Patents Examined by Benjamin Halpern
  • Patent number: 6081990
    Abstract: A method for incorporating a disk medium into a magnetic disk drive, in which the rotation center of the disk medium when a servo track information is written onto the disk medium (STW) coincides with the rotation center thereof when the disk medium is incorporated into the disk apparatus. A reference marker is provided as a positioning reference on a part of the disk medium. The disk medium is incorporated into a STW apparatus so that STW is performed on the disk medium. The disk medium is also incorporated into the magnetic disk drive in such a manner that a distance from an axis of rotation center of the disk medium to the reference marker is the same as when the STW was performed onto the disk medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yasumasa Kuroba, Tomoyoshi Yamada, Toru Kohei, Shinji Koganezawa, Mitsuaki Yoshida, Hiroyuki Iwahara
  • Patent number: 6076816
    Abstract: A toggle lever tightening device for use in the automobile industry in the assembly of automobile bodies. Toggle lever tightening devices secure one workpiece relative to a second work piece to locate the pieces for permanent connection. This toggle lever tightening device prevents deformation of the grip head and its seatings. The design of this toggle lever tightening device allows the grip head and cylinder to be constructed of light metal alloys without experiencing damaging deformation of the grip head. A very simple bearing arrangement for this toggle lever tightening device has made possible an embodiment in which a single tightening arm is provided on one side of the grip head. This single tightening arm design is highly desirable in the automobile industry. However, it results in an unfavorable introduction of forces. The pivot shaft that is driven by the toggle lever arrangement and functions to drive the tightening arm is axially and radially seated in the grip head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: I.S.I. International S.A.
    Inventor: Josef-Gerhard Tunkers
  • Patent number: 6065743
    Abstract: A device for holding, positioning or clamping, particularly for the holding, positioning or clamping of pieces of auto body work, comprises a housing 1 containing a movable device 3 displaceable in translation under the action of an actuator 5, and an arm 4 for gripping or holding. The movable device 3 and the rod 8 of the actuator 5 are connected by an adjustable length device. A connection member 12 is screw threaded at one end, to coact with a tapping 9 of the rod 8 of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Genus Technologies
    Inventors: Fabrice Roudier, Michel Morel
  • Patent number: 6055720
    Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing a coil arrangement (21) with a matrix support (11), a winding matrix (12) for receiving winding wire turns and at least two holding devices (13, 14) arranged on the matrix support (11) for holding winding wire end regions (26, 27), the winding matrix (12) and the matrix support (11) having a common axis of rotation (23), and the holding devices (13, 14) being arranged at the circumferential edge of the matrix support in such a manner that the winding wire guided by a wire conductor (24) beyond the circumferential edge in the direction of the rotational axis is guided through the holding devices and held therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventors: David Finn, Manfred Rietzler
  • Patent number: 6036583
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus and a method for use in substrate polishing are described wherein a conditioner head is provided for receiving an end effector for conditioning a polishing pad surface; the conditioner head is supported above the polishing pad surface to be conditioned; and the conditioner head is driven with an actuating force from a position that lies along a line that is substantially normal to the polishing pad surface to be conditioned so that an end effector attached to the conditioner head can condition the surface of the polishing pad. In another aspect, pneumatic pressure is supplied through the conditioner head support arm to apply actuating force to the conditioner head so that an end effector attached to the conditioner head can condition the surface of the polishing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya Perlov, Eugene Gantvarg
  • Patent number: 6030280
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device used to process workpieces. In particular, the invention relates to a carrier that is used to support a workpiece during workpiece honing, grinding, or polishing. The carrier includes a rigid core coated with a fiber-free, scratch-resistant material to prevent scratching of workpieces disposed in the carrier. An adhesive layer is typically used to attach the scratch-resistant layer to the rigid core. The adhesive film and the scratch-resistant films may be attached to the rigid core by hot pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Speedfam Corporation
    Inventor: Clinton Fruitman
  • Patent number: 6029966
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a flexible support system using elongated support members to support a face of a workpiece. The flexible support members are arranged through at least one plane of perforated material, where the elongated support members are raised to the maximum designed position, the shafts of the elongated support members are subjected to a resistive force, the position of the elongated support members are adjusted by the contacting forces applied by bringing the workpiece and the flexible support assembly together, then applying a locking force to secure the elongated support members where the elongated support members can sustain the loads applied during the operation onto the workpiece. Additionally, methods are disclosed which allow the elongated support members to optionally drop upon reaching a designed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventors: Allen D. Hertz, Anthony A. Imm, J. Stephen Wiggs
  • Patent number: 6019351
    Abstract: A new cable (16) may be introduced into a conduit (11) having an existing cable (13) therein by splicing the conduit (11) to form conduit ends (11A, 11B) with the existing cable (13) extending therebetween. The new cable (16) is positioned in a conduit section (58). A piston (67) may be attached to the leading end of the new cable (16) and is positioned in the conduit (11). A block (15) encloses the conduit ends (11A, 11B) and one end of the conduit section (58). The other end of the conduit section (58) is attached to a blower (70) which provides air under pressure through the conduit section (58), through the block (15) and against the piston (67) to position the new cable (16) in the conduit (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Vikimatic Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry L. Allen
  • Patent number: 5996983
    Abstract: A board and waste container arrangement for a work surface having an edge includes a waste container having an open top, side walls and a bottom defining a waste receptacle for placement next to the edge of a work surface in a use position for the container. A board member having a bottom for placement on the work surface near the edge of the work surface in a use position for the board member, having a top and a discharge side. The discharge side of the board member is placed over and along the edge of the work surface when the board is in the use position. A pivot structure, such as a pair of ears extending from opposite ends of the discharge side of the board member, connects the board member to the container for pivotally mounting the container to the board member adjacent the discharge so that the container hangs over the edge of the work surface in the use positions of the container and the board member, with one side wall of the container being nearest the discharge side of the board member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Richard Laurenzi
  • Patent number: 5984270
    Abstract: The invention is an improved jack having a safety device for preventing the jack from collapsing under a heavy load. The improved jack includes a linkage movable from a lowered position to an elevated position for engaging and elevating a load, an actuating mechanism connected to the linkage for moving the linkage toward the elevated position upon actuation of the actuating means, and the safety device blocking mechanism for blocking movement of the linkage from the elevated position to the lowered position. The linkage is supported and disposed for pivotal movement between two side plates. The blocking mechanism provides an abutment across the two side plates to limit the movement of linkage. The blocking mechanism features a block fixed to the linkage. The block has horizontal bores passing therethrough. A lock rod is inserted through the horizontal bores to provide an abutment across the two side plates when the linkage is elevated, thereby preventing the linkage from unintentionally lowering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Rally Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Saled Hussaini, Liang Suchen
  • Patent number: 5983475
    Abstract: A versatile bench mounted fixture for automotive repair applications is disclosed. The fixture, for assembling and testing a transmission, or removing a concentric member press fit to a shaft, for example, comprises a base having a first arm extending vertically therefrom. The fixture further includes a second arm fixed to the remote end of the first arm, and a pivotal support member pivotal from a midportion of the first arm. Finally, a third arm is provided and extends between a distal end of the pivotal support member and a temporary engagement with a free end of the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Samuel R. Umling
  • Patent number: 5964458
    Abstract: A workpiece clamp for holding a workpiece securely to a fixture block or work table during operations, such as machining and woodworking. The clamp includes a body and an insert, the insert having a contact face for applying force to the workpiece. The body preferably held in a cavity in the fixture block surface and the insert received in an inclined or angled recess in the body. The insert preferably includes a bore therethrough, such that a tension bolt can be inserted through the insert and into the body. Threads in the tension bolt can be engaged with threads in the body, drawing the insert along the inclined recess in the body, thereby applying tension to the tension bolt and applying downward and forward forces to the workpiece at the contact face. In one clamp, the body top is flush with or below the surface of the fixture block. In a preferred clamp, when the insert is fully inserted into the body, a small portion of the insert, including the contact face, extends above the fixture block surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Royb, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Cutsforth, Bryan A. Johnsen
  • Patent number: 5947449
    Abstract: Apparatus for lifting or supporting modular furniture to allow access to a floor for reflooring where the furniture has panels having accessory hanging tracks with apertures, including a support having a shaft which extending vertically, and a lifting jig which is movable on the shaft by a jack. The lifting jig comprises a lower portion having a support plate for engaging the underside of a panel, and an upper, stabilizer portion spaced above the support plate and having an undercut hook for engagement with one of the apertures of a hanging track so as to positively locate the jig in relation to the panel. The apparatus may also include a horizontal bridge extending between spaced feet, and a carrier slidable on the bridge and which may be used to support the lifting jig above a clear working space between its feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: Jean-Guy Dube, Kamal Roy Nandram
  • Patent number: 5934655
    Abstract: A beam clamp for attachment to a beam structure such as a side flange of an I-beam for suspending threaded hanger rods therefrom for installing plumbing and electrical apparatuses thereon. The beam clamp includes a generally C-shaped clamping member with a spaced apart pair of clamping arms and a connecting portion connecting the clamping arms together. The clamping arms of the clamping member define a space designed for receiving a portion of a beam structure therein. A first of the clamping arms has a threaded axial bore extending therethrough. A threaded bolt is threadably extended through the threaded axial bore of the first clamping arm into the space between the clamping arms of the clamping member. The connecting portion of the clamping member has hole therethrough extending between the first and second faces of the clamping member. A shaft is extended through the hole of the connecting portion. Coupled to either end of the shaft are first and second barrels each with a threaded bore therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Terry L. Mattoon
  • Patent number: 5931446
    Abstract: A pole jack apparatus for travelling up and down a pole including a frame member with a jacking mechanism. A pump lever is utilized for causing the jacking mechanism to engage the pole for upward and downward travel. The jacking mechanism includes an interlock device to ensure that one of two engagement pins is engaged with the pole at all times. A separate spring biased, "dead man" brake is also provided for added safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Winsafe Corp.
    Inventor: Henry Vandelinde
  • Patent number: 5904348
    Abstract: A holddown device has a clamp arm pivoted on a base. The clamp arm has a hook end extending outwardly from the pivot. A tail extends outwardly from the pivot at an acute angle to the hook end. A cam is pivoted on the base. The cam has a camming periphery engaging the tail. The cam is rotatable in one direction to a locking position and in the opposite direction to a release position. The cam, upon rotation to the locking position, swings the clamp arm from a retracted position to a clamping position. A link pivotally interconnects the cam and the tail of the clamp arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Sevy, Cole D. Hill
  • Patent number: 5898982
    Abstract: The present invention comprises capacitors, and methods of manufacturing the same, having a plurality of vertical plates formed on a substrate in a manner so as to have a high capacitance in a small space and to have good time and temperature stability. Vertical plates are initially formed as sidewall electrode depositions to pedestals formed on a substrate, and through a series of processing steps, additional vertical plates are formed so that multiple capacitor plate--dielectric--capacitor plate combinations are formed around each of the initial vertical plates. Exemplary embodiments and methods of fabrication are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Luminous Intent, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Metzler, Vladimir Rodov
  • Patent number: 5893205
    Abstract: A reluctance motor rotor is formed by sandwiching a stack of thin ferromagnetic laminations between two end caps. Each lamination has a series of slots formed in it, with the ferromagnetic material between these slots providing a flux guide. A rib is formed around the periphery of each lamination, thereby enclosing the slots. The slots are then filled with an epoxy resin through holes in the end cap. The resin, which is initially in the liquid state, is then cured in an oven. Once the resin is hard, the outer rib can be machined off to expose the resin. A rotor formed in this manner exhibits significantly higher output than prior art rotors of similar dimensions using magnetic bridges, and is relatively cheap to produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Switched Reluctance Drives Limited
    Inventor: Michael Leo McClelland