Patents Examined by George H. Miller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5274402
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a feeder means and a recorder. The feeder feeds a sheet of recording paper to a predetermined position in response to a spare paper feed signal instructing the feeding as the sheet of recording paper to the predetermined position preliminarily, and then feeds the sheet of recording paper being stopped at the predetermined position again in response to a record request signal. The recorder records an image on the sheet of recording paper fed by the feeder means through an electrophotographic process. The recorder means starts preparation to execute the electrophotographic process upon receiving the spare paper feed signal. As a results, throughput is increased without causing other problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoji Serizawa, Akio Noguchi, Yukihide Ushio, Shimpei Matsuo, Kazuro Yamada, Seiji Uchiyama, Makoto Takeuchi, Koichi Suwa, Koichi Hiroshima, Shinichi Tsukida, Manabu Takano, Masahiro Goto, Takahiro Inoue, Hiromiichi Yamada, Junichi Kato, Masaki Ojima
  • Patent number: 5274401
    Abstract: In a printhead for electrostatic printers, the styli of the printhead are formed on a monolithic substrate, such as a printed circuit board. Each stylus has its own driver circuit incorporated into one or more integrated circuit die which are mounted directly on the monolithic substrate, and electrically connected to traces formed on the printed circuit board. The styli are the ends of the traces as formed on the edge of the substrate. The integrated circuit die are connected to the traces by wire bonding or TAB bonding. The printhead is implemented in monoscan, biscan, triscan, and various other configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Synergy Computer Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Doggett, Brian J. Dahlquist, Gordon S. Mitchard
  • Patent number: 5270563
    Abstract: A reproduction apparatus having a logic and control unit (LCU) and selectable copy sheet supply units includes a mechanism for determining the sheet weight of copy sheets to be handled therein. The mechanism includes a platform for supporting one such sheet on a desired surface, and a proximity sensor that is connected to the LCU and mounted at a predetermined height above the sheet supporting surface. The mechanism also includes a variable voltage sheet buckling device for creating a buckle in the supported sheet sufficient to actuate the proximity sensor. Means are provided in the logic and control unit for reading the voltage level of the sheet buckling device at the actuation of the sensor, and for correspondingly reading from a truth table a predetermined sheet weight for the read voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Gregory P. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 5270496
    Abstract: A tension bar especially a lifting bar, connects the lower steering arm of a three-point attaching device to the associated force arm of a tractor. The lifting arm is connected to the force arm and lower steering arm through attaching ends. A tension axis extends through the attaching ends of the lifting bar. The lift bar 5, in the direction transverse to the tension axis 12, is divided into an upper bar part 9 and a lower bar part 10. The upper bar part 9 and the lower bar part 10 are connected to one another by a bending beam 11, which is arranged outside the tension axis 12. The upper bar part 9 and the lower bar part 10 are separated from one another by a gap 13 which extends transversely to the tension axis 12 and to the bending beam 11. At the end of the transverse tension axis 12 facing away from the bending beam 11 a connecting element 15 is provided which is anchored both to the upper bar part 9 and to the lower bar part 10. The connecting element 15 limits the change in the width of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Jean Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Jurgen Langen
  • Patent number: 5270741
    Abstract: A solid ion recording head using an ion generation device, capable of realizing a uniform and stable recording and a compact physical configuration. The head includes a head support member in substantially rectangular cross sectional shape for supporting the ion generation device on a lower side of the rectangular cross sectional shape facing against the recording medium and the driving circuits on side faces of the rectangular cross sectional shape. The ion generation device includes control electrodes having ion passing holes which are arranged such that picture dot to be recorded on the recording medium from each one of the ion passing holes is recorded on a spot around which picture dots already recorded by other ion passing holes are distributed symmetrically on both sides. The control electrodes may have a structure in which a plurality of the ion passing holes are provided with respect to each picture dot to be recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasuo Hosaka, Hideyuki Nakao, Hitoshi Nagato, Shuzo Hirahara, Yoshikuni Matsumura, Yuzo Koike, Teruki Oitome
  • Patent number: 5270495
    Abstract: A combination weighing machine has a plurality of weigh scales for weighing quantities of product, and the scales are selectively dumped and loaded in a cyclic operation to form a package containing a number or weight of product that closely approximates a target amount. The machine includes a plurality of feeders and corresponding accumulators that are associated respectively with the scales for loading product into the scales after they are dumped. To ensure a more accurate feeding of product to a scale, a sensor is provided for detecting the pieces of product as they are loaded into the associated accumulator from a feeder, and the feeder is regulated in accordance with the pieces of product detected to control the duration of feeder operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Package Machinery Company
    Inventors: Oren A. Mosher, Ellwood S. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5269388
    Abstract: A weighing bed (10) which includes a patient support assembly (12), an upper bed frame (14) and a lower bed frame (16). Linkage assemblies and actuators, powered by motors, provide movement capability for the bed (10). Mounted on both sides of the lower frame (16) are load cells (52, 53), each of which has connected thereto a U-shaped rigid bracket (72). First link member (84) connects one end (76) of bracket (72) to a foot portion of the upper bed frame (14), while second and third link members (90, 92) connect the other end (75) of the bracket (72) to a head end of the upper bed frame (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Stress-Tek, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Reichow, Robert L. Hildebrant, Richard A. Butler
  • Patent number: 5270494
    Abstract: A self-contained stand-alone weighing system (10) comprises at least one weight supporting surface (24) for bearing the weight of an object, at least one transducer (60) coupled to the weight supporting surface (24) for producing a signal indicative of the weight, and a processor (66) for receiving the signal and producing a resultant weight signal. The resultant weight signal is then represented in a form perceptible to humans by a weight indicator (38). The self-contained weighing system (10) also comprises a rechargeable battery (36) for supplying electrical energy, and a housing (12,14) for enclosing the weighing system (10) to form a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: General Electrodynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Dick E. Davis, Charles B. Brazell, James W. Manley
  • Patent number: 5266749
    Abstract: This invention relates to locking mechanism for a weighing scale capable of weighing flat articles at a high rate and with a high degree of accuracy. The locking mechanism of the instant invention is applicable to a vibrating tray type scale which requires a mechanism for stabilizing the base of the scale during periods when articles are being conveyed onto and off the tray of the scale. An electromagnetic locking mechanism has been conceived that provides advantageous for a vibrating tray scale. These advantages are simple construction, low cost, self compensating and zero force requirement. With a such locking mechanism, the vibrating tray scale functions more accurately and rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Donald T. Dolan, David D. Kelly, Vladimir V. Pirc
  • Patent number: 5264665
    Abstract: A computer directed system is disclosed for optimizing the tracking of mailing pieces containing various inserts and increasing the efficiency and cost benefits derived from utilizing a postal agency's mailing discount rates for sending the mailing pieces through the mail. Weight and thickness data for each mailing piece are employed by the system for the optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Frank W. Delfer, III
  • Patent number: 5262805
    Abstract: Electrode-driver circuits for use with non-contact spark-discharge imaging systems. The circuits rapidly produce short-duration, high-voltage pulses that cause the discharge of a spark to the surface of a printing plate; they feature short rise times, rapid operation and clean decays, thereby facilitating high-speed spark-discharge imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Presstek, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Kline, Keith V. Robb
  • Patent number: 5262598
    Abstract: A weigh hopper installation (10) includes a rigid support frame (14) and a hopper (16) having a center of gravity (42) situated laterally adjacent to the frame. Substantially all the weight of the hopper is supported through a load cell (54) carried by a rod (50) between the frame and the hopper, preferably in tension. Restraint members (62, 64, 74) are connected laterally between the frame and the hopper, for preventing horizontal movement of the hopper while permitting vertical movement of the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Andritz Sprout-Bauer, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Stotler, Mark J. Seksinsky
  • Patent number: 5260725
    Abstract: A single pass, hybrid ROS/print bar system provides a plurality of latent images which may subsequently be developed in different colors. A ROS unit is initially aligned so that each scan line is registered in the process direction. The alignment is accomplished by forming a pair of opposed V-shaped apertures in the surface of the belt and detecting scan line cross-over of the legs of the V. These cross-overs are manifested as two sets of pulses generated by sensors associated with each target leg. The time differences between pulse sets are compared and the scan line is rotated until the time differences are equal. Once the ROS is registered for skew, one or more print bars are registered by enabling non-image pixels and comparing the output generated by detectors when the lit pixels are viewed through the V-shaped aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hammond
  • Patent number: 5258580
    Abstract: A combination weighing machine that discharges individual batches of product into a collecting hopper in a weight sensitive sequential order and/or in weight sensitive timing between batches order to avoid clogging at the outlet of the collecting hopper and enhances the efficiency, reliability and speed of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Triangle Package Machinery Company
    Inventor: Steven P. Bergholt
  • Patent number: 5258581
    Abstract: A radial combination weighing machine having a nutating distribution disc that imparts a radially outward directional force to product that is deposited on its upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Triangle Package Machinery Company
    Inventors: Larry N. Pearce, Ryszard B. Kozyra
  • Patent number: 5258582
    Abstract: A measurement device (10) is disclosed that uses the actual hydraulic cylinders of the aircraft landing gear to weigh the aircraft. The device (10) comprises a pressure-weigh sensitive transducer (12) with a flow-through passage (14) and adaptors (20a, 20b) to attach the device to the standardized service valve on the aircraft landing gear. The transducer (12) measures the pressure in the landing gear's hydraulic cylinder. This measurement signal is converted into an aircraft weight and center of gravity location. These determinations are displayed on a converter/display (50). The transducer (12) has a flow-through passage (14) to allow servicing of the landing gear's hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Hilbert Junginger
  • Patent number: 5257668
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system for mounting and removal of one or more electronic load cells (or similarly configured spacers) of the type used in heavy capacity industrial weight scales. In addition to the mounting of the load cells the system provides a means for the selective application or removal of weight normally applied to the load cells (or similarly configured spacers) through a scale apparatus. The system thus facilitates the testing, calibration, or replacement of the load cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Beowulf Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Sargent, Timothy W. Williams
  • Patent number: 5258579
    Abstract: In a weighing apparatus wherein a weighing belt conveyor (10) is supported on a weight detecting device, the present invention is characterized in that an aerodynamic force acting member (17) is provided so as to overlay at least an object (A) to be weighed so that an aerodynamic force such as a buoyance acting on the object (A) can be counterbalanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Ishida Scales Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Wakasa
  • Patent number: 5258782
    Abstract: A device is provided which is capable of removing the charge of a recording medium, even a low charge. The recording medium has an electrically-conductive layer and dielectric layers, and is used for forming a toner image by an image forming apparatus. The device includes a first charge-removing electrode in contact with the electrically-conductive layer of the recording medium and a second charge-removing electrode which is in contact with the dielectric layer of the recording medium and is positioned on a side of the recording medium which is opposite to the side of the first charge-removing electrode. A voltage with the same polarity as that remaining on the surface of the dielectric layer of the recording medium is applied to the first charge-removing electrode, and a voltage with a polarity opposite to that remaining on the surface of the dielectric layer is applied to the second charge-removing electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ochiai
  • Patent number: 5258583
    Abstract: A multi-stage weighing apparatus having a primary force reducing torsion-bar assembly and a secondary force reducing means. The combination of the primary and secondary force reducers enabling the scale to measure the weight of very heavy objects while having relatively small overall dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Adrian J. Paul Company
    Inventors: Duane J. Paul, John Paul