, for shaping and sharpening a medical or pharmaceutical pencil. The shaping componentry contains a cleaning agent to thereby disinfect the pencil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: KUM Limited
    Inventor: Fritz Lüttgens